luluc

Wombat, Wombat - I'm sure I'm not a pretty site at the gym running. I'm pretty top heavy and while running today my DH suggested I duck tape the girls down or I'll hurt myself. For music, I was able (actually DH did it for me) to create a "workout" feature on my IPOD that took songs I have downloaded and lump them according to beats per minute. I'm actually surfing Itunes right now trying to find more "upbeat" songs to download - so not to be bored & to move along a lot faster than a snails pace. Happy NYR!

I think to "quantify" that would be impossible. For me anyone here longer than I would fit the bill to be honest. I don't have much of a support system other than my husband who was banded with me. We have not told anyone (his preference not mine - I'd tell everyone)..so I come here. I didn't find this forum till After I was banded and it was a lifesave the first month or two. As of late threads seem to have been hijacked with personal attacks & insults - that the good content discussed is lost. Quite frankly it's annoying. I'm a pretty forward speaking/thinking person, and when I asked questions - I wanted the honest truth. If a reply I got back was not sugar coated, I was glad (believe you've answered one or two of mine quite frank w/your response. ). I'm not going to get offended nor hurt if brutal honest answers come my way from someone who's been there done that. My motivation comes from that & hope those that gave me courage not to cheat early on & get off my A$$ & go to the gym come back to encourage me on the next phases of this process. Happy NYR All!!

I've been able to have a Vodka Martini and Wine (Red & White). While totally in moderation, and if I've worked out - I will treat myself to one of the above (Like Tonite) Lu,

Thanks Kellye, My husband LOVES avocados (me not so much), however it looks yummy enough for me to try as well.

I like Kashi Go Lean Crunch or Kelloggs Smart Start with Bordens 2% Protein Milk. Typically I throw some blueberries or strawberries in as well.

I'm in! Was at the gym today w/DH and thought while walking on the treadmill - I'm going to run. Well DH almost fell OFF his treadmill when he saw that cause I've always barked that I'd never run unless I was being chased. I LOVE it!!! Not sure what program I'm going to pick up just yet but my first try today I was able to run 6 of the 25 mins on the treadmill. Thanks for the link!!! Lulu

Shortgal, similar stats/story - My hightest was 200 (I freaked at the 2 in front) and on a good hair day I'm 5' myself. DH and I decided last Nov that we wanted to get the lapband, but after wrangling with Ins. decided to go self pay. That was a $30k nut that also cut into my PS fund - but the best decision we ever made. Counting - Older neighbors might be a help. My grandmother lives in FL along w/my Parents and to keep herself young she does some tutoring & sitting for some young families around her. I'd get out and meet some, I think you'll find this demographic very reliable and trustworthy. Good Luck! Lulu

ugh .., there is nothing ladylike about it. i burp & *poot* a lot - i call them "air farts", which is better than what they were in the beginning. i thought by 3 months out this would pass, but it seems even after each fill i'm a little gassy. i like the idea of the liquid childrens gasx, going to pick some up, thanks for that idea!!

Yep - That's what I thought. Disappointing nonetheless.

Egg Drop Soup & Hot / Sour Soup Broth were FANTASTIC during my liquid stage!...I'm not good at cold Protein shakes., so I had to find warm soups that tasted good to dump Unjury flavorless powder into.

Yes, and nothing to be concerned about. I went with the "Don't Trust the Fart Theory" for a good month. Good Luck to ya!

I realize it's Holiday Season, and some are on Vacation, I've just noticed that many of the Long Term Band Vets are noticebly gone. There have been MANY threads that seemed to have gone down a slippery slope of bashing individuals who apparently have had crossed paths in cyberworld before. Quite frankly I don't care the reason, I just miss the advise & knowlege that I got the first few weeks when I joined. I enjoy reading the threads regarding religion / politics / etc, knowing my opionions and feelings are just that, and any chance of "converting" others is not likely - but having a forum to learn others experiences you may not ever have the chance of learning about is quite entertaining/enlightening to me. With that said, I sure hope vacation ends for some soon I think some valuble individuals are sorely miss - whether I've agreed / liked what they've said in every post. Hope I don't get slammed now for mentioning this, but I'm a big girl (no pun intended). Merry NYR all!

I've read a LOT of people use & be happy with the Magic Bullet. In all honesty, I'm not so much a fan of protein shakes - and mostly used the blender to puree some soups. A protein shake here or there is all I take in. My Surgeons not too big on liquid meals - so as soon as my 3 wks post op was up, he wanted me on solids. They fill you up for longer and provide more protein than a smoothie would. I don't think you have to spend a lot to get what ya need -

Walking & a Heating Pad were the trick for me. GasX strips were so/so for me, my DH relied on Hot Pepermint Tea to settle things down and it worked well for him. Hope your feeling well soon...!!

I didn't go crazy expense wise myself for this stage - I got at Target the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender w/Travel Lid $16.99. Worked great & I still use it.

I WISH i had the band put in at 26! I didn't put on weight till after I got married, but maybe it would have kept me from doing so..no idea. If you have doubts, I would postpon till you have researched & soul searched. I knew I needed help, because the scale was going up no matter what new diet / pill I tried - and I feel healthy for the first time in 5yrs. As far as food goes, I lost my love of the P's: Pizza/Pasta/Potatos/Potato Chips - you get the idea. I was a Carbo / Salt junky, and I immediately lost the craving for all those. Realistically what I do eat now is High in Protein meals which don't make me feel like I'm missing a thing. I eat out A LOT, daily...but nobody knows I'm banded - they just think I'm eating healthy. Just about every restaurant has something on it's menu you can eat - Asian restaurants as well. I think if you invest some more time researching, you'll find more answers to your concerns - and what would be best for you. Take Care,

I was banded the same day and my husband....Right now it's a healthy competition to see who gets to goal first. So yes to your question., Right now we are in total experiment mode of "healthy cooking" & working out constantly. Not sure I would be doing as good or be motivated at all to go to the gym if not he and I on the same page.

Why 4 months for your next fill? Curious why that would be...My suggestion .., exercise, exercise - kicks the weightloss in super hyper drive.. Good Luck!!

Awesome Sue - Update in Pink ... SO CLOSE Thanks Wombat, Fellow TX'an....Celebrated w/DH *he was banded w/me* after the gym with new workout clothes. Back in Med & Large......YIPPPPEEEE~~~ Name.............S.W.........C.W........G.W......T o Go Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 226 ....... 227 ..... -1 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 158.2...... 150 ..... 8.2 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 230.6 ....... 230 ..... .6 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4...... 207.6...... 205 ..... 2.6 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 303.0 ..... 299 ..... 4 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 169 ....... 170 ..... -1 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 182.6 ..... 180 ..... 2.6 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 220........ 220 ...... 0 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 177 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz........386.........291.........286...... 5

Hi Chris, My husband and I were banded the same day (10.12.07), and as I was reading your post, my husband came to mind. We had our third fill on Wed and he made the comment that if our Surgeon was not as aggressive as some others he would be annoyed/miserable. It was explained to us this way: So long as we are losing / eating right / and exercising he will fill us every 2-4 wks (depending on how we feel). Husband thinks he's at a good place w/this fill - me I might need another, which is scheduled for Jan 23. I'd talk to your Dr. see if he will bump up your fill schedule...He just might:) Good Luck,

I made it by 4 DAYS!!!! I did not think I could budge the 3/4 pounds up and down for 2 wks, but after my third fill Wed - I dropped 5!!! I see 125 by summer, I swear I do., HA! Happy NYR all~~ Lulu Name.............S.W.........C.W........G.W......T o Go Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 226 ....... 227 ..... -1 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 158.2...... 150 ..... 8.2 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 235 ....... 230 ..... 5 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4...... 207.6...... 205 ..... 2.6 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 303.0 ..... 299 ..... 4 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 169 ....... 170 ..... -1 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 182.6 ..... 180 ..... 2.6 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 220........ 220 ...... 0 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 177 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz........386.........291.........286...... 5

Thank You - I'm one of those instant gratification persons, and I have to talk myself daily off of that tree. The weight is really starting to come off after my third fill, and I'm working out like a crazy woman. I've always hated the gym, but now I can't wait to get there each day. Thanks all for the kick when needed, Happy NYR!!!

*dear* DH's First Wife, I really hope it was worth it to you. You choose to involve your babies in your divorce, talking to them when you should have had a friend to discuss adult issues with - but that would require you the capacity to have/keep a friend for more than a minute. Your insecurity & inability to allow your "girls" the right of free will, to Love and Be Loved by someone other than you, will not serve you in the future, ... I hope I'm around to see that day come. I can live with what you did to me - I'm tuff & I'm strong, and I believe you will PAY in this lifetime what you did to my husband and "his" girls. The painful journey of the last few years has allowed my anger to morph into pity for you. I live with a wonderful person who is not able to be a Dad any longer - all your doing. There are millions of children of divorce that do not have the luxury you had, an Ex-husband and New wife that paid your way - gave you what you wanted (monitarily / emotionally) without question, happy/healthy kids and to be able to spend 5mins of time w/them w/OUT your interference is all we asked...but that was not possible. You never had to work another day of your life & I really WANTED to work with you, never wanted the "mom" title - but those precious girls ended up loving me, as I did with them - and it was over. Your jealousness took over and it became war. You will have to explain yourself in the future to those girls when the questions start, without a Judge / Jury / or Lawyers to hide behind. I believe we all have to answer in this lifetime or the next - shall that not happen *here* while my feet are planted on the earth...Bring your "gloves" to afterlife - You'll need them. Respectfully, Your Childrens Step Mom

I had tuna myself, but the day before I was to start soft foods *per my surgeon*. I was hungry, and according to him - I could move a day earlier onto soft/moist tuna & it was the best damn tuna I EVER had. I spent to much coin (self pay) not to call and ask what I can/can not do at any point in this process. I LUV this forum, and have gotten great advise - but I would never take the word here and make it work for me without placing a call to my Doc. My Guess, your Dr. would appreciate you calling him/her for any questions on the pre/post op diet. Good LUCK!!!

SueSue, Rimadyl is not the wonder drug some think - it's quite harmful long term. I have a 15yr old poodle (yes the yapping kind - lol) who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia & epilepsy @3 yrs old. Was put on rimadyl & phenabarbatol .. was on it for yrs. I moved to the country recently and the Vet here took him off both immediately as other complications were arising *his Opinion* due to Rimadyl use. Little guy has been doing Great! (no seizures in over a yr) - Was given *Metacam* - Non-steroid anti inflammatory drug to use in place as needed & seems to be doing wonderful (might check into that med in the future). I know how meaningful dogs are, my second career is breeding Labs; of which I have 5. My little poodle & his bud a long hair Chi (14) are my "first Kids" and I fear the day they have to leave us...but know how much joy they have brought us. Best of Luck w/your lil' one... Lu