Rsilversea

Core--think belly region. Don't expect a flat tummy but stronger muscles there will help you stand straighter and lift objects more easily. I usually do crunches on a stability ball or use the ab machine at the gym. The trainer will help you find exercises to strengthen your core (and help you with all this alien terminology).

The gym I joined had a complimentary session with the personal trainer. She gave me several weight training machines (and free weights) to work on. Plus she measured my fat, my body age and a lot of other things (that was one fancy scale--I hope I never see it again, lol!) I work out on the elliptical trainer for cardio and I've discovered spinning. I do that three times a week and weight training two. I also have a stability ball, jump rope and small free weights at home for when I can't make it to the gym or don't feel like it. I joined SparkPeople.com and they have exercises on the website that I sometimes do. But most times I'm at the gym (I paid for it, the kid goes to the child care and I get a child-free 30 to 60 minutes--always an incentive). Check to see if your gym has a complimentary session. At the very least, they might be able to show you how to correctly use some of the equipment.

I had Tricare and I had to stay overnight. It was the best thing that could have happened. I had wonderful care and would recommend it.

I wouldn't be too concerned. If it was stuck, you'd know it by now. Just don't do it again (yeah, I know. I have a toddler too and am used to biting off a piece of his food without thinking.) Let it rest about 20 minutes and then get back on track.

What's a "bathing suit"? lol

Isopure vanilla or chocolate. They are pretty nasty if you drink them plain (I have to at least add Splenda). I use one half scoop to 8 oz milk then start adding stuff. I also like Inspire protein powders from Bariatric Eating. I love their Dutch Chocolate Cake and Apple Pie. I don't have to add anything but I do have to make sure I mix it up right (I sometimes get lumps). I bought the sample packs to try and find which ones I liked the best.

Depends what I'm hungry for that day. I use chocolate powder, peanut butter and banana. I've used fresh and frozen berries or peaches with either chocolate or vanilla and sometimes I toss in SF pudding or flavoring. It really comes down to how adventurous I'm feeling.

Reminds me of a comment my dad made to my mom once while she was making carrot pudding for Christmas. "Why don't you just slap that suet on your hips. That's where it's going to go anyways." I didn't hang around to see the end result....

Dogs are a great form of exercise, except mine who is almost 16 years old and prefers to sleep most of the day. When I do take him out, he just lumbers along at a slow pace which frustrates me. He lets me work on the computer all day but will get me up too early in the morning. Congratulations on your new dog (and have fun with them both)!

Hubby and I share meals or I get a take out box and divide my meal in half. Then I don't have to worry about my lunch the next day.

I started yoga about a month ago. I've found I'm not as flexible as I thought I was and I have little balance but the yoga is helping me. I enjoy riding my bike and have found yoga to help with my core strength (a plus when riding).

The problem with reading support boards is that the people posting (for the most part--definitely not all) are having problems and need to vent or ask advice. That's why it's a support board. For every person posting something negative, there are many more who are happy. Because they are happy, they have no need to post here (unless they are super excited about something happening to them). Don't go by what is posted here. Go to a support group. My surgeon requires every potential patient to attend at least one. My current surgeon (I moved several months after surgery) highly encourages everyone to attend support groups. Take a look at the pictures. You will see many success stories but rest assured, this is no easy task. You still have to eat right and exercise. If you have eating issues, you will have to take care of that yourself and learn how to eat right. Seeing a therapist and a nutritionist is good idea. Please don't go by what you read here. This represents only a small amount of lap band patients.

Two words--bike shorts. They save my behind (other areas). Also, check with your bike shop. They may have seat covers or some other suggestion.