PShaw

I've been banded 15 months with a VG band and have had no complications at all. It did take some time (about 5 fills) to get good restriction, but I realize now that's a good thing because it has taken a while for my brain to catch up to the notion of restricting my food intake. (If only there was a band for my brain!) I've had a handful of sliming episodes and only 2 bad PB's in 15 months, all of which were my fault (waiting to eat until starving, eating too fast and not chewing enough) Anyway, my theory is that creeping up on restriction has been better (for me and my band) by allowing me to get used to the restriction and changing habits over time and not having alot of restriction and PB's right away. I know someone with a 4cc band who had alot of restriction early on (even with an empty band) and she has had many problems/complications. I'm so glad I have a VG.

I didn't know what a "comfort bike" was either until I recently started looking for a new bike. Here's some info I found that explains what a comfort bike is: "Comfort Bicycle" The original runaway popularity of mountain bikes was mainly related to their greater comfort for casual cyclists, compared to the drop handlebar , skinny-tire sport-touring bikes that had been the predominant adult style through the '70s and early '80s. As mountain-bike racing became more organized, mountain bike designs started to morph into a more competition-oriented riding position, with longer top tubes, lower handlebars, narrower saddles, shorter wheelbases and more upright frame angles. By the late '90s, this trend had gone so far that many casual/beginner cyclists were finding mountain bikes uncomfortable. In response, the industry came up with what is commonly known as a "comfort bike." Typical comfort bikes resemble mountain bikes in wheel size, brake and gear equipment, but also differ in several ways: Shorter top tubes, for a more upright riding position. Taller, often adjustable, handlebar stems, also for a more upright riding position. "Riser" handlebars, also for a more upright riding position. Wider saddles with springs (and/or suspension seatposts.) Smooth, wide tires for quiet and comfort on smooth surfaces. Lower bottom brackets for easier mounting/dismounting. In many respects, the comfort bike harkens back to the riding style/position of the classic English Roadster , only with modern gears and brakes. Comfort bikes are often seen as slower, stogier versions of "hybrid bikes", and are targeted at pretty much the same market. ____________________________________________________________ The last bike I owned (20 years ago:eek:) was the classic 10speed, skinny tire, low-handlebar model. I hated that bike. Hunching over the handlebars killed my back. I need a more upright style of bike with some cush for my tush! My only problem now is which one to choose. What is everyone else riding out there?

My port hurts right now just thinking about having 8 orgasms:eek: (..and from busting a gut laughing ) You guys are killin' me..... Thanks for sharing, Kity. It wasn't TMI. It was just enough information to make me supremely jealous:thumb:

I've flown several times since being banded and didn't set off the metal detectors. I wondered if it would, too. Sure was glad I didn't have to show my scars and explain to security I wasn't a terrorist:nono:

Skye, It's unfortunate you took what I said as a "personal attack", sometimes emotion overrides logic. I'm passionate about what I believe, too. I think we can agree to disagree on this one.

I see that you are passionate about this issue and that's cool that you disagree with me. Without turning this into a political discussion, I think if you read the paper or watched the news today you would see several things our government should be focused on that are more important than thinking up laws banning food ads. I don't disagree that education may have to be mandated, but the discussion should be about educating people about obesity not just legislation that outright bans ads for food. Once started, where does the legislation stop regarding obesity and the government's right to legislate our health? Obesity is last accepted form of discrimination. Everyone who is obese has experienced it. So when you ask the government to start legislating, you'd better be careful what you wish for.

The obesity war in this country should be fought with education not legislation. I think our government should be concentrating on other issues. That's my 2cents.

I think it's normal to feel tired after surgery, especially after your first trip out. I'm about 11 days post op, too...and am still feeling somewhat tired out but a bit stronger each day. I wouldn't worry if I were you...but if you're concerned, you should ask your surgeon at your post op appointment or call his/her office.

I had my surgery on Wednesday 3/1, I was in by noon and home by 3pm. It went pretty well, I expected alot worse. When I came out of anesthesia, I was able to drink okay and had virtually no pain at all, just a bit of a sore throat and a red welt on my temple. It felt like an allergic reaction ...maybe to something I came into contact with in the OR?? ( I should have asked them what they were going to put on my face, I have very sensitive skin) Day two I felt pretty bad. I was really sore at the port site and had some gas pains and a bit of nausea. I had taken off the nausea patch they put on before surgery, because it was making my vision so blurry I couldn't read anything (and I don't wear glasses) They also gave me pills for nausea, so that helped. They made me sleepy, too...which was a welcome side effect. I had a hard time sleeping at first. I have just been taking the liquid vicodin and two advil every 4 hours to keep the pain level tolerable. I'm on day 4 right now and feel a little better each day. I don't think I'm going back to my desk job on Monday, though. I'm going to be out a few more days than expected, I think. I do feel some restriction and fill up pretty quickly on soup. I haven't really had much of an appetite. I have alot of gurgling and growling in my belly tho...I hope this goes away, it's pretty loud and it scares my cat! 343/329/175 Banded 3/1/06 Dr. Montgomery

:clap2: Hi Wheetsin, Congratulations! I'm having my surgery on 3/1, too. Reading your post was like deja vu because I got just got approval from my insurance today and had my last blood test this afternoon. Driving home it hit me..."this time next week, I'll be banded!" LOL... great minds, eh? Good luck and see you in bandland :couch2: