VABandster

Steph...wish I had some secret strategy to getting over the cold, but I'm still fighting mine 2 weeks into it! i've tried Zinc, Vitamins, sleep, green tea, and NyQuil (that is great for nighttime btw).....but it is just being stubborn and doesn't want to go away quickly....GRRRr...VERY Frustrating!! So I feel your pain and hope yours disappears more quickly than mine!! I hope the friends you told at the wrestling tourney were supportive!! My sons wrestling season is over (thank God!)...and he is getting ready to have flat foot surgery on Friday so he's going to be in a case for the next 6 weeks (fun fun fun!) kaydot...GOOD LUCK ON your Exam!!!! Can't wait to see you back here as a regular!! BK...seems like sickness is going around!! Hope you feel better soon too!!!

Thanks Steph!!! And Congrats to you too on getting an appt. for your 2nd fill tomorrow!!! Let us know how it goes! hopefully you'll get to your sweet spot like I did!! I don't know if BMan bought an elliptical, that may be me that you're thinking about. I bought one 2 weeks ago and have been sick w/a cold ever since!! But it HAS to go away soon so that's why I'm adding in exercise to my March Goal. Maurdan...glad to hear about your coworkers compliment!!! That must have felt nice! I am down 35 pounds and have yet to have anyone but my sister and best friend tell me that they notice anything :-( Kinda frustrating but oh well!! I notice, and am going to have my friend take some in progress pics next week.

VERY WELL PUT MARK!!! I agree w/all of that!! Not to mention Dr. K is a very caring doctor and really just wants what's best for you...He's a GREAT guy in addition to being an experienced Dr!

No, Dr. K covers everything in his price, including 3 months of follow up and fills!! AFter the 3 mos, fills are $15. As for how often you have to get a fill....it varys from person to person. Some people need one a month, other people don't need any or only one or two every couple of months! It just depends on how your body reacts to your fills.

Yes, the surgical center is across the street from The complex where Dr. Ks office is, as is a major hospital so if something goes wrong, you're right there if you need urgent medical care the surgical center can't handle. I chose Dr. K for a few reasons 1) Price...he charges the same as what it'd cost to go to Mexico, but I was able to stay in the US and stay w/my sister for recovery as she lives only 1/2 hr. from Dr.Ks office and c) Didn't have to jump through a ton of hoops. Did the nutritional consult, met w/Dr. K and was ready to go. As I had done over a years worth of researching, I knew what to expect and everything went so smoothly! I have been back now for 2 fills and my 2nd one was just a week ago, but I think I got to my sweet spot!! So I am one happy camper!! If it stays like this and I don't need another fill for a few months, I'll probably go back to CO for my next one.

Steph...sorry to hear you're in Bandster Hell at the moment. I hope the Doc can get you in and give you a good 2nd fill!! I am a week out from mine and lost 5 pounds this week!!! So my fill is definitely working and I just hope it lasts for a while! My favorite shows: AI, Survivor, Greys Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Brothers and Sisters, Extreme Home Makeover....yup, I'm a total couch potato too!

Guess we're all getting into our routine and people have less questions than right after we had our surgery! Ok....I have a question about Tilapia! I cooked it for dinner the other night (YUMMY btw)....but obviously couldn't finish it all b/c my 2nd fill is working so great! So...anyone know how long it keeps before you need to throw it out?? I hate to waste good fish, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to cause i just can't eat it all!

Hey Ladies!! Just want to say...that with 1 DAY TO GO in the month of FEBURARY....I MADE MY GOAL of losing 10 pounds this month!!!:banana So I"m going to make a new goal for March of 10 pounds PLUS 15 days of exercise on my elliptical!! I need to start getting into that exercise routine...you all are doing so much better at that than me! So how did you all do for your FEB GOALS??? Nat...what'd the man do to piss you off?? I would think that since he's a pastor, he'd know how to keep a secret if you told him something in confidence, even if you don't stay together Jill...wow....3rd fill already!?? I'm still sitting on my 2nd...its been a week and its still working great!!! I'm hoping I don't have to have my 3rd fill for a while! Nikki....yes, slow eating is the hardest habit to form I think! We come from a culture of 'hurry up and go'...that to slow down just seems so inconvenient and hard!! But I'm sure if you slow it down you'll find you have good restriction! Kaydot...glad to hear you had a good weekend! Thanks for checkin in and letting us know what you're up to! Ok, I gotta get back to work, talk to you all later!

Nat...I think you should be honest w/your friend. He seems like the kind of guy that would totally be supportive of you and I think if there is a future w/him you HAVE to be honest about it now. If he can't handle it, or weirds out about it, then you know he's not the guy for you.

BMAn.....sorry you're still feeling so down.. If you want someone to talk to, feel free to PM me. I've dealt w/depression myself before, and still do I think, so I know what a struggle it can be. NAt...Wow...so would you say you're in LOVE?? I'm so happy for you!! That is awesome that you could fit into the 14/16s!!! I can't WAIT To see that number on my clothes! My 22s are starting to get a little loose, but I refuse to buy anything in a 20, and am just going to wait until I can skip right onto the 18s! lol

Steph, I didn't watch the oscars but Tivo'd it b/c I want to see how Ellen did as host (I love her!). I was busy catching up on American Idol w/my kids Why don't you go for a 2nd fill?? It will help that scale to move again! BooBoo..you're right, 1200 shouldn't freak me out LOL, its just that I FELT like I was eating like a cow! Nat...hope you're enjoying the sun! We got 4 inches of snow yesterday..ugh...i'm sooo ready for spring!

That is more a question for the locals, but I'm sure there is a mall and movie theater not too far!

We're getting the snow here today too!!! I've already been out to shovel once b/c its wet and heavy and I don't want to wait til it's too heavy to move! So I think shoveling will replace my elliptical today! I Slept for 10 hrs last night after going to a winery and game night yesterday w/some social groups I belong to! It was a fun day, but I was exhausted!! AND...i Ate waaay too much yesterday!! I felt like I snacked all day although I really wasn't hungry. UGH...the scale showed it this AM too....but today I'll be back on track! I still don't think i ate more than 12-1300 calories, but for me, that's a lot these days! Anyways, hope you're all doing good, NAT...hope you survivie the last few days of your vacation so you can get home to the Man and that comfy bed! :eek: Talk to ya all later!

CHULA, no problem! You came to the right place to answer questions! For the gas....there are gasX strips that will melt on your tonuge, I recommend getting some of those to chow on. Keep in mind you can take up to 4 strips at a time (more than what the package says). That helped me a lot! As for the pain, the pain medicine Dr. K will prescribe will be in a liquid form so you won't have to worry about swallowing pills. My pain wasn't unbearable, so I only took the med at night to help me sleep b/c I was previously a stomach sleeper. Instructions for the day before were just don't eat or drink after midnight (I think)...other than that, no big restrictions for things you could/couldn't do. Any more questions, feel free to ask!! Thats what we're all here for.

I had my surgery on a Friday and flew home on Sunday and went back to work on Monday. I was still a bit sore but it wasn't that big of a deal since I have a desk job too.

867....since you are self pay, you will not need to see the (insurance required) therapist or nutritionist. If you want to set up a meeting w/the nutritionist while you're in CO, you certainly can, but she is also available by phone and email, so you don't necessarily need to meet w/her in person. CHULA...WELCOME and CONGRATS on scheduling your surgery!!! I would say after about 4 days I was up and about....there was still some soreness for about 2 weeks, but nothing that I couldn't get through (w/out pain meds). Not sure if that helps you in your planning, but you've come to the right place to ask questions!

Kaydot....thanks for checkin in!! Hope your weekend is fun! Let s know when you get back on track! Boo....you still there?? Hope you didn't get in too much trouble w/the courts! Sassy.....you are amazing! I can't NOT step on the scale at least once a day!! Good for you for not bothering to check! I wish I had that will power! BMAN...hehehe.....So BUSTED! BK.....good for you for working out!! Steph...you inspired me to get on my elliptical last night! NAT...hope you're having a blast in FL!!! We're supposed to get another ice storm here this weekend :-( UGh!! I worked out last night too on my elliptical for 20 min, even though I still have my cold....but am glad I got through it!! My scale is down 3 pounds this week since I had my fill!! I can't believe it!! I'm so excited!

Ditto what Mark said!! Although I didn't meet the Dr. until the day before my surgery, I had my "consult" w/him by phone and same for the nutritionist. But It couldn't have worked out any better!! Good luck!

Skye....keep in mind you ARE In CO....so the elevation is way different than you're used to!! Plus, you may feel like you're out of breath b/c of the anesthesia....thats why they tell you to try and take as deep of breaths as you can after surgery so you can make sure you regain your full lung function.

Skye....I don't remember being too tired....but I was definitely sore around the port area! But everyones reaction to anesthesia is different, so it could be that...or, if you're taking the pain meds he prescribed, that could be why you're so tired! (I only took mine at night so i could sleep!). For Protein, I used a protein powder mixed in Water.....and that helped not feel hunger I think! Mark....I hear you on the "social" struggle. I have not told many people about my surgery so when I am invited to happy hours or other meals, I either just don't eat much and people for the most part don't seem to notice b/c they're too busy socializing, or I will say "i'm trying to cut down on carbs" or "I'm on a diet"....i figure that is all they need to know! Good luck kicking that crack habit!

Skye....so glad you found the hotel ok and that your surgery went off w/out a hitch!! Hope your trip home is uneventful!! Sesha....Congrats on the weightloss!! I have also dropped a bit since getting my 2nd fill and am still feeling like I may actually be at my Sweet Spot, although hoping it will last longer than a week or two!!!

BMAn....Wow...you put us all to shame w/your exercise!!! You must be on one of those runners highs!! Way to go Girl!!! STEPH....I'm with you on the exercise thing!!! I really want to get started on my elliptical, but i'm still fighting this cold, and using it as my excuse I guess.....I should just exercise sick or no sick! We can do it!!! Did you get on the treadmill?? Claud....glad you're feeling better!! Where are you going on your trip?? My scale is Moving since my last fill!!! Woo hoo!!! Says I'm down a few more pounds....I'm so thrilled!!! Still hoping it lasts for more than a week or two!

Claud.....so sorry to hear about your (now ex) best friend!! But you know that if she can't be supportive of your success she's not a true friend. Hang in there!! You've got good friends here that are rooting for you!!! As for flying....I flew 2 days after my surgery and have flown a day after my first two fills (actually a matter of hours after this 2nd one!)....and I can tell you that I had NO PROBLEMS whatsoever!! I don't think the plane made me any tighter than I was on the ground So don't worry about it!! Steph...congrats on finishing your taxes! :Banane43: Woo hoo! hope you're getting a big refund!! BK...glad to hear you're going to take some more "ME" time for yourself to figure things out! BMan...that is awesome that someone at work finally noticed your weightloss! I've had a lot of people tell me I look "happier" or more "peaceful"...not sure if that means they can see a difference in my weight or if I really am just coming across as more happy now that I AM actually losing!?? Oh well....guess it doesn't matter, right? So Ladies...At this Very Moment, I think I have hit my Sweet Spot!!! :whoo: I now know what it feels like!! Today I had a fruit smoothie for Breakfast, and after 4 hrs felt my tummy rumble, so I heated up some oatmeal....could only eat 1/2 of it and was too full to finish! 5 hours later I arrived home from work and cooked up some Tilapia Filets and ate 1/2 of one with about 2 bites of ice cream (I know, I know....but I still have a sore throat!!), but I think I'm done for the night and i feel completely satisfied!! Its amazing!! I am a little bit concerned that if it continues exactly like this I may not get ENOUGH calories (I think I'm MAYBE at 500 for the day!)....that's another reason for the ice cream LOL But.....for right now, it's BLISS!!! Seriously...I wish you all Your Sweet Spot!!! now....I just need to see the scale moving and you won't be able to get me off my cloud!! :bounce: Anyways, just had to share!! You all know how frustrated I was getting and now I just can't believe I may actually have gotten to my sweet spot on the 2nd try! Hope you all have a GREAT night!

Marjon...wow....I'm surprised you still have such restriction, but hey, lucky you you don't have to worry about a fill right now!! Although definitely be careful about all the PBing....I've heard that that can lead to slips, and we don't want that!! But glad to hear you're doing well overall!! As long as the scales keep movin right?? Drews.....I got another 1.6 for a total of 3.25 in my band. It was still hard for me to tell if I had restriction by just drinking the Water, but I think (hope) I got it just right this time!!

Yep.....1st Try!