luluc

After having dinner this evening w/DH, Bro & Sis In law - I realized that I threw out "sin". This is MY sin, and my sin only - not to be confused with any religious / political ties or opionions..it's just my own. I still work thru my Catholic/Jewish upbringing which will provide me a lifetime times 10 of guilt - thus the "Catholic Lite".

I've read this thread in it's entirety. I leave for a few days and come back, debating to engage or comment. As someone who has had an abortion at the age of 20, I hope it's the hardest decision one has to make - yet pray it remains a right for women for years to come. I get both sides, truly I do, My *choice* left me sterile - I can never have a child. I live with my decision every day, and though I still believe it was the right decision for me 18 yrs ago, it does sadden me - my decision cost me the ability to have a family outside of my husband and myself. I am the only daughter amongst many boys, only grandaughter - and the only one of my friends that does not have children. Not to say my life is incomplete, I have a lifestyle that some of my "multiple children" friends envy at times. I really don't need to belabour my story so much, as I realize the deep routed feelings on this subject. I believe I have to answer for this decision & live with always the "what if" factor. I just recently told my mother & she commented that she had known all along, and knew I had made the right decision for me at the time. As a "Catholic Lite" person (Episcopal), who did confess my sin - I Hope with all hope that the right to choose remains...I get ya'll on the other side of this debate...I really do. Lu

This YR is SOOOOOOOOO much different. I know I won't wake up with a hangover or feel like a slug till Jan 3rd. For the first time since college I went to the gym today and will go tomorrow. Making dinner tonight for DH / Brother & Sister in Law, I will have a glass maybe 2 of wine...but not a bottle or 2. Next yr I hope to put my size 4's on that have been collecting dust in the back of my spare bdr closet....Happy NYR to all & to me!!! Lulu

I loved hummus during this stage. Added to cottage cheese / tuna made it all creamy & filling.

I didn't eat solid food till 4 wks post op. I had a gradual liquid / mushie / solid food process, that by the time I did migrate to solids, I was only able to eat about 2oz at a time. Every Dr is Different, with mine - my first fill was a month from surgery, second 4wks, third 2wks. My Dr is more on the "aggressive" side of fills. Depending on how I feel 2-4wks between fills till I get properly restricted is how manages my situation. I'm at a good place now, I eat about 800 calories a day / work out 6 days a wk....4th fill is scheduled in 3wks.., I may/may not need one. Good Luck w/it all,

Wombat, Wombat - I'm sure I'm not a pretty site at the gym running. I'm pretty top heavy and while running today my DH suggested I duck tape the girls down or I'll hurt myself. For music, I was able (actually DH did it for me) to create a "workout" feature on my IPOD that took songs I have downloaded and lump them according to beats per minute. I'm actually surfing Itunes right now trying to find more "upbeat" songs to download - so not to be bored & to move along a lot faster than a snails pace. Happy NYR!

I think to "quantify" that would be impossible. For me anyone here longer than I would fit the bill to be honest. I don't have much of a support system other than my husband who was banded with me. We have not told anyone (his preference not mine - I'd tell everyone)..so I come here. I didn't find this forum till After I was banded and it was a lifesave the first month or two. As of late threads seem to have been hijacked with personal attacks & insults - that the good content discussed is lost. Quite frankly it's annoying. I'm a pretty forward speaking/thinking person, and when I asked questions - I wanted the honest truth. If a reply I got back was not sugar coated, I was glad (believe you've answered one or two of mine quite frank w/your response. ). I'm not going to get offended nor hurt if brutal honest answers come my way from someone who's been there done that. My motivation comes from that & hope those that gave me courage not to cheat early on & get off my A$$ & go to the gym come back to encourage me on the next phases of this process. Happy NYR All!!

I've been able to have a Vodka Martini and Wine (Red & White). While totally in moderation, and if I've worked out - I will treat myself to one of the above (Like Tonite) Lu,

Thanks Kellye, My husband LOVES avocados (me not so much), however it looks yummy enough for me to try as well.

I like Kashi Go Lean Crunch or Kelloggs Smart Start with Bordens 2% Protein Milk. Typically I throw some blueberries or strawberries in as well.

I'm in! Was at the gym today w/DH and thought while walking on the treadmill - I'm going to run. Well DH almost fell OFF his treadmill when he saw that cause I've always barked that I'd never run unless I was being chased. I LOVE it!!! Not sure what program I'm going to pick up just yet but my first try today I was able to run 6 of the 25 mins on the treadmill. Thanks for the link!!! Lulu

Shortgal, similar stats/story - My hightest was 200 (I freaked at the 2 in front) and on a good hair day I'm 5' myself. DH and I decided last Nov that we wanted to get the lapband, but after wrangling with Ins. decided to go self pay. That was a $30k nut that also cut into my PS fund - but the best decision we ever made. Counting - Older neighbors might be a help. My grandmother lives in FL along w/my Parents and to keep herself young she does some tutoring & sitting for some young families around her. I'd get out and meet some, I think you'll find this demographic very reliable and trustworthy. Good Luck! Lulu

ugh .., there is nothing ladylike about it. i burp & *poot* a lot - i call them "air farts", which is better than what they were in the beginning. i thought by 3 months out this would pass, but it seems even after each fill i'm a little gassy. i like the idea of the liquid childrens gasx, going to pick some up, thanks for that idea!!

Yep - That's what I thought. Disappointing nonetheless.

Egg Drop Soup & Hot / Sour Soup Broth were FANTASTIC during my liquid stage!...I'm not good at cold Protein shakes., so I had to find warm soups that tasted good to dump Unjury flavorless powder into.

Yes, and nothing to be concerned about. I went with the "Don't Trust the Fart Theory" for a good month. Good Luck to ya!

I've read a LOT of people use & be happy with the Magic Bullet. In all honesty, I'm not so much a fan of protein shakes - and mostly used the blender to puree some soups. A protein shake here or there is all I take in. My Surgeons not too big on liquid meals - so as soon as my 3 wks post op was up, he wanted me on solids. They fill you up for longer and provide more protein than a smoothie would. I don't think you have to spend a lot to get what ya need -

Walking & a Heating Pad were the trick for me. GasX strips were so/so for me, my DH relied on Hot Pepermint Tea to settle things down and it worked well for him. Hope your feeling well soon...!!

I didn't go crazy expense wise myself for this stage - I got at Target the Hamilton Beach Personal Blender w/Travel Lid $16.99. Worked great & I still use it.

I WISH i had the band put in at 26! I didn't put on weight till after I got married, but maybe it would have kept me from doing so..no idea. If you have doubts, I would postpon till you have researched & soul searched. I knew I needed help, because the scale was going up no matter what new diet / pill I tried - and I feel healthy for the first time in 5yrs. As far as food goes, I lost my love of the P's: Pizza/Pasta/Potatos/Potato Chips - you get the idea. I was a Carbo / Salt junky, and I immediately lost the craving for all those. Realistically what I do eat now is High in Protein meals which don't make me feel like I'm missing a thing. I eat out A LOT, daily...but nobody knows I'm banded - they just think I'm eating healthy. Just about every restaurant has something on it's menu you can eat - Asian restaurants as well. I think if you invest some more time researching, you'll find more answers to your concerns - and what would be best for you. Take Care,

I was banded the same day and my husband....Right now it's a healthy competition to see who gets to goal first. So yes to your question., Right now we are in total experiment mode of "healthy cooking" & working out constantly. Not sure I would be doing as good or be motivated at all to go to the gym if not he and I on the same page.

Why 4 months for your next fill? Curious why that would be...My suggestion .., exercise, exercise - kicks the weightloss in super hyper drive.. Good Luck!!

Awesome Sue - Update in Pink ... SO CLOSE Thanks Wombat, Fellow TX'an....Celebrated w/DH *he was banded w/me* after the gym with new workout clothes. Back in Med & Large......YIPPPPEEEE~~~ Name.............S.W.........C.W........G.W......T o Go Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 226 ....... 227 ..... -1 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 158.2...... 150 ..... 8.2 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 230.6 ....... 230 ..... .6 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4...... 207.6...... 205 ..... 2.6 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 303.0 ..... 299 ..... 4 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 169 ....... 170 ..... -1 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 182.6 ..... 180 ..... 2.6 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 220........ 220 ...... 0 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 177 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz........386.........291.........286...... 5

Hi Chris, My husband and I were banded the same day (10.12.07), and as I was reading your post, my husband came to mind. We had our third fill on Wed and he made the comment that if our Surgeon was not as aggressive as some others he would be annoyed/miserable. It was explained to us this way: So long as we are losing / eating right / and exercising he will fill us every 2-4 wks (depending on how we feel). Husband thinks he's at a good place w/this fill - me I might need another, which is scheduled for Jan 23. I'd talk to your Dr. see if he will bump up your fill schedule...He just might:) Good Luck,

I made it by 4 DAYS!!!! I did not think I could budge the 3/4 pounds up and down for 2 wks, but after my third fill Wed - I dropped 5!!! I see 125 by summer, I swear I do., HA! Happy NYR all~~ Lulu Name.............S.W.........C.W........G.W......T o Go Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 226 ....... 227 ..... -1 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 158.2...... 150 ..... 8.2 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 235 ....... 230 ..... 5 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4...... 207.6...... 205 ..... 2.6 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 303.0 ..... 299 ..... 4 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 169 ....... 170 ..... -1 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 182.6 ..... 180 ..... 2.6 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 220........ 220 ...... 0 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 177 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz........386.........291.........286...... 5