New Hope

Andrea, the anesthesiologist will talk w/ you before surgery. Be sure and tell him/her that you have a problem w/ nausea following surgery. They will put something in your i.v. to offset that. (I always have to do that, too.)

Andrea, I hope you didn't buy too many pants...you'll be needing smaller ones long before you wear them out! (Yah!) I have a sternal port. It sits about 4 - 5 inches below the bottom of your bra band. It doesn't bother you about wearing a bra. I hope you have someone going w/ you. They can fetch and carry for you. Please don't worry! You'll be fine and soon will be feeling healthier and better than you have in years!

Good for you! You do get used to "not drinking" after a while. But I brush and floss twice as much as I did before banding. I'm always worried about something being stuck in my teeth. LOL!

Congratulations, you're an official Bandster! You will get feeling better day by day! Try hot tea w/lemon & a little honey for something that seems to help a little during the clear liquid stage. Remember it's temporary. You can do it! Once you get to full liquids, you can start the protein shakes. They're pretty satisfying - add frozen fruits and a fresh banana. Add a few ice cubes to thicken them. The Benefiber can be sprinkled onto foods or stirred into liquids. It's tasteless and doesn't "gunk up" in your system like Metimucil. Glad all went well!

You'll be surprised how quick that time flies! Start drinking your ton of water (but not w/ meals) and walking. That will help before and after surgery. So happy for you!

Debi, best of luck on your banding. I think you will find getting excess weight off your joints will definitely help. It's no fun to hurt. Best of luck to you! I had before and still have arthritis. I take Celebrex. My Dr. advised that I take Prevacid before taking the Celebrex to help protect the stomach. I also switched to liquid Glucsomine (since banding). My arthritis has gotten better since losing some weight. I try to ride my bike regularly. It seems easier on my knees than walking. Running/jogging hurts too bad (for me). My knees seem to feel better when I ride regularly. But even losing weight isn't helping w/my finger joints.

I had that for a short time during the liquid stage. Usually, not much warning! What types of Fruit drinks are you drinking? Some fruits can act as laxatives. You can check online for a list of fruits, fruit juices, and their side effects, daily amt. to drink. Fruit drinks are very high in sugar and are basically empty calories. If you're having problems w/diarrhea, you may want to lay off of the yogurt for a few days. Milk products tend to make diarrhea worse. Hope you get to feeling better soon!

Lisa, you are doing a fantastic job! Going to a family gathering should win us extra stars because there is always some super fattening dish there that we just want to eat our weight in. I guess it's all a part of our conditioning, to be able to eat a little, but not a ton.

Sultana, so glad that you had some fill removed. I think that you are very, very wise. Why take a chance of having slippage or erosion problems. Take care of yourself!

Thanks, Sue, for reminding us this is for "keeps"!

Andrea, wishing you a noneventful surgery and minimum pain recovery. You're going to do great! Can't wait to hear about your "adventures". ((((Hugs))))

producive burp -- a lot like baby spitup, not really throwing up, just gross.

Mary, you've done great! Have you tried keeping track of your foods.activities, and goals on Fitday.com?

O.K., we all are entitled to our own opinions, which are always going to vary, so it keeps the world from getting boring. Now, in those infamous words, "Why can't we all just get along?" Love all you guys! :D

Gosh, Teresa, I'm old enough to be your Mother! I better go put some more eye cream on! :D

Wow, Teresa, you have got to get out and take advantage of your beautiful area! It sounds like paradise! I would take my textbooks outside and study. What a wonderful place to live!

Nancy and Teresa, I know we all appreciate our "New Life" since being banded! The friends I've made on this forum and the encouragement I've rec'd here have played a big part in helping me along the way. It's so wonderful to have someone understand "where you're coming from" because it's one of those things that a person can't truly understand or appreciate unless they've walked in those shoes. Have you tried using a pedometer? You'll be surprised how much you walk in a regular day, and will find yourself intentionally walking further. It will show # of steps, calories burned, and amt. of time used.

O.K., Little Missy, repeat after me, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." You can do this and remember the liquid part is temporary!

Did the ins. co. give you a reason why they cover RNY and not the Band?

You've worked hard to get where you are. Give yourself a BIG pat on the back! So happy for you!

Woo, Sandy, that's next Wednesday! I bet you're going through a rollercoaster of emotions right now! Excited, scared, afraid you'll be the only one to fail. But you'll do great! Best of luck to you!

I don't mean to highjack this thread, but, VERA, you're no slacker yourself! Look how close you are! Congratulations!

LOL

Lisa, please don't get mad, but ten years from now, is it really going to matter who got the cable/dsl fixed? You're going to give yourself an ulcer! It just "ain't worth it"! You've done so great on your weight loss, please don't let unneeded stress undermine you. I only say this 'cause I care.

I started taking the Gummyvites. They taste just like Gummy Bears.