SunnyRachel

Okay... I can suck it up. I just worried I was doing something wrong. I'll try to use the flat Iron as little as possible too...but if I don't, I look like Medusa! lol Thanks everybody!!!

Well, I think there is a very clear difference between people who ask because they are having a hard time too and want to find the same kind of help and the people who ask because they just want to know your business. I think if your instincts tell you that someone you encounter is just hoping to learn from your success, you will know if it's something you want to share with them or not. But then the question is... is this person going to turn around and tell everybody about your band? My whole problem with not telling my in-laws is that my mother-in-law is the kind of person who has to constantly remind you of something you do or do not eat. For example, "Oh, Don, yeah, he doesn't like lasagna," or, "David doesn't eat asparagus." So I don't want to hear every time we are together, "Oh, Rachel can't eat bread because of her band."

You know, now that you said this...I do remember losing my hair before too right after my two kids were born by C-section... The human body is an amazing and mysterious thing! lol

Thanks and big hugs to you!!!

I love my Protein shakes! That's a great suggestion. I'm not a coffee drinker, so I never would have thought of trying coffee creamer. I have tried the International Coffee's sugar free Chai Latte. That's pretty yummy too! Thanks for the tip!

Wow, thanks! Your answer is really helpful, especially since I am at four months post op. I'm laughing because I have naturally curly, usually really thick hair...to the point where I shave half of it under my upper layer in order to cut down on the bulk... but now I'm at the other end of the pool!! ha ha ha I feel a little better. Thanks!

Hi, friends! Okay...so I took all the warnings from the nutritionist about getting in the Protein. I get between 75 and 90 grams of protein a day. I take my multi-vitamin every day too. But in the past couple of weeks, my hair is just falling out all over the place... I go to condition my hair and come back with strands and strands tangled around my fingers. I have an appointment with my family doctor next week to maybe do some blood work and talk about the situation, but I thought I would ask you guys too. Has anybody else gone through this... getting the protein but losing the hair anyway? I've combed the net, but find no other tips for bandsters to prevent hair loss other than the protein intake. Thanks for your thoughts!

Yeah, I was told by my doctor the soda issue is that it could be very painful when the gas cannot escape. I have sipped a few times and found that for me, it is true. Everyone is different though...but I know I feel a lot better without the soda now -- don't miss it as much as I used to. The whole erosion topic worries me though...the fact that it is something that could happen without you realizing it. Thanks for discussing it further!

Ugh!!! I know a long commute is inconvenient, but in the long run, the right doctor for you is one that you feel comfortable with...one you can trust to talk to and one you believe is really on your side for your well-being. I hope you feel better about things soon and that you do get to your right restriction amount. **hugs**

Hi, Bella!! I wish you all the best! The first time I tried it, I didn't make it the first day on liquids. My stomach was growling so hard I thought it was going to go on strike. The second time I tried it, I made it through to Day 3. I felt so much better though after just two days on liquids. It gave me time to listen to my stomach again and clear the "head" hunger out of the way again. I lost three pounds that week and got back on track with eating healthier. I hope you will find it helpful too!!! Let us know how it goes!

Why is the Lap Band Tool any different than paying for Jenny Craig or a gym membership? Why do others somehow think it's somehow an easy or lazy way out? I wish the public was more educated on what Lab Band owners really have to adjust to in order to make their tool a success. Boooooooooooooooooo!!! Yeah, you really are just eating less. Why is that hard for people to believe? I think it's because most of them can't just do that -- eat less, so they look for a way to dismiss your ability to do it.

Hi! I hope you won't be discouraged by the lack of response to your first post. Sometimes I find that the easiest way to connect is to pop into the chat room. I have only come across very helpful people hanging out in the chat room. There are so many nice people to answer questions, so I hope you will give it another look. Welcome!

Thank you for sharing this, and I hope you continue healing. I'm really glad your friend insisted you see the doctor.

I'll be thinking of you guys having surgery tomorrow!!! I wish you all the best for a smooth procedure and an uneventful recovery!!!! My procedure was about an hour, and I had an overnight stay. One thing I didn't plan on was a surgeon who is known for running behind schedule! LOL My husband thought he could stay through the surgery, see me to my room, then drive an hour home to get the kids off the bus. Well, as soon as we got into the pre-op area, about five different staff members commented that my surgeon usually runs an hour behind...so expect to wait! It was all okay in the end, but I didn't plan on that little item. So that's just a thought for you when it comes to child care arrangements. Take care!!! Congratulations!

Happy "Birth" Day!! I hope you continue to heal smoothly and have a comfortable transition through the stages!! I wish you all the best!!

I think our ideas of what "eating too much" is can be a little off at times. I thought I was eating too much, but when I went for what I thought would be a fill, my doctor was really pleased with my loss. They gave me a form when I walked in that I did not expect, which asked me what I ate the day before. I had to carefully put down what I thought. What I thought was a lot, he thought was pretty good. He made the point that a tighter band is not always the way to go, and I didn't get a fill that day. I'm still losing though. Maybe if you kept a journal until your appointment of what you are actually eating, your doctor can help you determine if you really do need one. S/he may think you are actually right on track. Giving them an accurate picture of your day might help their objective eyes. Congratulations on your progress! It sounds like you are doing great! That's very inspiring!

Hi, Mia!! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery!! How exciting! I wish you all the best. I'm a neighbor of yours here in York, PA. Hi! Take care!

Have you pinpointed what triggers your withdrawal from others? Do you start out open-minded and then suddenly shut them out, or do you shut people out before you even get a chance to know them? Maybe sitting down and really defining where the disconnect is can help you sort out why you feel that way all of a sudden. The first part of your message said to me that you had a great self image and lots of confidence that you stopped worrying about what others thought... but then you ended your post sounding more like you are insecure that people don't want to really know you. Something happened in the middle there, and I hope that's where you will find the key to your frustration. Every day, I try to find a nice thing about each person I come in contact with. Sometimes I compliment them on it, and sometimes I just keep it to myself, but give them a smile. It helps me overcome my sometimes stubborn, "You're in my way or wasting my time" mentality that I sometimes get. (Especially when driving. LOL) It helps make some difficult people seem more human and likable. It gives me a reason to connect with them, and makes me less likely to get frustrated with them. For me, focusing on the positive in others helps bring out the positive in me. I hope I've helped you a little bit. The world is missing out on your friendship, and I hope you will find the answers you need to let them back in again. Take care!

Thanks for maintaining the sheet! Please update my current weight to 250!! Woo-hoo! I met a small goal! Everyone, you are doing great! I'm glad to be part of this group! Take care!

Congratulations on your surgery. I am glad you are already off the pain meds! I thought maybe I would share a little bit from the patient handbook I received at surgery. Maybe it can give you some ideas of how to approach things right now. "Liquids should be sipped, not gulped. It is best to have the liquids at room temperature. A minimum of 32 ounces (4 cups) per day is required to prevent dehydration. Drinking more than this amount is helpful and recommended. Aim for 64 ounces per day. Consume at least 60 grams of Protein per day." For the first couple of days it advised, "Do not drink more than 1 oz. (30 cc) at one time. Begin by drinking 1-2 oz. every 15-30 minutes." After day three or so, "Drink approximately 4-6 ounces in a 30-minute period." Staying hydrated is key, especially if you are expelling it quickly. Little sips, and hopefully it gets better for you to want to take in more. I felt this way too...didn't really want to have anything, but tried in little shots throughout the day. It took me a few days to learn how to burp again, and also a few days to fully resolve the gas from the air in my belly. I hope you continue having a smooth recovery! Take it easy, especially your mind. It's hard to relax, but relaxing does make it easier for the time to pass. **hugs**

I think so many people forget that point... this is not about this moment in time...it's about a lifetime. I like this statement. Thanks, Jaffa Steve! :tongue2:

Big hugs!!!!! Don't give up on him yet... men have a funny way of suddenly surprising you. Mine is not one to come out and pat anyone on the back, in fact, he mostly is a teaser... but then out of the blue there are little things he does that lets me know he really is proud of me. Maybe yours just doesn't know how to express it either. :tongue2: In any case, just wanted to send you some hugs. :tt2:

I had a slight bit of restriction post-op, (3cc in band at time of surgery.) After my first fill, only 1.5 cc, I noticed a big difference. This is your healing month. Like the others said, just follow your rules and be gentle to your pouch, and you will do just fine! Congratulations on your surgery!!

Congratulations on your surgery!!! I can say personally that this is the wonderful thing about the band... I am just not hungry. It's a big adjustment -- especially when you have a husband who wants you to decide what's for dinner and you reply, "I don't care. I'm not really hungry." Mine just couldn't understand that I HAVE NO APPETITE! ha ha ha I wish you lots of continued success!!! Take care!

I don't know... it just seems like there are many people in the world that are jealous of anyone making positive changes in their life, so they just sit there and wait and watch and hope you will fail. Hypothetically, (since I haven't told more than five people either) I would giggle and say, "Yes! Isn't it wonderful! I can eat this and not worry that I have eaten too much! I don't feel deprived at all, and I definitely feel better not carrying around all that guilt! Woo hoo! Yum! Yum! I'm free!!" Okay...your mileage on that one might vary depending on your personality!! ha ha ha