Juli Salzman

Just wondering...is the 1 cup measurement supposed to be physical size or weight? The weight would depend on the mass. 8 oz. of popcorn is a lot more than 1 measuring cup full of popcorn, for example.

Woo hoo for you! You're doing great!

Thank you. One of the parents asked me if I was ok today in the lunch room. I was suspiciously wondering who told her something. She went on to say that her daughter had come home a few days ago and told her that I was acting strangely hugging a t-shirt and sitting down. (I had tried to conceal my heating pad in a t-shirt). I thought I had done a good job hiding my discomfort but those little ones are sharp!

It gets better, so stay positive. A couple of days ago, I couldn't imagine ever feeling well again. Today, I feel pretty good. I was banded 8 days ago. Congratulations!

Oh, my! Tuesday was not a good day for me. I went back to school six days after my surgery, still on liquids. Everything was wonderful until after lunch. I had my earlier students sitting and singing through songs with very little movement. However, then came kindergarten. I knew the little ones wouldn't be able to sit still for the entire class, and since it was my first day with some of them, I wanted to make their day fun. I started with the song, "We All Work Together" by Woody Guthrie and had the kids "shake their booties" during the "with a wiggle and a giggle" parts. When they were reluctant, I decided to demonstrate. I got such a great response from them, that I kept going with them. They were so adorable, I couldn't resist encouraging them. Bad choice. My tummy hurt so bad that I had to sit with a heating pad across my belly the rest of the day. I went home after school and went straight to bed, hugging my heating pad. Yesterday, I learned from my mistake, did a slow-motion, simple demonstration, then let the kids dance by themselves. Much better. Today, I did more and felt awesome all day!

I had been struggling to get enough protein in, but I'm doing better now. I am on mushies now, so I'm enjoying being able to have other choices for my protein. I'm never going to have alcohol again. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize my success/health. I wasn't sure if you were referring to my pina colda sugar-free popsicle comment, or the reply. Today was a great day! I felt good all day.

Welcome, Margie. This site has really been helpful to me. We are all in this together. Through reading the postings on this site, I feel I was much more informed and prepared for my big day a week ago. I still have questions and they are always answered quickly by my fellow bandsters on this site. Good luck on your journey!

I didn't feel anything afterwards. I thought I'd be able to feel the port and felt for it to no avail. When I got back to my room, I just wanted to walk. After having gallbladder surgery, I was afraid I'd have pain in my shoulder if I didn't walk. I haven't had any mentionable pain at all. I stopped taking my pain medication the next day.

I'm so glad you asked that! I've been wondering the same thing. My incisions are where my gallbladder incisions were... in my naval; 1-1/2" incision about three inches above naval and a dime-sized incision to the right and below that one; making an equilateral triangle. Are everyone's incisions always in the same place?

It's only been six days since I've been banded and I cannot stop thinking of food. From pizza and Popeye's to green beans, I've been mourning my past life. Today was a particularly hard day and I had thoughts of regret. However, after reading some posts in forums, I'm again positive and took a big step... I ordered pizza for my husband and son. It might sound like I'm setting myself up for failure, but I'm really proud that I did this and think this is going to help me in coping. I will be so proud of myself after they finish their dinner. I found a surprise treat, as well. Although, I've never been a heavy drinker, I have had a margarita or pina colada on occasion. I know I won't ever be able to have an alcoholic beverage again now that I have a band. So, imagine my surprise when right after I ordered the pizza for my family, my son came into my room and said, "Mom, I bet your white popsicles are pina colada flavored." Yes, I found a pina colada flavored generic sugar-free popsicle at Krogers. I will enjoy that while they are eating the pizza, since I already had my protein shake for the evening.

Yes, I've used and am using Gas-x strips. I guess it'd be worse without them.

I've never been able to "burp" at will. It's really frustrating because I feel like there is gas ready to come out and after walking and walking, all I get is a little whimper of a burp. My husband has tried rubbing and patting my back like a baby, but that doesn't help. For those of you that can burp at will, would you please share some tips.

I've never been able to "burp" at will. It's really frustrating because I feel like there is gas ready to come out and after walking and walking, all I get is a little whimper of a burp. My husband has tried rubbing and patting my back like a baby, but that doesn't help. For those of you that can burp at will, would you please share some tips.

I think avocados are great because they have a good bit of protein and the fat is the good kind. There are some great avocado recipes out there for bandsters.

I received my band on Thursday and will go back to school Tuesday. I'm a little nervous about it, although I'm feeling great today. So far, my recovery has been easy.