New Hope

The Aspen leaves glistened like golden coins and the magnificent Elk were everywhere. Everyday, we took 4 and 5 hour hikes up and down beautiful mountain trails, along cascading streams, through a gentle rain, then huge snowflakes. We shared our lunch with friendly Stellar Jays and chipmunks beside roaring waterfalls. Gazing down from a 10,500 ft. mountaintop, I cried because I was so thankful for both of our renewed health. Just a few short months ago, I would have never even considered such a vacation. I want to get out there and "catch up" on everything I let pass me by for so many years. This band is helping us lose weight, but more importantly, it's giving us our lives back! I wish happiness, health, and serenity to all my "Bandster Family" here.

Hey, Happy Birthday, Pam! However, I know you won't get your favorite gift for 3 - 4 weeks yet....a brand new grandson...Dylan! Hope you have a wonderful day. Behave and eat like a Bandster!

Greg, have you thought about what you're going to do when you're under goal by Christmas? Hey, don't expect any sympathy from me! LOL

Blossom, you better start wearing all your favorites right now! Because it will happen....very, very soon!

Kathy, Happy Birthday, and Congratulations on getting a local dr. and a successful fill!

Melissa, we all are fighting that "food monster"! That's what got us overweight in the first place! Please try to take it one day at a time! Right now, you really need to be concentrating on following your dr's post-op orders. You have to let that band heal in place before you start running solid foods through it. Otherwise you risk losing your band and/or serious complications. The band will help us, but it won't do all the work for us. Do you have someone that can prepare the family meals for a few days so you don't have to be tempted? The "head hunger" is probably the hardest thing to deal with. But you can do it! If necessary, get your surgeon to recommend a psycholgist (sp.?) that deals w/ eating disorders. Please don't hold off getting the help you need to ensure you are a successful bandster.

Sharon, welcome to Bandland! Now, that's what we like to hear... a great success story! Take care of yourself, drink that water, follow your dr's post-op rules, walk as much as you comfortably can and you'll get better every day. You'll be back out in your beautiful garden before you know it!

Selecia, you can join any time you want! Anything counts that gets you moving. Just post what you did. I think that's really sweet that your family is taking such great care of you! Enjoy it while you can! Since you're a new bandster, you might want to take it easy on abdominal exercises until you get your dr's o.k. But there's plenty of other stuff you can do. Get you a pedometer. You'll be pleasantly surprised how much you walk and find yourself trying to do a little more each time.

Lainie, sending your prayers and (((hugs))) for an uneventful surgery and minimum pain recovery tomorrow! Where is your Surgeon Dr. Micheal Thomas doing your banding at? Please get up and walk as soon as you can afterwards. We look forward to hearing "all about it" when you feel like posting. Take care!

Well, once again, we bandsters prove that we have absolutely no shame and that no topic is taboo. LOL But the real question is, "Did we solve this mystery?" Let's hope so!

Zoe, I can't think of the name of it. But there is a gel you can get at the drugstore to help w/dry mouth. Ask the druggist about it. Rica, I'm with you...drink w/meal, lose the dinner.

Betty, Lauri, Michelle, and Leatha...way to go girls! Hey, where's Darcy been? 10 miles bicyling.

Yeah, Lauri, you're on your way! Keeping fingers, eyes, and toes crossed for an easy approval. Now about your "husbands" you just mentioned....

Alex, Congratulations on a job well done! How often do you work out and for how long? Are you working the entire body? So proud of you!

-1 pound. Betty, you're such a Show Off!! LOL Hope you're feeling better.

Gagirl, be kind to yourself! Your body has been through the trauma of surgery and the aftereffects of anesthesia. It really does get better! And those kids are always good for a "reality check", aren't they? LOL Please follow your dr's eating orders. Concentrate on healing and don't worry about your weight. Try to get all your fluids in so you don't get dehydrated. You may gain some weight. But it's temporary and you'll soon be "losing". Congratulations on being a Bandster!

Kimber-lilly, I agree w/ Shelly. Please check w/ your dr. and/or pharmacist. Have you tried looking up info. on the internet? Debra, you've lost 103 lbs.! Please don't risk losing your band by having too tight a fill. Reflux is NOT a good thing. sleeping on 3 pillows is only bending your stomach and not helping. Elevate the head of your bed on blocks. Don't eat 2 to 3 hours before lying down. Congratulations on being a "Loser"!

Maurine, Congratulations on getting your band and doing so well! Please do be careful about solids too soon. During the mushie stage, I found that I could run just about anything through the blender and eat it. I didn't feel so deprived then. That is so sweet that Denise (LBTer) came to see you! I know that made you feel better right off the bat!

Any weight lost before your first fill is a "plus". You're still wide open and able to eat just like you were before you got your band. Try to concentrate on your Banding habits...drinking all your water (but not w/foods), exercising regularly (something you enjoy), and eating properly. Are you on solid foods yet? If so, proteins first, vegetables, then (if room left) carbs. You need to be on solids before you get your fill. Relax and continue healing. Your band is there. Best of luck to you!

Margie, no need to apologize! I loved your post! I'm a "heart speaker" also. Getting our health back is something to get excited about and to want to share that good fortune with others.

Penni, it sounds like you have some of those same genes... kindness and a good heart. Cherish your memories! Hope you get some much needed rest tonight.

Selecia, you sound like you really have a good grip on everything! You are so right, being overweight is just as big a problem mentally as physically. Congratulations on getting your band! We look forward to hearing about your Banding Journey. Wow, you need to join the scale challenge! You have great willpower!

Leah, only you can make that decision for yourself. Please do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before you do anything. There is a ton of info. here you can "search" (as well as other websites). I can honestly say it has given me my life, freedom, and health back. I'm taking 1/2 the prescription meds. for different health problems (which have all greatly reduced). Best of luck to you!

DebW, isn't that a GREAT problem to have? I've lived in drawstring shorts and t-shirts this summer. When I do buy, I just try to buy basics - solid color jeans, slacks, and a variety of tops. Then I can mix and match. And someone's always having a sale. Just don't buy too many because you'll be needing something smaller before you know it!

Trisa C., congratulations! I know that you are excited and scared all at the same time. That's perfectly normal! Start right now getting in the habit of drinking tons of water (but not w/ meals), and some type of exercise that you enjoy - walking, bike riding, dancing, Curves, etc. All of that will help you so much w/ the surgery and the recovery period. You'll do great! Best of luck to you!