New Hope

Sheryl, how much weight have you lost since you've had your band? Please give yourself credit. Thankfully, you've had your band checked out and it's good to go. I've been a "slacker" through the holidays, but thankfully my band has kept me from going totally berserk. We have a Weekly Scale Challenge and a Water Challenge here. How about joining in? It really helps to check in here regularly for support, encouragement, and a place to "confess" all your little bad things. We understand because we're fighting the same demons. Best of luck to you!

It would be wise for you to schedule an in-office visit with this surgeon before you go any further. Ask him all your concerns and ask to be given written documentation to validate whatever he tells you. You must have total trust and confidence in your doctor and his staff, because this is an ongoing relationship between your band dr. and yourself. Best of luck!

It begins with a single step. And you've already begun your journey to better health. Start with a very short routine (walk, bike, exerwork-out). Baby steps, then gradually increase your time, and before you know it you'll be breathing easier, legs and ankle hurting less, and pushing yourself a little harder to see what is on the next block. Best of luck to both of you!! I know you can do this!

Please check out everything that you can about any surgeon that you plan on using before you even schedule your surgery....his banding experience (how long, how many, complications?), his aftercare, his office staff, the hospital (it's rating),etc. Anything you can think of - check it out. If you're uncomfortable with him now, please research and get some facts. You have to look out for yourself. This is a support forum and we aren't financed by any surgeons or fill doctors. We share factual information (good and bad) to help each other. Please come back here and post what true findings you uncover. Best of luck to you!

Lauri, you have certainly been hit with a lot of different serious problems. Hopefully, getting resituated with your Mother will help you concentrate on getting well. Sending you and your family (((hugs))) and prayers for a smoother road and some good answers.

You really are doing a wonderful job! Any loss before your fill is considered a bonus. Some people gain during this time. That's great you're feeling restriction. Please be careful w/the pizza. It can be difficult for a bandster (dry, doughy crust) to swallow. Are you on "hard protiens" yet? (Lean, moist meats and vegetables? Pizza's o.k. sometimes, but it's not the best calorie/nutrition choice. Also, check boxed or frozen dinners. They often have a high sodium (salt) content. Too much salt will cause a person to retain (hold) fluids and is hard on the heart and kidneys. Keep up the good work!

Katie, great weight loss! Are you stopping eating when you feel full and not putting too much food in your little pouch?

I'm so sorry that you're having such a time. You do already have your band and it's not going anywhere. Now, let's get that dr. to fine tune it for you! Hang in there!

Betty, so sorry that you're feeling so bad. Please take care of yourself. We miss you when you're not here! Sending you big (((hugs))).

Misty, I went through a short "grieving" period right after getting my band. You don't realize how much you depend on food until it's not there! But it was very temporary. I stopped watching t.v. because of all the food commercials. I understand about your sweating. For years I said my thermostat was "stuck on high". I was hot 24/7, 365 days a year. Always red-faced. Bloodwork showed no related problems. My PCP even suggested I check into a surgery that removes your sweat glands! Now don't we need to sweat for a reason? Didn't do that one! But since banding and dropping weight, I actually get cold! I can wear those pretty sweaters now. Before I would have just "burst into flames". And I've actually gotten goose bumps. My PCP rechecked my bloodwork and all is well. I guess loosing some of that insulation really makes a difference. You will get your life back and be able to get out there and enjoy it again.

Teresa, you didn't do anything wrong! You were minding your own business, in your well-taken care of car, and got rearended by an idiot. Hang in there and get everything taken care of. Once you accept, it's a done deal with the insurance company, even if you find other problems on down the road. The Taurus is a beautiful car and that is good mileage. You need to plan a nice road trip now and enjoy that beautiful scenery there (even just a day trip w/DH, a picnic basket w/ a nice bottle of wine.)

We also have a thread, Low Glycemic Food Lists, posted under the Foods section. Claraluz is concerned that she might have been doing too good on these foods.

Nancy, glad your blood work is so good! But I hope you get to feeling better. Boy, it seems like there's always something to finetune, isn't there?

Teresa, all you can do is try your best. It's nervewracking buying a used car. Hopefully, all will be fine, the insurance company will treat you fairly, and you'll heal withou any longterm, or hidden future problems. After a couple of months looking, we bought our son a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire on Thursday. It has an extended warranty, had an independent mechanic check it out first, bartered on the price. I can only pray that it's dependable and safe for my son to drive. I told my DH that I felt like I'd lost 20 pounds of stress once that thing was finalized. We don't buy cars that often and usually drive them till the wheels fall off. LOL (Now I remember why! LOL)

Those look like postcards! Beautiful! What a fun thing to do! Now, please post some pics of you down there. Please!

In that case, Alex, you have a very nice grimace. LOL

Ann, Congratulations on your upcoming Banding! The protein shake is either premixed shakes (ex. Atkins Advantage canned 11 oz. 20 grams protein) or adding protein powder to your milk/egg beater mixture. I just bought the protein powder from Walmart/Sams. Just plain milk wouldn't give you enough protein. You need to aim for 60 grams of protein a day. After you get on full liquids, you can blend a little fruit in (ex. banana, frozen stawberries, blueberries, etc.) This makes it like a smoothie (delicious), but don't put too much fruit in or it's too thick. Once you get on solids, if you're eating healthy choices (lean, moist meats, and vegetables) - you shouldn't have any trouble getting your daily protein in.

Nancy, those sound yummy! I love squash and that compote really is a pleasant way to get that much needed fiber.

Kelly, I hope you will go see your band surgeon this coming week. This is not something to ignore. I know you've worked too hard to risk losing your band now. Best of luck to you!

It gets better, Leatha! You still have hearing aids and teeth in a jar to look forward to. Then there's hip and knee replacements. But you'll eventually get that AARP discount at Dennys! LOL

Wow, Alex, what will 2005 bring? Great job!

Hi, TrishaS, best of luck to you on your search for better health! You're very wise to head off any health problems now. Because sooner or later you will start having different problems...arthritis (joints), high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, gastric reflux, depression, etc. and just being tired all the time. I've sipped diet cokes a few times since banding, but the carbonation gave me a gassy, indigeestion feeling. Just not pleasant at all. I've had a few glasses of wine since banding, no problems. But they are "empty calories". Can anything be done to fix your foot? Can you use a stationery bike without hurting your foot? Yes, ice would count as drinking water. How about Crystal Light or Propel Fitness Water for a little variety? This is a great forum for support and encouragement. I've come to think of this as my "Bandster Family". Hope to get to know you better.

My goal is to be happy, healthy, and serene. Oh, and have more $$ left over after paying all the bills each month. P. S. Harleynana, you can call the credit card company every six months and ask for a rate reduction. Like you said, they sure won't offer it to you!

Congratulations, Vicky! That is just a month away! Better start wearing your favorite clothes before they are forever too big for you! Looks like a great year for you!

Teresa, is your port located where your seatbelt crosses your tummy? Hope you get to feeling better and stop hurting!