Brewa2000

Roxy Do you have a date set yet? Dr Fox banded me January of 07. They are great people. Good luck in your journey!

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and am taking Celebrex (most smomach friendly of the NSAIDS). My Dr also makes me take Prevacid to help with the stomach problems. You might try that approach. Even though losing weight has helped, I still go through periods when moving isn't fun. Any of you on Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade? I'm looking into gettting on one of them. Bruce

Some very good things happening to you! It keeps getting better!

I used the EAS Protein powder. I bought it in the bag and blended it with Water and frozen berries. Made it very tolerable.... As for the gas pain, I walked most of mine off. The thing I noticed was they weren't as nasty smelling as before. 'coarse I wasn't drinking beer and eating brats smoothered in onions and sour kraut either. I did had a degree of gas for several weeks. Doc said I was swallowing too much air.

I went to a support group once. There were about 40 people present. The only other guy was a husband who came to meeting to support his wife who was a first time attendee. I decided right there it wasn't for me, but that's me, I tend to not wander too far from the "Men's Room" here. That being said, there can some good information at the meetings, but there are other sources for information (like here). Bruce

Congratulations to both you guys! You're both doing great. As you get more fills, your appetite will diminish. I use a small plate. Take a small portion, eat it slow, and that's it. If eating out, ask for a take out box as you receive your meal, again leave only on your plate what you are going to eat. Good luck! Bruce

OG- that was a funny story!! When I have that problem it's usually on the road thinking "I can make it to the next Rest Area". I know why some truckers make "Trucker's Lemonade". How they get it in those plastic bottles is beyond me, I'd have a huge mess on my hands (literally!!). Good luck getting your date. Bruce

Good job Cowboy!

Yup, I really do feel like a new man. Lot's of benefits to shedding a third of me. My mission is not complete however, I need to get back with it soon to lose the last few pounds. A couple vacations and busy at work have been my excuse for getting out of my routine. Good luck with your walking. After a while, I acually looked forward to my walk. Bruce

OG- Walking has been my main excercise. I do some resistance work and try to get on the recumbant bike, but walking is number one. I'd love to be able to hit it harder like I did in my twenties and thirties, but with my RA, that's not going to happen. Good luck in jumping through the hoops.... Bruce

I'd wait a couple weeks before hitting it too hard. I started some lifting of 50 lb bags after 2 weeks. By 4 weeks, I was back to normal. You young bucks might bounce back a little quicker... Bruce

It's OK Nana, now back away from the urinal so we can use it.... Confession- I went into the ladies room twice in one night at the same bar. Should be a universal thing guys on the right, gals on the left. Bruce

Before my surgery, only a handful of people knew. Now, I don't hestitate to tell any one. I will answer (almost) any question that any one has, but won't become the reformed alcoholic. I agree with Fanny, educate yourself all you can. Good luck! Bruce

My port is about six inches above and left of the naval. I had surgery on a Wednesday (1/31/07) and went in to my business on Saturday to catch up. I was going to go in Friday, but my wife had my keys with her at work so I justified another day off. You shouldn't have a problem with a Friday surgery and going to work Monday. I think some people do have problems and some have to stay home if they have a hang-nail. Good luck. Bruce

Yup! I really notice it in my feet and hands. I got four nice chammie (sp)shirts for Christmas. I wear them over a T. Works good and fills up some space in my too big blue jeans.

I start with a small plate. Put about 3 oz of meat on it, along with some veggies. Then eat it slowly (without Water, of course) and then find something to keep you busy. I eat three meals a day plus a snack around 3 or 4 (1/2 apple or SouthBeach bar). I only drink water or tea after my 1/2 hour to hour is up in the evening, no snacking after dinner. It takes will power at your stage, but it can be done. It's an excellent time to start good eating habits for the rest of your journey. Good luck! Bruce

It definitely gets better and better! Neal- keep us posted on your prep for surgery. I'm kind of up in the air hoping most of the skin magically dissappears! At my age I doubt it will.... Good luck! Bruce

Janet gave some great advice. Get the junk out of the house. You won't lose eating it. Carbs tend to make me want more carbs, it's a wicked cycle. I think I'd stay clear of Gaterade even with half the calories. I'm very careful to limit liquid calories (tomato juice, diet cranberry, Water, etc). I do best when I put what I'm going to eat on a small plate, eat it and then find something to keeps me busy for awhile. I try not to watch too much TV around meal time. The commercials provide a convenient a time to grab a snack. You can do it! Good luck! Bruce

Good job Wayne! I bet you do feel great! Bruce

OK, besides reaching my goal weight, Travel to Asia to visit our exchange students from a few years ago. Build my new shop at home so I have a place to "hide" from DW when I retire.

I don't know how much more the doc will put in. I had my last fill on Jan 2 and have good restriction, but not overly tight. It's strange because I hear of those who are doing well with 6cc (or less) in a 10cc. Good luck in your Quest to find your sweet spot. Bruce

You're on your way! Enjoy the ride. Bruce

I now have 10.25cc in my 10cc band. Hopefully I'm good til I reach my goal... Bruce

I've pretty much told any one who asks how I lost my weight. I could give a rat's behind what they say or think. I know it wasn't the easy way out. The easy out is to stick your head in the sand, live in denial and do nothing. Bruce

Way to go Dave!