Zoe

It's that time of year when I pack a few bags of clothes for the Salvation Army -- but another discussion here made me think that maybe a tall female bandster could use some not terribly fashionable size 22/24 clothing while on her way down. That got me to thinking that there are probably a lot of us out there who are both getting rid of clothes and looking for new ones while we're in transition. I'm one of those people with clothing in about eight sizes from different phases of my dieting life (and I have the Dynasty-era shoulder pads to prove it) but, like a lot of you, I suspect, I'm short on wardrobe basics in my current size. Would a clothing exchange be impractical? I realize that if, say, I send my castoffs to someone, she might decide that they're too ugly, the wrong color, or they just don't fit, and then another person is left with clothes she can't use. But, on the other hand, this might be a way to help each other. We could post photos if a simple description of a garment isn't enough. If you have any comments or suggestions, please post them here. Thanks!

Brava, Alicia! I had to laugh at your list of weight-loss programs . . . used to think I was the only one. (You mean you didn't try liquid Protein in the 70s?) One benefit of the band, for me, has been purely psychological: knowing this time I will succeed because, for once, I have a tool that works. Like grasping a hammer for the first time, after trying for years to pound a nail with a piece of Saran Wrap. Keep writing; let us know how you're doing.

Jeez, you're having a rough year. I admire how you're keeping as positive as possible. When 2004 is over, and these current trials are memories, you'll have a clean slate, ready for new beginnings. Sending you warm thoughts across Lake Michigan. . .

Stop it, everyone, you're making me laugh! And cry a little at the same time. Whippledaddy's wonderful list reminded me: to be able to sit in a tourist-class airplane seat without having to lift the armrest, and also not to have strangers wince when they realize that I'm seated next to them.

No doubt about it, the pain sucks. It's been two days since you wrote, Tellie, and I think we'd all like to know if you're feeling better. When I was in bad post-surgical pain, I found some comfort in reminding myself that no matter what I did, the next day, week, and month would come, and that I would be healing. Good luck, and please check in.

One of my coworkers is a Mexican lawyer (although she specializes in corporate law, not malpractice). When I see her next week, I'll ask what remedies are available to a non-citizen via government agencies or the courts.

Oh yes, swimsuits! How could I forget? At 47, with abdominal and back scars from three surgeries, my bikini days are long past no matter what shape I become -- but I agree about wearing a normal suit without being self-conscious. No skirts allowed!

Chantal, I know just what you mean. I was visiting friends in Minnesota last weekend; one of them is a fantastic baker, and he presented me with a just-out-of the oven pale golden slice of perfection, drizzled with butter and honey. Well, I decided to break out of my diet mind and take a chance, since I haven't had a fill yet and am not terribly restricted -- and before I was banded I was absolutely mad for anything out of a bakery. I chewed like a fiend and savored every second. Guess what? No problem! I'm not going to take too many more chances like that, especially after I get a fill -- but if the bread aroma is truly driving you mad, could you try just a few bites of something just so you wouldn't be tortured? Of course if bread makes you PB every time it's not worth it.

Thanks for introducing yourself, Butta. Just think, those 231 pounds are gone for good. I bet your blood pressure improved after losing that 200-lb. burden!

Well, I just went down to the basement to bring up some winter clothes, and it looks like I have three boxes. DeLarla/Lisa, will someone be able to sign for the stuff if I send it to your address via UPS? I'll try to ship it on Friday, and with luck everything should arrive before the Vegas bash. I'm including the funky polyester dashiki that nearly broke the gestapo dress code at my office -- it's time for someone else to have fun with it! I think it's great that you're giving the leftovers to a women's shelter. One of our local shelters is always happy to get large clothes, because so many homeless women are heavy and so many donors are bony-assed. I'll take my coats to a shelter rather than send them to Vegas -- you Westerners probably don't have much use for heavy winter gear anyway. Thanks!

Nope -- see my signature info below. I tried to get in touch with Dr. S's Loyola office regarding aftercare, but they never returned my call.

Yes, but . . . I have a fat male friend who was teased mercilessly as a child and still feels like a misfit even though he is a highly accomplished and wealthy guy. Most women think he's quite a catch -- until they find out about his size. I agree that American society is harder on fat women, but fat men don't have it that much better. Say, fellas, what do you think?

Hummus is a thick spread made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), olive oil, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic, plus other seasonings if you like. You can buy it ready-made in the refrigerated section of some supermarkets. I have a pretty good recipe that I'll post whenever I can dig it out from my torn-up kitchen.

(sneaking onto the internet while at work) I have mostly 22s to give away, some 24s, and a few 18s and 20s that just don't suit me any more, including some jeans with 33-34 inch inseams. I'd be glad to send them UPS to whatever address y'all suggest. Don't worry about postage. I think of it as a donation to the bandster cause -- and wish I could be there for the free-for-all!

Boy, DeLarla, I sure wish I were going to Vegas. But I just took a long weekend & won't be able to go. If anyone else is going from Chicago who wouldn't mind schlepping some clothes, I'd be glad to hand them off -- otherwise, I can probably just box 'em and send the stuff UPS. Pants (including a couple of flood-length pairs), t-shirts, blouses, a couple of dresses. . . we aren't talking cutting-edge fashion, but I'll make sure everything's clean!

Maybe we should start a clothing exchange. I'll start another thread under General Discussion!

Hi Katie -- I'm a relatively new bandster myself, but I can tell you that one week is too early for a fill. Of course, your doctor may have a different protocol, but from what I understand, most docs wait until a minimum of four weeks after surgery -- often longer -- before even considering filling a patient's band. (For example, Dr. Rumbaut wouldn't even consider giving me a fill until six weeks post-op.) These first several weeks are a time to allow your body to heal. The Lap-Band procedure may be billed as "minimally invasive," but it's still GI surgery, and your body needs time to recover from the trauma. Your appetite has returned? That's good! That means you're healing. I'll pass on some advice I received here: Don't focus on weight loss during this time. Focus on feeling better, and on letting your body get used to the (uninflated) band. You might want to look at some past posts on the board. Lots of people write shortly after they've had surgery, wondering if they're on the right track -- and more experienced readers have been generous enough to share their experiences. Good luck -- and, remember, your increased appetite is a sign that your body is getting stronger.

Well, they would be a good source of protein, but they're hard to chew -- and the dog won't share! I have to admit that on my Day 13 of liquids her Chunky Beef canned supplement was looking pretty good . . .

DeLarla, if you don't have insurance to cover drugs, getting the doggy supplements may be cheaper than an MD's prescription. In addition the usual pet stores, some online sites (Drs. Foster & Smith, etc.) sell gluco/chondroitin combos in bulk. Not sure about that liver flavor, though! I agree completely with your comment about vet care. My cancer-ridden Labrador got much more compassionate treatment than my cancer-ridden father did.

My surgeon gave me tramadol for post-banding pain. I didn't have any stomach trouble with it. But I second all the other posts about NSAIDs. Be careful. Butta, first I gotta say it's great to see another Chicagoan here. Second, you asked about glucosamine. My only experience with it is, ahem, veterinary. My last dog was a severely arthritic Labrador who gained a lot of mobility with glucosamine supplements, which allowed her to swim again. My current dog, a Lab mix, has mild arthritis, and is on gluc. supplements to help prevent her condition from worsening. I'm not sure if glucosamine was discovered by MDs first -- or if a desperate arthritic vet decided to take his dog's pills one day, figuring they couldn't hurt. And I don't know how well glucosamine works in the two-legged world. But my four-legged friends got some relief with it.

Congratulations! Keep yourself busy over the next month so that you don't drive yourself batty waiting for Band Day. Time will fly. Let us know what you hear from your insurance company.

Tzatziki? Yum! Wish I thought of that before, Alex. Must run to Trader Joe's tonight for more yogurt and pig ears (for the dog, FYI).

Gefilte fish . . . wish I'd thought of that two weeks ago! Thanks for the suggestions, Nancy. How about chopped liver? Live2Canoe, hang in there. The mushies are an absolute thrill compared to the liquid diet. And be sure to write if you discover any good mushy food. By the way, Trader Joe's is a great place to buy ready-made mushy stuff for those who don't like to cook.

Hey Kim, check out the "Food" section under "Main Lap-Band Forums" for some advice and commiseration. I know what you mean -- I was never so excited by hummus as I was on my first "mushy" day. Good luck!

Andrea, check out the thread called "Frustrated!!!..." in this introductions section. Those first initial pounds were mostly water. Now you're losing fat -- and if you gained water back even while you lost fat in the last week or two, the scale may show no change. Hang in there.