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So I had my surgery today at 7:15AM. I was out by 9:00 and in main PACU for a couple hours. We went home around 1PM. So here it is, I got there and they had me change in my nifty gown and compression socks. It really sucked that I have my period today. They didn't let me wear a tampon or pad! UGH... I know it may TMI but that made me mad. Anywho, after the nurse started my IV in my hand instead of my forearm --- which HURT!!!, they took me soon to the OR. I go there and I'm actually very familiar with their OR's cause I work in Labor and Delivery at that hospital and a lot of the time I have to take patients back to the OR for c/s's. My room was right next to the rooms they do those c/s in. Anywho, we got in the room and everyone was really nice and introduced themself. They made me comfortable and put my arms in those arm holder things. They kept putting the mask on me and I kept talking asking questions, next thing I knew I woke up a tremndous amount of pain in PACU -- it was hard for me to wake up since they had to give me benedryl with the anestheisa cause they used a "bear hugger" which is a device to keep you warm and it gave me a rash on my chest. Dont' knnow why... LOL Anyway soon they wheeled me down to the step down area and I stayed there for a lil' bit. I was insistant I get up and walk around cause it felt worse to lay down. I went pee about 3 times. Since then I can't go #2 probably cause of the pain meds:frown: So they discharged me and the tech brought me out to the car and then my husband just parked the car and went back in and got the perscription filled. We did this because they wouldn't allow me to just go wherever, they had to make sure I was gone OK but I didn't follow the rulses LOL . Anyway we dropped of my perscription for the Loratab liquid and then we walked down the hall to where I work just to walk of this gas and I saw all my coworkers and they were very happy that things went well. We walked back to the car after picking up the persciption and we headed home. So far I've been walking around the house just a lil' bit and resting as well. I feel pretty good otherwise. So here's a video of my whole ordeal of my surgery --

So I had my surgery today at 7:15AM. I was out by 9:00 and in main PACU for a couple hours. We went home around 1PM. So here it is, I got there and they had me change in my nifty gown and compression socks. It really sucked that I have my period today. They didn't let me wear a tampon or pad! UGH... I know it may TMI but that made me mad. Anywho, after the nurse started my IV in my hand instead of my forearm --- which HURT!!!, they took me soon to the OR. I go there and I'm actually very familiar with their OR's cause I work in Labor and Delivery at that hospital and a lot of the time I have to take patients back to the OR for c/s's. My room was right next to the rooms they do those c/s in. Anywho, we got in the room and everyone was really nice and introduced themself. They made me comfortable and put my arms in those arm holder things. They kept putting the mask on me and I kept talking asking questions, next thing I knew I woke up a tremndous amount of pain in PACU -- it was hard for me to wake up since they had to give me benedryl with the anestheisa cause they used a "bear hugger" which is a device to keep you warm and it gave me a rash on my chest. Dont' knnow why... LOL Anyway soon they wheeled me down to the step down area and I stayed there for a lil' bit. I was insistant I get up and walk around cause it felt worse to lay down. I went pee about 3 times. Since then I can't go #2 probably cause of the pain meds:frown: So they discharged me and the tech brought me out to the car and then my husband just parked the car and went back in and got the perscription filled. We did this because they wouldn't allow me to just go wherever, they had to make sure I was gone OK but I didn't follow the rulses LOL . Anyway we dropped of my perscription for the Loratab liquid and then we walked down the hall to where I work just to walk of this gas and I saw all my coworkers and they were very happy that things went well. We walked back to the car after picking up the persciption and we headed home. So far I've been walking around the house just a lil' bit and resting as well. I feel pretty good otherwise. So here's a video of my whole ordeal of my surgery --

1) It's a Friday. It's the 13th. Friday-the-13th's tend to lucky days for me. I have won three contests in my life - and they've all been on Friday-the-13th's. 2) FIVE more months? REALLY? Ok. Four months and three weeks. But I want to start NOW - not play games...but here I am. I guess four months and three weeks IS better than five months IS better than six months.... 3) How to eat post-band. How will it be different than now. I struggle to get my protein now, although becoming aware of this battle has helped. In the past two days I have been getting enough. I have approached Atkins in the past as eat whatever I want - protein like. But you can't sustain that for very long without causing other problems for your body, I believe. But what if I'm incredibly selective about the proteins I select? Instead of bacon, I pick salmon. Instead of cheese cubes, I eat broccoli dipped in hummus. Can my body sustain THOSE choices longer? I wonder. When I get banded, I am supposed to follow a high protein diet. Eat protein and then if you still can eat, then eat the veggies and then if you still can eat, then eat the carbs. Well. Out of seven days, I am supposed to avoid the carbs for six. On the seventh day, I can eat those carbs. It's my "cheat" day. If I pick a Sunday, though, to be my cheat day, then my cheat day should always fall on a Sunday. So hey, everyone, get your birthdays scheduled accordingly! Sorry, just a little blithe sarcasm, there. Anywho, say it takes me a year to lose my weight. For a whole year - I have not really eaten "normally". When I get into maintenance mode, then the band would presumably be loosened a smidge. Which should mean my caloric intake might be sufficient for actually getting to eat the carbs. Wouldn't that cause my body to say "here we go again, better start hoarding?" Now, Band_Groupie pointed out to me this morning that with restriction, by default, you essentially are doing an Atkins diet. You just quite simply can't eat enough food to get ALL the necessary protein AND ingest the carbs. Fair point. But as my weight decreases my necessary intake of protein will, too. This has me wondering and I will do more research. In esseance all of this came from - you guessed it - Band_Groupie's blog! It really got me to thinking when she was blogging about not wanting to diet. She’s been there done that – and this is a lifestyle change. I agree with that whole-heartedly. And that got me to thinking – so how is doing the Atkins AGAIN, even though with a band this time, not a diet? But. But But But But But. I can see why people would get into smoothies and shakes because although they are sliders – they also would be a way that you might actually be able to ingest the daily recommended protein and carbs (and all that other stuff that goes with them). I, like BG, do not want to be a smoothie/shake chick, either. With one exception. As is, right now, unbanded – and it’s been this way for years – I do drink smoothies in the morning. I will not stop that post-band. Lots of thoughts in this one little thought. Lots of research to do, too! Next… 4) I’m such a whiner. I don’t generally consider myself a whiner – but it sure is coming across that way when I reread my blog. I am sorry for that. With the insurance situation under check, I should be getting back to my non-whiny self. Sorry for the detour… 5) I am so glad I am done with all the Dr. appt’s. I have an appt with my cardiologist this afternoon. He had me do a stress test a couple weeks ago and stated I was cleared for surgery. Today is the formality of getting the written clearance that I can turn in. With this appt done, I literally only have the weigh in appt’s left. Two of those down – four to go… 6) Four appt’s to go sounds better than five months to go. I think I’ll switch to that song and dance…33% done. 7) I want to remember what it feels like to be bloated but thin. It’s bad enough that I have to be bloated on a monthly basis, but to be bloated and fat – well…that’s just downright uncomfortable!!!! I don’t remember ever feeling this uncomfortability (like my word?) before my heavy days. And even with the heavy days – it’s still pretty recent that it’s become so dagged uncomfortable. Now there’s a strange milestone for myself… 8) Maybe my cramps will get better, too! (TMI?) 9) Does anyone else see anything wrong with failing the unweightloss program on purpose? Does our insurance industry not get what they are causing here? Added expense, wasted time, a whole plethora of negatives by creating this game. My very own insurance company cites study after study in their very own weightloss surgery policy document. One such study states that a sample group of about ~300 patients was put together. ~50 of those patients were forced to do what I have termed the “unweightloss” program. ~250 were just given the surgery. (All cases used the Lap-Band.) The ~50 who were on the “unweightloss” program did it for real and were losing weight. Of those ~50 people, ~60% decided to not do the surgery. A year later all ~300 people were examined. The ~250 people who had the band surgery had ALL lost a minimum of ~50% of the weight they wanted to shed. Of the people who were on the weightloss program that did have the surgery, they had ALL lost weight, although not as much as those that just went straight to surgery since at the recheck they’d only been banded for six months vs. a year. But the people who thought the diet was going well and opted out of the surgery – they had ALL regained ALL of their weight back plus more, in most cases. So here we have it. Cigna has a document citing what their policies are. In this document they backup those policies with study after study after study. And in this particular study it shows that the unweightloss program hinders weightloss! There are quite a few other studies cited in that document that show similar results. Quite a few show that the efficacy of the lap-band is substantially greater long term than any other weight loss surgery option. And yet there they are, playing games. Oh well. On with life. Only four more appts to go! I think I’ve blogged enough today. So with that, I bid you adieu. I will be back this weekend with additional thoughts I may or may not have.

1) It's a Friday. It's the 13th. Friday-the-13th's tend to lucky days for me. I have won three contests in my life - and they've all been on Friday-the-13th's. 2) FIVE more months? REALLY? Ok. Four months and three weeks. But I want to start NOW - not play games...but here I am. I guess four months and three weeks IS better than five months IS better than six months.... 3) How to eat post-band. How will it be different than now. I struggle to get my protein now, although becoming aware of this battle has helped. In the past two days I have been getting enough. I have approached Atkins in the past as eat whatever I want - protein like. But you can't sustain that for very long without causing other problems for your body, I believe. But what if I'm incredibly selective about the proteins I select? Instead of bacon, I pick salmon. Instead of cheese cubes, I eat broccoli dipped in hummus. Can my body sustain THOSE choices longer? I wonder. When I get banded, I am supposed to follow a high protein diet. Eat protein and then if you still can eat, then eat the veggies and then if you still can eat, then eat the carbs. Well. Out of seven days, I am supposed to avoid the carbs for six. On the seventh day, I can eat those carbs. It's my "cheat" day. If I pick a Sunday, though, to be my cheat day, then my cheat day should always fall on a Sunday. So hey, everyone, get your birthdays scheduled accordingly! Sorry, just a little blithe sarcasm, there. Anywho, say it takes me a year to lose my weight. For a whole year - I have not really eaten "normally". When I get into maintenance mode, then the band would presumably be loosened a smidge. Which should mean my caloric intake might be sufficient for actually getting to eat the carbs. Wouldn't that cause my body to say "here we go again, better start hoarding?" Now, Band_Groupie pointed out to me this morning that with restriction, by default, you essentially are doing an Atkins diet. You just quite simply can't eat enough food to get ALL the necessary protein AND ingest the carbs. Fair point. But as my weight decreases my necessary intake of protein will, too. This has me wondering and I will do more research. In esseance all of this came from - you guessed it - Band_Groupie's blog! It really got me to thinking when she was blogging about not wanting to diet. She’s been there done that – and this is a lifestyle change. I agree with that whole-heartedly. And that got me to thinking – so how is doing the Atkins AGAIN, even though with a band this time, not a diet? But. But But But But But. I can see why people would get into smoothies and shakes because although they are sliders – they also would be a way that you might actually be able to ingest the daily recommended protein and carbs (and all that other stuff that goes with them). I, like BG, do not want to be a smoothie/shake chick, either. With one exception. As is, right now, unbanded – and it’s been this way for years – I do drink smoothies in the morning. I will not stop that post-band. Lots of thoughts in this one little thought. Lots of research to do, too! Next… 4) I’m such a whiner. I don’t generally consider myself a whiner – but it sure is coming across that way when I reread my blog. I am sorry for that. With the insurance situation under check, I should be getting back to my non-whiny self. Sorry for the detour… 5) I am so glad I am done with all the Dr. appt’s. I have an appt with my cardiologist this afternoon. He had me do a stress test a couple weeks ago and stated I was cleared for surgery. Today is the formality of getting the written clearance that I can turn in. With this appt done, I literally only have the weigh in appt’s left. Two of those down – four to go… 6) Four appt’s to go sounds better than five months to go. I think I’ll switch to that song and dance…33% done. 7) I want to remember what it feels like to be bloated but thin. It’s bad enough that I have to be bloated on a monthly basis, but to be bloated and fat – well…that’s just downright uncomfortable!!!! I don’t remember ever feeling this uncomfortability (like my word?) before my heavy days. And even with the heavy days – it’s still pretty recent that it’s become so dagged uncomfortable. Now there’s a strange milestone for myself… 8) Maybe my cramps will get better, too! (TMI?) 9) Does anyone else see anything wrong with failing the unweightloss program on purpose? Does our insurance industry not get what they are causing here? Added expense, wasted time, a whole plethora of negatives by creating this game. My very own insurance company cites study after study in their very own weightloss surgery policy document. One such study states that a sample group of about ~300 patients was put together. ~50 of those patients were forced to do what I have termed the “unweightloss” program. ~250 were just given the surgery. (All cases used the Lap-Band.) The ~50 who were on the “unweightloss” program did it for real and were losing weight. Of those ~50 people, ~60% decided to not do the surgery. A year later all ~300 people were examined. The ~250 people who had the band surgery had ALL lost a minimum of ~50% of the weight they wanted to shed. Of the people who were on the weightloss program that did have the surgery, they had ALL lost weight, although not as much as those that just went straight to surgery since at the recheck they’d only been banded for six months vs. a year. But the people who thought the diet was going well and opted out of the surgery – they had ALL regained ALL of their weight back plus more, in most cases. So here we have it. Cigna has a document citing what their policies are. In this document they backup those policies with study after study after study. And in this particular study it shows that the unweightloss program hinders weightloss! There are quite a few other studies cited in that document that show similar results. Quite a few show that the efficacy of the lap-band is substantially greater long term than any other weight loss surgery option. And yet there they are, playing games. Oh well. On with life. Only four more appts to go! I think I’ve blogged enough today. So with that, I bid you adieu. I will be back this weekend with additional thoughts I may or may not have.

I hate to think what the cleaning people in my office think when emptying my garbage.... at times I find I have to PB (is that it) in my garbage can... as gross as this sounds, and I know it's TMI, I just have to get that "slime" up out of my throat.... very little food comes up, just a bunch of nasty slime... I'm sure this is the lubricant trying to get the food all the way down to my stomache. So this morning I ate a boiled egg and a few slices of bacon in the car on my 45 minute drive to work... I was fine... then I got to my desk and started to feel it and had to PB.... or is it PM... whatever, I had to do it.... So I'm down to 203! closer and Closer to breaking 200! Oh Praise the LORD! Gotta work now so latas :thumbup: Desi:rolleyes2:

I hate to think what the cleaning people in my office think when emptying my garbage.... at times I find I have to PB (is that it) in my garbage can... as gross as this sounds, and I know it's TMI, I just have to get that "slime" up out of my throat.... very little food comes up, just a bunch of nasty slime... I'm sure this is the lubricant trying to get the food all the way down to my stomache. So this morning I ate a boiled egg and a few slices of bacon in the car on my 45 minute drive to work... I was fine... then I got to my desk and started to feel it and had to PB.... or is it PM... whatever, I had to do it.... So I'm down to 203! closer and Closer to breaking 200! Oh Praise the LORD! Gotta work now so latas :mad2: Desi:rolleyes2:

I had my surgery in May 2009. My first fill was about 5 weeks later. But just recently, the past 3 weeks - I can't eat or drink. Gradually. Now I can't even drink anything. I've made an appointment on Friday to get it checked out. I thought maybe it was drainage blocking it or something, I have bad allergy/sinus issues. Yesterday I got sick, a cold. Last night, I threw up about 15 times - tmi, sorry, but it was the color of red wine, a little thicker. Anyone know what that is? Or why?? It can't be something I ate, I have not eaten. This morning I was ok, still can't drink really. But I didn't feel that uncomfortable stuck feeling I've had for the past weeks. Then I took another cold medicine pill and this afternoon I threw up again, same color. I am going Friday, but I don't like my doctor, he didn't do the surgery. I had it done in Mexico. So I thought if anyone had any thoughts.....:tongue_smilie: I am miserable. But, I have lost 15 lbs since this started. (down a total of 32, I'd like to loose 40 more and keep off what I have already lost!!) Thanks! Susan

I already 'doctor' up the oatmeal with lots of soy protein powder, which really changes the texture so I wouldn't necessarily notice the Benefiber, but it dissolves so completely when I mix it first into the water...do you notice it in the coffee? Funny you should ask about how often...just last week I was looking at this and started today to add it twice a day. I couldn't even eat raisin bran cereal pre-band without having diarrhea...now I can take a fiber supplement with no problems LOL. I don't 'go' very often, but no diarrhea/constipation either (probably just because we eat so much less), sorry TMI.

GasX chewables work wonders on intestional gas, one or 2 and you are good. I haven't had a BM just liquid out the butt LOL tmi I know but I was on a liquid preop aside from having cottage cheese and yogurt for solids.... so I don't have anything to move yet... still liquids.

What a weekend I had. My 4th 10k was scheduled for Sunday, but due to weather and work, I wasn't able to run the miles I wanted to during the week. Normally I don't run the day before a race, but I thought if I ran a slow relaxing 10k on Saturday it would help me on Sunday. I know better! Well, a relaxing 10k run on Saturday didn't happen. I was running on a bike path that I like, 3.1 miles down, and 3.1 miles back. TMI ALERT! Part way down, I was feeling nature's call. Now, I'm a man, so we are not talking the quick dash behind a tree and keep going. I wouldn't even mention that. Ok, we are clear what I'm talking about right? At the 3 mile point is a soccer field and a port-a-john. When I hit it, I saw a lady going in so I continued to the turn around figuring to hit it on the way back. On the way back it was occupied by a bunch of brat kids who wouldn't come out so I went on my way with a new urgency knowing there were facilities at the part where I started. So I ran with more urgency than I intended, finishing 10k in 49:59, a personal best. I think that wore me out for Sunday where I ran a 50:09. Sunday's race was more of a trail run than a road race, but it was fun, I still managed to beat my friend and my wife's co workers.

I do the same thing... i can't burp after a fill. It drives me crazy and then the gas has to go somewhere so I get bad gas pains in my lower intenstinse. Sittin in an office all day is not easy as you have to "hold' it in and that just makes it worse... I think the best part of my day is when I hit the car afterwork and just let loose! TMI I always giggle to myself as I am driving down the road and think if that person at the stop light next to me knew what was happening that would be so embarrassing:blushing: But I have noticed as soon as I am able to burp again, I can eat more and need a fill again. It has been averaging 3 weeks of restriction and then it get lose again... Not sure what to do about the gas, but I understand. If you come up with something that helps let me know... The only thing I have not tried is Beano... Has anyone tried this?

The oddest thing happend. I have been quite ill with a cold. about 3 days ago my right side below my ribcage started hurting and continued to hurt pretty bad for about 3 days. This morning I woke up and the pain had almost gone away. I have been quite bloated/gassy sorry about the tmi but can't figure out the pain. My first though is gall blader. pain radiated to my back. a heating pad helped. Felt like bad gas pains but in a odd place. I thought gall bladder because of the system but most of my reading said it comes and goes and this was consistent for 3 days. I had a fill on the 28th. I just don't see how it could be band related but you never know. Greg

The shots are part of my Dr's program. Of course the patient can decline taking the shot; however, I want every advantage available to me. Initially, the Dr insists that you take the OTC B12 supplements along with the Multivitamin, and Calcium citrate for the first 3 months after banding - yesterday marked 3 months (few days shy); I'll continue to take the Vitamins and calcium citrate. I feel wonderful - I woke up bright and early this morning w/an actual smile on my face - this coming from someone who's typically not a morning person. I'm not feeling sluggish - my norm. If this is the result of taking B12, I'm definately going to continue. TMI - between my hormone patch and the B12 I feel like a new me.

My doctor's office likes to schedule appointments for when you're 8 weeks along, but because of Thanksgiving they let me schedule a little early since amazingly my doctor had an opening. I will be between 6 and 7 weeks when i go in on Nov 20th. I have to admit, i took another pregnancy test this morning (one of the freebies i have from Early-pregnancy-test). Still positive. :thumbup: It seems silly, but i can't seem to help myself and it's interesting to see them getting darker each time i test. When did you guys start experiencing symptoms? I'm about 4 - 5 weeks now and i have only really been feeling some mild bloating and cramping. I can't decide if been feeling tighter because of the pregnancy or because of an unfortunate run-in i had with some shrimp i decided not to chew well enough (tmi). Same goes for the nausea (could be the shrimp episode still bugging me or could be a pregnancy symptom).

I went and got an unfill yesterday. I got to meet Dr. Im who I really liked!! He was really nice!! I have the flu and can't keep anything down. I thought it was the band but seriously I am still throwing up today and have the runs (TMI i know). So I am just plain sick. But my band swelled until I could not even drink water on Monday. I waited until Tuesday and realized I had to get some water in since I was throwing up so much. So I called over and asked them to take some of the fill out until I can get 100% well. I also have the whole chest congestion and cough. Pretty miserable and so glad to have some fluid out so I can focus on getting better. I still have restriction today and everything is sore. Throwing up (not PB'ing this time, really throwing up)and the band don't mix to well. I don't want to gain though I am liking being under 200. So I am doing the water. Right now I have no appetite anyway since nothing stays down. So far I am still doing ok but once I feel better I will have to be strict with the 1200 thing again. I am waiting until after Thanksgiving to go back. Sorta tired of the fill/unfill routine but don't wanna slip my band. I sorta wonder if I should revert to the sleeve at some point. My body seems to fight the band for some reason. I should have got the unfill when I saw Dr. Baggs last week but I wanted to try and make it work............. The carafate was a great idea but I could keep it down. The taste was making me naseaus so it didn't stay down. I had to go to Richmond ER though to get the unfill cause everyone was in surgery or down in Vacaville yesterday. ER was worried about me and I kept telling them this is NOT an emergency I just need some fluid out.......LOL!! But Kelly told me that was the quickest way to get an unfill :-) She actually came down and saw me in ER too which was nice!! My first trip to ER. I had to wear a mask cause of the flu thing. I am seriously hoping I don't have that pig thing!! LOL. Did I mention I got the flu shot on Thurday for H1N1 and regular flu and promptly woke up with the flu on Saturday?? I know, I know they SAY you can't get the flu from the shots but I wonder........this is the second flu this month. I must be immune by now and I hope my band forgives me for all the trauma!! LOL What a day!! I guess I got my trip to Vallejo yesterday ladies!! Sorry I didn't get to see anyone!!

My period arrived two weeks late, on the day of surgery (Monday). It reared it's ugly head, but luckily,most nurses are so great, and really made me feel better about everything. I needed help changing my pads, and "victoria's secret" special undies, and getting cleaned up. But they were all so comforting and wonderful about it. I even had a few big messes *sorry- TMI i know!* But it was not bad. I just absolutely love nurses. I swear, without them the world would not go 'round!!

Thanks guys.... Candice...they make 100 cal packs of kettle korn, that is my evening snack of choice. I have determined air is fattening. Been good, food wise, gotten back to exercising, had at least a 2 pound dump yesterday, I know TMI, and gained 3 pounds. The recipe for taco soup: 1 lb. ground turkey 1/2 to 1 onion, chopped, saute turkey and onions 2 cans stewed tomatoes - don't drain (I mash them up) 2 cans kidney beans - don't drain 1 can tomato sauce about 1 cup water 1 package taco seasoning. Combine and simmer for 15 or so minutes serve with fritos, grated cheese, sour cream. I only put about 5 fritos in my bowl, use regular cheddar/monteray jack cheese, about a tablespoon, and 2 tablespoons of light sour cream. You could add corn, and chilies if you wanted more spice, but I am a mexi spice whimp. I know the cals are higher with the real cheese, but I'm not fond of faky cheese. I haven't calculated cals., but since it is primarily tomato and beans, it isn't bad. You could skip the fritos, cheese, sour cream....but then what is the point.

OMW where do the days go!!! I have not been on here and always think I need to get on and post and then I don't or think I am to tired I will do it tomorrow. DAMN I need to get with it again! Not a whole lot of new things with me. Feeling much better but battling a sore throat and ear ache. Normal for me since it is this time of year and my sinuses are horrendous! Anyway, the TT thing. I WANT INFO!!! I am not a research goru so I am gonna depend on you guys with the info you are all getting. My arms are absolutely discusting as well!! FLAB! Karla~love darlin! Listen to these ladies....your not a loser! We all have issues believe me! I am going to try your taco soup. I LOVE mexican food but always worry about calories so if anyone ever comes up with recipes for tacos and etc please share. I was reading about the Halloween candy you guys posted about and you know what.....I don't remember the last time I had ANY candy or sweets for that matter. I tried to drink a SF hot chocolate the other night (and it is aunt flo week. Sorry TMI) and I have all my life crazed sweets during and right before and the SF hot chocolate seemed way to sweet tasting the other night so I dumped it and made a hot tea. Crazy huh? My problem is FOOD!!! I like FOOD! I am an addict and I know it. My worst times are when I am home and not working. I have to be busy or I would sit around and eat until they had to roll my bum off the couch from one room to the other! Really Really trying to get my arse back into the gym. Just no oomph lately. It is terrible!! I work and then I want to sleep. I don't even care about eating!! (well you know as long as I can go to sleep that is). We finally seen the sun yesterday first time in about 2 weeks and that helped some. I have many tanning minutes left and know that helps me every year but I have this thing with 'looking old' lately. I feel like I am old and crows feet by my eyes and looking rough. I have started all these creams and etc on my face and hands. Guess it must be my OCD and the fact that I am 36. Oh well. Anyway, I really want to try to get to meet you all. I do not know if I will be able to afford it but I would love to try. I am scronging away money into my savings for something for ME! I have promised myself I am not giving or helping everyone else out from that money because I want to do something and go somewhere! Well girls I am sorry I haven't been here. Really needing the support lately and just need to get my bum on here and read and post. You guys really got me back on track when I came back to posting a while back and I feel myself slipping again! If I don't post Janet shoot me an email and YELL at me!! Ok have to head to bed. Time for some shut eye hopefully. Nights have not been kind the last couple of weeks. Been laying awake until 4,5,6 in the morning. Mind just won't SHUT OFF!! TTYAL!!

Hi December Bandsters!!! I'm so excited that some people replied. The first time I posted was a bit too soon, but it's great to have some people in the same month- some even on the same day to talk to now! :frown: I'm going to the surgeon on the 16th this month for my last appointment before the surgery. On one hand I can't wait to be out of that theatre and start to live life as a bandster. On the other hand, i'm absolutely crapping my pants... (sorry if that's TMI) The thought of the liquid diet and mushy diet doesn't scare or disgust me. I know that will only last for 6 weeks and in reality that isn't a whole lot of time. I like the foods i've heard we're allowed to eat (or rather drink) so far anyway. Also, if i'm not willing to persist with the liquid/mushy diet - why would I think I would want to persist with the life change the band entails? I'm scared of the surgery, and I'm sure most bandsters go thru this pre-operation. I know i'll be fine, I'm just a great big HUGE worry wart. :thumbup: I'm super happy that I have been given this life changing opportunity at such a young age. I'm proud of my decision to have surgery because God knows I have tried EVERYTHING else. This time next year, I will be married (I will be on my honeymoon actually). :scared2: My fiance and I are getting married on October the 30th next year. While I'm not sure if I will be at my goal weight, I know I'll be a lot closer than I am now. I'm also super excited because after we get married, we will be able to try for a baby. I can't wait to be a Mum. I can't wait to fall pregnant and not worry about people being confused and not wanting to ask me if I am. Also, I'm excited about the prospect of having a Baby Belly. Not a bit of baby in the centre and a decent slab of weight surrounding it. I'm actually glad to be doing it this time of year, I know I usually gain a couple of kgs over the holidays. No chance this year. Hehehe. Where is everybody from? I live in Victoria, Australia.

Hey everyone, just checking in... Riley have fun on eharmony. It's nice to to be open to the possibilities. Monique, yes tomorrow is a new day and I'm going to try and do better too. My last few days have been all bad. I didn't even do the bridge this morning. It will be nice to see you all on the 14th we should probably stick with one location so if we roll to Peteluma let's check the walk out there. Ok, a little TMI, all this protein and no leafy greens has me plugged up! Plus I've been eating all this crap thus I can't crap Hehehe,,,:scared2: Oh Pat, yes DR P is going away on Dec 17th for a while so you may have to wait til the new year. But try and get to your goal that way you can pick your date. I can't believe the stupid bridge is not open yet, I can't work from home tomorrow I have 3 meetings so I guess that means BART and leaving home reeeeeal early.

Yes Ladies vicoden will constipate you - up your Water & Fiber or the mirlax - I do dulcolax myself - but as long as I get enough fluids I am usually ok... Ballett - I think he was funning with you and I wouldn't write a letter personally - but again that's mho ;0) Welcome glad to have you - look forward to getting to know you... Charlene you are getting the winds we had yesterday and the day before :0) - Glad you are feeling better - I heard on the news the other day the most pple are vit D deffecient - and it does help with moods etc. I think I am crocheting a scarf - maybe a lap blanket - I am not impressed with the color (pastel yellow) but it was free yarn - so maybe just a scarf for now and then I will get some better yarn and make more to give as gifts for xmas... Great - Well all have the tmi thingie everynow and then - hell I think it's part of getting old - remember hearing your grandma talk about being consitpated :0)... I'm with you I would be in the house and not out an about in the snow pretty to look out at from inside a nice cozy house :0) Julie - I sure hope things get better for you - how about going for a massage??? if your muscles are so tight that would help wouldn't it.. Well worth a try :0) What soap do you watch - I watch sometime All My Childern not like I use to -

Today is my day #2 of the pre-op diet. IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WARNING- TMI but; I got so sick this morning, with diarrhea and then after dinner I threw up. what's going on!? :thumbup: I'm thinking maybe my stomach doesnt settle too well with slimfast optima shakes? I've had them before- I was just fine with it.. now I'm not? I am struggling with the hunger! I bought kellog's protein tea mix, it tastes good! but it hasnt really helped with the hunger.

I understand what you mean, I had a business lunch the other day and got stuck....fun. We are going home over the holidays and this will be the first time I will see some of my family since being banded....I am a bit nervous as to how they will take my portion size and GOD I hope I don't have to excuse myself to PB. If I do, however I hope I can make it funny! Phew, thank goodness! LOL Just kidding with you a bit. I've been fortunate to have time to make it to the bathroom too. Although when I am at home, I normally use the kitchen sick.....ewwhh I know but it's the truth. Welcome John and glad I we can all be of service. No but seriously it's nice to hear that you didn't leave the thread thinking....OMG....Way TMI!!!! YOu are so funny! I love your profile piccy btw! Very nice! Hard work has paid off! Did you have work done?

Nawww thanks laffy :blushing: Last night I had a REALLY bad night... I was up until about midnight because my bf and his bro were 'hanging out' = lots of booze and stupid computer games lol... Anyways, being the one not drinking I was designated driver to maccas for a mighty angus meal at 11.30pm at night. Got home after the boys were talking about cochroaches in the car (dont ask how they got onto that topic) and all of a sudden I had the urge to be sick... TMI but I even started the whole sliming process and knew if I didn't lay down straight away I would be dry heaving in no time and at risk of slipping the band... Luckily the moment I laid on my back the pain and feeling went away... then I stood up again and it was back again... I'm wondering whether it could be because I had a big day and maybe the drag on my skin/stomach from the port cord could have been a bit much??? Any ideas? This morning I have a very sensetive incision in one spot.. i feel a bit bruised up and when I stand I can feel a bit of a drag.. probably normal as everything else so far has been...but you know the story.. waiting for my bad luck to return lol:unsure:

I think maybe I know why the port area is sore (just a guess). Lately I've been constipated and I was straining. I think maybe I'm baring down on that spot. But that might be TMI!! lol I will definitely ask for numbing.