C.N.

No splenda isn't made with those nasty alcohols. I really have to watch what is in some stuff -because the alcohols - especially sorbitol causes me such trouble. C.N.

I haven't had a fill yet - probably won't get one for several more weeks. But, I have this worry that my port has moved. I feel it about 4inches above my port incision. The NP also felt it in that location on my last followup. I was sitting and she said that it feels that way in the sitting position. But, mine is like that standing. I wish I would have checked it out standing at that time. I will not be seen for 2 1/2 weeks. It's been bothering me. My question is: Is your port right around where your incision is? C.N.

Like the imagery of the sacks of potatoes. Think I will use it from now on. C.N.

Hi Bonnie and welcome. Congratulations about your upcoming surgery. Wanted to respond about several things in your post. -Liquids after preop did for me become a little difficult toward the end of the week. But, what gave me strength was knowing I was doing the right thing to let my band heal. I didn't want anything in my power to hurt recovery. -Secondly, the band is a tool. For me I was always fooling myself with "I am going to start my diet tomorrow" or "this one time won't hurt". With the band placed it is "now" and the one time might hurt. So, for me - it has been great. I am now 6 weeks out - 34 lbs. off. Can't imagine carrying 34 lbs. of fat with me. So I am grateful. Look forward to your posts.

Sugar is the Devil - is Right. What a great reply Poodles. Sugar also sets up inflammation at the cellular level. Now that I am off of it - I don't ache anymore. It is such an addiction - once off you cannot have any. I am tempted to try the L-Carnitine. Just as a preventative measure. As Poodles posted - Stevia works very well. Don't try it in oatmeal though. Has anybody else had success with L-Carnitine?

Unfortunately, I can't let my DH know. He is such a numbers person - I am afraid I would never reach an acceptable weight for him. He has this number in his head that I should weigh - for 30 years now and I never have measured up. One time before I had my son - I had reached 139 and had an anethesiologist tell me I better stop loosing weight. Well, it wasn't enough for him. 135 was the number. It has plagued me for a long time. So no I don't tell. C.N.

Utah, From what I understand the band can effect a (diapragm?) nerve and it manifests itself as left shoulder pain. I did have this pretty often up until recently - I am one month out. What seemed to help me was a heating pad over the shoulder. I sat many nights with it. Good luck. C.N.

Jen, Glad to hear that things are going better. I think so many of the thoughts are so typical of most of us. Hold on to - it does get better - within a few days -all at once you will notice your day is pretty good. I think day 6 was a turnaround day for me. Rest and take care of yourself. C.N.

I just colored mine yesterday. I am 4 weeks post-op and hadn't heard anything about not being able to.

AudrucIan Thanks for the recommedations - I will have to look into these too. Just found out I could use something several days ago. Sounds like everyone starting using it much earlier than me. Hope I haven't lost precious time. C.N.

greeneyez Thankyou for the offer of shipping the Bio-Oil. That was so kind of you. I was so surprised to see an add for Bio-Oil in a magazine the other day...so we have it now in the U.S. I will be looking for it. You are only a few days banded now 1/15/08. I hope you are starting to feel better. C.N.

AthinnerDenise Hope you are feeling better this morning and you are past that pain. I purchased some Papain enzyme for this type of thing. Haven't had to use it yet because I am just one month out and haven't been real daring yet. I don't look forward to when it happens though. Michelle- welcome. What do those people know anyway. Your feet and ankles thought it was a good idea and so did I at age 53. Frisky-haven't tried the crackers yet, but the petit toasts work for me and I understand that because the crackers are so dry they won't make a big glob in your stomach. That's why I have heard if you do try to eat bread - make sure it is toasted. C.N.

Another idea in addition to the infant feeding spoons is cocktail forks. The 3 tine ones. The other day I went an purchased some for myself and they seem to keep my bites small. C.N.

Yes it is really hard to have a full meal eating 1/2 cup. That's how much I am eating. It usually is 2oz. of protein and 2oz. of veggie. I am so not used to seeing it on my plate. But, I am satisfied with the amount. As far as the bread is concerned - I have found a product called petit toasts. They are at Fresh Market here in VA. They are like really small bread (cracker size) that are really like a cracker. They work for me. Good luck in finding out what can work for you. C.N.

Mrs. Krzyz Have you started doing situps yet. I was told I could - just listen to my body. I was band 12/12/07 also. Just wondering what others have been cleared to do. Great weight loss. You go girl. C.N.

MERRY LOSERS Dec 3 - CarolK1 parrot0927 antsmith101 Christasha Danna(sewenup1) Heavy Heartland Dec 4 - TXbandit kris102003 Sandy63 candy8360 inthecitygirl Rosie15 Dec 5 - mejr62 Chienne and her dad Brooke (medic26541) Babyblues425 Munchkin392 Dec 6 – Sghatl newlife JEN_RN Lost in LS Twilight AudricIan gg88 NewMeFrisco Dec 7 - Newblew jen hollers Meghan1983 jennypoo tomecia25 Jais Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 10 - HeatherA (tentative) Michelle28 Fanny Adams <<< NEW DATE!! EEK! Dec 11 - ::Tracy:: LinzerPA vanessa Tia Maria Gus123 krisa Dec 12 - Caramel Vicki J chatita C.N. Dec 13 - jmschnapf Anyalee Mommathang Motogrossgirly MissyDFE missmonaaz Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 - 100lbsforsale MissSac gingimop Tishbite2 grannyk girlygirlz collet Dec 18 - Mendypoo Livingthe Dream JET's MOM HHWALJ Kelly Mcgee AlysonRR Reillye HeatherA Just A Girl Frisky1 Ellisa Dec 19 - Cerrin Dandydeb Artsy ThreeDogPeople's hubby Dec 20 - Jonesy mrsjiggles (tentative) nhlapband Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 DEC 24 Dec 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS Dec 26 - Miss Polly jenncore lachica39 Palarin Tcuts gayle21 Dec 27 - jasmona1214 glitzigirl thundandlight Jazzywoman Dec 28 - The Fox imsamiam J.Discoun Cleo Mellis Jaymie72 __________________

Utah, From all the responses to your post, I guess we all can see that this IS a normal response. After years of dieting, overeating, and especially sneak eating - I can no longer fool my band. That is a good thing. We want to feel better and food is not the solution. I find having hobbies really help me. I am not exercising enough right now and really should be. But, I have had your same thoughts. Especially when I see my portion sizes. The mourning comes and goes. But, so does the positives. Like thinking my feet and ankles are thanking me for not having an additional 30 lbs to carry. I am flying next month and know I will fit better in that little seat. Gosh, I bet you are getting into some clothes you couldn't of before. Your wallet will be thanking you. Getting banded was a tough decision for me. Like you it was just one more diet. Never worked. I left the best for last. My husband is thrilled and our relationship is better. Here's to wishing you better days. I know they will come for you. C.N.

Hi Merry Losers! I have been meaning to post this question for some time now. I will be asking at my doctor's office on Wednesday also. Just can't remember all that I want to ask. I even write it down. C.N.:smile:

Jaymie, I know when I am PMS'ing my appetite is so much stronger. I feel for you - I have had days where I feel as though I am in mourning over the loss of food. Seeing what others eat (how much) and what you have on yor plate is so foreign. But we'll get it. Hang on to that terrific weight loss. This too shall pass. C.N.

Wow! One ounce is really meager. How often are used supposed to eat the one ounce? I follow a nutritional plan pretty much like Stephanie and keep to 1/2 cup per meal. I just realized that 1/2 cup doesn't always mean the same as 4 oz. Or am I confused? 29 lbs. gone / banded 12/12/07 C.N.

Hello to all of you 50's bandsters. I am 53 and I have one son who is 22. Banded 12-12-07. Still catching on myself. Seems I don't have the same amount of energy that I had preband. And - that wasn't much. How about all of you? C.N. -

I was sorry to read your post. I know how disappointed you are. Please come back and let us know how you are doing. C.N.

tmarie07, I have made a really small salad using baby spinach. I really wondered what might happen too - but my husband loves his salads and it was time I started making them again. I chewed and chewed and chewed. It takes a long time to chew things up. But, at this point - prefill - I had no problem. C.N.

Livn4Jesus, I had an arterial blood gas done. It was a typical pre-op workup. They do usually do them from the wrist. Mine went very well - I am pleased to say. But, I don't know your pain tolerance. Respiratory Therapy generally does them. I drew them myself years ago. Each patient is different. C.N.

Is there a college cafeteria handy? My son is in college and he will eat at the cafeteria on occasion. They might have cottage cheese and some other early bandster foods. I am leary of Subway. I am afraid with the meat and veggies - and starch (bread/wrap), I wouldn't chew well enough. But that is just me. The other idea I have is Carnation Instant Breakfast has just come out with ready made shakes in a bottle. You could try that. Or natural peanut butter on crackers. Good luck - I know with planning you can find some decent choices. Oh and good luck with your spring semester. C.N.