gentlespirit

If I can get the chocolate fudge taste w/othe calories, I'd pay a lot more than $6.99! I'll have to give it a try sometime. Emily

Depends on your job...I'm an administrative assistant and took a week off. Then I worked 2 half days before starting back full time. That worked well. Emily

The safety issues and reversibility if necessary were the biggest issues. Malabsorbtion just doesn't seem healthy to me if weight loss can be done some other way. And I also didn't like the idea of reworking my insides! I'm so thankful to have had the option of the band. Even if it does have to come out someday (hopefully f aw into the future), I'll always be glad I did this. Emily

Congratulations! Hope everything continues to go smoothly...just be patient with yourself as you heal. Emily

Welcome, Ryanjoey! I have a son Ryan, too. This is an excellent place to find information on just about any topic and LOTS of support, too. It's been such a blessing to me. I want to commend you for realizing that you need to change your eating habits in part because they affect your childrens' habits. Sounds like you are a great mom. This is a big decision and a big change, but it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. Sometimes I get frustrated because the weight loss is slow, but I chose this route because I think it's healthier. It's just human nature to want it to happen NOW! FAQ section is great...that will give you an overview and then you can ask specific questions you might have. Happy mothers day! Emily

That's the way it was for most of us...but it does get better! I think the best advice I got was "walk, walk walk...sip, sip, sip"! Hang in there, and you'll feel better soon! Emily

I was really nervous about my first fill, too. My doc wants us to go back on liquids for a day, then mushies for a day, then back to regular food. So I wouldn't stock up on too much liquid stuff. The actual procedure isn't much...more than pain I felt pressure, but it's over really fast. Good luck, and you'll look back after it's done and wonder why you were so worried! Emily

Crystal~ Thanks for keeping us updated on what's happening. You are so special and important to us here, and many of us are holding you up in prayer as well as keeping you in our thoughts. I'll never understand why some people seem to go through life so easily and some have so much to deal with. But whatever the reason, please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Consider yourself hugged! Emily

I think what Jack was thinking of is kefir?? Never tried it but we used to sell it when I worked at a health food store many years ago. Supposed to be really good for you. I can't imagine why your doc says you can't have Jello, but there are all kinds of liquids including blended up soups that have lots of nutrients. Anything that can be sipped through a straw was the definition of "liquids" that I was given. (Not that you should actually sip them through a straw...that was just to give you an idea of the consistency that "liquid" encompasses.) Good luck, and I hope you're soon feeling more like your normal self! Emily

Laura~ Congatulations on your graduation...what an accomplishment! You sohuld be SO proud of yourself. And what's another few days to Onederland in the grand scheme of things. Way to go! Emily

Congratulations!!! Hope everything goes well for you! Emily

I thought the way Ryan did it was just like a slap in the face, and poor Chris couldn't believe it just like everyone else. Katharine should have gone! But I truly think Chris will do fine anyway...he's got it all. Now I just hope Katharine goes nexdt week! Emily

I've only been to the mandatory one...mostly I get my support and information from all of you! It's much more specific and helpful since we're all bandsters. My surgeon has a monthly support group meeting but it's 3 hours away so I can't get there and be fit for work the next day. But I have had people that I've told about my surgery seem surprised that I look healthy and comfortable...they are used to the bypass patients that aren't! Emily

I have always had beautiful thick shiny hair that people commented on, and it really makes me sad to see tons of it in the sink anda shower! It is scary, because I felt like that was the one thing I could be really proud and confident of. I'll have to get some zinc and Biotin and try that. ALso want to get some flax oil, but someone told me it tastes disgusting?? It makes me sad that hair loss is something ELSE Crystal has to deal with...she has so much to cope with. Let's all pray that she will be given strength and grace to get through with what she needs to do. Emily

What a super NSV! Congratulations!! Emily

Diane~ You look PHENOMENAL! Congratulations! Emily

Cindy~ Welcome to the group! And June 5th will be here before you know it! Don't be surprised if you have second (and third and fourth) thoughts...we all did while we waited. It's normal to be nervous. The people here are absolutely wonderful and have been my greatest support. I'm sure it's even harder when some of your family is against the surgery. But you have to do what is best for you, and at least your husband is supportive. There is SO much information and help available here...try to take some time to just read through past posts and replies...that was so helpful to me. Emily

Someone posted a list of the stages of the lapband journey, and I laughed when I saw that one stage was, "OMG, what did I do to myself?!" Most of us remember that stage very well, so just hang in there and we promise it DOES get better soon. My sister just had her surgery and has been ready to kill me for the last couple of days, as she had a harder time than I did with gas and nausea...even had to go back and have them put a tube down her nose and into her stomach to suck out some of it! She's sure I lied to her about how recovery is! Thankfully she's doing better today. Emily

I love the "Road Angel" idea, too! Since I tend to be testy when I'm in a hurry, this will be a challenge for me, but I think it's one worth doing. Thanks for the idea! Emily

Hoping everything goes well and sending goodthoughts your way. Emily

I think Katharine will go tonight...neither of her songs went well. I like her voice, but I think it's her turn. I liked Elliott and Taylor...it was fun to watch Taylor's first sone, wasn't it...he was having so much fun! Didn't like Chris at first but as he does something other than rock he's growing on me. Emily

I love the Hickory Smoked flavor...and I hate tuna usually. Haven't tried it since banding, but that's a good idea for dinner tonight! I'll be sure to add dressing or something to moisten it more. Emily

There are a couple of books I bought on the coconut diet...I'll send them to you if you want them. I tried it and I also thought I had more energy and felt better. However, I didn't lose weight, which was the reason I started it. But I also thought it might be worth taking the oil because of the other benefits. I bought mine from Tropical Traditions and loved using it on toast for Breakfast to get in my tablespoon per day. Let us know how it goes... Emily

My "lapband owners manual" handed out by my doc says to aim for 1 cup per meal, so that's what I've been doing. However, I think that when I get a bit more restriction that will decrease...but I don't know for sure. Emily

Thanks to all of you for the kind words! I got all all teary as I read through them...your support means a lot to me! I have been gone for a few days with my sister, who just had her surgery and is having a harder time. I love it that we can be the support system for each other that we so need on this journey. Emily