travel_anna

I, too, was told to not use and/or limit Ibuprofen. Occasionally, I just have to have some to get rid of a headache or knee pain. One of the people in clinic told me that using the liquid gels are better because they get absorbed faster and break down faster so they are less likely to get stuck and cause a problem.

I just replied to a question just like this on the general forum. I had my first stuck experience last week, and originally, just thought I'd try to "eat through it", really focusing on small bites and chewing. Unfortunately, it just lead to 2 more time of food getting stuck and me having to throw up. I'm sure it was from inflammation and swelling in the stomach and at the band site from the original thing that got stuck. Anyway, I ended up doing liquids for 24hrs (soups, protein shakes, yogurt) and then soft foods for 24hrs and since then I haven't had a problem.

I had my first pb last week - I was working a 36 hr shift didn't have access to protein shakes or soups (mostly because I didn't bring any, and I have to bring everything I want to eat). Anyway, I tried to "push through" and just focus on taking tiny bites and chewing really well. Unfortunately, that didn't go so well, and I ended up having another 2 pd episodes in the next 48hrs - likely from swelling and irritation from the first pb episode. Needless to say, once I got home, I did 24hrs of liquids (protein shakes, soups), and then another 24hrs of soft foods. Since then, I haven't had another problem.

As for looking for someone to talk to, find someone you feel comfortable with. IF the first person, or second, or third, isn't someone you can talk openly with, or they just don't give you what you are looking for, don't be afraid to try another person. A few friends of mine have gone through the process of finding a therapist, and all have said that they went through a few before finding someone they really thought fit well for them.

I don't have huge burps, but if I eat too fast, I get awful, loud hiccups. So much so, that everyone will be looking at me and wondering what I'm doing. Definitely a motivation to eat slowly, as to avoid the spotlight and have everyone in the lunchroom/conference room/restaurant looking at me.

I'm glad I stayed. I didn't have pain or any problems that I couldn't have handled overnight. But, having the IV fluids running all night really gave me a jump start with the hydration for when I went home early the next morning. My recommendation would be to stay overnight if the price is the same.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a wonderful accomplishment - you should feel so proud and excited!

CONGRATS on the first game!!! Wish I could find a team near me that was looking for girls! Anna

I had pain at the site of the port for a few weeks after surgery. Mostly, the pain was when I was trying to use my abdominal muscles to do something. I would feel the port "tweak" on the muscle - it would make me stop whatever I was doing, and then the pain immediately went away. Otherwise, by 4 days out, I was pretty much off of pain medications (Tylenol at night).

Crystal - What a remarkable change. Not only is your butt shrinking, but your stomach is too. I feel the same way about my pictures that you do about yours. I really don't notice much difference, but when I send them out to family, they all have such positive (and sometimes jealous) things to say. Why is it that we can all notice the difference in someone else before we give ourselves credit for our own accomplishments. Be proud of what you have done - HUGE change!!! Anna

I get hiccups when I am full or if I have eaten too fast. It is a sign that I need to slow down or stop eating. Otherwise, no problems.

My theme song is "A New Version of Me" and I have it at the beginning of my workout playlists on my iPod. It is the theme song for the last couple of years of Felicity (the TV show a few years back) Lyrics: Can you become Can you become A new version of you New wallpaper New shoe leather A new way home I don't remember New version of you I need a new version of me New version of you I need a new version of me

Seriously made me laugh tonight when I really needed it. I'd have to add one more condition to make it work - stop being allergic to cats!

Spaghetti strapped sun dress without the chicken fat rollover! Definitely my goal!

Alright. Last time I did this, before surgery, it was easy - I just attached the photos. For some reason, it isn't wanting to do that this time, so I've created a web gallery. The link is below. Since I haven't done it this way before, I hope it works. .Mac Web Gallery Never realized how brave you had to be to really post photos here. Anna

Hi all - I'm struggling this week since I my appetite has returned in full force and I'm not feeling much restriction, if any at all. Fortunately, I go in for a fill in 3 days (this Thursday) and honestly, I can't wait. I've attached my one month progress pics. Obviously, not much difference yet, but I can see some difference in my face. Anna *Tried to attach photos, but it didn't work - will try again...

Congrats on such a great success!

Sometimes our brain plays tricks on us. Don't listen to it! Don't sabotage all the success you have had by not getting refilled. Go and get that fill so you can continue being as successful as you have been and making progress toward your ultimate goal. And, by the way, I have loved watching your journey - truely inspirational! What a difference you have made for your life - Way to Go!!!

OK - Here's what I'm planning for rewards. I'm marking mine from my weight when I started the pre-op diet (241), not my highest (253): 10 lbs - manicure - DONE!!! 20 lbs - manicure and pedicure - SOON 30 lbs - new haircut (right now it is REALLY long, and I'm going to chop it to chin/shoulder length and donate it to Locks of Love). 50 lbs - shopping spree - hoping to just use clothes in my closet until then and really go all out. Hope to save $500 by then and really indulge. I need to eventually get down 80 - 100 lbs, but I haven't figured out the other rewards yet - hard to believe I'll make it that far when I haven't had success with other attempts. But...I'm still trying to believe. Anna

I'm worried about this week too. I am in Texas visiting family today and tomorrow, so I'm going to miss my workout class (I do circuit training 3x/week at Lifetime Fitness M/W/F). I'm almost addicted to the class now, so it hard for me to miss it.

I had to fly to Texas this past weekend. Last time I went on a plane, I was extremely uncomfortable in the seat. My hips pushed up on the armrest and although I didn't need a seat belt extender, I was too close for comfort. This time, I fit more comfortably in the seat and I wasn't even close to needing a seat belt extender. I think I'm down about 20 or so pounds from my highest weight.

Congrats on a successful surgery so far. Good luck with the rest of the recovery and getting your blood pressure and temperature back to normal.

I was approved within a week of submitting everything. Took me from November 1st to Dec 20th to do all the pre-op visits (exculding the nutritionist stuff). But, I do know that the JC had to be within the last 2 years. Nothing before that would count. Good luck with the process.

LJM - I have loved following your progress. A real inspiration to me, recently banded last week. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery - I'm so glad it is a go!!! There is nothing like a near setback to make you even more grateful to write that big 'ole check. Anna

I just had my surgery last week at Park Nicollet with Dr. Weatherille. They are completely organized and it is an easy and informational process all the way from the initial seminar to surgery. I have loved the Park Nicollet system and Dr. W and would highly recommend them. As for getting the surgery done quickly, all of the well respected programs in the twin cities have a process you have to go through including psych evals, visit with nutritionists and physical therapy, as well as a visit with the surgeon - all of this happens before you schedule your surgery date. Also, some insurance programs require 6 months of medically supervised diets...not really a "tight timeline" Good luck with your journey!