Alfie

Okay, so I'm on a modified Optifast because I have to have Gall Bladder surgery (my doctor doesn't do it together). As you can see from my ticker, I've lost some weight. I know that in the past I have not been able to keep it off, yet I am second guessing myself. I basically stay very strict with myself for 5 days during the week and do my own thing on the weekends (which doesn't feel too good afterward) and I go to the gym 5 days a week. So (please) tell me someone else has vascillated like this. This second guessing..it's driving me batty. So many emotions going on!! :cry :cool: :faint: :help: :phanvan :heh: :embarassed: :rolleyes :whoo: :huytsao :cry :omg: :paranoid :biggrin1: :guess :tired :hungry: :nervous :nervous :think

When I get banded, I'm telling everyone...that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

hi Losing, Once I get the hang of the elliptical, I am thinking of starting that stair thing. I don't know if it's the same thing you are speaking of. It looks really hard and is about 4 or 5 steps going up and I see people at the top just climbing and climbing. I get pains in my legs just watching. My son, who is about to go pro as a boxer runs up 17 flights of stairs 3 x a day 3 x a week as part of his training. Wow, I am amazed at how he can do that.

Hi Losing just me. Thanks, I feel very encouraged by your post. Currently, I am using the elliptical and the tread mill along with weight training. I think I weill step it up a notch as right now I am still getting used to the elliptical and can only do 10 minutes at a time. Thanks, Alfie

When my sons friend who is involved in physical education was allowed to look into Curves (his wife was joining), he was not impressed. However he did say "it's better than eating chocolate cake". Personally, I go there and like it very much!

Thanks Jacqui, That gives me some hope for my future flab (or disappearance of). I don't expect to look perfect but I am hoping that with work, I can improve a lot in that department. Of course I know my health will improve and already has with just a smaller weight loss. I go to the gym 5 x a week and really have a good workout so I guess only time will tell. Regards, Alfie ps I can only see that teeny picture of you, but from the looks of it, you look super.:clap2:

That's what I call the fat in my lower abdomen. I know I probably can't get rid of the entire thing, but will exercise improve it? What about these flabby looking thighs and knees? Has anyone had experience with this? With regular exercise, has it really improved? Thanks :faint:

Oh wow, yes I saw that. Also, one of the girls being massaged had her towel really low, but they only showed it for a second. I was thinking that i would hate that.

I love watching The Biggest Loser but the only criticism I have of it is why do they make the guys take off their shirts to get weighed? If they all kept their shirts on, it would be even. The girls wear the skimpy tops. I just think that this could possibly be embarrassing to some of them and it would be nice if they would be allowed to be more modest. I know I would be uncomfortable if it were me.:embarassed:

Wow, now this has me a bit nervous. Have any of you had any heart palpitations before being banded? I get them every once in a while (I'm not banded yet). I don't think people that never had them would understand what they feel like. I usually stop them by coughing too or taking deep breaths. One time, years ago, I decide I would just go with it and not cough or take a deep breath and what happened is I nearly passed out. Everything around me started to fade. It was a little scary. I've been to the heart specialist about this but he and she (i went to 2) were unable to figure out why it happens. I actually will get 1 bout which lasts about 10 seconds every couple of months.:confused:

Since I told my doctor that I have had gall bladder issues in the past, he is removing it sometime this month. He does not do the gall bladder surgery at the same time as lapband. There are conflicting opinions if they should be done together. That would be nice, but since my doctor doesn't do it that way, I have to get my gall bladder out soon.

Hi Princess, Is NY Hosptial Queens the old Booth Memorial? Nice to meet you! Regards, Alfie

I know this sounds kind of weird, but the thing that most bothers me about getting the lapband is the chew, chew, chew. I've been trying to do this now and it seems hard to me. Is this something that you get used to and does it come naturally? The idea of what everyone calls a PB is terrifying to me too. :help::help::help::help: Can anyone give me some insight? Regards, Alfie

Hi, Im still in the beginning stages, but from what my doctor has told me, it's pretty quick. I guess it depends on how long your psych will take to send a report. I would call him and ask. All the best to you. Regards, Alfie

Hi Rollo, You went through so much as a child... and in the formative years when things really stick with you. I wasn't in your situation but we did not have much money. We were not allowed to eat anything in between meals and at meals we had to eat so that there was some for everyone. I, too, found that when I was able to eat what I wanted, I was overeating. I do believe that in some way this comes from my childhood and am now learning to eat in the right way (I am not yet banded).

HUH, I never heard of that before. I agree with you. You're grown and it's not as if someone has to help you home or anything like when you have surgery. I would call and ask why and also explain that this is a private affair for you right now.

I go to curves on Tuesday and Thursday. Then I go to New York Sports Club on Mon, Wed and Fri. Curves is closer to my house and a quick workout. The NYSC is an upscale gym with really great equipment. I do feel like one could 'outgrow' Curves but you can go at your own pace and really work out with the machines and on the resting stations you can get a decent cardio workout.

Hi Bill, I'm just 10 blocks from where you used to live...small world. That is so exciting about setting up the kitchen to suit your new requirements. I read about your journey on your website. I'm glad you are finally going to be able to do this. This morning I have to go back to the WLCenter to speak to one more person that was not in last Thursday due to the Jewish holiday and this afternoon I have an appt with my PCP to get my referrals for the different doctors that I need to see. Also, I wll now be on that 6 month supervised diet that Aetna requires.Someone at the WL center wanted me to 'fudge' my journal and say that I've been on Weight Watchers for the last 6 mos. I told them I won't lie; it would be so wrong. Hence, I will have to wait a bit longer. I also have to have my gall bladder taken out sometime in October. Anyway, you take care and enjoy and savor your journey into being a Bandster Regards Alfie

hi Im in Richmond Hill Queens, I don't have a date yet but I am being banded at South Nassau Communities Hospital by Dr Vohra's team. Your date will be here before you know it. All the best. Regards, Alfie

Hi Dave, You sound like you're doing great. I know you are looking forward to the mushies. There are a whole bunch of ideas on this site for mushie recipes. Regards, Alfie

Hi Mandi, I am not yet banded, but I stopped drinking Diet Pepsi about 2 weeks ago. I was very addicted to it but substituted it with Crystal light iced tea which I guess has some caffeine it it too. It must not have too much though because I was so sleepy :boredfor several days and was getting headaches :sicktoo. Well, I'm pretty much over the feeling of craving the Pepsi so thats one more thing I won't have to do as I get close to my band date (which I don't have a date yet). You'll feel better soon. Regards, Alfie

Hey thanks GR8, I saw your suggestion and just ordered this book from Amazon.com. Regards, Alfie

what exactly is this slime everyone speaks about. Is it like when your mouth fills up with salive due to nausea?

What is the actual reason that you can't drink while eating? Is it because it makes you be able to eat more? Is there any other reason?

Hi there, is your bmi over 40? It has to be over 40 or if not 35 if you have issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. If not, then the insurance wouldn't pay. Why did your doctor say he wouldn't approve it? Does he not "believe" in it? Regards, Alfie