Band_Groupie

We’re off tomorrow :driving:for the holiday to DH-Mr.SA’s Family. I’ve been finding myself saying goodbye to certain foods already (does anyone else do that?)…strange since I’m still 6 mo. from the band. It’s mainly those items I don’t get often, like this past weekend at my parent’s house we were celebrating early Christmas…I found myself relishing Mom’s :drool:homemade pumpkin roll and her strawberry salad (she only makes once a year). Now I’m already looking forward to, and mourning the future loss of,:confused: the stuffing and pumpkin pie on Thursday. I know I’ll get tastes of things in the future, but it’s like saying goodbye to a good friend (OK, maybe a friend you thought was a good friend, but was really stabbing you in the back:sneaky:…I see it’s time to start that mindset change).:thumbup: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!

We’re off tomorrow :driving:for the holiday to DH-Mr.SA’s Family. I’ve been finding myself saying goodbye to certain foods already (does anyone else do that?)…strange since I’m still 6 mo. from the band. It’s mainly those items I don’t get often, like this past weekend at my parent’s house we were celebrating early Christmas…I found myself relishing Mom’s :drool:homemade pumpkin roll and her strawberry salad (she only makes once a year). Now I’m already looking forward to, and mourning the future loss of,:cool: the stuffing and pumpkin pie on Thursday. I know I’ll get tastes of things in the future, but it’s like saying goodbye to a good friend (OK, maybe a friend you thought was a good friend, but was really stabbing you in the back:sneaky:…I see it’s time to start that mindset change).:confused: HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!

Hey SS! What is a "shot of protein" (carmel sounds good though)? Was that for hunger or for the constipation? How was your class? No question for me about the LB over RNY. Not only the obvious- less invasive surgery, but you can stretch the restricted part and that can only be corrected with further surgery. I guess the main reason is I already know I can stick to a diet pretty well and I don't mind that it will come off more slowly than the RNY as long as I get to the same point in the future. I'm not as worried about losing the weight as in keeping it off...love that you can continue to add fills as you get thinner. I also like that if I get sick or something (like I'm 99 years old and need chemo) in the future and need more nutrition they can un-fill or even take it out. As my surgeon said, those that need RNY are those that need the weight off now (might die soon, can't wait the 5 years LB may take).

Thanks Laura...I'll take a look at Craig's List!

:driving:We had a good weekend back home with my family (once we got through the snow). It’s nice having my daughter home from college for the holiday.:thumbup: DH took my two oldest to the football game and I went shopping with the girls. We celebrated early Christmas Saturday night and it went very smoothly. My sister sent me some hilarious video’s of elves dancing to Christmas music with my families faces on the elves (you do them yourself at the Office Max website- “Elf Yourself” by JibJab) give it a try; they’re hysterical (and the elves are all skinny)!:huh2: Anyway I’d forwarded it to my sister-in-law (the true “foodie”; she can cook) and asked her yet AGAIN:sad: what I could bring for Thanksgiving (read blog "Why I won't be asked to bring dessert..."). Her response “Just bring yourselves on Turkey Day!”. :glare: I told you so:tt2:…:confused:

:driving:We had a good weekend back home with my family (once we got through the snow). It’s nice having my daughter home from college for the holiday.:confused: DH took my two oldest to the football game and I went shopping with the girls. We celebrated early Christmas Saturday night and it went very smoothly. My sister sent me some hilarious video’s of elves dancing to Christmas music with my families faces on the elves (you do them yourself at the Office Max website- “Elf Yourself” by JibJab) give it a try; they’re hysterical (and the elves are all skinny)!:huh2: Anyway I’d forwarded it to my sister-in-law (the true “foodie”; she can cook) and asked her yet AGAIN:sad: what I could bring for Thanksgiving (read blog "Why I won't be asked to bring dessert..."). Her response “Just bring yourselves on Turkey Day!”. :glare: I told you so:tt2:…:cool:

Just got home from our weekend with my family. I'm calling tomorrow to set up some appointments. How did your meeting go?

Just wanted to say I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I'm sure all will go smoothly. Let us know how you're doing when you're feeling up to it. Parents can surprise us can't they? It's good that you have support! Take care, and you're not alone. -BG

We had to fill ours out in order to get insured.

I got my first call from my “Healthwise” coach, Valerie today. (In case you haven’t read…it’s a third party co. that DH's company hires to coach those with “issues” like mine on the health survey form we have to fill out for insurance). I had to answer all those embarrassing questions first…height, weight,:cool:…after that it doesn’t matter right? Anyhoo…we start into diet and I tell her about the LB and the 6 mo. diet I’m on with my PCP. Didn’t say anything about the LB, but she loved the diet plan…start at 1600 cal. And step down 100 ea. month. She was so supportive and encouraging.:tongue2: Everything I said was immediately given positive reinforcement. I was feeling myself relax…like a day at the spa:sleep: (or what I imagine it to be like since I’ve never been to one). We talked a little about my exercise habits, etc., then we set some goals for next month’s call. She’s all about reinforcing what the PCP is doing with me. :drool: I suggested adding 10 min. to my exercise routine, she suggested 5 min….it’s all about small changes she said and being able to easily make them. More supportive discussion…la, la, la…I’m feeling like I just got a massage :tt1:(or what I imagine a massage to be like, since I’ve never had one). We set a date for next month…la, la, la…OK, that wasn’t so bad!

I got my first call from my “Healthwise” coach, Valerie today. (In case you haven’t read…it’s a third party co. that DH's company hires to coach those with “issues” like mine on the health survey form we have to fill out for insurance). I had to answer all those embarrassing questions first…height, weight,:willy_nilly:…after that it doesn’t matter right? Anyhoo…we start into diet and I tell her about the LB and the 6 mo. diet I’m on with my PCP. Didn’t say anything about the LB, but she loved the diet plan…start at 1600 cal. And step down 100 ea. month. She was so supportive and encouraging.:incazzato: Everything I said was immediately given positive reinforcement. I was feeling myself relax…like a day at the spa:sleep: (or what I imagine it to be like since I’ve never been to one). We talked a little about my exercise habits, etc., then we set some goals for next month’s call. She’s all about reinforcing what the PCP is doing with me. :cryin: I suggested adding 10 min. to my exercise routine, she suggested 5 min….it’s all about small changes she said and being able to easily make them. More supportive discussion…la, la, la…I’m feeling like I just got a massage :banghead:(or what I imagine a massage to be like, since I’ve never had one). We set a date for next month…la, la, la…OK, that wasn’t so bad!:cursing:

Hi, I don't have answers (pre LB) but wanted to suggest you copy & paste your question; under "forum" tab "post-op" (question area). You'll get LOTS more people answering there, as this blog section doesn't get as much exposure...mainly just journaling here.

Thanks Eddie & Nessa- Sounds like you don't want it right at the belt line. If you have it high (below ribs), do your ribs ever push on it when you bend (like WV was describing pants did)?

TL- Thank you for the info., you explained this very well...I hadn't heard anyone yet explain WHY it can flip. I wonder how long it takes to make it stable/scar tissue? Not sure what you mean by "adjustment"...can they just flip it back? I'm so sorry this happened to you and I'm hoping you'll have an answer soon. -BG

Can I ask where your port was located that crunches could do this (only if you want to share)? Near your ribs? I have a choice of location so I'm trying to gather opinions. Thanks!

WV- Where is your port located, if you don't mind me asking? I've been trying to get opinions since my Dr. will let me chose the place and I keep reading how people get bothered by the location. Thanks!

Are you getting enough calories and fluids? Dehydration can cause dizziness, but call your Dr. Are you still on mushies or reg. food now? Also not banded, so if you don't get a bander answer here I'd suggest you post a question in the post-op forum. 14 lbs. in 2 weeks Wow!

What's the boob job called...a "boobectomy"? Just teasing...I'm a 38 barely a C...so they'll probably disappear altogether...damn this pear shape!

Hi Nancy! Just started blogging also. Losing 1/2 yourself...cool goal...So you're keeping the "better half" right? Hope you're feeling better today!

You're an inspiration! I love happy endings (or beginnings)! Congrats!

I also went to three hospitals; first totally pushed the bypass and said it was his decision and "if you're diabetic you're going to have a hard time convincing me to give you the lap" (I'm not diabetic, but I was outta there), second gave a fair assement of each, and third was very lap band friendly-even assumed we might ALL want the lap (he said bypass is for the sickest patients because they need the weight off faster or they might not live; that I get!). I didn't end up at the hospital I thought I would either, so go elsewhere!!

Happy first day! Off the rack...nice! We have next summer to look forward to getting started on the next part of our lives! And really...the apron can go too? Really? I wonder what qualifies as an apron? Yeah! I thought I'd be sweating in spanx every summer...do they make them for swimwear Have fun tonight! ...just one of your peeps

Me too, me too! I think it's like listening to yourself on the answering machine...I just don't see/hear myself like I am. Maybe if I did I would have started this sooner. I've always remembered Mr.SA's grandmother at age 92 sitting in her wheelchair saying to my daughter "You know, I still see myself and feel inside like I did when I was 20!" Maybe that image of us at our best is what freezes in our minds...time now for the NEW best us!

So I’m making my Christmas ornaments today. I know, I know, for all of you out there in the work world you’re saying “Rough Life BG!”.:cool: I worked for a long time, so I’m there with you…and yes, I do appreciate rare days like today…snowflakes falling…holiday music playing…and I’m hot gluing ornaments (Hey, I’ve got the dishwasher and laundry going and I could get BURNED by the glue gun…it’s tough work I tell you!). :drool: (I should be packing us up for our two different trips to our families next week as Mr.SA is traveling all this week,:tongue2: but I'm not.) Actually, I copped out this year, big time…I’m using a kit :puke:(shhhh)…blasphemy for an ex Art Teacher…I just didn’t find any inspiration this year.:ack2: Understand, these ornaments/or decorations (exchange with family and my gifts for neighbors/friends) are a lot of pressure for me every year…it’s my “Martha Stewart” moment;:tt1: lots of pressure. I always create original ideas and go to great lengths to make something unique each year and now the bar is set very high for beautiful handmade gifts…antique bobbins made into a candle stick with ribbons braided through the holes and tin punched trees ontop with the candle; Hand painted plates with potpourri and candles; beautiful hanging “Kissing Balls” with mistletoe, fancy ribbons and bells; a set of wine charms with beads and different clay Christmas characters glazed and shining…:present:see, pressure. I ponder this all year and gather:driving: the perfect supplies…I’ve spent weeks on them some years, even finished making them in the summer sometimes…not this year…no time, :nonod:NO inspiration. Luckily I bought several ornament kits about 6 six years back and have kept them in my craft closet…just in case:nono:…NO WAY would I need them. But there I was last night digging them out of the closet. They are little clear round ornaments that are water filled and have different types of glitter (a snowglobe, you know). They actually have 2 halves and you twist them open and add 2 back-to-back photos:camera: and close them back up. I’m adding all kinds of ribbon and doodads to the top, but no way to disguise these as "not a kit":glare:…I know they’re lame…no Martha this year...I can feel the disappointment now. I was going through all my photos yesterday trying to find 2 photos (and the right size) of each person. I was struck by how few photos there are of me fat, but I also was struck by the ups and downs of my weight battle…160 lbs. (for the millionth time) just years ago…I remember I didn’t feel very skinny then at all…but there were the photos…no double chin…no belly. I have a hard time seeing myself as I am, at any weight, even now:blink:…I don’t feel like I look that fat, but I know I am. So this year I found my inspiration in my skinny photos…inspiration for my journey here. Too bad that doesn’t translate well into an ornament…but now I’m making one just for me…with my skinny photos...:eek:

So I’m making my Christmas ornaments today. I know, I know, for all of you out there in the work world you’re saying “Rough Life BG!”.:willy_nilly: I worked for a long time, so I’m there with you…and yes, I do appreciate rare days like today…snowflakes falling…holiday music playing…and I’m hot gluing ornaments (Hey, I’ve got the dishwasher and laundry going and I could get BURNED by the glue gun…it’s tough work I tell you!). :cryin: (I should be packing us up for our two different trips to our families next week as Mr.SA is traveling all this week,:incazzato: but I'm not.) Actually, I copped out this year, big time…I’m using a kit :puke:(shhhh)…blasphemy for an ex Art Teacher…I just didn’t find any inspiration this year.:prrr: Understand, these ornaments/or decorations (exchange with family and my gifts for neighbors/friends) are a lot of pressure for me every year…it’s my “Martha Stewart” moment;:banghead: lots of pressure. I always create original ideas and go to great lengths to make something unique each year and now the bar is set very high for beautiful handmade gifts…antique bobbins made into a candle stick with ribbons braided through the holes and tin punched trees ontop with the candle; Hand painted plates with potpourri and candles; beautiful hanging “Kissing Balls” with mistletoe, fancy ribbons and bells; a set of wine charms with beads and different clay Christmas characters glazed and shining…:present:see, pressure. I ponder this all year and gather:driving: the perfect supplies…I’ve spent weeks on them some years, even finished making them in the summer sometimes…not this year…no time, :nonod:NO inspiration. Luckily I bought several ornament kits about 6 six years back and have kept them in my craft closet…just in case:nono:…NO WAY would I need them. But there I was last night digging them out of the closet. They are little clear round ornaments that are water filled and have different types of glitter (a snowglobe, you know). They actually have 2 halves and you twist them open and add 2 back-to-back photos:camera: and close them back up. I’m adding all kinds of ribbon and doodads to the top, but no way to disguise these as "not a kit":glare:…I know they’re lame…no Martha this year...I can feel the disappointment now. I was going through all my photos yesterday trying to find 2 photos (and the right size) of each person. I was struck by how few photos there are of me fat, but I also was struck by the ups and downs of my weight battle…160 lbs. (for the millionth time) just years ago…I remember I didn’t feel very skinny then at all…but there were the photos…no double chin…no belly. I have a hard time seeing myself as I am, at any weight, even now:blink:…I don’t feel like I look that fat, but I know I am.:yikes: So this year I found my inspiration in my skinny photos…inspiration for my journey here.:cursing: Too bad that doesn’t translate well into an ornament…but now I’m making one just for me…with my skinny photos...:dita: