OH Juli

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f12/oh-julis-plastic-surgery-87383/ That's the link to my plastic surgery thread.

Calling about getting the blood work lined up, getting the unfill, borrowing the recliner. I had to create a plan for my time off at work, who will do what. I can't wait to be off work for 6 weeks, even if I'm doubled over in pain. I shouldn't really say that. I don't want to be doubled over in pain. I just really could use a break from work. Thank heavens school will be out. The biggest sadness about the whole April -May recovery is missing out on primo cycling weather. Alas, I'll get caught up.

Jeni, If you are like me I'm half way between terror of not waking up and knowing it's going to hurt like a *&%ER. KWIM? You'll be fine. Write about your feelings if you don't already. It will help

I'll second that about not sticking to one brand and figuring out what kind of riding you might do. The one thing most people do is under buy their first bike. Meaning they put real money into it, but not enough. Like I want a road bike, I'll buy the cheapest one I can get. That doesn't work out well in the long run. If you are just thinking about starting to ride, do some research and look at buying used. If you LOVE it, and you probably will, save your pennies and buy a new bike, a model or two up from them lowest entry level bike. And as for your butt on the seat, it doesn't matter how big or little your butt is, it always hurts the first couple of rides. If you ride 2 or 3 times a week and you're still hurting on the third week you need a new seat. Otherwise you'll probably get used to it.

I debated putting a thread out there but I'm happy I have. Just a little support has been nice. I'm not on here nearly as much as I used to be, but there's a woman who is having some of the same things done near to the same time as me. I'm making a new friend and that's always nice. Yeah, I'm not getting my thighs done because my legs are skinny in relation to the rest of me. I had a breast reduction 6 years ago. I'm getting some stuff revised, but no implants. The irony of having them reduced only to get them enlarged was too much for me. And I don't want biggins. Funny how we are so differently shaped.

Jeni, Look at you! I can't wait to hear all about your PS! Are you getting anything done on with your chest? I see you are getting arms and legs done in June. How did you decide to do your stages when you've decided to do them. Do you have a PS thread we should visit?

You need to learn to ride in front of me and you'd not get snotted on. Pick up the pace.

Hi Gwen and everyone, To answer your question what to do when you hit your goal weight? I suppose my answer is live life and try to always control how I eat. I see myself as having a chronic illness, like heart disease or diabetes. It's obesity, and while I might be symptom free, I'll always have the disease so I will always have to be on top of it. Or at least try to be on top of it. I really do liken the band to someone getting a heart procedure done. Some see the light and change their behaviors for the rest of their lives. I want to be with that group. They exercise and eat like they want to live forever. They are taking advantage on the second chance life has given them. That's me. I want to live a happy and joy filled life. Being in control of my food helps me do that.

I touched Gloria today. (She's my bike.) I can't wait to get back on her. I think I'll try to ride a minute or two in March. BG, didn't we do that insane 50+ in the rain in March last year? I'm worried that I'll miss too much of the season with PS happening in April if I don't get out there this spring. But then there's school... Ugh, so much to do, so little time! Glad everyone is doing well.

Lellow, We are having the same thing done, well looks like I'm having my arms and breasts cut upon too. All the talk of pain in the above posts has me freaking out a bit. My surgeon, whom I find a little funny, was said, "oh your arms and your back side will hurt but you won't even notice because your stomach will be really, really painful." They are sending me home with a pain pump. My other worries are how to sleep, like do I borrow a recliner? What to wear, do I get granny nightgowns that button down the front? Luckily my daughter is 7, and while she's not keen on me having surgery, as she says, she likes me a little fat, I don't have to worry about picking her up. My ex is going to keep her for a solid 8 or 9 days then I have friends who will be picking her up, dropping her off at school. Until I'm off the pain killers I can not drive. How many nights in the hospital will you be staying? Do you have other children? How are you balancing the fear with the excitement?

lellow- I'll keep tabs on you. Where are you having it done? Do you have a thread started? Should I not be lazy and just go searching for it? Shalee We do what we go to do when we can do it. I'm happy you are reporting it turned out well for you to have the TT earlier than what might be considered optimal. Being able to create the perfect circumstances for everything in my life would be like having super powers. And that's just not possible. We do the best with what we've got at that time. :thumbup: Jachut, What are you going to do? Shoot for it or set it aside for later? Tracymom You'll need to keep us posted as well. Babygrl You know I heart you!

Mine is being moved with the lower body lift. It's in the way where it's at currently. My doctor was very matter of fact about it too.

marmar, You'll do well. I'm at the point of getting plastic surgery. And I'm having a lowerbody lift, my arms and my breasts lifted without implants. Heavy I was like apple with toothpicks for legs, so my legs while not super sexy, don't have that much excess skin. JulieNYC was right in telling you to take care of first things first. You'll be amazed at how quickly time passes and all the fun new things you'll be able to do. Congratulations for taking the steps in healthy direction!

Hi Marchies. Amazing we been at this for 23 months now. I've not been on in a while. I hope everyone is well. I'm having plastic surgery on April 6th. For a little while I struggled with finding/spending the money for this when financial times are so precarious. But through some innovative thinking and some serious belt tightening I created a solution. So yeah, I'm calling Monday to get on the books and to get scheduled. It's the 6th. Gee wiz.

Talking about sushi, my biggest barrier with it now is the nori paper. So if you eat sushi no roll, or better yet sashimi which is straight up fish, you'll be back there in a couple of months post op. The noodles and rice cause me grief though still.

I'm a single mom, work full time and am in a masters program getting my MBA. I'm not going to cut you slack because you know its about buring more calories then you consume. And well there's only so many fewer calories you can cut. You MUST exercise to change the equation. Now what I will tell you is that with limited time, and that is a very real constraint, you need to find ways to add 15 minutes here or 20 minutes there. Perhaps DVD's at home so you don't add commute time is a good answer. Walk with your kid, so it's that mommy time but it's also good for you too. Join a gym with child care. If you get into the habit of exercise you'll come to love the stress relief it brings. I've had to cut back on the hours of exercise, like I can't go on a 3 hour bike ride, but I still manage to work out 3-5 times a week. Good luck.

Well here's something to think about if you choose to limit your caffiene, which I did initally. Look at tea. Green tea, white tea, etc. They are like wines, you can totally get engrossed with them and their flavors etc. I do like coffee and have it most days. I go for quality over quantity, like with most things that go into my mouth these days. I French press my coffee now, well because I'm a snob, but it's also deliciousier. You will find that there are many different answers to these types of questions. Good luck.

You'll have plenty of sushi later. Promise. And that last meal thing isn't the best way to start a new process.

I don't have a firm date yet. I'm looking at the first week of April though. I'll be done with school on March 28th. Perhaps I can think of my surgery as a graduation gift. Actually I think of it as a step moving toward my new future. Where I'm educated and regular sized. Happy Sunday everyone.

Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum - OH Juli's Album: OH Juli Forgive me for not posting the pictures but just giving you a link. I wanted to come here and say, I've lost 170 from all time high and have about 30 more to go. It will be 2 years in March that I had the surgery. If you're just getting started I thought you'd like some inspiration. Does that sound egotistical? Whatever. It's been a pretty amazing journey and I'm all over the place with my emotions about who I was and who I am.... Regardless. Take a look at the pics if your interested.

awe shucks now

This youtube link is kind of funny. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1E8tuwcCQQ]YouTube - Wii Fit Parody[/ame]

hi everyone Nothing new to report here either. Jeni, sounds like you're on your way to goal in the next few months. It's wonderful you have good restriction again. Glad everyone is well.

I'm sure it isn't. I still think the commerical parody is funny.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1E8tuwcCQQ]YouTube - Wii Fit Parody[/ame] funny about wii fit.