ParrotheadCathy

You could take a dose of Benadryl and see if it relieves the symptoms. If so, it's definitely an allergy and you probably shouldn't use any more of that product.

You don't need a machine. Just a stair or raised fireplace hearth. Triceps press: sit on the floor with your back to the stair or hearth. Elbows out with arms bent so that your fingers curl over the edge of the stair. Cross your ankles. Then push down on your hands and lift your body. Lower, lift....you get the picture!

How much fill in what size band? When was your last fill? Give me an idea of what you eat ... say, what did you eat today? That will help me more to try to answer your question!

Well, the good news is that solid Protein will help you feel less hungry! When I transitioned to mushy foods, I was told after 7 days to start adding in "real" food. Just use common sense, and pay close attention to your body .... don't eat too much. I kept on the Protein shakes for Breakfast (as much because of the convenience as anything else) but I started adding in fish then chicken, then on to beef and pork. Just cook it in a way that maintains the moistness. One hint.....stay away from the expensive, DRY, tasteless boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Buy the breasts with the bone in and skin on. Cook it with the skin on but don't eat the skin. The skin protects the chicken from the broiler, etc. and helps to keep the meat moist. Same for the bones .... they add taste and moisture.

I have a longer time between lunch and dinner than I'd like and I swear to you, on Monday through Friday, by 6:00 pm, I start belching like I'm in a beer drinking contest, LOL. Hateful feeling, too. I can commiserate, for sure!

A friend who had the surgery after me has given me all her things that are too big. She started in a smaller size than me so some of those things are just beginning to fit and there's a lot to shink into! Another friend LOANED me some things she can't get into at the moment. I'm still having to buy some slacks because both my friends are 5-6 inches shorter than me so their slacks don't work for me....but I scored big on tops so that helps a lot.

Once I hit 62 pounds lost, I've been in a slow spot. a pound a week. Yeah, I want more but at least it's going in the right direction. In my case, I got to a weight range where I've been twice before for extended periods of time so to hit a plateau didn't shock me. But I'm trying to increase my exercise and I've been changing up my food a little. I'm seeing just a little more movement than before, so maybe I'm getting it to kick back up!

I've been lucky ... no encounters with the Diet Police. But just tell 'em! Tell them, as nicely as is warranted, that no diet that excludes a food group is healthy and that as long as you eat healthy portions, nothing is "forbidden". Now, if they're nasty about it, that's another thing entirely. Those people deserve no politeness whatsoever...so if you have do deal with that, be rude back. Wait until they're eating candy or chips and point out that they shouldn't be eating that. Seriously, take it with a grain of salt. And just keep doing what you're doing....your future hotness will just slay them.

It says this is your first post? How far post-op are you? Gas in the abdominal cavity is a very common issue for the first week or so post-op and it can be quite painful! Move around as much as you can. Walk, rock in a rocking chair, whatever keeps you in motion for as much as you can stand will help a lot. Also, if the pain radiates up into your shoulder, a heating pad can help a lot as well. If you are much farther post-op, I'm not sure what to suggest.

I think most of us are happy with our decision to be banded. It was certainly the right thing for me. Down 73 pounds, sompletely off diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol medications. I'm self-pay and my monthly payment is less than the copay for all those meds! And this payment goes away!!! You do have to make a commitment to go to your surgeon's office regularly, get your fill level to the "right" place and then maintain it. Healthy food choices. And you'll have a period of time after surgery when you can eat a lot more than you need to eat and you'll have to run on willpower for a while but each fill should get you closer to your "sweet spot" and enable your band to HELP YOU do what you need to do. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

I think Monkey is spot-on! And, remember, your PCP can help you with a psychological referral, too! Keep us posted so we know how you're doing.

Surgery on Tuesday, drove on Wednesday. But, I never took any pain meds. That would be a deciding factor, and I probably wouldn't try driving in heavy traffic the next day.....

I agree with Elcee...but don't panic about an unfill. Even something as small as .2cc can make all the difference in the world in how you feel, what you can eat, etc. CALL THE DOC and go get this addressed.

Give Bean-o a shot. It's supposed to stop digestive tract gas before it forms. I've never used it myself, but have heard others who rely on it.

My friend who had the surgery and I both had stitches inside the incisions and glue on the surface.

You might visit another gym or two. For eample, I wouldn't go in Gold's on a bet .... too many body builders. If you are going to a gym where there is a wide range of clients, there will be others there who are in your situation ... in need of imrpovement instead of just a bunch who are maintaining their looks and condition.

Heidi, let me suggest that you track every little bit you put in your mouth and what time of day. First, it will be in black and white what you're eating and when. That's an eye-opener, for sure. You may realize that you are falling to temptation more at a certain time of day, for example. And that particular problem could be overcome by changing what you do during that time of day, what time you eat your meal, or something else just as simple! Second, you will have a list of what things you seem to have no willpower to resist. You will probably need to just not have those items in the house, at least for a little while. Again, it may be a surprise to find that you are consistently eating a particular food more than others, all that you should be avoiding. And, just at GrReytz says, go to your doctor. You may think you don't need a fill, but it doesn't mean you don't need to be accountable for what you're doing. Talk it out with the doctor or physician's assistant. You may find you do need a small fill, who knows? And ask to meet with the nutritionist while you're there. Take your journal with you. The nutritionist may be able to help you deal with some of those food issues by suggesting replacements, different eating strategies, etc.

Quick note .... tofu doesn't have much taste of its own. It's firm, soy Protein, smooth texture...and it tastes like whatever you cook it in. My fave Mexican restaurant offers beef, chicken and tofu .... and the tofu is marinated and cooked with Mexican spices and it tastes like, you guessed it! Mexican food. I've had tofu with vegetables from Chinese and it tastes like the sauce.

There are LOTS of bandsters who run. I'm up to "wogging"...lol, walking with little spurts of jogging. I say, call your doctor to discuss what's happening. It could be nothing more than a stomach bug...or something else. Best to know. And, it's not good to be throwing up, so it's time to check in the professionals and figure out what's going on! Good luck!

It IS harder in the first, say, 3 weeks when you're still transitioning all the way back to a fully normal diet. What are you allowed now? Are you eating mushy food? Are you already to "real" food? Mushy food, let's see....I had egg drop soup. I just really chewed up the mushrooms and stuff that was in mine. Real food....Let's face it, pizza can be a little daunting. I only eat THIN crust and have no problems with that. A slice or maybe 2 at the most, though. Remember, Erin, the band is not not meant as punishment. You should be able to eat almost anything. The key is take small bites (about the size of a nickel) and chew well. Then just use good judgment when you make your choices ... like grilled instead of fried, etc.

My surgeon doesn't have you stay overnight unless there are problems. I was happier at home in my own bed, for sure. My surgeon also anchors the band in place with sutures to prevent slipping. I don't think all doctors do this, but I'm really not sure.

I agree with DanBar .... you desperately need to go to the doctor. Among other issues, you more than likely need a fill, and a fill would help you do better. Cost of food. Yeah, I know, it's not cheap. I support a family of 3. There are ways to cut your expenses. Want good quality Protein? go to www.angelfoodministries.com I don't know if it is in your state (I believe it is in 34 states). It is church operated, but is a co-op basically. You can buy foods for what is approaching wholesale cost. You do not have to qualify financially, anybody can take advantage of this because it increases their buying power. They have what they call a "signature box", assorted specialty meats boxes and a really good fruit and vegetable box. Check it out. Steak, chops, chicken, quite an assortment. Then, follow Plain's advice....cook several meals at once. When I cook on my grill, especially, I will cook ahead....then it only has to be re-heated. Jachut mentions whole oatmeal...here in the States, look for packages that say "steel cut". These are whole oats. Time for exercise? Again, Plain made a good suggestion ... park at the far end of the parking lot, on the top level of the parking deck, use the stairs instead of the elevator. It adds up. Get a bicycle and RIDE THE BIKE to school if you can. And, JOURNAL what you eat...every bite. Only you are going to see your journal so please be honest with yourself. Track what you eat and at what time you eat it. You will see a pattern emerge. Are you snacking while you're studying? Then study at the library. Are you eating crap for Breakfast? Then plan a healthy breakfast. I have Greek yogurt with honey and an ounce of low fat cheese. Every bit as easy as fast food but a heck of a lot healthier. There are free online food journaling options that can help you because they will also track calories for you. Lastly, keep some healthy Snacks ready to eat. Boiled eggs are pretty much all protein. Low fat cheese. Low fat cottage cheese. Fresh fruit. The list goes on and on. Good luck, and let us know how you're doing!!

The things that are working for me (I was a bit too tight for a couple of months and realized I was eating slider stuff more than regular food because, of course, sliders don't get stuck. I got a slight unfill and feel MUCH better .... 1. JOURNAL everything you put in your mouth. There are some online journals that are free that help you track calories. Aim for 1,000-1,200 per day. 2. EAT Protein first. Get in at least 20 grams of protein in a meal. 3. Don't snack. If that means throwing away some Reese cups, then do it. It's a small sacrifice. 4. If you are really hungry, DO YOU NEED A FILL? You should be able to go 4 hours or so comfortably between meals without getting hungry. 5. Get back on track with exercise. Walking after you have dinner might help prevent night-time eating? Or walking as soon as you get home and THEN prepare dinner which would postpone eating perhaps long enough to keep you from snacking later? Sometimes, it's as much WHAT you eat as WHEN you eat it that contributes to reflux. And Libby is right .... have some "ready to eat" acceptable Snacks on hand....boiled eggs, snack-sized zip bags with carrot sticks or whatever raw vegetable you like (i know somebody who likes raw turnips, LOL). When you put your lunch together to take to work, take a small afternoon snack so that do not arrive home hungry, which will keep you from grazing as you prepare dinner. A hard boiled egg would work well since it's high in protein, easy and could be eaten at your desk as you finish your day's work.

Dang, did you have a leg cut off? Just teasing. I was out a total of three days (including the day of surgery. We all heal differently, but I was fine on the 4th day to be at work. On the 3rd day, I did some grocery shopping (just didn't carry them in the house), took a pretty good walk (a couple of miles), and sat around the house, no naps. You have to listen to your body. Go back to work if you feel up to it. Go back for a couple of half days in case you get too tired. Just remember to think positively, follow doctor's orders ... and listen to your body.

Nothing to confess. My insurance has a written exclusion for any weight loss surgery. When you have that, there is no way in hell to get them to cover it, period. I knew before I ever even talked to my PCP about lap band that it was out of my pocket.