NWgirl

The Bodymedia Fit is the parent company of Bodybugg- 24 hour fitness sells the rebranded Bodybugg and Bodymedia sells their own. I have had both a Bodybugg and a Fitbit. I would recommend the fitbit over the bodybugg, for the following reasons: - Bodybugg is large and draws a lot of attention because it must be worn on upper arm at all times. The Fitbit is a small device that can either clip onto clothing (bra) or you can put it in the included holster. - When I was using the Bugg, there was a subscription fee to use their terribly outdated website. It was very buggy and constantly kicked me out when logging food, etc. The Fitbit software is free (includes food tracking, sleep records, activity levels, steps, stairs, etc). You can purchase the premium membership for $50 a year, but I do not think it is at all necessary to get the best use out of your Fitbit. - You actually select when you wake up and when you go to bed with the Fitbit, whereas the bugg had a general time you chose (say 10-6) blocked out as sleeping hours every day. - Fitbit customer service is AMAZING. They resolve issues very fast and send you out a new Fitbit pretty much no questions asked if something goes wrong with yours. - When I bought my Bodybugg, it was around $250. I bought the one with the digital display. I remember people who bought the smart phone version complained often about how the smart phone app would not work right- this is probably resolved at this point. - Because the bodybugg sensors sit directly on your arm, it causes the skin underneath to be constantly covered. I would get rashes from the sensors and have to switch from arm to arm (even though you're only supposed to wear it on a specific arm). - When I tried the fitbit and the bodybugg out together for a couple weeks, the bodybugg over reported my calorie burn by approximately 400 per day. - Fitbit now has a wifi scale called the Aria. I was going to buy a Withings earlier this year for the convenience of auto-uploads of weight, but heard Fitbit would be releasing the Aria in April. I love that the scale and the fitbit are working in the same system and it makes it really easy to only look in one place for this info. - Lastly, both food databases seem small compared to other sites (like Spark People or My Fitness Pal), but once you enter in your normal foods, there's not much problem. The fitbit really is a one-stop shop where you can track food, weight, and overall activity. I love it!

I take Opurity band multivitamins, but will probably change to centrum chewables when my bottle is out due to a price difference.

If you want to set your own specific goals in terms of protein, fat, etc, I know sparkpeople allows you to do that.

You say you havent lost weight in over a month, but haven't worked out in over three weeks. I'm guessing you also started making bad food choices around the same time, which would explain the lack of weight loss. Identify why you are eating crap and why you stopped exercising. This journey is as much mental as it is physical, and you need to stay in tune with yourself.

Most seem to jump start with the post-op diet that you originally went through (2 week liquids, 1 week puress, 1 week soft, then to normal). I would also recommend tracking calories for the time being to see where you're at and starting exercise.

I would go in and sit down with the bariatric team and talk through the different surgery options. I got the band due to it being less invasive and not removing any of my anatomy. I figured if it did not work, then I could consider other options. All surgeries require a large mental change to be successful. The thing that I like about the band is that if you start to slip back off the horse, you can get an adjustment and be good to go again. It does require monthly aftercare, whereas the other options are kind of a one stop shop. The other options also promote faster weight loss, which for me was not really as important as it may be for some. I know that some diseases are "cured" for a larger percentage with the sleeve or bypass as well. Do keep in mind that sometimes RNY or sleeve patients stretch their pouches and the only option available to them is getting a band... Carnie Wilson just did this recently. Please feel free to wonder around the boards and read about the band. There are also links at the bottom of the page for the sister sites for the sleeve and bypass.

I would say you should see a therapist to try and work out your body image issues. If you are always wanting your boyfriend to give you reassurance, then you probably need to find a way to believe it yourself.

I would either get everything in writing about your cost being reduced even though they are out of network. I remember reading a post awhile back where this girl went out of network and insurance mailed her a check for $3000 and the total bill was over 70k. Needless to say, it could be a very expensive mistake if you don't find out particulars. I also have anthem bcbs and my max out of pocket does not exist for out of network providers. I would be hesitant to go forward just knowing that.

I cannot quote for some reason, but the gauging of how the band working is not if you can eat chicken, bread, or salad. You are looking for smaller portions and longer satisfaction, not the elimination of food groups.

I called the practice I was going to get surgery through and asked for their advice on a primary doctor. I did not need a letter from my doctor, but wanted someone on board with the procedure.

I can still only respond by hitting "more reply options." Am still unable to quote. I am on Windows 7 using Mozilla Firefox 12.

how many calories do you eat a day? Do you feel restriction?

If you are worried about the liver, transfer to a full liquid diet for the last week.

Some infections at the band site show through port problems. Please see your Dr just in case something is wrong.

I'm probably going to sound harsh here, but here goes: I'm also going to mention that just because you chose to get WLS does not mean that your family is going to change the way they eat. You are the one that did something to change your behavior and your outlook. If you cannot control yourself around tempting food, you need to leave the room while they eat. I understand this can be frustrating, but you need to remember why you got this surgery and the changes it entails. I have come to realize that even though I don't need to be eating chips (or any other fill in the blank), does not mean that my family must also stop eating chips.

I love Quest too. Especially if you have problems getting in the right amount of fiber each day.

I am on an Anthem BCBS national plan through kroger and it's a pretty decent plan.

Wow. You are the first person I have seen that's actually recommending something they've tried and not trying to sell crap to us. THANK YOU.

I think what you're feeling is completely normal. I don't want many to know, but if they find out, they find out. I figure if they are on here (which is the only way they could find me unless they randomly come across my blog, which is highly unlikely) then they probably feel the same way I do and would not tell. I did start a private facebook seperate from my normal one so I could post photos and have lapband friends.

You can also buy Coromega Omega 3 Squeeze packs, which have an okay taste considering and go down fine. I have only tried the orange and have read many negative reviews about the lemon lime. If you want to try these, I recommend Amazon as they usually sell for 50% less than in supplement stores.

I have been to the support group offered by Legacy, but have not been there for the last few times due to scheduling conflicts. I found them interesting, as one of the staff members from the practice oversees them and there is usually a specifc thing to talk about or focus on. They are also band only groups, which is nice because I have read of people going to a combined group with RNY and sleeve patients and getting bashed. I would also love to go to the conventions, but alas the money well is too dry I think my profile on FB is set as private, so you would have to friend me if you wanted to see what is on there. It's really not much, just some photos of progress and a lot of other banded folks.

The first time I had my period after banding, I was starving. This last time, I've been pretty ok. I am on new BC (nuva ring) and had very light bleeding so maybe that's it...

Nice to have you here

Time will fly and before you know it, you'll be wheeling into the OR

Wow! That's a large first fill I have 4cc in a 10cc band and definitely feel like I'm almost at my sweet spot- another 1cc or so should get me where I want to be.