Kittycat

Good idea Tara, hide the scale, increase your protein and you will have a big surprise next week! You are doing so great already!!!

Hi Stormy, the way I judge it is...if you start to feel uncomfortable, in your throat, your chest or stomach, stop! You can't over drink, you can over eat...your on liquids right now and they cannot stretch your band...so drink until you feel full or the feelings above and be aware of how your body gives you signals. Have a great day!!

That is amazing Nicole!! You are a true inspiration to us all!! You are looking so hot...keep it up girl!!

Hi Stormy, I hope you feel a bit better today...have a milkshake, it's liquid and it's fine....drink it slow and stop when you feel full. We are here to support you through the good and the bad. We will kick your butt when you need it and give you hugs too. That's what we are all about. Although it may seem harsh at times, it's only because we want you to succeed. We all make mistakes, we are not perfect...it's not easy. As long as you realize what you have done and get back on track you'll be just fine. So your butts been kicked, out of love and go have your milkshake and go for a walk. Take care sweetie!! Every day get better, promise!!! XO

Hi Stormy, what you are feeling is totally normal. Drink or eat your soup when you feel hungry..don't count calories right now, your body needs nutrition to heal...when you are hungry, have a yogurt, a fudgecicle, soup, pudding...something...this is the not the time for weight loss. Bandster hell is before your fill or between fills you are hungry 24/7. I actually felt a dumping affect after I lost restriction after surgery..I would eat a portion controlled lunch and within 20 minutes I felt hungry again...first fill, not much change, second fill, huge change...I have 5cc in my 9cc band and restriction is sweet...I think for now I have hit my sweetspot. Try to distract yourself my food, go for a walk, play with your son, do a puzzle...anything but food. It's tough at first, but eventually you will view food for nutrition rather than for fun. Eating becomes a chore after awhile..chewing, chewing, chewing makes you tired and sometimes you just don't want to eat anymore. I know that sounds impossible right now, but mark my words...some day. Take care and keep up the great work!!

Thanks Ladies...I am destined for a tummy tuck and thigh lift for sure, even just 50 lbs down I can see the future. I am prepared for that, I'm not going to work this hard to get 150 off to have a saggy body. I better start saving my pennies now!! Have a great weekend!!

Hi Pammie, I saw your pics of the TT and you look great. How about legs, did you have trouble firming them up? I am afraid that I will need a thigh lift. Thanks Cathy

DITTO!!!!

Try not to step on the scale during your post op 21 day healing period. Do not count calories and drink and eat as much as you feel you need. After the 21 days, when you start on solids, you can start to count calories and portions. You body is getting used to taking in less calories and it will hold on to the weight or yoyo back and forth. NSV are much more important until you get your first fill. Good Luck!!

You are too cute Jessica...you'll catch up in no time..and have a great start already, keep it up girl and you surpass me in no time!! The race is on!!

Don't feel guilty at all,, this is exciting news!!! Although it wasn't planned, you and your hubby with love this baby and plan your life around this miracle. After the baby you can concentrate on your weight loss. Congratulations and keep us in the loop on how you are doing.

You are bang on! Everyone is different, there are many factors involved in whether or the skin will bounce back and maybe only in certain areas...I am working my butt off to firm up the areas like arms, legs, hips and butt to avoid surgery in those areas, but my tummy is beyond repair. I carried two 9lb boys and have been overweight for 10 years...I am not 20 anymore, now 45 and after working so hard to lose 140 lbs, if I need surgery to make my body look like 140 lbs, I'm there!!

Wow!! Thanks to everyone for your support and congrats!! I just love you guys...you are the best and I couldn't have done with you! Have a great weekend!!

I think all of the points have been covered. Alcohol is empty calories, you will get drunk faster and if you vomit, it can put your band at risk. Avoid carbonation. If you want to have a drink or two when you go out for an evening with friends or a glass of wine before dinner, you can. But make sure you are responsible and calculate the calories into you daily intake. I plan to have drinks when I go away on vacation, not alot but some. I haven't had a drink since May 23/08, I am not a drinker, but if an opportunity arose I would have a vodka and cranberry and nurse it through the evening. It's all about moderation and being responsible.

That's amazing, good for you...I will be estatic when I hit onederland!! You are doing great, keep it up girl!!!! =D> >

DanaBall, enjoy the ride, it's not without struggles but the highs are incredible!! You will do great and I will be right along side you, cheering you on!!!

Thanks Lisa, you are my inspiration and I am striving to meet the same goals you did!! As always you have a way with words and I truly appreciate your support and friendship immensely!! Love ya back!

Thanks Bella, I am so excited!!! Next stop 60lbs!!! Have a great day and I will talk to you on Sunday!!

I just love Lipstick Jungle and darn it, I missed it this week...I have heard about this procedure and it was also featured on Nip/Tuck. A girl I work with had her thingy peirced for added sensation..ouchywawa!!! If I ever consider botox, it would be in my face only! Thanks for sharing!!

Hi Everyone....I finally hit my milestone today....50 lbs gone and for good...just 4 months since my pre-op started in late May!! I am so excited about this, and there is no way this would have happened without the band. So for you ladies and gentlemen about to embark on this life changing journey in the next month or two...you are making the best decision of your life, for your life and things can only get better!!! Thanks to everyone for all of your support along the way...you guys are the best of the best and I truly love your spirit and having your friendship. Have a wonderful day everyone!!! Happy Friday!!!

Hi Cathy, you may or maynot be overeating...I don't overeat, I barely eat a thing and it happens. My surgeon said it's the esophagus muscle contracting when the pouch is full. I have had since day one after surgery even on liquids it happens...it's a good thing, it's my body's way of telling me to stop eating, but like you say, it's annoying at times.

I don't think so...when you feel up to it, do it, as with any surgery.

You little vixen you....just kidding, when you feel up to it, you can. There are alternate positions you can chose to avoid tummy contact...enjoy!! LOL!!

Good luck Julie, safe trip, too bad you couldn't stay longer!!

The plain truth is...men are sucks...when they get sick or injured they milk it for all it's worth...you had the same surgery and continue to perform your usual wifely and motherly duties...tell him to stop worrying, everything is fine, the band is inside his body and the dog jumping on him cannot touch that.