Lori_K

Hi Donna! Yes I agree with vzghj3 - my hospital stay at Beaumont was also a "23 hour" stay, but I ended up staying about a day and a half too - from about 6am the day of my surgery (my surgery time was at 8am), until about 3pm the next day. They do the swallow the following day, then after that they give you some Clear liquids, once you get that down ok, then you can go home. I went home, showered, then slept for the rest of the day, I just relaxed and took it easy. The only pain I had was in my left shoulder from the gas. Again like vzghj3 said, everyone has different experiences - if you want to go to your sister's house the day you come home from the surgery, as long as you can relax there and just take it easy, you should be ok - but just see how you feel and maybe make alternate plans, just in case. Personally I wouldn't plan a whole lot the day after surgery, but that's me! :laugh: You might be just fine - but you definitely shouldn't plan on driving that day. I don't remember how long the driving restriction was, but I do remember there was one. Best of luck on your pre-op diet! Again, keep in touch and let us know how you are doing! :wink2:

Nicksmommy - congratulations on your surgery date! :thumbup: You sound so happy and I'm excited for you! Now you can relax and know you will be in the very best of care with Dr. Krause, Beaumont and the Weight Loss Center. I'm eight months after my surgery (and *almost* 70 pounds gone :laugh:) and very pleased with the after-care I've received. Please keep in touch and let us know how you do, ok?

Best of luck to you with your surgery Sara! :wink2: Stop by and let us know how you are doing. :cool2: Spore would be nice while recovering, usually single player games bore me, but I find this relaxing and loads of fun. If you like being creative, you'll enjoy it! I wish could enjoy Warhammer too Ezma, but buying another online game will destroy my budget. So many good things to try, too little money (and time), lol. Not to jump off topic here, but I tried on some of my fall/winter clothes, and NOTHING fits! I definitely need a new winter coat. Yes, it's exciting shopping for new clothes, but oy, the money goes fast! My son comes first, and I just spent a lot getting him ready for school. I'm glad the weather is still warm here currently, and I don't have to switch to Fall/Winter clothes just yet. Ok . . . sorry to ramble, back to gaming

My hubby and I have been playing World of Warcraft almost since it started, and we still play when we have the time. We used to play EverQuest and Vanguard, but the subscription fees are just too much to keep up with, especially when we have two players to pay for (not to mention the time involved in gaming), so we stick with WoW. I'm currently having a blast with Spore.com. Not a MMORPG, so far it's single player, but I do believe you can interact later in the game. Not sure yet, as I just started playing it. I love creating my own avatars/creatures!

Wow. :scared2: Best damn quote ever. You summed it up perfectly. Applause Applause Jaqui, that ought to be engraved at the top of this site, or at least be every bandster's motto. :omg_smile:

WOW Amy! How exciting! I wish you and Shinyhappymommy all the best with new additions to your family! (PLEASE keep us updated with details!) You go girlfriend! Plans for my band future - gosh, I'm still taking it 10 pounds at a time, although I've lost 60 pounds myself, I've still got 40 to go! Once I get there maybe then I'll think about what to do next . . . if I keep losing, I'll keep my band as it is. Since I'm only 5'2" it would not hurt me to get down to 130 or so . . . but I'm not counting on that low. Just gonna wait and see what happens! I know I'll have to fight obesity for the rest of my life, and once I reach goal that's not gonna change, so my relationship with the band is definitely a long-term one! :cool2: While waiting in my doctor's office for a fill appointment, I talked to a lady who had the lap-band for about 3 years. She was below her goal, and she felt she was losing too much, and not getting in enough calories. So she was there to have some Fluid removed from her band. I'd like to be like her someday - It seems it can happen! :tt2: In my wildest dreams I would have never thought I'd make it this far. So I'm looking forward my "band future" with positive thoughts! :biggrin: Best of luck to everyone with your dreams and goals!

I just wanted to say thanks for the sweet note you left for me, I'm sorry I have been gone so long from the forums! I've been dealing with a health issue (not band related), the fun of summer, plus vacation, so just busy stuff going on. My weight loss has slowed down quite a bit, but I'm not discouraged and still swimming! I'm hoping to lose that last 38 pounds before my one year anniversary . . . I don't mind if it's a little slow, and long as it's steady! I have bought a Wii Fit, to try and change my exercise routine a bit . . . WHEW! It really does give me a great work out. Since I can do 45 minutes of very fast walking on my treadmill, I thought the jogging (on the easiest level) on the Wii fit would be a cinch . . . OUCH was I wrong! LOL :biggrin: Just a few minutes of that, and I was really huffing and puffing. I obviously needed some new exercise! :mad: The Wii Fit also helps tone and balance, so I've been working on that too. I hope everyone is doing well! I miss my girlfriends here . . . I'll try and check in here more often. Warm hugs and keep on swimming! (from the tickers I've seen, you all are doing really AWESOME!) :tt2:

Glad to hear you are swimming RSG! I went swimming for the first time a few weeks ago . . . on vacation with my hubby, I actually went into the hotel swimming pool. It's was the first time in MANY years . . . It's been so long since I've felt comfortable enough to even think about putting on a bathing suit.:blushing: Gotta love the band! :thumbup: And please don't be jealous of the Wii . . . I'm not so sure it was money well spent, it is expensive, and it is a cute "game" and all . . . but now that I've tried it, I do think there are cheaper (and even more effective) ways of getting good exercise. I'm not saying I hate it, just if I had to do it again, I'm not sure I would buy it. Keep on swimming girlfriend! :biggrin: I'm currently struggling myself on an awful plateau, but I'm determined to hang in there and keep on trying. Never gonna stop fighting here! **hugs**

Big Cheers and CONGRATULATIONS Ezma, on losing over 100 pounds! What a terrific accomplishment hun, you really should be proud of yourself for such awesome work! I agree with all the suggestions for pampering yourself, whatever you do, please let us know, ok? Have fun and enjoy, you deserve it! :biggrin:

Hi, I live only about five minutes from Summit Place Mall . . . I'd love to find a walking partner! :eek:

WOW! It's so wonderful to hear how great everyone is doing! Some of you who will have lost 100 pounds at 6 months - amazing job! Even if some of it was before surgery, hey, it still counts as hard work you're doing towards your goal! Congratz all. Ezma, I think you said it right when you said "band life is becoming just life." I agree, I feel like I've settled down into a routine as well (but I definitely need to rework my exercise routine, as was discussed in another thread). And StLouis Gal too - "I know I am spending much more time out walking instead of propped up with the computer in my lap." I agree with this too - less time sitting on my rear looking at the computer screen, more time getting up and about! I have sooo much more energy now. AMY! WOW, the money you have raised for such a good cause is AWESOME! Respect and admiration to you girlfriend, for taking your weight loss and helping others with it. That's inspiration! And I agree with you about feeling empowered, healthy and HAPPY! :Banane11: The hard work everyone is doing here is really paying off! It's so good to hear everyone's stories :Banane03: More **warm hugs** to all of you, I'm just so happy to be a part of the Victorious Valentines!

Hey all! Kinda quiet in this forum lately (yeah my bad too, I don't write much as much as I used to). I was just thinking today, how much I truly appreciate my lap-band. If it were not for it, SO many times this month (& last month) I would have gone on an eating binge and sought food for comfort. I'm just going though some tough times. My band (and some self-control :eek:) has kept me from doing this, and not gaining any weight back. whew. I had a fill recently that brought me up to 5cc's in my 10 cc band, and I've got GREAT restriction. Not much hunger, and I really have to eat slowly. I LOVE my band! Any other "love for the band" stories that anyone wants to share? *warm hugs*

I just have to say WELL SAID Jacqui. Many people do need to grow up and take responsibility for their own actions. Blaming the doctors (or making other excuses) isn't going to get anyone anywhere. They need to learn the words work and self-control, unless a true eating disorder (like you mentioned) is present, and these can be helped as well. 21 ice cream bars really boggle my mind! :eek: I would think she would have become sick of them, say, after ten or so???? :eek: oy.

Queen of Hearts, you make me laugh with ya girlfriend! :drool: If I could see my reflection, I don't think I'd wanna be dancing either, lol. I LOVE to dance though . . . maybe I'll have to look for these tapes as well (I once had those Richard Simmons tapes too!). Great suggestions on this thread, I need to change around my exercise routine a bit too. Usually I use my treadmill, I listen to dance music with that, and it really gets my feet moving! Other than that, I just try and walk a lot . . . around the neighborhood, around the mall (I'll circle it a few times), I park far away when I'm shopping, etc. I just try and stay busy throughout the day. I also ride my bike when the weather cooperates. We have a big yard, and working in my gardens and doing yard work has really helped too . . . the weeds in my yard grow like an amazon rain forest. Of course, with all the heat, humidity and rain we've been having, it IS an amazon rain forest here, lol. :tt1: Anyway, changing up the exercise routine is a grand idea! I'm gonna try it, and I hope you find something that works for you too Ezma . . . let us know how your gym membership works out for you! I've been thinking of joining Curves, but haven't as yet . . . the Wii fit would be fun too, but I can't find one! Gotta keep looking. :tt1:

My dietitian told me to use only natural peanut butter (it contains just peanuts and salt), as regular or even low fat peanut butter is loaded in sugars and hydrogenated fats. Two teaspoons of natural peanut butter is one fat serving. I'd only use sugar-free jams and jellies, but that's me. I agree with you on needing some comfort foods once in awhile! :cool2: I used to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (before I had the band) all the time. Now, I just stick with the natural peanut butter on a banana - bread gets stuck with me. I haven't tried very thin toasted bread, maybe I'll give that a try myself! :biggrin:

From Wikipedia: "An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG, abbreviated from the German Elektrokardiogramm) is a graphic produced by an electrocardiograph, which records the electrical activity of the heart over time. Its name is made of different parts: electro, because it is related to electrical activity, cardio, Greek for heart, gram, a Greek root meaning "to write". In the USA, the abbreviation "EKG" is often preferred over "ECG", while "ECG" is used universally in the UK and many other countries." It's an easy test, takes less than a few minutes - leads (small circular disks that stick to your skin) are placed on your chest, arms and legs, the electrode (a wire) attaches to it and connects to the electrocardiograph. You feel nothing other than the leads being placed - nothing more than a bandaid feeling. :biggrin: The test results print out right then and there, but your doctor will have to read it (usually an EKG technician or a nurse runs the test). The test is used to measure and diagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart. How long test results take really depends on your doctor and the hospital. If it were me, I'd wait until all test results are back and I had a surgery date before I'd book a flight and hotel. Where are you going for your surgery? And best of luck to you with everything!

Congratz Melissa! It's so good to see the progress the double V's are doing. I hope the second half goes as smoothly (and as quickly) as the first! :smile2:

Ok, this valentine is indeed feeling victorious! :wink: I've got 4 victories to share, they just all happened together: 1. I've finally lost 50 pounds! 2. I'm now over half way to my goal! 3. I'm off my blood pressure medication, and I now have a normal blood pressure! 4. And finally ..... ONEDERLAND !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, all this happiness came at a price today . . . I saw my General Practitioner today for a bladder infection (MAJOR UGH!!) . . . and I've been feeling like hell for the past few days, no appetite, so I guess that's how the last few pounds finally came off (I hope they don't come back when my appetite does!). My doctor weighed me, 199, YES! Blood pressure was normal, YES! So I was feeling lousy and happy at the same time, lol. Now that the medications have kicked in, the bladder spasms have slowed down, so I'm not having the horrible pain when I "pee" anymore. UGH I hate UTI's! :tt2: But once this agony is over, I can Celebrate my victories! Still feeling a little lousy right now, gonna go celebrate with a nap. But I was excited enough to stop by and share my weight loss victories with my valentine family here! :wub: **Warm Hugs**

Jaime, congratulations, you are looking good! :tt2: The difference in your second picture really shows all the hard work you've done. Way to go! I love your smile in that second picture too! And I just had to notice the top you are wearing in your first picture . . . the blue one with white sleeves and butterflies. I have that same top, I wore it last winter before my lap-band surgery! We've been shopping in the same stores sweetie

Thank-you everyone! :tt2: Ezma, I don't know if it's as good as winning the lottery, but it sure feels close. I'm honestly amazed I have come this far in this amount of time, it beats everything I'd hoped and dreamed for when I was still thinking of getting the band. **** BIG HUGS **** & CONGRATULATIONS Amy! You are indeed my soul sistah! (I still don't have your cute figure yet tho', lol, just short and a LOT less pudgy here!). It is truly wonderful that we were able to make the plunge into onederland together! Woot! One day we will havta get together and share a glass (or two) of wine! Let's keep swimming!

scales . . . EVIL things, they are! I weigh myself once in the morning, and I DO NOT get back on, because yes, the scale will read differently - and it usually seems to go up, from anywhere from a half pound to a full pound! :tongue: So one reading, then I stay away. I've been told to weigh myself only once a week, but reading it once a day is working for me. I do notice my weight tends to "rock" back and forth between a few pounds (from day to day). As long as the trend continues downward, I know I must be doing something right.

Taismommy, what a beautiful picture of you and your son! Warm hugs, glad to hear from you, and thanks so much for sharing this picture. As a mom of a "special needs" child too, I know the struggles. (my son will be 12 years old soon). You deserve to be proud of him (and yourself for the work you've done)! Your comment regarding the waitress in the restaurant was precious and priceless!

Hey Coolcrystal! Bananas with peanut butter is a favorite of mine, too! :tongue: Count me in as a "clean eater" too, although I'm still working on it and learning (I do use artificial sweeteners, mostly just crystal light in my water). Do you also use organic peanut butter (or natural peanut butter - no sugars or hydrogenated fats/oils). I love natural peanut butter, although stirring the oil back in can be a pain. My husband and son still use the "regular" peanut butter - I took a taste once, and it was like eating candy! Bleh. It's amazing how our tastes evolve. I've never been a low-carb person, but my dietitian has helped with this. She says I need at least 80 - 100gms per day, it's important for brain function (yeah I need that help, lol ). I get my carbs from fruits and veggies, plus whole grains (occasionally a baked potato). I stay away from sugars and processed foods as much as I can. I just believe in balance - carbs, healthy fats, and Protein, even if I lose slower.

Gibbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! :grouphug: Warm hugs you sexy thing, I've missed you! Glad you are still around with us! I always love your posts! My update - As of June 21st, my 4 month Bandiversary, I have lost 49 pounds. I have had 3 fills, 4.5ccs in a 10 cc band. First fill 3cc's, second fill 1 cc, third fill .5cc (at my request) . . . next fill in a few weeks, hopefully another 1cc, 'cus I need it! Wish I coulda put 50 pounds there, but I'm close! Commencing countdown, next stop ----> onederland! (these next few pounds are gonna come off so slowly, I just know it!) Gibby, just one fill in four months??? :confused2: Hang in there with us girlfriend, you are loved!

Good luck tomorrow BumbleBree! (your name is cute ) I wish you all the best as you start your new life as a bandster. It sounds like you're in excellent care there at Port Huron hospital . . . please keep in touch and let us know how you do, ok? :grouphug: