kiz

Funny you mentioned Macy's. I just spent the morning there hitting their big sale, and I think I've just about finished my shopping. Now comes the hard part, wrapping and shipping. As much as I'm not a shopper, I would really miss the festive feel of the shops and department stores at Christmastime. Sending you a little holiday cheer from across the miles!

That was a uplifting note. Just got back from a day of Christmas shopping, and I needed a pick me up! Thanks!! I'm plain ol' Scots-Irish with a splash of German.

Let me reassure you that this will pass! You have not messed up, You're in a very sensitive stage. You just had surgery, your eating habits have been turned upside down, and you're hungry. Your band is giving you very little restriction, and you've been told to limit your foods to next to mushies that slide through your band after your swelling has subsided. Before I was allowed to go to solids, I asked my NP for suggestions to get thru this stage. She let me up my food intake a bit and suggested that I have a 4th meal rather than a snack (I have 3 + snack), although still all mushies. The main thing I took from her was to stick to the stages for healing, and that it was better to add a meal than to overeat and risk healing damage or pouch stretching. I know our docs all give different advice, but I think that was very logical, and could apply to all of us. I truly think one of the keys to being successful is knowledge. Once something makes sense, it's a lot easier to stick with it.

Wow, that was a quick fix..just the way I like them! Thanks for sharing your story and following up with the resolution. So often, people don't. Not only is it a relief to know your problem was solved, but it'll help the next person to know what to do under similar circumstances.

~kiz

I noticed your note about your sticker. "Goal is 160lbs I don't know why the Ticker is saying 190". I was wondering if you set your ticker up to count how many pounds you've lost, rather than your goal weight (that is, if you mean that 160lbs is your goal weight). It looks like it's showing that you've lost 23lbs to date and your goal is to lose 190lbs. Those tickers can be darn tricky..lol

Thanks very much for letting me know you've called your doctor. I know you must be absolutely miserable. Good luck, and if you get a chance, let me know how it goes today. ~kiz

That's great Abby! Keep me updated. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. ~kiz

Hi! Congratulations on your banding!! I have the Realize band too, but the old one (9cc).

Do you go to the support group meetings at St. Mary's? I kind of slacked off during the summer because I got too busy, but I've made it a priority to go back this fall. I find them to be pretty helpful and informative.

Good luck, and keep in touch. ~Kiz

I worded that wrong. I meant our doctors have the same measurement requirements. I live in VA. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

I think the 1/2 cup containers are made by Gladware. It's the kind that you can put in the freezer or use them in the microwave and are disposable. They come in tons of sizes. I love them because they're multi-use, have lids, and are inexpensive. ~kiz

Just wanted to let you know that you can always send me a PM if you have any questions you'd rather not make public on the board. If you plan to come to next month's support group meeting, let me know, and we can try to meet up. I hope I can make it, because I missed the whole summer due to scheduling conflicts.

Hi Brenda,

Congratulations on you're very recent surgery!! How are you feeling? I hope you're able to get your liquids in and that you're not having to much pain. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions (as long as they're easy..lol)

I had my surgery just over a year ago at St. Mary's with Dr. Brengham. Best thing, health wise, I've ever done! ~Kiz

Good catch 6MIL..AOL Search (Jamie Eason's Picture)

I've been very happy with my results. Of course, I'd love to be at goal, like yesterday, but I seem to be losing at a steady rate. How are you doing? Hard to believe it's been almost six months. ~kiz

I sent you a friend request. We're both Sep banders, and it seems were having pretty similar results. I hope your next fill gets you to that "oh, so sweet spot".

Five frogs sat on a log.

Four decided to jump into the water.

How many frogs were left on the log?

.

.

.

.

FIVE....because there is a difference between deciding and doing!

Froggi, good luck with your surgery, and congratulations for being one who is DOING! ~kiz

I've already had my second fill this past Monday (at 6 cc's), and I really like where I'm at right now. I'm still able to eat normally (I can eat bread but haven't tried steak), but I'm feeling very little hunger between meals. I'm sticking to 1/2 cup up to 3/4 of food, so for now, all is well.

How are you feeling? When do you get your first fill? ~kiz

Hi nazzy, I'm sorry I'm just getting back to you, but I've been away from my computer for awhile. I wasn't sure how to add friends either, but I think I might have been able to send you a friend request. I went under my "friends" screen and chose the option for "edit friends". Hopefully, it'll work, and you can add me to your list too.

I hope all is going well for you. I have my first fill tomorrow, and so far I've lost 25 pounds!! I'm so thrilled. ~kiz

I don't mind you asking at all, nazzy. I just don't say on the board, because I really think in most ways they're equal. I chose the Realize Band because of the shape of the port and the way it's anchored to the stomach wall. Also, the "pillows" on the RB that hold the fluid were much "softer" to the touch, so I hoped down the road, I'd have less chance of erosion, and fewer chances of getting something stuck, since it seems a little more forgiving. On the other hand, some may see the "pillows" on the Lab Band as feeling more sturdy, so, in the end, it really is an individual choice.

So far I've been doing great, but I'm only a month out. Right now, including the weight loss I had during my pre-op diet (7 lbs), I'm almost down 25 lbs. I am doing about and 1 1/2 hours of cardio (broken up into two segments) per day. Although, I've lost most if not all my post-op swelling, I'm staying pretty satisfied with the meal plan I've been given by my doctor.

Good luck and don't sweat the choice too much. I don't think you can go wrong with either band, as long as you follow your doctor's orders.

kiz

Hey Debbie I just wanted to send you a note to let you know you'll be in my thoughts and prayers today. {{{hugs}}} ~Kiz

Wow, you have a long liquid and mushy food diet schedule. Although, I think my mushy diet is almost a normal diet anyway, so I don't anticipate to big of a change from going from mushy to real food. It's amazing how different these diets are.

My port is just above my waistline. I had my two week check up yesterday, and the doc said that as time goes on, and I continue to lose weight, it may move up just a bit more. Right now, what's left of the incisions feel a little sensitive at times. I feel like I'm healing pretty quickly. I think having older children, and not having to push myself too hard to soon has helped a lot in my recovery. - kiz

Sounds like you're doing fantastic! I just have some mild port area pain when I bend over or have on pants that have the waist band at the same place as the port. I was just checking my incisions today too, and they're healing nicely. Mine were glued, which is much better than staples or stitches. Did you say you're on liquids for four weeks? I got to start mushies yesterday. So far, I've ventured as far as mushed boiled egg and refried beans. I don't want to push the mushies too fast. I'm still drinking a protein shake at noon, to kick up the protein intake. How are you doing with hunger? So far, I haven't had to deal with hunger pains too much yet. I wish it would just stay like this from here on out. I really feel sorry for people who are hungry right off the bat. I've been just doing a small ten minute workout on the elliptical to keep the blood flowing. I hope to increase the intensity and time next week. So far, I've lost 14 lbs.

Thanks for the well wishes GG! How are you feeling now? Your video blogs are wonderful, and a huge help to those of us being banding after you. It's been 12 hours since I was banded, and so far, I still feel great. We will see what tomorrow brings though. Wishing you all the best, kiz

Hi Deb! I would love to keep in contact with you too. It's really great to meet someone on line that'll be having surgery the same day. :-) Kiz

Hi Nuu Lyph. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I didn't know I had a message, until I was just changing something on my profile. You're my first...lol I'd love to chat with you too. That'd be great.

~kiz