marathinner

Gibson..I'm with you!! I'm a total reality TV whore!! I watch all the shows you mentioned and several other cheesy shows (ie: Real Housewives of OC..who make me gag, yet I still watched!!) Love Grey's!! Can't wait until it comes back. I just caught up on American Idol. It's better now that it's only a hour. It was interferring with Biggest Loser and Big Brother...LOL!! I also like all the news magazine shows like Dateline and 20/20. Yeah...I just thought of some other Bravo TV shows that I watch...like ALL of them!!:thumbdown: Glad to have some partners in crime!!

I had a "doctor approved" glass of red wine 2 weeks post op and have had a couple more since. No problems at all. I didn't feel like it affected me any differently than before the band. I think the biggest issue is calories, so I just account for them during the day if I plan on enjoying a glass of wine. My doc agreed with my strategy!!

Hi Sherri, I got banded on 2/5 and my hub is being banded in May. We have different doctor's, so it's interesting going thru two different programs. He's had the luxury of seeing me do everything first, so he feels better prepared. ALL of our doctor's think it's great. I'm excited for him to get the surgery and catch up to me in the process. I think it's going to be wonderful for us. I anticpate there will be some con's...I'll let you know if/when we cross that bridge. Good luck to you and yours!! Amy

Hey 4jin.. Yeah, my doc told me 3 weeks was "the golden number". He told me to climb Mt. Everst if I want to!! He didn't want any heavy weightlifting (like over 100lbs) but otherwise I got the green light. I've had ZERO problems in my strength training class. We use barbells and free weights. I put 10lbs (5 each side) on the barbell and use 4-5lb hand weights. Lot's of squats, lunges, etc....UGH....KILLER!! But it feels good. I'm gearing up to start training for my second marathon. Training starts at the end of April, so I want to do everything I can to "run lighter"

Yeah Patti...thanks so much for starting all these "accountability" threads. Today: B- Atkins Caramel Latte shake L- Dannon Lite & Fit vanilla yogurt S- one string cheese D- 1 cup of ground chicken with green chiles, jalapenos, pico de gallo and low fat cheese Have first fill tomorrow morning so I'll be back on liquids for 2 days then mushies for 2 days. Angie...hope your daughter is ok and hope your week ends up better!! -Amy

Kendra....in true Longhorn spirit, I am sure you will prevail!! I am so sorry you and your family are going through this and I hope that you know the love and support here is genuine!! Sending you lots of hugs and prayers, Amy

So, I was supposed to have my first fill next Wednesday. Then, yesterday my boss told me he needs me in a meeting next Wednesday!! I was so bummed. I immediately called my doc's office to see if I could change my appt and they said they were completely booked until March 26th!!:cursing: I was pannicked because at 4 weeks post-op I am DEFINITELY experiencing BANDSTER HELL!:biggrin: I called again this morning figuring I had nothing to lose and maybe they had a cancellation. And low and behold they are able to get me in tomorrow morning at 9:30am!!:smile2:. I'm so excited and now a little nervous. I think I may be the first Double V getting a fill!! Wish me luck!!! Amy

Yes, my doc uses fluoro and is apparantely pretty agressive with first fills. We'll see....I'll report everything tomorrow!!

It worked, it worked!! I called my doc's office and they got me in TOMORROW morning for my first fill!! :biggrin: I'm so excited.....and now a little nervous. Now, THAT'S the power of support! Thank you so much!!:smile2:

BIG HUGS TO ALL OF YOU :smile2: You summed up my bandster hell perfectly!! It sucks to have zero restriction and feel all those "temptation demons" creep back in. :cursing::biggrin:. I am scheduled for my first fill next Wednesday and just found out I have an important meeting at work that I can't miss. When I called my doc to see if I could change my appt, they said they wouldn't have anything available until 3/26:angry:. I just don't want to have to wait another 3 weeks for a fill!! Hopefully, there will be a cancellation and everything will work out. Let's hang in there, girls.....we can do it!! Thanks for letting me vent and the group hug!! :thumbup: Amy

Saturday- one hour strength training class Sunday- one hour yoga class Monday- 45 minutes walk/jog

I'm lucky. My doc gave me full clearance for all exercise except for VERY heavy lifting. I started back at my strength training class and did a good jog/walk. Now I just have to do it at least 4 times a week!! So, I'm all in!! User name.....................# of minutes...................# of days per week 4jin....................................30............................ .......5............. patticNJ..............................20.............................. .....5............. becca.................................20.............................. .....3............. abeaher..............................15............................... ....4.............. aliwatt................................30............................. ......4............. Rhapsody............................15................................ ....5............. Angie4b1g...........................30................................ .....5............. Marathinner.......................45-60....................................4.............

Rhaps...you're just the sweetest little thing!! That's right....I said "little"...LOL!! What a great post!! I'm so glad you are doing so well. I know it's been tougher for some than others, but we all DID IT!!:w00t: We should be so proud of ourselves!! It takes a lot of strength and courage to decide to go thru a surgery. It takes committment and discipline to make such a huge life change. And we ALL DID IT:party:It's so powerful to have the support of this group. There will be good days and bad days, but at least we have each other to share our frustrations and Celebrate our victories :huggie:. I've faced challenges now that I'm on solid foods. There have been temptations but I have come to terms with the fact that junk food ain't going anywhere so I just have to deal with it!! And I am!! I am learning about self-worth and I remind myself that I'm WORTHY of health and well being. I'm empowered by turning my nose to pizza and hamburgers (which I did several times over the last week) I'm encouraged by the changes I see in my body. I am learning to not define myself by that damn number on the scale. I am for once in my life striving for balance that I know exists. I am SO grateful for everyone here and I am SO grateful to know I've got a place to come when I feel overwhelmed. It's very powerful stuff!! Thank you Rhaps for being a wonderful inspiration. You're a total doll. Any hey...you've coined the Double V Anthem...JUST KEEP SWIMMING!! Big hugs to all of you!! Amy

I was banded 2/5 and have lost 22lbs!!:confused:. Noticing I can eat more and am looking forward to my first fill on 3/12!!

OMG...that is fantastic!!:biggrin: Way to go...keep up the good work!!

Becca------------------March 6th Shinyhappymommy------March 6th Enchantedruby----------March 7th Jaxbanster--------------March 11th CynthiaMcc-------------March 12th Sadie-------------------March 13th Marathinner-------------March 12th Sharon160--------------March 17th mhazelrigg--------------March 17th Viridesence-------------March 18th Nicolek-----------------March 26th Ponomimi---------------March 10th Jennyxo----------------April 3rd StLouisGal--------------April 3rd

I'm so glad you posted this, as I too, felt like I "fell off the wagon" over the weekend. I'm 3 weeks post op and am transitioning into solids. On Friday I had some lean ground beef with lowfat cheese and salsa...deelish. On Saturday, I found myself "picking" at stuff mainly out of curiosity to see how it would go down. DH had some lasagna and a dinner role. I had a bite of each with no problems. THEN...yesterday we had an Oscar party and I was nibbling at everything!! My neighbor brought over some of my favorite wine and one glass turned into 3!! Granted, my doc said it was ok to have wine in moderation, but 3 glasses (didn't feel to buzzed-just relaxed) along with munching on apps and more ground beef was probably overkill. Yes, it was still significantly less than what I would have indulged in pre-band, but it's more of the principle of the matter. Just because I CAN eat/drink these things doesn't mean I SHOULD!!! I woke up today with a guilt hangover. BUT...I started the day with my Protein Shake and have meal plans for the rest of the week. We shouldn't beat ourselves up, just stay on the "band-wagon"!! There's still room for indulgances, I just think they need to wait until we get proper restriction (which for me isn't until March 13th, my first fill). Glad I'm not alone and thanks for letting me vent my confessions. Amy

Lori...oh yes, I had the "runs" something fierce. It was pretty bad. The gas was also my main culprit. I just couldn't get rid of that "tight" feeling. The runs lasted thru the first week but the gas got A LOT better after day 4. I too was feeling weak but as I was able to get more Protein down the better I felt. You sound perfectly on track with all your sypmtoms and are rounding the corner to feeling SIGNIFICANTLY better. It's hard to have so much time on your hands. That's what drove me crazy. I was so damn bored!! Then I would try and go out and do something but it would be cut short because I got tired. Are you sleeping ok? That's one thing I was/am grateful is getting lots of sleep. It certainly helps with healing and makes for a quicker recovery (IMHO). I'm slowly transitioning into soft solids. I was scared at first, but now I can get most things down. And I definitely notice that I can take in more volume. I think I'm entering that forsaken place of "Bandster Hell"!! I don't get my first fill until March 13th, so I will have to exercise some willpower at this point. Don't want to jeapordize anything I've done thus far. Oh....I did have a DELIGHTFUL glass of wine this weekend!! My doc said it was ok. I could have definitely gone for another but I nursed my one glass and it was so nice!! Anyway, sorry I got off on a tangent. Just keep doing what you're doing Rhaps...you are kicking ass!! Talk to ya this week.. xo

OMG...my stripper name is: ISIS GLITTER TUSH!! LOL!!

Rhapsody..my girl!!! I'm so happy to hear from you. WOW....you did awesome!! Congratulations on being a bandster!! It sounds like you had excellent care and that makes all the difference in the world. Be gentle on yourself. Just keep sipping......lol! And walk as much as you can without overdoing it. You have started on a wonderful journey, my friend. I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and have never felt better. The scale has slowed down a bit, but I can't expect to keep losing a pound a day like I was the first week!! :w00t: Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can't wait to exchange more with each other as we continue this process. One thing is for sure....Life is Better with the Band!! Take care and JUST KEEP SWIMMING.... Amy

Way to go BBK!!! I'm a big fan of Roxy.. Roxy Von Snapp? I picture you snappin' your fingers like a true diva!

I'm less than 3 weeks and had a "doctor approved" glass of wine over the weekend. I sipped slowly (took me almost an hour to finish) and had no problems. I certainly wasn't hammered, but felt "relaxed".

Lori...I will sooooo be thinking about you!! You are going to do awesome. Honestly, don't be worried about "pain". It's more like "discomfort". I had my gall bladder out too and this was a total piece of cake compared to that. You will be in good hands at the hospital and if you do find yourself in pain they will be able to easily control it. I'm so excited for you. Can't wait until you get to this side.....it's so amazing!! Good luck and give us an update when you feel up to it. But most importantly...JUST KEEP SWIMMING..lol!! Warm hugs, Amy

Hi Austin.. I'm 15 days post-op and feel fantastic. I had the typical gas discomfort for a couple days after surgery but that went away with walking and Gas X strips. One week of Clear liquids was a nusiance but now I've graduated to "mushies" and feel great!! I was physically and mentally ready for this journey. So, stick to your pre/post op diet and dr.'s instructions and embrace this wonderful gift we have given ourselves. You will do great!! Good luck!! Amy

Patti....sorry you're having problems. You are probably drinking too much too fast. It's been so hard for me to change my habit of chugging water. I take a 1oz sip of water every few minutes. If I drink too much too fast, I get the same golfball feeling. It's highly doubtful that you have done any damage and I imagine your doc will tell you to "sip slowly". Good luck and let us know what he says.