Patterba

Hi You are getting the best advice here.. Keep moving, at least every few hours get up and walk.. it really is the only way to move the gas (out). I feel for you for returning to work so soon. I waited five days and I was still sore (mainly in my port area). I foolishly wore pants that zipped and buttoned, and had to unzip my pants at my desk. I stood up when some one walked into my office and SURPRISE!!, my pants almost fell down (not too embarassing). So don't do that.. wear comfortable strechy waist pants if you can, and continue to walk.. You will feel better and congrats on the start of your journey. This board is wonderful, and I am so happy that I discovered it. Be well

Wow is right. that is wild. I made my whole family come and look at your xray. My daughter commented you have a good vertebral column. I hope things work out, please update us. Glad you are able to eat something again. Be well.

Wow is right. that is wild. I made my whole family come and look at your xray. My daughter commented you have a good vertebral column. I hope things work out, please update us. Glad you are able to eat something again. Be well.

Has anyone tried or had luck using some of the scar creams that are out on the market? I picked up a tube and was going to try it out, but wanted to see if anyone here has seen any improvement (mainly on the larger scar), the others are tiny.

Hi, are any of you starting to see your skin wrinkle a bit more? SIGH!! I am starting to see this mostly in my thighs, but also in my forearm area. I looks like the skin of an 80 year old. I am hoping this tightens up a bit. I have been rubbing skin firming cream on it constantly. I also am starting to get vertical lines under my chin. Am I alone or are you seeing this too...

Hi I was also banded on the 29th. I have been blogging my ups and downs. My first fill isn't until Dec.9th. Incisions are healing nicely, but still have a bit of port pain if I move too quick.

Hi Ashley, I had not restriction on measuring.. I was just instructed to get all of my Protein in for the day and not to exceed 11 grams of fat per meal. It amazes me how varied we are from doctor to doctor. You are pretty disciplines if you are only eating a 1/4 cup of food.. I guess after your fills that it becomes easier, but as freshly banded person, I can certainly take in a full cup of Soup. Be well.

Hi cjade, I am just outside of philly. I had my band done at barix in langhorne, pa. My doc is Dr. Brian Boe. He is just wonderful, and Barix was a wonderful experience for me. Good Luck

Wow.. I am right there with everyone and in fact I just wrote about this on my blog today.. So glad you guys have validated what I suspected. We will all start loosing soon.. be well.

Hang in there Savanasmama. we are here for you.. there is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement here for you to engage. Be well

Good Luck you guys and congrats on your big decision. Just remember to walk, walk, walk it will bring you much post op relief!! Let us all know how you make out!!

Hi Juliansmom, I have mix PB in my shakes but have not had it as a straight food (other than maybe a lick of the spoon). My only concern is that it tends to stick in your mouth, and you really aren't supposed to drink anything while you are eating. PB does have high fat content, but it you staywithin your diet limits, I can't see how it can hurt. my 2 cents worth.

Cograts on your new life (both of you!!!), welcome to the losers bench.. Hope you have smooth sailing till your first fill :smile2:

Thanks Guys... I really appreciate your supportive words. I waited so long to do this.. I just want to be successful. I guess I am fearful if I crack this early, what is on the horizon. New day, new me.. God Bless you all, I hope I can be there for you when you need a shoulder.. :smile2:

Somehow declaring this in writing helps resolve the overwhelming guilt I feel. Yesterday was not a bad day, however, I had no problem going off my post op diet. I have never cheated on my taxes, my husband or on my college exams; yet, it was without regard that I managed to shove a slice of spinach with feta cheese pizza into my mouth. In the end, who did I cheat? Myself!! This realization has made me think long and hard about how I view myself and this new life with the band. Please do not tell me that I am being hard on myself... this is therapeutic for me.. I need to realize that I need to put myself first... it is sometimes hard for me... as husband and kids have always been first. It is hard to change this direction, but I am working on it..

Does your husband or wife ever read your blog? If so, does that prevent you from really letting loose and let those really feelings out? I love reading everyone's blog and find it serves as a great point to let the emotions flow (and you actually burn calories as you type):thumbup: Be well

I too went through the process fairly quick. I have BCBS PPO. Went to the seminar in September, submitted info to insurance and had my pick of dates in October (selected 10/29 because of committments).

Thanks Amy, As a week 2 bandster, this was very helpful. I took the pictures, did the blog, but I did not do the measurements (I AM IN DENIAL).. I really don't want to know how large my ass is around. I want to blur through this until I can get to normal sizes. I know it is a motivator, but I am the type that tends to fixate on numbers. When on the scale I lift one foot up or lean to one side or forward to see if I can get different measurements. I know I would have my self constricted like a boa if I were going to start measuring my waist.. "Look it's 30 inches" as my face turns purple.. All in all great tips.. and thanks for sharing. Be well

Good Luck ESJ. This wonderful message board is here for you if you have any questions.. You will be just fine.. remember to walk, walk, walk to get the gas going.

So here is my question for you "at goal" bandsters: I don't know the technical name for it, but you all know that flap of fat that hangs below your belly button, and usually is the hardest to loose. Here is my question: Has anyone had the skin snap back into shape after reaching goal OR Is the only answer a tummy tucK?

I guess a bake sale to raise the funds would be out of the question>:drool:

Tracy, Good to read about alternatives. I have tried to take the shakes to the next level. Milk, choc whey Protein, 1 tbsp of creamy low fat peanutbutter, 1/3 banana and some ice. Whip that together and it really is yummy...and filling.

Congrats on your surgery. Wow, jumping right back to work, that is impressive. Don't push yourself too much, remember this is healing time.. and you will need to keep your strength... make sure you get your protein in... Keep in touch.

Interesting, I am on post op wk1 full liquid phase and I can have SF fudgsicles and SF hot cocoa. Like it has been said time and again, every program has its' differences. Be well

I can't feel my port, but then again, I am still quite bloated. I do have some pain when I get up out of a chair too quickly. RE: the medical card. I had the Realize band, but I don't think the medical card was specific to band, it was something that Barix provided to me when I was discharged. On one side it is a notice to medical providers that I am banded (with some technical blurb) and to call Barix if they have questions, on the other side there is a statement to restaurants asking if they will honor my request for smaller meal sizes or ordering from the kids menu.