TQUAD64

So very true!

I am no expert, but I presume it is because of less calories. I track calories, because it helps me stay on track and keeps me honest with myself. I now consume 1,200 to 1,400 calories a day. But is I don't track it, I can easily eat more than that. Right now, I have no restriction and I really would like to find my sweet spot. I have also heard if you go to low on calories it can impede your weight loss. Not sure if this is scientifically based in research or based on observation and hear say.

You know what else was just amazing? The Angel Nurses stated it was important for the babies to bond with their mom, but it will be difficult for octo-mom to bond with each baby. Not that it cannot be done, but just logistically you only have so much time and so many arms. So this is what they are doing, which to me is just fascinating. All the care givers will use lavender lotion on their hands. Babies identify with their parents via smell and touch. With everyone using the same lavender smell at the same time the babies are being loved and cared for, the babies will associate to a positive experience and will bond and thrive. Also, octo-mom will sleep in t-shirts and each baby will be swaddled in the t-shirt with a blanket too, so they can know mom's scent. Amazing. Each care giver will be trained in how to handle the babies the way that octo-mom handles the babies. Example: the way octo-mom feeds the babies, each care giver will hold the baby the same way. In that way, each baby will be able to bond with mom. And this technique helps the baby to thrive and avoids confusing the baby. Again just amazing to me!!!!

Kat, I wonder about the doctor in this case as well. I am not sure what the California medical review board is doing other than investigating. The standard of practice and the rules pertaining to in vitro state no more than two embryos transplanted at one time. He obviously disregarded this rule and thus no doubt will pay a price for his incompetency.

LOL, Way too funny and so true!:confused:

Patty, please re-read my last post. I did not state the babies are not healthy. I stated the babies have special needs, because they are preemies. Thank goodness the babies are doing well. However, Kaiser Permanente doctors, the Angel Nurses, Dr. Phil, Gloria Allred (sp) and octo-mom stated that these babies because of they were born prematurely, have special needs that require special care from nurses who are trained in neonatal care. On the Dr. Phil show the Angel nurses did mention some of the special needs pertaining to these 8 babies. They include breathing, thriving, bonding, suckling and immune system. I found the description of their special needs fascinating. They stated preemies are constantly being poked at and prodded as part of their medical care while at the hospital. They stated when a preemie is picked up that they tend to shut down and not bond, because they don't know if if they are being picked up for poking and prodding or for TLC. So yes, thank goodness the babies are doing well. But according to the doctor's at Kaiser these babies require round the clock care when they get home from specially trained nurses. It is one of the reasons why Kaiser has not released the babies to octo-mom yet. It is why I ask you, do you have some inside knowledge or are the Kaiser doctor's assigned to these babies liars?

Really, what makes you an expert regarding these 8 babies. Additionally, how do you actually know the true cost of taking care of these 8 babies? Are you related to oct-mom? Do you have some inside knowledge? Just curious, because on Dr. Phil, both octo-mom, the Angel Nurses, and the doctor's at Kaiser were all very clear that these babies need special care when they go home. And that this care would cost a great deal of money, since the babies require nurses. So, are the doctor's at Kaiser liars? Do they not know the true needs of these babies?

I was approved with Blue Shield of California, but my BMI was 40.1 or 40.2 something. If you have comorbidty (sp) issues then you should be okay with your BMI. However, check with your insurance company to determine what they require.

LOL, as I take my winner status to the bank to cash in my winning prize.:confused:

You probably don't want to hear this, I know I would not want to hear this, but based on your statement above that it happens 2.5 hours after eating, that you might consider a slight unfill. I know we all want to lose our weight, but vomiting is an issue that can generate band slippage. Thus, I would open a dialogue with my doctor seeking the best possible resolution, so that vomiting does not occur. Good luck!

Wow, 5cc for the first fill is amazing to me. I have not heard of that before. Do you have a 14cc band? I had my first fill at 4-weeks post op. I am currently at 5cc with a 10cc band and that was with several fills over a period of time. Although, shortly after a fill I have great restriction, it only lasts for about two weeks. My next fill, on March 17th will be under fluro, as my doctor wants to see why I do not have great restriction ("Sweet Spot"). Anyway, in regards to your situation, I would really hold off on getting another fill. It can take some people several weeks to feel restriction and since you had such a large fill, I would be hesitatnt to get more.

Wow, I am not aware that any doctor would give a fill two-weeks right after surgery. You are still in recovery mode and I am sure you have swelling going on inside from where the band was placed. We all want to reach goal quickly, but we know with the band our results will be slower. I know it is hard, but be patient....before you know it you will have a fill and be on your way. However, I am sure you are aware that for a majority of us the first fill is not the magic bullet, so again be patient with yourself as you go through your journey! Take care!

Sorry to hear about your circumstances, but word to the wise, which I am sure you already are aware of. Communication is key, so you already know that communication was lacking in this relationship. The WLS was one of other reasons why your relationship failed. Lastly, men have a tendency to jump right back into a relationship without given themselves an opportunity to reflect upon what happened in the last relationship. Ben, before you go out looking for that American woman, treat yourself right by giving yourself time get over the last relationship and to wrap your head around your WLS journey. Really, both of events are major life changing activities and you deserve sometime to recover from both. Best wishes!

Very normal. Eventually we hit a plateau. And when we start consuming solids and mushies we gain or plateau in weight. If you are worried about it try the following: Increase your protein Increase your level of activity Track your calories If you are already doing the above three suggestions, then try changing it around a bit. Sometimes our bodies become use to our routine. By changing your exercise or increasing your calories you can possibly get your body to start losing weight. Good luck!

Great job!!!!:confused::thumbup::w00t:

When you have health matter issues, with all do respect, we are not doctors, thus you really should call your doctor regarding this matter and not your PC your bariatric surgeon. I have found that primary care doctors are not as knowledgeable about the band as your bariatric surgeon. Now, from what I have read on LBT, it does not sound like your exhibiting slip band symptoms. However, I am not a doctor either. If you want to know what the symptoms of a slip band are, then either do a search with the tool bar on this forum or call your doctor. I wish you the best!

I would venture to say that we all share the same dirty little secret at one time or another. Afterall, we are human. Confession is good and seeing the psych is better. If not the psych then a support group to help keep you on track. Try and identify your food issues, maybe start journaling and tracking food until you are back on track. Increase you level activity, when the munchies gremlins attach. And a fill might help.

I was also told I would lose 1 to 2 pounds per week, with some weeks not losing anything (plateau). I am losing an average of 10 pounds a month. Don't get discouraged. Try tracking calories, increasing your Protein, and increase your level of activity.

Always speak to your doctor regarding release to exercise after surgery. Your doctor will have specific instructions tailored to your health needs. However, most doctor agree walking is great exercise after WLS. In regards to walking after surgery, I was required to do this immediately after surgery. It was indeed a slow pace, but I felt good about it. And every day I increased by walking. By week three post op, I was on my tread mill and doing a more extensive workout routine. At the same time, I included hand weights for upper body workout. Good luck on your journey!:confused:

Get lots of rest. Keep your fluid intake up. Keep your protein intake up even if it is in liquid form. Go for walks. What your going through is the normal process because of the surgery. It will get better. Vitamin B12 under the tongue might help boost your energy. Good luck!

Great job and awesome results!:confused:

To actually see the real winner go to www.tquad64winner.com. :confused:

I wish I knew how to swim. I have a terrible fear of the deep end of the Water. I don't have a problem with the shallow end. I checked into our local YMCA and they do not offer any water aerobics in our area. The closes is Sacramento.

I have not checked in for a while. Weight 217, surgery 11/11/08. I believe I have had 4 0r 5 fills and I have 5cc in a 10cc band. Thanks,:confused::biggrin::w00t:

Okay, as many of you know I have really been working hard increasing my exercise gradually. In January, I started jogging, something I have not done in years. While jogging, I increased the time and the distance a little bit each week. I am trying to train for a marathon. I am never going to be on the Olympic team and I am not doing this to win medals, but I was always an avid runner before and really enjoy it. So in the middle of January my hair starts falling out in the shower in clumps. We are talking chemo/radiation clumps. So this morning I took a shower and washed my hair and again huge clumps fall out. So I gather all the clumps of hair, place it in a baggie and take it over to my primary care doctor this morning. (I only wash my hair three times a week now) I am thinking it is either my thyroid meds needing adjustment. But my blood work from December for thyroid is okay. So the PC doctor states he thinks its my increased exercise and jogging. He wants me to decrease my exercise. I really don't want to do this. but I do not want to go bald either. Has anyone had this problem??? Please give me some feedback! My Protein levels are above 100 grams a day. My b1 and d12 are low, so now I am adding those Vitamins to to my daily routine. All other Vitamin levels are normal. I do blood work every month. We are going to retest my thyroid tomorrow morning. Thanks for your help!:biggrin: