GoingforGoal

Hello, Congrats on partaking in such a challenging event and best of luck to you. As for muscle build up, it all comes down to Protein and far more than your average daily intake. Some suggestions: 1) Alternate core muscle groups when you do circuit weight training. This gives sufficient resting time for each muscle group to rebuild. For example: arms, pecs and upper back on Mon, legs and abs on tues, lower back and accessory muscles on wed etc. 2) liquid Protein is the most easiest/quickest absorbed protein and is necessary within less than 40 minutes after a workout to optimize muscle recovery. This is when Protein shakes come in handy and an excellent source of additional protein without feeling like you have to eat continuously. 3) Take a day to consult a trainer for them to a) detail how many grams of protein you should be taking in daily for your height/weight and fitness goals to achieve your goals and to outline a good circuit program, specifically when it comes to upper arm/shoulder strengthening. Hope this helps

OK ladies...this one is for you So you may consider cosmetic surgery after losing weight at some point and breast augmentation tops the list typically. I am postop day 12 and had a tummy tuck, arm lift, breast lift and augmentation. Everything is going swell. However, I just can't get over these implants. I had SOME awareness that implants (especially very large ones) rest high on the chest and slowly drop underneath the muscle into their proper and intended positions over time. What I did not realize is that it would take months for this to happen and can take up to a year for them to reach their final destination and look. Naturally, the larger the implant, the tightness/build of your pec muscles and whether this is your first ba effects the rate of drop and fluff. However, I feel like I have a set of torpedos opposed to breasts and it has thrown me off guard. Day one my implants were literally at clavicular level and very square shaped. Day 12 I'd say they have dropped to rib 2 and have a slightly more rounded top. From the front they appear ok but the side is just too much ahhhaha. Once my 'friends' get to normal position, I will send pics to show the HUGE shift from day 1 to month 1 or even 2 to give you a better idea. I just wanted to give any ladies getting ba's a heads up. We focus so much on the preop phase and anxiety of the surgery itself we fail to brace ourselves for the postop phase (nix recovery).

Turkey Chili, Cottage cheese, Greek Yogurt w/ fruit, Canned Turkey w/ mayo, Laughing Cow Cheese spread on a rice cake, Turkey bacon or turkey dogs, meatballs (which I don't mind eating w/ variety of sauces like bbq or tomato for added flavor), sandwich meats and bonne belle cheeses, and egg salad are the common staples go-tos in my house. Protein shake and/or bar for emergency backup when going out, but I also have a list of restaurants I have preselected low cal and high protein meals at and can eat at guilt free.

Not sure if you are an RN or not, but if you are, you know how it is... one day slow and next day you can't catch your breath. I took 2 weeks off after my surgery and made my manager aware that I would kindly request 2 weeks of low acuity patients. The reason being is that not only are you healing physically, but as you transition from liquids to solids you are taking in very little calories that get burned up quick on a 12 hr shift. Definitely make Protein a priority and bring shakes with you to keep your energy up. Also, sit down as much as you can. Forget nurses bladder, go to the rest room frequently (another excuse to sit down hahaha) and drink alot of Water which is another thing we overlook when we get busy. Hope this helps

Doesn't sound like you are stuck, sounds like you irritated the stoma. Be careful because it's a slippery slope. Irritation turns to inflammation turns to occlusion. Best to go to liquids for 1-2 days until that pain subsides to not further agitate the stoma. If at any time you cannot get any fluids or solids to pass, you will need a temporary unfill until the swelling subsides.

Will all our pictures and friends list carry over? When this finally launches, how do we sign in? Same screen name/password or? I didn't see anything about the live chat option? Is that still available????

First, congrats on a successful surgery and wishing you a speedy recovery. Can't wait to see the pics (tapping Alex on the shoulder....cough cough) I did want to share my experience so others considering Cosm. Surgery can get other opinions/experiences. I had a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift and Augmentation and Arm Lift on October 8th. I don't know if it's because I had 3 previous 3 C-Sections or what, but the pain was nowhere I was expecting. First couple days I needed help with most things like getting up from the couch (aka bed), cooking, and of course household chores like laundry etc. But the pain in general was manageable. Everyone from the get go said the tatas and arms would be nothing compared to the TT pain and I disagree, the arms have been the most uncomfortable but even they are manageable. By day 3 I was more mobile and was starting to get around with less assistance. By Day 7 I was wearing normal clothes and only needing assistance putting on my sports bra because my arms have limited range of motion, but I was getting out of the house for 3 hours or less. Walking for long periods was the most stressful, not because of pain but ab muscles felt tight/fatigued. By week 2 I was flying alone back to Canada, wearing regular clothes and I was able to get my own sports bra on, do my own cooking etc. I am now 2 days shy of one month and the only thing I don't do is heavy lifting (think picking up kids, picking up laundry baskets or heavy food items like milks and dog food). Now there is sensitivity and will be for many more months as the incisions continue to heal. My arms are uber sensitive and I think it's because you always use your arms, therefore they don't catch a break, even while sleeping because pressure is being put on them. As for the band, I did not get any fluid taken out and have had zero complications. I too transitioned with liquids to solids over 3 days to rehydrate and get my band readied. But I am SO grateful I did NOT get any taken out. Pain tolerance, healing, acclimation/adjustment and coping ability is highly individualized so there's alot of variance in what we experience and what we can tolerate. I won't post any opinions or recommendations. Just sharing my experience as an example of how things can go a different way

It's not getting the band, it's getting the fills that makes the magic happen. Need to keep the self will and control until you get yourself to green. Good luck

Beans, tofu, yogurt and even soft spread cheese are good Protein mushies Protein shakes are definitely a good filler, some are as high as 30g protein per serving and will fill you right up

Sweetie, I think you got this backwards. We are talking about people who post questions and get straight responses and become emotional/sensitive about it.

Hello and welcome. Just want to clarify, is your surgery in 2014 or 2013? because it sounds like you are getting ready for it very soon Also, FYI..this site is being updated so there are alot of kinks being worked out. You will not have access to blogs, pics, or live chat. So hang on tight until the administrators get us back up and running. Until than, peruse the forums for research questions and to engage the community. Good luck in your journey

^5 Keep the energy and optimism up. Not only will the band help you with losing the rest of the weight, but the real gift is when it makes maintenance a cinch. Good luck on your journey

Depends on food. Example, mash potatoes are prepared heated. Whereas beans would be mashed up than heated to consistent temperature. Sometimes the mashing part can be tedious to to warm afterwards seems ideal. But there's no rule, just whatever works

Absolutely. First, your doctor will ask you a slew of questions to gauge if you need a fill. They too will encourage you to avoid a fill if indeed it's unnecessary. My real advice is to collaborate with your doctor. They can't force the fill. Do you need a fill? YES, if: a) you are not losing weight at a sensible rate you are not satiated for more than 3-4 hrs minimum after meals c) you are able to eat larger volumes (1 cup maximum) than you were instructed to eat d) you are not experiencing any negative symptoms like occlusion, GERD, or inability to pass liquids or well chewed food (meaning, if you answered yes to the previous q's but this one is a resounding no it is a factor in whether a fill/unfill is needed, modifcation in foods or perhaps medications are warranted) I have always been a fan to go as slow as you can when it comes to fills. There is no target volume, just the sense of the "GREEN ZONE". So as long as you are green, stay put. Those who move to aggressively have a tendency to over do it and overshoot the green or experience more complications. The longer the stoma can adapt to the new extrinsic pressure placed on it, the better. Good luck

I agree with parts of your post but not the part of not telling people what to do, what is right or wrong. Naturally, I am not talking about being a dictator, but rather, sharing information or educating person's to help them improve their health. I agree there are far too many newbies doling out advice. My particular favorites are when people start their comments as "I really don't know, but..." or "I heard" or " My guess is..but I'm no expert". Clearly people want to participate in the discussion and be supportive, and I appreciate that, however, I have also had to correct people because their input was incorrect. More importantly I share information based on medically based evidence or the primary education we received from our surgeons/support staff. There are some topics that are universal. There's not too many ways around it. For example, choosing food for nutritional content. Making Protein a primary focus. All to avoid malnutrition. Like it or not, if you post a question that opposes this concept, your'e likely to get a universal WRONG!!! as a response and people will share their rationales. Some founded, some not. But sharing this information is a form of education. And there is always room for education. You can do what you want, make your own choices. But to contemplate someone's answer and discern if it's a better way or to identify a topic you were previously unaware of and can now act on it to enhance your health and achieve your goals than no harm no foul. Actually all gain if indeed it's relevant and helps you. That is what these forums are all about. I have an inclination you are referring to people who are adamant about their approaches and protest when people practice alternative approaches. In which case I agree. I think when people do this it's because they have adopted hard rules and don't want the confusion of alternative approaches. I also think their regurgitation of the rules and info they operate by helps them reinforce in their minds what they should be doing. But everyone needs to be aware that our docs give us different guidelines and rules, and in the long run our own experiences and supplemental education will add to or modify our practices. Additionally, the info we receive from our docs is very limiting and is hardly an 'education'. For example, to be told to intake 60-90g protein daily does NOT educate you on why, or how the body utilizes protein, or give you any true education on nutrition. This is where LISTENING helps people gain a true awareness of they why's and not just what and how's. (laughing) I do wish that when people post they put how long they've been banded. Fair or not, I would struggle taking advice from anyone with minimal life experience w/ the band. I always warn people to focus on WHO is giving the advice just as much as the advice being given.

laughing This is such a cyclic post..comes up frequently because emotions rise and fall frequently here. I think it's important to remember 2 things: 1) Just because we share a common interest (the band) does not mean we engage life and people the same. Some of us are realists and find it far more supportive to speak about truths and get honest feedback opposed to hand holding which won't get you to reflect on your behaviors/attitudes. 2) You cannot ask a public forum for feedback and expect anything other than what you get. Take it, leave it..whatever. But this site is here for support and support can sometimes come be in the form of tough love. Rationale: because there are dire consequences to your band and your health if you do not change your behavior/attitude. Your issue is risky and people are going to emphasize it. There's no way to get around it, you need a wakeup call. Gowalking, you are absolutely right. Misery likes company and people DO seek comfort when they know they've done wrong. But it is absolutely the wrong thing to do in certain situations to undermine the real risk they are putting themselves into right. I just wish people understand the difference. One post someone can have a hard time or feel defeated, which lends to us being empathetic and giving them some moral support. But than there's the other person who comes in and says they've done everything short of pulling our their band with their bare hands to compromise themselves and they will get zero empathy, it's not justified or warranted. What aggravates me the most is when people want to call you out as if you are the big bad wolf because you are pointed in one post, but fail to recognize how supportive/educative you really are overall. Best thing to do, on both sides, stay emotionally distant (smirk) and don't take it personal

Wow. I'd love a review after you have it. Never heard of it before..whyyyyy? lol

Hi Beach, When you get closer to GREEN, smaller volumes can have a drastic effect on the band than you are originally accustomed to. You can overshoot green by 0.1cc intervals when you get to the tweak stage. So say you get a smidge overfilled and combine that with one oopsie moment, or perhaps you are just dehydrated, and than you start having symptoms of being too tight. Unfortunately once inflammation starts, it only gets worse. Therefore unfills are necessary to rest the band/stoma. Docs typically take out a liberal amount to help with your recovery, but will be less assertive when refilling you to fine tune your band back to green.

Too late (snicker) Unfortunately with 3 kiddos, throw away is not an option. They'd literally hang me by my toes. However, I believe in moderation and allow myself 1-2 pieces..and fortunately that curtails any sweet tooth cravings

Happy Bandversary Mine is right around the corner to. Any suggestions on how to live the day up

Congratulations on all your successes. You look amazing

After 18 months of postponement due to a pregnancy and than a MVA injury, I decided enough time elapsed and I needed to get back on the bandwagon- literally. I was 195 lbs in January '13 and am now 148 post cosmetic surgery and find myself maintaining with ease. The first things I did in January, was rejoin LBT. I haven't been on here in over 3 years. Getting my head back in the game was a huge reinforcement and kept me accountable. I also started logging my foods again. Not only does this get you in tune w/ what you are eating, but for me, it also discouraged me from poor food choices because I KNEW the impact and KNEW it was thwarting my goals. Remember, the first 2 weeks is the most difficult. Your body needs to purge, cycles need to find a new stasis, and your brain needs to catch up to a new pattern/habit. Lastly, I was very fortunate to have my band in green during the entire 18 month lapse. I never gained weight, just maintained. But my rules were weak, food choices poor etc. So I reread the band rules and focused on those as a distraction. I read the best Protein foods/snacks and stocked up on them, committing only to them. And all just fell into place. In May timeframe (and at least 30 lbs lighter) I started going to the doc again for tweak fills. Green has it's upper and lower limits too..and to maintain my new weight I needed to get my green to its upper limit. All these things together is what resulted in reaching goal. You can do it!!!!

Hi Lori, I am going to start this post by prewarning you that this is a touch love response. I don't want to hear crap from anyone in this forum about being rude or unhelpful. Because it is clear you need a wake up call. Too many times I come on here and see the same "fear" of getting stuck as an excuse to a) not get fills or not eat properly and it's a completely unfounded fear. Let's talk about "getting stuck". What's all the hype about? The way I see it, it's inevitable. Whether you were rushed during your meal, took too big of a bite, ate something a little to dry or or or, eventually you are going to experience getting stuck (even if it's just on a simple level of sliming and temporary stuck that passes after a moment) etc. And DARE I say... it's a good thing you get stuck. Rationale: Because 1) you'll know how it feels, 2) you'll learn how to cope, 3) it'll stop this nonsensical fear that is preventing you from eating optimally. Getting stuck has degrees, but man, it takes some serious negligence to get to a stuck point that you end up vomitting and slipping a band. Let's see, an example, taking a fistful sized bite and swallowing it without chewing. Anything shy of this usually results in PBing, Sliming and regurgitation. None of which are going to hurt your band. Inconvenient, embarrassing, annoying, etc SURE. But through experimentation and learning what your band cannot tolerate (which can only be done with negative feedback like getting stuck) can you actually fine tune what your diet should be and learn ways to get around some of the obstacles your band may pose to you. Now let's talk about malnutrition. See, the awesome thing about obesity is that it's an extreme example of poor nutrition that is highly visible because of the size a person gets to. There's no way to deny it, you are overweight, you are unhealthy. So we all desire a healthier life and we get the band to accomplish that. But there is a percentage of bandsters who go about it so incorrectly that you are putting yourself in the other category, whiich is the malnourished group. No better than the bulemics and anorexics category. Difference between this category and being obese, the negative consequences are not as visual thus easy to deny/avoid. You wake up breathing, walking, talking so all must be well with the world as long as that scale keeps dropping. But in reality, you are reeking havoc internally. Fundamental amino acids, minerals an Vitamins which are required to build and sustain your body are being depleted. So guess what the consequence is? Your body can no longer build or sustain. Eating veggies, salad and Soup is not going to get you anywhere you need to be from a nutritional standpoint. I would have been more sympathetic had I heard that you are aware and ensuring minimal nutritional levels, but that's not what I'm getting. I'm getting, you are eating sliders and easy foods that pass the band without a potential stuck. Which means you are looking for softs and liquids NOT focusing on numbers and nutrition. Protein is an essential component to your body. It is required, not only to build muscle mass, but it supports every organ system, to include your brain. Without protein you will be losing 'weight' because you will be losing muscle mass, you compromise your immunity because there are not stored Proteins to combat illness, you compromise your organs and the list goes on. Over time, the impact is compounding. And the next thing you know you are sitting in an ER because your body goes into shock. Think I'm being extreme? Do the research. The real message I'm trying to send today, is that if you want something to be afraid of...be afraid of malnutrition NOT getting stuck. I would recommend you go onto youtube and look at some documentaries of bulemics and anorexics and see the physical health consequences. When you see these extreme cases, you can get a better idea of how malnutrition compounds and impacts the body because early on it's not obvious. This is all about education and understanding your bodies demands which is just as important as your band's needs. Sorry for the tone, and this is certainly not directed at you personally. It's coming from a place of frustration of seeing a mentality that I fear too many newbies are getting trapped into. THey modify their behaviors into unhealthy patterns for a unfounded fear they have yet to experience. It's like not going outside because you fear you will get hit by a car. Can happen, sure. But there are rules to avoid it (look, hear, yield) and you just decreased your chances by 90%. But there's that crazy driver who can come at any time. Better to learn to be prepared than to live in fear. And you certainly don't modify your life based on the what if fear factors. I want to see everyone here be a success. And yes, I know, everyone goes about it their own way. But that doesn't mean everyone's way is healthy. To switch one unhealthy lifestyle for another will result in defeat-guaranteed.

Odd choice. I use to do SlimFast by choice. And in no way does it compare to the better Protein shakes out there like Muscle Milk or Premium which have 20 even 30g of protein in each shake (consequently keeping you fuller longer). Slimfast will just make you snacky long term so if you are on a strict liquid diet...eeeccchhh. But if you have to stick to SF, I <3 chocolate royale. Add ice and blend it for a longer lasting shake or warm it up like a hot cocoa. Just little mental tricks to get you through.

If you haven't measured your food before, I would recommend you do so to get a real idea of what 1 cup looks like. If you are going off of feel alone, overeating can easily be accomplished. Don't need to do this forever as you will soon learn how to eyeball measurements. But it's always a good habit to start w/. As for not chewing enough, precutting as much as possible, avoiding things that encourage large bites (ie sandwiches) etc may be a good start until you have reinforced your habits. Even when I'm brazen enough to eat something like a pizza I use a fork and knife because it is near impossible to bite small bites off at a time. Hope this helps