Rachel412

We have a family Y membership and it's sooo much cheaper than any kind of gym out here (Boston area) so I'm lucky. It's nice because the kids and I can sign up for classes and my husband hits the gym. Thanks to both of you for your replies!

Yes, make sure you're getting potassium! Take extra or eat a couple bananas and see if it helps.

I agree to the tips about checking labels on "healthy" foods- packaging is very misleading. I had to lose 5% of my body weight before they'd let me have surgery and it was hard, but it's harder now so I'm glad I had some work to do before the band.

Yeah, it's realistic. I lost a lot in the beginning because I didn't have a pre-op liquid diet, but now that's about the rate I'm at... a couple of pounds a week. Of course plenty lose more and some lose less.

Ohhhh... so it's a brand of Protein Shakes? It definitely helps bandsters to find a shake they like and can stomach! Congrats again!

Congratulations! What is Chiake?

I go to support groups at my surgeon's office, and it's a mix of bypass and banded patients. Every time I hear the bypass people talk about the weight just FALLING OFF and how amazing it is and how easy and how great they feel and I go home feeling like a failure for "only" losing 24 pounds in my first 2 months. But I always get back to the point that I am proud of myself for how hard I'm working, and *I* am in control of my weight loss. Not the band. Not the surgery. ME. I like having that personal accountability, because I can truly feel proud with what I've done. I personally see bypass or the sleeve as "easier" than the band. The band helps me but *I* am responsible for what I put in my mouth, and I sure can eat plenty of junk if I want to.

How much have you gained, in how much time?

Well... if I were you I'd do the sleeve. Yes it's very drastic but if you won't be able to get the weight off on your own, it'll surely help.

If you haven't had a bm in almost a month you NEED to call your doctor. Maybe you have a blockage. Please call them.

Yes, are you finally feeling better?

LOL! Get a belt maybe?

I'm so glad that people feel comfortable telling everyone they know. I don't- already, with only family members knowing, I often see them watching me eat and saying things like "you have to eat like this the REST of your LIFE?" or constantly checking in with me to see how much I've lost. It's exhausting

Oh congratulations!! I've had 2 miscarriages and both times, my next pregnancy went full term and I have two beautiful girls to show for it. This pregnancy is already out of your hands, so try not to stress (HA!!!) and just try to think positively. I wish you a boring, uneventful pregnancy!

Do you mean bandster? It's someone who has a band.

I know I am!

I liked reading through Eggface's lists of post-op foods. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html

awesome, congrats!

I weigh every day but I don't count when it goes up, only when it goes down

Sometimes, but not really. It doesn't hit that "full" trigger for me. It DOES help me realize that I'm not really hungry, just thirsty.

LOL! I liked the drive-by compliment! I'd call your doctor and see if they can test your Iron. If you're always exhausted it might be anemia. Could also be Vitamin D deficiency...

Everyone is told something different after fills. I was told 24 hours liquids, 24 hours soft foods, then carefully on to regular solids.

If your biggest problem is grazing at night, are you HUNGRY then or just eating to eat? What about chewing gum in the evenings so your mouth is occupied? Or going to bed earlier...

Congrats! i've been stuck in the same place 2.5 weeks... hoping to beat it soon too.

That's awesome, congrats! Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope you'll have to buy a whole new dress for that wedding