Nina_S

Wow! I have really enjoyed reading this thread. I may get stoned for my comments but I think that for everyone that is not satisfied & are really not getting what they want they should first look closely at and listen closely to your heart and what it longs for. Set aside all of the technicalities - the possibly gay husband, the lack of being or feeling attractive, the possible medical conditions, etc, etc. What is your heart longing for... now walk towards that. True enough some things you will have to "walk away" from but know that all things work together for good. Intimacy encompasses so many things, other than sex, it is a familiarity, a knowing, a closeness, then follows the expression (a hug, a kiss, a touch, a foot massage, a back rub, etc.) My point being is that we first have to know ourselves, then love ourselves then welcome others to know us & love us, but in that order. Considering that for many, from the moment we partner with others, we are constantly evolving and our wants and needs change and vary but the foundation (being love) should remain. It is important to really know the person that we partner with. Another important point is we have to face the truth. I don't have any stories to share but I do know that I have played the ostrich act enough to know that when you come up the truth is still there. Without that love for ourselves we are found constantly making compromises until there is nothing left of us. Don't get me wrong, I know that relationships take a lot of work but no relationship should require you to compromise who YOU are or who God has intended for you to be. I don't have any solutions and my only bit of advice is to LOVE YOURSELF!!! People will either celebrate that or move right along. the intimacy is merely a token of the true love. I would like to suggest that you guys get a copy of "Lies At the Altar" by Dr. Robin Smith. Here is a synopsis of that her book/audiobook is about... Gentle voice notwithstanding, psychologist (and national television personality) Smith pulls no punches and minces no words in her heartfelt caution against the danger in believing "that you don't need what you do need." Truth is the theme here, and Smith guides listeners in how to recognize it, speak it and make it a part of the marriage. Although targeted to women who suppress themselves in order to be in a relationship, men are not left out. Smith's candid examples from her own failed marriage and those of the troubled couples she counsels ably illustrate her points. The first CD lists the top 10 lies about relationships (including "You can learn to live with the things that make you unhappy") together with their corresponding truths ("Suffering is not love"). The second CD explains how couples can make each marriage vow real. The third CD's bonus material is equally valuable: a set of 275 questions (viewable in Adobe reader) to ask before you marry. Smith succeeds admirably in taking the microscope to the myriad actions and words couples automatically do and say, and explaining how questioning them can lead to a more authentic marriage. Can I get a head start running before the stones are thrown... Nina

Leenie, Toni & Janine, Thanks for the encouragement! The exercise is the easy part for me, my struggle is with food. I'm just trading addictions. Toni - You are good! Walking on the treadmill is great for your bones and preventing osteoporosis - keep it up! Everyone here is such an inspiration to me - I can't imagine having a more wonderful support system! Nina

Hi TinaGirl! Congrats on your band date! Both you and your sister will be do great. You are both so fortunate to have each other & experience this at the same time - that support is great! The band will work for you guys - it's a tool, you make it work for you. Don't worry about the hunger or anything else, focus on how your quality of life will improve. I wish the both of you the best of luck! See ya'll in bandland!

Hi all!! Here is a shout out to all the June Bandsters!! OMG! My head is spinning, it is so hard to keep up with everyone. Jenf3, bd_pgx, KimberlyNYC, 2bhealthyagain, Adventurerider, LadyHR, FaithMD, Annie, CarlaHopeful, Cblancha9 - Congrats to all of you guys! Best of luck to you all!!! FaithMD - Congrats on your band! You have a gret idea with the prune juice & prunes. I totally forgot about the effects. I have been drinking Smooth Move herbal tea (Traditional Medicinals) & it helps. Prunes are good altenative. Thinsoon - I was banded on Jun 5th and I totally understand about the hunger. I get my first fill on Jul 11th - I am hoping that the fill makes a difference. CBM818 - The weight will come off - hang in there! Toni - Woohoo!! Hey Ms. Toni, I am happy that your fill went well. This is what I am hoping for. HottyToddy - I'm glad that you guys had safe and fun vacation!! I am having soft regular food envy - enjoy! I had my first post-op dr's visit on Friday (Jun 22) and I am down 7lbs since the surgery (Jun 5). The dr. says that I am "ahead of the game" but I look at the weightloss some of you guys are having, I may be a skeptic. So in I have lost close to 20lbs since my pre-op diet. That leaves me 50 lbs to lose to meet the dr's goal weight for me - I'll just take it one day at time. He said my scars are "cute" - they literally look like small scratches. I go back for my first fill on Jul 11th. I've decided that I am not going to get on the scale until the 11th but I have set a goal to lose at least another 7lbs by then. My blood pressure was 130/64 (without meds) - I am aiming for a better reading my next visit as well. I started back working out one week after the surgery - 45 mins on the elliptical for one week. The following week I went back to spin class (alternating with 60 min elliptical workout) and this past week I started back on circuit machines. I am being patient with weightlifting & ab work - it is a challenge. I want to wish everyone that will be banded this week the very best & happy losing for all! Salud!! Nina

Tavelgirl, That is a great response! Momma, Don't be discouraged, I think that you are doing GREAT! I don't have numbers like that. Nina

Good Luck Sonia & Bonjosie!!!:cheer2: The mixed emotions are so normal. See ya'll in bandland! Nina

Good Morning All!! Becks477 - Thank you so much for that information!! Now I have a reason to go back to my lush lifestyle. Really, what you shared was interesting & helpful. Ms. Ali's book seems like a great read! Thanks again! Toni - I surely hope that you feel better. I have had migraines and they are no fun (((feel better)))! Bigbaby is so right - you have the most inviting and warm spirit. Pippz - 37 lbs in one month!!! Phenomenal!! Believe it girl!! Isn't it amazing as you see your body change. You do have to take a moment to take it all in. Danielle - Good to hear that you are doing well. I am sure that your nutritionist will approve of you having a clear broth. Lovelibabi21 - Good luck on Saturday!! Bigsexy - Did I hear that you need some warm socks:cry. You have to know that the band is going to change your life for the better - focus on all the great reasons why considered it intially. Take it one day at a time - don't look that 40 year thing. I have found that in life with the band, everyday (almost) brings a new understanding about food, life, relationships, & well-being. Your stay will be really short in the hospital but think what a great inspiration you can be to your roommate. They'll be lucky to have you!! Good Luck soon-to-be Lil Sexy!! :clap2: Nina

Hi Pamla! Wow, the 25th is like right around the corner. I remember I had all of those same emotions. You made a good decision to stick with the band & you are smart enough to do your homework. Good luck lady! Nina

Suzzzie, Your weightloss is AMAZING! Keep it up girl! Nina

Nina S-I was thinking of doing the exact same thing with the roast, but in a crock pot, then blenderize. How did yours turn out? Was the meat in small pieces, stringy? Easy to chew? Jackie - The roast had good marbling & it cooked long enough to be really tender. When I put it in the food processor (even with the carrots & onions), the stringy parts kind stayed on top of the shredding blade but the part that was shredded was in very small pieces. Out of habit I chewed it & partly out of fear that it wouldn't agree with my new stomach but it was easy to chew. I enjoyed it - you should give it a try! Add a little au jus!!

Hi Gutierrezea! I don't know what you consider long periods but the day after my surgery I did 30 minutes (slow pace) then everyday I added more time, considering the comfort level. The walking surely helps with the gas. To answer your question, go for as long as you feel comfortable. Welcome to bandland & good luck! Nina

Musical Momma, On the food front, that's great. I haven't come across anything that didn't work well either, which is kinda scary. I cooked a beef roast for about 3 hours then put a piece of it in the food processor. I took a couple of spoons then waited for any reaction but all was well. I know what you mean about sharing your surgery with people. I have had some interesting responses/reactions. Some people ask about the weight lost but then some don't mention anything at all surrounding the surgery. Some of it maybe jealousy but I'm thinking, why weren't you jealous when I was working my *ss off & getting crappy results. Nina

Stef, I am no medical expert but my advice would be to be patient. I thought the same thing about mine but I believe that even removing them and re-taping would disrupt the healing process. It is kind of like a a cut that eventually "scabs" and you know that once the scab falls off it is healed. Nina

Pacutpatty - Good for you! I was banded on 6/5 and my numbers look NOTHING like that! You are doing really well. Missy - I am happy everything went well for you! MusicalMomma - Yay! 8.5 lbs, lucky you. On the mushies, have found that there are some things that you can't tolerate? I am so ready for the mushies. Insubordination - You are so right about the replying to posts. It is hard to keep up with everyone and read all of the posts. We are all together & in good company. Austiesky - :clap2: I'm glad you are doing good! Nina

I am newly banded (June 5th) & just got back to the gym - thank God!! Tues, Wed, & Thurs - 45 mins on elliptical (varying resistance up to 20) This 45 minutes of cardio is for the birds - bring it on! Nina

Hello Everyone!!! :wave: Lady Libra - See you didn't have to mention the hero. With every mountain, valley & hurdle you get stronger, I even surprise myself sometimes. Keep dreamin Lady! :thumb: Minty - Anxiety about the pre-op diet is normal. I just knew that I wouldn't survive it. I do mean survive - I was certain that I would be found laid out due to malnutrition. Hang in there, you have a great support group right here. Dru - Welcome!! :welcome: Congrats to all of the newly banded & good luck to those that are to be banded!!! (it's hard keeping up) Nina

Toni, Don't you LOVE sales - I live for them! Congrats on the save

Janine - Congrats on reaching the mushy stage!! Can't wait till I get there...dreaming of anything mushed.... Costco is da bomb!! Nina

Yeah....what Evaughn said....

Rita, I am sorry to hear about your hernia - I guess you are lucky that it was found before it caused any damage. Know that you have a spot reserved in Bandland. Nina

Glinda - Welcome & good luck with your band. You are amongst great company! Holliwagz - I pray to God that Mexican food is not out. It will help my sanity to have something cooked in lard & all cheesed down every once and a while . Nina

HottyToddy, Thanks for mentioning the Any Whey! I think I'll head over to GNC this evening. I can't wait till I get to the mushie stage - I have my food processor ready! I am craving steel cut oatmeal. Nina

Dawn, Maybe it was a mind thing for me but I thought the Phazyme helped but not alone. Walking is important & I also sipped warm tea. Well girlie, good luck with your banding & we'll see you back hear for the great results. Nina

(((Stephanie))) Everyday is better than the one before, believe that!! Hope you feel better! Nina

Girl, why did you say POPCORN!! Yes, I am irregular as well. I had my first movement a couple of days after I was banded but it still isn't like it was before. Nina