Melissa76tx

Yes...don't wait to start exercising!! Incorporate it now and it will become a habit that makes you feel guilty when you don't do it. Replace the obsession of food with the obsession with exercise. I wish I would have done this from the beginning. I love kettlebells. Cardio and strength all in one. Definitely gets the heart rate up

I'm with you on the clothes! I will definitely pay more for them to fit right and last longer...and you are right, you can always sell them and definitely get a large amount of what you spent pay...hooray for the new jeans size..that is always exciting and a great motivator to keep on working hard!

I use a straw all of the time...I would never drink as much as I'm supposed to daily without one. Like others said, I'm sure it is because of the excess air it creates. For me, it hasn't caused a problem. My doctor left it up to personal preference. I am careful with gum though. I had a close call...sneezed while chewing a piece of gum and almost swallowed it...definitely put me in a panic!! What problems will ibuprofen have on the band?

get plenty of rest for sure...I have noticed a huge change in the amount of sleep I now require to function normally

absolutely call your doctor...never take things like this as a minor issue...when blood is involved and you are also vomiting, make that phone call!! prayers going your way and hope all is well

I use the smaller utensils,plates, bowls and that definitely helps me keep my portions in check. I have never thought of using chopsticks, but I think it is a great idea...will have to try that soon. I'm in Texas too..lol..so I understood your "foreign language"

everyone feel free to add me please....user name is mhouston2011...thanks!!!

Happy Birthday and congrats to you on taking a huge step in not only losing weight but also turning your health around. To me, the weight loss is only a plus when it comes to the increased health that I've experienced and how much better I feel on a daily basis.

melissac6776

15 lbs in 12 days is amazing!! What is your diet and what changes have you made in your lifestyle? I'm always looking for new ideas

I am experiencing the exact same problem you are. I've been blessed this long that I haven't had any problems. Three nights ago, all of a sudden, it hit me and it hit me hard!! I haven't had any heartburn or reflux since before surgery. I did have a hernia repaired during surgery. I've put myself back on liquids for a few days to see if it helps...I guess only time will tell

Congrats to you! It is amazing how much positivity can come into our lives. Happiness is something that you can't put a price on

Enjoyed reading this!! I admit, this process has made me a horrible scale addict. It can become an obsession that takes off your day! I commend you on putting it out with the trash

I've seen these at GNC.. just the chocolate and vanilla ones though. I definitely agree about the flavor. They are the best I've had and have no after taste at all. I fell in love with the banana and the cookies and cream. I put mine in the freezer and it's almost like having a malt.

I completely understand your pain. I had a fill last Thursday and was completely bloated and begged my doctor not to weigh me..lol. However, he insisted and I had gained 6. It is slowly going back down now, but completely frustrated me and quite depressing too!

Congrats on a huge milestone!! I know how you feel...I got a much needed fill last thursday and can tell the difference already...hope you have much continued success!

Hey there! I live in Northeast Texas..about 40 miles east of Longview. I've been banded since 1/11/11 and would love to have a band buddy. If you have any questions, I can do my best to answer them for you.

If I'm at a restaurant and get a glass of water, I always take the table salt and pepper and pour some into my water. I'm not sure if people have ever noticed me doing this or not..I'm sure if they have, they think I'm nuts...lol. That is the only way I can keep from having a drink at the table.

What everyone has said here is so true!! It is normal to be nervous, but think what the great outcome will be! Life will be changed for the better. I was banded in January of 2011 and yes I was extremely nervous. Those days seemed to take forever to pass, but now looking back I can't remember why I was so nervous..lol. As each week goes by..month goes by..you start seeing the big picture and realize that you never want your life or body to be like it was before surgery. I wish all of you the best and welcome to the new rest of your life!!

Wow, that is awesome!!! You are extremely fortunate and blessed. I had no insurance at the time of surgery, so everything was out of pocket. I wouldn't change a thing though. Definitely worth every penny!

You look absolutely stunning!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Congratulations not only on the weight loss, but the regain of your health back. You definitely can't put a price on that. Enjoy the summer in your swim suit

I was ondering the same thing. The point of being banded is to feel satisfied, not to be so restricted that you can't eat. Especially if you aren't getting enough calories in every day. The worst thing you can start doing is to try to make up the missing calories with liquids or something that slides thru.

I'm starting the c25k today also!! So if you'd like we can keep up day to day on how we are doing and keep each other accountable. I definitely need someone to help me with this that is in the same situation as I am!!

Congrats to you on your weight loss so far...it sounds like you are doing great!! I had port pain a few weeks after surgery also, but it went away shortly. I love myfitnesspal also. I wish I would have known about it when I had my surgery. It definitely keeps me accountable for bad choices that I make.