Julie norton

????my heating pads....I also have been known to use the hair dryer on and in my shoes to warm up my cold toes. That is why I dream of Hawaii ????

I consider it a great investment for myself. When I'm a bit sore that evening , I know it was productive. AND. .... When something is bothering me in my head, I feel (somehow )better getting energy out. Good job JWM

I say write the letter and hold it for the weekend. Read it many times and make it clear how they can improve..it can be personal too, but more effective in my opinion to educate and not berate

Same issue but years out.. I got the flu and tried to get protein down by drinking "pure protein" shakes. Bad idea . Kept me within running distance to the bathroom for days. Had to quit w/ liquid protein. Put a few ounces of pedialyte w/ lots of water for a few days and solved my issue. Did not realize this was a common problem till I saw these postings confirming it. Thanks... I always learn something new on these boards????

Heck yeah! 8 weeks ago tomorrow ... TT and abdomnoplasty outpatient... In by 7 out by 1... Just had galfriends come in everyday and check on me... Bring soup.. By far, the hardest thing was to get up and down for almost a week. I had a roll to the side, push up with your arm type system... Still hurt, but followed Doc orders and laid low... Walking blocks in 3 wks. Light workouts in 5.. Back to it at 6 weeks. Adore the results and to me, worth the pain....NOW! I was completely out and I did need pain meds for about 10 days... Really glad I had them.

My port was placed about 2 inches below my sternum... About 3 1/2 inches above my belly button. Centered. And I sure can see and feel it. I adore it and most always she returns the adulation... Like some of us (ok, me) she can be a real bitch when irritated!

Nice to read and be included in this positive forum. Thank you positive posters! After many years, I do understand some frustration with negative people or those that choose to not follow dr instructions..... Maybe some docs don't give out enough info and directions? I got a 6 page handout in 2006, after outpatient banding w/ quick check up the following day,and I'll see you in 6 wks. Anyway, glad to be here. Lots of good advice....and some yuks.

Thank you for all the info bar life. I appreciate it. Looking into this for the fall... Hope my skin can look as good as yours ???? I do wear sunscreen everyday and do not get sun only face... Still.. Old damage.

Your skin looks great! I have nice thick Italian skin, but growing up at the beach in the 60's was not good for uneven pigment blotches. Unclear about a peel. Can you tell me about it when you get a chance? Thanks... You seem to have lots of info????

I agree with Kate. For me, breakfast is not till later. Just like you, beef and chicken breast don't work well staying down.. Chicken thighs do, so I am grateful. This is a real learning as we go adventure... Even years later, sometimes my tolerance for some food changes. Hopefully, not while I'm out! Fish seems to work for me the most consistently... Check in with your doctor, but you know your stomach the best.., keep trying...???? Ps. Yes on my stomach shrinking overnight also???some say fluid drains as we lay down... I dunno!

Happy for you to have your kids close to you again... Sometimes that is the highlight of my week... In bad times, Highlight of my month???? Happy early moms day????

Good luck Stephanie Your path may not be straight and easy, but you can be successful living at a smaller size. Lots of help and great people and advice here if you seek it out... Hope you recommit truly and start seeing the scale go down . I keep reading protein, exercise and water helps many, myself included... Not always easy, but as a long term bander I have faith in the process Best to you and keep posting????

This is a hard topic for me. I have given away the "huge" clothing ( except one giant stretchy pair of 22 pants that reminds me of whence I came). Now the one size up from where I am? Most of the 14's are gone... The 12's are few ... And I had 5 pair of 10's altered... Like new clothes.... and only $10 each to fit again....still too many clothes in my closet ... Sigh...I guess all in all it's a small problem to have????

String cheese, a protein bar, water, almonds ( a handful).....banana Usually gets me thru til the next mealtime when I am out...or unable to Find good choices????

Well said MC???? Before WLS, I felt good and relatively successful into life... Except that one huge issue of being fat ... And yes I could lose some. But maintaining my weight was by far the hardest issue I faced. Now I still must eat right and exercise and drink lots of water... But I can stay at the weight that is right for me For years... (Never could after I had gained weight with kids and a mean spirited marriage) Life is better for me at a smaller size As I hope it is for many????

Congrats! I just went to a seamstress to get fitted for my Mother of the groom dress, and thought ahead to bring in 5 pairs of great jeans/ pants. She was reasonable and without shopping, I have "new" pants in a smaller size. Happy.. That is a NSV ... And I adored the MOG dress I ordered 6 months ago... thank goodness.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. I hope you find something that works for you! When I'm not getting my water down, I have mixed in about 1/2 cup pedialyte with a big glass of water It seems to get me through with a bit of flavor and a little help with dehydration... Might ask the doc if that is ok for you. Good luck

Perhaps a very small fill? I truly believe overfills cause many problems... You sound like you are close to where you need to be... Please ask the doc ... And trust yourself to not overdo the fill.. You can go back later. Many of us have been on both sides of too little and too much... Gotta be just right and it works well!

Congrats. You look happier and healthier already! I echo JWM above and take this band filling in small increments I think of it a bit like a balloon. Once overinflated, it doesn't look or feel the same. You are almost 50 lbs lighter and if you do your part, you will not see that weight again. ???? Seems like protein, water and exercise really work... Trust the process and best wishes!

@wannab. Glad to see you are on the other side of surgery . It is nice to have part one done. Now on to other side of recovery It can be life changing if you put your soul into it. Keep updating your progress. Inquiring minds want to applaud you????

I adore hearing long term bander stories. Not too many of us compared to sleevers... Lots of non compliance/problems posted daily about bands. Great to hear the good news. I'm also years out and of course changed my interaction with food. I am so thankful to be a " normal" size in this world. ( whatever that is to each of us). I find it easier to navigate my life daily. Hope you continue posting.

Best of luck as you start your new life with WLS. ???? I'm over the hill, but my doc practices near Good Samaritan. I am not sleeved (banded) but I know that is the most frequently done surgery currently. I encourage you to visit these forums... Lots of kind people, good suggestions, funny stuff. Some days ya just need a little more info on how to adjust to a new way with food.

Carly, This seems to be an issue with a lot of people. Some say miralax, others prune juice. I personally like smooth move tea... Sold at Safeway or health stores or GNC. Best of luck. There is a good amount of advice and lots of questions here. I think the site is great for motivation!

So happy to have nice weather coming our way. I was cold this winter ( and I'm in California) Beautiful day today. I know being cold is a continuing dialogue on these boards .... Let's Celebrate some decent weather (And yes you probably need new clothes)???? Oops sorry Alex. Wrong forum and I do not know how to move it to VIP Please help the inept

Thank you cyber friends. I needed you guys too????