PattyGirl66

I have to laugh because nothing is more funnier or embarassing than having someone who had lapband surgery and approach you when you are already banded, lolololool Yup, happened to me while shopping for clothing. some woman slithered her way near me, she kept getting closer and closer while rummaging through shirts on the rack. I was thinking to myself, "damn woman give me some space here", all the while she was trying to speak to me. She was if I had to guess about a size 18, and she managed to get close enough to me to say. You have such a beautiful face, don't take this wrong but I use to be heavier than you are, "i let her carry on"... "because I knew this was going to be good"... She then said I am much older than you are and I wished i would of did this many years ago, she said look at me now I am 51 and finally feel great, etc... I did let her finish right to the very end..... I leaned into her and said, first off I want to thank you for the compliment, I am actually 49. then I looked around to make sure NOOO one was near me for what I did next. I said to this woman I want to show you something.. I lifted up my top and exposed my belly.......... Ahhh, just the look on her face was priceless, but the highlight of my day was buying a pair of jeans for $8 it doesn't get any better than that!

Take care, rest up... Most importantly keep yourself hydrated! Best wishes and hope to hear more about your journey (hugs)

I remember when I was in my 20's stepping off of a bus, an elderly woman walked right up to me and said "drink warm Water first thing in the moring and put a fresh lemon in it every day"... I really had no clue what she was talking about, in fact I just chalked it up to another crazy lady, LOL. Soooo, for the past 4 days I have been drining a lot of Lemon & Water. In the morning warm, and during the day ice cold. I really am enjoying the flavor in my plain water and the way its making me feel.. My research found 10 Reasons why we should drink Lemon & Water (in the morning): The water added to the lemon juice should be lukewarm, or hot lemon water: 1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. 2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized. 3. Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin Fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. 4. Aids digestion: Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation. 5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy. 6. Clears skin: The Vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance. 7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. I admit, I’m slightly worried about it. 8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too. 9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C. 10. Helps kick the coffee habit: After I have a glass of hot lemon water, I actually don’t crave coffee in the morning. This is weird, I can’t explain it, but I’ll take it.

I agree with the rest of the posters. Sounds like you are too tight and will need a small unfill.

Very normal what you are going through! I can only tell you to hang in there and that it does get better! Moving around helps tremendously! walk it out... ((hugs))

Maddy hit the nail right on the head. It is very difficult for a weight loss patient especially to pull in 60 grams and over of Protein daily from food. I for one struggle daily with this. Just like Maddy said, you need to now start 'adding' more protein into your already protein foods. I do the same thing, I add eggs, cheese, nuts, Peanut Butter, etc. whatever has protein I just add more to my meals. I can not drink protein shakes/drinks. They make me sick so all my protien is dependant on foods only....

I don't have small children, however I do have a 6 almost 7 year old granddaughter. She is very smart, witty for her age. She knows everything there is to know about my surgery. Before I went in for the surgery we sat at the computer and I showed her the 'device' that was going to be placed around my band and how it works. She asked me tons of questions, one was when will it come out. She thought it goes in and comes out, she also asked me will it hurt, etc. I explained everything to her where she would understand. She is very observant of me, she tells me what she sees getting smaller on my body and points it out. She loves I have more energy and we can play for hours and hours on end. I had to adjust my entire way of eating with her through this journey. I don't snack with her on chips, doodles, or cakes anymore. It took her awhile to adjust without getting angry. Now, I make many healthy Snacks for us to share and she really likes that because she feels included with eating with me, instead of just watching her eat alone. You would be surprised how much kids love veggies and dips, and even rolled up coldcuts with cream cheese. LOLOL I really think it depends on how much your child can understand when explaining about this type of surgery. I simply told my granddaughter that Nana needs to get healthy and by doing that I need to eat healthy. She gets that!

Hi Denee, Water exercise is great for anyone who has joint problems, no impact and you use all of your muscles with no strain. Another great exercise to do with no impact is "Chair Exercise". Another great form of exercise to get your body moving. There are wonderful videos on youtube.com to help show the level your hubby can do. Just go to www.youtube.com and type Chair Exercises. Thats it! Best wishes,

Maddys right call in, I couldn't do protein drinks after surgery and when I called to let them know how I was feeling they immediately put me into the soft stages so I could get some nutrients in. Drink alllll day long, you need to keep hydrated. Buy yourself some Gatorade and sip on it you will be surprised how much better your body will feel. You can also dilute it in your water as well (I did that too). Just keep drinking all day, this is key to healing. Oh for the gas, you are just going to have to walk it out ... the gas will travel through your body before it dissipates. Hang in there, it does get better

Hi Amy, it can't hurt to give it a try if your weight has stalled and you have tried everything. I didn't take action for 4 weeks when my weight stalled on me, I wanted to 'wait' to see if anything happened or my body needed to catch up. Well, I realized when you do lose a lot of weight your body can't handle the 'high' amount of carbs, for example my body was doing 120 carbs daily before my weight stalled. That was too much and my body wouldn't of lost weight on that amount of carbs if I didn't do anything about it. I done not only research on carb cycling, read, but I also personally know someone who is a gym rat and has lost 160 pounds in 11 months just by exercising. She weighed over 300 lbs, and went over my nutrients with me and also confirmed 120 grams of carbs was very high and I needed to bring it down considerably. Its still work in progress for me, but yes I am still losing weight by watching my carb intake. I am not starving my body at all, eating very healthy, and getting in very healthy complex carbs to keep my body fat burning....

I just wanted to tell you I LOVE your kitty animation!!! super adorable!

Hmm, good question. What motivates me is seeing results, such as seeing the numbers on the scale go down, shrinking out of my clothes, and the most important to me is seeing how quickly I get around (without pain). That is my biggest achievement by far! There are days I just don't want to get on my exercise machine, and days I look forward to it. However, what puts things into perspective for me is how I got here in the first place and I like this feeling. Exercise is helping this happen! Therefore, no matter how tired I may feel or lazy. I get on that machine and do the best that I can. I listen to music while doing this it always makes me feel good and as the songs go by, so does the time......

Yaaaa!!! I know that feeling too, its a wonderful one! Congrats!

Looking forward to the Holidays with family, friends, great food and wine

I am just one of those persons who have lost weight and jump started my metabolism with Carb Cycling. Now, I have taken this great idea about carbs to another level. This is a personal choice, I need something consistent for every day living. My initial carb intake before starting carb cycling was about 120 daily. That was too much! This is where my weight loss stalled for 4 weeks! I started carb cycling and in just 2 weeks of giving it a try I lost 10 pounds. As of now, my carbs is at 40 grams (or under). I do not go over the number once increased so I can see how well I do for the week. I do this for two weeks and track results. I am introducing more "healthy' carbs into my diet on a daily basis. I have also increased my exercise level too. I started out with doing 20 minutes every single day, I am up to 30 minutes now . Last week my carb level was 40 grams daily and I lost 4 pounds in a week. I record everything so that I know what my body feels comfortable with. I will continue at this level for another week, if there are good results I will adjust my carbs up by another 10 pts. The goal is to find just the right amount of carbs that my body can be comfortable with on a daily basis, with results. As our bodies loses more weight and we increase our exercise our metabolism changes too. On a last note: If my weight starts to stall again I will go back to carb cycling to jump start my metabolism. Its as simple as that!

Snipme, I have very dark hair and the greys are noticible when they come in. I just touch up with natural hair instinct, is that okay? Nice we have a few hair specialists on here we can talk to and get help. Oh, I also use paul mitchell strong strength hair repair, also recommended by a hair stylist on here as well. I really like using it and hope it is helping.

This is a relief to know! Thank you!

Hey Kime-lou, There is a serious bunch of people on this site that need an attitude adjustment. They know who they are and instead of learning to 'adjust' their behavior they continue to verbally bully others. Tough love should be given to your children, not total strangers who are 'vulnerable' looking to 'reach' out to anyone who can give them some direction, reassurance, comfort, and guidence. If they ask 'directly' a 'factual' reinforcement should be suggested ....in an appropriate manner. I come from a long line of licensed and certified therapists and social workers. Our family does not talk to one another or display such ignorant behavior as I have seen in this community, a community that was created for everyone to come together and 'help' one another out. There are many ways to communicate to someone without making them feel as if they are 'bad'. Belittling and berating doesn't help, especailly those who may be sensative or shy. I would NOT speak to my child that way or my grandchild. Today was a comment left for a young man and honestly I was appauld at one of our community 'seniors' response back. I wonder to myself if this 'older' woman speaks to her grandchildren like that, if she has any that is. Anyway, I have learned sooo much on this site about my surgery before, during, and after. As I continue to learn, I appreciate the wonderful advice from some of our bandsters who have succeeded before me and reached goal. Hence, I will continue to ignore the bullies and let them continue to make fools of themselves..... Thanks for posting this Kime-lou!

Hi Lucy, You are not alone! My hair is falling out too, just started actually. I thought I was in the clear until a month ago, blah! Anyway, Biotin can't hurt to take. I have been taking them 7 months before surgery, it obviously doesn't prevent the hair from falling out, but can help with new hair growth, not to mention long nails and great looking skin. About coloring your hair I don't have an answer for you. I have a small amount of greys behind my ears I do myself. I use Natural Hair instincts, its less abrasive on the hair. ask a professional hair specialist what do they think, just in case you don't want to use any harsh chemicals in your hair.

Hi Kristine, Yes, taking a Multivitamin daily is VERY important, more so in weight loss patients. Because our bodies are not getting enough of a balanced nutrionial diet, we need a multivitamin in place to help with our insides. Now, you don't need to take a Biotin pill unless you 'want' to. People who take biotin are or have experienced hair loss during and after surgery. You mentioned Vitamin D, Unless perscribed by YOUR doctor you do not need to take them, as there is adequate Vitamin D in the multivitamin. Iron pills should ONLY be taking if prescribed .. again, there is adequate amount of iron in a multivitamin. Taking 1 multiVitamin daily will not put you in poor house, you can buy a Huge bottle that can last for 6 months for about $15 or less. Buy the gummy ones, they are less expensive. Your dry skin is a different issue, could be many factors - change in weather, not drinking of enough of Water, allergies, etc.. Way too broad for a diagnosis. You will have to consult a dermatologist for that. No, your dry skin is not related to your band. Have you had follow up blood work since being banded? have them check your TSH levels (thyroid), just to make sure. But deff get that dry skin looked at and take a multivitamin

Thats right! Never leave home withouth it, LOLOL

Very normal, as the days/weeks go by you will be able to drink much more. The only advice I have for you is to drink all day long, this is key to healing. Keeping yourself hydrated is what you want to do. I am not sure about using a straw this early on as it can cause more air to travel inside of your new pouch, causing a gas like effect that can be uncomfortble, especially soon after surgery whereas we have gas trapped inside that needs to disipate. You seem to be doing fine, and yes it does get better

Thanks for sharing! Congratulations on your success!!