New Hope

O.K., gals, you're ALL doing awesome! In spite of different "Hardships" like ice cream, cheese, birthday parties, working, stress, you've hung in there and been accountable for one full week. Let's go for two! This challenge has really helped me wake up. But I also realise that I'm probably not going to be able to get by on only three meals a day. I like my snacks (sweets and cheese) too much! Sad, but true. This may slow me down, but I've decided that I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I'll allow myself a snack each day and ENJOY it. I'm exercising very regularly right now, but I know that I probably won't keep up that pace. Darcy, you inspired me! (That and I tried on some clothes today and got a look at my gut!) Has anybody used an exercise (inflatable) ball? I bought one today and 2 dvds. One - "Abworkouts" to do w/the exercise ball and the second one (more appropriately) "Pilates Workout for Dummies". My week beginning weight 195, today 191.

Heather, Just be sure and research thoroughly whatever weight loss help you decide to use. Knowledge is powerful! Please don't compare yourself to all the "size 10s". That has nothing to do with who you are. I don't know if you've had an ongoing problem with weight or not. Do you have serious health problems -- diabetes, blood pressure, asthma, thyroid, arthritis, etc.? Only you can decide if you're wanting to do this to be healthier or just for the physical appearances. The band will help you, but you have to be willing to take responsibility for what you are eating and how much. I, also, wish that I could have had this done at a much younger age. But, for me, maybe I really wasn't at the mental point that I needed to be. You do need to take care of yourself. A little bit of laproscopic surgery is absolutely nothing compared to open-heart surgery and recovery time (from a heart attack and/or blockage)! Best of luck to you as you start your journey!

I haven't (and don't want to) experienced that yet. But you're wise to keep some suppositories on hand. Like you said, that always hits when you're least prepared! Also, plan on getting you and the whole family to get their yearly flu shots in October. No sense having something that can be prevented. One of the best ways to prevent illness is hand washing. Keep some no-soap antibacterial hand get or handwipes in your car and/or purse. Get the family into the habit of washing their hands as soon as they walk in the house. Hope you "missed the bug".

Alex B., thank you so much for creating this wonderful website in 07/2003! I have gotten so much encouragement, advice, support, and friendship from here. You are a very wise and insightful person, (in spite of being a "youngster":D ) I would love to know what your "Bandster story" is and the story behind this forum's creation. (It's so user friendly compared to others.) Also, thank you for helping me w/changing my original screen name from 4x4x4 to New Hope. I guess that sums up pretty much how I did feel (before banding) and how I feel today! Again, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Yes, please get this checked out. Do you think that you could have "flipped your port" lifting your daughter? A three year old is pretty heavy. Whatever the problem is, please follow up on it w/ your dr. Best of luck!

Oops, Vera, Alexander is a moderator. But Alex B. (male) is the board creator and owner. (I used to think they were the same "Alex")

Amy, Good for you for insisting on a scope! You need to know what's going on and that's one of the best ways to get a real answer. When is your scope scheduled for? Please try not to get depressed. You will get some answers. Please keep us posted. Best of luck to you! Also, congratulations on the great weight loss that you've had so far!

Seventh (and final!) day - Breakfast - scrambled egg, veg. sausage patty (so boring) Lunch - grilled shrimp, beef/chicken fajita meat, beans charro Dinner - tuna salad, 3 low-fat ritz crackers Snack - fat-free choc. pudding Good Deed - son wanted $100, gave $250 (Why do they say "borrow"? You know you'll never see it again. ) Exercise - 12 miles bicycling Water - o.k., could be better Tomorrow - Fresh Start!!

Alex, sounds like the perfect vacation for YOU! Plenty of time to "get lost". Peaceful walks on the beach, sunsets, sunrises. Ooh, I'm jealous of you, too!

Good for you, Betty! Sounds like another winner on our hands! Oops, I mean "loser"! When I was first banded, I was trying to not drink 30 min. before and 1 hr. after a meal. It was about impossible to get your water quota in for the day. I still have to work on that every day. Some days are great, others are way short.

You are a very good Deedster!

You know, I took a few sips of my husband's Diet Coke tonight and I didn't even care for the taste anymore. Walking, drinking water, and chewing... hey, you're already ahead of the game! I wish I'd known to do that before surgery. It would have saved a lot of frustration!

Maurice, I don't use a cpap, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck! I would think that weight loss WOULD help w/ your breathing. I've wrestled w/ asthma for years and this has definitely helped me. Where were you banded and what was your starting weight/height?

I'd go ahead and wean off the carbonation now. If you have any withdrawal headaches, go ahead and get it over w/ before your surgery. Yes, please start drinking as much water as you possibly can, but not during meals (HARD habit to break), start walking regularly (or whatever form of exercise you enjoy) (this will also help you recoup faster). You'll do great!

Congratulations! Please give yourself time to heal! Hope your great relationship continues w/ your dr.

I'm very, very jealous! Hey, hope you have a wonderful time. Will you be wearing your little leopard print outfit?

Betty, it's a roller coaster of emotions, isn't it? You're excited and ready to make a healthy, positive change in your life, you're scared you're going to fail, and start second-guessing yourself. You've already done one of the hardest steps, realized you have a problem and seeking help. We're here for you! I'm so excited for you!

Hey, I can handle that little problem!!

Whoops, forgot... Exercise - 8 miles bicycling (last 2 mi. in medium rain)

Day 6 - Breakfast - scrambled egg, veg. sausage patty lunch - 1 McDonald's chicken Strip (w/sauce!), 3 bites apple pie dinner - beef tips w/mushroom sauce, broccoli/carrots, sugar-free choc. pudding Snacks - 2 bites birthday cake, tuna salad, ritz low-fat crackers,sugar-free choc. pudding, 3 cubes Monterrey Jack cheese I may have disqualified myself today. Attended 2 yr. old's birthday party @ McDonalds. Day's snacks totaled enough to make a fourth meal! (Yikes!) Good Deed - paid toll for car behind me. Boy, what a disappointment that must have been when they caught up -- an old, fat lady in a Saturn! Water - need to improve on, big time! NSV - had jeweler remove two links from my watch!!

Bright, you're beautiful and young! If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? What color is your hair? Are you an Irish red? Really, you are a doll, before and now!

Hi, Lucky! You've done great! Hang out with us, we have a good time.

Sorry, Miss Michelle, the Lisa clothes donation was last week's good deed. Hey, did you say you weighed today? Hmmmm. I'm just about to hop on that scale to boast my spirits. (Come on Monday!)

Boy, I don't know about B/C. Just wanted to give you my support. Go for the appeal! You may be pleasantly surprised. Look up Alex's sample appeal letter where she fought her ins. about the band vs. bypass and WON! (in old posts) Why is it they always send those type of letter so you get them on a Frid. p.m. or Sat.? I think it's planned so you can't contact someone until the following week. Grrrrrr.

Donali, where have you been? You've been missed!