HarleyNana

It is so normal to have mixed emtions so close to surgery. I couldn't wait for the day, I knew it was the right decision for me. It's been a quick and rewarding two years. Good luck!

Skinnymom it's better to be safe than sorry, it's probably just gas, but you'll be happier to know that's all it is. I had one night hospital stay, but now my doctor does the surgery as an outpatient. Let us know how it goes. Happy New Year to you too.

I haven't been sick in more than 10 years, but I've been on three different antibiotics in the last 30 days, due to sinus (snots), sore throat, and horrible cough. I've been banded more than two years, I don't contribute it to the band. Probably, because I got out of the habit of taking my Cod Liver Oil Pills each day.

Print off your thread, which pretty much says it all, and give it to your doctor. That should answer every question. Good luck!

Just dropped in to quickly say................. Merry Christmas to all of my LBT Friends. I've missed you all and I'll be back in the loop soon, before next year, LMAO! I just wanted you all to know how much I treasure your friendship and support. Hugs and kisses to you all.

Yikes what a horrible feeling. I've only had the stuck feeling a couple of times, and tiny, tiny sips of very warm coffee seemed to help. Before that, try bending at the waist, let your arms hang freely and see if that helps. Let us know how you're doing.

Welcome to Band Land! Walking helps with the cramps and the prevention of blood clots, so keep walking. As for the thickness, my doctor told me I could have anything that would fit through a straw, but don't use a straw. Good luck!

I'm a 56 year old Nana, imagine my 13 year old grandson's surprise when I told him we needed to talk about this "emo" stuff. Then I said show me your arms, he said..."NANA!". Then I told him what a wonderful person he was and I told him how important he was, but most of all how loved by so many people. He said, "Nana, I know that"! (One of my workers had to leave work to take her daughter to the doctor because of cutting herself then went on to explain the emo theory) Don't let your guard down, these kids are pretty good actors, we all want to believe they're happy, but stay in tune with your kids, you just never know.

Happy, Happy Birthday, make it last the rest of the month, LOL.

I loved his character too. He reminded me of so many people I know, LOL.

Being able to walk in shorts without having to stop every few feet to pull the leg of the shorts out of your crotch.

Be sure to add some Protein to that alcohol, you wanna be healthy . My favorite is a little ice, frozen strawberries, 1/2 a banana, couple of scoops of rice protein, (has a nutty taste), some low carb orange juice, a splash of Vodka, blend well, sip slowly to avoid brain freeze, sit back and relax.

I just discovered Pillsbury cheese, egg, and bacon scramblers, and only 180 calories. As for Protein, due to the controversy over soy, I use the rice protein, has a little nutty taste. I add low car orange juice, lots of ice, a few frozen strawberries and 1/2 a banana. A healthy breakfast and desert all in one. Sometimes I have it in the evening with a little Vodka, hehehe.

Onlygo, isn't it nice to know your band is working, now just remember to work with your band, take it slow and easy. You are wise to be concerned about being too tight, but I agree with the others, give your esophagus a few days rest and stick with liquids and very soft mushies.

Just remember, liquids in, liquids out. Call your doctor, he'll tell you what's allowed. Good luck!

Stay away from the potatoes and the bread. Take very small bites and chew, chew, chew. I eat out all the time, I use more caution and take my time, moreso than when I'm at home. Olive Garden is one of my favorites, I order the Soup with as much broth as they can do and less of the solids, plus salad. (Sitting near the restroom is also helpful)

Sorry I've been missing, but I've been sick and I've been very busy becoming an elf.... check it out I just made a total elf of myself. Check me out by clicking the link below http://www.elfyourself.com/?userid=a3f6d13ab97b2b973ea6a47_20061206

Try apple juice or benefiber. I use to put it in my coffee every morning, but that didn't really work for me either. I quit worrying about it and it seems to be more of a natural thing now, once or twice a week, LOL. If I feel really backed up, I take Ducolax.

I agree with Jules, when you're ready, you will know it. With me, there was never a doubt.

Most say theirs is on the left, mine is on the right, just below my bra line and I can feel it very easily.

My only regret is the band was not available to me years sooner.

Since I was my doctor's first band patient, his nurses gave me tons of literature and info that had/has nothing to do with the band. They've since learned better, LOL.

WOW, what an wonderful opportunity for someone in need, you're truly an angel.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy . Eat the volcano. Repeat. 4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas Cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 8. Same for pies. Apple. pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Have a great holiday season! (PS, THESE ARE NOT LAPBAND FRIENDLY TIPS, BUT I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT)

The best gift my husband and I gave each other was about 6 years ago, we agreed NOT to exchange gifts anymore. It was truly the best thing we ever did for each other. I don't have to spend hours shopping for someone who already has everything and if he doesn't he just goes and gets it. Plus, I don't have to spend hours taking stuff back that either doesn't fit or doesn't suit me, (ok I'm picky). It has made Christmas so very much more enjoyable and less stressful for both of us, after 38 years, it's hard to be surprised, LOL. I've also found for me, the sooner I start shopping, the more I'll spend. Happy Shopping Friends!