New Hope

You all have given some great ideas! Good thread, Betty! frosted mini-wheats benefiber stool softener, as needed

That's great news, Joanie! Please don't overdo w/the peroxide. It's very drying. Once you get your staples out, you can put vitamin E oil on your closed incisions to help prevent scarring.

Sounds like a "lean, mean banding machine" in the making! That's wonderful!

Alice, you mention hating meats. What kind of foods are you eating?

You'll find yourself enjoying your meals more because you know you won't be eating yourself into a stupor and you'll be eating better, tastier choices. Ex. grilled over fried foods. But it also takes a lot of headwork too. The band is a tool, but we have to do our part for it to work....lean, moist meats, veggies and consistent exercise.

Melissa,girl, you're doing great! Look at how much you've lost! We're losing the weight slower, but we're also giving our bodies and minds time to adjust to the changes going on. Go try a pair of those 32s back on and see how far you've come! (((Hugs)))

That's wonderful! Can't think of a better "band buddy"! Best of luck to you.

Yes, but I'd first try something that's pretty bland just to see how your tummy handles it. Make sure it's really smooth (mushy).

Lyle, I know Bandstock will be a HUGE success! I know Greg, Nancy, and you have put a lot of work into it and it truly is appreciated! Great website! Here's the website: www.bandstock.net . This is scheduled for June 25, 2005 in Sterling Heights, Michigan at the huge UAW Local 228 Hall. Cost is $25 per person.

Isn't that the funniest thing? Thanks for sharing this, Bright!

That's wonderful!

Audrey, I know what you mean! I'm doing the same thing. I think it's this cold, rainy weather. You're cooped up, bored, restless, so it's easy to go back to our old prebanded habits....comfort foods. But Spring is just around the corner! You have done such an amazing job! I know that you'll get back on track. (Then you can tell me the secrets. LOL)

Grammi, it's going to depend on what particular contract your employer has w/United, and what exclusions do they have. Your best bet is to check w/your benefits coordinator. They should be able to give you specifics. You need to specify what type of WLS you're interested in. Good luck!

Mike, sorry can't answer you?? about the punches. I would think that would hurt, hitting the port area. Best of luck on your banding. Like others have said, please be sure that you have a local surgeon as back-up, before you are banded. Please call and talk with his/her office direct to confirm they will accept you. Please come back and let us know how you're doing.

Congratulations!! Please come back and let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. You will lose that weight now and it won't come back! Yeah! Best of luck to you for a smooth surgery and recovery time.

Lisa, congratulations! Yes, it's a little like a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? Highs and lows. But what a ride it will be for you! We have bandsters all over...most are in the U.S., but we have others in Ireland, France, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada ( to name a few). It's wonderful that we can all encourage and support each other, if we're right next door or on the other side of the world...connected by the internet.

Rachel, you in twosville! That's wonderful! And 21 pounds already gone! Keep up the great job!

Anything you fix your family, you can run it through the blender before you eat it. You want to eat foods that are soft, fairly smooth (no large chunks), easy to digest.

Candy, how long have you been eating solid foods?

I was afraid I'd be the first one to fail w/the band. Glad I was wrong!

If you're eating a thick soup as a meal, the drink will wash it through your band, and you'll be hungry faster than if you didn't have a drink. If you're hungry faster, then you're going to want to eat again sooner. If you're on a liquid diet, I don't think it would matter. But you'd be getting less nutrition from the soup because the drink would water it down and fill you up faster. Probably best to just get in the habit of no drinks with any meals.

Welcome Rebecca, it's hard to say. Some people are out shopping the next day..have it done mid-week, back on Monday. Others take a week or two to recoup. Also depends on what type of work you do. If you have a sitting job, you can probably go back sooner. If you do a lot of walking, standing...it may take a little longer. You need to avoid lifting anything heavy for several days. Hope this helps.

Greg and Kathy, I'm so sorry for both of your losses. I know that they are free from pain now. Hope you have many wonderful memories. (((Hugs)))

Wow, that's a tough one! I'd be leery about sending them $$. If you feel compelled to do something, how about a Walmart gift card (in an amount that's comfortable for your budget)? They can use it for necessities...like groceries and gas.

Doing good, Babs.