Candle

That's pretty cool! If you don't mind me asking - Do you enjoy your job? Where did you go to school? I work for a finance company and I think we're going to go under by the end of the year. I was thinking of going back to school if I get laid off. My sister is an RN, so she's trying to push me in the medical field. I was looking into ultrasound/x-ray. Maybe some accounting courses - I'm not sure yet. Scary times out there, I know I won't be able to get a job in my field. For people with port discomfort - I kept an ice pack on my port site for the first week and I think it helped me a lot. For gas pains, I think the only thing you can do is walk and move around as much as possible to help move the gas out of your body. I know consuming liquids isn't fun right now but be sure to get in as much Protein and Water as you can so you'll heal quickly!! ((( swift healing vibes to all )))

I had to follow the same policy but my surgery wasn't until 4pm! I was begging for ice chips the second I woke up from surgery. Good luck with your surgery!

I don't know what diverticulum means.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I hate to say it but - it kind of sounds erosion. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Has your band surgeon reviewed the results of the EGD yet? What does he say? Did you post in the complication forum?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Best of luck!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

Yes, people chatting in the forum. Ruby has stated that she will never have WLS but she doesn't bash WLS. I read that the show was taped in the spring and she's already lost 100lbs!

Yes, I watched and enjoyed the show. I had few questions like why they didn't talk about a CPAP machine or WLS and what is the REAL story on the nephew? He had to get a GED and move in with Ruby because his parents got a cat? Umm .... I don't think so. Maybe he's in a relationship with Ruby's roommate? I think he's gay. If you want to see some WLS bashing - visit the RUBY forum on mystyle.com.

That is the general idea but in order to get the desired result you need to get your band filled. Once you start getting the band filled, the opening to your lower stomach becomes smaller and smaller as the band closes in. Most people get to a point that they have limitations on certain foods that can't be chewed to liquid. Common food items people have trouble with: Tough meats - Chicken and beef specifically. Pasta, rice, and bread. Fibrous fruits and veggies like apple skins, celery, asparagus, and pineapple. Agreed! Jachut's posts are so informative! She was one of my biggest inspirations when I started this process!!

You have to do what you think is best for you but I have to agree with the others ...<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I've been able to lose good chunks of weight in the past (40-70lbs) but that weight always comes back, plus extra!!<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I think the band has helped me because I've never been able to lose this amount of weight before but I have no food limitations and feel no restriction with my band like others talk about. I've only had one small fill of 2cc's. I like knowing the band is there for me, my safety net. If I start to slip, I can just get it filled but for the mean time, I enjoy not having to worry about some of the complications that come with restriction.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Good luck on what ever you decide. You are off to a great start!<o:p></o:p>

I was a steady loser and lost my weight pretty quickly - I'm not questioning it :cool: I lost 100lb in 7 months and got to my original goal by month 10. (-120lbs). I've been losing about 2-3lbs per month since then.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I started exercising early and really stuck to a good eating plan. I also think eating 4-5 small meals through out the day and getting my B12 levels to a normal range really jump started my metabolism. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Congrats on your loss!<o:p></o:p>

Glad to hear everyone is doing well!!!:Dancing_sorry: (Immodium comes in liquid form - it was my best friend for the first week or so - hehe)

I would like to 2nd the request to have Dr Schulman there to speak about PS.

In the main forum there's a sticky thread/poll about a Lap Band Conference in NYC the last week of March. Go vote and give your feedback. So exciting!

I will definitely attend. NYC is the perfect location for me!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I think a lot of people take Biotin. I've been having hair loss issues too but I don't think it's related to my band or weight loss since I'm over a year out too and definitely get in plenty of protein. I've noticed my hair is thinning and breaking around my face. I don't take the best care of my hair and haven't had it cut in over a year. I often pull it back in a pony tail (which could be my problem) and lately I'm noticing all these whisps around my face. I used to be able to pull it back smoothly. I just found this when I did a google search. I'm going to try it. Biotin is one of eight essential vitamins that comprise the B-complex. Biotin used for Hair Growth. Biotin works with other B vitamins to make healthy cells and convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. Biotin is also known as the vitamin that produces healthy hair and helps prevent graying. Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle. A condition called seborrhea dermatitis, or cradle cap, which is characterized by a dry, scaly scalp, may occur as a result of biotin deficiency. Biotin plays a vital role in the production of energy from the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It may support the health of nails and offer treatment for brittle nails. Biotin also promotes healthy hair, skin, sweat glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and male sex glands.

I'm not single but I wanted to say this sounds like a great idea. I've often thought that a WLS dating site would do really well. Some entrepreneurial web person should hop on that!!

My nut suggests adding healthy items [back] into your diet, a little at a time. ie: Cook with olive oil instead of cooking spray. Add a few nuts or some cheese to a salad or sandwich. Add some fruit or veggie into a meal like Breakfast or as a snack. Maintenance really is the hardest part. Maybe you should visit a nutritionist, with your food log and they could make some suggestions?

I don't see why they wouldn't be ok. Like with any canned/processed Soup, just watch the sodium and carb count. Post-op you also want to blend the soup if it has chunks.

Anyone have an update on Lisa? She's probably being discharged any time now.

I have a band around my arm that I'm a little worried about if I decide to get my arms done.

I just did a google search and one glass of milk has 300mg of calcium. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women intake 1,000 mg (1g) of calcium daily, and then increase their daily dosage to 1,500 mg (1.5g) post menopause.

A conference in NYC? That's exciting!!!! I wouldn't need a room but .... <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Rooms IN the city are always going to be expensive. Be sure to look in areas like northern NJ because they can be easily accessible by many forms of public transportation. There’s also cab or car/bus service.<o:p></o:p>

I've seen other people mention they've had plastic surgeons come and speak at their groups. I think that's a FABULOUS idea!! Also physical trainers to discuss exercise programs.

Just take it one day at a time. Focus on getting settled in the new place and everything else will fall into place. It sounds like he's not taking you seriously - does he know you are moving this weekend? Kudos to you for getting this all done so quickly!! Are you a pet person? Maybe a new little fuzz ball would lift your spirits and really make it feel like you are starting a new life. Getting a dog right before banding was the best thing I ever did. She's the best walking buddy ever!!! It's nice to come home and have someone greet you at the door. Are you crafty at all? You could try taking up sewing, knitting, or scrap booking. You could join a local wls support group or peer group to meet new people. A part time job. Online gaming. You'll find something to occupy your time. No longer having food as a comfort is definitely a big adjustment.

I can't remember her user name but there's a girl that posts here occasionally who was part of the clinical trials back in 2001 (?) and still has her band. On ObesityHelp there are quite a few people from 2003-2006. (OH displays the band date and surgeon so I'm probably just more aware of it there - I'm sure there are many here too.)

There's a long thread here about Dr Kirshenbaum. He's in CO and I think charges under $10k. I don't know of anyone on the east coast. That's probably going to be tough to find. I was researching when I was worried about my insurance.

Here's something new for you liquid diet people: (I tried the Golden Butternut Squash and it's YUMMY!) Campbell makes Soup of V8 FoodProcessing.com A full serving of vegetables in every bowl In the “Why-didn’t-they-think-of-that-sooner?” category, Campbell Soup Co., Camden, N.J., extends its 50-year-old V8 franchise — known for delivering vegetable nutrition – with Campbell’s V8 Soups. These pureed soups, made from farm-fresh ingredients, offer a full serving of vegetables in every bowl, are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Packaged in convenient soup boxes, varieties include: Golden Butternut Squash Soup, a blend of mellow-sweet butternut squash and savory herbs (140 calories); Garden Broccoli Soup, a blend of broccoli and seasonings (80 calories); Tomato Herb Soup, tomatoes, basil and a hint of garlic (90 calories); Southwestern Corn Soup, a balance of yellow corn and the spicy kick of roasted peppers (150 calories); and Sweet Red Pepper Soup, a blend of red pepper and tomatoes (150 calories).