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What brands do you use for snacks? The PA at my dr's office said I could use these as a snack. But what should I look for? She mentioned Balance. Do any of you use these?? What should I look for in these bars??

I got an ID card when I registered with lapband.com. They sent me a printed card stating I have a lap band and it has my dr's name on it. I carry it in my wallet.

Mine is also under my ribs on the left side. I can feel it, but don't see it. It does not bother me. My dr said eventually it will become more noticeable. I don't really mind, It's not like I'll be running around in a bikini...

YAY!!! Congrats!!

This week, I have been complimented like crazy about how I have lost weight!! All of a sudden, BAM!! Everyone is saying something to me. It feels pretty good. However, I was not prepared for the compliments,. People are asking me what I am doing, and it never occurred to me to have an answer. I guess it is a like a dream come true that you are not ready for. I just tell people I cut carbs and eat very differently. But if feels good and is great incentive for me!!

Love this!! I'm in!!!

My dr recommends the Barilla Plus pasta.

This was part of my pre-op diet. Afterwards, I tried to mostly use the Protein shakes, but I still use it from time to time. I like the taste of it. Sometimes I add a scoop of nutella and a banana to make it more filling.

A flipped port is exactly what it means. The port lays flat so that the side that faces outside of the body is where they insert the fill. If it flips, that side faces inside the body and you cannot access it to put in the saline.

I agree! I actually just bought a few new bras, as I went down a band size. What a difference!! FYI, Spanx does a make a full body suit. Have it and like it!

Thanks for your suggestions. I wish I had saved my clothes. We have a small house, so not much storage. I ended up donating most of my old clothing. Kind of wishing I hadn't now! But in the end, I am glad I did for those could use it. My clothing sizes range also. On bottoms, I always got into 14/16 or 18/20's as long as the pants had stretch. I am lucky to have skinny legs. But my upper body is fat and boobs, so I was wearing a 26/28. Now, these days, I wonder what size I am??!!

I did consider Godwill and Consignment, but I feel guilty going there. It is more important for those less fortunate to go there if they need to rather than me, who can afford to go shopping. In these econcomical times, I feel that others may need those stores more than I do right now. SF, I agree with you. I also plan to buy some more snugger fitting clothes, in hopes they will fit down the road. That will definitely buy some time for me to wear them a little longer. I like crop pants a lot, and I can easily wear them until the fall, so I plan to get good time form those. In the meantime, I will do me best to catch sales. I like Kohl's a lot and they hav a great return policy, so if I need to return unworn clothing, I can get something else!

I am feeling a little frustrated myself these days. I have had my 2nd fill with 3 1/2 cc's in my band. I feel nothing at all. I feel like most of my loss is on will power alone. I pretty much anything I want. Sometimes I wonder if it was worth doing the band at all. I go back March 8th for a follow up and hoping they give my more that 1 1/2 cc's like they did the last time. Glad to see everyone here is doing well!!

Hey Jackie!! That is such great news!! Way to go!! You must feel amazing! I am hoping to be in your shoes one day! You know, I still have yet to go into a store to try on clothes. I have been doing online clothes shopping for a long time, as to avoid dealing with stores, and other people while trying on clothes. Maybe I'll set a goal for myself to get into the stores by the end of the summer in time for fall clothes shopping! Keep up the great work!

Well, Spring is approaching, and 45 lbs later, there is no way my pants are fitting from last year. It is a great thing, don't get me wrong! But I am trying to figure out what to do about buying clothes for the Spring and Summer without having to spend too much money, since hopefully by next year at this time, I will need smaller sizes, and will have to buy again! I can get away with summer since, I am a teacher and do not work for the summer. Therefore, I will be happy living in my favorite Hanes tees and shorts that I buy from Wal-Mart. But I still need to get through the school year in the Spring, and need to buy a few things to get me through. I can get away with my shirts, as I often wore full cut tunic shirts. But I have to get some new pants for sure! I tend to buy the elastic waistband and roll them over to get them to stay up! Anyway, I just wanted to hear what you are all planning to do!

zen, that was last week!!

Thanks for the advice all. Yes, I am drinking a lot of Water, no less than my normal intake. But maybe with the issues I am having I am retaingin water. I don't know. My BM's are about every other day. As for exercising, I really do not get a chance to as much as I should between work and running after my son. Of course, I'll be obssessed and get on the scale tomorrow and see what is happening! I know I should do it once a week, but I can't help it! It's a sickness!!

Yesterday I was thrilled that I lost 2 lbs! This morning I gained almost 4 lbs!!! I almost threw up!! I got on the scale 3 different times and it said the same thing! I did not eat anything I was not supposed to, and ate what I normally do eat!! How could this be? Very discouraged right now!! GRRR!!! Do you think it is because I am having these bathroom and gas pain issues, that I posted about a few days ago? I refuse to change my ticker, as I will fight tooth and nail to get this weight off!!

RChavez, thanks for the advice. It seems that your issues are similar to mine!! It's a been a few days, and I have been taking the fiber 2x a day(Metamucil) with 2 Duclolax. My doc said to do this for about 10 days. I do feel better, but still feel a bit uncomfortable. Gas pains are mostly gone, but when I have to go, it does get painful. I already do, and always have, drink a lot of Water, but am trying to drink extra to flush out my system. I have to call my doc back after the 10 days and she'll let me know if or waht I have to take next steps. Oh, instead of doing the Metamucil, I wanted to switch to Vitafusion Fiber Gummies. It has the same amount of fiber as in the Metamucil. Could I just take those? I know I need to drink water with those too.

That is amazing news!! What an incredible feat!! I hope I get to make this same post one day!! Probably not in a year, but hopefully one day! Good for you!!

I don't know if anyone has had this, but I need help! I hope this makes sense.... Up until now, things have been fine since surgery. My only issue was bathroom issues, in that I find it hard to go, and when I do it is a struggle. Yesterday, I ate Soup for lunch, and within 10 minutes of finishing, I had excruciating gas pains in my lower abdomen just above the pubic area. I have taken Gas-X, Dulcolax, and Metamucil since yesterday and feel some relief, but still have a lot of pain. When I try to go, I feel horrible pain in the muscle I use when I try to go to the bathroom. Even if I try to relieve the gas, it is painful. I spoke with my surgeon's office and my primary doctor, and both say it is because I do not have enough Fiber in my diet. I drink a lot of Water, so that is not the issue. The surgeom's office assured me the lap band was fine, and they have heard of this happen. What do you think?? Any advice or similar stories???

Glad you liked it! I could kick myself becasue I specifically went food shopping today with getting the squash in mind and I forgot to get it!! DUH!!!!!

Yes it does melt very well. I just bought the Garlic Herb at costco, and can't wait to get some good recipes going!

Great news!! Be proud of yourself!!

Fantastic!! A little envious that you were banded a few weeks after me and lost more weight than me, LOL!! But I am so proud of you!! Keep up the great work!!