jbflorida

B complex vitamins. Biotin Zinc A minoxidal solution applied topically. Still losing.....hair and weight Hope it improves with time.

shelly--such a great attitude--You are already a success! Judy-may 13 bandster

My band is named Phillip. (Fill Up) He has served me well. We have our 5 month anniversary in 2 weeks and I have lost 60. Size 12!!! More to go.... Good luck with Caligula. Let her heal first; start moving (exercise), get those fills and watch her work!

Zumba is fun fun fun! Just put that DVD on and shake what you have left. I do it in a room with about 30 ladies and we just dance and have a good time! It can be challenging at first--pace yourself. It's easy now!

I lost 13 pn the preop---2 weeks of Optifast. I am fortunate that I am retired--almost 5 years--and live in an active adult community near Tampa, FL. There are a bizillion fitness things to do. Just this AM, I went to a Weights/Power class for an hour and then did one hour of TaiChi (with some yoga thrown in). Yesterday was Zumba and the Elliptical. And last night--dancing at the club here! Although we have to make good food choices, I think Exercise is an important part of our health. 30 lbs is significant! Go for it! There's no question in my mind that if we CHOOSE it, we'll ACHIEVE it.

Hi Bandfan and my fellow May banders.... Can you believe it is 5 months? We have to keep this in mind as we plug along. Day by day, week by week, pound by pound, it adds up. Think about how we'll look and feel at our bandiversary! As of this AM, I am down....60 pounds!! I want to lose 17 more. And that may take the next 5 months, but think of the good habits we are developing. This is not a diet; this is our new life. Best Wishes to everyone....Judy 217/157/140 5/13/08 surg

As I read your post, I just KNOW that you are going to be wonderfully successful with this journey. The time will come, and soon, that you will walk with ease, slide by those desks and yes, be asked to be on a team! You didn't get to your educational level in a few months and this journey will take time and patience. You are going to wear a fabulous slinky dress under your graduation gown! I don't even know you and I am proud of you--take back your life!! Judy

Here's a reward you can give yourself: Don't have the pizza. Think of how good and proud you will feel. Don't you want that for yourself? And what happens after the band? Pizza is off limits for most of us. I haven't had pizza since April. But I've lost 60 lbs and am a size 12. That "tastes" better than any pizza. Choose YOU!

Me again. Sorry, sorry, sorry...I am NOT inferring that a headache is worse than cancer. Please forgive my failed efforts at being "funny."

It could be the pain meds..... I had vicodin when I had melanoma removed. The headache from that was worse than the cancer! (which is gone and has not returned, thank God.)

Hey! Give him a break everyone! He loves his wife and his intention came from a loving heart. So, he's human! And his wife is sensitive because she may know that she needs to be more healthy. I didn't like it when my family commented because I was sensitive about my weight, but I knew it was said from love and not malice. I wish I had had a husband that cared like you!

I only take Protein drinks after I have done strength(weight)training. I lost 57 since May.

[/url] I was banded in May and I am STILL not back to work!!!! hahahhaahahahaha-I am retired. Couldn't resist.

NO to the JUNK FOOD--NO NO NO NO!! But do try adding some calories of healthy foods. Also, I find having some red meat often bumps up my metabolism. Try mixing up the exercise. Your body has gotten comfortable. Weight training builds muscle which burns the fat. Is there a dance class you can do? exercise tape at home? The elliptical machine is a killer--gets you going. Lately I have been doing interval training on the treadmill....I walk for 4-5 minutes, run for 1-2, walk again for 4-5, run again...and so on for 30 or so minutes. And---patience and prayer. You have done wonderfully--your body needs to catch up. It WILL happen. But not if you taste junk food and the old habits start to click in. Good luck.

You have a right to be proud! Good for you. When people ask how much have you lost---say, "I've lost a 3rd grader." I have now lost a 4th grader and am aiming for a 6th grader.

Lost 13 lbs on 2 weeks of Optifast...started at 217...204 on day of surgery May 13....160 today.

Thank you for your kind words. Happy to help. Your 7 year old deserves the BEST that life has to offer. I know you would swim rivers and climb mountains to do whatever you have to for him to have a great life. And that life begins with a healthy and happy mommy. I repeat, won't it be fun to get down on the floor and play with your grandchildren one day? Picture your child, now a grown man, watching you play with the grandbabies, so grateful that you took care of yourself. As great as all this is--do it for YOU! Send me a private message if you want to talk..... "Aunt" Judy

There was a doctor 3 miles from my house that has done 50 surgeries. I went with the one 40 miles from my house who has done hundreds and hundreds. This is surgery. You want someone who knows not only how to do the procedure right---but knows (and has experience with) EXACTLY what to do if something goes WRONG. Probably nothing will go wrong. Are you willing to take that chance? I wasn't. That doctor needs to get more bands under her belt. She may be a great doc-to-be, but she needs more experience. Her "I only want to do a small amount to be more personal," is only meant to try to make you AND her feel better. Let's see if she only does a small amount 2 years from now.... I went to 7 seminars to find the doc that I just knew would be the one for me. And I have had great success and feel fine! Whatever you decide, good luck and we wish you the best! Judy

You have all the motivation you need! Your beautiful 11 year old daughter. Congrats for taking the time to do research. At my doc's seminar, he raised his hand about 3 feet from the floor and said, "here is your risk of lapband surgery." Then he raised it about 5 feet from the floor and said, "here is your risk of gastric bypass." Then he raised his hand up as far as he could over his head and said, "here is your risk if you do nothing." That was an ephipany for me. Will you cheat? Only you know you. I did not cheat. I was done with being the fat girl. The fat had cost me too much...and I'm not talking money. The fat shadowed every aspect of my life. EVERY one! My mantra was, "who am I kidding?" I could have a heart attack or stroke or get diabetes. Should I wait for that to happen and then do something--if I survive? What do you think your beloved husband would tell you? I won't tell you it is easy, I will tell you that I have NOT struggled. The surgery was more discomfort than pain (the only pain was I was a self pay). I am always prepared (grocery shopping wise) to make good choices in eating and I do exercise (which I have come to love...???who thought THAT would ever happen). I have followed the band rules, but I have experienced sliming and PB--I had to learn my limits. And yes, you do have to be aware and conscious about this new lifestyle...it is not a diet. But I was DONE with the way it was. The lapband was not suffering---I was already suffering with the weight. Going through the surgery, the hunger at times, the choice to say no to some foods---that is the REWARD. And so is how I now feel. I have gone from 217 to 160 in 4 months. No BP or Cholesterol meds. No chafing. No heavy breathing. I even run with my dog. I get lots of "You look good," to which I answer, "I FEEL good." I am proud of myself and plan to live a long life. You? Won't it be fun to one day get down on the floor and play with your grandchildren? Wishing you well, Judy

Passive-aggressive.

Laurinda--and of course, we live in FL where you can wear sleeveless almost all year round! With my arms, I may move to Minnesota! (of course, on a good windy day, I just spread my arms and aim for where I want to travel. Lift off! I am saving so much $$ on gas!) (To my Jewish sisters, my own sister calls them Hadassah Arms!)

Deb--I went to Dr. Dietrick's seminar. I was impressed with him. The drive to where he was is horrendous for me! I sent you a private email with my phone #. I will be happy to share with you all of the wonderful things about my journey! PS The only thing I have trouble is chicken and fish that is DRY!!

Molly--I started at 217 and had surgery on May 13, 2008. I have just had my 3rd fill and weighed in this AM at 161.5. I am retired and live in an active adult community, so I take advantage of exercise classes--often 2 a day! PS I like the picture of your puppies! PPS I am originally from MD (Balto and Ellicott City). Came to FL after 26 years in ATL, GA. Brandy--did you need a lift at your young age? (AH, to be 31) I do NOT, repeat NOT want to be large chested! But I guess perky would be nice. What happens if you get a lift without implants? Deb--I see that you are in Tampa. I live in Sun City Center, south of Brandon. Who is doing your surgery? I went to 7 seminars before I chose my doc (can you tell I am a former teacher who does lots of research??), so I may know yours. I would be happy to talk with you. I have had NO regrets!

I have lost some inches on my arms, but alas--I will need plastic surgery. At my age, 56--the resilency of my skin is not what it was. I would think that those aged 40 and under would have good luck with the right exercise. I am now a size 12, planning to get to an 8, so I am not that big anymore. I lift weights and do what I am supposed to do, but the extra skin is there and I've been told that PS is my only option. (And while I'm under, I want a boob lift and enhancement!!!)

I had fill #3 yesterday--I am on Clear Liquids for 48 hours. I asked about this and the doc said, that the fill "irritates" the stomach and makes it swollen (since something "new" happened). He said anything other that CLEAR liquids will stick to the opening. I am following his directions. This doc has given me gooood advice. I have gone from 217 to 161 in less than 4 months! But bottom line--ask your doc. (I wish there was ONE protocol on what to do--it would make it easier on us--wouldn't it???)