the best me

Leenerbups, I so remember the frustration and fear you are going through. Bite the bullet. Three bags of saline will set your body on track. I swear it made the biggest difference for me. The swelling stays because your tissue is holding on to all the fluids it can because you are dehydrated. If you get the IVs, it will help the band area bundles. When I went through this, I remember starting over at 2 weeks. I was banded on a Friday, and the Sat after my "2 weeks banded" I finally had a fresh start. It was fine fine fine after that. But I got IV fluids at day 8. It helped tons. Ask your doc for help.

Excellent news. Now get to packing. I wish I could help you haul boxes!!!!

This thread got me to thinking about just what and how much my kiddos need to be eating. I love all the tips you all have given...thanks! Here's a great link I found http://sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=465 to find out how many portions of what foods and what size portions, etc to feed your kids at whatever age. Cool stuff!

What's wierd is to log onto LBT at the end of the day, just to check in on everyone, then put on PJs, brush teeth, check on kids, and snuggle in next to hubby, who suddenly decides "now" is a good time. And I can't get all you LBTers off my mind. I could have been thinking of any one of you at that special moment. Creepy! But to be honest, once my mind is "on" the moment, LBT is the last place I'm thinking of...but the "talk me into it" bit of time beforehand? Yep, could be any one of you!!! That was sweet what you daughter said. As for the black floaties, how 'bout running the tub with a cup of Clorox in the Water? You not in it, of course. Wouldn't that work?

Speed seems better today...thanks!

79% Dixie. Whoda thought? LOL I was in the New Jersey airport once!

I'd say a slight UNfill is inorder. Get some of that saline taken out. It doesn't have to be miserable! Even if the first bite syndrome continues, it isn't from being too tight, right? Unfill, at least SOME! Give your poor ole band a break! Good luck. Let us know how it goes, okay?

Married at 32 (me) and 37 (hubby). First child at 34 and 39. Second (and last!) child at 37 and 42. Being a slightly Older Mom is helpful. I couldn't have done this in my early 20's. I just wasn't ready, didn't have the maturity. Did college, did career, had kids and left it all behind. My how those priorities change as that little one grows inside you! I hope I never have to work outside of my home again! THIS is my REAL job, my REAL calling. Anything else is just a paycheck, and that's just money. Growing my children and helping my husband is fullfillment. Call me old-fashioned, call me antiquated, call me not normal? or not up-to-date? or not liberated? or not with-it? or geez, whatever but here is where HAPPY is. Maybe it's a bit easier to say that because I had my "ME" time of life. Keep that good paying prt-time job, go to school and do your best to finish, and let God/nature/the universe/life tell you when that baby is supposed to get here. If you don't get pregnant before you finish school, then start teaching and go from there. That's my advice. You aren't too old, but if you know you want children and you are ready, a job and an education, if you are able, can surely wait. You can go to college and teach in your 40s and 50s and 60s. You can't have kids forever. Grow up some young'uns good!!! It's important!

Vines, I'm really sorry about this difficult time. I know you said you were taking medical leave from school for now. I guess that's all working out okay? How's your scholarship going to hold up? Don't give up, you hear me? Go home and fill up on your husband and son, BE there and feed your soul on time with them. You need it! Don't back down on getting to the bottom of your illness, whatever it is. Keep pushing to find your answers. Something is happening with your body, that much you know, but that body, that is causing frustration, is YOURS. It's the home of that heart and Spirit of yours. The one that is so valued and needed here on this board. We love love love you, so soak it all up and use it to press forward. We are here for you. Take us and use us to your benefit. Don't feel like you have to give all of you to LBT right now. Be a TAKER of our positive thoughts and energy. We have plenty for you. When it starts spilling over, and it will, you can give some back. ((((hugs)))) and don't go far, okay?

He found us while looking into Lap Banding, but it didn't pan out. He lost his weight with good old-fashioned diet and exercise...WOW! Always an inspiration, that John! God Bless you, too JQ!

Oh yeah, and watch out for little knees, feet and elbows. They can really hurt when wiggled or kicked into a new port! OUCH! Avoid 2-year-old tickle-boxes for a little bit!

Yep, you really need to be "off the hook" for the first 2-3 days, then on "light duty" with no lifting for the rest of the first week. Check with your doc on how long the "no lifting" policy should continue, but...my son was 2 when I was banded, and for a few weeks before my surgery, I taught him how to climb onto the changing table with me standing there. I don't know what I'd have done if he fell...but it worked well to take the edge off the lifting as I healed. You know your child and your home, but it might be worth trying? The first few days though...youneed to concentrate on YOU. Get some help at home till hubby gets back. April is a great month to be banded! congrats!

Hey John, don't go for ever! Please check in on occasion, okay? I'll miss seeing your handsome mug, ya hottie! but I think I understand the need to "close shop". Time to start a new chapter, that kind of thing? Please don't leave us hanging. At least give us a shout every once in a while! You are our most successful non-bandster! We are so proud of you!!!

I guess I should really just start a journal, but why? I have one! Okay, I'll start a journal, but for now, I have an NSV. Background: Been measuring inches lost but haven't seen enough to really add up since last August. Yes, I have lost some inches since then, and I'd have to go back through my little pieces of paper and organize them and get it all in one place, but I'm not. So on 3-9-06 I join Curves again and they take my measurements. Waist 37.25 Abs 46.5 Hips 46.5 That night I get the Hives for a week, then I get a short-lived bug that gave me diarrhea, a bit of nausea, and shoved me to the sofa for 36 hours with nothing but Water and 2 Townhouse crackers to eat. So now I'm feeling better and I only missed one Curves workout from being sick. In fact, I have only actually worked out at Curves 4 times since I joined...it was 11 days ago, yes? So I measured the ole waist, abs, hips tonight. Here's what I found: Waist 36 (-1.25) Abs 44.5 (-2.0) Hips 46 (-.5) for a grand total of 3.75 inces in just 3 measuring areas (haven't checked the rest) in just 11 days with a Virus-induced illness and a few workouts. And my weight (okay, this is SV) on Sat was 184.0, sunday was 184.6 and Monday was 185.0. Not bad for recovering from a cleaned out digestive tract. All those weights are new lows for me. And I KNOW I'm building muscle! And my port is sore. I've been working out those ab walls! Ouch! e

I agree with Wheetsin, don't be afraid to try mushies again, just don't try them again for a little while. Wait until you are hungry, if needed. If you can get all of your nutrition in from liquids, you are better off right now, because you are swollen, both from surgery and from your little "ordeal". I can't stress "Slow down" enough. Slow down drinking, both in how much at a time and how quickly you drink, and slow down in your thinking about what you "should" be eating or drinking. Everyone is different. Your pain and painful hiccups and need to vomit and discomfort are your body telling you to wait on mushies. You need nutrition, get it in liquid form for now. Sloooow down. Embrace the "no hunger" feeling. You'll be wanting to eat in no time. You will feel better getting in some protien, just do it in liquid form for now. That's my advice. I wish I had listened when people bopped me on the head with this info when I was first banded! Good luck!

If I'm not mistaken, there is a non-adjustable band that is used in the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (if that's the right terminology). It's a form of Bypass that also uses a band. ???

Yes! Back up and Punt. Pretend this is day 1 post-op and start your drinking there. Quit reading what the doc's post-op diet says to do. This is Day 1.

I did better with Gatorade than clear Water. Leener, just because your doc says Full liquids are okay at this stage, your body is telling you otherwise. Drink what doesn't hurt. Listen to your body. Concentrate on hydration, not nutrition. Milk of Magnesia is a great idea...no no no Metamucil. Crush your meds. Honestly, at this point in the game, I went and got some IV fluids, and I'm convinced it pushed me over to the healing side. Call your doc, head to the local doc-in-the-box (what are those places called...not Emergency rooms, Urgent Care places) and ask for 2-3 bags of IV fluids. A $50.00 co-pay is worth it. And it's less expensive than the hospital. You need fluids.

Okay, bing sick has been good for the scale for me. Sat morning I weighed 184.0. Sunday I was 184.6, and today I'm 185.0. New lows, each day. I'd like to keep this low trend going, but now I can eat, so I'm concentrating on being a good bandster, choosing well, drinking my water, Curves today, etc. I'm hoping it's a good fresh start to a downward trend.

I'm in the middle on the protien drinks. Going a few days without them certainly wouldn't hurt, especially if the doc said clear liquids. Hydration is more important than protien, and unswelling the band area is the biggest hurdle to jump right now. But, if you can get some protien powder into some clear liquid, it sure helps with energy, healing and all around feeling better. You need your protien! How are you doing today, Leener?

Oh Jan, you came to the right place. Walking, a heating pad, and some Gas-X or Tums are helpful. But at 8 weeks out, for most folks, the gas pain is usually gone. You describe shoulder pain, and that sounds like gas to me! Perhaps you need to take smaller bites and sips? That may help, too. You may be eating "the old way" and causing diaphragm (sp?) discomfort by not being easy on your band? Shot in the dark...but worth a thought? Anyhow. Don't give up yet, and welcome to LBT!!

illude, you shouldn't give up yet...work with your band doc, resubmit, get your PCP involved, never never never apply for PS without the pics. You are a shoe-in for PS if I've ever seen one! You go girl! Dont' give up!!!! You know, I had a brain fart, er, burp (that's nicer? LOL) and was reading your post confused because I got you mixed up with Mae, who had her PS a few months back. Now she needs a "boob job" and is planning on that for the future. Have you seen her blog and threads here? You really really need to hook up with Mae. Help me people, I can't remember her screen name and the kids are getting louder by the second...someone post a link!!!! Back in a bit...

I know I know! Ask me if you need to!!! Today is a great day. Eating properly, choosing well, exercise, plenty of water, none while eating or for for 1 hour after. It works! It really works! Let's live banded and quit fighting it! Thanks Teresa...great kick in the butt. :confused:

wavy, I just rejoined Curves...just my style! I'm working out tonight, but I work out at the Denver Curves, quite a hike from Charlotte! Can't wait to meet you on the first! Hey, Kim, will you post a thread with the official time and place? Did we ever decide on IHOP for sure? I think it's best, since we can order from the kids menu. I've never tried ordering from the kids menu at Bob Evans. We should go with what we know. Anyhow, thanks! Jen, hang in there, your surgery was a bit more complicated than banding, so give your body a chance to catch up to itself! You are doing great, I'm so proud of you!!!!!!

:confused: We-Want-Pic-Tures-We-Want Pic-Tures! :scared: :typing: Time to Log On! :rose: