serenity55

Thank you all very much. Jodi and Heather, my stomach is definitely where I carry all my weight, though people say that I'm solid, so it's fairly evenly distributed, to them, anyway. I'm a pianist, and have always had pretty good posture, but my back bothered me more as I gained weight. Now that I'm losing it, I don't have that problem so much. Hopefully that will improve. Mel, thank you, too, for sharing what the physical therapist said. I'm going to try to remember that as my ligaments try to adjust. Interesting stuff! Debbie

Shaggs, I did finally rip off my steri strips. It didn't hurt, and I do feel much better. But I still have some scabs, I guess, where my port is, and I can still feel something that seems like swelling, I think. Yes, I'm getting hungrier now, and envious of people who can "eat normally." It's great to be able to eat mushies, but I don't want to gain any weight I've lost; it's been such a hard won battle. I did have a little pity part for myself this evening because I guess I'm still saying good-bye to my old way of life. But I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. Debbie

A pilates instructor came to one of our support group meetings. She talked about, and I'm not sure I'm saying this right, the changes that would take place with regard to the way we walk. I think it had to do with the way it (weight) was distributed, and how that changes as we lose. I've been feeling slightly off balance, I don't know how else to describe it, and was wondering if anyone else experienced anything similar. Debbie

Hello all, A woman who works with me and is waiting to get her band, has graciously opened her home for meetings for bandsters on Tuesday, March 3rd. the time will be 6:30 P.M. This will be an introductory meeting, where we talk about where we are, whether it is pre or post op, and any issues that anyone might want to share. In the future, we can choose specific topics for discussion. You may contact Ellendette, who is a member of this forum. Her cell number is (818) 512-8894 Below are directions to Marissa San Martin's home, as well as her home phone number. Anyone is welcome, not just valley folk. Hope to see you Tuesday ! And feel free to pm me as well. Marissa's Home number is (818) 859-7524 My new address is: 707 E Orange Grove Ave, Apt E Burbank, CA 91501 DIRECTIONS TO THE HOUSE (HEADING NORTH ON THE 5): North on the 5, exit Olive Street. Follow the exit to the right which puts you on Angelino Street. Go straight all the way down until you hit Seventh Street (into the neighborhood area, past San Fernando, Glenoaks and Sixth). Take a right on Orange Grove and then park where you can (anywhere in that intersection). ONCE YOU ARRIVE: It is on the Northwest Corner of Orange Grove and Seventh Streets. The second house on the left. There are a bunch of really tall trees in a line next to the drive way and a huge Water wheel out front. Follow the trees to pass through the gate. My apartment is all the way down at the end on the second floor. Up the stairs. There is only one set of stairs there DIRECTIONS TO THE HOUSE (HEADING SOUTH ON THE 5): South on the 5, exit Verdugo. At the light go LEFT and follow the curve around to the left. Continue straight on Verdugo until you hit Seventh Street (into the neighborhood area, past San Fernando, Glenoaks and Sixth). Take a right on Orange Grove and then park where you can (anywhere in that intersection). ONCE YOU ARRIVE: It is on the Northwest Corner of Orange Grove and Seventh Streets. The second house on the left. There are a bunch of really tall trees in a line next to the drive way and a huge wooden water wheel out front. Follow the trees to pass through the gate. My apartment is all the way down at the end on the second floor. Up the stairs. There is only one set of stairs there :thumbup: DIRECTIONS TO THE HOUSE (FROM ST. JOE'S): From St. Joe's: Take Alameda past Buena Vista towards the 5 Freeway forever. Pass the 5 freeway, pass San Fernando, Pass Glenoaks, go into the neighborhood area all the way til you hit Kenneth. Take a left on Kenneth. Take Kenneth for a bit passing Verdugo and Olive. The next street go Left on Orange Grove. You will then see the house as the second to last house on the right hand side, within the same block. If you hit Seventh Street, you have gone too far. Park anywhere around there. ONCE YOU ARRIVE: The House is on the Northwest Corner of Orange Grove and Seventh Streets. There are a bunch of really tall trees in a line next to the drive way and a huge wooden water wheel out front. Follow the trees to pass through the gate. My apartment is all the way down at the end on the second floor. Up the stairs. There is only one set of stairs there :thumbup: quote end

Shaggs, you couldn't be too far over on your left side. For me, it was the right. I would feel a stinging, pulling sensation, and I thought I was going to damage my port. But it's better, now. When I got my staples out, the nurse put steri strips over the incisions. They're starting to loosen. The doctor said I could just pull them off, but I don't want to. Anyone else dealing with that? Debbie

Thank you, kiz! Debbie

I also put down my glass between sips. That seemed to help, too. Good luck! Debbie

How do people put things underneath their user names? For example, John249, and underneath, Banded. (I'm using a screenreader, so it seems like it's underneath to me. thank you. Debbie

I'm almost two weeks post op, and I've been on the treadmill. I was wondering the same thing. should I wait a little longer before doing crunches and weight training? I'll call my surgeon's office tomorrow, but I'm just curious. Haven't had any problems on the treadmill. Debbie

Hi, Yes, we're still planning to have meetings. The woman who said we could have meetings at her home has just moved, and I think she's finally settled. I'm going to talk to her, and will let everyone know when the next meeting is. thanks for asking. Debbie

Yes, I think this is the time when we really struggle. No restriction. I'm not there yet, just had my staples out today, and began mushies, so I don't really have any advice. I just wanted to give you support and say that I know how hard it is, because I was getting so tired of liquids. I thought I liked the Isopure, but it takes me longer to drink that because it tastes so awful. I pour it over ice, and let it melt a little, which seems to help with the taste somewhat. You will make it! Why? Because you sound determined. Just by the fact that you say you will. Hang in there! Debbie

Hi all, EvaB and Hedostar, I will keep you in my thoughts. I feel like I could always do something like that, and am thankful that I haven't so far. I got my staples out today, and was given the go-ahead to have mushies. Mashed potatoes never tasted so good! According to the scale in my surgeon's office I'm down to 306, which means I've lost 32 pounds since October. Not really a lot, but I can really tell the difference, and I hope it keeps me motivated. Hang in there, Fabulous Febs! We can do this! Debbie

Hi all, I got my staples out today, and according to the scale in my surgeon's office, I weigh 306. I can't believe it! Shaggs, like you, I notice a lot of difference. I can go up and down stairs more easily now, I'm going much faster on the treadmill. All I have now are steri strips, and the doctor said that they will fall off naturally. My first fill is March 19. Imhopeful, congratulations! I don't blame you for having tears in your eyes. Way to go February 10th bandsters!! Debbie

Catherine, 25 pounds is nothing to sneeze at! Congratulations! I can't wait untill I'm there! good for you! Debbie

Hi there! I'm just one week post op and I would definitely do it again. The worst part for me was the waiting. I had some gas pains, but never took the prescribed pain medication, not because I'm a martyr, but because I really felt like I didn't need it. You might find yourself becoming hungry at some point either during the pre op diet, (if you have one) or the post op. I've been on full liquids, and that's also very hard. But the changes I'm already noticing are worth it all! Good luck to you, and keep asking questions! this site is fantastic! Debbie

Thank you. I'm hoping that when I see the doctor tomorrow he'll remove the staples and I can put some kind of cream on the incisions. Right now, they're still bandaged. Debbie

Anyone else have this problem? It's not a rash or anything, I think the incisions are just itching, and last night they drove me nuts! I'm glad I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow! And how is everyone? Debbie

Thank you, mzmouse. I'm going to go out tomorrow. I'ts been raining here, but I think we're going to have a reprieve. Even if we don't, I'm going out. I think it will make a difference. Spud.mama, good luck with your banding. I hope you come through with flying colors. This web site is a wonderful place to come and talk, so if you have anxieties or panic attacks, I'm sure you'll get lots of support. I'm here, too, if you want to talk. Debbie

Thank you, Valerie and Sue. It could be a combination of lots of things, I thought it might be anesthesia because that's the way I was after my hysterectomy. But it could also be the stress of not eating; I'm still on full liquids. I want these stupid staples out; I'm starting to get tired of creamy Soups and Jello and Protein shakes. But I need to focus on the fact that already there is a change in my body. My roommate, who is also my best friend, is very supportive, and someone I can lean on, and my coworkers have been wonderful. thank you both; it helps to know that I'm not the only one who cried. Debbie

Blklad, in my nutrition class I was told that women need between 50 to 70 grams of Protein, and men 70 to 90, I think. It's also my understanding that it might help to prevent hair loss, but I could be wrong about that. Debbie

Hi everyone, Today for some reason I've been feeling kind of weepy. I was listening to a musical which should have had no effect on me emotionally, or at least, I don't think so, but I suddenly found myself crying. And it just happened again. Even now I feel like I could just burst in to tears. And I had a hysterectomy six years ago, so it's not anything like that. I experienced this before then, and just wondered if anyone else has been effected post op.

My hairdresser suggested that I roll my hair up before I exercise, and/or blow it dry when I'm done. I get a wash a blow dry ever other week, and I wash it myself with Cream of Nature shampoo and conditioner in between. (Sometimes.) Debbie

Hey Joanne, I'm in Van Nuys. I know it's a long way from Long Beach. I think there are quite a few people here from southern California. If you go to the local lap band forum, and then to USA, and to California, you may find others who are in your area. I'm envious that you can sleep on your side. I haven't been able to so far, but I don't hurt at all today, and I'm not really hungry, but I know what you mean about not being able to wait until pureed food! Keep in touch! Debbie

Hi Beth, As the Beatles said, "It's getting better all the time." My gas pains have been manageable, I'm walking, and I've noticed an improvement today. I'm trying hard to drink lots of liquids, but I can't wait to have my first scrambled egg! Even the pain of moving doesn't seem so bad today. Thanks for asking! Debbie

Thank you!!