Betsyjane

Woodys!!!!!! That How to tell when you need an adjustment list is fantastic! I just printed it and put it on my refrigerator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you!

It took several time to access my port for my first fill. She said I had scar tissue that she was trying to work around. Does that make sense to anybody out there? I thought it did at the time....

I just had my first fill, and don't feel much restriction. They told me sometimes the first fill absorbs into the dry band anyway, and that the first fill only works if you are really really lucky. I also read on another thread that it's often a good thing that it takes awhile to get retriction because it's such a change, and it's better to have time to adjust to things slowly so there's no panic.

I must admit, I was surprised to find this thread, with its intensity, on the lap band site. And then I became absolutely hooked on it. Now I leave it for a while and wander back for awhile. We all get to choose whether to participate, view, or ignore this thread. Enter at your own risk, like the subheading says.

Woo hoo! We are growing! Let's take a poll. How many can meet during the day on a weekday, and how many need a Saturday instead?

I'm interested, Sherri. In what ways do you see the budget as being better than since Carter?

Hi Angela! I got my first fill and notice almost no difference, so anything I'm doing, I'm doing on will power alone. My success at this point is in not GAINING any weight, but I'm not losing any at the moment either. This time of year, I suppose that's a success.... Getting in my Water and my exercise..........

We do have it pretty pretty easy in this country compared to some others, and I'm grateful for that. I would also like for us to head in an ethical, moral, healthy direction, as good stewards of what we do have. And I don't think we've been heading that way. I think the media is only a small piece but persistent of the problem. I don't experience us as being seen as brats overseas. I mostly hear about us as being a declining world power.

I have a friend who I consider to be successful in every way. From nothing, she now has virtually unlimited wealth, a wonderful marriage, kids that I adore, generosity of spirit, deep faith.... and she says a big part of all of it is that she doesn't pay any attention or put any energy toward things she can't change. She doesn't watch TV or read the news or involve herself in political discussions. In fact, she never knows current events, unless she's checking to see if a country is relatively safe for travel. She gives away 40% of everything she earns. She's a good person, living well. I mention her as food for thought. I sometimes wonder what change my life would have if I focused only on positives and changeables and didn't put energy into things like this thread. I am drawn to political discussion and angst.....

BJean-I suspect we are around the same age. My husband and I have marveled at the NeoCon Republicans antics for the past few years, and have muttered, "If it were the 60's, EVERYBODY would be in the streets!

BJean: I agree with you. The think tank guys seem to believe that he was too dumb to understand the details and concepts so he bullied because it was all he could understand to do. They also see Condi Rice as being bright, but having no objectivity about Bush, slipping at parites and calling him her husband, spending all her off time at Crawford for years.... But the strategies they proposed way back when are fascinating! A good read. Now the problem is we've lost credibility and might with just about everybody, and that may hurt us more than Iraq! I think history is going to see this as a turning point for America, in a tragic way.

Hey, did you guys read the article in this month's Vanity Fair? Truly new info. An interview of the think tank power guys who advised Bush about Iraq! Really fascinating. Here's an example...They told him before he went into Iraq that he should train an Iraqui exile force of troops who would then go in with US backing and save Iraq from Saddam...so that they would be seen as liberators rather than US occupiers, thereby decreasing the possibility and strength of civil war. They said that they thought Bush got it, but ultimately he didn't understand the concept.

I can't do sugar free unless it's stevia. They raise blood sugar just like regular sugar, and make me crave stuff!

I was so looking forward to my fir5st fill. Seems like I was back to my old habits just before. Unfortunately the fill didn't do a whole lot, but it's enough that I'm being pretty good. They said it might absorb into the dry band the first time, and I guess it did. I'm going to call for an appt next week to get another one. This one feels like it's almost but not quite there. Mostly I feel it in the morning. And if I eat really slowly and mindfully, I can get a nice hint of it. But I can also eat just about anything. When I called, she said if I could eat a whole chicken breast, I should get more fill. So I will. As much as I want the weight to tumble off like it did at first, I guess I'm supposed to be learning patience! And now I know that getting the fill is no big deal!

Alright! That makes 3 of us! Do you prefer weekdays, evenings, or weekends for meeting. I'm a Spivak bandster too. Got my first fill Monday. I gotta tell you...they couldn't find my port entry at first and had to move the needle around...and it didn't hurt! I was nervous for no reason! It's sooo simple!

Have you talked with you lap band doctor? Surely they've run into it before with us folks....... If the band is working, there shouldn't be much to purge.... I was just watching Dr. Phil, who I usually don't like. He had Sharon Osbourne on today, talking about her decision to de-band in January and her fears about regaining weight. He, of course, told her he could fix her so she wouldn't need a band or overeat..... Anyway, she has just published her autobiography, and mentioned her bulemia issues with the band.... Thought it might be interesting reading.

Hi Kim. I got my first fill, just to 1.6cc. They said it would absorb into the dry band and to come back when ready. I'm going to go back in a week or so if I haven't been able to settle into it well. Actually each day is better, so I'm thinking I might wait. Good luck with your 4cc! Maybe they will have hit your "sweet spot" already for awhile!

Anything not chewed well can get stuck, or come back up, or just hurt. I guess the other issue for me is whether I want to get many of my nutrients from carbs. I'm so new at this, but having just had my first fill, it took me all day to just get in my proteins, veges and a little fruit. Might just be me, but I don't feel as well on carbs anyway, so they're my last choice. Besides I mostly like the carbs that are high calorie! :-)

Dani-I was the same way. All I can tell you is do what you can. Practice like you have restriction, when you can. If we could have done it without restriction, we wouldn't have needed the band! I kept reading how good some people were being, and I wasn't able to maintain that good behavior. What helped me the most was the protein powder Muscle Milk Light. It is so hearty! And so tasty! Someone wise here said it's a marathon, not a sprint. Study, practice, think about it, and ready yourself for that first fill. I had mine Monday and it makes all the difference.

Hi Vicki. Here's a reprint from my "one trial learning". YUCK! I've been doing well, BUT yesterday I was out running errands for a LONG time and was truly hungry. I bought a chicken breast fully intending to chew a few bites until liquid. Got distracted...took a bite...swallowed...and oy vay!!!!!! Wouldn't go down. Wouldn't come up. Pain! Thought I was going to be unable to breathe. Stood up...no help. Coughed and tried to burp. No help. Sweat pouring off me. Red faced. Started producing slime the consistency of jello. I was sure someone would come over and try to Heimlich me, but people made a point of loking away. OMG!!!!! 10 minutes later it finally went through. WOW!!!! What punishment! Now that's one trial learning. I have been soooo good today. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________

I had my first fill Monday and have been having the runs since. I'll be it is that barium.

Barbara: Just the two of us it looks like, for Humble area. Want to start in January instead? I'm going to the downtown one Saturday...do you go there?

I haven't heard from anyone. Shall we begin in January instead?

Brava, BexleyGal! I just got my first fill Monday. It's not much of a fill, but it works if I work it. and it's just enough that I CAN work it...something I couldn't do before the band. Funny how all those things you are taught about eating slowly, chewing alot, portion control...They're all possible now with a little mindfulness. It's a little whispering angel in there! What could be better chr Christmas!

Prayers to you, FullofGrace. I just had my first fill Monday, and although it's not a lot of restriction, it's enough that it works when I work it. And for now, that's just enough of a boost to make it all possible....something I was never successful doing on my own. You'll find after the fill that you like the feeling of being full and you don't want to let water push the food through and make you hungry again. I found it was easier to be mindful and compliant. big talk for a person who's had a fill for all of 48 hours, eh? Ha! It does help with everything, though.