annecolorgreen

OK--we've all been banded and recovered now--who is exercising? I am fortunate that the hospital where I was banded includes an 8-week exercise program with a trainer as part of the package. I started last week (1 1/2 weeks post-op) and am up to 40 min. on the treadmill and 30 min. on the bike. I am going to start with some light weights this week. Here is the FUN thing that I am hoping to do--locally, we have several walk/runs throughout the fall/winter. The first is Thanksgiving morning (2 miles) and I am planning to walk it with my husband. There is one each month in December, January, and February. The longest is 4 miles. For each, you get a t-shirt (I am a sucker for those!). Another thing I found through the YMCA is a fall hiking challenge that has you do 6/10 different trails in the area and you get a t-shirt for completing it (yes, another t-shirt!). I just wanted to encourage you to start exercising if you haven't and maybe join a group or train for a walk or run. A friend of mine who is newly single joined a contra dancing group and is meeting new people and having a great time (she is quite overweight). I am so proud of myself for actually GOING to the gym (a big thing for me). The good feelings last all day after I work out! ~~anne

Julie-what you might get are some small handweights (like 5 lbs) and just do some arm curling while watching tv or something. It definitely won't bother your incisions and will start to build muscle in your arms (you may need more weight-but I didn't! :cool:). I am using some at the gym but had some at home and use the lighter weights just randomly. OR, you can use canned veggies!! ~~anne

Speaking of which... Question: I am not able to each much without becoming full or feeling like it is starting to come up (same thing I guess). Anyway, my doc scheduled me for a fill a week from Monday (before Thanksgiving). Do you think I should keep that appointment??? The trainer at the gym said some people have restriction just from the swelling of the surgery and it sounds like I do. I don't want to be SO restricted I worry about eating even a very small amount at t-day dinner. What would you do? ~~anne

Congrats to everyone on their recent successes! KarenK--I'm shocked too that I am enjoying going to the gym! I've been doing some hiking too which is "fun". lol Question: I am not able to eat much without becoming full or feeling like it is starting to come up (same thing I guess). Anyway, my doc scheduled me for a fill a week from Monday (before Thanksgiving). Do you think I should keep that appointment??? The trainer at the gym said some people have restriction just from the swelling of the surgery and it sounds like I do. I don't want to be SO restricted I worry about eating even a very small amount at t-day dinner. What would you do? ~~anne

(no fill yet) Breakfast: 20 oz. non-fat latte with SF syrup; 5 dried apricots Lunch: Chick-Fil-A chicken salad sandwich on toasted wheatberry bread/lettuce Dinner: 1 cup imitation crabmeat with cocktail sauce Snack: 1/2 cup baked Beans Exercise: 1.9 mile hike in the rain! Total Calories: 973 Protein: 61 grams Water: 48 oz. (so far) ~~anne

LoneStarLoser--Happy belated birthday!!!! Sounds like you did a great job! What is the B-1 for? I am taking a multi-vitamin with 100% daily requirement of B6 and B12. My first fill is the Monday before Thanksgiving. I really hope it gives me some restriction! We have TWO Thanksgiving dinners...one Thursday and one Saturday. ~~anne

Funny story (I thought): our local XXX shop has a sign out front that says, "Everyone needs a stimulus package...let us help you find yours". :eek: About vibrators, ever since my vaginal hysterectomy, I can only manage something fairly small. Unfortunately, that does not describe my dh so it took awhile before we could comfortably have intercourse (and lots of lube!). I still prefer small. How long did you wait for sex after your surgery? ~~anne

Hi! I turned 40 in January and my dh took me for a weekend trip to San Francisco to Celebrate. Well, between a miserable airplane ride (the seat was small), to my feet/knees/back hurting from the extra weight I was carrying when I tried to walk much, to (again) being miserable on the tour bus we rode on...I knew then I had to do something! I just didn't know what. I really feel like this lap-band is the answer and I have hope again! Nice to meet you! ~~anne

My surgery "package" included 8 weeks in the cardiac rehab gym at the hospital where I was banded. It's a bit far from my house (30 min each way) but is worth it as the trainer walks every step of the way with me. I started last Monday and walked and did the stationary bike and, today, did 45 min on the treadmill and 35 min on the bike along with starting some small handweights. I managed 5 out of 7 days last week. I think exercise is very important even if it is a short walk each day. ~~anne

Thanks for the ideas--I am up for ANYTHING! I have been taking miralax, benefiber, AND senna-S with very rare results. Today I just couldn't stand it anymore and bought some milk of mag and took a dose with good results. BUT, it always makes me want to throw up when I take it! :eek: NOT a good thing! Tomorrow, I am heading to the store to buy some dried apricots and, if that doesn't work, flaxseed oil! ~~anne

I would just keep repeating to him, "I am following my doctor's orders". I hope your diet change helps! ~~anne

Sounds good!

Oh, I always loved the teriyaki chicken sandwich...so it makes a good salad? Hmmm. Thanks for the idea! ~~anne

I ate some stirfry sesame chicken/veggies the other day and didn't have any trouble--just chewed a lot! I ate a SANDWICH today! My first since being banded. I toasted the bread and ate half at one sitting and then half later. I've not had a fill yet...so I think I may have trouble then. ~~anne

Oh gosh...I don't know but I would definitely tell your doctor! The only thing I could think with the nausea is maybe hypoglycemia??? Have you ever had blood sugar problems? Hope everything works out! ~~anne

Those sound really good...thanks! ~~anne

Hi! I just had my surgery at St. Mary's with Dr. Lusco. If you have trouble getting through by phone to the office, definitely email them. MUCH quicker response! You really should try to make the support group meetings (1st Monday of the month if it's not a holiday). You can go even if you aren't banded yet and family members can come if they want. I went this month and really enjoyed it. Yes, you will LOVE the dietician! Her name is Jessica and she seems quite devoted to helping us. Let us know how things go or if you have any questions! ~~anne

That's a great idea! Good luck! ~~anne

I'll bet they would be good roasted too!

I had some vegetables (mushrooms/onions) this morning mixed in with my scrambled egg plus a cut up tomato. For dinner, I had chili (thick with beans/onions). Yesterday, I had a veggie fajita (no tortilla) for lunch with a little refried Beans and the leftover veggies for dinner. I personally think vegetables are as important as the Protein. I'm not doing as well with the fruit but I may have to try the fruit smoothie idea! ~~anne

Sounds great! Has anyone tried yoga? I'm considering it for relaxation and flexibility. Do you think I'd be the only plus-size person in the room? ~~anne

Oh...that's good to know! ~~anne

I hate the "game" part of it...but I like seeing people successfully lose weight. I TiVo the show and fast forward through the drama. Yes, Vicky is definitely a conniving b----. ~~anne

Oh SeaSide--that is so sweet. I would LOVE for you to pray for her (and him) and the baby! Her name is Ellen and his is Phillip and she MAY end up delivering early as she has a bicornate uterus. We are praying for a healthy term baby! Congrats on your twins--how fun--but so much work! My boys were 15 months apart and my girls were 17 months apart...not quite the same but still two babies at once--twice! I have twin nephews and they are still a handful at seven. That is so wonderful that they were so small but doing so well! If anyone would want to PM me any names of deployed military who need support, I would be happy to send a card or care package. I routinely do from a military support yahoo group that I am part of. God bless our military and our country! ~~anne

Question: I'm scheduled the Monday before Thanksgiving. What do you think I will be able to eat? Anything but in small quantities? Or will I be on mushies? Thanks, Anne