ajoneen

Hi fellow banders My Dr has a support group that meets once a month($20). I have been to 2 of these meetings, the first at 2 weeks after banding and the second just last week(7 months out). Both were rather unorganized and I left with the feeling I get more and better support here at LBT. Im wondering what other support groups are like. Does your Dr have one? Do you have to pay? What is talked about? Do they have hand outs? recipes? Do you get a support buddy/sponsor (like AA)? Who runs the group? What makes your support group good? What's working for you? Thanks in advance!!

Thanks for all the responses. There are some really good support groups out there. I like the idea of starting a local group and there has been a little action on the local board here at LBT to get together. Again thanks for taking the time to answer.

Swimming is my reward for the other stuff. I like that reverse Tri. I with there was one around me.

Wow some of you shamrocks have really hit some foul weather. Im so sorry you all are feeling so bad. Please remember we are here to hear you out. So rant to your hearts desire.

Im not sure I like the new look here at LBT. :thumbup: Change is hard.:rolleyes2:

Hi all I've been super busy with work. You all seem to be well on your way either to surgery or post op. unjury all the way!!! WalMart has something called Body Fortress that is very tasty too. The nutritionist do get a cut of the stuff purchased by thier clients, so of course they will recommend it. Remember the band is just a tool. You are having surgery on your stomach not your mind. You will need to do the work on your mind. It was recently explained like this to me. -Think of your weight loss like a hole you want to make in a wall. There are a lot of tools to help you make that hole. The band is like a power drill. But you still have to choose the correct bit, guide it and apply the power. You have to work to get that hole. Good luck!!

Hi fellow banders My Dr has a support group that meets once a month($20). I have been to 2 of these meetings, the first at 2 weeks after banding and the second just last week(7 months out). Both were rather unorganized and I left with the feeling I get more and better support here at LBT. Im wondering what other support groups are like. Does your Dr have one? Do you have to pay? What is talked about? Do they have hand outs? recipes? Do you get a support buddy/sponsor (like AA)? Who runs the group? What makes your support group good? What's working for you? Thanks in advance!!

I have heard of folks wearing compression garments (Spanx, Wonder Unders) while wearing regular clothes but how about while exercising? Im having some very embarrassing problems with extra, hanging skin. It slaps while Im running or doing certain exercises. Not only does it make an audible sound it kind of hurts and rubs. Plus I look just wonderful bouncing/jiggling around. I do have Nike running tights and Under Armour shorts but it's just not enough. HELP Am I the only one with this problem? Any suggestions for garments or where to purchase one? Im about half way through my journey and have another 60 lbs more to lose before thinking about PS. Thanks

Hi all I have some Protein supplements (Individual packets/servings) that I do not need any more. Great for the pre & post Op diets. chocolate and vanilla shakes and high protein soups; mushroom, chicken and tomato. They are from Focus 28, here- Focus28 Wellness | Bariatric Diet Foods, Vitamins, Protein Supplements, Bariatric Weight Loss I'm giving them away-FREE :thumbup:if you live by me and can meet for pick up or you pay shipping if not close by. Send me a PM. :wub:

OK so did you get to check it out yet?

I really liked Unjury protein. (google it) It doesn't have the additives the others have. You can add it to stuff you can tolerate. Like chicken broth, fruit juice, yogurt smoothies. They have an unflavored version. I think that would be your best bet. You need to have good communication with your Dr and his support staff. Let your Dr know about the problems. Maybe he has suggestions. Hang in there. Amanda : )

I lost a very good friend in 06 when he decided he could not live anymore. No one really saw it coming but in hindsight there were some clues. It is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. It is very sad. Hugs to you. Good news about the minimal weight gain. That is a testament to your working out and building the muscle to burn off the extra calories. Great job!!

It's amazing how cookies go down but carrots get stuck!!!

Im wishing I lived in ND- that sounds like a great group!

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The hospital will not let you drive yourself home. Just won't happen. You're having surgery Nov 10th, yes? Where do you live? If you really get stuck Im off Tuesdays (Nov 11) if you're not further then Queens I could give you a lift. I hope that doesn't sound too stalking. But I figure Karma is a good thing. Your education meeting is tomorrow, yes? If you want we could meet before. I live in Syosset so it is not a problem. Let me know. Just a thought.:thumbup:

Wow there are some really great things happening out there. I love the rotating seminars. Ms Bubba could you list all 6 for me? I think the paying for a support group is bogus, unless it is to cover the space rental or refreshments.

I know it's a little bit late, Happy Birthday Jonathan!! :thumbup: For all you gals (who haven't read his book) curious to put a face to the name. (J don't hate me. I think it is a damn fine snap!)

Hi I'm on LI too, Nassau, north shore. When you are looking for a Dr you should have a list of questions you want answered. Like, but not limited to the following: How many bands have you done? How long doing them? Do you take my insurance? What is your follow up care? How often will I be seen the first year? What is your fill protocol? (How often? Aggressive or conservative? Who does the fills? Under fluoroscope? Charge for fill/ how much?) Do you have a nutritionist and/or psychologist on staff/works with? Support group? Cost? When/where? How are emergencies handled? Unfills? Getting stuck? Is there a pre op diet? You will be working with this Dr and support staff for a long while. You need to feel comfortable with him/her. You need to know that you will be supported in this and given not only the tool of the band but guidelines on its use and a proven track record. Having to drive a bit to get to a Dr your are comfortable with and who's program is a good match with your understanding of the band is very important. Good luck on your journey.

Thanks for the response. The clothing exchange is a good idea. I like the 15-20 min of a topic too.

To have an exercise plan, that I want to do, in place. One that is not dependent on me paying someone to kick my ass. Not be shopping plus sizes. At all. Ever again.

My husband came with me to all my appointments and the education class. He thought it was important to understand what was going on.

Depends on what you call intense. I've been told I have to go on how I feel. Are you tired all the time? Muscles hurt or achy? Has the scale stopped moving down? If the answer is no to all then you are getting enough nutrition. Muscles that don't get enough nutrition to recover get very achy. If your dragging at your workout and your performance is going down then it might be time to reevaluate your nutrition. It's not so much calories and it is about the nutrition gained from what you eat. Protein, Fiber, carbs.

Hi To answer your question how do you train- just get out there and do it! I think doing something everyday is the most helpful. As you get closer to the race do two of the sports a day. I found going from bike to run (brick training) the most challenging. My legs were like rubber. My first Triathlon experience(2005) was as part of a relay team. I did the open Water swim. Relays are a great place to start. I use the site BeginnerTriathlete.com - Triathlon Training for Beginners. There are training plans there and I loved the training log. A good read is 'Slow Fat Triathlete' by Jayne Williams. Good luck.

Good job Chris.