cdowlen

I was so saddened to read about your loss. I hope you have gone back to your lap-band doctor and have found some support. And please remember, we are here to listen too! May God give you the comfort and healing you need at this time! My prayers are with you!

Hi, Flower Faery! I had the same problem with the band from my bra, and since I had rotator cuff repair last year, nearly all of my bras are front hook because my arm doesn't always want to bend "that way" any more. With a front hook (so you have that heavy stiff vertical strip of hooks) and large breasts, I nearly went nuts at first from the weight and pressure on my port and the port incision. And I couldn't decently go without a bra in public. Here's what I did and it took care of the problem all together until the incision was healed enough not to bother me. I got an old fashioned "sanitary napkin"--the really thick kind--and put it under my bra band, between the band and my skin. A thin pad didn't "pad" enough for comfort, but the thick one lifted my bra band off my ribs and put a pillow in there. No one could see it, and it helped take the weight of my breasts off the incision too. I used the old fashioned kind (like they still give you in the hospital, that are really long and do not have the self-stick strip. The peel and stick stuff will stick to you, and I didn't like that at all. I hope this will give you some comfort until you are healed enough that it doesn't bother you any more.

I have discovered the Slim-Fast High Protein shake mix and like it very well. It's available at Wal-Mart, so I don't have to drive down to the mall to the Vitamin place. Affordable too. I can't drink the can of pre-mixed stuff--they make me really sick, but this one is good tasting and I get 7 grams of protein even before I add the skim milk. I have only tried the chocolate, but it comes in vanilla too. I was worried about getting enough protein, but these shakes seem to be doing well for me. I only do one a day--I am NOT on the slim-fast plan or anything. I just figure anything can be a tool. Question--do any of you guys live on the Brazoria County side of Houston? I am in Sweeny. Thanks! Murphy's Law Correlary #395: "In time of necessity the nearest object may become a hammer.":eyebrows:

OK--I did it! I should have read a little further--the answer was there. Thank you all for your patience.

<p>How do I get it from there to here? I have spent time trying different things, and I have the feeling that this is one of those deceptively simple tasks, but I just can't seem to figure it out. I am finally ready to show where I am on the "Band" wagon, and you'll see fireworks when I start reaching some of my personal goals! I just can't seem to get the cute ticker I chose to display. Any help? Puullllllleeeeeeeeeeeeez!!!!!<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/help.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Help" smilieid="256" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Hi, fellow Spivakers! I like the sound of that! I found you guys today. I was banded by Dr. S. on July 23 and go for my second fill tomorrow. It seems I am able to eat anything, not so much as I used to, but still more than I would like. Anyway, my real question is whether or not any support groups are around here in Brazoria County. Tuesday night to Houston are not an easy thing to either plan or get away for--we have a 12 year old 7th grader who has to get to bed---besides the distance for us. We're over on the Bay City side of the county. So---------I just thought I'd ask....maybe I can touch base with someone closer than Houston. My husband is a dream, but I need some female, lap-banded support. Any ideas? I have lost 21 pounds, and am thrilled, but I've been at this weight for more than a week, and I want the scales to move. Thanks. My next job will be to figure out the ticker thingies you guys have and see if I can get some numbers on here.:whoo:

Boy, are we on the same wave length! However, I found out today when I made my appointment for 4 weeks post band that my doctor also just wants patients to heal for the first few weeks. I was banded on July 23, and was getting a little anxious. My brother and his son were both banded a year ago (different doctor) and the weight started coming off quickly but now has slowed. I had begun to think that it was another one of those "guys just lose faster than gals" things. But I feel too good now, even with a minimal (8 pound) loss, and since I found out that there is basically no restriction for me yet, I can hardly wait for my first fill. All of my other systems are ready and set for launch! I think we really to have to be patient at first, get well, and then use the lap band as the tool it is. As for pain--well, I have survived 7 orthopedic surgeries in the past 10 years. Because of my weight my joints were shot. Believe me, the pain from the lap band is minimal to a total knee replacement, and THEY want you to get up and stand on that lovely implant on the first day too. Just take it easy and get well!:clap2: