lifeisjustbeginning2011

as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks. That's what we sign up for when we agree to surgery. Thankfully, stories like this are few and far between. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I had random bruises all over for about 2 weeks, then it went away. Make sure to have your blood drawn about a month post op to check vitamin levels (b12, iron, vitamin d, etc) so you know you're taking the correct multivitamin.

Carry a reeeealy heavy purse! LOL

I was shocked to find chewable D at Target. They had gummy D, but pretty pricy considering I need a lot. The bottle has 360 tiny orange flavored chewables (400 IU each) for $12.99. I get D in my liquid calcium and also my multi, but I'll always have to take quite a bit daily to avoid being low. I didn't know that there was such a good stash of chewables at Target! Of course, the first ingredient is SUGAR <sigh> but I don't have to worry about swallowing so many pills. Nice alternative. Amy

I had surgery at a center and wouldn't change it if I could. I was in, out and home to recover. I wouldn't have rested as well at the hospital. Personal choice

I have an idea for you soda lovers. I use diet, but you can use regular, it just adds more calories. Dump some in your slow cooker with some meat - DELICIOUS!!! I've tried ham steak cooking in diet orange soda, tried ham steak with diet dr pepper, etc. There are lots of recipes out there. Sounds strange, but a really nice way to make your meat tender (as we all need) but have some of that soda flavor that we crave. Amy

I made egg mugs. I just take liquid egg whites (Egg Beaters), mix in some turkey sausage, some of the Morningstar soy stuff, salsa and 1/2 to 1 of the Laughing Cow cheese wedges (love the spicy cheese one). cook in the micro for a minute or so and eat it right out of the mug. just make sure to spray it with nonstick spray first. Yum!

oh, forgot to mention, the game, "Walk it Out" can also be used on fitness mat! I think I'm going to order one - I'll wait until I get the game in the mail, but I'm thinking that it would be better for my joints. I really want to drop 50 lbs total before any "serious" exercise. That's 15 lbs more. I think I should stick with walking to start, but soon....I'm gunna be dancin and making a fool of myself!

Jodie, I hear ya! I wrote a whole blog about the Wii B*tch and the disappointed sounds she makes! LOL. I'm going to buy a dance game - which one do you like better, the 1 or 2? Amy

make sure to ask for liquid. the last thing you want to stress about it swallowing pills right after surgery. it tastes like crap, but you'll be glad you have it. ask for the prescription BEFORE your surgery so you can have it ready to go and won't have to worry about getting it filled after. I used liquid Lortab pain reliever every 4 hours for 2 days, then one dose of liquid adult Tylenol, then nothing.

Popcorn is on my naughty list post op, but before my first fill (yesterday) I did try some, just to say goodbye to it. Not worth the risk of the hulls getting stuck. If you're totally addicted, you could try Pirate's Booty or there's a similar popcorn like thing at Trader Joe's. However, they're loaded with carbs and salt and difficult to stop once you start eating. That would probably be a better choice for the future for me. Amy

There is a message board about Plication: http://www.sleeveplicationtalk.com/ -- there is a message thread there there that discusses the lap band/plication combo. Might find some good info there.

My doc says that *most* patients with a 10cc band are in the green zone between 5-7ccs. I wouldn't worry about the number, but what you body tells you. There's always someone that needs less and there will always be someone that needs more than the average.

According to my doc, people with a 10cc band are usually in the green zone when they have between 5 and 7 cc's in their bands. It isn't the number of fills that is important, but the amount put in each time (some docs only do 1/4 of a cc, whereas some do 1cc). Don't gauge your satiety by a number, though - if there was a magic number for the green zone, we'd all be there.

The one thing I've learned is just how very different everyone is. There's always going to be someone that tells you they achieved great weight loss without a fill. I attended a support group and one lady has had her band 4 years without a fill. On the flip side, there's always going to be someone that tells you that they had to get fills all the time to get into the green zone. For what it's worth, only you will really know. My first two weeks post op were my green zone. However, weeks 2-present involved quite a bit of hunger and yellow zone. You will learn you body - and the sounds it makes - when you're in the yellow zone. The center I chose (True Results) is all inclusive. I can go as many times as I need to within one year. After that, I pay for fills. I'm in no hurry. The last thing I want is to be too filled and vomit up everything, including water. Don't be a hero by not getting a fill. Also, don't be a hero by getting fills too aggressively. Bottom line, take what you read here with a grain of salt. The way you feel right now may completely change in the next week. Just be open to the changes and know that everyone is so very different. Amy

Finally got my first fill today (although the port still isn't closed). Thank GOD for Lidocaine! Now have 5cc's in a 10cc band. Amy

thanks everyone! So far I games I have are Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus. I got them used. I also ordered a walking game, "Walk It Out." It is a family type game. It was on Amazon for $19.99 new. I'm looking forward to getting that one. Also got a balance board cover and a storage bag (for a buck!) to put the board in. I'm set and ready to go....now I'm just missing the energy part....LOL Amy

Yep-i have had a few. Got my first fill today - suport group us tomorrow @630 if you can come!

I don't do Zumba on my Wii (just got it), but I know a lot of you do. Thought I'd pass along some info that there's a second Zumba workout coming in a few months! Here's the link that talks about it. http://wii.ign.com/objects/108/108001.html

I'm not sure that it matters - I got the low sugar kind, but actually, I really needed sugar to keep up any energy because I couldn't tolerate the shakes. I watered down my juice quite a bit. I drank a lot of Gatorade G2 (love the fruit punch). Amy

cardio 5 days a week? Whoa!!! that's awesome!! I was banded the same day but just finished my meds for a staph infection and am regaining some strength. Good job! Amy

that's awesome!! I think I'll always remember the first person that didn't know about my surgery and told me I looked like I had lost weight!! Amy

I noticed the same thing when I was on the treadmill. I'm interested to hear what people say! Amy

I just bought a used Wii Fit (with the balance board) and I'm looking for some fun exercise games. I saw there are some walking programs, does anyone have favorites? I'm just starting working out so the Jillian one probably isn't for me Thanks! Amy

I use myfitnesspal.com and I love it. It had a huge database of foods to help you track. The thing I like about it is that I can print reports and I can notice patterns, like too much sodium and carbs. Very helpful. There are lots of free online programs to help. It is a pain, but now I'm used to it. Amy