Here's a list of January Bandsters. Let us know if we've missed anybody!

Txpeaches - 1/02/07

1721Summ - 1/02/07

Jenslapband - 1/02/07

Irishamerican - 1/02/07

Angyl2314 (Jen) - 1/03/07

Kellie Reachell (Kellie) - 1/03/07

Skmsu (Susan) - 1/03/07

Cricket - 1/04/07

Babygotback (Audree) 1/05/07

Fiyagirl (Sherry) - 1/05/07

Tinabartlett - 1/05/07

Maillady2 - 1/05/07

Susantunanoodle (Susan) - 1/08/07

Eldonh - 1/08/07

Honeylin - 1/08/07

Tulip - 1/8/07

Girlinnyc - 1/08/07

SeattleEbeth - 1/09/07

Moog24 (Michelle - 1/09/07

PinkyBandito - 1/09/07

Bhamguy31 - 1/09/07

Cdgmom (Amy) - 1/09/07

Travelbug - 1/09/07

Zevesther - 1/09/07

Klo (Kathy) - 1/10/07

Wph74 (Whitney) - 1/10/07

Angelburch - 1/10/07

Mindful (Paige) - 1/10/07

Mikeomando -1/10/07

Roses733 (Rose) - 1/11/07

Loridee (Lori) - 1/11/07

Sheilamj1fan (Sheila) - 1/11/07

Justine717 - 1/11/07

Patp98465 - 1/11/07

Mommi-hammi - 1/12/07

Rms78645 - 1/12/07

Inner_me (Chris) - 1/12/07

Cjkerr (Carole) - 1/12/07

InTheBreeze13 - 1/12/07

Saraincincy (Sara) - 1/13/07

Lala - 1/15/07

Happylady - 1/15/07

Patsygrn - 1/15/07

Andrea1973 - 1/15/07

Sula - 1/15/07

Smilliegal - 1/15/07

Peacej - 1/15/07

Slate2633 1/15/07

Pinky12202 (Linda) - 1/16/07

Marjon9 - 1/16/07

Sula (Shawn) - 1/16/07

Reesh - 1/16/07

Soon2bthin.com - 1/16/07

Bandqueen - 1/16/07

Chunky Monkey - 1/16/07

Muttman - 1/16/07

Enterprise01 - 1/17/07

Revolution - 1/17/07

Prissever - 1/17/07

Sunshine2 (Tonya) - 1/18/07

5jacks - 1/18/07

Imsusie0929 - 1/18/07

Stephanee - 1/18/07

Shellyfromohio (shelly) - 1/18/07

Ddcokk85 (Lisa) - 1/18/07

Phlyinphebee (Rene') - 1/19/07

Nicknack34461 - 1/19/07

Shayne9927 (Shayne) - 1/19/07

Lap - 1/19/07

Deb-Texas - 1/19/07

Mammaw - 1/19/07

Cinward2001 (Cindy) - 1/19/06***

Jun0610 (Maria) - 1/22/07

Rsbell - 1/22/07

Purposedriven4 - 1/22/07

Ds5001ds - 1/22/07

Nursiepooh - 1/22/07

Kilopitre - 1/23/07

RidinmyHDdream (Carol) - 1/23/07

Zuzu - 1/23/07

Nella337 - 1/23/07

Redstart - 1/24/07

Nomophat - 1/24/07

Lauriann - 1/24/07

Shesha - 1/25/07

Edieday (Edie) - 1/25/07

Huberslave - 1/25/07

Rockergirl - 1/25/07

A.Isabella - 1/25/07

Donnalynncrain - 1/25/06***

Shues138 (Andrea) - 1/26/07

Jeanettej505 - 1/26/07

Bandida - 1/26/07

Susanjuneau - 1/26/07

Stacyrh - 1/29/07

Charlottesweb91 - 1/29/07

Trishd - 1/29/07

Mom of 3 - 1/29/07

Monsoleil98 - 1/29/07

Nurseratchett (Joanne) - 1/29/07

Sherilynn - 1/30/07

Texasbighair - 1/30/07

Gig8 (gigi) - 1/30/07

Cchristys - 1/30/07

Ladyleo868 (Christine) - 1/30/07

Kima - 1/30/07

Rsbg1 (Ted) - 1/31/07

TracyV - 1/31/07

Callieanna - 1/31/07

Sportsscribe - 1/31/07

Your247realtor - 1/31/07

1bunni4me - 1/31/07

Thatgirl - 1/31/07

Mfw1941 - 1/31/07

Brew2000 - 1/31/07

Lapbandhopeful - 2/02/07

Thanks to all of you who thought about me while gone! I am definitely feeling loved!!!

Audree

Welcome back BabyGotBack!! I am glad everything went well.

I have major advice for those who are not banded. Out of all the 5 of us that had surgery the same day, the one lady who was SUPER NERVOUS all day before her surgery, had the most complications. Nerves really mess with everything. I think it tightened everything up in her body and she was vomitting a lot. I vomitted some when I woke up from surgery but from being sensitive to the meds.

The nurses kept on telling me to relax and not be nervous or my body would react badly. Sadly to say for that one lady, I guess her stomach didn't react well even yesterday when we were all discarged, she still was at the hospital!!!Audree

Wow! Thanks for that advice, I never looked at it that way. I know for some days now and today as a matter of fact I was speaking positively about my recovery. I'm looking forward to a great recovery, I can tolerate pain fairly well. So, I know I will be okay...now if I need the pain meds I won't hesitate to take them. Good post BabyGotBack!

Be BLESSED!

I WANT LAUGHING COW CHEESE!!! How many days post op are you? I want to ask Dr. Ortiz? Audee:hungry:

4 days post op, and damn, this is some mighty fine cheese!!! It just melts in your mouth, no chewing involved. I had those Imagine Soups, not too bad.

I am in for my biggest test yet starting tomorrow; I am going to Florida to spend time with my brother and his girlfriend, both of who are obese and have no discipline with eating. They are fully supportive of me, and have invited me down there so they can look after me until I return to work. I have stressed the importance of their understanding of my restrictions and lifestyle changes, but I know it's going to be difficult for all of us. You'll probably be seeing a lot of me for the next few days lol

Wow! Thanks for that advice, I never looked at it that way. I know for some days now and today as a matter of fact I was speaking positively about my recovery. I'm looking forward to a great recovery, I can tolerate pain fairly well. So, I know I will be okay...now if I need the pain meds I won't hesitate to take them. Good post BabyGotBack!

I didn't have to take any pain meds, I actually was not even prescribed anything. I experienced only the smallest amount of pain and it was related to my incisions. Otherwise, I did not feel much of anything else. I was finally able to take a full, deep cleansing breath today without feeling any restrain. I think the key to avoiding pain is walking around immediately after the surgery; it allows for the gas to move and not get trapped, and does not let your body stiffen at all. You might not feel like moving much, but it pays off in the long run.

that is really great advice Audree!!!!!

Thanks Angyl2314,

That is GREAT! I am planning on not taking the meds if at all possible.

I told my mom today that I am going to walk as soon I get the ok in the hospital. She was like huh? I was like yes, that way the gas won't get trapped. I'll be there two days, so by the time I come home I want to be able relax without the pain.

Audree--Glad you're banded and okay, good to hear that you're back

Sheila--You sound just like me!! I told my mom the same thing about the walking and she said "well see how you feel". I think you're getting banded before me (I'm 1/26) so I'll see how you do on the pain level!

I don't know but I'm really anxious lately. I don't know if it's from one of these things 1) I'm leaving for vacation on the 14th and I HATE to fly 2) my job is really stressing me out 3) I have to get ready for my last semester at college or 4) I have my endoscopy of Thursday. I think once I get back from vacation I'll be a lot more relaxed!

Wow! Thanks for that advice, I never looked at it that way. I know for some days now and today as a matter of fact I was speaking positively about my recovery. I'm looking forward to a great recovery, I can tolerate pain fairly well. So, I know I will be okay...now if I need the pain meds I won't hesitate to take them. Good post BabyGotBack!

Be BLESSED!

Hey Sheilaamj!!!

I had never thought about it either. I was so nervous when they were going to put my IV in and the nurse told me that the veins actually roll away when you are nervous and make it harder to stick. When I relaxed, she got it. I have a really high pain threshold too, but it wasn't the pain, it was the meds for me and the anesthesia. The more they gave me to take away the nausea, the worse it got. I had to pee the meds out and then the dramamine worked wonders.

They also gave me a pill that they said was the equivalent to 7 shots of tequilla:rolleyes: and that really relaxed me all right. Especially since I don't drink!! I was relaxed!!!!!:notagree

They started to roll me into surgery, the doctor asked me if I was nervous, I said no, they asked me if my mom was nervous, I said yes, we laughed and I was OUT!!!

Woke up to being pain free, but nauseous. I felt better after I threw up twice. It wasn't a forceful vomitting, it was like pushed out with gas (weird).

Let me know if you have any quetions!!! Audree:clap2:

Oh okay!! Obviously it makes a difference when nerves don't get in the way. I'm feeling good about the surgery, I'm a little concerned with the long term effects of the band. How was Mexico? My husband is from Hidalgo.

Be BLESSED!

4 days post op, and damn, this is some mighty fine cheese!!! It just melts in your mouth, no chewing involved. I had those Imagine soups, not too bad.

I am in for my biggest test yet starting tomorrow; I am going to Florida to spend time with my brother and his girlfriend, both of who are obese and have no discipline with eating. They are fully supportive of me, and have invited me down there so they can look after me until I return to work. I have stressed the importance of their understanding of my restrictions and lifestyle changes, but I know it's going to be difficult for all of us. You'll probably be seeing a lot of me for the next few days lol

I can have have yogurt on day 4, is that what they told you? Is that why they let you have skinny cow on day 4. I am going to email my nutrionalist. I want sooomee! Audree

I didn't have to take any pain meds, I actually was not even prescribed anything. I experienced only the smallest amount of pain and it was related to my incisions. Otherwise, I did not feel much of anything else. I was finally able to take a full, deep cleansing breath today without feeling any restrain. I think the key to avoiding pain is walking around immediately after the surgery; it allows for the gas to move and not get trapped, and does not let your body stiffen at all. You might not feel like moving much, but it pays off in the long run.

I totally agree! I think if I would have walked more, thins would be better. I don't have any pain from the incisions but just the pressure in my stomach. Audree

Oh okay!! Obviously it makes a difference when nerves don't get in the way. I'm feeling good about the surgery, I'm a little concerned with the long term effects of the band. How was Mexico? My husband is from Hidalgo.

Be BLESSED!

My doctor said that the band is made out of silicone,like a breat implant or any surgical implant, which the material has the least amount of rejection from the body. He said it can stay permanently, which I plan on leaving it there, God willing! Mexico was great! The Hotel Lucerna was fantastic! The restaurants in the hotel had the best chicken broth I ever had, home made I think. I loved it! Where is Hidalgo? I am Mexican and my husband is Puerto Rican.

Audree

Has anyone heard of body brushing? Here is what I got.

<CENTER>DRY SKIN BRUSHING</CENTER>

<DD>It is WELL known that the Skin is the LARGEST Organ in the Body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the Body's Detoxification each day, also making it, one of the most IMPORTANT Elimination Organs! The Skin is also known as the "3rd" Kidneys and the Lungs are known as the "2nd" Kidneys. TOXICITY can gather beneath the Skin's Surface from such COMMON Influences such as IMPROPER pH levels in Body Soaps, Skin Creams and Anti-Perspirants, plus Synthetic Fibers worn NEXT to the Skin with ANY of them contributing to a variety of Skin Problems and Conditions.

<DD>When you do Skin Brushing, you HELP your Lymph System to CLEAN itself of the TOXINS, that COLLECT in the Lymph Glands. You use a Simple Technique to IMPROVE the Surface Circulation on the Skin and KEEP the Pores of the Skin OPEN, encouraging your Body's Discharge of Metabolic Wastes, and resulting in an IMPROVED ability to COMBAT Bacteria, plus HELPING your Skin to look and feel HEALTHIER and MORE RESILIENT! Skin Brushing is a PERFECT Treatment for SELF-HELP Enthusiasts.

• Benefits:
  
• TIGHTENS Skin.
  
• HELPS Digestion.
  
• REMOVES Cellulite.
  
• STIMULATES Circulation.
  
• INCREASES Cell Renewal.
  
• CLEANS Lymphatic System.
  
• REMOVES Dead Skin Layers.
  
• STRENGTHENS Immune System.
  
• IMPROVES Exchange between Cells.
  
• STIMULATES the Glands, thus helping ALL of the
  Body Systems to perform at PEAK EFFICIENCY!

1. How To Do:
   
2. Buy a NATURAL, NOT Synthetic, Bristle Brush, since it does NOT SCRATCH the Surface of the Skin.
   
3. Buy a Brush with a LONG Handle, so that you're ABLE to get to the Areas of your Body, that are NOT EASY to reach, when doing your own Skin Brushing.
   
4. Skin Brush, before Showering or Bathing, at least ONCE per day, and TWICE, if possible.
   
5. Do NOT wet Skin, since it will NOT have the SAME Effect, because this stretches the Skin.
   
6. ALWAYS Skin Brush towards the Heart.
   
7. Do Circular Counter-Clockwise Strokes on the Abdomen.
   
8. Do LIGHTER Strokes over and around Breasts, but do NOT Brush the Nipples.
   
9. Brush each part of the Body several times VIGOROUSLY, COMPLETELY Brushing the WHOLE Body.
   
10. Brush the Soles of the Feet FIRST, because the Nerve Endings there affect the WHOLE Body, next Brush the Ankles, Calves, and Thighs, then Brush across your Stomach and Buttocks and lastly Brush your Hands to the Arms.
    
11. Take a WARM Bath or Shower, which should always be followed by a COOL Rinse at the end to INVIGORATE Blood Circulation and STIMULATE Surface Warmth.
    
12. Wash your Brush every few Weeks in Water and let it DRY.

<CENTER>DRY SKIN BRUSHING 2</CENTER>

<DD>Dry skin brushing tones the immune and circulatory systems. It may reduce the duration of infection and accelerate the clearing of toxins. It will reduce cellulite, help support the immune system during cancer and other chronic illness treatment. Best of all, it feels really good!

1. 1. 
      
   2. Using your right hand, gently slide the brush along your right jaw line starting from your earlobe to the underside of your chin 7 times.
      
   3. Place the brush at the hairline on your neck and gently pull around the right side of your neck to the Adam's apple 7 times.
      
   4. Hold the brush with your right hand at the bottom of your neck (where it joins the top of your back) and bring it around your neck to the right and down along your right collar bone and end up between your collar bones.

[*]Stroke your breastbone in a circular fashion to stimulate the thymus gland. Carefully brush the breast in a circular motion. Do all of Step 1c 7 times. Repeat steps a, b and c on your left side holding the brush with your left hand. 2. To stimulate the pituitary gland, hold the brush on the back of your head near the base of your neck and rock the brush up and down, then side to side, both 14 times.

[*]Hold the brush in your left armpit with your right hand and rotate it counter clockwise 7 items, then clockwise 7 times. Repeat on your right armpit with your left hand.

[*]Brush upward 7 times from your upper right thigh to your right armpit. Repeat process on your left side. Women may need to hold their breast out of the way with their free hand.

[*]Brush back and forth over your belly button and around your waistline 14 times (like passing a basketball behind your back).

[*]Brush in a circular motion over your belly-button, counter-clockwise 7 times then clockwise 7 times. Finish brushing the front of your body in any direction starting at the bottom and brushing all the way up 14 times. Very little pressure needs to be applied to the genitals and women's breasts because the skin is sensitive and will redden if irritated.

[*]Brush up and down your spine from the base of your neck and down as far as you can 14 times Finish your upper back by stroking it around toward your 11 sides.

[*]Brush your spine from tailbone up as high as you can reach 14 times, holding the brush with two hands or with the detachable wooden handle. Finish your lower back by stroking it around toward your sides).

[*]Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart This improves blood circulation, firms skin and gets rid of cellulite.

[*]Hold the brush in the right groin with both hands and rotate it 7 times counter-clockwise, then 7 times clockwise. Repeat with the left groin.

[*]

1. Brush from right knee to right hip 7 times. Work all the way around your leg continuing to brush upwards (towards the heart).
   
2. Brush up from right ankle to right knee and work all the way around your leg, brushing up towards your heart (Figure 11). This improves blood circulation, firms skin and gets rid of cellulite.
   
3. Brush around your right ankle 7 times.
   
4. Brush back and forth over the top of your right foot from toes to ankle.
   
5. Brush across your right toes on top and underneath 7 times.

[*]Brush the bottom of your right foot heel to toe 7 times.

[*]Repeat numbers 11-12 for your left thigh, left leg and foot.

[*]

1. Brushing upward from right elbow to your armpit and shoulder, cover that entire area 7 times.
   
2. Brush from your right wrist to the elbow in the same manner 7 times.

[*]Repeat number 14 for your left arm.

[*]Lightly brush the webbing (or junction) between your left thumb and index or pointer finger on the palmside 14 times, then on the non-palmside 14 times (Figure 15).

[*]Brush your left palm from wrist to fingertips and back 7 times. Brush the back of your left hand the same way 7 times.

[*]Brush each left hand finger individually back and forth 7 times on the areas that have not been brushed yet.

[*]Repeat steps 16-17 for your right hand.

</DD>