serenity55

Wow! I'm glad you were able to have emergency surgery and that you didn't have any pain. Did you get another band or was your doctor able to reposition the one you have. I have a friend whose band slipped. She was rebanded, and had pretty much what you're saying you have, full liquids, which included creamy Soups, yogurt, coffee or tea, if you drink those, sugar free puddings and popcicles, Crystal lite. Hope this helps. Congratulations on getting rebanded, and good luck. . Debbie

My port was still sore when I had my first fill. My doctor said it might take some time for the soreness to go away, but it didn't hurt. I was pleasantly surprised, because I absolutely hate needles! Debbie

I don't mean to upset anyone, but if you gained 20 pounds in order to have the surgery, and you only have 60 to lose total, it sounds like you may be making the right choice for you. I wish you success, and as Leigha said, I hope you continue to visit the site. Keep us posted. Debbie.

Sue, I walk a mile when I'm on the track, but I'm up to 3.2 miles on the treadmill. It doesn't really hurt when I walk, but the places that are sore can irritate, and they're warm to the touch. I'm hoping my doctor will refer me to a cardiovascular specialist, just to be sure. Thank you very much. Debbie

I have an appointment with my primary care doctor this Tuesday. I plan to ask for a referral. I just learned from my niece that one of my sisters had a lump on her leg that the doctors tried to drain. She's not sure what the results were, but this sister died from heart failure. I have a nephew who also died from a heart attack, so, although I'm not really afraid that will be my fate, I'm going to the doctor to make sure that it isn't. I do exercise. I walk a mile on the track where I work, at least three times a week, and go on my treadmill as well. I've started getting up from my desk; I am a switchboard operator, so can't go very far. Debbie

My surgeon requires patients to go to support groups before the surgery, and it is suggested that we continue after surgery as well. At first, it seemed that the groups were mostly made up of bypass patients, so a group of bandsters, pre and post op, got together and started meeting at one person's home. The bandster who had been there longest took it up with our nutritionist and last year a once a month group for lap band patients was started, with quite a good turn-out. It's nice to have people in my area to get together with on a weekly basis; but, as someone else said, this website is an absolute must for me as far as support is concerned. Debbie

For years I have had swelling in my legs and ankles. I have a desk job and thought it was weight related. I went to my PCP a couple of weeks ago, because I thought I might have varicose veins, but she saw no varicosity. She says it's edema. There are places on my legs that are sore, and itchy, though that has improved a little. I bought some support hose at Right Aid. A friend recommended a medical supply place not far from me where they measure your legs, I suppose, for the best fit. I put my feet up when I can, and I think there is an improvement, but there is still soreness. What I'd like to know is if edema affects weight loss. Can it cause you to gain, or make it hard to take it off? Debbie

Hi MelMel, You say you're afraid of the surgery. Do you mean the actual procedure? Have you tried diets before? How successful were they? There are risks involved with everything we do, but I've found that, with the band I've lowered mine. I've been taken off one of my blood pressure meds. There are so many things that I couldn't do before that I can now. I think it's natural for you to be afraid; I was, as I'm sure many others were. I've found a tool that has helped me lose weight, and though I still have a long way to go, this is weight I know I couldn't have lost on my own. Only you can make that final choice, but for me, it has been worth all the fear I had. Keep in touch. Let us know what you decide, and the best of luck! Debbie.

I named my band Larry because of the Sit'n'sleep commercials here in California. I don't know if they are nationwide. My hairdresser's name is also Larry, and he thought it was for him! Ha! I also named my port. Debbie!

Plain, though I can't really consider myself an old timer, for the two years I've been here, I can honestly say that your not being here would be a loss. I hope all is well with you, and the heartbreak diet will soon be over, if it isn't already. Or at least, the heartbreak. Your quick wit is a gift I would certainly miss. Debbie.

Excellent idea! I know what it feels like not to have posts answered. . I have answered some, and will go looking for more unanswered posts right now! Debbie

Thank you Amy and Leigha. Amy, I'm a cookie lover, too, and that's just what I'd go for, but even if I do, it's not a whole package, just a few. And not every day, either. As you said, darn it! Leigha, I love trying on clothes that are too big for me now. It's kind of neat to feel the blouses falling off my shoulders, or pants that aren't snug the way they used to be Some days it's easier to focus on the positive, and just for today, that's where I am. Thank goodness! It's one day at a time for me. Debbie.

What foods can a bandster eat? What things are considered as treats? Apples and nuts Are all right for me, but The thing I love most are sweets. Yes I can hear some of you say, That you won't reach your goal that way. Who says that I won't? So what if I don't Get there quickly? I'll reach it some day! Debbie!

A bandster whose band was too tight, Was overtaken by fright. She could keep nothing down, Was afraid she would drown From the P B's and slime in the night! Debbie

There once was a bandster who slimed. He said, "I've done that for the last time! No more bread for me! And the reason? You see, P B ing and sliming's a crime!" Debbie

I know that my band's just a tool, But what it has done is so cool! Now that I've lost some weight, I can put on my skates, And I hope I won't look like a fool! Debbie

I once met a bandster from Lansing, Who asked if I'd like to go dancing. When I answered "yes," I would never have guessed That what he had in mind was--romancing! Debbie

To all the folks at lap band talk, Who ride bikes or treadmill, or take walks, At work, play or rest, You're all just the best! You can't erase this, it ain't chalk! Debbie

Congratulations! How are things? Do you have a surgery date? I know what it feels like to be denied and finally get approved. I fought for almost a year to get my band! I hope everything goes well, and you'll be a bandster soon! Debbie

Way to go :smile:! Welcome to band land! :laugh: Hope everything went well. Let us know when you're feeling up to it! Debbie

Canadian Girl, and ParrotheadCathy, you are perfect examples of why I love this site. Thank you both. I don't think I questioned what I was doing until the day of surgery, but that was because I was afraid of the procedure--being put to sleep. Getting banded is the best thing I could have done for myself, and though I still have a long way to go, I know the weight I have lost is weight I wouldn't have gotten rid of without the band. As someone said, I still eat junk, just much less of it--I've tried that before, and it just led to binges. I exercise at least three times a week, but if I don't I try not to beat myself up about it. Some days are better than others; I definitely have days when I eat more than I should, or make unhealthy choices. . The point is that I'm losing weight; maybe not as quickly as others, but it's coming off, and that's what matters. Good luck, and let us know how things are going for you. Debbie

One day at work, one of the plugs on the switchboard came out of the socket. I don't know how it happened, but, without thinking, I crawled under my desk and plugged it back in. It wasn't until I was sitting back in my chair--with arms--that I realized what I'd done. I used to have to think about that before I could do anything, and boy! was it uncomfortable! That same week I rode in back of a cab with two other people, and I FIT! Comfortably!! And no one else was crushed! Let's hear it for nonscale victories! Debbie

For years I have had swollen legs and ankles at the end of the day. I have a desk job, and always thought it was because of my weight. I went to my doctor a couple of weeks ago and was told that I have edema, and she suggested that I get support hose. There are places on my legs that actually feel sore. At first I thought I might have varicose veins, but she saw no varicosity. Not only are they sore, sort of bruised feeling, I guess, but they also itch sometimes. My doctor gave me a cream, and I have been using Aveeno, which seems to help with the itching, but what I didn't think to ask her was if this could effect my ability to lose weight. I'm walking at least three times a week, and that doesn't bother me. The weight resistance I do doesn't bother me, either. Does anyone have any thoughts? Debbie

At a support meeting one night, Two bandsters got in to a fight Who knows why they fought! And everyone thought, That in the head, neither was right!

A pre banded gent in Biloxi, Said, "All of this weight really sucks. See I can't move around, No love have I found, The band's bound to change all my luck, see?"