Bandista

Terry, this is such great news -- you are going to be feeling better and better. And the weight loss, yippee! And new computer, too -- a banner month after all the painful lead-up. So glad for you! Here's to a beautiful spring ahead......

Don't worry prematurely as this could so easily be an error in record-keeping!

Congratulations -- that is great. You are that much closer or possibly even there. My surgeon is, I believe, of the small fills approach in order to adjust other aspects along the way. I've had four or five (lost track, which is amazing to me as I was so obsessively on top of everything at first). I don't know how much fill I have because my surgeon doesn't share that as it doesn't really matter, I'm either in the green zone or not. I've been taking it slow but think I probably need another little fill as I still am not sustaining over time and I can eat more than I should be able to -- but I am getting there, I know. And of course I don't want to be too tight. You are doing so well -- and you, too, Yad -- yippee!

I would go to the doctor immediately as there is so much damage that kind of acid can do to the esophagus, etc. without our even knowing it. Take good care!

Congratulations on your surgery! Many people are hungry on the post-op liquid diet so don't worry. It probably means you don't have a lot of inflammation. The band will do it's job of dimming your appetite when it is adjusted properly. You may find yourself feeling full from little food once you are eating again but then have a return of hunger prior to getting to the right fill. It's all normal. It's all a process and you are on your way. Liquids just go right through. Even now at three months I feel like a protein shake just makes me hungry. You are doing beautifully!

I am a tea drinker. Once in a while I have some decaf coffee, but I can get flying on that and have to be careful. Being grounded is really important for me but I love the caffeine. I found a tea that really works for me -- Kukicha. It's a lot less caffeine than regular black tea and I find it very balancing. Lately, at night, I've started drinking Dandy Blend which is a dandelion "coffee" with no caffeine at all. It has some body, which is nice, and I really like it a lot -- plus amazing properties for the liver. Good luck to you -- very exciting times!

Isn't it great!!!! I also had no appetite post-surgery and that was a good taste of what it's like to be in the green zone. Some people are ravenous right away. My hunger did return and that was just about the time I was scheduled for a first fill anyway so that worked out well. Good luck and congratulations on being two weeks out. It's amazing how the time goes by. Just think of a year from now!

Maybe pull her aside and get her on your side so there's no undermining going on in the coming months. "I just want you to know how much I appreciate your support -- this isn't going to be easy. It's going to be a lot of work and of course I'm nervous about the surgery and being a success. I know you have got my back through this -- thank you so much." Or e-mail it to her. Send her a card, whatever. She'll get the message. Make her your ally. What's that saying, Keep your friends close and your enemies closer....

I'm taking the kind that dissolve -- 10,000 mcg (is that the same as 5,000 mg.? Never was very good at those conversions but I think so....). So far no noticeable hair loss. I've read that dermatologists address this area of health (hair and skin) and some people have gone that route. There are special shampoos, etc., too.

Congratulations -- this is not an easy time but you have a great attitude and I can tell you're keeping your eye on the prize -- you! Your healthy future. Here's to that and this new chapter in your life. It's going to be a great year -- you are on your way.

Evenings are hard and old habits can be difficult to break. I noodle around on my iPad while we watch a movie or I go through magazines for pictures (I make collage so am always looking for images). Recently I found a warm beverage that really works for me -- Dandy Blend, an herbal "coffee" that feels like it has more body than tea (kind of like Postum). It's warm and gives me something special to have in the evening plus it's really good for me, liver cleansing, etc. Kind of the opposite of the wine and cheese party my body is programmed for every damn evening -- ack.

Hi there, so many people here are starting over along with those just starting -- it doesn't matter where you are we are each beginning this new day. Forget the "over" part, you have started. You've seen your surgeon, you're exercising, you're here on the forum. Pat yourself on the back. This is your time -- doesn't matter why it wasn't right before because it's right now. You have got this -- you're on it. I can hear how much you want this to work. So, are you hungry? If so, maybe you need another fill. What did the barium swallow show (besides the fact your band is fine, which is great -- you can let go of that worry)? Maybe you need a small fill to take you to the green zone -- otherwise as we all know it's just another diet and we all know how well we've done with our dieting over the years. Some people do a five-day pouch test or all liquids for a few days or more to re-boot. I am pretty new -- just three months out -- but I have that in the back of my mind as a maintenance plan. These are random thoughts but just know you're in good company. You're thirty down not thirty up and you're going to be another chunk down this spring. Best wishes!

I know this one. The process can take a long time and that can be frustrating. In hindsight it went by quickly for me though at the time I felt like it dragged on forever -- weird how time and perspective can do that. The good news is you are ready for this new chapter in your life to begin. I so remember the "so let's begin already!" feeling! Don't worry, you are getting there -- you're on your way. I ended up using the time to work with a therapist to really break down my eating triggers. Even though ore-surgery I wasn't usually able to stop my behaviors, it was really good to do the noticing and starting to make adjustments. For instance eating from anxiety or to prep myself for something I didn't want to do (I hate conference calls and would always chow down beforehand). Also I started exercising and that gave me something to step into after surgery. I felt like that really helped with recovery and the start of a new life. Good luck -- you've got this. And don't forget February can be a blah month. Spring is on the way!

I think I might try the About Time that you mentioned... Thanks!!! Wow, me too! 25 grams of Protein and 100 calories is pretty amazing -- no artificial sweeteners, lactose & gluten free. Thank you so much. SuperFab, I wish I had your nutritionist. Mine recommends a pre-op shake I wouldn't use to clean my car and I felt like I had to really negotiate to use something healthier. Then she told me her kids don't eat Breakfast. Nutritionist? Hello! The coup de grace (however you spell that) was when she announced my weight in front of my husband. I had successfully concealed that for twenty years.

I can't tolerate sucralose either and a lot is coming out now about ill effects including migraines, digestive problems, insulin issues, etc. All still very controversial because of the huge market (China manufacturers it very cheaply) and people are addicted to diet soda, diet pudding, diet everything. Now I'm having so little food I definitely want it to be real food, not test tube manufactured. There are a lot of good protein shakes made without sucralose. Steevia, a plant-based sweetener, is something to look for but make sure it is 100% Steevia as there are blends. Vitamin Shoppe on-lime has a lot of shakes to choose from -- or check out your local health food store. It's possible to buy single serving packets to try different brands and find what you like.

Yippee! So happy for you! You are doing beautifully -- amazing transformation. And look at that gorgeous smile!

My surgeon has no pre- or post-fill protocol beyond, "take it easy" after a fill. I know some people do liquids leading up and then afterward.....I have worried about that -- whether I should be doing that, too -- but so far so good. I'm not really hungry after a fill and if I'm not hungry I don't eat (my one rule). Now I can't even remember if I have had four or five fills, and my surgeon doesn't share the amount so I am not obsessing about that.

I'm at peace with food and no longer in the clutches of appetite. I'm not beating myself up daily, hourly, for eating too much or making poor choices. I'm not negotiating with myself about whether I'm on or off a diet or what the diet consists of at that time. I'm no longer on a diet. Hunger isn't my enemy. In fact I hadn't been really hungry for so long that it took me a while to locate that sensation. I'm making friends with my body's signals and learning how to respond appropriately. I'm not using food to quell the whirring of anxiety inside me. I'm listening to that instead and finding it's not so bad. I am feeling strong and capable. I'm no longer doing things I don't want to do or caving in to other people's agendas. I am clear. I like myself and this freedom -- it is a new lease on life. I feel full of possibility.

Beautiful! Congratulations and thank you for the inspiration. You look great!

Depends on what kind -- the all-natural nut butters are fine for me but PB that has fillers, sweeteners, etc. -- I'd be worried about getting gummed up with those. Meanwhile I can't have a jar of old fashioned in the house because it's a trigger food for me.

Loved reading all these great suggestions. I spend a lot of time at a desk, too. Time to rock that for myself -- isometrics, etc. My Fitness Pal works for a lot of people -- recording the exercise seems to get me planning for how I can fit in more. Good luck to you. Choosing yourself first will benefit every one on the long run.

Great idea -- I like the texture and coldness frozen berries, etc. bring to my smoothies. This is much healthier!

Post-op protocol varies so much. My surgeon describes the ideal meal as being the size of a tennis ball and then not getting hungry again for 4-5 hours. I'm three months out and feel like I might be getting into the zone. It's definitely a journey and you are doing so well. Congratulations!

Best wishes to you! It sounds like you are in good hands and that you're committed to your healthy future whatever it takes. You can do this!

Yippee! So happy for you! That is a major milestone. You are doing beautifully.......