Search the Community

I haven't blog in few weeks or months, but wanted to let everyone know I am still out here, reading the blogs and forums to keep up with everyone. I spend more time on MFP these days. I started working out with a personal trainer 5 weeks ago and that is really working out good for me. I had really hit a slump in my program and was pretty much dead in the water again. My band was working, but I just wasn't eating very well. I had hit a spot again when food just wasn't my focus and was eating way to few calories. My trainer told me I was pretty much starving my muscles and my body was holding on to those fat cells for dear life. Sad I had to pay someone to teach me how to eat, but it is working. At first I thought there is no way I can do this. I am suppose to eat 3 meals a day and that is it. But guess what 5 weeks later, I am eating my 3 meals a day but I am supplementing a protein shake twice a day for snacks and most days take in 100 plus grams of protein. I still have my days I struggle but they are fewer and further between. My first month I lost 5lbs and 9 inches. I am hoping to lose 4 lbs this month and I will finally be out of the 150's.. While what a mile stone, I have not been this petite since high school. I used to think a goal of 132 was unreachable but I am finding out if you have the right attitude you can make anything work. Now don't get me wrong I have my ups and downs with the band but for the most part this is the best thing I every did for me. And seriously it really is all about me at this time. This is my chance, my time and my journey. Lap band is not an easy journey, it is paved with trials and tribulations. It will test your passion, it will test your commitment, you will have to fight temptation on a daily basis. There will always be food and lots of it, you have to realize that food to you is no different than alcohol is to an alcoholic or drugs are to a drug addict. My journey has consisted of distancing myself from temptations, I do not allow certain foods in my house or more specifically in my cabinets or fridge. I have no control of what others do but I do have control over what I put in my mouth. I find my self more aware of what others eat and I often think, man I used to eat like that and look where it got me. I think now my goal has become an obsession, I work my butt off, 3 days with a trainer, 6 days a week of cardio and logging religiously every morsel I eat. I have a new set of fears now, I used to fear not losing weight, my new fear is how will I maintain? I am trying to make exercise routine and part of my life. To all you newbies and those weighting to have surgery and lose of you who are struggling, stay positive, stay focused and if you detour, forgive yourself, pick you up and move forward. We can all get caught up in the soulda, coulda, woulda! Look at everyday as a new beginning. Good luck to all of you and if you know a nurse be extra special to them this week, this is our week to celebrate. It is national nurse week, so hug your favorite nurse this week and tell her how much you appreciate what she does.

I think that is why Sharon Osbourne is having her band removed. She wants to be able to eat again. So I would say you aren't the only one. One of the advantages of the band is that you can change your mind. It is a pro-con situation. Do you remember how you felt when you were 50-70 lbs heavier? Are you willing to go down that road again? And to me, saying I had a nervous breakdown because I haven't been able to turn to food is almost like an alcoholic saying they had a nervous breakdown because they couldn't turn to alcohol. You are in a tough spot. Good luck.

Well I do intend to still enjoy the occasional drink but I have a whole new respect for how vulnerable I am to alcohol. The no food overtired combo was lethal. Family came home, set off dogs and general chaos that should have woken me but Didnt. i was passed out.

I drank on New Years Eve and I had my surgery on the 11th with NO PROBLEMS! As long as you don't drink everyday. They have to lift your Liver to get the the stomach that is why you do the liquid diet and no alcohol. You should be fine! GOOD LUCK!!!

I was sleeved Sept 18 th and have lost 70 pounds!! I feel great and in size 12 jeans???????? I have tries to have a sip of a cocktail and it still sets my stomach on fire!!!!!! You would think 6 months out it would not burn. Any body else doing this?!??? Sent from my iPhone using VST

WORKING OUT: I am looking forward to working out after my sleeve, in order to tone and get my body to the image I have in my head. How long after the surgery will I be able to work out? Will i have energy to do cardio classes and weight training? Yes, you will be fine to workout fairly soon after surgery. I was jogging and doing kickboxing classes at 3-4 weeks out, and I am now about 16 months out and I just ran a 15K the other day. The important thing for me has been taking the B12 and Iron suppements, otherwise I really notice a drop in energy. HOW MUCH Water CAN I DRINK? I am in Dubai, it's hot as hell here in the summer... so if im super thirsty... i wont be able to quench my thirst? It kind of scares me!!! How does the thirst / quench thing work? I always drink with a straw because it was the only way after surgery I could get enough Fluid. You can't gulp water anymore, but you should be more than able to keep yourself hydrated. I'm in the southern part of the US and regularly workout outside and have never had an issue. Will I be able to drink alcohol again? I don't care much about food, but sometimes i like to go out for drinks with my friends. Will i get drunk faster? After how long can I drink again? and since i heard no carbonated beverages.. how about beer? Because i love beer. You can drink again and you can drink carbonated beverages. They tell you no soda and no beer so you don't drink all your calories in Coke. I drink Diet Pepsi every single day. I'm not a big alcohol drinker so I'm a lightweight as it is. You do probably get drunk faster. It's fine to go out and have a drink or two with friends, but the idea behind the surgery is to not be consuming the fattening stuff (like beer) that got us to the weight we were at to need surgery. Can someone list out the foods that I cannot ever eat again? I tried to make a list from people's stories, so it includes stuff like spicy food, asparagus, carbonated beverages. I believe these things will be bad for the sleeve. This list is different for everyone. There is nothing that medically prevents you from eating or drinking anything you want six weeks after surgery. Your sleeve on the other hand may not agree. I can't eat anything with fat or sugar or I barf, but it seems like I am really in the minority of people that have that issue. How long after the surgery shall I stay in Syria to ensure that all is well? The doctor is saying 4 days. Is this realistic? Syria is in a civil war now, so it's not super safe to stay unnecessarily for a long time, so for those who had it done in Mexico... when is the best time to leave, ensuring that the sleeve didnt leak or anything? I was in a US hospital for three days and entirely on my own at home after that. I would personally not get a surgery like this done in Syria, but four days is realistic. This is a personal question - I am currently uprooting my life, getting a new apartment, new car, starting a new job, is it a good idea (emotionally) to get this surgery now? Or shall i wait until I am more 'settled'. I just want to get it out of the way so I can start seeing changes soon, and incorporate my new body with my new life, and also because just incase I want to get pregnant in the future, I can distance the surgery as far away as possible. I am generally a very strong person so I just want to get some insight if people think this is a very emotionally exhausting experience, or if it could enhance my new life. You are as strong as you let yourself be. Only you can answer that question. I had surgery during a very emotionally difficult time in my life and then I quit my job to work for myself a month later. If you want something, you get it done, if not, you make excuses. For example, I should go running right now, but it's hot, so I'm going to take a nap instead, lol. Excuses.

Hi everyone, I usually don't post on forums, but I have enjoyed reading everyones story so much, so I decided to post this to get some answers to some of my worries. I am currently in Dubai, but thinking about getting my sleeve done in Damascus Syria. It costs around ~$2,500 to get it done there, and over $10,000 to get it done in Dubai, plus the doctors are known to be much better in Damascus. They even sometimes fly out here to the Gulf region and do the surgeries for upwards of 10K. That being said, I have read everything about the sleeve, 2 of my relatives and another 3 people I know have done it, and everyone is saying that i should go for it. I am not super obese at the moment, I am around 86 KGS and 5'4, so it brings to be about a BMI of 32 or 33. I have always been over weight and I tried Atkins a few times and succeeded but it bounced back. I tried Dukan, and also same thing. I've given up !!! My highest was around 93 kgs... but I really really want to be skinny. I want to taste it, and I'm worried that if I don't do it now (i'm 30), i'll lose some of the best days of my life being insecure and unhappy. I don't even have any recent pictures because I hate looking at pictures of myself. Now my family's reaction is mixed. Some say that I should do it, without even thinking twice, and some say that I can lose this on my own. Why don't I just eat like a sleever without having surgery they say... as if it's that easy eh!!! I am ready to embark on this journey. I am just worried about a few things, although I know that risks are lower when the BMI is lower, and I am in perfect health right now: WORKING OUT: I am looking forward to working out after my sleeve, in order to tone and get my body to the image I have in my head. How long after the surgery will I be able to work out? Will i have energy to do cardio classes and weight training? HOW MUCH Water CAN I DRINK? I am in Dubai, it's hot as hell here in the summer... so if im super thirsty... i wont be able to quench my thirst? It kind of scares me!!! How does the thirst / quench thing work? Will I be able to drink alcohol again? I don't care much about food, but sometimes i like to go out for drinks with my friends. Will i get drunk faster? After how long can I drink again? and since i heard no carbonated beverages.. how about beer? Because i love beer. Can someone list out the foods that I cannot ever eat again? I tried to make a list from people's stories, so it includes stuff like spicy food, asparagus, carbonated beverages. I believe these things will be bad for the sleeve. How long after the surgery shall I stay in Syria to ensure that all is well? The doctor is saying 4 days. Is this realistic? Syria is in a civil war now, so it's not super safe to stay unnecessarily for a long time, so for those who had it done in Mexico... when is the best time to leave, ensuring that the sleeve didnt leak or anything? This is a personal question - I am currently uprooting my life, getting a new apartment, new car, starting a new job, is it a good idea (emotionally) to get this surgery now? Or shall i wait until I am more 'settled'. I just want to get it out of the way so I can start seeing changes soon, and incorporate my new body with my new life, and also because just incase I want to get pregnant in the future, I can distance the surgery as far away as possible. I am generally a very strong person so I just want to get some insight if people think this is a very emotionally exhausting experience, or if it could enhance my new life. These are all my questions so far I really could use some encouragement right now! For anyone interested this is the amazing doctor I will be doing my surgery at : badanasyria.com His name is Anaz Al Azmeh and he is very well known and respected in Syria and in the whole Middle East.

The band is NOT surgically induced bulimia! NO! no! No! The band is about restricting you portion sizes, not restricting your life. My DH and I go out all the time, and yes, I have drinks, but many bandsters find that alcohol affects them much easier than before, and blended drinks like margaritas will Close lots of folks down from the restriction it brings. We usually order off the appitizer menue too, or we share, or we bring home all the left overs so I have "good" lunches for days! I know that not being "normal" is the fear of so many baby bandsters, that and worry that the band won't work for them. Because the Band is a lifestyle, it will take some work and mental adjustment on your part to figure how how to live with your new lifestyle. Like figuring out that eating in your car is a thing of the past... Or at least eating while you drive is ...

It took 2 weeks for my itching to go away, but mine was from the surgical glue the doc sewed me up with. If you take rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and go over the places where the tape was it'll get the extra glue off. I'm also allergic to adhesive in tapes and bandaids.

Chelle, I love the way you say things. You should be a diplomat! If I could add anything to your post (not that it needs anything), is that this is the REAL WORLD with REAL PEOPLE. Not just avatars sitting behind a computer. We are dealing with human beings with feelings, emotions, FAULTS, past histories, drug addictions, alcoholism, abortions, infidelities, bipolar disorders, prison time....I could go on and on.... Think before you write, is all I'm saying.

I have been using food to alleviate stress- even though I know it doesn't really work, I will feel bad (physically and emotionally), should try other things. Bottom line is, this is a tool and you have to still make choices- and the band isn't around our head or emotions. So, I backslide, and then I pick myself up, dust myself off and start over- but still from a MUCH better place than where I would have been pre-band. So, please don't judge. No one is perfect, if I were I wouldn't have needed a band. I still will eat slider foods, I still will go through good times and not good times- but my band will be there to help when I choose to use it (which I do choose more often than not). And I have found that I don't go as "crazy" as I did pre-band- I can't! The band won't let me. It's a learning process, a mental process, and a marathon, not a sprint. I am NOT trying to justify eating poorly, etc- I know it's MY choice, no one is making me eat badly. I know B-52 says he CAN'T eat badly, but I still can- ice cream is my nemisis, and it's a total slider food, though I can't eat nearly what I used to. Perhaps my band isn't tight enough (though I think it is, it's the slider foods that I should be avoiding anyways that will go down even with a tight band). Each time I backslide, I learn something- one of my favorite LOL movies is "what about Bob" with Bill Murray. I'm baby stepping it SO I agree in theory with you, but you liken it to being an alcoholic- which I agree with- but unlike alcohol, you can't live with out food, so it's harder to just avoid. I hope I'm expressing myself here- I guess the point to this post is I'm not perfect, but my band helps me even when I'm not perfect, and as I go on this journey I learn new things all the time and I just- to quote my favorite Disney movie- Keep moving forward. Nicki

With those drink squirt things. ( Mio, etc ) it's easy to have low sugar or sugar free drink fluids all day.... There's free filtered Water on the ship. I mixed a Mio-type drink with seltzer over crushed ice and stayed happy I purchased trial sizes of Protein powder and grabbed milk cartons from the breakfast station and purchased a $1 from dollar store to use to mix any of that in... If you let them know, Carnival will take out the overpriced water, soda etc from the room fridge and allow you to use to store your medically necessary items. I explained that I needed it to store medicines and food related to my medical condition. No further questions were asked except if I would need receptacle to dispose of needles (like for diabetic injections) I had a few alcoholic drinks. Maybe 3 the entire cruise. You will feel the alcohol faster but it seems to wear off just as fast. ( it really doesn't but our post op bodies trick us into thinking it does ) ... Being mindful of that I didn't drink everyday With most cruises, there are so many opportunities to walk and even more. Water aerobics. Zumba on LIdo deck , the gym. Or just taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I did a LOT of room service. And I had that chocolate cake every night. I came home with less than 2 extra pounds that were well earned with no regrets. That's what vacations are for

Hello, My wife and I are going on a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. This is great but as you know they serve great food with lots of carbs. Here is my plan - fish and seafood for the Protein, stay away from breads, Pasta, breads, and the dessert bar. Eat small amounts in 4-6 meals... Ok it sounds good, but have you been on a cruise? This is going to a possible torture test. But my new stomach I sure will quickly remind me if I do some stupid. Any suggestions? Note: I am not taking my Protein shakes or mixer. If I did those suckers would be going overboard. Another question - Alcoholic drinks... Who can go on cruise or to an island without having a topical drink. Yes, I am going to blow my carb count, and was told not to have alcohol for a year.. So what will happen if I do... I heard that during the first year with your new stomach, that drinking one drink has the affect of drinking 5 drinks. So you will get drunk faster. True? So I just want 1 drink... A day. Anyone have any experiences or suggestions? Just want to have a good ... normal vacation. We leave mid-April. I will let you about any Caribbean gastric stories when I get back.... OK, any recommendations or comments... Thank you...

I'm sitting in the waiting room of my local occupational health. I'm short 2 employees of my 5 man (Including me) crew. I'm waiting here because I have reasonable suspension of the employee mentioned above being under the influence of alcohol. I'm strongly believing that I will be a 2 man crew shortly...

I am trying this for 5 days. I think I need it to get my head back on straight. I have been consuming too much carbs, too many easy foods and too much alcohol! Supposedly, this should help to get back on track - which is where I want to be.

Thank you for your support luckyinlove, I really do appreciate it! Janetsjourneytoslim, please google HCG diet, its a pregnancy hormone. There are several different ways to to take it. I have tried both the homeopathic kind and the perscription kind. I got my perscription from alldaychemist.com and it took about 3 weeks to get it since it is coming from out of the country it also has to be approved from customs (I also order latisse from them for $10 a bottle vs $120 here in the US and you wouldn't believe my beautiful eyelashes and how quickly it works) I learned how to mix the RX kind by watching youtube by mamaclock. I also had to buy the mixing kit which I got from EBAY. You can also inject, which I chose not to inject. Injections are 1x per day, oral sublingual RX HCG is twice a day, and the Homeopathic HCG is 3x's per day. The homeopathic kind I got from healingpowerwithin.net, and it has worked too. Its the best price and very reputable with all the women I've talked too. Many are using it and having great great success. I've been trying to decide which brand I like the best and I am almost leaning toward the homeopathic kind, so either one is great. If you want to start soon, I would order the homeopathic kind and you will have it in 3 days. The key to the homeopathic kind is to figure out what dose of drops you need, many do not do well on "10" drops as the instructions state, and find themselves hungry, most do better on 6 drops or .35 on a dosing surringe (1 cc surringe) which is what I do. You can pick up a 1cc/ml surringe at the walgreens pharmacy, they just gave me 3 of them at no charge. No needles on them, just the surringe part. I hate to confuse people more, but there is so much information out there on HCG, and if you want to know more, please PM me and I will send you Dr. Simeons Manuscript called pounds and inches - google that too and you can find it online, free. He outlines the entire plan. I follow his plan to the T. Except in his plan he talks about how sensitive HCG is to oils, so you can't wear your makeup, lotions etc. A lot has changed since this manuscript was writtin in the 50's, so I continue using my makeup and a lot of women I have talked to do to and have no problems. So I did ignore that part of his program. There are many clinics out there and charging $$$$'s big bucks for it, $500 to $1000 a round. I am doing it for less than $1 a day on my own. Also many of the clinics "tweak" Dr. S's program, this slows down the weightloss so you keep coming back to the clinic - therefore, they make more money. If you follow his progam to the T - you can expect to lose 1/2 pound a day average. A 30 day program and you will more than likely lose 15 pounds. I lost 22 in 39 days and I had a few "cheat days". I then went off it for a "planned interruption", drank some sugary alcohol drinks and gained 8 lbs back. Lost the 8 lbs in about 10 days after I got back on it, now down an addtional 10 lbs - and want to lose just 10 more! Weighing around 150, and hoping to get to somewhere between 135 to 140. My doctors goal was 155 and I've passed that now! I'm no longer overweight! So happy and pleased. I wear anywhere from a size 6 to an 8, depends on the style. But I own several size 6 clothing peices now, and some of my 8's are swimming on me. I havent been in a size 6 since, I can't even remember ever buying a size 6 to be honest. Also, I took a break from it for most of April and just stuck to eating "bandster" style, and I maintained my weight. It is not a starvation diet and many claim, even though you are eating very few calories. Your body is surviving on the "stored" abnormal fat and getting nutrients from that. So that is why there is no hunger. I did find I had slight hunger for the first 10 days, mainly because I didn't load correctly (this is outlined in the manuscript). But it was a managable hunger. But after the 10th day, had absolutely no hunger, almost like when I first got banded. I hope I didn't confuse anyone more, but please feel free to PM me and I can send you some information I have on it. Best wishes!

For a bandster alcohol metabolizes exactly the same as it did pre-op. Our anatomy has not been altered. So it moves through the full stomach and into the intestines as it always did. For gastric bypass patients, the absorption of alcohol is significantly changed and they feel the effects much sooner, and their blood alcohol stays raised for longer than a normal person. After you have lost a significant amount of weight, it will take less alcohol for you to feel its effects. Plus if you cut back during the weight-loss phase, your tolerance may decrease. I know mine did. When my weight stabilized and I began enjoying adult beverages again, it only took one for me to feel it. But that was because I hadn't consumed any in two years. Now my tolerance is back to what it was pre-op.

you can probably get some lists of food from your nutritionist to help you through the first stages and even later. Since you will be concentrating on Protein at first, you really shouldn't be eating anything with much sugar in it anyway. But, for example, later when you are trying to find a good Protein Bar - you really need to read the labels - they are not all created equally. Some have as many as 30 grams of sugar! My Nutritionist gave me several lists as I went through the different stages and even some recipes when I got cleared to eat 'regular' food. As you go through this website, you will see there are many discussions about food for the different stages and even some recipes. t would be a good idea for you to start looking at the nutrition labels on food to get an idea of what is good and what is not. Ask your NUT for some guidelines - I'm sure she has some. For example - just because something says 'diet' or 'low sugar' doesn't necessarily mean that it is good for us. Sometimes something 'diet' may not have sugar, but can contain dextrose or sugar alcohols.

Who on earth told you that flights should be 4 hours or less? Whoever it was that is utter nonsense. Flying with a properly filled band is not an issue. Saline does not expand in the air - on the other hand if your band is empty the air in it can expand and is more likely to cause problems. I have flown long distance a number of times since I have been banded and have not had any issues. And by long distance I mean trips that consist of 3 flights over 24hrs with a total of approx 16 hours flying time. If you are concerned the best things to remember are. Stay hydrated (drink Water not alcohol) Stick to softer foods - you don't want to start sliming on a plane as the toilets would not be the best place to have to bring it up and you would go through a lot of airsick bags. Take your own drinks/snacks if you prefer and the airline allows it. Order a special diet (e.g soup) before you fly. If your band does feel tighter than usual then it should resolve when you land. Relax the band is not going to explode. However I cannot guarantee the same for breast implants if you have those! I have heard horror stories where people have had a deflated implant after their flight! I would take out travel insurance that covers your band as you want to be safe rather than sorry if for some reason you get stuck and need an emergency unfill. Plus it is always good to have cover in case your cases go on holiday to a different destination to where you are going! Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Just relax and enjoy it.

w/the band! Since cutting out alcohol and other empty calories AND exercising every day, I have now lost two pounds in the last four days. Yes, this band really does work when you work with it! :smile: I almost don't feel like I really NEED my 3rd fill that I have scheduled for Monday (I scheduled it when my weightloss had stalled), but I know I could still use at least a small fill. I'm not at my sweet spot, but I can tell that I am not that far away from it either. :thumbup: For example, I can eat a fairly large portion right now, but I can also be satisfied on a smaller portion. And, I do think about food between meals, but I can usually get by w/just water until my next meal. Last night I was so sure my dinner was not gonna last me until bedtime. I ate at 5:30pm and was feeling the munchies around 8:00pm. I was gonna have an artichoke (healthy at least), but got distracted and tired watching TV and just ended up going to bed. Woohoo!!! :thumbup: So, even though my restriction is not perfect w/the band yet, its definitely better than during my TOM when I was really hungry and felt like a bottomless pit. :smile: Now, instead of worrying about not getting enough fill at my next appointment, I'm a little worried about getting overfilled. But, I'm just a worry wart in general. My ideal would be if I can get to the point where I can still eat almost everything (if I chew it enough), be satisfied w/a small meal, and not think about food between meals. I have not PB'd or thrown up at all yet and hope that when/if I do, it will not become a regular thing. I did get stuck on a roll once (in my first month post-op) and was in pain for 5 minutes, but I don't know how to make myself puke (or I have an aversion to it) so I just waited it out. Now I have an aversion to rolls! But, that's a good thing. :thumbup:

Current Mood: Hopeful:thumbup: My last blog entry was about how much I drank (and ate) over the holidays and the fear of getting on the scale. After New Year's I went back on the program and finally screwed up the courage to get on the scale on Monday, 1/4. As the title says, it was some very unexpected good news! I'd previously suspected about a 4 pound gain but I was wrong. Instead, I have lost about 15 pounds since my fill on 12/3. Wow! 15 pounds over the holidays and I wasn't actually following the plan very closely. I still think I eat too much in one sitting but I definitely feel some restriction and if I eat too fast (usually bread) I get a horrible pain that takes a minute or two to go away. At least when that happens, I have to stop eating. For the new year, my resolution is to make better food choices, avoid too much alcohol and finally get to the YMCA to sign up for the free (for members) personal fitness program. Other thoughts: 1) I got back in touch with a friend from 25 years ago via Facebook. Hopefully by the time I see her again,I will weigh less than I did in 1984. 2) My skin is squishy already. Man am I going to need some serious plastic surgery after this. 3) I love cooking and am considering it as a new career which is sort of funny for someone who has food and weight issues. I realized the reason I love cooking is the appreciation of those eating my good food not because I want to eat it all myself. As Martha Stewart would say, "this is a good thing." 4) I wonder how much weight I need to lose to go down one size in pants. I have been wearing the same size (even when they were so tight I could barely move) for the last 31 lbs and they are getting loose, finally. 5) If I could just win Mega Millions...

This is kind of a long one so bear w/me... I went to my surgeon's lapband support group last night. I've been doing great lately w/my band, but I still try to make it to as many support meetings as I can. I figure its free therapy (led by one of the psychologists from my surgeon's office) and I do learn something new at every meeting (either from the psych or from one of the more experienced bandsters). We have a lot that go to the meeting that are at goal. OK, so earlier in the day I had an odd discussion w/my 4 yr old daughter. On the way to preschool, she told me in the car that she wished I never had surgery. Yes, I've told everyone about the surgery, even my 4 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. They know it is to help mommy get healthy and they seemed happy w/that explanation before surgery. So, it totally throws me off that now my daughter is saying she wishes I didn't have surgery. :huh2: I told her I'm all healed now, feeling great, and that its really working so I'm happy I had surgery... and ask her why she wishes I didn't. And, she said its because I can't eat dessert anymore and she wants me to eat dessert w/them. I explained to her that I CAN eat dessert, but I'm just choosing not to because it is healthier for me to not eat it. But, for a 4 yr old, the idea of delayed gratification or doing something for one's health is just not a concept that can be easily understood. Long story short (woops, too late!), the advice I got from the psych is that he thinks I should eat a little dessert (not just for the kids, but for me too). He said that I'm slipping back into a 'diet mentality' of deprivation and extremes. Well, he didn't put it that bluntly, but I got the point. And, man, is he ever right on!!! :rolleyes2: I knew going into this that my biggest challenge would be embracing moderation and no longer living in the extremes. I just didn't realize that I had slipped back into an extreme. And, he also doesn't approve of my rule of no alcohol and exercise every day until I've lost my 10 pounds for the month. He considers that diet mentality as well and too strict. But, I have a feeling that the dietician and exercise physiologist would feel different about that! LOL :thumbup: Anyway, so I've decided I will eat a little bit of dessert when my family has dessert, but still not sure if I will give up my 10 pound per month goal. I figure I'll stick to it until this month's 10 pounds are gone and then see how I feel. I only have 6 pounds more to make my 10 pounds this month (my month goes 2/17-3/17) and I've been losing fast since I gave up the alcohol and started exercising every day. Ultimately, I have to do what works for me and even though he may be a great psych, it is still just advice and my choice what to do with it. But, definitely food for thought. :cool:

had the same exact thing happen to me too! I thought I was the only one. you are allergic to steri strips. did you take them off? also clean the areas well with rubbing alcohol to dissolve and get rid of all the left over glue/debris. I tried hydrocortisone over the counter, worked a tiny bit, but then it got worse again. I was taking benadryl 50mg at night so I could stop itching and sleep, but I still woke up itching. So what actually worked was getting a prescription strength steriod ointment (triamcinolone 0.1% ointment twice a day) and putting this on took care of it within 1 day. had to tell the surgeon how to prescribe it (15 grams) lol!!! hope it goes away, it's so annoying, the itch was unbelievably uncomfortable

I am considering getting banded and I have my first doctor's appointment May 19th. I have always been overweight...with the exception of 4 years when I popped diet pills from a shaddy doctor...anyways I found this website...which is great! But it leaves me with some quesitons. I would appreciate any information! 1. What is PB? That everone is referring too? 2. Can you still have alcohol? This is a grey area 3. Honestly, How long is the recovery time after surgery. 4. I have heard some people say that have to wait 6 months before having the surgery...just wondering why? Thanks!!!

When alcoholics get sober, they eat candy and goodies like it's going out of style. It's another form of sugar that helps feed their addiction. Can't that hold true for popcorn once giving up sugar, since it's a carb that converts to sugar in another form? Hahah, listen to me act as if I know what I'm talking about!