Victoriana

I was warned to do nothing like exercise for two weeks at least, then just walking until six weeks. I wasn't supposed to lift more that ten pounds for a couple of days. I was told in recovery that bending over wasn't a good idea for a couple of days either. My sister is a labor and delivery nurse, I don't think you should go back for at least 2 weeks but that is just my own opinion. What if you needed to move a larger patient and hurt your port area? I wouldn't risk it. This is a life changing opportunity, you are worth a Little time of TLC. I vote for easy does it.

Jack you are wise and eloquent! Fiveholtz, most of us struggle with proper body image, I think. You will never know That answer until you get thinner, If you cant see yourself as you really are, have people video you doing various things and speak with your voice, it helps to make what you are seeing seem more real. I always saw myself as thin or at least normal. when I kept seeing myself in pictures It was momentary denial, but when I saw videos and heard myself interacting with other people the reality was horrible, You my friend get to do the opposite!

There are different divisions depending on which diet or Dr. you ask. I personally try to stay at less than 30 percent fat and that fat is supposed to be low cholesterol and low in trans fat, High in omega 3 and polyunsaturates. This is a recommendation from my cardiologist, He would like me to stay at or about 25 percent. Its hard to stay on track so I use fitday.com to track everything. check it out it is pretty good.

According to all your NSV's it seems that you are converting fat into muscle which weighs more, and then the good part is that once you have all your muscle building or rebuilding done, these are the very same critters that are going to take all that preparation and new thyroid support and burn the rest of the fat off probably faster that you could imagine (remain hopeful). And by the way, are you sleeping well? I found out that lack of the right kind of sleep can actually stress your body and not let it loose also. It amazes me to learn of all the factors that contribute to weight gain. Do you get aerobic? or does running to classes do that for you? I think you are in for a good surprise.

<p>Ive never heard of the tubing being the problem. Is it the port too, or how the tube connects to either end? You have lost some of your weight and thats a start. It will be good to get it all fixed and then you will have a fresh start at the whole thing. New Year, New band and new start. This time you can make better choices and maybe make up for lost time? Best wishes, I hope this funky time passes soon.</p>

When you guys talk of Mexico, are you referring to New Mexico or the country Mexico. Im confused.

P.S. I still think you should continue with the banding and taking care of yourself as it is foundational in caring for others.:confused:

:confused: Maybe your sweetheart is insecure of you taking control of yourself, and in an area that he doesn't really have control over since he has regained the weight that he lost earlier. Can you invite him to the seminar or support group that you will attend? Maybe he can read this board and find out that he may be headed for trouble in the future if he continues gaining. I think you can have your post deleted if he should read the board. I wonder if there isn't other baggage behind him not supporting you like others have said, maybe he would loose you, or that he doesn't see overweight as a true health issue. Does he think that getting banded might preclude you from children in the future? My DH was happy for the band as he wants me around to enjoy retirement with him. Please do not be afraid to be honest about your feelings with him as this is not healthy for a good relationship. Being honest with him lets him into a very intimate place with you and long term relationships usually survive because of good communication with each other. Personally I think this is more important that the issues around the band and weight.

Its only 45 minutes away and we are going to have sparkling cider and light sparklers in the front yard with the neighbors, most of us in pj's and robes. I enjoy fireworks at the Space needle but not this year, Its been pouring and I don't want to risk anything just yet. We will watch on TV and wooot at home, Heres to all of you and Delarla, and a Happy New year!!!

Dear DeLarla, Someone suggested fitday.com and it is a great website. It not only has calories, but carbs, fats etc. There is even a pie chart that tells you what percent of fats,carbs etc. for your daily intake, great for people on Atkins and So Beach Diet. You can journal your food intake and create foo "labels" for foods that you eat often that are not already on their list. Check it out, Its a great tool!

I need an update, are you doing any better? I hope so, I was told to put down my fork after each bite. I was also told, no TV, no distractions while eating, as you tend to enjoy the eating experience better. I hope you are doing better, I really do. I think I may be in your shoes in 2 weeks when I get my first fill. Take care.

I have always had a protein shake once in a while as I find them very satisfies and fulfilling. I have used them when I'm in a hurry and must get something down, carry out. It helps me avoid fast foods. I don't like getting hungry as I don't have a lot of will power, and I end up overeating in the long run. I also use meds and need to have something on my stomach to keep them down, or else it feels like they are sticking to my esophagus. There are a lot of reasons to use them once in a while, its just that our diets need to be varied to get in all of the kinds of nutrition, not just protein.

Count me in too! Ive heard that it takes 6 weeks to start or break a habit and 17 weeks to make something second nature. so Im on board, or Im on the band wagon! HE, HE, Im also printing the challeng and putting it on my Fridge, My biggest foe will be marked and targeted, Im loaded and locked. Wooooooot, Woooooooooooot!!

Hola amigo, just remember that most of the population GAINS during the Holidays. Consider it victory that you stayed the same, for goodness sakes! And about the present thing, Go out and get yourself something you want then tell them all that you did! Don't skimp either! After all you are worth it, and maybe next year folks will "have enough time". This happened to me a couple of times. Then one year in January I had a heart incident and landed in the Hosp. 11 mo later, everyone remembered me one way or another at Christmas. Sometimes people get complacent about relationships without ever meaning it, try not to think of is as rejection of you but rather they are a tad bit irresponsible! and yea blah, blah, blah, Christmas is a time of remembering and loving and giving. But true Christmas lives in our heart every single day of the year!

Hi, I'm wondering where everyone went! I was banded Nov 28, and so far I'm down 23 lbs, pre and post op. I usually gain weight over the holidays so I am pretty happy. I get my first fill in 2 weeks. This sight helps me remain focused on what I am eating and doing since I'm banded and I really appreciate it.

No, check out the poll on what did you pay for your lap band, That bill is in error, Ask the billing dept from the surgery center for an itemized bill where it list all the items used including paper clips Ha. Then you can see why the charge is so high and contest it. This is outrageous!!

Having tried all I could on my own, including diet and exercise, the lap band was my only hope. Leigh Ann is right, check with the recruiters, and also check out a new Dr. It hard to believe that a Dr. calls this the lazy way out! I would can that one in a heartbeat, or a New York Minute, Whichever is faster! I'm proud of you for belong proactive!

I'm glad you are wearing a mask. What I do during flu season is standard operating procedure every year. I usu only disposable cups, use paper towels in the bathroom. I told everyone how many things get put into the air when they flush and guess what sits exposed on the bathroom counter(toothbrushes), so close the lid when you flush! Then, I sterilize dishes in the dishwasher, and the sick person is isolated as much as possible. I also tell everyone that this is only temporary insanity so bear with me and cooperate. As mom and primary caregiver to the sick, I keep way up on my fluids, eat something with vitamin c everyday, and keep well rested. I am freaked out about the (possible) upcoming bird flu pandemic, and want to be able to practice good, if not crazy hygiene.

There are many surgeries that look like the lap band, and when I showed my sister my cuts, her first reaction was to lift her shirt and say when did you get your gallbladder out, and I said I didn't. I was shocked to see the identical cuts on her! Then I mentioned the lap band, and she was surprised too! My Dr. said in my post op visit that I couldn't exercise except for walking. I asked why since I was feeling so good and he said to just think of yourself as having had a knife fight and surviving. Maybe you can say "I was in a rumble and My opponent had 2 knives against my one. Let them chew on that one. "

I was wondering, I read where some people have their ports in different places. Did anyone tell their DR. where they wanted it or is this totally up to the surgeon? Where is your port placed and does it interfere with certain movements? Mine is 3 fingers below my right ribcage. sometimes when I bend over like tieing my shoes it hurts because I bunch it up under my ribs. Is this common?

Dear Friends, I want to get a ring for christmas while the stile I like is out there, the only problem is, It cant be sized.. I want to get this for when I get to my goal weight which could be a while from now, could you please post your weight and ring size? Im at 270 and my ring size is a 9. Maybe I can average the results and know what size to buy? This is a wierd question, but I dont want a ring I cant wear. Thanks.

I have been home for about6 hrs and I am so excited to have this done. It took me about 9 mo to finish all my prerequisit Dr. visits, and I feel almost giddy! I guess I see this as a new season for my life. My cardiologist, primary care, psych eval, sleep eval, and nutritional eval took some time for me as I am mom and the cardiac issues had slowed me a bit. I have been reading threads and have learned so much. Im happy to be on board, but I guess I feel like I just got on the Polar Express, not realy knowing what to expect next. Im sure there will be many more post that will help me along, and my DH is super, I am truly blessed. I am excited to be at this crossroad of life and I know I am happy to virtually meet all of you. Thanks for your support already! Victoriana

I got my check!! that was the easiest 50 i ever made. thaaannk yooou for tip!

Dear Sunta, I dont know how old you are but time plus weight will bring health issues if you do not address the weight. I believed like you once that my witght would not hurt me comming from a large family. I did not know that my sleep, energy, emotional affect and finances were being affected by my weight as much as they were. I encourage you to loose the weight even if you do not use the band.

yummy for the tummy