velvets143

I have a Polar monitor- it has a strap that goes around your chest so that it can accurately monitor your heart rate and calories burned. It works with most of the machines in the gym- if you see the Polar logo on the display it will automatically pick up the monitor, making your calorie counts more accurate. It was a gift from my husband about 2 years ago, I use it almost everyday and never had a problem. I dont know what he paid for it. Good luck

I used an ice pack on the port incision, where I had the most pain, from the time I was in PACU. I think that helped more than the pain meds. I used it on and off for a few days. A note of caution to all- Ice or Heat, only supposed to be 20-30 minutes on and 20-30 off. Do not leave it on continuously or you could burn yourself or get frostbite.

I was also told no and there was an incident that I drank sprite and it was not a pleasant experience! As soon as it hits your stomach it fizzes up and comes RIGHT back out. Not worth it

I had my gallbladder out about 6 months after my banding. It is pretty common due to the rapid weight loss. Didn't set me back at all- had my surgery on a Friday and was back in the gym by sunday

I am doing very well. I am thrilled with the progress, i have had the ups and downs but no real complications. The problems I have experienced have come from my own doing, lesson learned and take it as a kick in the ass for doing the wrong thing:-) My Dr. is Dr.Cussatti in West Islip, very highly recommend. Also, if your in Ronkonkoma I absolutley LOVE my gym- Team Extreme boot camp on the LIE service road- they have helped me so much and will push you further and further. Check them out- it was great for me- I could not stay motivated to exercise completely on my own- I needed that push:-) Good Luck and enjoy the journey

I'm in Ronkonkoma, banded Nov. 2011, down 110 pounds;-) good luck to all

I know when I did karate they had rib protectors. Might work? Check martial art supply stores- look at Century.com or some place like that. Good luck

THanks all- Today was the day- taught my first class- wasnt bad, wasnt great. I was a little nervous, as expected but there was only a few people there. It was helpful that its a really small class, all people I know and amm comfortable with. Unfortunately today was a half day for the kids so everyone had to leave early so we did a 45 minute class rather than a full hour but it wasnt bad- always room for improvement

Hate to be the cliche but the band is an instrument, success depends on you- I am happy with my decision and happy with the results. Any difficulty I've had has been due to myself, eating the wrong thing usually. We're all going to make mistakes and binge on something we're not supposed to have;-( It's the overall decisions you make EVERY single day to eat right and exercise that determines success. My band is just the kick in the ass I need. Good luck to all and congrats on everyones positive progress.

I do bootcamp classes regularly. I absolutely love it! The bootcamp is always something different, and everything is modified to your level, as you progress they push harder. I have also done circuit training, it was a good class but it was set up as timed stations, moving from one to the next, one would be a fast cardio then the next a weight training- I was always active before lap band and now I like to do a variety of exercises- I jog, do bootcamp, kickboxing, High intensity, and weight training Whatever you find that you enjoy, stick with it- good luck

Hello all! I am banded just over 2 years ago and have done well but struggled these last few months. Old habits sneaking in- craving sugars and sweets and carbs!! Was losing motivation and really needed an ass kicking! I go to the gym EVERY day, i do boot camp classes and I love it but my favorite thing is kickboxing. I had started kickboxing when I was 17 and really got into it, even was teaching at a karate school. Sadly I taught my last class when I was 6 months pregnant with my oldest and then I really started having weight issues, 3 kids, no time for exercise, crappy habits, all caught up with me;-( Finally had enough and got my big ass back into Krav Maga and kickboxing, even at 300 pounds I was there and doing it. Now banded and 120 pounds lighter I will once again be Teaching kickboxing starting in February. Im excited and a little nervous- havent taught a class in 10 YEARS!! Ill Theres plenty of women in the gym in better shape then me but they asked me to lead:-) ill let you know how it goes

I do martial arts and kickboxing- I have not had any problem with my port. I think its more a matter of your comfort but as everyone has said I would let you doctor know. The only thing that actually hurt was when I was laying on my stomach on a medicine ball on rolling it from your upper abdomen to the lower- basically like taking a rolling pin across it_ Not adviseable:-0 Have fun with the BJJ PS- I think the port is placed in the abdomen because it is easily accesible and relatively close and in a straight line from the stomach.