Rebeccalee

Liquids after banding is not an option! That is the best way to think of it. No questions...just do it. It's very important, but don't be discouraged over what happened already. Pick yourself up and go on...with a smile on your face, if possible. :eek: Try making a list of things to do when you want to eat. Include liquids you can have and hobbies and exercise and phone calls. Whatever gets you through the night...oh yeah....oh yeah... Hang in there!

You look sooo good, Shelly. I love seeing the transformation. Babs, you look fantastic, too. What an inspiration you guys are....it really can be done!

I don't know anyone who would have gotten banded if there was ANY chance that it would limit sexual activity. Oh, I suppose there are a few....but I don't know them! It's called EXERCISE!! :banana

Kelly, I think it really depends on whether you tend to lose weight in that area. That's the first to go for me, but it seems that some people tend not to lose much weight there. I really needed new bras around 50 pounds. I also found that I can wear underwires and push-up bras now without being uncomfortable. Good thing, 'cause I really need the push!

I've heard that only the most sensitive equipment is set off by the small amount of metal. It's very rare. I keep my Inamed card handy just in case.

How much training are you doing, Penni? I saw that you are going to go to the gym. I'd love to come do the walk with you, but it's hard to make such a quick trip. I'm thinking about it. How far is 5 K anyway? :Bunny

I wore the Lane Bryant bras that have a wide underband instead of underwires for comfortable times. I loved them. My mom has them now and loves them. I had underwires for more "uplifting" occasions. I like having a variety.

WooHoo!! That's a great start!

Hi five back at ya Katie! Ooh -- that counts as exercise.

Once you find a lower priced fare from Expedia, you could try Priceline.com. I think that's the name. I got a good price there last year. They tell you how low they might go and you get to put in the price you want. There are rules to follow and no refunds and all that, so be careful.

Becca, I got the very same hiccups that you describe! It comes from below the band and bounces around and just can't get out. OUCH! It had nothing to do with anything I ate -- I was on clear liquids. Mine came and went for a few days and then they could get out. Whew! Hang in there!

You go, Darcy! That is fantastic news! Congrats on meeting that goal, Greg! Melissa and Pat -- you are doing great. Michelle, you are such a shining example of how it's supposed to be done. Congrats on the loss. I am down, too, thanks to tracking on fitday.com. I lost 4 pounds this week. Probably water weight, but I'll take it. That's one BELOW my lowest weight, so I can change my signature again. Yeah!

Thanks, Greg! The chart is great! I'm glad we tied and neither of us gained weight. Nancy, Pam, and Nana --- WAY TO GO! Losing weight over the holidays! Fantastic. Send me your mailing address by pm and your rewards will be on the way. And Betty and Zoe -- You guys do the impossible. Exercise is the hardest part, at least it seems that way. Zoe, send your address, too. Congratulations to all of us winners! NO GAINS!! :Bunny :Bunny

Just trying to tempt you with other things, Marie. You're not tempted by brussel sprouts??? How about some nice broccoli?

Okay Marie, I'm having brussels sprouts for dinner....

The chat function is available at any time. Last week I went in there from 5:30 to 8:00 pacific time. If you arrange a time with anyone, you can use it. I'll try to be in there tomorrow, but am not sure if I will make it. If not, carry on without me.

Good going, Darcy! I've been doing those exercises, too. Thanks to going on fitday.com, this is the first time in a month I haven't dreaded the scale. My carb cravings are back in control. They call my name and I have the strength to say no. I hope to get on the exercise pony soon, too.

That's a good move, Leatha. I think all of us could use that. It is so hard to keep the head on straight with all the emotionally thinking that goes through it. Finding time and a good counselor are major factors. Hope it works for you!

There was talk of July. I hope that changes to late August or mid-May. I will be gone from May 28 through August 6. I'll just have to catch ya'all later.

Greg, none of us have floppy drives anymore! Silly boy!

I eat turkey jerky and nuts whenever I need to grab a snack away from home. The sweet cycle can take over my life if I let it. It sounds like a good fill and dealing with emotional eating would help most. I still want to eat when I'm stressed or upset. I'm trying to find other ways to meet those needs, but it's a fight for sure.

I have this same feeling. DH and I will be out running errands and I'll just HAVE to eat because I've gone too long. I had a longer period after banding that I felt very low energy. It lasted a few weeks. After that ended, I've had tons of energy. I feel so much better! It took me a while to get back on my feet, but it's been great ever since.

Talk to your doctor about these feelings when you go in next week. Maybe you can get a fairly agressive fill to expedite the process. It would be best if you can be patient. You will get to where you want to be. Just hang in there.

I just talked to a Duodenal Switch patient who got insurance to pay for a tummy tuck after 6 months of trying. She just kept going back to the dermatologist they sent her to until they gave in. She had rashes and skin trouble and she's 2 years out from surgery.

Betty, you look great! It's hard to stay in tight jeans when you are losing so fast. New box is on its way. Should be there by next weekend. Those shoes are cool and look great with your jacket. It's so sad that your jacket is getting big. You'll know when it is time to get a new one. Keep up the good work. It really shows. Thanks for finally posting those pics!