TerriDoodle

Perhaps it is not so important to focus "WHY", but to ask "WHAT CAN I DO to reach my goal?" Asking "why" gets you stuck in rumination. Asking "What can I do...." engages the creative part of your brain, the one that spurs excitement about future possibilities and provides momentum for continual forward motion, rather than backward.

Liquid diet ideasCOLD AVOCADO SOUP Cold Avacado Soup, In a blender puree 2-3 ripe avacados, about 1/4 c prepared mashed potatos, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 tsp cumin and 2-3 cups organic chicken broth.

Liquid diet ideasCOLD AVOCADO SOUP Cold Avacado Soup, In a blender puree 2-3 ripe avacados, about 1/4 c prepared mashed potatos, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 tsp cumin and 2-3 cups organic chicken broth.

I was at day 5-6 before I started to really feel like I could work again (desk job). I went back after 7 days off (from Wed-Fri) and those three days were HARD for me! Not so much the pain, but gassy and upset tummy feeling. Very tired at the end of the work day. I wish I had taken 10 days off for my surgery.

just 10 days post op - B: 3/4 c cream of wheat w/ butter L: 2 scrambled eggs S: 1/2 of a lite-n-fit yogurt smoothie D: 3 oz snapper, 1/2 c crawfish bisque, a few bites of loaded baked potato (and MAN did that taste GOOD)

My food was kinda wierd today, so I'm not even gonna mess with Fitday. If I had to guess, I'd say I probably had 950-1000 calories today. Had a ton of water and went to the gym as well. Activity treadmill - 32 mins at 3.0 mph recumbant bike - 10 mins at target HR So, I think my net cals for the day were at about 750-800. Still at 205#.

My food was kinda wierd today, so I'm not even gonna mess with Fitday. If I had to guess, I'd say I probably had 950-1000 calories today. Had a ton of water and went to the gym as well. Activity treadmill - 32 mins at 3.0 mph recumbant bike - 10 mins at target HR So, I think my net cals for the day were at about 750-800. Still at 205#.

Autumn - I am just a few days behind you and I think I am feeling the exact same thing as you. Mine is good in the morning...and gets worse as the day wears on. So we must be doing OK, just need to be a bit more patient.

Laura - We'll be thinking of you!!! Teach - Wow! Sure sounds like you got off scott-free!!! I'm very happy for you!! Tracy - That must have been disheartening to see bandsters struggling. The thing that you have to keep in mind is that there is a small percentage of people who do not lose weight with the band....for whatever reasons. We all know that you can "eat around the band" if you want to. Point is that we have to KNOW GOING IN that this is going to be 75% work on our part and 25% work on the band's part. Not everyone is as fully informed as we are, or getting good support....so of course that group exists. It's normal. But I think that we can be determined to not be one of them. It's a decision and then a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your goals happen. I don't think that anyone of us in this April group is under the delusion that this is gonna be an effortless walk in the park, do you? I think we all seem to have our heads on pretty straight. Let's just keep on keepin' on....but be very realistic about what lies ahead....and be here for each other.

Actually, urine IS sterile, but not after it has been exposed to the elements. Just a little trivia for ya. :mad:

TINY - Of course it's normal to have pain! You're only 2 days post-op! It took me a good 5-6 days to get over the hump. Are you taking your pain meds?? They DO help....take them! coughing and sneezing are the worst!! Are you doiing some breathing exercises, too? 5 or 6 really slow deep breaths, as deep as you can, every 2 hours or so. Teach - I looked at the link you sent and WOW...aren't those the coolest?! There's a store very near my work that sells the line, I'll go check it out! You'll have fun with that purchase! You sound like you're feeling pretty darn good! Are you? Michelle - My hat's off to ya, girl. I HATE to cook! Rach - OF COURSE you can join us!! There's quite a few folks on this board who have had vv high BMI's that have had great success ...DeltaDawn and JulieNYC come to mind. There's oodles of support here for as long as you need it. Welcome!

:mad: Boo -- All I can say is that I am incredibly impressed. That trophy must mean the world to you!!! Maybe you should build a case for all those that are to come?!

Sara! Those charms are BEAUTIFUL!! And....YOU ARE DEFINITELY WORTH IT! This is a once in a lifetime journey and probably one of the most important requiring a lot of commitment and hard work on your part. And as for justifying the cost, that shouldn't be a problem at all. Think of all the food you aren't paying for now!! Jenn - Glad to have you back! You're younger than me, so you probably won't be as sluggish as I was. Sounds like you've got it all worked out real well....so that makes me feel way better! Wow....only 2 more sleeps!!! I'm really excited FOR you!!! :) :)

Julie - MAJOR congratulations to you!! Lots of blood, sweat and tears this last year...but LOOK AT YOU NOW!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!! What an inspiration you are to all of us! Thanks for your time spent on this board!

Sheila - I remember going thru that just a few short days ago and I'm in a totally different place now. Getting past the pain and soreness ....then watching the scale move down...really really helps with all that. Just hang in there girly-girl. Ok, I'm really, REALLY in the exercise challenge now, people! Joined a gym yesterday and went for a nice walk on the treadmill today. Don't know if I'll meet my goals for this month, but I'll give it a whirl! Now I'm off to try to find julie's tummy tuck thread :wave:

I joined a gym and hit the treadmill for 35 minutes tonight...even broke a sweat and everything! :clap2: Feel so much better now than I did when I got off work. Other improvements are that I have just about weaned off of caffeine entirely. I used to drink 4-5 cups of coffee and 1-2 glasses of iced tea/day. Even the smallest amount has been upsetting my tummy this week and I found that I really just preferred plain old water. Once I get completely off, I will try my best to stay off. It just makes me hungrier. Now that I am past most of the pain and almost past most of the fatigue, I am really, really getting pumped about all of this....the 10# drop doesn't hurt either. This is looking like it's going to be a very, very good year. DH came to me this evening after work, when I was VERY tired, and asked what he could do to support me. I said, "Unload the dishwasher." He laughed and later watched me unload it. 10 minutes after that he was out for his poker game. I went to the gym. :ermm I mean, why did he bother asking? I was serious when I said that....all I really needed at that moment was a little help around the house. Pretty disappointing. He did say that he can already tell in my face that I've lost weight. Cool. So can I. Activity 35 mins on treadmill @ 2.8 mph Nutrition Total: 869 Fat:55 496 58% Carbs:35 111 13% Fiber:7 0 0% Protein:60 241 28%

I joined a gym and hit the treadmill for 35 minutes tonight...even broke a sweat and everything! :clap2: Feel so much better now than I did when I got off work. Other improvements are that I have just about weaned off of caffeine entirely. I used to drink 4-5 cups of coffee and 1-2 glasses of iced tea/day. Even the smallest amount has been upsetting my tummy this week and I found that I really just preferred plain old water. Once I get completely off, I will try my best to stay off. It just makes me hungrier. Now that I am past most of the pain and almost past most of the fatigue, I am really, really getting pumped about all of this....the 10# drop doesn't hurt either. This is looking like it's going to be a very, very good year. DH came to me this evening after work, when I was VERY tired, and asked what he could do to support me. I said, "Unload the dishwasher." He laughed and later watched me unload it. 10 minutes after that he was out for his poker game. I went to the gym. :ermm I mean, why did he bother asking? I was serious when I said that....all I really needed at that moment was a little help around the house. Pretty disappointing. He did say that he can already tell in my face that I've lost weight. Cool. So can I. Activity 35 mins on treadmill @ 2.8 mph Nutrition Total: 869 Fat:55 496 58% Carbs:35 111 13% Fiber:7 0 0% Protein:60 241 28%

Well, it sounds like all those who got banded this week are doing just great!! Congratulations to you all. I'm here at Day 9 and feeling 85% back to normal...so hang in there just a few more days, girls! I joined a gym and hit the treadmill for 35 minutes tonight...even broke a sweat and everything! :clap2: Feel so much better now than I did when I got off work. It's a wonderful gym with everything you could want... showers, lockers, heated lap pool, sauna, spinning bikes, basketball & racquetball courts, aerobics, aquatics and yoga classes, all the machines (of course) and personal trainers everywhere! Best of all, it's only about 1/2 mile from the house and $30/month. I really think I'm going to like it there. Other improvements are that I have just about weaned off of caffeine entirely. I used to drink 4-5 cups of coffee and 1-2 glasses of iced tea/day. Even the smallest amount has been upsetting my tummy this week and I found that I really just preferred plain old water. You people just don't have a clue what a turnabout this is for me!! I'm telling you, this is major. Once I get completely off, I will try my best to stay off. It just makes me hungrier. Now that I am past most of the pain and almost past most of the fatigue, I am really, really getting pumped about all of this....the 10# drop doesn't hurt either. This is looking like it's going to be a very, very good year. SARA - Congratulations on finishing your project!!! That must be such a load off your mind. Please take good care of yourself this weekend, ok?..and get more rest than you think you need. It's not easy going back to work...the days are long and tiring. TRACY - thanks for noticing the ticker I keep waking up, stepping on the scale expecting to see it bounce up a pound or two...but it doesn't!?! I'm trying not to get too excited and bracing for a bit of a gain. ONWARD!!

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/search.php?searchid=708638 This link will give you a place to start searching the forum for doctors in Chicago... best of luck to you. Sounds like it's a good idea you switched. I'd try to get my $375 back if I were you!!

Don't rush into anything -- take a month or two at the very least to carefully make your decision. It's a big change.

Trish, every day you will feel better. Those first 3-4 days are pretty hard. Lots and lots of gas and a swollen tummy. Just drink your fluids, walk, and rest and you'll feel much better VERY soon. I think between day 5 and 6 was the turning point for me. Best of luck to you!

Sara -- I heard from the start that rice was a big NO NO. I haven't had that happen to me, but I have felt at times that if I were to burp at that moment, it would come up. I have had the pain in the sternum thing after my first solid food (fish). I have pretty much stayed on full fluids this whole time. I haven't said anything because I thought you (and your doctor) know best, but I have thought that you seemed to be eating more solid foods than I could have handled. No, you haven't had a fill but you are most likely still swolen...and if you're eating solid foods as well, I guess it could make the swelling get aggravated (?). Why don't you try just staying on full liquids for 2-3 days then with just a BIT of soft solids every few days or so. I had fish and mashed potatoes today, but that is the first solid food I've had since 4 days ago....and I take it very small portions. Oh, and besides, you said you're stressing too!! That'll aggravate your stomach and esophogas, too. Be careful and go slow!!

Yes, i was told the same thing by the patient advocate who came to visit me in the hospital,but other than that I haven't seen or heard much about this issue.

I posted a wonderful jeweller for charms, although he has gotten kind of expensive, the quality is top-notch and each piece is had finished. I've been to the workshop in Kerrville. (Mr. Avery was actually working behind the cash register!) www.jamesavery.com. You can also do a search for James Avery on Ebay as there are many items there, too. As far as that goes, you can search just for 'charms' on Ebay and find some real bargains. I really like the idea of organizing instead of eating, too!! I did that to the garage the week before surgery because it was driving me CRAZY! Kity - going back to work is OK. I wish I'd taken 10 days off instead of 7, though. I would have felt much better sooner, I think. Love to all of you!! XOXO

On the subject of STRESS -- One of the best things I ever did for myself in the past was to take (and study) yoga. Practicing yoga gave me many tools for de-stressing. The emphasis is placed on proper breathing...which may not sound like much but, believe me, it has the power to calm your nerves in a flash. It helps you learn how to be more aware of your body and how to 'check in' with it every so often. You learn how to detect what is out of whack and you learn how to fix it with just a few moments of breathing and focus. I highly suggest it for all of you with stressful lives. If you can step aside for just a minute or two, close your eyes and take inventory of what's going on in your body, take 5-6 proper deep breaths, clear your mind and get centered...you will be ready again in a short time to get back to the task at hand. I stopped going to classes when I got too fat to not embarrass myself...so I just switched to tapes instead. Any beginner yoga instruction is good, some may even be geared toward teaching relaxation and that would be even better. The practice of meditation is also really effective...and you will learn some of that in yoga.