guysis

Thanks for all the well wishes.................Boo, a belated BA wish to you..............time for renewal - been saying that for a few weeks now........and I think I've done great the last couple of days..........Julie and Dawn are catching up to us.................gotta, go, go, go! I agree, lets submit their names and accomplishements to Time Mag - Bandsters of the year!!!!!! Came home drenched from my NIA class this morning - felt so good!

Have you all looked at DeltaDawns stats!!!!!!!????? Yes she's down in one year's time something, if my math is correct, like 170 lbs............did you also notice that this month (today is the 7th) she already has 6 sessions of exercise??????? Does that inspire you????? Follow her footsteps and guess how great you'll look and feel next year at this time! If you haven't noticed - she's my inspiration!!!!!!!

Teach - you're on! You're just a kid - you can do it!!!!!! Get moving and come join our Exercise Challenge - I don't give up - so get used to my nagging about exercise! One thing I meant to say in my above post...................this band does not work until you have the "proper fill" - it starts you off, but you need to keep on top of it.....................you need to be proactive in getting your fills.......................don't be frightened about fills - for me they are a "snap".............nothing to be frightened about (with that said, I know you will all still be aprehensive - try not to be - honestly it's not bad).......this was my experience - not everyone is the same tho........... I was not at all hungry for the first week or so after surgery.......the swelling from the surgery I guess.............so had no problems doing my liquids only................the second week I felt "normal" again.............in other words I could have gone back to eating like I did before..............didn't want to - so I "acted as if".................we have all be on diets (most of us anyway) and so I did diet...............I followed all my rules..........knew I had done that before and could again for the weeks inbetween until I got my good fill (it's different for each of us and progressive as far as being the needed optimal tool).................for my doc it was 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks mushies, 2 weeks somewhere inbetween mush and solids! The types of foods were on my rules lists - lean protein, veggies, fruit and in the amounts listed with your docs..................for me no white stuff, no bread, no pasta, no potatoes, no rice (I have no idea to this date if my band will tolerate those things because I have not tried)................after my liquid stage I did add in runny oatmeal for breakfast (I put 1/4 cup oatmeal and 3/4 cup water in a dish in microwave and blast it for 2.5 minutes.................add Butter Buds/Molly McButter and sugar free brown sugar.............I like it! It's not hard - give it your all............it's so worth it...................and the band will do the trick for you............use it properly tho................get those fills and if you can............."act as if" until it's fully operational!!!!!! It works!

Hello all "Bandit's of April 2007"! Just thought you might like to hear what's in store for this next year! I'm a 67 year old grammy of 8 who on April 7, 2006 went up to Olympia, WA to Dr. W. Neal (from the Portland, OR area) to have Lap-Band Surgery weighing 234 lbs (I'm 5'3").......<WBR>..., wearing a 3X top, a 2x bottem......<WBR>.........<WBR>had problems walking - my knees and ankles were hurting.....<WBR>.........<WBR>.my blood pressure was high, etc, etc, etc.........<WBR>....Ihad been on every diet anyone could think of (several times each).......<WBR>......each time I maintained about a week and then gained it all back........<WBR>.......same story, same story, same old story!! Today - I weigh 170lbs (down 64lbs) - am wearing a size 12 jean, a medium top.........<WBR>......I'm an exercise fiend.......<WBR>.........<WBR>....discovered a class called NIA (a combination of dance, tai-chi, martial arts) at the gym I belong to (Club Sport) that I just love (can you imagine loving exercise???) and attend 4 or 5 times a week - my husband and I walk the other days -...........<WBR>.....my knees and ankles no longer hurt, I don't huff and puff, my blood pressure is normal, etc, etc, etc!! I've maintained this weight for the past few months (my choice - I have thought to date that this is possibly a good weight for me - I'm comfortable with what I eat and it has been easy to maintain). My husband had heart valve surgery 2 weeks ago - he's doing great - but when I found out a few months ago I was a "wreck" - Unbelievably my 44 year old son had the same surgery last Oct (unrelated)!!!! - so it was at this time that I decided to see if I could maintain during this stressfull time - I've done that (can you believe that - maintain during stress??? I couldn't do that during "normal life"!!!). I now am no longer "obese" (hate that word) -just "overweight"<WBR>! I've decided that I'm starting my 2nd post-op year with my next goal - to loose another 30 lbs - that will put me at a "normal" BMI. So, I'll join you all in following "all" the bandster rules(once you get to your goal you can let up "a little" to maintain and I mean just "a little)- no liquid calories, no drinking for an hour after meals, drink all my water, etc, etc, etc..... - I have not had a fill in about 5 months - I've got an appt next Thurs for one - this tool needs to be used to the max (that means having the proper fill - hard to describe - you will know when you get there!!!) I can't say enough about my lap-band. For me, it's been a lifesaver. I've had no problems - I'm so looking forward to a healthier "older age" because of this wonderful "life saving tool". Hope all that have already had surgery are on the "bandster road" and those still waiting a speedy, pain free (I had a very uneventful, painless) recovery. The best advice I can give you is - MOVE THAT BUTT - Come join our "April Bandits Exercise Challenge" (for those of you who already have - Yeah for you!!!) or just start slow on your own................it reves up that old metabolism, helps tone up the saggies, makes you feel great - "I know, I know" it hurts now - but just you wait - just go slow and build up - you will feel amazing! Betty from Lake Oswego, OR 4/7/06 - Dr. W. Neal, Olympia WA 234/170/140

Terry - I'm so proud of you - keep it up - the weight will start to fall off - just look at our Julie and Dawn and Boo.............in a year's time they are doing 10K's and possible training for a 1/2 marathon!!!!!!! I can do, on some days, 2 1/2 hours of of exercise classes!! Kat is out there doing the wonderwoman thingy (she's truely amazing)!!!! Effica and Amourette are our inspirations from afar!!!! For all of you newly joined exercise bandits - think how this year we've done so much good for our health - just wait till next year at this time - we'll "rule" the world. With that said - I slept thru my NIA class this morning - so have to go out and take a long fast walk (maybe I'll do a few sprints????).

Julie - I miss your daily exercise updates! I know you are doing well from reading all the other threads! I can just picture you walking the halls "hunched over" - reminds me of when Alan walked the halls "hunched over" (right after we had our 3rd child 41 years ago, - our second was 42 years ago, our 1st was 43 years ago - woops!) and the kids wanted to know what was wrong with "Daddy"...............we told them he got "spade"! Mah Jongg is a game - originally from China, but altered a bit by us Americans (the Chinese version is still played)..............played with little tiles .............sort of a rummy type game (hard to describe in a few sentences)............takes a while to learn, but is so much fun. Did you see "The Joy Luck Club" - they were playing the Chinese version and made fun of the Americans! I've been playing with a group of "girls" - 6 of us - for about 5 years now - we're great friends............we go away to Mah Jongg tournaments in Las Vegas and Palm Springs - just us "girlies" - so much fun! This morning Alan and I did our walk to and from Breakfast - almost 3 miles,.................and then this afternoon we went to see a very good movie - "The Namesake" (I loved it) and then walked several more blocks to a restaurant and back to the car - Alan is unbelievable - you would never know that 2 weeks and 3 days ago he had heart valve replacement surgery!!! To all of you newly banded/to be banded this month - again welcome to our group............heal fast, walk, walk, walk, then run, run, run/dance/dance/dance..............get moving - it works! Another thing that works is getting the proper fill.................I've been toying with "should I", or shouldn't I...........for a few months now.......the past couple of weeks I've all of a sudden felt no restriction............I looked up the last time I had a fill (it was my 4th) and it was October 25th!!! With all that has been happening in our lives I had no idea it had been that long ago.................so, I have an appt for next Thurs...........can't wait to get back to "that spot"! I have managed to keep my weight within a couple of lbs of 170..............but, it's been on shear willpower (as we all know that does not last too long)! So anxious to have my "tool" back!

Kat - I thought Alan was SUPER-POPPOPS, but oh my, oh my...........how do you do all that? Alan thinks I'm a dope getting my nails done and then working in the yard! OK Julie - walk crunched for a few more weeks - then I'm sure you'll be flying down the road..................I don't know if that's fair - what do you mean you skipped the 90's................and I bet after the swelling goes down the 80's..................took me 3 months or more! I better get going again.............you're going to wiz right past me! So how do the "girlies" look? Oh, to have a tummy that could spread apart if I stood up straight! You lucky doggy, you! Having my friends over today to play Mah Jongg............and when they leave Alan and I are going to walk to the movies (about 2 miles away), going to see The Namesake - heard it was very good - and go to dinner!

Julie - it's so good to hear how great your recovery is progressing! Going thru the same thing with Alan.................we took an hour walk this morning..................in another week, or even before I bet you'll be doing the same! I need a fill - so now that Alan is up to it, I'm going to call and make an appt....................there is something in there - but it sure is not like before! I need that back! Sheila it's so hard to give advise to others about having the band surgery - for me it has been the best decision I've made to date...........I've spent over 60 years being obese.......up and down, up and down............I'm now very close to being "only overweight"...............it's such a wonderful feeling.............if you were my child I'd tell you to go for it - it's not like the bypass - it is reversable if it does not work for you............family and friends who have not had a weight problem just don't quite understand what we go thru...............the band has been my answer..........along with some great bandit friends and now having exercise as a part of my day.

Oh my Kat - you are something else again! Hey Boo - move over, you sound like me.............don't know if you all know what a JAP is (that's me).............."Jewish American Princess"! Molly and all you other great to be banded April 07'ers NIA is an exercise class given at my gym and many others that is a combination of dance, tai chi, yoga and martial arts.................it's a wonderful aerobic workout and so much fun................I try to do it 5 times a week - it's my main exercise...........................if they have any NIA classes in your areas - please try them..............you'll love it! It's made me love to exercise! Google NIA to get to their site and they have a list of classes given in the cities throughout the US and world. I didn't get to class today because Alan had a dr appt..........his heart is strong - no more murmer (the new valve sounds great)..........no arithmias, his lungs are clear...........all is well and he's getting stronger each day! Phew..........so glad we're on the road to "back to normal". Welcome to our exercise group Ellen!

Julie - you are such a workaholic! Lucky the firm/boss that has you! Sounds like you are a wonderwoman like Alan was superpoppops! So happy you are doing well. I'm sure all that healthy exercise is a big reason for your great recovery. Keep it up! Kat, ok - what kind of a ranch do you guys own? How big? You are a real "cowgirl"!!!! Tell us all about it. Where is it? You amaze me with all you do..............and a "bikerbitch" too! I am such a wimpy city girl - I can't imagine ................sounds like such fun. Let us know about what the dr. says and what has to be done for Rick. Alan and I are off to see his cardiogist for his 2 week check. He is, as I've said doing so well!

Our Julie's back - yipee! So happy all went well and you're on the mend! Terry, Tracy, Sheila - welcome to our exercise group - it's really so much more than that - just you wait and see. Started off with a bang and went to NIA this morning - I've renewed my band vows and am off and running again - you newbies got me all excited with your enthusiasm - it's catching - got to work hard on that last 30 lbs! Kat, I can't believe all you do - herding, chopping wood, chasing after babies!!! Tell Rick - Alan is doing great - we actually went to an afternoon symphony today (we have season tickets and Alan said let's go) then we went to dinner and then we went and visited some friends!!! It will just be 2 weeks tomorrow - so, I think he's doing just great.

Yeah Julie - get that hard body recovered quick - we need you back in the exercise challenge!

Oh, so relieved to hear from you Julie - yipee Julie's back! 12 pounds - oh my - just that in itself is worth the pain - right? You must be so excited it's behind you and only good and better days to come with an "oh my tummy"! Welcome back.

OK.................I didn't quite make it this month..............think I got in 15 - I guess not bad for the kind of month it was! On to our Bandanniversary month!

Boo - you're on - 140 it is (you'll be a rail at your height!) - I'm only 5'3". Yesterday was like I was just banded - I got that feeling back because of all the excitement of the new April bandit's...............yeah, bring on our new year! Oh, Boo I know you want that job! Hope all pans out. If you get that TT I'll have to rethink - I would like to do it, but Alan is freaked out about me having elective surgery of that magnitude at my age - what a pooper!

Sheila - welcome to our group! I'm excited for you and Tracy - a year to remember is coming up - this past year even with all the stress of having my son and husband both having heart valve surgery was one for my memory books! I'm healthier, thinner and both of "my guys" are doing great without my gaining at least 25 lbs! First year of my life that stress didn't push me over the edge - thank you band, thank you bandit's. Ending March great - went to NIA yesterday and on my way out the door today.

Good for you Tracy - welcome to our challenge - you will get such great support from this wonderful group of bandits! Boo - I have had at least 15 cups of hot tea today - I've spent so much time on the potty - I haven't had one single moment to think of not following the "rules"! It feels good - back to basics!

Just want to wish all of you a safe surgery, a quick recovery and a wonderful healthy year! This year has been one of my all time "highs"! Right up there with marriage, children, grandchildren.................with the help of the band and my band friends I'm on the road to healthy older age! I feel great - am a sexy 67 year old grammy with knees and ankles that move, move, move. Just want to encourage you all to move, move, move - come join our April Bandit's Exercise Challenge................you can walk before surgery, you can walk as soon as you get home from surgery - just start slowly! For me, it's been the big difference that makes me know this is it........I'll from now on be a healthy slim person.

Yipee - here we are April 2006 bandit's ONE YEAR LATER! I'm happy with my past year's efforts and recomitting to another great year of healthy eating and exercise! The past few months have been "maintenance mode" for me (I've stayed between 170 - 174 lbs). That in itself is a major accomplishment - I have never been in maintenance mode - it's been either losing or gaining. I no longer care to maintain - Back to losing mode - (never the gaining mode to see again). You all have become my "higher power" and so I'm throwing this out to you all - My confession follows: I'm eating bandster portions however I've gotten a bit slack in the types of foods that have been going in my mouth, ie..........a bite of cookie, a bite of creme broulee, a bite of berry pie - foods with a bit too much fat, sugar, etc, my Water consumption has dropped, sometimes liquid calories flow down my throat................................in other words - BETTY GET BACK TO THE 'RULES'. My pledge to you to do so---------------April here I come again................to my 2nd year!!!!! An to all of you the same..........comittment refreshed!!!!!!

Sounds great to me! It will be nice to have the 07's (those who want) to join us.

Hey Boo - see even at 67 you can still be a slut!

Sara - I was very close to the same weight as you - just you wait - your hubby will be chasing you around the bed even faster! You''ll be able to run faster - more fun when he catches you!

What is your "Bandiversary" goal? My goal is to be "overweight" instead of "obese" - I'm close! If I don't make it I promise not to "beat myself up" - I will soooooon! What have you learned this past year? That it is not "all or nothing" - before one slip would send me over the top and to making all the bad choices again. That I have to slow down in my expectations - I want it all off right now!/want to be able to exercise for 2 hours and feel like a kid again - For me, that does not work. God willing I have time to make this life changing adjustment to the way I eat and the way I make my body move. Could you share your most rewarding NSV (non-scale victory)? My ankles are no longer swollen, my knees do not hurt, my blood pressure is normal, I handle stress so much better.....................I can walk miles.........I love to exercise (amazing)! I fit into a size 12 pants (that are getting a bit baggy).....and a M/L top..............bra size went from a 44DDD to a 36DD.... What is your biggest challenge? To listen to the full signs - still have a tendancy to put more in than I can handle..............at times still forget to chew my food good (yes, even after almost a year)...usually when I'm talking and not paying attention. What tips would you pass on to the April 2007 newbies? Follow the bandster "rules" - get the fills that you need - it does so work! I love my band....use this tool correctly and it will do the trick for you. START EXERCISING - JOIN OUR EXERCISE GROUP...............for me this has been the second best tool. What is your greatest fear? Losing my band! If I did - I'd have it replaced as soon as possible. What goals do you have for the future? To continue on my road to better health thru more weight loss (this year's new goal - and additional 20 - 40 lbs) and keeping myself as fit as I am now and possibly adding additional fitness classes (more strenghth building). How has your life changed? I'm a healthy 67 year old grammy of 8.............I feel "light" - I don't hurt - I like myself - I look forward to a healthier older age! Has living with the band met up to your expectations? YES, YES, YES. For those of you who don't know - this has been a verrrrrrry stressfull year - my 44 year old son AND my 71 year old husband both had heart valve replacement surgery...........they're both doing great................AND any other year I would have gained weight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yipee - thank you band and all my band friends!

Just talked to Blue - she's had a very rough time. Is on the third round of different types of antibiotics - hopefully this time it will do the trick. She lost her hardrive and just got it back so will check in soon. I'll let her tell you all about it! I flaked out on exercise yesterday - just needed a day to rest up. Everything just caught up to me I guess. I'll get with it again tomorrow......(I sound like Scarlett).

Alan continues to astound me - he's doing just great - Kat, tell Rick thanks for asking................yesterday we took our grandkids to Barnes and Noble - read magazines for a while, had a snack at Starbucks..........came home and walked a few blocks - he's off pain meds, the itching has stopped............amazing guy! I found Blue's telephone # and tried calling this morning - called her home and her cell and no answer..........I left a message so will wait a couple of days and try again. I do have her daughter's phone # also.........so if I can't reach her - I'll try the daughter in a few days. I'm also worried. I won't make this months goal either - but life sometimes gets in the way! On to our bandanniversary month - bigger and better exercise and pounds lost!