sandiegokate

Hi There! For me it has always been when I was "mindless" while eating. I took too big of a bite, didn't chew well and WHAM I know it when it goes (or doesn't go) down. Saliva starts filling my mouth and you have such an overwhelming feeling to burp. For me, to the point that I don't care who hears it! :thumbup: I think that it is part of the learning curve with the band. You have to learn how to eat SLOWLY and chew really really well. If I don't I get slapped by the band! I am very happy with my decision to do it though, it has been 3 months and I have lost 38lbs. I even thought I had a bad month this past month where I was working a lot, not working out, taking care of my mom who had surgery and I found out I lost 7lbs! I always make sure to get my Protein, and I think it helps that I am not that hungry so I don't choose bad things. Best of luck to you!!

I have made up several different playlists over time. 1) 70's hits which includes the BeeGees and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and lots of one hit wonders. I also have hip versions of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' and others that I found on iTunes that are great. 2) 80's/90's alternative to include B-52's Love Shack, English Beat, Oingo Boingo.. my college days! 3) New Stuff that I get from iTunes or other places that changes, I go to their list of top hits and go from there.. usually my favorites at the time are there... right now I really like Black Eyed Peas "I gotta feelin".. it is the perfect beat! Lady Gaga and Shakira too! Coming up is my holiday favorites. I downloaded all the fun Christmas tunes old and new... I wish that the iPod had a radio on it though.. that is why I tend to like my Sony Walkman better (I have both as well as a radio/mp3 that is waterproof that I can use in a pool).. it is an mp3 player AND a radio and Video.. I can use it at the gym to watch tv through the fm stations, listen to radio, or use it as an mp3. I highly recommend it!!!!!

I had surgery on a Wednesday and took off the rest of that week and all of the following week I basically worked from home. I felt pretty good by the 2nd week and probably could have gone into work but I am glad I didn't. It was more comfortable to be at home and be able to rest. Take care of your body... it is an adjustment!

When I was in the mushy stage I made some rutabaga (looks like a turnip but purple/yellow. I cooked it until it was soft, added some butter and salt/pepper and mashed. It is a taste that you either love or hate.. atleast in my family! I happen to love it. Also, Jello salads are a good one... something with cottage cheese/fruit/jello would be good. If I were you I would be the "help" before/during/after the meal that way you won't be stuck at the table feeling like you should be eating and you can't. You will do great!!!!:wink2:

I am sure that their hearts are in the right place, which is what matters. It is a very nice gesture. If it were me, I would send a thank you card to the office thanking them for their kind generosity and how much you appreciate it... THEN, take the food delivery to a nursing home or someplace like that where I am sure it will be much appreciated. :thumbup:

I spoke to my doctor about infrequent use of Motrin for menstrual pain and/or pain at my last visit. He told me that they (doctors) believe that the new bands (lapband AP) are better and not as affected by NSAID use, but as of yet the data is not there to support it so he can't say it is ok to do. He said that if I do take it to take a Pepcid along with it. He said a couple of times a month max would be ok if I had to. I asked him if I would be better off taking liquid or gel tabs and he said that it wouldn't matter it is about what happens once the NSAID is in the bloodstream, which surprised me. Anyway.. that is what my doctor said! So, I am not planning on taking it, but if I need to once a month or so, I will. I'm curious about what the new data will say though... I guess the newer bands are better, makes me wonder what else would be better too? :drool:

Sorry to hear that you are feeling sabotaged. I can imagine it would be difficult to be in a situation where you can't control what is around you. I live alone, but for the last week or so my mom has been with me... it has definitely affected my eating and what is around and I have to do something about it for the next week or two that she will still be with me. I have thought to myself often how hard it must be for those who have families/partners/spouses/roommates, etc. around with food that is "contraband" all the time. Rather than blaming the person, which will put probably most people into defense mode, maybe you can change the location of where the food is kept? shoot.. even put a lock on a cupboard or something. Just as someone has the right to eat it you have the right to not be exposed to it. Somewhat like smoking when I think about it. To us, food is like nicotene to a smoker. Maybe brainstorming with your partner you can try to solve the problem "together" so that your relationship isn't strained but you both work together to find a solution. Just my two cents.. Best of luck!!!!

I've said hernia repair. :scared2: Which it is partly true because the doctor fixed a hiatal hernia and removed some scar tissue from my gall bladder surgery (another story you could use) at the same time he "installed" my lapband. Good luck... most people don't look that closely anyway...

I can't remember what generation mine is.. not the "real new one", but one of the colored little nano's, maybe its 3rd generation.. I bought the arm band and it doesn't fit on my upper arm. I have used it on my lower arm though. I would suggest a neoprene clip to hook on your pants, that is what I prefer over armbands whether they fit or not. As for calibrating nike +.. I just followed the directions and it set itself up.. very easy. Can't even remember now, I bought it close to two years ago now I guess. Don't use it as much as I should though.. either I use my Sony Walkman because it has a radio and mp3 (I like radio), or at the gym watch tv (again using the Sony or another for the fm reception). I need new Nike+ shoes.. seems everywhere I check is out of what I want, the Lunarglide+ in white/turqoise, even Nike.com and zappos. They have the other colors in my size, but I want the white/turqoise!! Oh well.....

I have been very happy with danskin.com They have a plus size section. I've also found some nice things at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and Ross, but it is hit or miss.... like they are.

Hi Fellow August Bandsters!! How is everyone doing? I just had my 2nd fill this past Thursday, feel more restriction than I did after my first, so far anyway. I am now at 5cc's in a 10cc band and I think I may not be yet at my sweet spot based on what I've read about others. How is everyone else doing with their fills? Anyone feel like they are possibly at that elusive sweet spot yet? Take care everyone!!:blushing:

Total of 5.5cc's here, my dates and fills are in my signature. I am definitely restricted now compared to my first fill. Is it the sweet spot? Time will tell.. it has been one week and I still have a lot of restriction. I need to work on "the other things" that will make weight loss happen though, exercise, more Water, etc. I have had a tough last couple of weeks with work and taking care of an ailing mom so I haven't had time for me... soon though, soon! I'm looking into personal training... might suck it up and do it!

Bitch slap is a perfect analogy for not doing the right thing with the band and getting stuck!!! I keep saying I am having a "user error", either I eat too fast or don't chew enough and I get that pain and have to throw it up. I am learning though.... :-)

I took phentermine for quite a while and when I first started taking it I did lose weight, but I had to take more and more to get the same effect over time. It was not good for me... not healthy at all...eventually I gained all the weight back and more. I also tried Meridia with not much luck.. and a host of other things over the years, always gaining the weight back and more. Knowing what I know now, and knowing that the band is available I would definitely forego drugs for the band. The band wasn't available when I did the phentermine gig 14+ years ago. I wish it was and feel so happy for those who are younger and can do the band now instead of going through what I have in my life... just my two cents!!

I noticed an NSV today... I don't meet with my boss very often, it has been a couple of months since I have been up to his office (where the nice furniture is!). I remember when I first sat in his office chairs and I was sorta "wedged" into the chair. Today I sat in the chair and there was no "wedging", I just sat in the chair. It felt so good as I knew I looked "wedged" into it before. This is all so exciting, I can hardly believe it sometimes!! I love my band, and it has only been two months...

Wow.. you are doing AWESOME!!!!!!! :w00t: Congratulations!!!!

Seckert, Sounds like you are eating about what I am eating. I had some pizza tonight and definitely couldn't eat much. I had chili at lunch and half an english muffin and light yogurt for Breakfast. I too am struggling with the Water. I need to put a reminder on my phone or calendar at work that says "drink up"!! So glad we're all doing so well.. what a difference a couple of months makes, huh?

I like mashed yams with a little brown sugar or splenda and cinnamon.. mmmm!!!

Benadryl makes strips that melt in your mouth, I guess they make liquid too. The anti-histimine might help along with the hot liquids other suggest. unjury makes a chicken Protein soup/drink.. might be a good one for you!

Woohoo!!! Congratulations!!! :wink2: How many cc's are you at? I just had a fill last week and still feel restriction.. I'm wondering if I am there... I might be "for now" atleast. Only time will tell. Best of luck to you!! It has been slow in here lately, everyone leading their busy lives I guess... I'm so anxious to hear how everyone is doing!!

The first week or so after a fill it may be a little tough to get everything down. I am experiencing exactly what you describe right now. I hope I am at my sweet spot but from what I gather it might be just the first week after the fill. I have 5cc's right now. Time will tell!! Sounds like the weight is going in the right direction for you though!! Slow is ok as long as it keeps moving downward over time.... Congratulations!!!!:wink2:

Hi! New Balance never have fit me right for some reason. I know that so many people swear by them. For me Nike fit the best, Puma also. I read that running shoes are the best to get for all over exercise because they have a lot of cushioning. I think especially if you are overweight that is important. I am actually trying to find a pair of Nike right now. I want the LunarGlide in white/turqoise, and everyone seems to be out of it in my size, even Nike.com. I'll check a few more stores... someone has to have it!! Otherwise I might get one of the Shox series. I think my current shoes are wearing down. They say to replace them every 6 months or so, I am LONG overdue! I have others but love my Nike's!!

12lbs in 3 weeks is awesome and exceeds the expectations of the band!!! Don't get frustrated, in the next few weeks before your first fill you may not lose anything and possibly will gain a few lbs as you transition to real food. This time is for healing... it will take a couple of months atleast before you get to a sweet spot and start losing regularly. Just follow the rules, stay hydrated and eat enough food... it will come!! Best of luck to you!!

Hang in there everyone!!!!:blushing: I remember 10 days was definitely a turning point for me. The first couple of days were tough, getting out of bed, getting up off a couch, etc. Holding a pillow to my stomach definitely helped. I found I could lay on my side with a pillow to support me also after a couple of days. Soon it will be only a memory... if that! Two months out I am feeling fine, once in a while a tingle by the port but that only makes me smile now as it reminds me how happy I am that I got my band. Still a LONG way to go for me, but the weight is moving in the right direction!!:laugh:

Something that really helped me was Egg Drop Soup... I went to my favorite Chinese restaurant and got a big "togo" container. I added a little chicken broth too it to extend it. It really helped me for some reason. My doc said my liver was "great" when I had my surgery... so, it definitely didn't do any wrong! You will make it through.. I am now two months post op, had my 2nd fill on Thursday and couldn't be happier!!:blushing: The pre-op diet is the hardest part... hang in there!!!