kareyquilts

Telly: You look wonderful! I was just on this website reading about TT (http://www.breasthealthonline.org). There is alot more to the recovery than I ever imagined. I can see why you got a little down about not being able to exercise. I guess it's still going to be a while before you can? Do you still think its worth it? (You do look great).

Hopeone: Did you travel to your surgeon or were you able to find a WLS specialist in your area? Are you able to exercise yet? What was your pain level? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm very interested in this subject. I wish you well with your recovery and new life.

Katina: I was banded 9-6-06 and I still don't have the energy that I had before surgery. I am doing better, however, every day. I do think that it is the lower calories and the punishment that our bodies have under gone. You're doing great with your weight loss! Just be patient and begin a gentle walking program.

Interesting question. I didn't think I felt much restriction yet, but I have felt what you are describing. Maybe I'm getting fuller than I thought. Would love some feedback from some experienced bandsters.

Anyone know of a good website for rating exercise equipment by type or brand? I want to invest in an elliptical but want to make sure to get a good one. I also might want to get a weight machine. Thanks.

Alexandra: You can do it, because you have done it in the past! Keep on working at it. It's worth the effort. Good luck!

I think that you're all doing great. If you have slipped, get back on the band wagaon. You'll feel better about yourself and that's half the battle. I think that we have to feel peace with hunger. I'm starting too. I don't know why I use to feel almost panicky if I was hungry. I'm learning that even if I'm hungry, in a few hours I'll be able to eat again and it will be alright. I don't feel any restriction either (fill on 11-7), but I'm learning that one of the most unimportant things in life is what we ate yesterday. If you slipped, do better. If you're making good choices than you need to keep it up, because the here and now is what counts. B- Matrix brand protein with fruit Snack- 1/2 c. bran cereal with skim milk L- Lean Cuisine or egg & fruit or meat (3 0z) & veggie or fruit Snack- Protein drink or low fat, sugar free yogurt, !/2 piece of fruit D- 3 oz meat & a veggie Snack- Protein Drink

Reporting a 1 pound weight loss this week. I'm looking forward to my fill next week. I don't know why my doctor makes me wait so long. It will be 2 months since my surgery! My weight seems to have stalled, but I went out of town this weekend and ate out a lot. I didn't eat a lot, but I think it had a lot of salt, etc. Oh well. I guess the idea is to be able to live and lose weight. Before my band, I probably would have gained weight. Good luck to all!

Tilly: Sorry you've been down. Thanks for the updated pictures. I know how hard it is to be patient. I'm getting very impatient waiting for my fill (which is next week). I'm impatient about how fast or slow my weight loss it, etc. I am going to start exercising twice a day and following the other guidelines you outlined in an exercise thread. When can you start exercising again? I wish you the best.

Hopeworks: You're probably a little stressed with all the weight loss stuff. I hope you can quite. Good luck!

Would love to hear what your doctor said. Thanks!

I'm down to 218. Lost 2 pounds this week. It's fun to hear how everyone is doing I'm a little worried after the fill story, since I haven't had one yet. I guess I'l live through it, no matter how it goes down.

It's amazing to me what different doctors say. I wonder if my age makes a difference, because I still get very tired. I guess I better just push myself a little harder!

I am walking a couple miles a day and some days adding an exercise video in the afternoon. My doc said no weight lifting for 3 months and no aerobics classes are stomach crunches for the first 2 months. I'm actually looking forward to water aerobics.

Lisandjason: Did you go ahead and get your surgery? Tilly: Are you all right? Haven't heard any updates in a while. Hoping everything is okay.

It's nice to read about the September bandsters. Somehow, I didn't get in on this; but I'd like too! I'm trying to make it to 200 pounds by Christmas. I have 18 pounds to! I better increase my exercise! I have felt no restriction and am a little apprehensive about getting a fill. I don't want to PB or have the slimes! YUK! At first, I was very hungry, but now I seem to be in a routine and I'm not even craving sugar. That is really a miracle. Good luck to everyone. I will try and post my losses on Mondays.

Maricarmen: Looks like your losing well! Let me know how you do with your fill. I see that you had to wait only 1 month to get your fill. My dr makes me wait for 2 months. It's so interesting all the different approaches. Good luck!

You know this is very confusing. 500-800 calories a day seems very low indeed. Did you ask him why so little? It seems that your body would go into starvation mode? Do you feel alright and have plenty of energy? I have been keeping very close track of my calories, carbs and protien and I usually average 900-1100 calories per day. I am losing about 4 pounds a week. I don't feel I have the stamina that I had presurgery. I also walk a couple miles a day. The books that I have read never suggest the actual calorie count or amount of food. I guess we can only hope that our doctors have a lot of research behind what there are telling us!

I think it's discouraging and degrading that Oprah would have a show about WLS patients and addictions. Oprah lost a lot of weight, does that mean she has a replacement addiction? Or is only WLS patients with this problem, becuase we must be the ones with addictive personalities or we wouldn't have had to resort to WLS. If you looked at the general population and compared other types of addictions to food additions the 30% who become addicted to a new thing would probably be the same. It's not WLS, it's just that a certain percentage have problems and will create new ones for themselves. It's sad, but true. The challenge is to find something positive to be addicted to. My son had a serious drug problem. He went to treatment twice. Finally, with ALOT of effort on his part, he got addicted to exercise and is now at the National Circus School in Montreal for Cirque du Soliel. Go figure!

Betsyjane: It is not a failure to take control of your life! There are a lot of factors that all combine to make a person fat. The band won't cure all of them, but it will give you a chance to lose weight and feel hopeful that you can get all the other things under control as well. It's not a lack of will power because everyday you will still have to decide to make good choices and to exercise, etc. The best thing about the band is that the weight you lose should be permanent. Personally, the band gave me the commitment that I needed to put myself first. Good luck!

I know that many of you have had to find exercise clothes. I want to find something that is my size and looks as flattering as possible. Any online sources or national chains that you've had success with? I would appreciate some direction in this area. Thanks, bandsters!

Thanks Jahair, I will check the sites out! Any one else out there with suggestions?

Thanks for sharing the recipes everyone! Here's one that my family really likes: Chicken Breasts, onion soup mix, Russion Salad Dressing (small botttle) and a small jar of apricot jam. Mix together and cook for 6-8 hours. I don't think this is diet food, but portion control is everything! It is good.

Susannah: I don't think the world hates fat people as much as we hate ourselves. Some people are ignorant about everything. I think that mostly fat people are easily dismissed, sometimes invisible (which is so ironic since we are big!). I have found as I lose weight that I am more open to the world, because I feel happier. Forget your fellow employees and concentrate on yourself! Good luck!

Telly: What is Lipo6? It looks like you tried hydroxcut. Did you try any other products? Do you think it makes a lot of difference? Is this a product you order over the internet?