Bandista

My doctor doesn't share the amount as it varies so much from person to person but I've had six fills -- pretty sure they are small ones. I think my surgeon is of the small frequent fills school of thought. And I'm feeling pretty good as far as appetite being dimmed. I still have to fight off desire to eat anyway, but that's getting better.

Mine didn't arrive for a few days then whammo, but the shoulder pain left again just as quickly (2 days of soreness -- heating pad helped).....congratulations on having your surgery and all that is ahead.

Congratulations on your surgery and happy spring to you! I wouldn't worry too much -- you are doing beautifully. Later you'll be able to tone, once the doctor clears you for abdominal exercises. For now walking will help with everything. Best wishes to you!

Wheat allergies are so prevalent now. Pita chip? Really -- may be worth going completely absolutely off of wheat and seeing if the symptoms clear. So many people suffer from celiac now and it is very hard to diagnose. Best wishes to you!

Well said! So happy for you. Sometimes we side-step into success and then there we are. After so many failures it becomes difficult to believe in the possibility. And here you are -- evidence! Thank you for the inspiration.

Recently our doggie was in some major trouble needing hydration, etc. I looked at pediatric supplement and sports drinks thinking to try to get her electrolytes up. Ingredients were appalling! Sucralose in everything. Would not feed that to my dog.

You! Are AMAZING! So happy for you!

Well it was good to find that out up front (however frustrating!) as you really want some one to work with down the line for fills, etc. Some one you like and a place that gets the after-care piece and will be there for you.

I was really glad I increased my exercise prior to banding. I didn't want to -- had to force myself -- but it gave me something to step right into after surgery (like right after). I think it really helped with the healing process and signaled my body for weight loss. I work out in our basement with a cousin on a recumbent bike to warm up then a treadmill then BowFlex for resistance and back on treadmill. To supplement I now walk outdoors -- meeting a friend for a walk is something I try to arrange as soon as I see we have nice weather. A bit infrequent lately! This spring I'm going to get a bike. This is a new lifestyle for me -- so different than how I was thinking last year.

I have been heavy into juicing in the past -- longest juice fast was 21 days (felt great, gained back all weight of course and then some). We have two juicers, the second one purchased in hopes of it being easier to set up and clean. Both are a pain in their own way. I have not juiced since getting my band but I have bought a small juice a couple of times at the health food store, made fresh right there. Cost $5 but a nice treat and no cleanup! I keep thinking a fast day once a week might be good for me but I would probably choose less sugar intensive liquids than fresh juice. Or at least not as much fresh juice as I've had in the past -- I love beet, carrot & ginger.

So sorry! And all that driving. Can your regular doctor intervene to find out what is going on or connect you with another surgeon? The after-care is so important with the band, that relationship and regular followup visits. Best wishes - keep us posted!

Way to go! Thanks for the inspiration this Monday morning. I am headed for the treadmill.

Part Dalmation, he will be a good fast-paced walking partner, too. None of that pussy-footing around! Have fun with your new doggie -- so happy for you.

Welcome! And what a great Valentine to yourself!

Hi there, I'm an iPad user but don't use the app -- I prefer the format on the browser. I just click on Safari then go to the web site and use it that way. Works well for me. Quote buttons are right there at the bottom -- only thing I can't do is go back and edit so sometimes I have typos. Best wishes!

I have arthritis and take what we call the three/two cocktail as needed: three ibuprofen and two acetaminophen to stay on top of joint pain. I've also benefitted greatly from a supplement called SAMe which I cannot do without. My surgeon is fine with all of this. Post-surgically I was on an ibuprofen drip and I loved that -- the incisional pain, gas, etc. was nothing compared to joint pain and I was so happy to have that reduction in inflammation. Best wishes to you as you sort through all of the issues. I know that getting my weight down is helping me in the realm of auto-immune - and of course if I feel better I can exercise, which helps a great deal as well.

I did not consider anything other than the band -- I knew it was right for me. I knew I did not want anything irreversible and I didn't want part of my stomach removed as I could never get that back. But that's just me. Know that whatever you do you are choosing yourself and your healthy future and that is very powerful. Best wishes to you!

Sending best wishes your way -- hope you can get those liquids in and begin feeling better right away. Sounds like a bumpy start but when it smooths out you will be feeling like yourself again, only minus the food cravings and extra weight.

Any kind of detox can cause headaches -- caffeine withdrawal, ouch. Gets me in the back of the neck. Just want to mention artificial sweeteners in case you are reacting to those -- something to look out for. Some people get headaches from Sucralose. Good luck to you and those first days are behind you -- gets SO much easier!

How about sitting down and making a list of all the things you wanted from the surgery? Then list what you can do now that you couldn't do before, and what you still want. Then really want it. Ramp it up for March -- SpringTraining! Sometimes complacency is something else, too, so ask yourself about that. Is something in the way or is it just bad habits creeping back into your life? How about another list of what's not working for you. Eating on the run or eating in the car or going back for seconds or..... And don't forget to pat yourself in the back and Celebrate how far you've come -- way to go with your excellent loss.

Way to go! So happy for you!

A bike is on my list for spring - what fun! What a great present for yourself". Yay you!

Hi Kristall and welcome back. Choosing yourself first and your healthy happy future is a ver powerful step -- doing it for YOU. When I began to think of my life this way it changed so much for me. It seemed selfish or something and I was always seeing to other people's needs instead of my own. When I out myself first of course every one around me benefits, too, but the point is that our own happiness needs to be central. In that way we start loving ourselves and taking good care if your body becomes a part of that. Caring what happens to you needs to come from you. I found it helpful to see a therapist when I was revving up to get the band and I found that helpful. Sometimes it's good to have some outside assistance. Best wishes to you as you regroup and reinvest in your life. It goes by fast so seize the day and don't worry about yesterday, last week, last month, last year -- be in today and be happy!

Moi aussi -- I mean moi can't see......italicized script, cursive -- whatever you want to call it -- impossible to read. Thanks for bringing this up!

Don't beat yourself up -- a relaxed, easy relationship with food is the real goal, being at peace with eating and embracing a healthy lifestyle. You are doing beautifully! There is no being on or off a diet anymore. There is only being present in your body and noticing what is going on. You're doing that! I'd say that is a resounding success.