LB4Me

I've been using Mederma. I'm defiantely seeing some fade. But like prior poster said, it is very expensive. I will go back to vitamin E once this is gone.

Thanks for sharing. It put a smile on my face this cold afternoon. I think maybe you should concentrate on the first one this year. It may help with the tickets as well! I have only one New Year's resolution this year. Stay committed to my band. If I do this, everything else will work itself out. I will get off my meds by the end of the year, get along better with my husband, travel more, enjoy my job more, etc. I hope all of our resolutions for 2012 come to fruition. J.

I've worked really hard at recognizing the difference between actual hunger and head hunger. I started working on this during the pre-opt diet. I'm still not perfect at it, but when I want to eat something, I stop and examine the feeling. Is it time to eat? Am I really hungry or just bored, emotional, etc. If I think it is head hunger, I have a Water with raspberry Crystal Light. It is sweet and satisfying. Then because I had water, I have to wait to eat anyway. In the evenings, or on weekends when I can't get out - I spend time on the computer or doing something else with my hands. I still have the emotional eating issues, and it remains to be seen if I can beat them or one day they will get the best of me. For this I keep a baggie of Hershey's Kisses in the freezer. If I am having an emotional eating breakdown, or just a nagging urge for sweet, I take 2 kisses out from the freezer and let them melt in my mouth. Usually resolves the problem. I got this idea from an experienced bandster, but do not remember who. Best of luck.

I didn't have the bloating, but many do. Just follow your doctor's instructions and you'll do fine.

I asked my doctor just yesterday about flying. She said just stick to liquids for the day and you'll be fine. However, that does not address your feelings about your doctor. Has he ever given you any other reason to distrust him? Does he usually humor you or talk down to you? If not, I'd let it go. But when you are ready for another fill, have him remove everything so you know where you are.

I realized I was getting immobile to the point of becoming an invalid. I got my doctor's to write letters to my employers so I no longer had to commute to work, I did not walk the new puppy that I wanted so bad, I rarely went out with my husband, and when I did I had to research if I could take a cab right up to the destination, if I could fit between the tables or into the chairs. Shopping which used to give me such pleasure was all done online. And I mean all. Clothes, groceries, drugstore... This doesn't even begin to touch on all the personal issues with myself and my new marriage. It was time.

Wow Lisa! Cool stats. I'm impressed. It would be great if the group could lose a combined weight of 349.3 lbs.

I am so glad that you are now on the other side and with very little side effects. I really believe for some of us, the anticipation of the surgery is much worse than the surgery itself. Take your time healing and then the real fun begins! With your optimistic outlook, the future should hold nothing but successes.

You'll find, just like the dietary instructions differ by surgeon, so does the port placement. Mine is on my left, halfway between my boob and my belly button. If i am stting for a long time, sometimes my bra wire can annoy it. But as I lose more weight, I am sure this will resolve itself.

I commend you on wanting to try again.

I had my second fill yeterday. Since I had lost 11 lbs since my first fill a month ago, we discussed if I even wanted another fill. But I said "filler up". I am going on vacation for 12 days over New Years. I do not want the excuse to over-indulge. I am definately feeling some restriction right now. We'll see how it pans out after the swelling goes down. 2 days liquids, 2 days mushies! Yuck. But I may make my New Year's goal!

Sorry to hear this. I hope you heal quickly. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry to hear this. Thyroid cancer runs in my family. Grandmother, Aunt, cousins, sister. My little sister had a rare form at 17 and had everything removed. While she has to take a thyroid replacement med everyday (or suffer her rath), it has not limited her in the least. She is an amazing athelete and the mother of twins. I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. Find the best doctor you can in your area. It makes all the difference. At your age you want a doctor that works with the whole of you, not one that cuts it out and forgets it. The follow up treatment for cancer is just as important as the removal.

Congratulations!

First, I think some doctors release you from the hospital too soon. An hour and 1/2 in recovery after full anestsia is just not enough. If you are not already using it, try GasX strips for the gas pain. As the others said, it does get better and soon you will be wondering why you didn't do it sooner. I had my 2nd fill today and I love my band. All the best!

I had my 2nd fill today. And she told me twice - 2 days of liquids. 2 days of puree. I think you may have ate too soon.

292 today! That is 4 lbs less this week. And I get a fill tomorrow.

I admit, I'm a online junkie! And I've been an on-again, off-again fan of Groupon. I thought I would share my Groupon offer for today. I think those of you post-op will enjoy it. I just wonder if it includes "virtual" gas and port pain, constipation, hiccups and PBing? From Groupon: People frustrated with dieting may find other ways to feel lighter, such as carrying around helium balloons or immigrating to the moon. Lighten your celestial body's load with today's Groupon: for $99, you get two one-hour sessions of Virtual Gastric-Band hypnotherapy with Marc Carlin at The Hypnosis Center (a $598.50 value). Certified hypnotherapist and weight-loss specialist Marc Carlin of The Hypnosis Center wields the power of suggestion and techniques backed by clinical experience to facilitate the shedding of excess pounds. The Virtual Gastric Band treatment is designed to convince the client's subconscious mind and nay-saying shoulder-angels that he or she has undergone gastric band surgery to reduce his or her stomach capacity. Over the course of two one-hour sessions, Marc verbally leads the patient through the virtual surgery, enhancing the storyline with props aimed at persuading the body to physically mimic the effects of the procedure. Thus, patrons trade fashion-backward hospital gowns and the risks of a real operating table for a relaxing rest in a dream-like state. The hypnotherapy process is also designed to educate participants on balanced dietary habits and uncover the emotional factors behind overeating, such as having been raised by a wild pack of animal crackers. Customers can view a brief video on Marc's innovative approach for more information.

Congradulations! And Merry Christmas!

What Elcee said! I've only been married 3 years, but I have known my husband forever. We argue over the same kinda stuff. But he always says to me "I'll bet you $5 bucks!" It drives me nuts!!!

Today was a tough day for me. We had a holiday Breakfast and a cookie exchange. I baked 4 dozen mini muffins last night and only took one small bite to make sure they turned out good. Then I get to work and it is muffins, bagels, coffee cake. But worse yet were the Cookies. All good, I stayed away. Had some fruit and a mini bell cheese I brought. But then I got 2 boxes of chocolates from clients!!! And in a moment of weakness, I brought them home. I had to have my husband tape the boxes up and hide them until I can give them to my mother. My new Christmas carol (to the tune of Let it Snow) "Oh the holiday time is frightful, the candy is so delightful. As long as I have a band, just say no, just say no, just say no."

I have managed catered work lunches with vendors and clients quite well. I just take a meat sandwich and remove the bread. And then just eat the meat, cheese and tomato. If there is a side salad, I make a little chef salad with the protein. No one notices.

Bugging your wife is as good a reason as any. Welcome.

It definately takes a few weeks for the surgery initial pains to completely go away. And then, as prior poster said, you can still have pain from time-to-time. But so worth it in the long run. Since I've had the surgery, I've slept better than I have in years. Don't know why. However, because of this, I am sleeping in one position most of the night. And usually on my port side. When I wake up in the morning, my port is just howling. But it is ok. Cause it reminds me that it is there and that I need to listen to it.

I was banded October 20. I knew i was going out or a late lunch today, so I only had a cup of coffee in the morning w/SF syrup and soy milk lite. Lunch - 2/3 omelet w/chesse and 1 strip bacon. Grapes. And I could not resist having 2 french fries! dinner - Homemade cabbage and tomato Soup. 1 turkey meatball. Snack - 3 slices clementine (my dog ate the membrane).