lisacaron

@@LacieC1989 yes working out can make your band feel tighter. Stress also does this to me, and woe to the person who upsets me while I am eating, that doesn't go nicely for anyone. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, I would say yes see the Dr. for a bit of an unfill. If you are able to tolerate liquids and then the band loosens during the afternoon evening so you can eat solid foods, then I would say ride it out. Have a Protein shake instead when your band is tight and eat when you can do so comfortably. In the mornings my band can be tight, so I usually stick to coffee. In the evenings since I will usually hit the gym after work, my band will often cinch up along with my muscles after a work out so I'll do a Protein Shake on those days as well. The largest meal of my day is often lunch time, depending on how the day goes. If you are having trouble or getting stuck and not able to tolerate fluids then give your Dr. a call and take out some Fluid even .1 cc can make a big difference. Let us know how your doing.

@@JoJoNYC don't worry you are doing great!! Go and get your fill and that will help you stave off the hunger. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's head hunger or actual hunger, so I try to have something to drink before I reach for the food. Sometimes for me I really need that "comfort" feeling of something relaxing, smooth and sweet. I have found that for me a nice warm cup of coffee with some sugar free flavored creamer works wonders. I will have a cup when I get off the road after work before eating dinner and it helps to take the edge off of that "I NEED TO EAT SOMETHING NOW" feeling. I usually eat lunch around 12-1 and don't get back home till 6:30-7 so by then I'm right at the edge and the coffee "treat" helps so much.

@@sbrick take it one day at a time. Try to work with your band again while you have it in. If there is nothing wrong with it, I would try to get right back to basics as @@jolizziejones mentioned above. It worked for you, you are a success. Yes you had a set back and a very emotional one. You gained a few pounds back, and your hormones are not in balance right now. So don't beat yourself up if you haven't dropped the weight as quickly as you did before. Right now your body is working to figure out what's going on..and it will catch up it's been through a bit of a gambit. If your band is in good position and you have no esophagus damage, I would recommend working the band again and not worrying about having to change your WLS because of something the endo Dr. told you. Your hormones including your thyroid could be off for many reasons and that's what he should be treating you for. You are a success and an inspiration, I have seen many people lose extreme amounts of weight and keep it off with the band. Good luck to you and let us know how your doing!!

Hi All just thought I would check in today before we head into another holiday weekend/week for some!! I have been down and out for the count the last few days with a miserable virus, and just starting to recover. It was good to take some down time, though it would have been better to feel good while having that time. Happy Passover, Holy Week, Happy Easter to all those who Celebrate. I plan to be home this Sunday and cook a meal for the family. We have a wedding to attend on Saturday and I just hope my lips heal enough so I can work some makeup magic and not look like the walking dead. Learning my lessons the hard way to slow down and make time for rest and relaxation...cause I'm gonna get it one way or another it seems and it's so much nicer minus the 2x4 hitting me upside the head

@@JustWatchMe I had half the fill that I took out put back in. Thank goodness this virus was not something where there was too much mucus (sorry gross I know) that was my issue before. Fill wise I am doing pretty good. Hubs also got a fill and he's been doing pretty well and might have finally hit his green zone. Now if I could just stay healthy and strong enough to get back to the gym. This time I was literally down and out I have been so tired and sleepy through it all. Totally run down and weak but I guess I deserve that when I drive this body 90 to nothing all the time. I need to learn that down time is OK to have. Days of doing nothing are good, and rest is positive and restorative!

Greetings everyone! Sorry to have been MIA for so long. I am just starting to recover from a horrible virus that has had me down and out for the count. I woke up one morning and looked like I was in a title fight with the heavy weight champion. My eyes and cheeks and lips were all swollen, my throat was on fire and my head was banging. My husband came home and drove me to the urgent care and they said I had caught some virus that has been going around. Just lovely and trust me I look just lovely as well! I had some medical testing on Friday and I took the whole day off to get it all done and you know to tell you the truth I think doing that is what did me in! I went for blood work at the lab starting at 6 am, then on to MRI's then on to visit the Dr.'s. By Sunday was starting to feel run down, Monday I was grouchy and Tuesday morning I was a mess!! Today all the facial swelling is gone but my lips swelled up so badly they are not cracked and bleeding, it's a great look for a Friday at the office let me tell ya! I have a wedding to attend tomorrow afternoon, so I hope that these lips heal up and I can cover it up with some magic make up tricks and not look horrid. Happy Passover to those who Celebrate, and Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I am planning to be home for Sunday, cooking dinner at home for the family. The best part of being "sick" is I haven't been gorging on food at all, though I will say there has been comfort food which is just about all I could manage to let pass my lips. Hope this Spring finds you all well...I hope to get there soon and be able to get back in the saddle and on the treadmill again soon!

OMG too funny but I bet someone told him to use the machine like that!

@@Julie norton I know...we will have to stop and see you on our next west coast visit!

@@sleeveee Hi, I'm sorry you had some trouble with the procedure. I know when Ken and I changed Dr.'s the new Dr. really advised Ken and I that he felt we would have been better sleeve patients then band because of Ken's diabetes and my hormonal issues the malabsorbtive bit with the band would have worked faster for us. We are not in a big race to get the to the finish line so we just work it as it is and when we get there we get there. It's been slow and steady but we have not had any regain and that's a BIG plus in my book all other medical issues aside. He did tell us though that if we needed to revise for some reason in the future it would mean removing the band and healing internally few a few months before sleeve surgery could be performed so your experience especially if the liver and stomach have that kind of trauma is not out of the ordinary. Hang in there...your gonna get where you want to be!! How are you doing today?

Good Afternoon!! Bracing for that 4 letter word again today on the first day of Spring!! Grrrrr. It's another busy busy day at work but I am finding some space in between meetings to keep accountable here as well I am very much looking forward to spring I feel that light and airy feeling start to rise in my bones and it's just a wonderful feeling after what seems to me like a long constricting winter season. Today I am working on creating a "gratitude" list. Starting with the letter A it helps me to remember that no matter how many things are going on in my life there are always many many things I have to be grateful for and it's not as bad as I might think...and putting it together usually makes me smile TGIF!! I am grateful for: A- My Attitude on this first day of spring! B-The Brightness of the sunshine C-My Crazy work schedule D-Having another whole Day to be alive E- Delicious Egg White omelet this morning. F-FRIDAY!!! Need I say more? G-The color of Spring Green!! H-The Hyper Happiness of my Puppies when I come home from work I- all my good Intentions even if they don't always pan out. J- Being able to fit into Jeans! K-My wonderful hubby Ken L-Life M-Music N-My son Nick who is doing well O-Not working Over time today! P-Practicing good band eating habits Q-Query searches making life easier! R-Roses (I'd like to try and grow some) S-Singing at my desk (my co-workers just love it!) T- Time U-Umbrella's I love my new purple one! V-Value W-Windows, that let me see the sun!! X-Not always feeling I am at the center of that X Y-Feeling Young Z-Getting some much needed ZZzzzz last night!!

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Who is up for a Spring Renewal??? I know I am!!!! The weather on the East Coast this Winter has been pretty brutal, and even though Elsa is my all-time favorite Disney Princess….I’m ready for some Sunflowers, and Daffodils! The next NYC/LI chapter is meeting is going to be on April 11th from 2PM till 4 PM We will be meeting at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level past the shops. We are looking forward to seeing many of our forum friends there for a fun filled afternoon. We hope to share a bit of information, education, and ultimately support with our friends!!! So mark your calendars today forum friends and make plans to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon in NYC. If any Jersey friends want to attend, please feel free to cross the Hudson and join us. 10 Tips for Spring Cleansing and Renewal Feel the power of Nature all around you and within you. Know that this awesome force is available to you, and allow it to influence the course of your life and health. Identify the areas of your life that need some work and plan specific improvements that incorporate the changing seasons. Allow yourself to visualize your Perfect Life, and nourish that vision through your cleansing and renewal process. Spring is the time for renewing your life - letting go of what you don't need (physical, mental, and emotional habits that undermine your health) and bringing in what you need anew (accepting positive health habits that will satisfy your soul). Take a break from the TV to be more creative, or read by candlelight without the electrical vibrations at night, or just sit quiet to meditate and listen. Get more outside exercise and spend more time in Nature. Take hikes, plant a garden, or work in a community garden. Create a balanced fitness program or modify the one you are already following that will support your healthy, body/mind happiness. Working up a sweat helps you dump toxins; this will improve your health and lead to fewer doctor's visits. Also add some reflective practices such as stretching, yoga, or chi gong; these help support renewal by giving your body time to gently de-stress and deepen the changes you are making in your life. Consider a special and specific detoxification program. This could include substance avoidance (off sugar and caffeine, for example), Renew all aspects of your Life. Go through your piles of papers, your clothes, and the corners of rooms in areas that haven't seen light for years. Don't be afraid to let go and let things flow. Give things away, have a garage sale, and recycle or re-circulate what you can. "Being simple, simply being." Begin to gently, yet seriously, re-evaluate the key areas of your life - work (career), relationships, and health. Again, look at what undermines your potential in these worlds and allow clear guidance, suggestions, and actions to arise in your being. Try to be more aware of the subtle areas of life and the effects of foods. How does the food you eat make you feel. Increased vitality and improved health will change how you view your life and how much energy you have to create positive change for yourself. It is your healthy body that lets your Spirit fly more freely. Nutritional supplements (as the raw materials--vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids) nourish and support your body and mind. The cleansing process de-stresses your body and lets your energy rise and awaken your psyche. Freshly squeezed juices and herbal teas are vitalizing, high-vibration nourishment. Sprouts from seeds and grains are live, vital food. Aromatherapy and smelling the beautiful sweetness of the spring flowers will soother your soul as well. Be Earth-aware and Earth-friendly. Be conscious of where things come from and where they go - and the real cost of products you use - such as plastics and chemical products. Re-use and Re-cycle. Support more earth-conscious businesses and products. How do you vote with your dollar? Cleansing habits to incorporate include deep and relaxed breathing, yoga-type stretching, dry skin brushing, and wonderful walks in Nature. When was the last time you de-stressed, downloaded and digested your life experiences to catch up to the present? Do something that uplifts your Spirit, such as caring for a loved one or an elderly neighbor. Trust your heart and feed it joyful experiences. Put your Spirit on the line for what you believe. Doing for another is key to completing the circle of life, called Love. Building community is a positive change for Earth as well as for our Spirit.

Ah OK I love the challenge, IDK how much of the 6 miles I'll get in before the week is over but I'll work on it! @@Bandista thank you for all your encouragement!! I'm totally down with the ice packs! I wish I had more time to rest and relax and use them. I did take some time last night to use the tense unit and that helped I brought it to work with me so I can shock myself while I'm working! @@JustWatchMe I am right on top of these anti-inflammatory meds. My bariatric Dr. has me on prescription medication to protect the stomach and the band so I can take the meds I need to take. They are on the ball it's good to know that I can call them up and work with them and my regular Dr.'s to get back to feeling great again. Today I proud that I walked up a couple of flights of stairs this morning, even if it was a bit of a pain. I'm grateful that the sun is shining even though it's a cold winter sun and the 4 letter word is the forecast for tomorrow, I"m not going to let it stop me!

Hi all!!! Checking in to catch up on everyone and your all looking good. Bandi sorry to read about your loved one. Your a strong lady, and so kind. Love the red pants idea!! I'm so short I usually stick to the darker colors to make me look taller. In the summer I'll do white or light beige but I'm going to have to give Red a shot it's my favorite color!! Dare to be daring this summer! I'm looking forward to Spring though it's promising to be a frigid start this week!! I'm working on some issues with my back and my head...I really need an all expense paid vacation to Hawaii...seriously after all the scripts the doc wrote I asked her to write that one too. Maybe I'll have to play lotto tonight and I'll get lucky?! It's been a bit too much and sometimes when I lay it all out there when people like the doc ask...ugh it makes me bone BONE tired. I don't know how I am still standing up right...and maybe that's why my body is screaming at me now....I don't know but I'm listening!!!!

it is hard to keep up every day...and I am guilty of not reading every single post. What's this challenge I'm reading about? I just went to the Dr. today..been having some serious headaches pretty much every day and I was chalking it up to me being me and over doing it. I have stopped going to the gym for more than one reason but one of them being this pain my leg. I thought maybe shin splints or just me being me again and over doing it...so I hung back and the pain went away and then it came back and again yesterday. It's this shooting electric feeling pain shooting down my leg from knee to shin and hip joint kind of aches. It's so bad and when I'm driving oh boy!! That is the worst cause it's my driving leg. Doc thinks could be compressed nerve in my back and or neck so I'm waiting for authorization and going for MRI's for back and brain. Yep lovely right, could also be neurological. This gives me some concern since my mother passed from a brain tumor at 50...but I'm not gonna dwell on that. I got some anti-inflammatory meds to take and some muscle relaxers to take at bedtime which I am sure are going to zonk me out but at least I will get some sleep and if it stops this leg pain all the better!! Thinking it might be time to get back in the pool for some exercise just to take the stress off my back but get this body moving...today I am limping a bit from the sharp pains that come and go and that can't be good for the back either. Oh well...thanks for letting me share. Eating has been pretty good, though it could be better but one thing at a time

Noooo don't think that!!! Seriously give your doctor a call. Having gas like that even with out WLS is a sign of digestive issues. If your bariatric Dr. does not have a gastroenterology Dr. as part of his team ask for a recommendation and go see them. You do not have to live with flatulence.

Sleeve surgery has a bit of a mal-absorptive component to it. You are eating food but your body is not absorbing all the food and nutrients you are eating. So your need to Vitamins is higher then it would be if you were not sleeved. You were probably prescribed vitamins by your surgeon or bariatric group. Even though you are seeing your PCP for bloodwork and the like you should really call your surgeon and/or bariatric group as there are specific blood work testing that they order for bariatric patients that a regular PCP might not. Hidden in there could be the cause of your fatigue, and you may need to supplement something. I am banded so I don't have an malabsorbtive component to my WLS, but at one point I had eliminated all sugar from my diet. I was using artificial this and that to add flavor and no carbs, vegies or fruits it was all high Protein food or artificially sweet things like Protein Bars or shake. NO sugar and no carbs was throwing my body out of wack and I was tired all the time dragging and weary. It was just a simple remedy to add in some "natural" sugars in the form of fruit or juice that was needed and I was better. Now I make sure to always add in some carbs and simple sugars from fruit and veggies as I can, but that was "me" you need to find out what's going on for you and everyone could have something different going on so give your Dr's a call and I hope everyone is feeling bright and sparky again soon!!!

@@Leoakie86 if you are eating a high lactose diet or things that contain lactose such as milk or dairy products, high Protein shakes, powders or bars it could be caused by a lactose intolerance. If you never had that before, you could have developed it. I had a similar issue after surgery, the cure is to get some Lactaid chew able tablets. Trust me they will help you out, and it wouldn't hurt to add a probiotic to your diet for a while as well to get the flora in your tummy and intestines feeling good Gas is usually caused by our food not fully breaking down and hanging around too long...this should help you out.

So yes this can be a slippery slope for insurance companies, doctors and for patients. There are many things that are covered, As @@Bufflehead mentioned, large breasts yes you are covered for a reduction, nose yes you are covered for nose job. Most of the time these things are covered by saying they impact some form of physical being with the patient. Large breasts impact body frame and walking damaging spine causing back pain etc. In the long term it's cheaper to reduce your breasts for you then for them to treat all the related probable symptoms and affects of being top heavy. Same could be said for a nose job if it affected your septum and your sleep and productivity and sinusitis. etc. The very same could be true for skin surgery if it is impacting your walking or sleeping or moving. If you are experiencing rashes or other trauma from having this excess skin. Most of the time this is what is needed to be documented by your Dr's so that the insurance company can validate the claim for surgery. Sure in someways it's cosmetic, but as some of you have mentioned its a mental and emotional thing as well. Should you gain all your weight back because you don't like to look at that skin? The treatment of your obesity and the co-morbidity from obesity could be used as an argument. As well as all the physical affects you "might" suffer from if you have a belly that's hanging. Sitting, standing, walking can all cause discomfort and lead to gait issues and spine issues and foot problems and we could go on and on...so just like everything else. It will come down to a case by case decision. So document often and early if you have symptoms and you may have a stronger case when you advocate with your insurance company....