MUSIC MOM

Hi! I play French Horn professionally and was banded on June 24th. I did not play until after my post op appt. with my surgeon - June 30th. He said it was ok to play and I started with warmups and easy exercises for the first week and then had to get to the serious playing the week after because I had a show to play. I was not affected by the band at all! Never felt any different playing or breathing. In fact, you would never have known I had the surgery except that my black pants were loose! Go for it! You will be fine! Happy new band day! Music Mom :girl_hug:

I have mini goals along the way - no dates involved just moving the scale downward! The big goal kind of keeps me focused and determined - I must say though - going to the gym everyday is helping alot the scale move downward - I am totally exhausted when I get home but it is a good exhausted - not the tired feeling I used to get lugging my big body around! So here's to our success - keep on losing!

Thanks Long2BThin! It was a terrific day! I have never been a gym rat before but when you see the scale going down it certainly gives you the incentive to keep going back! I have made it a point to go every day and so far so good. My next goal is to lose 100 pounds by Christmas - if things keep going as they have I have no doubt I will succeed. Best wishes to you too Long - sounds like you are doing equally as well! Let's keep in touch! Music Mom

Hi Junebugs! Haven't been around much - been reading but not posting. But today is my birthday and I can't tell you what a great day it is - I never, ever thought that I would have a second chance at living - but the band has done that for me - I have lost 63 lbs as of today! (My goal was 53 because I turned 53 today - and I can't believe I did it and more!) I have joined a gym - that in itself is an amazing thing! I go everyday and have never felt better! I have alot more to lose but my determination to succeed has never been stronger. Thanks to all of you who have answered my questions and been there for support! If I can ever help or be an ear for your problems please let me know. This has truly changed my life and I can't believe it is going so well - on to my next mini goal! Enjoy the weekend - Your buddy in the band. Music Mom

I use IDS New Whey protein bullets - They are 42grams of protein in about 3 ounces. I mix them with Crystal Lite - and they are actually pretty good! I prefer the Fruit Punch and Orange - but the blue raspberry isn't bad either! You can get them at GNC or I bought them on line. Good Luck! MM

Hi! I used Dr. Nusbaum in Livingston/St. Barnabas Hospital - he is wonderful. I cannot say enough about him and his staff. Good luck with your search!

I stayed in the hospital overnight so my husband needed to take the two days off. I came home mid day and was glad he was there to help me get in and out of bed and just nice to have around.

I had surgery on 6/24 and have lost 33 lbs! I am thrilled at the results and looking forward to keeping the downslide going!

It depends on the surgeon - I was banded 6/24 and my Dr. did not require anything more than clear liquids the day before surgery.

I purchased my scale (digital and it talks!) from livingXL.com - it is the website associated with Casual Male XL - but they have great stuff for larger human beings. The scales were reasonable and there were several to choose from. Good luck! Music Mom

Hi Huggie Bear and all my fellow June bandsters! I had my first fill today and it was a snap! Not sure what I expected but it was painless and quick - my Dr. uses floroscope - you lay on the table - he tilts is until you are sort of standing and then gives a shot to numb the area - he puts in the saline - you take a big sip of what I guess is barium - he watches to see if it goes down and voila! DONE - Painless. I go to see him a month - unless I think the fill is not enough. So all is well!

Jello - sugar free fudgesicles - crystal lite lemonade - yummy!

I am not sure what restriction feels like but I do feel full after about a 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food. I have been trying to be very careful about what and how much I eat - so far so good! Keep in touch - let me know how you do at your Drs. appointment and whether you get a fill - we can compare notes! MM

Hi Charlotte! I was banded on 6/24 and yes the first two days were rough but things are sooooooo much better now! I had my post op on 6/30 - the Dr. and I chatted about how I felt, checked my incisions, discussed the stage 2 diet and beyond - I had a few questions for him and then he told me I needed to schedule my first fill! I will be going to see him on Friday, 7/11 to get my fill - I am excited and a little nervous. So far things have been going well - I am not hungry and have been trying to walk 2-3 miles everyday. My Dr. likes to see you 1 month after a fill so I guess that will be my next big weigh in! This is the first time in my life I am looking forward to stepping on the scale. Good luck to you! MM

Hi gingin! I was banded on the 24th and didn't have steri strips - I did ask the Dr. when I could go swimming - he said to give it 2 weeks. Hope this helps - I am just counting the days! It is hot here too.