I'm Baaaaack!

Hey, Everyone!  Long time, no see!

After being on hiatus for a while, I've finally made my way back to the lap-band board.  I'm getting my band refilled on Monday and I am looking forward to getting back on the bandwagon.

I had my beautiful baby girl on February 1... nearly 10 weeks ago!  Time flies.  She's doing really well and my husband and I are both adjusting to parenthood... sleepless nights and all.  Last week, I went back to work.  It was good to get back in the swing of things and feel a little bit like my old self.

I admit, while I was pregnant, I fell into the mental trap of "I'm pregnant, I'm gonna eat what I want because this isn't going to last long."  As a result of that thinking, I gained about 52 pounds over 5 months.  Ugh.  Now, I feel like a big fat heifer again, and I can't fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes.  When I got pregnant, I was a size 14 (down from a 26) and now I'm an 18.  Not a huge difference, but big enough for me to start feeling down on myself.

Part of my problem is that I had to get my band unfilled partially for my pregnancy, and I totally ignored portion sizes.  That, and I was always hungry because I got used to my band telling me when I'd had enough. 

So anyway, I'm glad that I still see some familiar faces here.  I'm going to be popping in when I can for some moral support. :)

Lovely to see you back and CONGRATULATIONS!

But this is not good enough! Where are the photos?? We need photos!!!!!

Kate

Welcome back, sweetie! Don't agonize over the weight gain. Even "normal" women gain unwanted pounds during pregnancy, and once you get some fill back in your band, you'll get back on track. You did it before and you can do it again.

Jean

Congrats on your baby!  Gosh, enjoy every minute, they grow up too fast. Our youngest just turned 18 and soon will be going off to college. 

Please don't feel down on yourself.  You have physically gone through the biggest challenge you can with your body.  Just take it one day at a time and move forward from here.  We are holding your hand in support.  You can do this!  And what a great gift to your daughter to get to a healthy weight.

Hugs,
Kristi

Welcome back and congratulations! Don't worry about the weight gain, it happens. You are normal and most of us would have reacted the same. Don't obsess about it.

Be careful how much fill you get. You have to remember what stress can do with the band. You are back at work and dealing with a delightful baby, but babies tend to do their best screaming just as you get home, try to settle in, and eat some dinner. I had four and I do not remember being able to eat very many meals without having to soothe a little one at the same time. The same goes for breakfast and trying to get out of the door. You might stay a tiny bit loose for a while. Just my thoughts.
Sue

Congratulations!!!!  What a wonderful gift you have been given!  My husband and I would like to have a child, but I want to lose a lot of weight before I do so it is safer for me and baby.   And don't be too hard on yourself.  You'll get back down to where you want to be before you know it. 

Thanks! Having a healthy baby was the #1 reason I had the lap-band. I watched one of my obese girlfriends nearly die in childbirth, and her son was born 7 weeks premature and had to stay in the NICU due to a variety of health issues. I was determined not to let that be me. I literally scheduled my consultation the very next day.

I'm really happy to see that you're being proactive and taking care of yourself before starting a family. Because trust me, pregnancy is HARD on the body. It was hard enough to go through it at 200... I can't imagine having to go through it 100 pounds heavier!

Welcome back Mandy! Congrats on the new baby she is Beautiful.

Welcome back, Mandy!

We're here for you as you get back into the swing of following the band rules.  I know you can take care of 50 lbs in a jiff!

Lisa O.

LOVING THAT BABY FACE :)   So good to see you, happy to hear you are doing well :) No worries about the weight, just keep swimming you are gonna be right back where you want to be in no time :) Looking forward to seeing lots of cute baby pics :)  and hearing all about her :)

Congrats,
Swoosh :)