ShannonRT

Sorry if this is TMI, but I have to ask. I was banded 9 days ago and since around day 3 I've been having vaginal bleeding. Not alot, but enough to get on your nerves. The kicker is I'm on BCP's-the kind you take for 3 months and then have a period. I haven't missed any pills and SHOULD NOT be having a period right now. Could this be because my body's in shock or something from the surgery? Or because I'm eating (drinking-ugh) only 500-600 calories a day? Anyone else experience this?

Can anyone relate their experience with Curves?

You're welcome!

Oh...and my head sweats more than you could ever imagine! Yeah I sweat all over, but it just POURS out of my head! I look like a wet dog after Jazzercise class.

I hate most all forms of exercise. Gyms are intimidating, treadmills and ellipticals boring. Too cold outside to walk. But I LOVE JAZZERCISE! The environment is very comfortable, no big buff bodybuilders to intimidate you. And, you can custom-fit the routines to your fitness level. The music is always current and motivating as well as the instructors. And it never gets boring because they usually get new routines every couple of months. If you're interested and don't know if there are any classes in your area, check out Jazzercise. It's seriously the only thing I've ever been able to stick with.

Ok...so I'm getting close to the 50 lb mark. All my shoes are too big. Had to get new bras 25 pounds ago. Everything is getting smaller. I can cross both legs easily now! But I wish the belly part would go faster, especially down low. I think that's the most uneven part. Seems like it just gets flabbier and saggier instead of smaller. Gravity is NOT helping me here. Those of you at or close to goal.....does it even out eventually???

Very well said. I know exactly what you mean about your head catching up with your body. All of us had head issues to begin with or we wouldn't be fat. It doesn't happen overnight. The "one day at a time" thing is very true. And, no, we're not perfect everyday. We all slip up, we just gotta keep on keepin on!

My surgeon said something about possibly getting in a situation while driving where you have to slam on the brakes too suddenly and causing damage to the still-healing incisions (both inside and out). I don't think I drove for about a week.

That was awesome! You're very creative. Thanks for sharing.

I LOVE JAZZERCISE!!! It's the most fun kind of exercise ever, especially if you have a great instructor. And you can vary the intensity to match your fitness level. Good for anyone!

Sorry but I have to put in my medical $0.2... Tubes that go down your esophagus are not only for feeding. Yes, long-term feeding tubes go into your stomach through the abdominal wall. But in a trauma situation, the contents of your stomach must be suctioned out to prevent vomiting and aspirating into the lungs. So they put a tube in your nose that goes down into your stomach for such a purpose. NG tubes may also be used in an inpatient setting for people with intestinal blockages or post-operative care. The point is that for Lap-Band patients (and I suppose gastric bypass as well) these tubes should never be placed "blindly" in the field or the ER. Fluoroscopy (live x-ray) should be used so that the end of the tube can be placed without accidently pushing too hard and perforating the stomach or intestines. Personally, I see this important enough to wear a medical ID bracelet. I have seen perforated bowels and it's not pretty. The one I have is not even ugly!

Is the whey Gourmet caramel dip any good? Caramel is my favorite, but I hate to spend $25 on a whole canister and then not like it. I wish you could order sample sizes of that like you can unjury. I also would like to try the Atkins Advantage Caramel Latte. Wal-Mart has 2 kinds of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, but not the caramel.

My surgeon recommended a Medic-Alert bracelet and I do wear one, but you can also get a necklace if you can't wear a bracelet at your job. The danger is placing a naso-gastric tube down blindly (not under x-ray) and not knowing the stomach is only a small pouch. If the EMT's were to push too hard they could perforate the pouch. We can still have NG tubes placed, they just need to wait till they get you to the hospital and it can be done in a controlled environment.

Wow...how romantic

I've never done LAP-Band ports, but I've done ports for chemo with local and light sedation (not me personally-my patients). They do fine with it.

I'm an x-ray tech in an interventional lab, am on my feet AND wearing lead for a good part of the day. Plus lifting patients. I took 2 weeks off and then 2 more weeks of no heavy lifting.

Checked tlc.com and says it returns this winter. Couldn't find a date.

It was also explained to me that if you are well-hydrated before a meal, it is easier to go without liquids during your meal.

Hit the 30 lb mark this morning!!! WOO HOO!!!

Congratulations Kathy! That's wonderful.

Had my first fill today. He only had a little trouble sticking the port. He put in 1 cc and I drank a sip of barium. It just sat there and didn't move at all. Then it started refluxing back up my esophagus. Waited a few seconds and it still wasn't moving. So he took out 0.25 cc and took another sip of barium. This time it did trickle through so that's where we left it. 0.75 cc! Doesn't seem like much. I hope this provides some restriction. Liquids only the rest of today, mushies tomorrow and slowly advance. About the cruise....my puppy is having hip surgery Friday so unfortunately my finances are in dire straights at the moment. We're cruising next May through the Panama Canal for 15 nights, so I really have to save. But keep me in the loop just in case!

Hi guys. Getting my first fill tomorrow!!! And not a moment to soon because my puppy needs hip surgery and I'm an emotional eater so hopefully the fill will help me get through this stressful time.

Chim, how many days per week are you doing this insane schedule???

Obesity is the latest "thing." Unfortunately I think we have an epidemic in this country and we need to take care of it pronto. I watched The Biggest Loser and it was neat to be able to relate more than ever to those folks. Except they're not getting any surgical help. And I'm sure glad I don't have to endure those workouts! Wow! That Jillian is something else! It made me feel lucky to have been able to have this surgery to help me. In a way I felt sorry for Amber, especially at the beginning when she was the last one to finish. But it was cool they all went back and helped her across the finish line. But then the next workout she was telling the trainer to send her home. So I can see how the team would think she would be "dragging them down" in a way. We all know how much it helps to have supportive people around you for motivation! But in the end she kept going after they sent her home and ended up losing 65 pounds! BTW-I'm getting my first fill on Monday! I'm soooo glad because just like you guys, I feel like I can eat anything I want!

Can ya'll feel the port when you lie on your stomach? Mine is actually pretty painful and it is uncomfortable to lie that way. Also, I have pain in the port area when I do crunches. After about 20-25 it starts feeling "strained" in there if that makes any sense. I decided if it hurts, I probably shouldn't be doing it. I am 6 weeks out from surgery and don't see the dr. again till the end of October, but I will definitely bring it up.