Hastings

Speedy Recovery, Wasa.

You do have to keep in mind that people are getting banded by the hundreds. Many doctors/practices are very practiced at getting people approved by their insurance and banding them. I think a lot of people are banded because it's the new fad diet. I worrry when I see people who think that the band will be their solution for ever. It might not be. They might lose their band for different reasons. I hope everyone takes the time and makes the effort to change their eating habits so that if they lose weight and then their band, they will be able, on their own, to maintain weight loss. If habits aren't changed then the band could be only a temporary solution. Personally I like the band because I still have control and input. My PCP suggested the band to me, and I thought about it for a year and then did it.

Yes, that's why my doctor said he put the 3 ccs in. I benefitted in a whole 'nother way. No hunger and restriction.

You guys, it's such a horrible idea to post your email on a public message board. Please PM them to each other. My doctor gave me a list the week before surgery.

It's not a club, it's just a program. If you want to up your steps per day, do it. It's just a target.

How many calories a day do you eat? How much exercise do you get? Why do you think it's the doctor's fault? How many fills have you had?

I have noticed a lot that people are eating things, and then the phrases follow: it goes down easy, it was easy to swallow, I didn't throw up, and once even "it didn't put up a fight" . . . . and on and on. Have you notice that there seems to be a thought process that says if you can swallow it, it's ok. Take a couple of steps back and think about this. If we can get it inside our bodies and thus POSSESS it, it's ok? This is not healthy nor even normal thinking. What all would we eat, possess, conquer by swallowing it, if we could (I'm not talking about emotions). A picture of Jabba the Hut is coming to mind. No one is going to die from hunger from following post operative directions and a liquid diet for a while.

Every pound you lose takes four pounds weight and stress off your knees. Debra, perhaps you should call your doctor.

If you do some research on the net and read about a "stitch" in the side, it is almost always the right side. I had this pain for a while, but on the left side. The instructions for an actual "stitch" : "Now researchers believe that the side stitch is caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, particularly the liver. The jarring motion of running while breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. It is the later group who seem more prone to get side stitches." "Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver (which is on the right side just below the rib cage). So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm." It was recommended on a runner's site to cup your hand under the area that is having the stitch and gently lift it. This has worked wonders for me when I get that same pain on my left side. I'm not a doc, but for me it's not gas and it's not from laying a certain way in surgery. I believe it is as explained above because the "cure" did the trick.

I don't care if people can't bear to be on liquid diets for one day and eat a steak the day after surgery. The only thing that matters to me is what I do. I followed the rules I was given to a T.

Did your doctor's not tell you beforehand what your diet stages would be and why you were to follow them?

I always measure my calories for a 24 hour period. It doesn't matter if you go from 7 am to 7 pm, or midnight to midnight, as long as you are consistent.

Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - FAQ Click on that link. It will take you to a list of threads. One is Lap Band Abbreviations. Everyone should read this if they are beginning.

I tried stevia once and it seemed horribly bitter. I thought it was because I let the tea get cold. I would rather just do without.

There is a school of thought that says if you just replace your full sugar items with artificially sweetened items, you aren't making a real life style change. I too worry about the chemicals. If I want 158 grams of blackberries (close to a cup) and they are too tart, I put one teaspoon of sugar on them. Most of the sugar ends up on the bottom of the bowl and isn't eaten. It's remarkable how little sweetened stuff I eat anymore, whether sweetened with sugar or chemicals.

It's good to remember that, while normal weight people may make assumptions about obese folks, it's just as common to see/hear obese folks make rude, snide, assumptive comments about normal weight folks. Do your own thing and don't take other people's baggage on board.

I'm still trying to ride mine, Sue. I haven't given up but I'm not having much luck either. I will presevere.

There is a thread about this in the exercise forum. I have a trikke. I love it. I'm not such an accomplished rider, but it's good exercise trying. My suggestion is to get some lessons from the place where you buy it, if possible. Get a helmet. It's not nearly as tricky as a skateboard. Check out Youtube there are lots of trikke videos on there. Have fun.

I think part of the issue with chewing gum is swallowing it. A few have had to have it removed at the hospital cause it gets stuck.

No embollisms is excellent. Did they explain how the band is affecting your breathing?

I think I did get an email about an allergan web site. I deleted it though. I don't want it or need it. You could search on the net. I think both bands are equally effective.

I love my birkenstocks. I found two pairs, new and still in the box, at a good will for 2 dollars a pair. I looked them up on line and they were 112 and 124 dollars. This was a couple of years ago.

I had a catheter put in after I was in the operating room and "under" and it was taken out in the operating room before I returned to the step down area.

Did you fly? I've heard many people get tighter after flying.

It does get much much better. I used to measure my pint of milk and keep it in a glass in the fridge and then just take drinks of it as I was up walking off the gas. Hang in there and just sip constantly at your drinks. You will do great!