sandradee0124

Congratulations! I hope you continue to feel good. The gas does get better, but walking, gas x strips and slowly drinking water helps! I remember being glad I didn't go back to work the first week after work -- I didn't have to worry about being um "gassy" at work! Feel great and take care!

I hope it goes well for you! I understand your frustration with no responses to your original blog -- I agree with the previous posts. Its hard to comment on something if you haven't had experience or any exposure to the specific item. We all seem to have different experiences, victories and frustrations. Hopefully things go a bit smoother for you. I wish you all the best as you move forward!

OK -- my opinion. Do you want to ride with him? If you do, (sorry Nike) JUST DO IT. Enjoy the time together and what you guys are doing. Celebrate your successes and don't focus on what you THINK you will look like, focus on how awesome it is that he asked you, and you've come SO FAR. Its probably stress eating -- you've talked yourself into feeling bad and it affects willpower. You look fabulous! Seriously, congratulations on how much you have accomplished! Enjoy!!!

I love the pictures and the comments. I have noticed the same thing with chairs and booths. Here is a fun one -- doesn't it feel good not to have to worry about "fitting" in the booth, period?

WTG Janet! I'm glad you embraced the event and best wishes and prayers to your friend! (I'm dancing ZUMBA and WII Fit so far -- haven't come out of my shell on that one yet!). Hugs ::::::::::::

Throw the candy away. Nobody needs it anyways and the fun was the part about taking your daughter around and getting her dressed up. Talk to your doctor and nutritionist. Join livestrong.com and log your food and get some recipes. And remember -- the only person you are cheating is yourself. You went through A LOT to get to this point, with post-surgical issues as well. Keep reminding yourself of that as you get hungry. You WILL get hungry for a long time until your mind catches up to your body. You have to teach it to ignore the hunger pangs and have some healthy alternatives to eat. The first fill will only help you if you allow it to. Before then, do your research and homework and make safer, healthier decisions. The band is a tool, but its one of many you need to incorporate into your healthier lifestyle. Hugs to you and your family!

I'm glad you figured it out and can work with it accordingly. I know you will do fantastic! Keep us updated and most of all, keep smiling :-)

I've been banded for almost six months, but I had to pop in, tell you it gets A LOT better, you feel fantastic, and GO BIG RED. I lived in Omaha and Lincoln for 18 years during the TO era and never missed a home game. I wish you all the best!!!

Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family!

Hi Dad, sorry I'm late in posting this. After my second fill (both of which were very aggressive), I was on liquids for a couple days. When I started eating it too me a LONG time (like 30-45 minutes) to eat 1/2 to 1 cup of food. A lot of chewing and waiting. I admit I got stuck A LOT, but I think this was learning how to eat for me more so than before. I also had to remember not to drink 30 minutes before and 45 minutes afterwards. I hope you are doing better!

Your story has been an inspiration to me. Big kudos to you for keeping your head above water over all you have gone through. I wish you all the best with the fill and your band issues. Hugs :::::::::::::

There are many many wonderful people on this site to help, listen, support and provide experience. I personally could not have handled some of the things that came about as part of the banding process without the bloggers and forum participants. Learning that the LB is just one of the tools you need to get healthy and lose weight is a big lesson (no pun intended). Wrapping your head and heart around that will be one of the biggest steps you take. Best of luck to you!

Thank you all for the wonderful posts. My second surgery is scheduled for Monday. I appreciate your support and prayers so much!

It is very hard to believe that five months have FLOWN by since my surgery. I have had many changes in my life, health and overall self-confidence since then. First, I don't know how much weight I've lost. I don't weigh myself anymore and I haven't been to the surgeon in 2 months. I did have to go see my PCP for cataract surgery clearance, and I lost 50+ lbs since I saw her. I really measure myself against my clothes fitting, or my energy, or my ability to do something I haven't done in a long time. Many many changes: where I shop for clothes. How many things I participate in that I never had the courage for before. My energy level. I don't really get hungry or tempted to eat more or something I shouldn't. I looked back at the diet plan, and after 3 months post-surgery I don't really have any restrictions. I can't eat more than 3/4 - 1c of food 3 times a day but I try to have a protein bar if I'm working out. I drink a lot more water, very little soda or coffee, and very very little alcohol. I focus on lean protein and veggies. People I haven't seen since Christmas last year are shocked. I guess I enjoy that. I can't wait to see my mom at Thanksgiving -- I haven't seen her since before the surgery in May. Its so different than five months ago. I'm so glad I did this surgery and am so appreciative of all the support! I'm a little more than halfway there -- and enjoying every day...........

Congratulations on the 14s! So happy for you! (Send the 16s my way, will you? ) :-)

Sounds nummy! I'm glad you have progressed to this stage and are feeling good!

Congratulations! How awesome do you feel?! Happy for you :-)

Glad you are feeling good with the fill -- you have done fantastic so far (even without it)!. Keep up the great work :-)

The good news too is that you have awesome support behind you -- people on the blogs that are from Austin, a great surgery group, and of course, all of us :-). Best wishes to you for health and success!

Good luck to you! Yep, when you embrace something you go all the way with it! This type of enthusiasm and motivation will help you be as successful and have a great outlook throughout the process!

Beautiful story of how you took tragedy and turned it into an inspiration! My heart goes out to you ::::::::

I look forward to your pictures! Congratulations on your tremendous success. Needless to say -- I feel like you do -- great! Have a fantastic week.

Everybody is different. It depends on their metabolism, how much weight they have to lose, whether they exercise etc etc. One of the hardest lessons to learn on this site is not to compare yourself to anybody else. Its very tough but you need to remember to set your own goals based on your conversation with your doctor and then work toward them. Best of luck!!!

That's what the doctor is there for -- to help. Don't keep going like this as its not good for you! Take care and good luck

Thank you for updating us! I'm so glad it wasn't anything worse, and those pounds will be long gone soon. Take care and best of luck......