EileenTesta

I love Jillian - I could really use someone like her to kick my butt. I had someone at the gym who was just too sweet. I really need someone to motivate me to keep going. Have you seen how she stands on their legs while they are squatting against the wall. Holy Cow! that looks like it really hurts. I didn't get to watch it tonight - but I've recorded it - I hope to watch it tomorrow night! I love this show - I've learned so much about the workouts just from Bob and of course Jillian. TTFN (Ta Ta for now!)

Hi Spiffy, I had my banding done 15 weeks ago and over the past 3-4 weeks I have noticed a large amount of hair loss. my doctor checked my thyroid to see if that was causing the problem. she also wants me to have my hormones checked too. sometimes because there is so much estrogen stored in our fat cells, we are releasing some extra hormones and that could explain some of the hair loss, but either way, she thinks that this is something that will eventually stop. It's very hard to see all that hair in the shower every morning and not only has my hair been falling out, the texture of it has completely changed. it seems coarser now too. But I've been told not to worry about it. In the past when I've dieted and have had some hair loss (due to lack of protein) the biotin helped a little, but it was more of the fact that I increased my protein and calories to a normal level. I think that we both need to just relax about it for a little while and if it continues for more than 2 months longer, then we should go back to our surgeon for more testing to find out if there is something metabolically wrong that can be corrected by taking some sort of supplement or medication if necessary. Hang in there! The good news is that we are starting to look so good that no one is noticing our hair!!! LOL!:biggrin2:

Candy, just a note to let you know that I am praying for you and know that God is in control of you life right now. I'm proud of you for making the changes in your own life right now. it's so hard as a wife and mom to put ourselves first. But that's what we did by getting banded. (by the way, we were banded a day apart - I was 12/3/07). Please know that with the stresses going on in your life would have probably made the old you go straight for the food but because of the band you are losing weight instead of gaining. focus on the good in your life and be proud of your accomplishments!!! and remember - You can do all things through Christ who Strenghtens you! In Christ, Eileen

Listen, don't get discouraged yet. my insurance denied my surgery too the first time, and my doctor did a peer-to-peer review and explained my health situation to them and if they have proof that you've been dieting for years and due to your health issues with your leg and cannot exercise, their should be enough documentation to that effect, they might be okay with that. usually once a doctor gets involved, and takes the time to make the phone call, the insurance usually complies with the request. it's an expensive surgery, so they are going to do their best not to pay for it. Just don't give up hope yet. have the doctor make the phone call and if that doesn't work, call the hospital administrator where you are supposed to have the surgery done and ask them to intervene for you on your behalf. Obviously having the extra weight isn't good for your legs and if your orthopedic doctor could perhaps send a letter too, that also might help on your behalf. keep pushing!!! the squeaky wheel gets the grease!!! I'd love to hear the great news once you get approved! I'm praying for you! Eileen Testa

Having the Lap Band was the best thing I have ever done. I was banded 7 weeks ago and I have lost 27 pounds so far and I feel great. I had my first adjustment last week. I have a 4cc band and they did 1.5 cc's. So far so good! The pain and discomfort after the surgery is best described as doing 200 sit-ups. I really wouldn't call it pain. It only hurt when trying to transition from lying to sitting or vice versa. As long as I have followed my dietary directions completely, I have had no issues at all with digestion at all. I can't believe how wonderful I feel. I think it's vitally important to attend the support groups and speak to other people who have had this done as well as this thread. all the help we can get is important. All my best to you as you make you decision and if you decide to go this route, I hope that all goes well with your surgery

I am one week post op and only on full liquids and they recommend 40grams of protein at this time. eventually I will require 70-80gr daily.

sorry, message sent before I was finished typing p.s. I can't get my diet ticker to show at the bottom. any suggestions?

My doctor did explain the gas pains, but it's still nice to hear that I'm not the only one. I had surgery last monday 12/3/07. I'm really not enjoying the shakes - any suggestions? I've tried mixing them with yogurt and milk and ice, etc.. and even a little fat free chocolate syrup, but they really don't taste great. It's hard getting down 40grm of protein daily. P.S. I

Hello All Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am happy to be a part of this thread. I just had my surgery last monday (12/3/07). I prayed for several months to be sure that this was the right decision and that it was God's will. I kept reciting the verse Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." and all I could think about was that without this surgery I wasn't going to have much of a future. I don't think that God would want us to not use a surgical intervention as a means to lose weight. Well, I look forward to speaking to each of you in the coming months. I wish you all a Blessed and Joyful Christmas! May we remember the true meaning for the Season! in Christ, Eileen

my insurance denied it too. but after the peer-to-peer review it was approved. had the surgery last monday. feeling great! good luck!