danide

Congratulations Brenda! Hello to EVERYONE! I have nothing to talk about tonight, just wanted to check in with everyone else.

Thanks Brian for jumping on the transfer of threads! That means we are officially ALL Banded! WOOOOOO HOOOO! we ROCK! I don't have much to report other then Happy October and Happy Saturday! Great news on the poundage people! Hi John! Wow 1 year and 120 lbs down, thats awesome! Nice job! You can be our guide!:smile2:

Okay its October and 1 day... See everyone on the POST OP side! Thanks Brian!

Woo Hoo Wednesday! Hope everyone is good! Just a few more to get banded! :smile2: So I weighed myself yesterday... looks like no change, still 15 lbs, but Im hoping thats because "aunt flow is coming to visit soon" . But at the same time, I checked my measurements and I lost 3.5 inches off my upper waist (smallest part), 4.5 off my belly (belly button belly), 4 inches off my pouch (that nastey lower belly women get), 1/2 inch off my hips and 2 inches off my chest! Soooo even though the pounds aren't going away, seems that the blubber is still shrinking. I started at the gym again so Im hoping that will help boost the pounds. The pounds were shedding really fast before I began eating normal food... Brian- Im able to eat anything soft, meaning anything that can be mushed with a fork. But because Im not seeing pounds shed, I am going to try to do 2 or 3 meals as jello, pudding or yogart and 1 meal, some sort of soft meat/soft food. See if that helps anything.

Hi everyone. Glad to see everyone is doing pretty good. Hope those who are having some minor issues, recover quickly and feel normal soon! :yesnod: Good luck for the upcoming surgeries. WOW this month is coming to an end fast and soon we will ALL be bandsters. :sneaky: Im doing okay. Tomorrow will be 3 weeks for me... and for the most part I am pretty normal. Unfortunately I discovered that I can eat pretty much anything again. Of course I do limit myself a bit, I do chew chew chew, and I do stop when I feel full. I don't have half the restriction feeling as I did the past 2 weeks but thats to be expected with the healing process and not being swollen much. Though I do still have some swelling in my lower belly where the port is. I've avoided the scale for at least 4 days now. I am scared to get on tomorrow but I do feel that I need to. I don't really know what to think or feel. It would be nice to feel that restriction like I did initially. That would make me feel safe. Im thinking I should not weigh in tomorrow but... I should. Right? :smile:

Grace- good to know Im not the only one. Ive actually read a few other posts today that were talking about the same thing. My solution... my mom is hiding the scale from me. So I won't weigh in for 2 weeks. It sorta hurts not to keep checking but I know me... very well... and it will be best for me to stay clear of the damn scale. If I see I lose only 1 pound in a week, I will become aggrivated and ruin myself for the day... but if I stay away and see that I lost 3 or so pounds in 2 weeks, I will be more satisfied. I have a screwy mentality so like I said, for me, better to stay away. And I have to have someone else hide it from me so I won't even be tempted to look for it. Out of sight out of mind... I have been measuring myself too so I think that I will give the tape to my mother to keep away from me too. I'll do bi-weekly checks! :mad: :smile2: Annnd hopefully that will keep my sane! Congrats to the newly banded! Glad to hear so many people are doing so well! :mad:

I had my 2 week follow up yesterday and they told me I can start doing some other things- eliptical and some cardio videos but nothing strenuous for another 4 weeks. No jogging, no weights, nothing with pressure till 6 weeks post surgery. But then as someone mentioned, every doctor is different!

This is a topic thats near and dear to me lately.... I think the secret might be to ditch the scale or have someone hide it. And only allow them to give it to you bi-weekly or something. Im gonna test this theory... I am ONLY 15 days in band land and I have lost 7 lbs. (15 total since 1 week pre-op) And in theory I should be happy but Im not... I feel like it should be more even though my doctor was happy with my results thus far...I should be THRILLED since before all this, it would take me 1 month to lose 1 pound... I should just be focusing on changing my habits and lifestyle, and I know the pounds will come off when Im not paying attention... I really don't want to be a slave to the scale. My mother said she'll hide the scale for me and be the scale controller, after my boyfriend threatened to steal it and hide it indefintally.

Good Morning peeps! Pooky- Thats got to be a difficult job when having to see sad situations like the one you descibed. I'd imagine that theres a lot of differnet emotions minute to minute, patient to patient. Finding alternative outlets are gonna have to be our focus. Some ideas would be maybe exercising, talking to someone supportive, writing to release emotions and thoughts, slamming a pillow against a bed over and over. (I gotta practice what I preach) Cathy- Congrats on the hitting below 200, thats awesome! Banded- Thats awesome! Congrats on the 21 down (maybe plus some)! Just venting... I went for my 2 week follow up yesterday, they removed my stitches but apparently I still have a lot of swelling in the belly. The nurse weighed me and its the same weight its been for days now. 15 lbs down total but only 7 lbs down since surgery. I mean, I know its actually really good, especially since I had a hard time losing 3 lbs for months, but to me, I feel like it should be more. I know its ONLY been 14 days but but but... Uhhh. This is why I need to avoid the scale, cause it doesn't move fast enough for me, then I get frustraited, then I give up. Not that I am giving up, I can't and I won't BUT it puts a damper on things. :thumbdown: It makes me sad. Yeah yeah, I know... in 3 weeks 15 lbs is really something to be happy about... So why aren't I? Then the nurse tried to explain to me that 1-2 lbs really is the norm and the healthy thing so being that I had more, its really great... :thumbdown: And it didn't make me feel better that she was explaining how after the rest of the swelling goes down I will probably have more hunger and can eat more until I get a fill in 4 weeks.... Okay well, I eat when I get hungry now and its not that often but I guess because I had high expectations, I feel its too much. If I could do it I would love to eat like I did 3 days post-surgery forever... I took 3 spoons of pudding and was full..... Yeah, that feeling didn't last forever. I have to remember, this is NOT MAGIC... its a HELPFUL TOOL! Now if only I can't stop my brain from its normal ALL or NOTHING attitude, then I'd be fine. :rolleyes2: Stupid BRAIN...

Woo, back from the weekend. Hope everyone is doing great. Hope everyone with new surgeries are healing well. Those who are getting the surgery tomorrow, Good Luck! Those of us 10 days or more in... isn't great that our bodies are getting back to normal! Ohhh Grace- Congrats on the lowered blood pressure! Thats really fabulous!:smile: On my tummy to sleep, on my side... ohhh how wonderful. And I started mushies on Saturday! My doc said to wait 2 weeks but I started 3 days sooner... Oh how nice it is to chew! :thumbup: I go for my 2 week follow up tomorrow morning. I hope he agrees that I am doing pretty good. :scared2: I don't want to go there having lost 9 lbs since surgery thinking its good, but him tell me Im not doing good enough. :thumbup: BUT the other good news, now that Im healing pretty well, today I was able to do some more exercise... :wub: Not just walk! Now I hope the doctor feels that its safe enough... then I can work on losing weight faster and get tone!:thumbup:

Happy Friday everyone! Well wishes to all! Cici- Happy Birthday for tomorrow! Maxi- Im on Long Island... are you? PS. Gas X helps but walk helps more! Okay so I told myself not to get on the scale till my 2 week follow up coming Tuesday... I even promised my boyfriend because he told me it will do me more harm then good then to look often. I/We don't want me to become a slave to the scale... Well.. this was on Tuesday that we said this and... I failed. lol I looked today. I seem to be down another 2 pounds but I weighed myself 4 times and twice it said one weight and twice it said another soo.. I don't know.. won't count it till Tuesday. So I told my boyfriend and lol he said that the next time he is here he is stealing my scale. hmmm maybe thats a good idea... IDK. If the scale was right with the higher number, then I will be disappointed cause its no change from several days ago.. if its the other weight, then I will be content. STUPID SCALE.. AND WHY AM I HICCUPING SO MUCH... I fxxxing HURTS.

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is doing good! Im doing better day by day! I think Im healing pretty fast and so happy about it! Moni- Welcome! Had Enough- Yay CONGRATULATONS on the approval! What a relief. Anna- Good luck with the surgery, heal fast! As far as the dinners out, don't worry so much. You will still be able to go out with your family and friends and have the 3 course meal, just with moderation... Once you learn where your limits are you will be able to better judge when you go out. You can have a bite or two of the first course, bite or two of the second and bite or two of the third- so you wont miss out and the best news is that you will have tons of tastey left overs! :alien: OR you can save tons of money by just having the course you enjoy most and literally taste a bite of your hubbys other courses! But this is a GOOD thing, try not to think of what you will not be able to do, but what you CAN when you feel good and look good! :wub: GOOD LUCK surgery goers for today!

Wow so much to read in just 24 hours! :crying: Have I mentioned that I love this group?!? We really have a great group of people here! I cant remember everyones names but... I read about the exercise thing... I haven't gotten back onto my exercise routine yet. I just walk right now and do general house cleaning and chores that keep me moving. I am defintally not up to exercise yet. My surgeon also recommends waiting 2-3 weeks to recover before a starting light exercise. I really can't wait to start exercising again though. Then about the ice cream thing.... I'd say STAY AWAY. Ice cream is full of fat and high in calories. Even the half fat ice cream is really high in fat. Go for frozen yougart BUT make sure you get the fat free/low fat ones. Like someone else mentioned- read the calories and fat. Turkey Hill has really good frozen yogart! Again, some are higher in fat and calories and just not worth it but there are lots of options that are very low in fat- my favs are the mint cookies/cream; pom berry truffle and cookie dough... and the neopolitian is fat FREE! The chocolate and strawberry are really good- the vanilla, ehhh not so great but still good enough especially for 80 calories and no fat per serving! Sorry, I am VERY passionate about this topic because I am a frozen yogart junkie. I was all about ice cream until I discovered that frozen yogart is a much healthier choice. My thing is... If I choose, theoretically I can have 3-4 servings of frozen yogart versus 1 serving of ice cream! We all got (or getting) this surgery to make a lifestyle/health/body change! Don't waste it by having unhealthy things (like ice cream) when there is a better choice. Of course we can eat anything as long as we are aware and moderate our other meals, but why? Of course, we are all individuals and will go at different paces but my thought is, I am in it to win it... I have a goal and I fully attend to get there and stay there! No, I am not going to deprive myself of certain things, but instead of it being a regular thing, it will be my weekly/bi-weekly/monthly reward. Thats how my boyfriend is (hes very health aware and body beautiful- don't know how we are a good match but whatever lol)... Do good all week and reward yourself if you really have a craving at the end of the week... And enjoy your reward, have serving or two but not 4 or 5! Desiree- So glad to hear that you are doing better now! :smile:

Good Morning! So today is 1 week since my surgery and for those who are just getting started or still waiting, I have to say, every day really does get better! I am sleeping a little better, much much less pain (still occassional chest pain and port pain) but really so much better! :thumbup: And back to work for me this afternoon! Yayyy OMG yeah I can't believe I am yaying that. LOL Hope everyone is doing super!

Desiree1972- Any answers from the doctor? Hope you are feeling better! Hopefully its just some sort of odd thing for the first couple days and you are back to normal.

Hi Zen! Im only 6 days in so I have a long way to go still but I feel your "pain". I am probably right behind you with the feelings right now but not there so much yet... Right now I can barely eat anything- I am lucky if I get 3 liquid meals in- I guess I am that swollen. BUT I have been soo bored during this week home I WANT to eat and its sad that I can't. I mean its a blessing that I can't cause thats what caused me to get fat to begin with but I miss eating whatever I want, when I want. Like CANTB2 said, food was the enemy and now its the friend... I get that concept. Certain food can be evil but most of it is nurturing and helpful! It took a lifetime to develop bad habits, give yourself a few months to get in routine with good ones. As far a the weight loss stopped, its just cause your body it re-adjusting once again to the changes. I bet that if you can avoid the scale for 2 weeks you will see a sudden drop. This isn't the magic potion to be skinny, its the helpful too to help you get there. It took time to put on all this weight, it will take that time to lose it. As far as walking... I know its a hassel sometimes, especially when we are feeling down, but walking will help the pain as well as burn calories which in turn will help you lose weight. Maybe just focus on little steps at a time, walk in place while you watch TV, go up and down the steps 2 times before going about other things. For motivation, you need to dig deep inside mind. Set mini goals, envision your ultimate goal. Hang in there and GOOD LUCK! YOU CAN DO THIS!

Good Morning everyone and Happy Monday. Good luck to all those going into surgery today! Scarred4Life- I know its really annoying sometimes to have that "support." Sure you want them to help you stay focused and motivate you but then at the same time, they are just annoying and constantly harping! How about telling your hubby, "honey, I really love that you are so supportive and trying to help me through this but I need to do this a little more on my own. I know the rules of this and am motivated to do it, so please just give me a little space with it. I want your words of encouragement and support, I want you to help me stay motivated but constantly questioning what I put in my mouth is a little frustrating. But I really apprieciate what you are trying to do and I love you for it!"Hmm in theory it should work... in reality, i don't know! Side note- I have never wanted to go back to work more then I want to now. I sooooo just want to pull my toe nails out one by one just for sheer entertainment. I am so bored but I don't feel up to doing too much and when I do I hurt, I am tired but can't sleep cause Im uncomfortable on my back. I get sleep in spurts- I wake up every 30-40 minutes in discomfort during the night... I tried sleeping on my tummy last night, it felt okay at first but only lasted 15 minutes before it hurt. Oh how tomorrow can't come fast enough! WORK here I COME! And the sad part is that I technically only work part time. Part time hours but I have 26 clients. I have never wanted to exercise so badly too, but the best I can do is a little walking. Ohhh PLEASE heal fast and get back to normal!:thumbup:

ohhhh mmmyyyyy... 2 surgeries back to back!?! :thumbup: That sux but good for you for being so motivated and determined... and taking care of yourself! :tongue2: Hope you heal quickly for both!

stateofzen- thats awesome on the weight loss! Congratulations! What a great job! :tongue2: As far as the sickness, I hope you get better fast! I think you have the right mindset. If anything, it will be put off for a couple weeks, but it will happen. Your health is first priority! But I'm sure you'll still be able to get it as scheduled! Hang in there! :thumbup: Lisa- I know its scary to be so far from your family but this is something that will be helpful for them too! Its only a few days and its only a few hours flight (no like 24 to go to austrailia or something). Its great that your hubby is so supportive! Sure, its a lot of money to dish out but think about long term, the money you will save by being healthy! Im sure your hubby feels, just as I believe, that there is no better investment then yourself... and you are an investment to your family!

I was banded the same day as you and yes I feel that too. Mine comes and goes randomly. When it happens to me, I take shorter shallow breaths until it passes. Gas x should help break it up. Walking around helps A LOT! Also, you can have your hubby rub your back to help move the gas, I found that it helps me. Just up and down on the sides of the spine, for a few minutes. Ohh and hiccups are dreadful! OUUUUCCHHHHH have you experienced that yet? I had the hiatal hernia repaired too so I think thats what hurting when I hiccup! Hang In There! Good Luck!

It looks like you are doing wonderfully! :tongue2: 10 pounds in 1 or 2 months is awesome! Remember, even though we want it gone fast 1-2 lbs per week is normal and healthy... Keep in mind, this is not a diet, its a lifestyle! (I just started the process but I could imagine it getting annoying if you focus just on bland food) Add stuff to your food. Don't be too afraid! What do you think is missing? Add spices to your foods. With onion, garlic, salt, pepper lemon or lime wine Cream sauces- with skim milk. salsa ginger pickles hot/sweet peppers easy ideas- frozen meals (lean cuizine/smart ones has some tastey low calorie stuff); subway sandwiches (veggie delight with pickles); turkey and low fat/fat free cheese rolled up with lettuce; tuna with mustard and pickles (lol I love pickles can you tell-gives it tons of flavor); egg whites with salsa... I was told by my doctor that I pretty much can eat other foods then just low calorie after my full food phase BUT its all about portion control and moderation. So if I decide to have a higher calorie meal, I will just be sure to compensate with exercise or watch the other meals... and just have a smaller portion of it. I would think that if you look at this as a strict diet, you will give up. But look at it as a lifestyle and allow yourself to have other foods as a TREAT once in a while, then you will feel more satisfied. Be good all week then allow yourself one or two meals/snacks on the weekend that you normally wouldn't have, as a reward... But remember moderation and portion. Sorry it was so long! Good Luck!:thumbup:

GOOOOOO Morning everyone! Oh I am in such a good mood this morning even though I have been up since 6:03 am for no other reason then when I don't have to work, my body wants to be awake. :tongue2: I am tired though but GOOD news on my end.... Last night was the FIRST night that I was able to sleep in my own bed, for the whole night! I have been so uncomfortable with my back, that it was easier to sleep on the recliner chair. I almost did transfer to the chair again but I readjusted my pillows and was able to survive with out tooo much discomfort! :thumbup: I can't wait to sleep on my stomach again!!! I have been feeling port pain more the last 2 days. I guess the muscle (whatever muscle I might have) is trying to heal around it maybe. I had the single inscision so my port is under my belly button and a little to the right. I had to take Tylenol when I woke up because of it but thats okay... (I hate medications so I only take then when absoloutely necessary). Oh and though its not official till I go to the doctor and start a full food diet- as of this morning- I am 6 pounds down from surgery; 14 pounds down since pre-pre diet! YAY Anyhoo... about the influence about the children- I don't have kids yet but I have thought about this topic and discussed it with my boyfriend as far as our future... I initally thought it was the "easy road" and maybe a bad influence for children but then in thinking more about it... I struggled all my life with my weight, this surgery is not easy, its just a helpful tool. With the surgery I would then be able to teach my children a healthy lifestyle so they DONT become obese like me. I will be able to now teach portion control and healthy choices. Before it would be, sure mommy can eat 3 bowls of pasta and 4 meatballs... well, what kind of influence is that? Now I can teach to eat until you are full and walk away; make healthy food choices- sure you can have pasta but have the healthy lean protien first; snacks- its okay to have a snack/dessert- a portion of it, not a half gallon of ice cream or half the cake. I will be able to Practice what I Preach.. not just do as I say, not as I do! Point is- this will be helpful to your children as far as healthy living as well as being around for them, to see them grow up and even to watch their children grow up! You will be able to be more active with them, be more involved. The children will be proud!

OMG I get hiccups every so often too... Ohhhyyyyyyy yeah not fun at all. I almost have to brace myself when I feel it coming. :smile: Thanks everyone!

Just wanted to say hello as a post-op bander! I was banded on Tuesday so Im still in the healing phase. Its been a little rough but every day gets a little easier! Regardless of how I feel now, I am so glad that its done! I can't wait to be healed and back to normal life! :thumbup:

bandednellie- Ohhh so glad to hear about your post op stuff. Im so glad you are doing well. I am only 3 days post op and every day seems to be a little better. I cant wait till all this gas pain is gone. And ohhh I cant wait to be able to sleep normally and back on my stomach! Butterfly- congrats and welcome. I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well. Good luck to those getting done today! Woo hoo! Question for those now banded.. When did you finally go to the bathroom-bathroom? And Is it just me or is it impossible to drink the recommended amounts of post op stuff? Today is the first day that I had mor then a few sips of anything. I had about 4 oz of protien drink and 2 teaspoons of pudding. My diet recommends 8 oz of drink 5 times per day...