missybear

To break up your walks have you tried Pilates or yoga? The stretching movements may help alleviate the sore/tired muscles from walking and mix up your exercise routine. If you want to try it out first in the privacy of your home, look at downloading a session online or grab a DVD. If you like it, you can try a professional studio or gym that teaches correct posture and pushes you a little further. Plus it's great to tone up muscles and yoga ESP can help you relax.

Hi Emma, great to hear from another person from oz! I'm based in sydney, feel free to drop me an email if you want a chat. I was banded on the 2nd of july. Ive been pretty fortunate that ive had 2 friends who have had the lapband, one a number of years ago and another who is a year in. They've been a great help, especially on how to handle social situations. I've also told a limited number of friends, mainly those who I go out with partying, dining etc to get them to understand I'm not really up for partying, eating or drinking at the moment, and I've got to be pretty careful food wise. I've also asked my parents to keep it to themselves and not tell my extended family. I've found that while most have been supportive, a few have been against it or just don't comprehend that this is a decision for me to optimise my health. Hopefully your problem with the food and feeling stuck has now passed. I was on liquids for two full weeks post surgery, now on mashies, but find I've been going back to Protein shakes, despite being so sick of them on the pre op diet.

I've found Greek yoghurt to upset my stomach a little compared to other foods (including spicy foods) which have been fine.

I had surgery on Mon 2 Jul and its was 8 days before a BM. Even when it happened, it was rather uneventful! I've been on liquids only since surgery and despite adding some Benefibre to Protein shakes, juice and Soup, i still had no luck. I spoke to the surgeon at day 7, as well as a mum who is nurse, and both noted with such little fibre in the diet it was going to be difficult. Both recommended keeping up the Water and walking which can help bowel movements. Fortunately i didnt have any specific pain from it (although still uncomfortable post surgery, it was hard to pinpoint if that was the problem).

Whilst new to the lap band, i have traveled on a number of cruises and long term holidays and successfully avoided gaining weight on holidays. A few tips I can recommend, especially for cruises: - Keep active! Look at offshore activities that involve more sport, swimming, diving, snorkeling, adventure activities etc. Use the time on shore to walk around and explore the town and ports. Additional exercise will help burn off any extra treats you do have. - I also aimed to spend the daylight hours outside or on deck in the pool. Being in a bikini or swimsuit more often will also make you avoid wanting to eat too much. - Alcohol, i'd focus on enjoying a few very nice drinks (either top shelf or a cream free cocktail) rather than a night of getting plastered. - Drink plenty of Water. I've been surprised how little water many people drink, while on cruises especially. I've never had to fight anyone to get to the fresh water vs the soda machine or bar! Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day. Often the buffets have fresh lemon and lime as well to make it taste better. Alternatively a herbal tea can be a pleasant end to a meal vs a heavy milky coffee. - Stick to a plate or portion size your used to. If your at a buffet, no need to take multiple plates or a tray if you want to stick to a single plate. - Use the opportunity to taste various items at the buffet, just dont eat a full portion of everything you try. You'll be shocked how much food others leave behind so you wont look out of place at all. - Soups on board cruises are great. After an active day, lunch was often a Soup first then i would see if i was still hungry before seeking more food. - Keep a book or magazine with you if you have some time free or if you end up on your own.Travelling alone quite often, i find even if I do have to eat out by myself, having something to read makes me eat a lot slower and I enjoy my food. Hope some of that helps! Enjoy your cruise!