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bigbaby I am really sad to hear about your port. I was scared to sign on today after receiving your post last night, for I have my 1st fill today! I really am excited about the day finally here after 7 weeks. But now I am worried. It is not until 3:45 today either! I am always at the end of the day, torture. Keep us posted! depression!! hormones! I agree. It can be a rollercoaster. I know exercise helps with this, but when you are down, sometimes your motivation declines. Try to keep your work outs on schedule! MOM finally arrived and this always impacts emotions. I hope my fill today is a BIG one!!! I need it. wish me luck.

calinurse Hi, I was banded on June 7, tomorrow is my first fill appointment. Like Maureen, there is a June thread for those banded in June. Actually I read both May and June because it gives me a good perspective of the future as well as the present. When I read all the posts on the June thread, I get discouraged because I have not had a fill and some are on #2! My doctor's office, PA who does the fills, went on vacation, so this pushed my fill to almost 8 weeks. I hope that she does not say "no fill" tomorrow. I have not lost weight in a week, but most of my loss was pre opt. I was having some restriction in the late June and early July but lately feel nothing, I can eat just about anything. I know how frustrating you must feel, I just want to have that full or can't eat some things feeling again to keep me on track! I will let you know how tomorrow goes! I agree with Maureen, join the May Bandsters!

dan I asked about drinking alcohol during my pre opt visits and the doctor said it was fine, just wasted calories. I feel it is on my "don't" diet list for that reason. My son was married on July 7 and yes, I drank to much. Not intentionally. I was very busy keeping up with all the guests, did not eat and bamb! Since then, I keep it to 2 drinks. In my orientation they said that we would be "cheap" dates! Beer can be hard for people. Ask your doc. I did have 2 blue moons to try it, everyone was raving about it, and when I went to sleep I woke up feeling it bubbling up, it was a weird sensation! I am not a big beer drinker, so that will be it for me! Hope this helps. Keep up the good exercise! Your weight loss will pick up again. Welcome back Dawn!

musicalmomma I just joined my old gym back last week! I went three times this week, 180 minutes, however my challenge for August is to go 4 times a week, which is 240 min, total of 960 for the month! I am hoping I can meet my challenge. I hope to be fit by 50! I hope we can meet the challenge together! Did your doctor release you to do any types of exercise? I am almost 8 weeks out, but am not sure if I should do ab exercises? What do you think?

lo2us I live in Stafford, VA., it is near Quantico Marine Base, about 45 miles south of Washington DC. Heather Great on your vacation. I will be having my first fill the day after you. I feel like we are the last to go! Good Luck! mj I do have a weird pain in my stomach area once in a while, actually I thought it was weird, but not near my port. And it does not hurt all the time? I guess I should pin point it for when I go to the doctors on Tuesday. No weight loss this week, discouraging! My TOM is late, I am not sure that has anything to do with it. I did take some benefiber, yuk. I am sorry those chewables are not good. exercise question? Has anyone been told that they can do any type of exercise to include ab work? I am not sure I should yet and have been opting out of that part of the class.

Heather thanks for the info on Toni, we also haven't heard from Tina in a while either and I thought they may be on vacation! missy I agree about the word"diet" we need to try and not go there but it is a hard habit to break. I don't count calories either, try to count my protein but eat three meals a day, and sometimes a healthy snack. Suzzzie I never heard of Sweet tomatoes, maybe that is a good thing. Barbeque is big in Virginia too. I had that at my son's wedding reception( one of the foods) the caterer was" Chef Hog BBQ". Everyone loved it. He made smoked honey turkey breast too. I went out last night shopping with a friend. we went to a mexican restaurant. I had a tiny bit of chips/salsa and I ordered something I never did before, just chicken in small peices with some sauce and cheese, and side of rice and beans. I ate a 1/3 of the meat and beans and brought the rest home for my dh. I did have a margarita, but all in all I think I did ok. Remember, no fill yet!!! I am off to the gym this am, Step Class. I hope I make it through. Sat. morning class is very popular and i am sure to see more people I know, yuk. so far all the instructors have said they are glad I am back and the people too. I am trying to take it positively and not be embarrassed. Welcome vx later!

Dan/suzzie I forgot to mention my bill as well. I received a statment for the hospital in the amount of $37,000 and then from the doctor, $6000. I agree about if self pay is $13000-15000, how come this is so high??? I am sure I will get statements for a long time until it is all straightened out because they have to bill my primary before the secondary which is the insurance that approved the surgery. My husband made a file: " Janine LB bills"! don't I feel special!

babbles Wow, you are doing so good! Your progress is inspiring. I have only been banded about 2 months. You are there! How often did you see your doctor after your fill that brought you to the right spot? I have not talked about follow ups that long out and life time fills. shoot, I have not had my first fill yet!! So, I am probably not the best to give advise on your situation, but wanted to give you some koodos and encouragment...good luck!

Thank you all regarding the benifiber! I will get to the store like Stef and hopefully this will do the trick! Congrats to Dan, Pam (welcome!)and Holli Great Weight Loss!!!!!!!! I hope I can join the group soon. :clap2: :confused:I agree with the recent posts regarding the size of the meals, the number of meals, the protien,,, etc. All of the docs advise seems to be different. I agree with who said that you have to do what feels right. But it is hard not to obsess. I know I keep saying this but I really can't wait for my fill next week! Dawn what happened to you is my worst nightmare! I had to wait longer, banded on June 7, due to the nurses summer vacation, but I want to be part of the "fill" group! Last night I ate some low fat chips, and I really did not need them. It is almost tom so I need to learn the triggers and do something else. have a great day!!!!

lo2us I have not had a fill yet, YUK!, so I am thinking that is why popcorn is not bothering me, but this was the 1st time I had it and I ate it real slow. Popcorn was on my don't eat list, but my PA said due to useless calories, not because it would get stuck. I will be sure to ask about what you said after my fill. pippz sorry to hear about your pbing and vomiting experience. this is my fear upon my fill. I want my fill so baddddd, but I am afraid if I will be sure I don't create these situations. I cry when I am in pain or if I have to vomit, always did. I don't want my dh to see me, because for sure I will get a lecture on what I did wrong! suzzzie sounds like you are learning through the process. I have not had my fill and I was banded June 7. I feel like I have been stuck on hold for EVER! I am sure my doc will wait a time between the 2 nd due to my first being later. insub I don't want to sound gross, but I have big bathroom issues. I eat beans, salad, and still can't seem to have movement! I am frustrated. I drink water too. I am going to ahve to get something any thoughts anyone? Haven't heard from Toni and Nina iin a bit, hope all is going well!

insub Hairspray was great. We really enjoyed it. My sdaughters wanted to see it again. John Travolta is so funny. It is a feel good chick flick, although my dh liked it. I did eat popcorn! However, I orderd the kiddy pack, with a Water. The funny little bag you get in the theme box for a kids movie. It came with a box of nerds, which are gross and I gave to my 12 year old. It is smaller than a small. I put it on the seat next to me and nibbled it all movie. Normally, I would get a Large to share with dh...yah right! and eat most of it before the movie and get a refill. So, this was a good improvement. I then however made a bad choice later on in the evening. I ate some of my son's Ice cream Birthday cake! I did it and it is over, so I am moving on I keep reading all the posts from those of you who had fills and can't eat, so I am beginning to think that I really need to start practicing smaller portions and no cheating! I also joined the gym yesterday! suzzzie, glad you are feeling better stef good luck with your #2 fill.

nv I am so sorry to hear about your port! I haven't had my 1st fill, July 31. I worry about if something will go wrong because of it being so far off from others and maybe I ate to much or lifted something, etc. to cause a problem! I hope all works out for you. Keep us posted!! off to see Hairspray today, my goal:: No Popcorn!

I just read all the pages, and like you said everyone is different, but there are many common challenges we face. I have not had a fill yet, one week away. I can't vote for I don't think I have the same level of experiences. My PA told me that most junk foods will go down, so I wish she never told me that! I haven't tried popcorn but salsa and chips go down fine! This has been my snack of choice for a long time, so I will stick with baked chips! I have had sliming issues already. My PA said I may have saline in my band from surgery, and I read from others who went for their first fill that they did. I guess I will find out next week. I can't eat breast meat chicken! I can eat it if fajita or dark meat. I heard good cuts of steak, filet mignon may work, but I have not tried. But with out a fill, I can't comment like you all. I am getting worried. I dont want to pbing either. the sliming scares me enough. thanks for all the info, it helps.

Rachelle, All the jitters are very normal. I was banded on June 7. I had been thinking of doing this for over a year and finally decided to take the plunge in January 07. Over the 7 mths it was an emotional roller coaster,however like someone else said, think of all those that have been successfull and the surgery and process went well. I compared the level of surgery with my tubal ligation and other small surgical proceedures. My dh continued to be worried which I had to block out. Keep reading posts especially the ones that are close to your month of surgery, like if you get a date of october, read September bandsters. It will help you prepare yourself!! it helped me this way! Good Luck!!and welcome!

GREAT NEWS! I have lost 4 lbs:clap2: I have not weighed in over a week, which makes the numbers feel better. It is only 2lbs or a bit more a week, but not weighing more than once a week helps. I will be so happy to get under the big 200! Insub thanks for the info on how you are feeling with the fills. I am so looking forward to that, but I agree with you and suzzie that you do feel a loss when having to stop eating when you are enjoying something. Now with out a fill, it is all wilpower as you know, which is hard. We are on a journey and every step will have its challenges, both good and difficult!

bigbaby;GREAT JOB!! I am joining the gym on Sunday. I use to be a die hard member, going 5-6 times a week and then I slowly stopped, got sick in November and never went back. I need to get moving! marlyn; Your weight loss is really good. I think that is a great thing. I don't think I hardly lost any weight after surgery. Most of it was during the 2 week pre opt. I think I only lost 4 lbs since June 7. I tried to go back and look, but I was messing up my ticker and when you change it, it goes back and changes all of them from day one! ladyhr thanks for the information on your fill! I still have more than a week to wait. I can't beleive how long I am waiting. stef, I feel I do best if I plan. I still have some baked chips and salsa. It is my downfall. I could do worse, right! mv I agree, the food police! someone told me who had gastric bypass to eat by myself before everyone. then you are not watched every bite. This can be easy for singles, but may be harder for families. My dh is at work during the week most nights, so I think I will work on this! pb I am not sure, and I hope not to find out. I have been lucky so far, but not sure about after a fill. Hang in there. I think it has to do with pacing yourself and chewing. And some foods you may not be able to eat. If you did not take off the skin, you should. Have a great weekend. I will check in later. How are you toni and nina, heather?

fills...Wow, I am still waiting for my first fill! I hope to at least lose 1-2 lbs between fills! mv Your kids seem very busy and I know how stressful that can be! I have two boys( both grown however I don't beleive they ever mature!) and two teen girls The drama queens can get on your last nerve! But I don't have a child with special needs. My brother has downs and i know that it takes a lot of energy. Hang in there and try not to go to the food. if you have to eat, eat fruit or frozen fudgsicle or something? bcrazy my nurse said to stay away from protein bars and cereal bars. She said they are high in sugar and calories. But I am sure in moderation all is good. jj I agree, 2 hours seems like a very long time. check back with your doc. I heard one person on here say her doc said she can drink with meals? I am not sure I agree, but 1/2 -1 hour is probably good. Last night I was eating a soft tortilla( fat free and small) with refried beans spread on and chopped fajita chicken and vegies, and my dh says, " are you going to eat all that!" I was mad. I told him that it is 1 and not that much. I was a bit mad, because of the way he said it, anyone having issues with others watching your food intake? but an hour later he asks me if I want ice cream as he is scooping his monster bowl! crazy!

Lelee, my journey is the same as the newme, it took from January to June 7! I was frustrated when I recieved approval and then they gave me a surgery date 2 months away! But it went fast. Keep us posted.

insub I agree about this not being a race and everyone is different. First all our doctors area all different on diets, timings of fills, and advice. I think we need to look at ourselves and what we can do to work towards our goal. I know that I need a fill, haven't had one yet and I am at 5 plus weeks. But I also know I need to stick to the diet. If I don't lose I am practicing my eating habits. I do get frustrated! But I have to step back and remind myself. It is great telling our stories and sharing ideas, that is what makes this so great. It is normal for us to compare our weigh loss, however we still need to keep in mind we are all different. Have a good day ya all!!

sleep patterns; I have always been a early riser, but since surgery I don't get up so many times during the night. That is a good thing. hair loss I know anestisia(spell?) can make you lose hair too. I agree with eating healthy and we may reduce it! fills Wow, what a story dawn. I know that in my doctors office the PA does them all. faithmd,I agree with going with the most expereince. I heard our person is great. The doctor doesn't even do any?

Rkidder Wow, that is great. I am not having my fill until July 31. I guess my nurse may be right. She said that I might have saline in my band from surgery. It would have been nice for them to tell you that at the time you are at the hospital. I have some restriction, but not enough. I can't wait until I have mine. Hope that loaf of bread gets smaller!!

lo2us I did not think that the hair loss/liver was as high a concern as gastric bypass. I am still getting protein, because that is what will keep us full. faith sorry to hear about your hair loss. I have a wicked head of hair, and I shed more than my dog, always did. but I am not concerned at this point because of my hair volume my hairstylest brags about. But I will keep an eye on it! mj/heather Great to hear from you! GREAT weight loss mj and dh! stef I cook it in a variety of ways. because it cooks so fast, you may want to only cook what you are going to eat. I use lemon, lime, lemon/pepper, cajun seasoning, ground pepper, pepper blend, salsa after it is cooked. I also have spread light mayo and chopped onions and put it in tin foil and bake. All the above is not all at once of course!! also the butter spray, with the seasoning of your liking. Hope this helps.

Gen, sorry to hear that you have such a long drive to the doctor. That can't be fun. My doctor said everyone is different. Some people feel restriction from the first fill and others takes a few. I asked about the multiple fills, and the nurse felt that it may be a learning process. I just feel everyone is so different. As you learn from reading the posts! Good luck.

HOLLI GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!

Huntersmom, what a cool idea, I agree with FarmerE, when and where? Maybe after our 3-6 months? bigbaby, someone at work just told me about the individually wrapped talapia at walmart! nina the Grace Jerk Seasoning sounds GREAT, I love that kind of stuff. I will look for it. toni I am so jealous of you! keep us posted when you start eating again. Do you have to go back on liquids for every fill? I would like it! I think I had a good food day, I need to count it all up. I really have not been counting the calories, but sticking to the portion size and the three meals a day. Does anyone know if the focus on Protein in the beginning is because we are on liquids and after we are on all foods we should eat protein because it fills you up more? Not really for the nutrition value and that once on total food you don't need the 60 grams as much? I am thinking it is different than bypass, where they stress protein due to deficiency. Or am I off totally???