Thats All Folks

Well my mouth has a Lean Cuisine in it currently

I slept in bed just fine immediately after surgery. I'm a tummy sleeper but a nurse taught me an excellent trick after my c-section 10 years ago. I couldn't lay on my side because it pulled my stomach and I was afraid to lay on my tummy. sleeping on my back was horrible. So, she told me this: Laying on your tummy after abdominal surgery actually often makes it feel better. Your body weight acts like a binder, holding everything in. What she told me to do was very slowly crawl up the foot of the bed on all fours. Once I was positioned where I wanted to be, very slowly and gently lower yourself directly downward without going from side to side. When you want to get up, just again carefully push up onto all fours and crawl to the edge of the bed. I was terrified but she was right and it totally worked. I've used this trick after every abdominal surgery since then (and I've had many).

I don't see that either...here's a screenshot of what I see:

Your blog link isn't there. I think the forum ate it.

I also went to the seminar first. My PCP knew I was considering this and I knew he'd support whatever I chose so I wasn't worried about getting his letter of recommendation.

I have decided one of the most amusing aspects of losing a ton of weight is the ability to go incognito without even trying. Multiple times over the last 6 months, I have run into people from my past who had no idea who I was until I told them. In fact, my own aunt didn't even recognize me! Now, when this is becomes fun is when you run into someone you don't like. Today, I was at the grocery store with my boyfriend. We turned down the aisle and I immediately saw this woman from my past and went out loud "oh sh*t". My boyfriend gave me an odd look and I just shook my head. I almost turned away from the aisle to avoid her but then thought....hmmmm....I bet she won't even recognize me. Sure enough, she ended up right next to me. She even looked right at me. Absolutely zero recognition. She had no idea who I was. I was able to walk right by her without so much as a second glance. Going incognito without even trying is seriously awesome

I would definitely track calories. As MiniMi stated, it's very easy to overcompensate your workout with too many calories. Tracking is the only way you can be sure you're not accidentally eating too much.

I had all my appointments done before the final approval came through. The reason being, some of those appointments are necessary for approval, like the sleep study and psych evaluation. Your doctor's office has likely done this hundreds of times before and knows what they're doing. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Best wishes.

My doctor and nutritionist both say it's fine to skip a meal if you're not hungry. In fact, they say to never eat just to increase calories. Learning to listen to your body's natural hunger signals is a great thing and shouldn't be ignored.

I just allow myself small portions of whatever it is I'm wanting. For instance, my boyfriend and daughter both really like fried cheese and often get it as an appetizer. I just have one piece and leave the rest for them. If we're somewhere like Red Lobster, and they have the delicious cheddar biscuits, I allow myself just one. For me, the key is moderation not deprivation.

That depends, are you pre or post op? How long ago was your surgery? What are you doctor's rules for drinking? You should really fill out your profile. Happy Birthday.

As long as your doctor and nutritionist say it's ok, then go for it.

The average weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week. For most people it's a bit quicker in the beginning because of water weight but then it slows considerably.

Every doctor is different, but by my doctor's definition of mushy, noodles wouldn't be on the list. They'd be on the soft food list. For me, mushy meant anything baby food consistency. I pretty much put everything from chicken to chili through the blender to make it mushy so I could eat it. But again, check with your own doc because his idea of mushy may differ from mine.

Oh that is TOO COOL!!! You do realize that means you can shop in "normal" stores right? Many go up to 16 in the non-plus section!!! HOW EXCITING!!! You should post of a pic you rock'n your new jeans!!

Well I do put a lot of stuff on my face but I started right after surgery. I knew with the amount of weight I had to lose I had to be proactive. So, I use Retinol Advanced Wrinkle Cream every single night. Every morning I use Jergens Firming lotion on my whole body, especially my neck. Under my make up I use Neutrogena with Alpha Hydroxy. I do think it's helped, too. Especially the Retinol, it's really dimmed the tiny lines around my eyes considerably. Edit- oh and I wash my face with St. Ives Apricot Scrub every single night. It's so cheap but I swear it's great for your skin, plus it's a great prep for the Retinol.

I agree, but admittedly it's probably easy for me to say because I have almost no excess skin on my face. I have a tiny bit under my chin but my doctor even said it'll tighten up on it's on.

I agree with Marci. I'm very open about my band. When I met my boyfriend I told him fairly quickly I had the band. He was curious about it and asked questions but it never once bothered him at all. He actually said he was proud of me for taking control of my health and thought it was a great thing. Once we got serious I even showed him pictures of me before my band. Fast forward to today, we now happily live together. He is by far my biggest cheerleader and supporter, too. You have to do what's best for you and whatever you're comfortable with. I just figured I wanted to put all my stuff out there early on because if a man had issue with me then I wanted to know right away, before I become emotionally attached. My theory was and is, if he doesn't love me despite my flaws and struggles then he doesn't deserve me at all. Best wishes to you!

The first time I hit the Green Zone was 4.9cc in a 10cc band after 4 fills. Then again couple weeks ago I went back into it and now have 5.2cc in my band. Keep in mind everyone is different so don't gauge yourself based on anyone else.

Ummm yeah...I'd never have this done. Especially after seeing that video.

It could be you're just stuck at a plateau. I had one once that lasted almost 7 weeks. It sucked but it's a very normal part of weight loss. About how many calories are you eating a day?

Ok I found this. It's done under local anesthesia, which I'm going to be honest. would scare the crap out of me. I definitely wouldn't want to be awake for this! "The procedure involves an incision made along the temple hairline and continuing down around the front of the ear or following the natural curves of the ear. The typical incision makes an S shape although the incision length and type can differ between surgeons and is individualized for each patient. The incision is made in front of and behind each ear. Once these cuts are made, the deeper muscle or SMAS tissue is pulled up and back (and possibly trimmed) and sutured into place. The excess skin is then trimmed off and the incision is closed. Liposuction may be used to reduce fat from under the chin. In addition, the muscle bands in the neck may be sutured together to lessen their appearance. Lifestyle Lift surgeons also perform eyelid surgeries, brow lifting, fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing, fat grafting, and chin augmentation."

I was actually curious about the same thing so I'll be watching this thread!

I agree with Floridays. You're still in the healing phase so any weight loss is great. Just hang in there.

Has your band ever checked? Like via barium swallow? It might be a good idea to rule out a possible slip. Unfortunately just eating small meals isn't enough for a lot of us. Small portions doesn't necessarily mean low in calories, in fact you'd be shocked how much calories and fat can be in what seems like a tiny portion. I would strongly suggest counting calories to see how much you're actually consuming then go from there. Weight loss boils down to simple math, if you burn more calories than you consume, you lose. Counting calories is often the easiest way to do that. While fruit is great for you it needs to be in moderation, too. If you're eating mostly fruit and crystal light, your body isn't getting the Protein you need. Protein is really important not only for muscle but for controlling hunger. I'd make an appointment with your nutritionist, too. Let them help you get on a food plan that fits into your life and needs. Best wishes.