juliegeraci

Hi Nanette. I really think rorysmom above hit it on the head. Its just getting out and moving. Whether it is parking your car further, talking a walk, even visiting a friend (food not included) this takes us away from our sedative lifestyles. I am seriously working on the self "bad talk" so right now I am just praising and loving myself enough to move. So far its been a 20 minutes walk (mind you that is all I could do) and I had so much fun the other day at 55+ cardio class at the gym. That is something you may like. I'm 38 but the cardio itself was the perfect level. Just moving forward and from side to side. Abs and arms were included. Thank you for your kind words. I couldn't live without this site. I feel like I have made such wonderful friends, the kind of friends who understand because girl...THEY HAVE BEEN THERE! Keep the faith.

I was told that the carbs are not that good for us, but some bandster have no trouble digesting them. I do eat bread and a little rice. I have been eating a very well balanced diet and have turned a major corner this week with hunger of fullness. Today at lunchtime I had a childs size subway turkey sandwich and that was fine. I'm sure when I get a fill I'll only be able to eat 1/2 that size. So glad you got on my thread. It is so important to stay positive and not compare. I hope I didn't bash anyone as I do understand the triathaletes, etc. Its just not for ME. 20 minutes is all I can do right now. Good luck to you both. and No, haven't heard anything about deflation for flying.

Congrats. Make sure you follow the post op diet correctly. Really important you spend the next month or so healing and not over eating or eating the wrong types of foods. Good luck.

Kathy, you look cute anyways. Glad you are doing so well. I am doing much better. Had a 5 lbs weight gain and that really motivated me to not feel sorry for myself. Going back to the gym has been a HUGE motivator for me. I am looking forward to my fill on July 17th. I also start with a personal trainer on Wed. next week. So far I'm down around 12 lbs but I see the scale moving South again with the exercise jump start.

Mia, what a difference 20 lbs makes. That is great.

My NSV is that I'm back at the gym for the first time in a year. I did an aerobics class yesterday and plan on going back again today. It feels good to move my butt, but I am a little sore. The scale seems to like the movement so we'll see how I do weighing in on the 17th when I get my first fill.

Like Elisabeth, I would try and go to your employer and find out more information on the policy. My doctor is $200 a fill and with UHC he is asking me to pay $50 a fill up front. He is out of network so I don't know how much they are going to cover. You may be able to negotiate the fill price, but naturally your concerns will probably be around if you need another surgery, etc. Its best to check all of that out prior. Sorry this is happening to you. Best of luck.

Last night I had a dream of eating all sorts of things. Funny, I thought I would be alone in my bandster dreaming. It was delicious in my dreams. I may have been hungry during the night so maybe my imagination got the best of me!

Hello, I went by the doctors office and was up 5 lbs yesterday. I haven't had a fill so they were telling me the band isn't working yet on me. Thankfully, I took that information in stride and I'm happy to report that I've worked out 2 days in a row. I hit the 55+ cardio class this a.m. I'm not 55 but it was the perfect cardio for me. I signed up with a personal training and start that on Monday. I know I can't compare myself with other bandsters but it is difficult at times to hear all the great successes that people are having only being banded a month or 2. In my case, its been difficult without restriction and the band being a tool is a mild expression to say the least. I know this is up to me. I am becoming my own best friend in weight loss and fitness and today was a good start. Thanks for listening.:clap2:

That is great news. I learn something every day from these threads. My first fill is July 17th so now I have something to look forward to. Good job.

I'm a turtle. I was banded a month ago, lost 12 post op and have gained 5 back. My first fill is July 17th.

There are 3 diets. 1 preop diet which consists of liquids (not sure how long yours will be, mine was 24 hours). There is a post op diet which includes liquids, soft mooshies then real food. The typical band patient can eat 1/4 - 1/2 cup servings during meal times. The best diet is lean protein first, then vegies. Apples have to be skinned. The best thing about being banded is your body will tell you what doesn't work. For example, pasta and bread. Some folks will PB (throw up) if they eat too much or have a "stuck" feeling if they can't get it down. So far because I am not filled I can eat everything. Once I get a fill I will have restriction which typically occures 1-3 fills in. Keep in mind the dietary requirements as well. You will learn this from the nutrionist ie. at least 75 grams of protein per day..things like that. Good luck.

Just a few days...you should be fine.

Hi. I am only 4 weeks post op and I wish I had the bypass. I think it is a much speedier weight loss. Not sure if that is good of bad. With the band, it is merely a tool. A tool that so far I have experienced as something you must put action into. I haven't had a fill yet so it is difficult for me to gauge how well I WILL do, but from where I sit, it has been very difficult to start losing weight. Having said that, I do like the fact that the band surgery isn't as invasive (of so I think). I have seen some wonderful results from Gastric bypass in friends. One thing is for sure...you can eat your way around both...so buyer beward. Good luck in your decision.

I am not in the same boat because I have children but I do understand about wanting to wait to lose weight. My doctor wanted me to lose weight so after 8 years I finally said to my new doctor, I want to get prego. He said, why the wait and I did. Don't let your weight stop you if you want to have a child. Its a long road sometimes to lose the weight first. If you want to lose the weight first the best advise I can give you is do that, get prego, then RIGHT AFTER YOU HAVE THE BABY.....LOSE IT! It is much harder and you can gain more weight, like I did after the birth of my first child...before having the second. Do not recommend that.

Hi Nyssa, A couple of questions for you 1. How many calories a day are you intaking. You want to make sure you are consuming enough so you body isn't in starvation mode. If you feel you are eating too little try and boost your metabolism by eating a little more of the good foods for a few days then go back to regular diet. 2. Exercise. Can you walk or do a treadmill. This should help with the weight loss. Unfortunately, that is key. You sound like me where you go for a little bit, lose, then stop or gain. We have bad metabolism so the exercise is way more important to us. Good luck. I'm no expert, I'm just speaking from experience when I was thin from years ago.

Its a pretty easy surgery. Mine was a bit more complicated because I was admitted through ER and had to stay in the hospital 4 days. I think you should come through with flying colors. Good luck.

Thank you both for the messages. I am really trying to work on my attitude towards myself right now. For such a long long time I have used other people to make me accountable and/or just excited about my life. It is time for me to keep excited on my own. The weight loss isn't something that will happen overnight. So with that said, I am working on my head to make sure I stay focused, that I appreciate what and who I am and that I stay motivated in a physical sense. The band will give me the restriction I need. I just need to be patient. Thank you again. Best regards to both of you.

Today I went to the gym and participated in a 55+ cardio aerobics class. I'm not 55 but the pace was just right. Yesterday I walked for the first time in months for 20 minutes. I start Monday with a new fitness trainer at the gym. I love to work out with a trainer, they are so motivating. I'm going to continue as I know working out is very important.

You have done fabulous. I am happy for you!

You are doing wonderfully. Sometimes we forget that losing inches count as much if not more than losing on the scale. In your situation you have done fabulous at both. Congrats.

Melanie, hope your husband is doing well. As far as wanting to eat, I made the mistake early on moving too fast to solids and my doctor really balled me out. Please make sure he follows the restricted diet. He can slip his band and cause additional irritation if he eats too soon. But again, I think you know that. Good luck.

Dr. C on another thread said diet soda was okay as long as its not really fizzy. I would guess it would have to sit for a while, not sure about days.

I use a chewable vitamin from GNC which takes like orange. All of my meds go down fine. I split one of them, Wellbutrin. I you have to split any pills talk to your pharmacist to see if they are splittable. Some are not due to chemistry.

Good for you girl! YOur feet are not ugly but its definitely time to treat yourself to a nice pedicure. Try the french they are the best and you''ll love getting one. Keep going..you are an inspiration.