TexasBecky

Walked 63 minutes this morning. 27/21 days of mindful exercise

<p>I've been having internet access problems (boo Time Warner) so haven't been able to post for a few days.</p> <p>I walked for 35 minutes on 9/23 and 48 minutes on 9/24 and more yard work everyday!</p> <p> </p> <p>Chinokitty, I'd post a picture of the yard if I could figure out how. It does look pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Of course, it should with all the time I've spent working on it lately! It is getting easier (thank goodness) as I am losing weight and building stamina and strength.</p> 26/21 days of mindful exercise

Two hours of yard work today. 24/21 days of mindful exercise

Walked for 36 minutes this morning and then worked in the yard for 1.5 hrs. 23/21 days of mindful exercise

Thanks Chinokitty. Congrats are in order for you too. I saw your post about being down a size. Way to go! Today instead of walking I worked in the yard for 1.5 hours. It was harder than walking! 22/21 days of mindful exercise

Walked one hour again today. I really needed it today. We had people over to watch football yesterday and I ate way too much. That's the first time I've done that since surgery. Anyway, I'm getting right back on track (and waiting very anxiously for my first fill Sept. 28). Today I completed the challenge to do 21 days of mindful exercise. Woo Hoo! Since there are 13 more days in September I'm going to set another goal of 8 more days of mindful exercise this month. 21/21 days of mindful exercise

Band Chick, thanks so much for starting this thread and keeping it going with all of your encouraging comments. It does make a difference. I got in a 45 minute walk today. 20/21 days of mindful exercise

I only had time for a 30 minute walk this morning. 19/21 days of mindful exercise

It has been one week today since my surgery and I am feeling really good. For the last two days I've been able to walk a full mile. I was able to stop the prescription pain meds after three days. I am still on all liquids and starting to get a little hunger now. It really is better everyday. I hope everyone else being banded in August has the same positive experience that I've had. Good luck to everyone. Becky

A 62 minute walk today. Every minute counts! 18/21 days of mindful exercise

I walked for one full hour today. Yippeee! I can really tell a big difference in the way I feel on the days I walk. It is very energizing, both physically and mentally. Keep up the good work everybody. I think it is going to make a big difference in the speed at which we lose. 17/21 days of mindful exercise

42 minute walk this am. 16/21 days of mindful exercise

I am in Texas but have BCBS of CA and they have been great. I was approved within a couple of weeks of my initial consult and psych eval. No period of supervised dieting required. Everyone's policy is different though. I hope you'll have the same results I've had.

42 minutes this morning. 15/21 days of mindful exercise

Liz, I think aches and pains in the abdomen and stomach are normal in the first few weeks. I've seen posts from lots of people complaining of stomach aches in the early days. What have you been eating or drinking? Are you following your doctor's instructions? If so, you are probably fine. I would call the doc if you have fever or are vomitting.

Thanks for the report. I'm glad it wasn't painful for you. I'll be anxious to hear how that 3cc's affects you. Again, I think my doc is more conservative that yours. Mine says the first fill will probably be 1.5 cc. I don't know what my docs policy is on liquids after a fill. I didn't think to ask. I hope the fill works beautifully for you. Wouldn't it be nice to get good results on the first fill? May you be so lucky.

Judi, I'm getting excited about food again now that I've advanced to solids. Yesterday I actually ate a salad. Who knew I could get so excited about a salad. It was crisp and delicious, unlike anything I've had in over a month. The butternut squash ravioli sounds yummy but I've never seen it in the grocery store. Is it in the frozen food section? Do you buy it at a regular grocery or a specialty market?

Hi All! It sounds like everyone is doing so good. I am thrilled to be on solid food again. I was getting so hungry on the soft foods, but I am finding that solid food, chewed really well, is keeping me full so much longer. Band Chick, I won't be getting a fill until September 28. My doctor waits 8 weeks post op. Glenda, good for you getting back on your exercise program. You should check out the Aug/Sept. Exercise thread (that Band Chick started). I find it motivating to have made an exercise commitment and know I've got to log my progress. Clara, I live in the DFW area too! I had my surgery at UTSW (Zale Lipshy) and it was a great experience. Where did you have your horrible experience? I'm glad to hear that you're doing better everyday. Remember, you need to focus on yourself now. Taking care of everyone else's needs and ignoring our own is what got many of us in the shape we're in. Plus, we are in a better position to help others when we are feeling strong and healthy ourselves.

Walked for 50 minutes this morning. It was finally cloudy and cooler here. That made it so much easier. Remind me of that when I'm complaining of the cold in a few months. 14/21 days of mindful exercise

Pammy, I'm glad you started this thread. I hope lots of people will reply as they start getting fills. Your Dr. is moving you along a little faster than my doc. I had a nutrition class today and advanced to solids. I won't get my first fill until Sept. 28. I'm really anxious and somewhat nervous for the same reasons you are. Please post after you get your fill. I'm really curious about the whole experience. My doctor wants you not to eat for 3 hours before a fill. What about yours?

September 2 was one month since my surgery. It seems like longer. Anyway, today I went for my nutrition class and got advanced to regular food. Yipee!!! I also got scheduled for my first fill on September 28. I am really anxious to hear from everybody about their upcoming fills. I know I am almost as anxious for a fill as I was to have the surgery. Today the dietician told us that we are not allowed anymore liquid calories or soft foods. She said to stay away from puddings, mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, Protein drinks, smoothies, etc. It is just about the opposite of the way I've been eating. They want us eating the foods that require alot of chewing and will stay in the pouch for a long time, like chicken, beef, etc. We'll, ready or not, I'm on to the next phase. Wish me luck (and self control)!

Clara, I'm so glad you are feeling better. Hopefully your bad experience will soon just be a minor bump on the road to health and vitality! I just got back from the doctor's office. I had my one month post op nutrition class today and got advanced to regular foods! They also scheduled my first fill for September 28! Until then I can eat almost anything I want. I should be practicing small bites, chewing really well, and not drinking liquids 30 minutes before eating and 1 hour after eating. I've already been trying to do those things, so really nothing new except bye, bye to mushies! They told me from now on, I should not consume any liquid calories, and avoid all soft foods. No more puddings, mashed potatoes, Soups, oatmeal, etc. They don't want you to consume anything that just slides right on down. The goal is to eat small quanties of the foods that will stay in the pouch for a long time. I know the next few weeks are going to be the hardest yet because my appetite is as strong as before the surgery. I am so anxious to get started with the fills. I was down another 5.5 lbs!

I made it for 43 minutes today! 13/21 days of mindful exercise

Clara, I read your "meltdown" post. I am really sorry to hear about the rough start you've had. You definately have had more of a challenge than most of us right off the bat. I'm glad you are home now and hopefully getting stronger everyday. Try to put all that bad stuff behind you now and start looking to the future - a healthier, happier new you. Whatever you do, don't let this rough start derail you from your ultimate goal. Good luck to you.

It looks like most of us are in the same boat now. Trying to make it on will power alone is so tough. I'm trying to brace myself for the difficulties that lie ahead. I just hope I can remain strong until I get a successful fill. The physical hunger and the head hunger are getting stronger every day. Anyone else feeling this way?