BeeBlueHeron

Well, I messed up last night. Have already lost eight pounds....I cheated. Had some honey Dijon potato chips and a big chocolate cookie! I feel like crap this morning, physically and emotionally. Darn it!

I'm so happy and grateful that one week from today I will start a journey to health..... I went bowling recently with my kids, and I use the wimpy 8-pound balls . Still, it was amazing to think that no matter what I am doing, no matter where I am, I am carrying around approximately 10 of those puppies in unnecessary weight! Although I certainly want to LOOK better, it's not just about that. I want to get rid of the sleep apnea and the snoring, that feeling of constriction in my throat and around my heart and lungs. The weird back and hip pains, the stiffness in my knees and shoulders. I want to be healthy! Here's to the future!!!

No, I'm at the Marriott in Tijuana on the 26th, then spending the 27th in the hospital, flying home on the 28th.... :-(

Hi All: I have -- for the first time in, like, 10 years -- a horrible head cold and cough. I'm battling it with all the forces in the Universe, both homeopathic and traditional, am on a course of Z-Pack antibiotics, just in case, and am taking it easy. I know that if I don't get better, they will cancel my surgery, and that is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!! Anyway, I only have to get down to 189 for my surg -- a loss of 9 pounds....and I'm almost there with 9 days remaining. In order to stomach the medication, I'm eating some Ritz crackers in addition to my two Protein shakes and one Lean Cuisine a day. Has anyone else been sick close to their surgery date? Blue

Welcome, Jess! You'll learn a lot from the posts here, I know I have!

My dad loved blue herons, had an Audubon print of one. On the day of his funeral, one flew overhead (February, New York, not a common occurrence!) Since then, I just always relate blue herons to fortuitous circumstances. If I see one, something exciting is usually about to happen!

Good luck to both of you!

One week from today I get banded, and I've been battling a flu for about a week. The cough seems to be gone, thank God! But I still am stuffy stuffy stuffy. I have to get rid of this before I fly for my surgery, and I don't want to keep using the nose spray because it always loses its efficacy anyway the longer you use it, and then it becomes addictive. Any home remedies out there? I've got my Neti pot all ready! Blue

"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and some WL surgery, Mr. Hand!" Not making fun either, just got caught up in the '80s spirit, bud! Good luck to him, he is rocking that surf look.

I'm not used to being sick, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Good vibes coming your way.....You're going to do great! Let us know how it goes as soon as you can!

Great visual OTR! Thanks!

It reduces the efficiency of the band. Think of the band like a funnel, and when you drink while eating, you make the food mushier and easier to slip through, thereby allowing you to eat more. Better just to follow the suggestions of those who have gone before us, and not drink while eating!

And....a tummy pillow. Check!

I have to fly from San Diego back home to New York 24 hours after surgery. What should I wear? Would sweatpants be too tight? I don't really want to wear a dress.....Ideas? Blue

Thanks all....flip flops(or in my case clogs, because I can't stand things between my toes), no bra, yoga pants, loose shirt, zip up fleece, shoulder heat thing, wheelchair assistance. Check and check!

I don't do dairy, but applesauce is a great idea, and I have some here. Thanks for that!

Good luck! Fingers crossed! Can't wait to read your first post when you make it to the other side!

Oh boy, binab, I have the exact same thing....we really ARE twins! LOL We HAVE to kick this! I'm flying to San Diego a week from tomorrow.....I am taking every precaution and am prepared to cancel surgery (the thought of coughing after abdominal surgery = terror) but I don't wanna! We have a week. Let's kick this thing to the CURB! Blue