Sharpie

Great job Arlene... I love Ice Cream too but don't dare even go there.. that is what made me fat in the first place.. I would sit at night by myself and eat a gallon without stopping,, so its like a drug.. you have done great.. I wish you great success in the next year...

welcome.. There are so many wonderful people here who will help guide you on your journey... no judging just help..If you have a question don't be afraid to ask.. If we don't know we will tell you.. And always advice is based on our experiences not medical knowledge...

yep lifted a case of water at Walmart the other day and felt a little tug.. My Dr. said take 6 weeks to heal before doing anything strenuous.. I walked and started swimming but no eliptical.. I hate that machine anyway... so I have stuck to the treadmill and swimming since my 6 week checkup..

Has anyone been told that banded people cannot take any Ibuprofen or other things like Tylenol? My Dr. has never mentioned this.. of course I havent asked.. I have been having some bursitis in my shoulders and wanted to take some motrin but seemed to recall people at my support group saying we couldn't take it.. I will call my Dr. before taking anything of course but wondered what everyone else thinks...

Myfitnesspal... it has not only food journeling but exercise as well.

I donated some of my too big clothes to Hospice Attic.. We have one here and I had such wonderful support from them when our daughter had cancer.. wonderful charity.. They have clothes for sale in their store to help support costs for services...

Hi Donna I am 66, yes I wish I had done it when I was younger but my insurance probably would not have covered it.. I was diabetic, hypertensive and had high cholestrol.. arthritis in knees and back.. or at least my knees and back hurt all the time.. @ 5'0 and almost 200bs I was almost immobile..Since being banded in Jan. I no longer have to take diabetic meds , high cholesterol med has been cut in half and my blood pressure is normal..I have not felt this good in many years.. I believe the band has saved my life.. I am about 20 lbs or so from my goal and I have not had any problems.. good luck and I wish you success..

@Heather I was banded Jan 15,2013..

I think you did okay.. Happy Birthday..

yeah the various opinions of dr's are what boggles my mind.. but I trust my surgeon so I will ask him... I am perplexed by statement that it would irritate my band.. my band is not inside my stomach it's on the outside.. ??? and I asked about coffee at my first consultation appt... I told my Surgeon it would be a deal breaker if he took my coffee away.. Actually what I told him was that at my age there ain't alot left to enjoy.. lol I don't drink anymore, don't smoke anymore, sex is well it's okay..(getting old ) so not much left but my coffee.. he laughed and said it was okay...

Thanks CG I will call them.. I have Tylenol on hand (Liquid).. I have been working out in the pool and doing laps I think it has irritated the bursitis..since I don't have to worry about TOM I'm happy...

wow so you have concerns about being 45.. lol wish I was only 45 again.. but my daughter reminds me that every day is a gift.. She treats terminal cancer patients every day.. so when I whine about getting old or whatever she brings me back to what is really important in life.. and if you can even wear a bikini you are 90 % luckier than most of us.. I will never be able to wear another bikini.. too old for one thing and too flabby for another.. gravity is a b...so you go strut yourself on the beach and enjoy..

the heating pad worked for me.. also make sure you keep your bowels moving..walking is the best thing to do. it will get better, I promise.

My surgeon is very conservative.. He will not give me a fill if I am losing on track.. and he ask me if I feel hungry before 4 hours.. I was banded in Jan and only have 2 cc's.. in a 10 cc band.. no fill at the time of surgery and first fill was not until 2 months post op.. I followed his rules post fill liquids and graduated slowely back to food.. never had foam.. or nausea.. losing fast is not always great.. slow and steady seems to be the way to go.

yes sometimes I don't get to 64 oz's I forget sometimes and other times if I'm gonna be out and about I don't want to be in the bathroom all day.. sometimes after a fill it takes a few days to get adjusted ... I would try flavored water or flavored tea.. I love wyler's flavored tea.. it's better than crystal light to me...

Yes I agree with all statements.. The one thing that I told friends and family that seemed to keep the natives quiet was that I was doing this for my health.. which is entirely true.. but if I would have been successful at dieting I wouldn't be obese.. I tried for years but would be successful at first but would quickly get off track and re-gain.. that got depressing.. The band allows me to be controlled.. I don't have the desire for food I once had.. I have lost almost 50 lbs and feel like a new person.. so you go for it and hopefully everyone will come around..

fantastic.. You will be at your goal before you know it..

I am in North Florida but more like Central North.. Lake City area.. I would ask the bariatric nurse if there is a support group. We have one that meets once a month and some of us have exchanged email, cell #.. I am sure there are plenty of Jacksonville bandsters around.. Good Luck on your journey... It has been the best thing I have ever done..

Prayers for you and family Donna... We have experienced loss to Cancer -daughter and a Son In Law...Your brother would not want you to lose your battle with obesity..No matter what , it's all in God's hands..

I know it is awesome to tie my shoes without feeling like I will die... I love being able to put my jeans on without sitting on the bed... I can actually balance on one leg at a time...

definately my face.. I no longer look like a chipmunk...

ooh yes manicure and pedicures are my reward for doing good.. it's part of feeling good about yourself.. it is definately a NSV...

OMG you all are so darn funny... I finally was able to determine that I had one but it had turned grey... lol

So sorry to hear about your band... Maybe you have learned enough good habits and can maintain your loss... I will be praying for a good outcome for you..

Great post Joel.. We need more of you on here.. I agree with everything you said.. You made the choice to be a healthier Dad.. No greater gift to your children than that... God Bless You...