lifeisjustbeginning2011

you'll be fine to take the Vitamin D pills (they're not hard tablets, they're liquid filled and very small). Just take one at a time. Many people are able to take most pills after surgery. Mine was July 1st and I can take pills without a problem at all. My doc put me on 50,000 IU once a week for 8 weeks. Women in general have this issue more than men. No big deal, just take the pills and have your level rechecked in a month or two.

I tried cooking my ham steak in my slow cooker today (not for very long, maybe an hour) in DIET ORANGE soda. It kept it pretty moist. I've heard of people cooking chicken in soda as well, does anyone have a favorite recipe? I've also cooked a ham steak with Diet Dr Pepper, but this was pre-band, so I used brown and white sugar in it.

check out the July 2011 thread. there's a huge difference from person to person. My starting BMI was 52, so I'm going to drop weight faster initially, that's just how it goes. Lower BMI's will lose at a slower rate. Are you exercising? Getting fills? Remember that it isn't a competition, we all want the same ultimate goal....and a number isn't all it is about. I want to be healthy, whatever number that ends up being. Hang in there!

I used my card once at PF Chang and it was fine. Waitress didn't even blink an eye.

Mine is listed in my address below. It has really helped me a lot. I use the iPhone app the most, but do go online when I need to change data or print out my daily logs to take to the NUT for advice.

I found it a couple of days ago, but wasn't too impressed. Most of the information was for pre-oppers...wish they had a section to track how much fluid was in the band like other apps.

Oh, Rach, I wanna look like you!!!! : ) Simply awesome!

I lost 16 in a one week pre-op diet. Consult your personal doc to see what his/her recommendations are for you. Without knowing age, pre-existing medical conditions, BMI, lifestyle, etc....we could only guess what you "should" lose. You'll lose the bulk in the first 2 months, after that, *most* people drop 1-2 pounds a week, but it totally varies. Especially for us females, there's usually 5-7 days before a period where we hold water like crazy!

I was on birth control until the evening before surgery and starting taking it the night of surgery. Seriously. I didn't miss one pill. You'll find 830,927 opinions on here from everyone, but your personal doc will tell ya what's best for you.

Hi, all. Just popped in to say hello! Getting another .5 cc fill on Friday....still looking to find that green zone, but doing ok! Amy

I just bought a used Wii Fit (with the balance board) and I'm looking for some fun exercise games. I saw there are some walking programs, does anyone have favorites? I'm just starting working out so the Jillian one probably isn't for me Thanks! Amy

I don't do Zumba on my Wii (just got it), but I know a lot of you do. Thought I'd pass along some info that there's a second Zumba workout coming in a few months! Here's the link that talks about it. http://wii.ign.com/objects/108/108001.html

For the first 2 weeks after surgery - on my back with two pillows under my knees. Then back to side sleeping

Yep - I was taking Prilosec for 11 years. After having the band, I no longer eat that greasy crap food anymore - three weeks after surgery, I discontinued the Prilosec. Even saves me some money

Yep....I'm almost two months post op and my weight is coming off my face and my boobs. Down a cup size...DOH! I'd rather be alive with sagging small boobs then dead with big ones though. This surgery was life changing for me.

make sure to go on liquids for a day or so after a big stick like that - you're probably still a bit swollen.

Just something to think about - I was bitten in the face by a dog and wanted good scar creme. The plastic surgeon recommended waiting one full month after the scars are healed before using any creams or vitamin E.

There's also some discussion in the post op diet/exercise area. That's how I found my current friends on MFP. My ID is listed below. I love this program! Accountability is key for me!

Those are danger foods. If they make you stuck, the answer is really simple...don't eat them. I had baby carrots one day and the next day I was stuck on the first bite. Danger foods are different for everyone. Just remember that every time you vomit, you run the risk of a problem with the band. My carrot is not worth 13K to me.

Yes. I left bandster hell 2 weeks ago. It isn't fun - and your surgery did not fail - but your tummy has to rest from the trauma of having the band put in before it is safe to fill it. These are difficult weeks, I'm not going to lie, but it does get better!!

Of all places, I found these at TJ Maxx today. However, after doing an internet search, they're available at a lot of sites. Mine are raspberry, orange & strawberry. They are similar to Viactiv. I was looking for the fruit flavors, I'm not much of a chocolate person. If you can find these, go for it. I paid $7.99 for 75. I'll include a link for them on Amazon. They do qualify for the free shipping if you buy 25 of stuff. I'll have two of these in the morning and my liquid for dinner. I take thyroid medicine, so I have to wait 1-2 hours after I take that...so these will go in my purse! http://www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Now-Calcium-Fruit-chews/dp/B00014EDCQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312340559&sr=8-1

Hey stranger!! I did the "goodbye" meals before surgery. Managed to pack on an additional pound, too. I can't say that I planned a "last" meal, but I started getting rid of the bad stuff a few weeks prior. I don't remember my last soda, but I don't miss it. Now I marinate/cook my meats in Diet Dr. Pepper so I still taste it You'll only see what we mean after surgery. When you're pre-op, you feel like so many foods are going to be on the no-no list. But really you can have them after. Once you look at 1,000 calories for the day, you really question if you want a Snickers, because it hogs up the calories and you end up hungrier after eating junk. You'll see...promise. The strange thing was....when I knew I was eating something for what I thought was the last time, I couldn't eat the same quantity. It actually made me kind of sick feeling. I could easily mow down 3-4 pieces of pizza Hut pizza.....but when the whole thing was sitting in front of me, I only ate two. It was bizarre. You'll probably also notice (once closer to surgery), how emotional the whole Lap Band thing is. Amy