musicalmomma

It's supposedly half the dose of prescription Xenical. I never took Xenical, because I heard of the yucky side effects. SUPPOSEDLY, the risk of those side effects are less with alli, because it's a lower dose. However, like someone else already posted, if you're loading on carbs too, it won't help. I have to crush all my pills for life...according to my surgeon...I see that other's don't....I just wonder if this pill can be crushed or if in capsul form, can be opened and take only the powder....hmmmm????

Happy Birthday Danielle!

Yep, it DOES slow down for a few days...I was a little bummed, the scale even went up a couple of pounds! :omg: But the scale is finally moving downward again. I'm sure it's a shock to the system when we're on liquids for so long, have surgery, on liquids even longer, then add more solid nourishment.

I had an epiphany... All day yesterday, I was feeling kinda low. Thinking about how far I had to go, and took in too many calories too...which left me even more depressed (In bandster hell, healing phase, right now). I just kept wondering if I would really ever make it to goal and wondering when I would actually feel restriction and get this "show on the road"...losing weight right now is SUCH a chore! I am essentially on a diet until I get restriction...and WHO KNOWS how many fills that will take! OK...so anyway...my 16 year old daughter and I were watching "The 627 pound Woman" on Discovery Health last night. That poor, sweet lady! My heart broke for her! And that's when the epiphany came to me...."That woman would LOVE to be where I am right now! She would feel WONDERFUL if she had the stamina, mobility, ability, wardrobe, and life that I have right this moment!" Needless to say, I stopped feeling sorry for myself at that moment and today am more committed than ever to make this work for me! So, I wrote all of this to encourage all of you that are feeling low. No matter how large you feel you are, there is most likely someone larger and in worse shape that would look at you and think to themselves "I'd love to be where he/she is right now!" Hang tough everyone!

I didn't watch the half ton man. My husband gets VERY upset by those programs, but like you Derek, he know's that's his future without the band. He's 435-445 now. His denial is currently in appeals and we're hoping it will be approved and he'll be banded in August. Programs like that do two things for me...1) make me grateful that I have my band and am taking control before I get to that point, 2) make me want to keep moving and eating right and win this battle!

OK...well, most of my friends at church know about my band. Sunday was the first time anyone at church had seen me in two weeks. They were all raving at how good I looked and how much "slimmer" (I had lost about 15 pounds since they saw me last). I chaulked it up to "being nice" and "encouragement". I didn't really believe they could 'see' a difference.... THEN...my pastor...who has NO IDEA about my surgery, called me over to him. He said "Joyce, how are you?" I said "great" (thinking someone had leaked my surgery to him...he's totally against all WLS). Well, he had no idea because next he said "You look GREAT! You glow! You look so healthy!" I said, "Thank you, I've been watching my diet and riding my bike 5-8 miles a day." He said "That's fantastic! It really shows!" That's when it sunk in...almost 40 pounds lost and I am begininng to look as good as I feel! YAY!

When are you scheduled for your next fill? It's been a month since your first fill. As it was explained to me, the average is three fills before hitting the sweet spot. I feel for you tho...I really do, I'm in bandster hell and STARVING!!!!!! I think I'd rather ride my bike an extra 5 miles just so I can have more to eat!!! I'm REALLY trying to stay under 800 calories and I never go over 1000, but dang, some days it about kills me!

Thanks for the visuals Chris & Faith...that's exactly what I was trying to say

put a pound of muscle next to a pound of fat...see which is "LARGER". Sure a pound of each WEIGHS the same, but they sure APPEAR differently on the body. 30 pounds of muscle is healthier and improves appearance...30 pounds of fat is unhealthy and gives the appearance of being larger.

Best wishes

Hmmm....have you asked your surgeon if this would be OK? I don't want to be a wet blanket, because you'd probably be just fine...but...an 11 hour trip is draining and taxing under the best of circumstances. Is there any way you could get a flight and meet them there? I felt pretty good 6 days out, but I wouldn't have tried an 11 hour trip, each way, and being on a liquid diet to boot. I drove to Milwaukee and back (4 hours) 6 days out and I was BEAT when I got home. But we're all different. I'd advise to ask the doc and use your best judgement.

Thanks WABB...she REALLY loves it and has such a passion for kids...she's looking into pediatric nursing or midwifery. I'd bet she'd love working with you too!

Derbygirl...119 pounds in 8 months???? :omg: You are my hero lady!!!! Good for you!

Hi derby girl. My doc told me nothing to drink 15 mins before eating and one hour after. I guess if it were me, and this is an ongoing problem, I'd sip, sip, sip, til the last person arrived. Let's face it, when a big party is at a resturante, it takes forever to get your food anyway. You've been at this a long time and almost to goal...my guess is you could skip the "before" rule from time to time...but I guess ultimately you should discuss it with you nutritionist or surgeon. Sorry your dinner enjoyment was squashed by "johnny come lately's". An hour late would ruin it for me...drink or no drink...that's just inconsiderate and rude.

I'm with reqgoddess on this...go to lapband.com and get some information about the band and the surgery. You are only 5 pounds away from moving from "severly obese" to "morbidly obese". I don't know what doc is telling you that the band isn't for you, but honestly, I'd find a seminar in your area (can be found on lapband.com) and attend it. One more thing...there is no outside "tubing" with the band. Everything is on the inside, under the skin. If you need a fill, they use a needle, find your port (under the skin), and inject saline to adjust the band's tightness.

Hi FarmerE :wave: My mother also had a lot of doubts. She didn't come out and say "I don't think you should do this", but she was less than supportive at first. I finally had to tell her to either support me or let's talk about something else because I was VERY close to my surgery date and could not afford negativity on top of the other stressors. I've only been banded a little over a week and she's sent me a card, called several times, and is VERY up beat! She's my biggest supporter again! I'll bet your mom will come around too. As soon as it's said and done, and there's nothing more she can do about it, she'll settle in and begin cheering you along just like every other time

Welcome :wave: GlindaB glad you joined us...keep us updated on how you're doing. Dawneb: I totally relate to what you're saying. My teenagers took it all in stride, but my 7 & 5 year old were a little concerned. Then after the surgery, my pulse and bp wasn't coming up...they called in a cardiologist, did an EKG and put me on a heart monitor. After everyone left my room, I broke down...I just cried and cried thinking "what have I done??? My kids need me!" Hubby was totally at peace and was very reassuring...because he wasn't worried, I felt a little comfort. Then the cardiologist came in to talk to me and told me I was just fine...my heart rate was slow, but steady and she felt confident I was just recovering a little slower from the surgery. Withing a few hours, my heart rate began coming up and by the time they discharged me I was back to normal. It was VERY scary to me, but my surgeon and the cardiologist weren't even phased by it! I'm sure you'll be just fine. This is a very emotional time and a big step. I think you'll be glad, in the end, with your decision MintyFresh: I know what you mean about 'needing' the band. I also started to wonder about it, when I was losing weight pre-op. I had the surgery June 1, the doc released me to try mushies on June 8. Well, yesterday, I got a little "stuck" when I was eating beyond my actual hunger! It hurt like the dickens, but it was actually such a relief to KNOW that this tool WILL work for me!

Good morning Junies! Best wishes to all of our members being banded today. Don't forget to check in as soon as you're up to it. We all love to hear how you're making out I'm a tad bummed that I haven't lost a blessed OUNCE since my doc appt on Friday. But, I know I'm still healing, so my body is probably in consevation mode right now. I'm trying to be patient. It would be better if I could stay off of that stinkin scale! Snoopy: I've been thinking about you and praying for you and your mom this weekend. Let us know as soon as you know something.

Yep, I agree about the parents knowing the child best...that's why if the parent feels they are ready, and the teen wants it, I say go for it...why wait until you have a laundry list of MO complications. I just think if there are any doubts as to the readiness of the teen, there should be some more therapy and time given before taking that step. Yep, she's on Enbrel now. Was taken off NSAIDS and Methotrexate (sp?) about a year ago because she was doing so well. Then she had a serious flare up. Refused to go to the doc, thinking it would pass with Advil. Ended up back on Enbrel. She's doing VERY well on Enbrel and Advil now. WOW, If she could take advil with the band, I would SO like to talk to her about it when we get together this summer. She is SUCH a bright girl! I know I'm bragging here...but she went to a Technical High School, with 458 students in her graduation class. She graduated 2006 Valedictorian and with an LPN. She is now an LPN and in school for RN. The Federal Goverment has given her seed money to pay her entire tuition. So she goes to school free (except for books and admin fee's). She is in the top 2% in the nation at her level of study. She placed first in clinical testing, so she gets to begin clinical next year. There is a HUGE waiting list for clinical and you get in based on your test scores. She willl go before people who are a year or more ahead of her in their studies, because of her high test scores. I'm sorry to drone on about my wonderful daughter...I don't take any credit for it, because I was the class clown in school! I'm just saying...I KNOW she has a wonderful head on her shoulders and as such I would completely support and cheer her on should she want to get the band. NSAID's are ok...good news!!!!

Perhaps I'm jumping the gun a little here, but I want to get an idea... My 6 week check up will be the day before we leave for vacation to Myrtle Beach. It's a two day drive each way. My question is this. I'm pretty sure I'll need a fill because I am already VERY hungry. Should I chance the fill right before vacation? Or wait until I get back, so I'm close to the doc incase I am over filled? Watcha'll think?

I'm in the middle here...between RG and WABB... While I think treatment for MO should be JUST as available to a teen as it is to an adult, I also agree with RG that few teens are emotionally ready to life after WLS. I feel that the parent of the teen also needs to take responsibility, should the teen have WLS, and agree to make darn sure they get to their therapy/support group of choice on a regular basis. Heck, many of us adults aren't mature enough to follow the band rules...to expect this from impulsive teenagers is a little niave I feel. I feel the mature teen, who is ready for WLS, is the exception, not the rule. Sure, there are teens that are beyond their years in wisdom and stability and therefore they can handle it...but honestly, take a GOOD hard look at teens today...most of them can't handle brushing their teeth every morning and handing in a homework assignment on time...how are the supposed to be expected to track calories, follow pouch rules, make the most of therapy/support groups, stay clear from junk food (which I understand goes down REAL smooth). I feel if a teen is NOT ready to face up to these changes, it's best to wait until they are. Why set them up to fail at WLS...what would be their options then? How big of a failure would they feel like then? My 18 year old, 280 lbs, 5'8, probably COULD handle the band. If she wanted it, I would support her and help her find the psychological support she needed as well. She can't only because of the meds she takes for JRA are not pouch friendly...but if by some miracle she could, I feel she's mature enough to handle it. Other 18 year olds I know, that can't even roll out of bed before noon on Saturday, I'd say..."wait til you grow up". This is a big step, that most of us didn't take lightly and I feel MOST parents wouldn't take lightly for their teen.

Snoopy, my prayers are with you and your mom. Take it one day at a time. We're here for you if you need us. Keep us posted.

I didn't get a "ball". I'd say I slept comfortably after the 4th night. It was difficult turning over in bed for the first four nights, then by the fifth night, I just felt MUCH better and even found myself on my stomach! I never had much trouble getting up from a seated position. I'm thinking a lot of that has to do with "where" the incisions are??

Way to go!!!!! That's fantastic! Congratz :girl_hug:

Hi Lady Libra :wave: I'm having the same BM issues. I am ALWAYS regular...2-3 times a day! I haven't gone in 3 days now and it's really bugging me...I'm heading to the pharmacy to find a liquid laxative for immediate relief. I'm also going to add more Fiber to my shakes for future regularity. Now I do NOT expect to "go" as much, because I am not consuming as much...but I DO expect to "go" at least once a day! I feel all backed up! On the hunger...I started getting hungry around day 5, for a day or two, and yesterday, it started to ease up a little. I hope it continues, cuz that hunger sux! The key is Protein! The more Protein and fewer carbs you eat, the less hungry you feel. If you're eating more carbs then protein, you'll be starving through the liquid phase :girl_hug: I'm doing well with my water. Remember, fluids in your shakes and Soups can count towards your 64oz in the beginning. I think I would have been water logged if I had to do 64oz PLUS shakes and soup, the first few days. Now I'm up to about 60oz, plus my shakes/soup. Hang in there lady...we'll make it :target: