PharmaGirl

Congrats on your surgery. In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. There's a big discussion about bandster hell there. For what its worth, I agree with Brandy and some others that 800cals/per day is not enough and you may be putting your body into 'starvation mode'. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Everyone's experience is a little different but yours does sound similar to many, Congrats on your surgery . In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Txquiltlady and iculookin Welcome and congrats on your surgeries and weight loss so far. In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Hi everyone, The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE. Here's the latest updated list (updated: 4pm, 30 April 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007, jaysmommy1106 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend, Donna2153 Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn, Txquiltlady, miss_me Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny, Okiebrat Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag, iculookin Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc, VogueLibertine, lekekari, 4luci, dawright1, CJRUBI029 Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822, ALuv82, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap, mngirl0044, KRISPYKREME Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad, wncarpenter26 Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb Thu April 30 = kath17268, stephyv, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365 April hopefuls = daqui26, mandilou, mscarly, mommyofone Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. To add your name to the list of challengers, quote this post, remove the QUOTE marks at the start and the end of the quote, then add your name and your goal weight loss for July 4th to the bottom of the list (you can copy and paste a previous name then delete that name and add your own). There are 9 weeks between 1 May and 4th July, so try to choose a goal that is reasonable in this time frame. When 1 May comes around, update by adding your weight in the appropriate column and then your target weight. Then, if you like, you can regularly update your current weight throughout the challenge. :thumbup: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? NY Lady -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Lingling--------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JayTee---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? MrsMitch -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? ALuv82---------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Band_Groupie -------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Kaner ----------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Scoobydoo ------------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne ------------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hopeful41411 --------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? IsabellaP84 ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hannah Jay ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ---------------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie ------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Poconomom -----------------20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2Bhappy ------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? DMChef --------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ---------------- 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Doodlebug11 ---------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? tcbgirl ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? twinmamma1130 ------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------------15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? kittygirl --------------------- 22lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JukeBox81782 -------------- 40lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Losing for me -------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Early ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? labbandgirl2009 ------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ?

Welcome and congrats on your surgery and weight loss so far. I was also banded on the 23rd April and I really hope we do as well as Brandy, who's just had her 1 year anniversary (You're an inspiration, Brandy!!). In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Welcome and congrats on your surgery and weight loss so far. In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE.

The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE.

The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE.

A reminder to all that the July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE.

Hi everyone, The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. If you haven't yet signed up but would like to participate, please go HERE. Here's the latest updated list (updated: 3pm, 30 April 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822, ALuv82, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap, mngirl0044 Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb Thu April 30 = kath17268, stephyv, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365 April hopefuls = daqui26, mandilou, mscarly, mommyofone Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

The July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters starts tomorrow!! Don't forget to weigh yourself tomorrow so you have a starting weight and a target weight. :thumbup: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? NY Lady -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Lingling--------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JayTee---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? MrsMitch -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? ALuv82---------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Band_Groupie -------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Kaner ----------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Scoobydoo ------------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne ------------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hopeful41411 --------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? IsabellaP84 ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hannah Jay ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ---------------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie ------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Poconomom -----------------20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2Bhappy ------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? DMChef --------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ---------------- 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Doodlebug11 ---------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? tcbgirl ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? twinmamma1130 ------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? mi_illusion_st ----------------15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? kittygirl --------------------- 22lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JukeBox81782 -------------- 40lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Losing for me -------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Early ----------------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ?

Hi everyone, Firstly, thanks heaps for your supportive posts. Yes, Lou, I had very bad shoulder pain especially the first couple of days but once the gas started dissipating so did the shoulder pain. It was almost - shoulder pain - burp (in the charming way a beer-guzzling Aussie bloke would do!) - no shoulder pain! Lou - did you actually know you were in la la land - I was there but, in my head, I thought I was all put together (very scary!) As far as charcoal goes, I'm sure you have it in the States - as Cali (xavier) says, its the same stuff you take to soak up an ingested poison. However, because it absorbs so much stuff, you need to be very careful to make sure you don't take in within 2 hours of any other meds ('cause it'll soak those up too) - you need two clear hours before and after the dose. I would only use it if the gas pain is bad (oh and be warned - there'll be green poo after you take it). BG - hope you're able to sleep on your side soon (mind you, it still hurts like hell to turn over) and hope everything is ok now with the chest pain issue you have posted about. Ann, your turn is coming shortly!! Good luck and please stay in touch. I really love all you wonderful people I've met through LBT!

Hi there. Well, I am now finally BANDED!! Hip hip HOORAY! I'm also feeling well enough to post to my blog - YEAY!! This is how it all went ... Firstly (apologies if this is too much info) I get my period the night before. GREAT! - NOT!!! My period is totally irregular but one thing I can ALWAYS rely on is the fact that it is going to come at the MOST inconvenient time. Got to the hospital for the 11am check-in. Pretty straight forward - pay up (just in case you die on the table!!) and up to your room. Hang around the room till the nicest nurse (thank-you dear Tina for looking after me sooo well) comes in and hands me the most gorgeous gown in a delightful shade of hospital blue and a pair of huge white paper undies. She gives me some chlorhexidine wash to have a shower with (paying particular attention to the tummy area). I wasn't going to tell her that I had my period because I knew that she'd tell me I'd have to wear a pad into surgery but then BIG MOUTH Lisa tells her! Now she makes a note for the nurses in the OR and in recovery that I have a "sanitary pad in situ". I beg - can't I please wear a tampon?? No, is the answer - she says don't worry, you'll be back here in a couple of hours anyway and the pad won't need to be changed till you get back. I can't stand those damn things and if looks could kill, I'd be arranging Lisa's burial now. Anyway, I take the shower but put a fresh tampon in (I only took it out and put TWO pads into the undies right before they wheeled me to the OR). Tina, my nurse, comes back and asks a multititude of questions that she already has the answers to (she has the form I filled out for the hospital in front of her) and then weighs me so that the anaesthetist knows how much anaesthetic I'll need. Then its time to just hang around some more. Unfortunately, Lisa had to leave to go to a funeral (my best friend's dad had passed and I insisted that Lisa should represent us there). I pass the time playing Nintendo DS. Then the anaesthetist comes in to say g'day and ask the same questions the nurse had asked and to warn me of everything that could go wrong (thanks be to a litigious society!). Then its hang about and play Nintendo till about 2.30pm when two people wheel me up to the waiting room for an OR. At 3pm, I get wheeled into the OR and there is our surgeon, Stephen Blamey. I reiterate how worried I am about my liver - he is very reassuring that everything will be fine. He makes me laugh by asking me whether I've finished some work that he knows I have due for the Dept of Health in our state. Then the nice anaesthetist sticks me in the arm with a 10mL syringe full of clear liquid. I say "See you all later. Please look after me". Somewhere around 4pm I wake up in recovery and I am freezing cold. They pile three heated blankets on top of me and around my head until I don't feel so cold. I struggle to stay awake but don't succeed. I feel as though I have been kicked real hard in the stomach but I don't ask for any drugs 'cause I hate feeling out of it. They wheel me back to my room where Lisa is waiting. I make my presence known by starting to heave and throw up (I think the wheeling around all those corners gave me motion sickness). Lisa, being a nurse asks for me to be given some anti-nausea meds. I get a shot of ondansetron (Zofran) and then they ask how my pain is on a scale of 0-10 - I say 3. Thankfully, Lisa was there and tells them that my 3 is everyone else's 7 - please give her pain relief. They ask what I'd like (presumably because I used to be a pharmacist) - pethidine or Tramadol - I choose Tramadol as I believe it causes less drowsiness. Our surgeon, Stephen Blamey, comes into the room at some point to see how I'm doing. I tell him I feel good (I don't know how convincing I was) and ask how my liver was. Apparently ('cause I can't remember his answer), he answers that the liver was a bit lumpy but he expected that anyway. Now, I have to tell you that I feel like I was totally with it when all this was going on but Lisa assures me I was actually away with the pixies. Lisa hung around the hospital till about 10pm when I still had not woken up properly. Before she leaves, she asks if there's anything I need - she arranges a shot of Phenergan to keep nausea at bay and I say I'd like to get up and pee (which in my mind was also code for - I would also like to get a tampon in and get rid of this blasted sanitary pad!!). Lisa calls the nurse in and the nurse says she'll bring me a pan - I say "Forget that! I don't have to go that bad!! I'll wait." Lisa tells me this was hysterically funny to both her and the nurse but it didn't seem funny to me - again I think I was so out of it, I didn't really know what was going on. Around 2am, a nurse comes in and checks on me and this time I properly wake up. I ask if I can get up and she says "of course". I could have kissed the woman - I was sooo happy. She unhooks me from the pumps on my lower legs that inflate and deflate to prevent clots and lets me go to the bathroom. I am able to pee, have a wash, get rid of those hideous paper undies and the pads and get clean undies and a tampon in. I tell you I never felt more like a new woman than I did at that moment. I went back to bed and started sipping ice and water - I have never enjoyed those things as much as I did at that time. The nurse makes me put the oxygen mask back on before I go back to sleep but the plastic of the mask stinks! Once she's out of the room, I push it off my face. Everytime she comes back into the room - I think she was checking my vitals (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, etc) every 30 minutes - she tells me I must put the oxygen mask on and every time I say " oh sorry must have forgotten to put it back on after I had a drink". In the morning, I wake up to a visit from Mr Blamey who tells me something but I can't for the life of me remember what. Finally, Lisa arrives and I get ready for discharge. On the way out, loulou09 comes over to say hi and see how it went. I can't remember exactly what I said (again - at the time, I thought I was totally lucid but looking back it is all a bit foggy) but I did lie by suggesting to her that I was feeling fine - just a bit sore and uncomfortable (sorry, Lou - you'd find out soon enough how it really felt). I know I looked like I was pregnant - WITH TWINS! Oh I do remember that she might want her hubby to tell suggest to visitors that tonight would not be a good night to visit. I still think that might have been good advice. Finally, got home. First thing was jump on the scales - OMG!! 2kg [5lb] UP (!!). The doctor says it takes 3 houses full of gas to weigh 5lb. So, although I did look I was expecting twins, most of the gain was apparently from fluid retention (they gave me 4 litres of Hartmann's solution in the 12 hours starting from surgery time!!) and inflammation (I have actually dropped below my surgery weight now). After that, checked my e-mails only to find that my business e-mails had not been coming through for the last 24 hours. I had a full-on screaming match with my web domain provider (who let my domain expire despite my having paid the renewal ages ago [oh, sorry, we just found it!!]). After this, I collapsed back into bed. Lisa kept me walking but also drugged up with anti-nausea stuff and analgesics and charcoal (to keep the gas under control). I couldn't get comfortable. Last night I had a good night's sleep - could roll over to any side - ahhh HEAVEN!! I'm still bloated (though I look like I'm only preggers with one baby now) but am feeling loads better. If I continue to improve at this rate, I'll be very happy. I could probably work tomorrow but won't! Last thing to say is that I was a GENIUS to let Lisa have her op done first (i.e., let her be the guinea pig) 'cause we both learned so much from her experience, especially: to stay ahead of the pain by taking pain relievers before you need them; to stay ahead of the nausea by taking Maxolon and Phenergan before it was necessary; to stay ahead of the gas by taking charcoal in between (separated from other meds by at least 2 hours) [so much better than simethicone, which we both found practially useless] keeping hydrated with frequent sips of water moving and walking to help move gas as often as you can bear. Of course, Lisa is a real nurse and was much better equipped to help me than I was her (I feel sorry for her that she had to have an inept ex-pharmacist look after her) and I'm sure I wouldn't be feeling so cheery if it wasn't for her wonderful care (Thanks babe).

Hi everyone, Don't forget the July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters. If you'd like to participate, please go HERE. Yet another updated list (updated: 11am, 29 April 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822@live.com, ALuv82, tulsarealtorgb, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap, mngirl0044 Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb Thu April 30 = kath17268, stephyv, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365 April hopefuls = daqui26, mandilou, mscarly, mommyofone Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Hey BG, Not good to hear of your experience. Will keep everything crossed (even my eyes!) that you are back to 100% very soon.

Maybe a dumb question but - Does anyone know how to distinguish head hunger from real hunger? I can tell that it is head hunger when I know I'm full but I still feel like eating. But how do I tell when I am not full?

Hi there Deb Welcome and congrats on your surgery and weight loss so far. In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Hi there Ellie Congrats on your surgery. Sounds like your recovery has been fast and smooth. I was also banded on the 23rd April and am doing ok (touch wood!). Feeling a lot better now that I can have full fluids (milk, yoghurt, Protein drinks, smoothies, pureed Soups, etc). In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support. Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.

Hi everyone, Don't forget the July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters. If you'd like to participate, please go HERE. Yet another updated list (updated: 12:40pm, 27 April 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui, doxborough Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee, jpmons Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722, TSDawn Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo, elliebc Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822@live.com, ALuv82, tulsarealtorgb, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz, petuniap Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ, MrsMad Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb Thu April 30 = kath17268, stephyv, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365 April hopefuls = daqui26, mandilou, mscarly, mommyofone Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Hi everyone, Don't forget the July 4th challenge for the bunny bandsters. If you'd like to participate, please go HERE. Yet another updated list (updated: 12:40pm, 27 April 2009 [Australian eastern standard time]). Names in bright pink mean that person has checked in after surgery (so they are our 'confirmed banders'). Please let me know: if there are any errors, if there are any changes in dates, anyone missing from the list. Also, once you've had your surgery, please check in with us so we know you're ok. Wed April 1 = mulderfamily4, Sissyh1006, hhjazzyoo1, kaner, knewme, nataliedg8, Mommad, FDBAGPIPER, spirnat31, Swisskaese, Danielle07, Spinner115, misamae, Battjr, bignik, step587, soquili, scout47, Rogue Thu April 2 = smilan, lingling, healthyme2, kerrischafer1, Poodia, lml32927, jonnycotes, russ3, MANOWAR, happykatz, preciousfriend, gw5390, dreamer69 Fri April 3 = super_chili, tish76, vegas girl, watermelon_1, TxMomof4, lich3853, mookp. lulu5040, brookeacomer, hanna61, Tall, kishaadamshall Sat April 4 = GoddessNar, lawandad Sun April 5 = chubbychops Mon April 6 = swishbc, StephOnee, shakia90, Mona40, Crimson Tide, scottyjay, silverstar79, JohnB3465, doodlebug11, cajunmomma, Konda, sgtmtz, PBDove, stace31, mommyofthree, mariadonna84, fengshui Tue April 7 = hopeful41411, mobetter, Trulyleaves, daner1110, kmg365, lindasqd51, marlina, Healthydiva50, susanthomas-pate, opalfire9, Kitten123, jbhinla, Hlysmom, lobo, ecorreia, knighmo, CJB1127, dabrownx2, JudyLynn, jannyboo Wed April 8 = ldeere2005, tstanart, Singer B, BTHIN09, rdoty, HelloSkinny, GitsMardi, MIMA1980, Lapbanded_Paladin, erinshel, DM Chef, BeerSpiritGuide, Dawn1991, CJB1127, amceache, Boy X, stephj, twinmamma1130, arellano8 Thu April 9 = txsandy, NYlady, murphy5, gamassagegirl, hopeful60, nursinem, JWL08, cowboyswife, CelticAngel, LivinWithFaith/KY, BethT1027, mi_illusion_st, LINDAPIERRE@ATT.NET, JoyceEggerth, Gavroche2004, Justdoingit, jacee506, bsivley Fri April 10 = pdburch, JayTee562, jerseygirl518, sdeale0928, vagwada, firefly71, tbryant1216, Kimber7, Boykie, restintx, emjay, monicam, aprilflowers22, FutureSize10, jojo9272007 Sun April 12 = HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!! Mon April 13 = lachdanon, Elayne, babydoll1, 2Legit2Quit, tawandabee, hairnv, memzie, Jeansthings, aris, Taina009, IsabellaP84, pottergirl, swrktp, tinalb, QuilterCat2, CJNorwood, tpoth, colyn92, HIS4EVER, Brand_New_Me, tpoth, dubbee Tue April 14 = Suzdavis, victoria_057, poconomom, carbgrl, tiffalicious81, valjay, trishb13, moonbeam, auntbrat, jukebox81782, butterfly64, paxie, julia19642, lady28, queenann, Trapman, cbergstrom, phattat Wed April 15 = hannahj914, sylver28, MrsMitch, mec267's wife, kimba74, DottieDoo, vcatalina1, Jazzy4Health, sandyswhisper, shanlyn, zetanett, delacruz64, Mbea Thu April 16 = Jenfs5, scoobydoo, rannah12, vayiayia, Allformyson, Abbie-pie, BeefromCalie, contemplating, Sweet68, Stephanie1972, WishUponABand, LDL, loser09, JUSTTIRED, smiley78, myturn2bhappy, Tammy Webb, Jamie05, jjpoody, Cortney6983, beskild, Sugga4fun, maddoggy2665, barchedm, langx3, Tinypup, NewB, Fawkes Fri April 17 = lapbandgirl2009, lulululu, MissChristina, terelbel, Carrie_W, Ingrien, hope4j, WendyII, ISITWORTHIT, pitterpat79, lapband09, remoteportal, Bigdaddyjulian, Wendy OKC, donnaty, Grazia, hally,DaveTownsend Sat April 18 = Sandy T, vickyb123 Sun April 19 = Wanttolose's wife Mon April 20 = sandi1011, Auddie, Carolnphx, 31andnew, txskoolnurse, phlphan, roscoeburke, karakent, indiandiva, Rumbera55, redhead722 Tue April 21 = ThinWithin, bellatrickz, Mand, tcbgirl, california29, Ttime1020, chelle06, Mariposa2009, finaldstination, lovelyolemiss, Vinca, dianesue99, phatgreenbunny Wed April 22 = early, KikstersRT, Babygirl_68, April09Bandster, birdbrainzz, mec267, Lisacacb5, Band_Groupie, dminson, Jackiepurs31, trobison, Bobbie72, funnychik, ladyjp, Nana6, chiffani, sbecker32, B-lo, TerriLynne, Bella5425, pbailey, Godschild, Woobeesmom, verag Thu April 23 = PharmaGirl, Goal150, a-newme, kittygirl, TanyaM, lilith, Losing for me, lapband-AP-redo Fri April 24 = loulou09, hrtgoeson, KMCD, jodimyers, Luckynjun, SHSUSioux, MiMi Teapot, AngieB2009, Oclaura, Tracey Jane, txdj, Dianem Sun April 26 = Wanttolose Mon April 27 = boomski, shellynnrn, Shrinkerbell, smiletracy, asaylor2009, VADarlene, mlat1822@live.com, ALuv82, tulsarealtorgb, jayne02, PUDGY, eak7615, pjop, erikaz Tue April 28 = rcher, MSan914, mccall, Jimbo_WV, atomicblonde, dcgraves56, Kara, jenajjthr, kimme040402, eriden6222, beckyc, doridoodles, SuzieJ Wed April 29 = travelgrl, help1977, gonnabethinagain, CindyJ123, A New Outlook, darthmuller, Juliamb Thu April 30 = kath17268, stephyv, kiposa, fattyfatty2by4, RosieQ, 1980, finallyready@51, cjgibson79, pspmtnac, Brittney365 April hopefuls = daqui26, mandilou, mscarly, mommyofone Honorary Bunny Bandsters: WannaBe1/2TheWoman

Re: Independence Day challenge for Bunny Bandsters :laugh: Bunny Banster's July 4th Challenge Bunny's name ------ Bunny's target loss --- Bunny's start weight --- Current date --- Bunny's Current weight --- Bunny's target July 4 weight PharmaGirl ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? NY Lady -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May ----------------------? ------------------------- ? Lingling--------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JayTee---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? MrsMitch -------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? ALuv82---------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Band_Groupie -------------- 15lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Kaner ----------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Scoobydoo ------------------ 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? TerriLynne ------------------ 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hopeful41411 --------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? IsabellaP84 ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Hannah Jay ----------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? JWL08 ---------------------- 18lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Abbie-pie -------------------- 30lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Poconomom ------------------20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? myturn2Bhappy -------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? DMChef ---------------------- 20lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? FutureSize10 ---------------- 25lb --------------------- ? -------------------- 1 May --------------------- ? -------------------------- ? Doodlebug11------------------20lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? tcbgirl -----------------------15lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? twinmamma1130---------- --20lb----------------------?----------------------1 May----------------------?----------------------------? mi_illusion_st ---------------15lb----------------------? -------------------- 1 May----------------------?---------------------------? Babygirl_68 -----------------20lb----------------------? -------------------- 1 May----------------------?---------------------------?

(Please note that posting date is stuffed up because I didn't know how to turn a draft post into a final post until today!!. This was actually started on the 17th April and finished on the 18th April 2009). Most people posting appear to have had a pretty good recovery after surgery but it has not been such a fun ride for Lisa, my partner, who was banded on the 9th April. She did ok for the first day or two (and only nights were difficult) but then she started experiencing extreme bloating and had not been able to keep anything (not even water) down for two days from the nausea and heaving. She had been trying everything (simethicone preparation, walking, massage, yoga positions, etc, etc) to help but nothing made much difference. She really had gotten into a very bad cycle where the gas leads to nausea, the nausea leads to retching, the retching means she can't keep fluids down, she hyperventilates to try to avoid retching but this means she swallows more air, she gets dehydrated and tired, which means she is not walking so much, so the gas is not escaping, so she ends up with more gas pain ... We saw her surgeon on Friday who checked everything out and reassured her that everything is ok with the band and that the gas problem would eventually pass (when pressed for how long - he replied it varied across people). Lisa is apparently an "air-swallower" (evidenced by the fact that she did a lot of burping before the procedure). It is harder to burp once the band is in and it is this that is causing her extreme discomfort. Our surgeon (who is wonderful) gave her a Maxolon shot. Our surgeon has a recovery room at his rooms so we sat in there until the shot took effect and Lisa was able to swallow sips of water. In the afternoon, as well as keeping water and fluids (electrolyte fluids) down again, she took some Phenergan and more Maxolon (in tablet form) plus some charcoal tablets. On Friday arvo she was finally sleeping (after little to no sleep for 2 nights) while I had everything crossed (even my eyes!) that she'd be feeling better after a sleep. That night Lisa had her first night without heaving and it was heaven (for both of us!). Yesterday she was back to nutritious fluids (soups, protein drinks, etc) and back to walking, so by last night she was feeling her old self. So all is good here again. The moral of the story - if you are heaving, get a Maxolon shot (or something similar) quickly - don't let yourself get into the vicious cycle Lisa found herself in. I had been having major second thoughts. I'm due to have my banding done on the 23rd. Now we have some Maxolon shots at home that Lisa can administer (she's a retired nurse) if I get chucky (which doesn't usually take much). So, all in all, I'm feeling better about surgery on Thursday To all those who posted to wish Lisa well - a very big thank-you.