june09bandit

Is it a cord running across a wall?

I got a shaker bottle from GNC. I put my protein powder in it, but didn't add liquid. After I was past the security checkpoint, I went to one of the bars and they added water. Shake, add ice, and good to go!

Good luck in your journey!!! We'll all be waiting for you to post to let us know how it went!

I recommend just going to the doc and let him decide. I know first hand that if you vomit too much, they will unfill you completely and you have to start all over with the fills... which sucks. Go back to him before you get to that point. Good luck!

I took a full size pillow to use for my stomach. It helped keep the seatbelt off me on the way home as well. Don't forget slip on shoes. Also, do forget modesty - I wasn't about to even consider putting on a bra - and I didn't care! Used the pillow to cover the boobs as well. Good luck with your surgery! Will you have an overnight stay?

I took off one week per Doctor's orders. It was probably about the right amount of time. I'm glad I didn't take off any extra - all the follow up appointments for fills are using a lot of sick leave and I like to maintain a LOT Of sick leave in case of emergencies later. Good luck to you!

I have been using half lean ground beef and half ground turkey. I can't tell a difference at all from using straight ground beef. I also rinse the browned meat in very hot water to get out as much of the grease as possible.

Heather, don't be in a hurry - my doc got aggressive with one fill, I had to be emptied the next day and started all over. I've decided that I'll sneak up on that sweet spot this time. To be emptied and start over cost me a month of progress (IMO). My last fill was .3cc. I still need more, but I'm not going to let them put in too much at once again. BIG MISTAKE. Hang in there, you'll be at restriction soon.

I probably shouldn't admit this.. but I will. I went to the dermatologist last week and told her that I'd been having rashes in the skin folds, but I didn't have one right then. It takes 6 months to get in to see her, so it's unlikely I would ever have a visit with her when socalled rash was present. She documented the rash and gave me 2 prescriptions for it. I'm having the prescriptions filled today. The bad part of the story - I've never had the rash, but now I have full documentation to support me if I want to have a tummy tuck later. Am I going to go to hell for lying???:thumbup:

Becky, I can only tell you about my experience. I was banded in June. I had an accident 3 years ago and injured my knee, so I haven't exercised much since then. I can't exercise the way I should because of knee pain - so my exercise has been minimal other than regular day to day walking and cleaning, etc. I've been losing right at 5 lbs a month. I would love to be losing double that, but I keep telling myself that for the first time in 3 years, I'M NOT GAINING!!!! I have high hopes that as I lose weight, the knee pain will decrease, and then I can incorporate formal/regular exercise. So to answer your question, yes you can lose without exercise, but it will not be as quickly. Good luck to you in your new adventures!

I get unstuck by either laying down or standing up and walking - it will eventually either go down or come up. Others mention papaya enzyme - I'm going to see if I can find some today to try. Sitting makes it hurt worse. I honestly don't know why some things bother us on some days and not others. For me, if I take too big of a bite, I'm doomed. That is my biggest challenge, to remember to take small bites and chew very well. Good luck!

Welcome to the board! I think surgeon's have a special personality type. Mine is still not invested in me personally, however, his nurses are. Mine has also added an additional surgeon and a PA who seem to be more personable and more willing to talk. I think surgeons prefer to deal with us only when under anesthesia The psych will ask you all those questions when you visit them. They are the ones that try to get into your brain to see if you are making an informed decision. Good luck in your journey! I hope you can figure out what is best for YOU!

Schmack, Just try to relax and let the air go out however it chooses. My first words coming out of surgery were "I need to burp" and I've been burping since then. You are just miserable right now from the surgery, the anesthesia, and probably mourning the loss of your coping mechanism - food. Keep drinking Water to try to stay hydrated. Maybe try watered down juice or gatorade. I had diarhea for a month until I could start eating real food. It was miserable - so I know what you mean. You'll be better before you know it!

I suppose the band tightening is just one more thing to add to our lovely dispositions during cycles... Thanks for the info!

Wayne, there are a lot of us that keep it secret for many reasons. I only told very close friends - maybe 5 of them? I also had to tell my boss due to the erratic schedules I knew I may have to keep - such as the day I took off to go get filled (2.5 hours away) and then taking off the entire next day because I was overfilled and spent the whole night throwing up. Had to drive back to Tucson (2.5 hours again) to be unfilled. Had my boss not been aware, he may have questioned my behavior LOL! Feel free to shoot questions my way if you'd like. I've been banded since June 4.

I was actually just wondering if it was associated with monthly cycle. I had lots of restriction last week, then barely any this week. Things that make you go "hmmm". So should we adjust for the 1 week or the 3 weeks???

Enell sports bra - those puppies won't move!

Thank you Diamond - I think that's it! I think I've finally hit my sweet spot and I really don't have much of an appetite. I don't want to drop too low on Protein, so I was thinking those bullets may help me on the days when my appetite is low. Thanks again!

Cindy, I believe it is a matter of restriction. I felt exactly like you - could eat whatever and in whatever quantity I desired. I was barely losing at all. I was banded on June 4, 2009. I had 3 fills, then a complete unfill and had to start all over. So.. I had my last fill on 30 September. For some reason, it all kicked in last week - 2 weeks after the fill. At long last, I think I feel what everyone else has been talking about. I feel full after a few bites, and don't really have much of an appetite over all. It's such a dramatic change, I have a hard time explaining it. I think I've lost 5 pounds in those 2 weeks. Just be patient and keep seeing your doc on a regular basis. The restriction will come...

I didn't get to ride today. We had to go in search of Halloween Costumes - and other miscellaneous errands. I did lunge them last night, so tomorrow I have high hopes if it's not too hot. The plan is to ride at least 2 then give them baths for what I expect to be out last hot weekend. Keep riding, your abs will come back. I HAVE to sit the trot. My knee won't let me post. Now I have to find my industrial strength bra and I'll be back in business! Keep me posted on your progress!

Where do you buy your Protein bullets? Are there different brands? If so, what's your favorite? Thanks in advance!

I'm not gassy, but I sure am an accomplished burper! I worry at work after I eat that I'll have to look professional in front of someone - and an unexpected burp will come out.

Sounds like you may need an adjustment. I was slipping back into old habits prior to my last fill. Since that fill, overeating is not an option - one bite too much, and the pain really makes me regret it. I'm slowly learning not to EVER push past that full feeling, no matter how good it tastes. Are you due for an adjustment? Good luck!

I'm not riding as much as I'd like - but I'll blame it on fewer hours of daylight and too many hours of work! I have been lunging them some to keep the kinks out of them! One of my goals for this weekend is to get them all ridden.. Good luck to all!

What part of AZ are you in? I recommend you choose someone close to you - you will be visiting them at least once a month for at least the next 6 months. I used Dr. Schwartz in Tucson. The surgery went great - no compications, no nausea, and here's the best part - no gas pains in the shoulders! Good luck with your decision!