gowalking

I don't think so step. you are probably sore and swollen and that's the bloated feeling. Liquids pass right through the band.

While soaping up in the shower, I was scrubbing under my boobs (sorry tmi) and on my right side I felt a large lump, that was about the size of my port, which is on the left below ribs.
I was thinking oh my gosh, what the heck and then it dawned on me, it was my rib. Bahahahaha
I never felt it before.
I love my band!

same here. less invasive and reversible. the sleeve is not. my experience has been very good with the band. had the surgery on January 14th and am down 61 1/2 lbs. with no fills as of yet. still have a ways to go (I'm hoping to lose 100 lbs.) but this is a very good start.

Your high BMI plus the co-morbidities should make you eligible for insurance coverage for the procedure. Good luck on your journey. I have high blood pressure as well and I've gone from two different meds plus a diuretic down to one med and at a low dosage as well. I hope to be off all hypertensive meds completely by the time I reach goal..

So...I was on vacation last week and was so happy to not just fit into the seat on the plane, but I didn't need the belt extender and I had no problem buckling the belt (I even had to tighten it a little!). Then, I had no problem putting down the armrest. For the first time in years, It wasn't tight, it wasn't riding up on my hip, it just went down...and stayed there. Oh glory!!
I didn't eat or drink anything other than Water but I just had to bring the tray down...and again...it went down and stayed there. I didn't have to move my belly out of the way, I didn't have to worry it wouldn't go down... Oh the happiness of the ordinary!!
I'm even OK with the 1/2 lb. weight gain. I was very aware of portions and did well in that regard but we ate out alot and I know I ate items that were higher in sodium than I usually eat at home so I expect it's probably Water weight. I don't care right now...I was like a regular person on the flight and that is so satisfying.

So...I was on vacation last week and was so happy to not just fit into the seat on the plane, but I didn't need the belt extender and I had no problem buckling the belt (I even had to tighten it a little!). Then, I had no problem putting down the armrest. For the first time in years, It wasn't tight, it wasn't riding up on my hip, it just went down...and stayed there. Oh glory!!
I didn't eat or drink anything other than Water but I just had to bring the tray down...and again...it went down and stayed there. I didn't have to move my belly out of the way, I didn't have to worry it wouldn't go down... Oh the happiness of the ordinary!!
I'm even OK with the 1/2 lb. weight gain. I was very aware of portions and did well in that regard but we ate out alot and I know I ate items that were higher in sodium than I usually eat at home so I expect it's probably Water weight. I don't care right now...I was like a regular person on the flight and that is so satisfying.

Welcome to the other side!

So...I was on vacation last week and was so happy to not just fit into the seat on the plane, but I didn't need the belt extender and I had no problem buckling the belt (I even had to tighten it a little!). Then, I had no problem putting down the armrest. For the first time in years, It wasn't tight, it wasn't riding up on my hip, it just went down...and stayed there. Oh glory!!
I didn't eat or drink anything other than Water but I just had to bring the tray down...and again...it went down and stayed there. I didn't have to move my belly out of the way, I didn't have to worry it wouldn't go down... Oh the happiness of the ordinary!!
I'm even OK with the 1/2 lb. weight gain. I was very aware of portions and did well in that regard but we ate out alot and I know I ate items that were higher in sodium than I usually eat at home so I expect it's probably Water weight. I don't care right now...I was like a regular person on the flight and that is so satisfying.

Welcome to the other side!

I sure do understand what you are saying Angela. I've dropped over 60 lbs. and did a bunch of shopping while vacationing in Florida this week. I was super frustrated because I didn't look good in alot of stuff....especially the new styles of bathing suits out there.
Plus I'm dealing with loose skin...my tummy and thighs are bad, as are my breasts. They seem to have deflated and the suits have no support on top. I am buying cheap clothes at the moment and when I get closer to goal...and maybe even after having some plastic surgery, I'll pay more attention to buying better fitting stuff.
In fact, I have a wedding in July and I found a dress in the back of my closet that I liked when I bought it and it fits again. I suspect I have this dress at least ten or more years and have no idea if I will look ridiculous or not, but I'm going to wear that old dress and consider it 'vintage'.

Okay so maybe I'm going to get a boo on this one, but really, why can't you have something sweet after you eat? I got a band because I ate way too much and not because I had a hershey kiss here and there. I think that people who feel that you have to follow a super strict diet while being banded are unrealistic, if we could do that we wouldn't need a band!! I'm not a sweet eater, I'm a savory eater, and if I want a piece of pizza for lunch with the crust (gasp!) I eat it, because people aren't fat from one piece of pizza, they are fat from eating the whole pizza as I used to.
So hang in there, you are NOT ALONE and we are here for you. I also take medication for both anxiety and depression and the generation your mother is from is not familiar with the very REAL effects of both on health and weight loss and unfortunatly you can't re-educate some people.
I'm not your doc, but if you need a bite of sweet after a meal, maybe stock up on some sugar-free treats, or puddings, or hard candies?
GOOD LUCK!!

was banded on January 14th and including the pre-surgical diet, I'm down 61 1/2 lbs. with no fills. my surgeon says that while it is not the norm, it's working for me and I shouldn't look to get a fill unless I really need one. so far, I'm doing fine without any. and I also have had no stuck or sick issues. I use myfitness pal to make sure I'm between 950-1,100 calories a day and so far, so good.

Sometimes the truth isn't pleasant, but just because you may not like the truth doesn't make it any less true nor does it make it mean.
There are some of us who are honest and don't coddle. Again, that isn't mean. Honesty simply isn't always "nice".

So...I was on vacation last week and was so happy to not just fit into the seat on the plane, but I didn't need the belt extender and I had no problem buckling the belt (I even had to tighten it a little!). Then, I had no problem putting down the armrest. For the first time in years, It wasn't tight, it wasn't riding up on my hip, it just went down...and stayed there. Oh glory!!
I didn't eat or drink anything other than Water but I just had to bring the tray down...and again...it went down and stayed there. I didn't have to move my belly out of the way, I didn't have to worry it wouldn't go down... Oh the happiness of the ordinary!!
I'm even OK with the 1/2 lb. weight gain. I was very aware of portions and did well in that regard but we ate out alot and I know I ate items that were higher in sodium than I usually eat at home so I expect it's probably Water weight. I don't care right now...I was like a regular person on the flight and that is so satisfying.

So...I was on vacation last week and was so happy to not just fit into the seat on the plane, but I didn't need the belt extender and I had no problem buckling the belt (I even had to tighten it a little!). Then, I had no problem putting down the armrest. For the first time in years, It wasn't tight, it wasn't riding up on my hip, it just went down...and stayed there. Oh glory!!
I didn't eat or drink anything other than Water but I just had to bring the tray down...and again...it went down and stayed there. I didn't have to move my belly out of the way, I didn't have to worry it wouldn't go down... Oh the happiness of the ordinary!!
I'm even OK with the 1/2 lb. weight gain. I was very aware of portions and did well in that regard but we ate out alot and I know I ate items that were higher in sodium than I usually eat at home so I expect it's probably Water weight. I don't care right now...I was like a regular person on the flight and that is so satisfying.

You got some great advice Mark. Everyone is rooting for you.
And I know just what you mean about all the skinny b*****s in the office. Despina and Shannon do look like models and the info they provided was minimal. I got more information and insight on this forum than anything coming out of the office. For gosh sakes...have you seen how skinny Dr. Ren is too? How much do you want to bet it's not just Dr. Fielding who has a band.
Just keep going to the therapist, stay on this forum, go to the support group at NYU or meet up with us as soon as we get it going. Dani and I are going to set something up next month. Go on our 'Hi' thread to talk with the other NYC folks. We're all in the same boat as you are. Oh...and I saw your post about being on the Eastside, and not UW. Sorry about that...LOL.
Please don't think you won't be able to eat your favorite foods again. I can eat anything. I am learning to just eat less of it and most of the time, I can do it just fine. Plus you will learn to enjoy different foods. I go out to dinner at least once or twice a week and I've found out that fish is absolutely delicious. I went to a restaurant in the West Village the other day and had something called Monkfish. It was wonderful. I made the decision to eat that and not the short rib fettuccine (which is what I would have eaten pre-band) and I felt so good about my decision and was so pleasantly surprised at how good the fish was.
Hang in there....you will be so happy with yourself as you see the transformation. It will be better than the happy you feel when you eat more than is healthy for you. I promise!
Liz

You got some great advice Mark. Everyone is rooting for you.
And I know just what you mean about all the skinny b*****s in the office. Despina and Shannon do look like models and the info they provided was minimal. I got more information and insight on this forum than anything coming out of the office. For gosh sakes...have you seen how skinny Dr. Ren is too? How much do you want to bet it's not just Dr. Fielding who has a band.
Just keep going to the therapist, stay on this forum, go to the support group at NYU or meet up with us as soon as we get it going. Dani and I are going to set something up next month. Go on our 'Hi' thread to talk with the other NYC folks. We're all in the same boat as you are. Oh...and I saw your post about being on the Eastside, and not UW. Sorry about that...LOL.
Please don't think you won't be able to eat your favorite foods again. I can eat anything. I am learning to just eat less of it and most of the time, I can do it just fine. Plus you will learn to enjoy different foods. I go out to dinner at least once or twice a week and I've found out that fish is absolutely delicious. I went to a restaurant in the West Village the other day and had something called Monkfish. It was wonderful. I made the decision to eat that and not the short rib fettuccine (which is what I would have eaten pre-band) and I felt so good about my decision and was so pleasantly surprised at how good the fish was.
Hang in there....you will be so happy with yourself as you see the transformation. It will be better than the happy you feel when you eat more than is healthy for you. I promise!
Liz

You got some great advice Mark. Everyone is rooting for you.
And I know just what you mean about all the skinny b*****s in the office. Despina and Shannon do look like models and the info they provided was minimal. I got more information and insight on this forum than anything coming out of the office. For gosh sakes...have you seen how skinny Dr. Ren is too? How much do you want to bet it's not just Dr. Fielding who has a band.
Just keep going to the therapist, stay on this forum, go to the support group at NYU or meet up with us as soon as we get it going. Dani and I are going to set something up next month. Go on our 'Hi' thread to talk with the other NYC folks. We're all in the same boat as you are. Oh...and I saw your post about being on the Eastside, and not UW. Sorry about that...LOL.
Please don't think you won't be able to eat your favorite foods again. I can eat anything. I am learning to just eat less of it and most of the time, I can do it just fine. Plus you will learn to enjoy different foods. I go out to dinner at least once or twice a week and I've found out that fish is absolutely delicious. I went to a restaurant in the West Village the other day and had something called Monkfish. It was wonderful. I made the decision to eat that and not the short rib fettuccine (which is what I would have eaten pre-band) and I felt so good about my decision and was so pleasantly surprised at how good the fish was.
Hang in there....you will be so happy with yourself as you see the transformation. It will be better than the happy you feel when you eat more than is healthy for you. I promise!
Liz

You got some great advice Mark. Everyone is rooting for you.
And I know just what you mean about all the skinny b*****s in the office. Despina and Shannon do look like models and the info they provided was minimal. I got more information and insight on this forum than anything coming out of the office. For gosh sakes...have you seen how skinny Dr. Ren is too? How much do you want to bet it's not just Dr. Fielding who has a band.
Just keep going to the therapist, stay on this forum, go to the support group at NYU or meet up with us as soon as we get it going. Dani and I are going to set something up next month. Go on our 'Hi' thread to talk with the other NYC folks. We're all in the same boat as you are. Oh...and I saw your post about being on the Eastside, and not UW. Sorry about that...LOL.
Please don't think you won't be able to eat your favorite foods again. I can eat anything. I am learning to just eat less of it and most of the time, I can do it just fine. Plus you will learn to enjoy different foods. I go out to dinner at least once or twice a week and I've found out that fish is absolutely delicious. I went to a restaurant in the West Village the other day and had something called Monkfish. It was wonderful. I made the decision to eat that and not the short rib fettuccine (which is what I would have eaten pre-band) and I felt so good about my decision and was so pleasantly surprised at how good the fish was.
Hang in there....you will be so happy with yourself as you see the transformation. It will be better than the happy you feel when you eat more than is healthy for you. I promise!
Liz

You got some great advice Mark. Everyone is rooting for you.
And I know just what you mean about all the skinny b*****s in the office. Despina and Shannon do look like models and the info they provided was minimal. I got more information and insight on this forum than anything coming out of the office. For gosh sakes...have you seen how skinny Dr. Ren is too? How much do you want to bet it's not just Dr. Fielding who has a band.
Just keep going to the therapist, stay on this forum, go to the support group at NYU or meet up with us as soon as we get it going. Dani and I are going to set something up next month. Go on our 'Hi' thread to talk with the other NYC folks. We're all in the same boat as you are. Oh...and I saw your post about being on the Eastside, and not UW. Sorry about that...LOL.
Please don't think you won't be able to eat your favorite foods again. I can eat anything. I am learning to just eat less of it and most of the time, I can do it just fine. Plus you will learn to enjoy different foods. I go out to dinner at least once or twice a week and I've found out that fish is absolutely delicious. I went to a restaurant in the West Village the other day and had something called Monkfish. It was wonderful. I made the decision to eat that and not the short rib fettuccine (which is what I would have eaten pre-band) and I felt so good about my decision and was so pleasantly surprised at how good the fish was.
Hang in there....you will be so happy with yourself as you see the transformation. It will be better than the happy you feel when you eat more than is healthy for you. I promise!
Liz

So...I had three doctor appointments today. A mammogram first, then a visit to the lapband surgeon for a follow up visit, and then the rheumatologist to discuss the knee and hip pain. Great NSVs at the breast imaging center. I fit fine in the narrow seats in the waiting room. Last time, I had to sit on the couch...the chairs were too tight. Then was able to wrap an XL gown around myself with no issues while the last time, I had to put on two 2XL gowns, front to back, back to front, so I could cover up.
Then...off to the surgeon. Lost 23 lbs in two months....59 total since pre-surgical diet. Doctor said I am doing exceptionally well especially as I've not had any fills. Now I'm literally floating on air and heading to my next appointment.
So, I get to the rheumatologist....and that's when I got a big old dose of reality. He put me on methotrexate and told me to take four pills a week even though based on my weight, I should really be on six pills but he wanted to start me off at a lower dose and go up if needed. That kinda burst my bubble. I knew going into this lapband thing, that I needed to lose at least 100 lbs. but I was feeling so good until he brought me back to Earth with that comment that I should be on more meds based on my size.
Not to worry...I'm not letting this get me down, it's just that while we may know in our world, how well we are doing, the rest of the world still sees us as fat. I can't wait to not be fat. I'm not interested in being skinny...I'm just soooo done with being fat.

So...I had three doctor appointments today. A mammogram first, then a visit to the lapband surgeon for a follow up visit, and then the rheumatologist to discuss the knee and hip pain. Great NSVs at the breast imaging center. I fit fine in the narrow seats in the waiting room. Last time, I had to sit on the couch...the chairs were too tight. Then was able to wrap an XL gown around myself with no issues while the last time, I had to put on two 2XL gowns, front to back, back to front, so I could cover up.
Then...off to the surgeon. Lost 23 lbs in two months....59 total since pre-surgical diet. Doctor said I am doing exceptionally well especially as I've not had any fills. Now I'm literally floating on air and heading to my next appointment.
So, I get to the rheumatologist....and that's when I got a big old dose of reality. He put me on methotrexate and told me to take four pills a week even though based on my weight, I should really be on six pills but he wanted to start me off at a lower dose and go up if needed. That kinda burst my bubble. I knew going into this lapband thing, that I needed to lose at least 100 lbs. but I was feeling so good until he brought me back to Earth with that comment that I should be on more meds based on my size.
Not to worry...I'm not letting this get me down, it's just that while we may know in our world, how well we are doing, the rest of the world still sees us as fat. I can't wait to not be fat. I'm not interested in being skinny...I'm just soooo done with being fat.

So...I had three doctor appointments today. A mammogram first, then a visit to the lapband surgeon for a follow up visit, and then the rheumatologist to discuss the knee and hip pain. Great NSVs at the breast imaging center. I fit fine in the narrow seats in the waiting room. Last time, I had to sit on the couch...the chairs were too tight. Then was able to wrap an XL gown around myself with no issues while the last time, I had to put on two 2XL gowns, front to back, back to front, so I could cover up.
Then...off to the surgeon. Lost 23 lbs in two months....59 total since pre-surgical diet. Doctor said I am doing exceptionally well especially as I've not had any fills. Now I'm literally floating on air and heading to my next appointment.
So, I get to the rheumatologist....and that's when I got a big old dose of reality. He put me on methotrexate and told me to take four pills a week even though based on my weight, I should really be on six pills but he wanted to start me off at a lower dose and go up if needed. That kinda burst my bubble. I knew going into this lapband thing, that I needed to lose at least 100 lbs. but I was feeling so good until he brought me back to Earth with that comment that I should be on more meds based on my size.
Not to worry...I'm not letting this get me down, it's just that while we may know in our world, how well we are doing, the rest of the world still sees us as fat. I can't wait to not be fat. I'm not interested in being skinny...I'm just soooo done with being fat.

aww..thanks Bubie. How about yourself? How are you doing? We're going to set up a face to face next month I think. I was emailing with Dani and we're going to work on setting it up. Are you interested?

it is high in sodium. don't overdo and you'll be fine.