New Hope

Wow! You look precious! Congratulations!

Like Gail said, "Isn't it funny that we enjoy revisiting the pounds on the way down that made us so unhappy when we reached them on the way up!":)

I've felt under the weather the last week, haven't exercised regularly, and eaten a lot of soft foods (puddings, etc.). (for sore throat). I can feel the effects. It's so easy to "undo" healthy eating habits and exercising. This thread helped give me a good reality check. Thanks! Hey, Donali, is there absolutelyl ANYTHING that you can't do? Wonder Woman!

Heidi, please follow up on this. Like Leatha said, this can lead to serious problems. You don't want to end up in the ER on a weekend. Those ER Drs. are generally not familiar w/ a band. Best of luck to you!

Zoe, what a perfect description! LOL! LOL! The first refried beans and red sauce were out of this world for me! Ah, the simple things in life! Enjoy! Just don't eat too much, or you'll pb.

Yes, Lisa, that bike seat does hurt my tiny little bottom (LOL) I put a gel seat on it and that helps a little bit. I guess it's because I lost so much (wish) off my tush I have to stand up several times to unnumb my tush. But it really is a lot of fun and makes you feel like you're really doing something productive (whether you are or not). Try adding a gel seat cover to your current seat. It will help a lot!

Lisa, I love Mexican food too. One of the "trials" of living in Texas. LOL! Have you tried getting a shrimp brichoette appetizer? It is grilled shrimp wrapped in bacon, stuffed w/jalepeno and cheese. I usually try not to eat the bacon. Papasito's has a wonderful "Campfire grilled shrimp & fajita plate. It's more than enough for two! Since I've become such a "cheap date", I can order a more expensive meal and split it w/ my husband. So glad that you're feeling better! You can do this girl! We'll be here when you need to vent.

Janie, I haven't gotten up the nerve to eat chips since banding. I got a kick out of you saying you moved the chip basket. LOL! But do you notice how many chips other "diners" devour now? Wow, that's a lot of "empty calories!" I'm TRYING to think like a bandster! I sure used to never think like that!

Minda, that's really scary! Thank goodness you went to the dr.! Please take care of yourself! Sending warms ((((hugs)))) and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Boy, this weight thing is as much mental as it is physical! Even though I've lost weight, I still see and feel myself as extremely fat. I guess I've been stuck in that mode for so long that it's hard to let loose. I know that my health is so much better and I have energy that I haven't had for years. I guess I need to look more at how far I've come and not so much at how far I have to go. Well, one day at a time!

Besides losing your "friend" food, you're also recovering from surgery and anesthesia. But the food is still going to be there. Please give yourself time to heal. If you need a good old-fashioned pity party, that's o.k. once in a while. Sometimes it helps to have a good cry and just get it out of your system. Then go take a warm shower, fix a hot cup of tea, and curl up with a good book. Or take a walk with those beautiful kids of yours! Just be kind to yourself! You deserve it!

Ellen, congratulations on your Band date! Have you checked the Inamed website for local fill drs.? Plus, please contact the local dr. direct (before surgery) to be SURE that they will take you. Please be sure that you have your followup care lined up BEFORE you have your surgery! We want you to have a successful journey, with zero or minimum complications! Best of luck to you!

Pam, glad you take your puppy. I know she enjoys it too! They're great motivators. Have you thought about getting a reflective collar and/or lighted tag for her? Love her name!

Lisa, I can feel your pain! I think that was the hardest thing to get used to after banding. I'm still working on it. I thought Food was my steady comforting friend, who was always there, no matter what time of the day or night. I couldn't wait to try out a new place to eat. But I realize that "Friend" was entrapping me, ruining my health, and shortening my lifespan. Food is still there, and unlike an alcoholic who can walk away and never touch another drop, is a necessity that we must have to survive. We'll get through this one day at a time. You're doing a great job!

Ginny, what a wonderful opportunity! Those are going to be some lucky boys! How did you find out about that job? Where is Boys' Haven located? We look forward to hearing about your new adventure! Best of luck!

Baily, you might get some cough syrup w/ a cough suppressant in it. That repeated coughing will surely make you sore. Have you tried Theraflu? There are several different ones for different problems. It is a powder that mixes into a hot cup of water and tastes good. (There's cheaper generics available.) But be careful if you're also taking liquid Tylenol. The Theraflu usually has tylenol in it. A hot cup of tea (no caffeine) w/lemon and honey helps w/sore throat and relaxes you so you can sleep better. Gargling w/ warm salt water is healing to a sore throat. You can get saline nose spray for stuffy nose and/or dry nasal passages. It doesn't have anything in it to hurt you and can be used as often as needed. Drink plenty of water. Wash your hands often. Lysol spray everything in sight. Hope you get to feeling better very soon!

Kim, your body has been through a little battle. And the anesthesia takes a toll also. Please give yourself time to recoup. It will get better day by day. Also, be sure that you are drinking enough water. That can make you feel weak and dizzy. Congratulations on the super weight loss!

Andrea, hope you're resting comfortably by now. Take it easy and walk around as much as you comfortably can. You're a bandster!!

Good Grief, Babs! 134 pounds! I can't even imagine that. You must be so proud of yourself (and with just cause!) What are some of the helping things that you've learned along your "banding journey"? (P.S. I don't know how to post pics. either.)

Now, see that just shows what a "Super" gal you are! :D P.S. And just a reminder, Teresa has had NO fills yets! Amazing!

Well, I'm old enough to be her mother, if that gives you any idea! Boy, do I feel decrepitate!

Kim, you are so wise to get into those habits before your banding! I can't wait to hear about your banding journey! It sounds like you are going to be a winner (or I mean "LOSER")!

Pam and Hopeful 1, I hadn't been on my bike in years - didn't have the energy or even care about doing anything physical. I waited until my 6 wk. post-op visit before I started biking, then just gradually tried to go a little further each time. Three times around our circular block is a mile. I took little, bitty, baby steps - huffing and puffing all the way. Pretty soon, I felt like a hamster going round and round in his cage and ventured off the block. I felt under the weather this last week and only rode once. I can tell a big difference! I've felt restless and "stove up" and wanting to "nibble" too much. I gained 2 lbs. Yipes! Pam, just strive a little further each time you're out. You'll find yourself looking forward to that "meditation" time. I do hope that you are careful and aware of your surroundings when you're out! I carry a small can of mace on my handlebars. I haven't had to use it, but I don't want to run up against an "unfriendly" dog or anything. Hopeful 1, best of luck to you on your ins. approval! I remember that wait! But it was certainly worth it! You overcame your zero to become a teacher! Wow, now that's something to be very proud of!

I know that this information was shared with concern for other bandsters. We will each have to weigh the odds and decide if using Splenda outweighs the related risks. Boy, there is always something going on about something!

Psst, don't tell your brothers or your sister, but you're the cutest one in the bunch!