KimK813

I am shrinking (YEAH!) and have 4 Cacique bras from Lane Bryant in great shape that I simply cannot wear anymore. All are a size 44DD, full coverage. 2 are lace, 1 turquoise and 1 black. The other two are cotton and both white. I know Bras are not cheap in this size and just bought some new SMALLER ones, so I am giving these to anyone who can use them. Just send me a message and we'll see what we can work out. Good luck everyone! Kim

Great info. I have my fourth fill scheduled next month, but I am feeling restriction now, but it wanes as the day goes on. In the morning, I can only do liquids, but as the day passes, regular food is okay. Good luck everyone!

The local wellness center (hospital code for gym) offers a Zumba class twice a week. I am gearing myself up to go, even though I am a bit intimidated by the class and the skinnies. My question is... anyone done zumba? Feelings about it? Recommendations? Thanks! And good luck to everyone!

OK, went to my first Zumba class Monday and I LOVED it! There is another one tonight. Last night, I played Dance 2 on the Wii for almost 2 hours, so I am definintely getting my cardio in! Thanks for the advice!

I was told that I need to take a Multivitamin daily. No problem! Then someone tells me to take a Calcium supplement. Alright, got that too. Then someone else says Biotin. What is that? Then my doctors say I need B12. STOP!!!! My surgeon advised to take the multivitamin. He said no need to the calcium (I take a small dose anyway). Biotin only if I have hair loss issues. But the B12 was recommended by my primary and my Gyn. (I don't see my surgeon again till December). I feel like I am in a see of supplements! Help!

My doctor told it's because it was the one they had in the OR!

I have always been a sweets person, but since my surgery, and especially in the last 2 months, I crave sweets ALL the time! Sometimes I can quench it with a peppermint or some gum, but sometimes I am craving straight up junk. Any advice?

Does temporary restriction mean you are closer to the real thing? After my second fill, I had great restriction for about a week then it went away. I have another fill scheduled for Wednesday and I was wondering "Am I getting to restriction?" Thanks!

I think I may have to try the No Carb crash thing... I have tried Calcium and chromium supplements (they are supposed to calm sweets cravings) but they did nothing for me. Thanks for all the advice!

THANK YOU! I was banded in Sept as well and am experiencing a very similar situation... lost, gained, lost, and then nothing. I appreciate all the advice as I am sure the other Kim does!

Thanks, everyone, for all the helpful advice. Thankfully, all pay for fills is my copay. I kinda thought maybe restriction already was too good to be true, but at least I know what to look for now. Thanks again!

I had my second fill of 2cc's December 16th. I now have a total of 4cc's in my 14cc band. I immediately felt some of the elusive "Restriction" and even had a few stuck episodes. I was thrilled to finally to know what everyone meant! By New Years, however, it was gone. Now I have read about this happening, so I am not overly concerned. Disappointed, but not concerned. My question is, Am I closer to restriction now that this has happened. Should I ask for a smaller fill at my next appointment (Jan 26th)? I did gain about 2 lbs over the holidays and it's almost all gone now, but I am not sure what the scale will reflect by my appointment. Any advice? Thanks! And good luck everyone!

I personally love Cacique from Lane Bryant (I am still too big for VS bras). Right now they have a buy 2 get 2 free sale going on. The price is comparable to VS and they will measure you in the store for the right fit! VS will measure you, too. I am looking forward to bra shopping. My first non-scale victory was my 44DD getting to big. Now I am comfortably in a 42DD, but I know I need to get measured again. Good topic, btw! Best of luck to everyone!

Since I was banded back in September, I have noticed that I am losing a great deal of hair. It is not noticable to anyone else because it was so thick to being with, but everyday when I shower and then when I brush it out, there is MASSIVE amounts of hair coming out. Also, there is more of my hair in the lint trap in the dryer than my critters! So, question one, is this normal? Question two, Biotin? Vitamin E? Some other supplement or magical cure that helps? Thanks, and good luck to everyone!

My sister and I used to make these ALL the time when we were growing up. It actually comes from a kids cook book called Kinder Krunchies (was put out by a local day care). I did some math on the ingredients and included my best estimates on calories and Protein. Hope you enjoy! Tuna Treats 1 can Tuna in Water, drained 2 eggs 1/4 peas 1-2 slices of bread, crumbled parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste Combine tuna, eggs, peas, and bread. Spoon into a greased muffin tin. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Servings: 6 Calories: 75 Protein: 7g

I was experimenting this morning and came up with an interesting combo... 1pkg NSA Vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast powder 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder 8oz Almond Milk 1pkg Alpine SF Apple Cider Mix I mixed it with ice and it reminded me of an apple pie with vanilla ice cream. I drank every drop!

Try some almond milk. Non Dairy Non Soy. Not too bad!

I had my first fill almost 2 weeks ago and I have the occasional port soreness since. Is this normal?

Most plus sized woman have at least heard of Woman Within, Roamans, Jessica London, etc... BUT, there is a website called BCOutlet.com that sells all their clearance for a fraction of the cost! I have been purchasing from them for over a year now and have been very pleased! It's a little hit and miss with some sizes and colors because is the last of the clearance items, but sometimes you can score GREAT deals! Good luck everyone!

I was never told by anyone at any point to not take my BC pills. As a matter of fact, they even went so far as to tell me if I usually take it the morning, to take it the night before (I take mine at night anyway). BUT... I have had 3 periods in the six weeks following surgery and the last one was so abnormal I saw my GYN today. She assured me that it was all related to the surgery, but you never can tell.

I recently bought a new MP3 player and am looking to fill it with music that helps me keep up a good pace while working out. Any suggestions?

I was very nervous about telling my family and friends, too. I wondered if thought I was taking the easy way out, but the people who really care about me were supportive and understanding. They had questions, but I had educated myself on the procedure and was able to lay out my reasons. I did not share it with people I work with in general until the procedure was over. There are always gonna be some people who just want you to fail, but those people mean nothing to me in the grand scheme of it all. I think you will be pleased with the support you will recieve. If someone is negative about the idea, maybe you need to reconsider their place in your life. There is a woman in the support group I attend who has not told anyone she had the Lap-Band and is still actively hiding it. She has lost next to no weight and is miserable. Like anything in life, we need support to conquer our goals. Good luck to you and everyone else on this journey!:blushing:

I just recently had my first fill and noticed absolutely no difference afterwards. I also like to go out to eat at least once a week. I try to order off the kids menu, an appetizer, or share with someone. Olive Garden's Tour of Italy is perfect for two once you add in the salad and breadsticks (for the other person, of course). While I have no sense of restriction yet, I am trying to train myself to eat like I do, so I have several small food items a day. I am loosing an average of 2 lbs a week already. Good luck, everyone!

I, too, add protein powder to my CIB. I am not a breakfast person, so this is something I can carry with me to work and sip on throughout the morning. While I like the CIB better by itself, adding the protein powder is better than most of the protein shakes out there, and cheaper too!

I am 6 weeks post op and have had 3 periods since my surgery. This last one is not like my normal periods. I saw my surgeon today for my first fill. He believes it is related to my surgery but advised me to see my gynecologist. Anyone else have a similar problem post-op?