brbm6

Yes, and starting in the pool always is the best thing for me. I eventually want more (I have started walking 2 miles a day and lifting weights) but it is always my starting point. I have been doing water aerobics for 6 months and I must say I notice a HUGE difference in my neuropathy now. My legs used to ache at night but now I have some relief. I think it may be a combo of excercise and weight loss. Good luck finding what works for you! I will say I haven't been taking anything other than Tylenol at night now and that is a major accomplishment for me.

No post op problems here either. I think it is because I have had 3 c-sections so this was a walk in the park. I did have a bit of constipation. I now take a stool softener daily. Also, a heating pad for gas saved me. Nothing else worked. My biggest accomplishment is that my ticker goes down continually. I credit tracking everything that goes in my mouth. It kept me accountable before I had any restriction. Good luck!

Ginger is supposed to work wonders. Maybe they have it in a liquid form at a health food store? Also, while pregnant I used the sea sickness bands around my wrists (go to a drugstore and ask) . They are supposed to push on a nerve on your wrist that helps control nausea. If you are really bad though I would call your surgeon.....maybe, he can prescribe a different medicine (they have a patch too that goes behind your ear).

Do you add any flavoring to your shakes? I used a teaspoon of sugar free pudding or sugar free jello to liven up the flavors. My favorite was the cheesecake jello. Yum! I still have one if I am missing ice cream or sweets. I also would add about a teaspoon of peanut butter just for taste. It got me through! Search liquid recipes on here or go to lapband.com. Both have fantastic shake recipes.

My doctor said the same thing, "Don't eat if you aren't hungry. I won't force you." Do make yourself drink water though. At least 64 oz. a day. Keep it right next to you and sip all day.

The spagatti sauce with ricotta cheese or cottage cheese is one of my favorites. Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese. Yum! I still make it if I don't know what else to eat.

Congratulations!!!! Isn't it nice to be disintegrating??? haha

You poor thing!! Unfortunately all my stucks are Hard Stucks. You have formally been inducted into the bandster world!!!

Usually I do not miss anything. If I really have a craving I usually let myself have a bite or two. However, this morning when I got my kiddos doughnuts for breakfast (we very rarely buy them maybe twice a year) I really wanted one. I even thought about licking the frosting off! *Sigh*

I plan on a tummy tuck (I have had 3 c-sections so there is no hope) and a nice set of ta-ta's that don't look like they are from a National Geographic picture of a woman who has never seen a bra.

Mine is Hildegarde which means battle fortress. She is my fortress in my fight against fat. On good days I call her Hildy! My kids ask if she is being a Hildegarde (really finicky) or Hildy (loosened up).

It stinks at first to keep track but I promise it becomes a habit! I think I would go into withdrawls if I didn't track everything! Good luck.

That is probably just the initial charge to your insurance. Your insurance will pay a certain amount and you will only be responsible for the co-pay. I think mine are around the same..........not that the doctor gets that much in the end (because he doesn't!).

That is a huge NSV. Congratulations!!! Your hard work is paying off.

Use an online website to see how many calories you need per day. I use myfitnesspal.com and my target is 1,400. Although I really try to stay between 1200 to no more than 1300. My nutritionist said nothing under 1200 for me. But everyone is so different!

Where do you get the Finstones with CHOLINE? Does Wal-mart carry them?

You have not had a fill yet. Restriction (or dimming of appetite) will come later. It didn't happen for me until the 3rd fill. From the beginning I have religiously counted calories and I think that is what has made me successful. There are tons of free sites. I use myfitnesspal.com. Hang in there, you are in a time that is called "bandster hell". Your body is still healing from surgery and it takes time to recover.

Can you swim? I have arthritis and fybromyagia and that is the best excersise for me. Plus it burns so many calories. Maybe find a water aerobics class. Also, do you track calories? I would start to make sure you don't go over a certain amount. There are tons of free sites out there. I use myfitnesspal.com. Good luck! I hope you find an answer that will work for you.

I completely agree with the tracking calories. You would be suprised how much you eat without thinking. There are tons of free sites out there. I use myfitnesspal.com. Good luck! I say track calories for awhile and see how that works.

Very well said. My husband is a director at a hospital and I know there are good docs, so-so docs, and bad docs. It sounds like you got the bad doc. Speak up next time. Do not let him treat you like a child. And, it is your right to fire him if you feel he is not giving you good treatment. It sounds like he is only interested in the weight on the scale and not you. I am very sorry! Keep your chin up and keep doing what you are doing. If it was me I would begin looking for someone you think is more compatible with your personality. I would think if you found the right doc your journey would be so much more positive.

I chose the band because I wanted a less invasive and reversible alternitive. I started at 318 and have lost 83 lbs. as of today. Lapband is by no means the easy route. I count calories, excersise, have my band adjusted monthly if needed and watch my water intake. But, I wanted to say I did it..........there is something very special about knowing I did the work. I have several friends that have had RNY and while they have lost a lot intially they have gained some back because they have not learned good eating habits. I am sure that is not the way everyones jouney is. But, I know now that if for some reason my band has to be removed down the road I will have ingrained good eating habits and excersise into my life. Good luck on your decision!

Congratulations!!!! It is people like you that inspire me.

Congratulations!!!! I have to say not being one of the largest people in a room anymore is a GREAT feeling! Keep up the good work!

I normally don't eat pickles but as soon as I hit solids that is all I wanted. Weird! Good to know about the calcium overdose. It makes sense now!

Mine sounds like a gurgling drain sometimes. I just laugh!