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I understand it can be tough in the beginning with food tolerances and all, but I personally would stay to the doc's plan. 1) Because he knows what my body and new sleeve can handle, and 2) Because I didn't go through all this to sabotage myself, and 3) Because we have a certain window of opportunity to lose more weight in the beginning than in the end. I know for me, I got to where I was because I fell short in the discipline and self-control department. If I, personally, chose the route you are suggesting, I would only be dieting still and not making a life-style change. I know it would be so very easy for me to cheat the sleeve and do whatever I wanted to. But, I would only be happy in the moment and not the long run. I HAVE TO CHANGE MY THINKING, there is NO other choice for me.

I have been a part of Curves for over 3 years. It is WONDERFUL for people who are not used to working out & getting exercise. (That was me!) The people who go are people just like us!! I was never emberassed or felt like I was in a meat market. (You know how people want to dress to impress!) I loved it for the 3 years I participated. However, I reached a point where it wasn't enough & I needed a little more. I just recently ended my contract & joined a gym with a trainer & it has made all the difference. However, I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't of joined Curves & got my foot in the door to exercising again!! Good Luck!!

Hey Gang, I'm curious what you feel are your top struggles since you have had your surgery. If you have not had surgery that's fine you can also tell me what your top struggles are prior to surgery. The reason I'm asking is this question is my "Life Coach" asked me this very question in our session the other night and it got me to wondering if we all share the same struggles or do we each have our own speical set of struggles. Here are mine... 1. Exercise-desire to do it, but not motivated to it- Solution commited to a 12 week program with the wonderful members of OH that will begin next Sat. I'm totally pumped 2. Clothes-I still don't know how to dress my new body. I still gravitate towards the bigger clothes even though I know I can't wear them. Ideal solution hire a Stylist to dress me *LOL* 3. Dating- for me this is the biggest struggle. I dated so many duds in my former body, I'm scared I'll still make the same mistakes. Solution-buck up and put myself out there. Okay these are mine, let me know if these are similar to yours. If you have more that's fine. ~CoachCher~ http://divinetransformation.blogspot.com/

Hi all, Just wondering how many out there have had the band for 2 to 3 years with no problems. It seems that most problems occur within the first 2 years. If you haven't had any problems like slippage or erosion, what is your secret to success? I know, things happen, but thought I'd ask to see how many were out there on this site. Thanks in advance for your replies. Lynette:nervous

Escape_Pod, I will gladly give you what I have. There is a large sealed bag, never been opened, of vanilla shake powder that can be mixed with Water or milk. I also have plastic bottles that have different flavors of the Protein shake powder, which is meant as a convenient way to take the product with you to work or wherever. I think this is at least 2 weeks worth. If you private message me with your address, my husband will mail you the products right away. I gave the chewable supplements to my stepson who likes them a lot. Funny how we are all so different! I'm kind of sorry that I vented because my surgeon is great at his technique. I did go to the office the other day and told them that their product does not agree with me. Regardless, I do like to be given reasonable choices in life - just sayin'. Thanks all for your comments - at least I know I'm not alone in my thoughts on the subject.

Hi, have you had your surgery yet? I was suposed to have mine with Ahuja in March also, but in January, discovered I was pregnant, so of course I have had to put it off. Just had my baby 6 weeks ago, aand am looking forward to going through the process again!

Hey sweetie - sorry to hear you're suffering. I have chronic back pain and was depressed when it came surging back after 6 or so weeks of freedom. It sucks. I hope you're feeling better today and just for you I'll have another bite of my husband's palmier pastry.

I suffer from RA too and i haven't seen any difference in the pain but i am a little less stiff so walking is easier but not stairs ans things like that. Actually last week i had an extremely painful attack of gout arthritis, which i never had before. My dr said that quick weight loss can bring it on. So much for not hurting. My sister and my best friend both suffer from RA as well and they've never been one pound overweight in their life. So i guess it's just not realistic to expect that it will go away just because we lose weight but i'm sure that it will be more manageable since we will take off some of the stress at least. I mean they hurt but they can still walk around and go about their chores. At 451lbs when i had an attack i could barely move around the house without help. Talk to your dr about your exersice routine. Although working out is very good for you on many levels the wrong kind or the wrong intensity can be bad for your RA. I'm not allowed on the treadmill of the step master. My friend was told to stay away from the bikes. Hope you feel better again soon. :wub:

I'm on my 5 day tomorrow. And it does get better .. are u drinking Water ? My surgeon only has u do 1 week thankgod Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I don't know if you can see the difference in these the first 2 are at 3 weeks an the second 2 are at 13 weeks today.I am a little slower at losing than some.I am down 40lbs since surgery and the pants in the first photos are a 16 and the second photos are a 10....

I'm very impressed that you have kept up with your liquid diet. I will have to be on it for just one week so now I know it's possible!! I've had other surgeries before and don't remember getting bored at ALL in the hospital. I was sleeping the whole time, having visits from the nurses and doctors, or just trying to get out of bed and walking. I would suggest just bring a book so you have something if you need it. We're all doing the right thing for ourselves to get healthy - and you're doing great!!! Good luck and keep us posted!

I can't eat anything with aspartame. I get migraines from it. I wouldn't eat it if I could after studying up on it. I try to buy our beef at a butcher where there is no hormones or preservatives added but it's expensive considering its 2 towns over and the meat doesn't keep as long. I did watch Jamie Oliver's "Pink Slime" on YouTube and was disgusted by it but am more so by the fact that I can leave margarine outside for a week and no bugs come eat it (yes I did it after hearing this from a friend). I wish the FDA had to label all of our foods ingredients as modified or non-modified as well but doubt that happens as the ex CEO of Monsanto is now the head of our FDA. Im with the previous post that worry can consume me if I think on it too much but I also feel like we should be proactive and diligent in supporting those who are fighting for the labeling.

VERY QUIETLY OBAMA'S CITIZENSHIP CASE REACHES THE SUPREME COURT AP - WASHINGTON D.C. - In a move certain to fuel the debate over Obama's qualifications for the presidency, the group "Americans for Freedom of Information" has Released copies of President Obama's college transcripts from Occidental College. Released today, the transcript school indicates that Obama, under the name Barry Soetoro, received financial aid as a foreign student from Indonesia as an undergraduate. The transcript was released by Occidental College in compliance with a court order in a suit brought by the group in the Superior Court of California. The transcript shows that Obama (Soetoro) applied for financial aid and was awarded a fellowship for foreign students from the Fulbright Foundation Scholarship program. To qualify, for the scholarship, a student must claim foreign citizenship. This document would seem to provide the smoking gun that many of Obama's detractors have been seeking. Along with the evidence that he was first born in Kenya and there is no record of him ever applying for US citizenship, this is looking pretty grim. The news has created a firestorm at the White House as the release casts increasing doubt about Obama's legitimacy and qualification to serve as President article titled, "Obama Eligibility Questioned," leading some to speculate that the story may overshadow economic issues on Obama's first official visit to the U.K. In a related matter, under growing pressure from several groups, Justice Antonin Scalia announced that the Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear arguments concerning Obama's legal eligibility to serve as President in a case brought by Leo Donofrio of New Jersey . This lawsuit claims Obama's dual citizenship disqualified him from serving as president. Donofrio's case is just one of 18 suits brought by citizens demanding proof of Obama's citizenship or qualification to serve as president. Gary Kreep of the United States Justice Foundation has released the results of their investigation of Obama's campaign spending. This study estimates that Obama has spent upwards of $950,000 in campaign funds in the past year with eleven law firms in 12 states for legal resources to block disclosure of any of his personal records. Mr. Kreep indicated that the investigation is still ongoing but that the final report will be provided to the U..S. attorney general, Eric Holder. Mr. Holder has refused to comment on the matter... LET OTHER FOLKS KNOW THIS NEWS, THE MEDIA WON'T ! Subject: RE: Issue of Passport? While I've little interest in getting in the middle of the Obama birth issue, Paul Hollrah over at FSM did so yesterday and believes the issue can be resolved by Obama answering one simple question: What passport did he use when he was shuttling between New York , Jakarta , and Karachi ? So how did a young man who arrived in New York in early June 1981, without the price of a hotel room in his pocket, suddenly come up with the price of a round-the-world trip just a month later? And once he was on a plane, shuttling between New York , Jakarta , and Karachi , what passport was he offering when he passed through Customs and Immigration? The American people not only deserve to have answers to these questions, they must have answers. It makes the debate over Obama's citizenship a rather short and simple one. Q: Did he travel to Pakistan in 1981, at age 20? A : Yes, by his own admission. Q: What passport did he travel under? A: There are only three possibilities. 1) He traveled with a U.S. .. Passport, 2) He traveled with a British passport, or 3) He traveled with an Indonesia passport. Q: Is it possible that Obama traveled with a U.S. Passport in 1981? A: No. It is not possible. Pakistan was on the U.S. .. State Department's "no travel" list in 1981. Conclusion: When Obama went to Pakistan in 1981 he was traveling either with a British passport or an Indonesian passport. If he were traveling with a British passport that would provide proof that he was born in Kenya on August 4, 1961, not in Hawaii as he claims. And if he were traveling with an Indonesian passport that would tend to prove that he relinquished whatever previous citizenship he held, British or American, prior to being adopted by his Indonesian step-father in 1967. Whatever the truth of the matter, the American people need to know how he managed to become a "natural born" American citizen between 1981 and 2008.. Given the destructive nature of his plans for America, as illustrated by his speech before Congress and the disastrous spending plan he has presented to Congress, the sooner we learn the truth of all this, the better. If you Don't care that Your President is not a natural born Citizen and in Violation of the Constitution, then Delete this, and then lower your American Flag to half-staff, because the U.S. Constitution is already on life-support, and won't survive much longer. If you do care then Forward this to as many patriotic Americans as you can, because our country is being looted and ransacked! I am just going to attach the snopes link instead of trying to explain it, Can you believe this is still going on? I got this today!snopes.com: Obama's Occidental College Records / Meet the Soetoros

Hello Everyone, I am doing something that I feel I need to do. Today I have started my 90 Day Challenge. I have researched for months and have attempted to do this but always failed. I am going to basics, I guess you can say. I started a plan that I will drink 4 meal replacement shakes (Wonderslim taste great to me) and 2 meals of 300 or less calories. I will be eating 1000 to 1200 calories a day. My eating is so out of control and I need to take away foods and start adding back. I am pre sleeve and I know this will help me prepare for life after the sleeve. Also this is my last attempt to do it on my own. I don't have a date yet for my surgery but I know it is a good idea to loss as much prior to surgery as possible. I am sure that I can have a date sometime in September (Have 1 more psyc visit this month) and then I just have to sign paperwork and set a date. My surgeon was trying to get me in this month but the psyc appointment took 3 weeks before my first visit and another 2 for second visit. During this challenge I will be drinking at least 64 oz of water, taking my vitamins (created what I believe I need), exercising 30-60 minutes at least 5 days a week, finding something fun to do on the other 2 days (play the Wii with my daughter and racquetball), using my fitness pal for food journal, journal my feelings and not eating pass 630 pm. I am using this forum as a way to be accountable. I have noticed that I eat when I am not physically hungry but I am an emotional eater. If I am bored, stressed, lonely, tired, and etc. I am also addicted to carbs. It's like a crack addict has to have a fix. I need carbs so I have to break this addiction in my life. I am saved (born again, spirit filled believer) and I love Jesus and I know Him to be my helper and strength and a mighty deliver. So as I take this journey I invite you to come alone and make one of your own if you like. My dates are August 15- November 12. I have small goals to keep me on track along the way. My focus now is the first 21 days. LadyBlue31 Embracing the Journey

:clap2: Hi Colleen I just noticed that you will be holding a get together in Lygon St. Is it the same as a normal get together? ive been banded for about 3 anda half months now and havent had the chance to meet up with anyone and would love to!! :eek: so i was wondering if thisis a general catch up or is it something in specific? Sorry if i sound a bit silly!!!:eek:

I had pancreatitis back in 97 when I was pregnant with my son. Turns out my gallbladder was about to burst from so many gall stones. Was admitted to the hospital, put on IV antibiotics and pain meds for 3 days, had my gallbladder removed, went home 2 days later (spiked a fever after the surgery and had to stay until it was gone for 24 hours). I would definitely look into seeing if you need your gallbladder removed.

Hi AJ! I just got banded last week on Tuesday, and I also had a hernia repair. I wouldn't have known that I had a hernia repair if it weren't for the doctor telling me. For me, the pain has not been that bad...I was told that the second day was the sorest so I did take some pain meds before going to bed. But my surgeon only prescribed Lortab, and for me Lortab isn't much. The second day was pretty much like the first; and the third day I barely noticed any soreness at all except if I bent over too far. Everyone is different, but I wouldn't stress about it too much, I'm sure you'll be just fine!

mmnairn, I did not have to go two weeks on the dreaded "Liver Diet," that's what they call the all liquid diet. However, I am having to go two weeks on it now, liquids only for 2 weeks...plus popsicles, juices and Italian ice. Let me tell you what you do, though. I started getting KILLER headaches from lack of protein, so I got those "Special K" powdered protien thingys that you mix with water and I mix 2 of those at a time in about 8 ounces of water. That jump starts me w/10 grams of protein from the get go. Then I do a bowl of broth with 3 grams of protein and I'm good. The protein will keep you from getting hungry and/or getting headaches. Also, they say that once you've had your first fill that warm liquids work well in the morning to "loosen" the band, so you could even do the Special K protein powder in the "Tea" flavor and drink it warm. The reason the Protein water or mixes work well is because they're water based. I'm

Thanks, I have called his office for further information. I am having surgery for Carpal Tunnel on this week, and the pre-op nurse also said that he is a really great doctor and very good looking as well. I am looking forward to working with him on my journey to finding the inner me:) Also, can anyone help me to get the ticker on the my messages?? Julie http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10704;95;0;1/c/350/t/175/s/350/k/753e/weight.png

I met with the surgeon today and he told me to wait 2 weeks. I know all Dr's are different, but I asked for myself too. I live on a lake and I was curious.

My Dr.'s guidelines are 2 weeks after surgery as well. I went swimming one day early, LOL. You shouldn't swim with open sores though of any kind, surgical or otherwise, because you risk infection. If your incision sites are not healed over, then don't swim until they are. I heal very fast, and had no scabbing or open sores, just closed over new red scars by around 10 days post-op, so felt fine to swim, just to be super careful I was cleaning them gently with antiseptic post swim and applying neosporin ointment with vitamin E as well. If you're unsure and want to swim earlier if you can get a Dr. to take a look at your incision sites they should be able to tell you if you are healed enough to swim or not.

My doc said 6 weeks or until your scabs are GONE. I didn't and softened one of my scabs so that the scar over one of my small incisions is quite wide. Some people say that they used waterproof bandages, others are real sticklers for the 6 week mark.

This is an emergent situation. My doc would either meet you at the office or at the ER. Like Linda said your girlfriend's doc has to have a backup plan if he's going to be away. You need to get in touch with either the nurse or on-call doc. However, if her doc is truly unavailable and doesn't have an on-call doc to help out, then you have to go to the ER. In which case I'd be looking for another doc next week. Either way, she can not wait until Monday. It's very possible for her band to get tighter and tighter as her stomach and pouch swell. Get her in ASAP. Good luck and keep us posted.

Well I did not go in until last week. He did not fill me because I have found out that I have celeiac, PCOS, and hypoglycemia and he wants me to see the nutritionist. I did and I am back on the band wagon. I do eat half of what I used to eat. I just need to follow the protein ratio. I get hungry every two hours. So I am going to go get a fill the day after my birthday. ; ) I can not believe it has been a year. I have had a lot of health issues not due to the band. I feel so much better after cutting out gluten. I feel I am in a better place now. Thank you for your concerns ; )