julieburns

I had no idea. What will they think of next?

:lb10: :lb21: Mackenzie you are doing great. Thanks for the reminder of this not being any kind of race, I too forget that. Once you join that gym you'll see another big difference in how feel about yourself. Somehow when I am at a gym and see all the various sizes and shapes of people working out I get pumped up myself about being there. It really helps to motivate a person to keep on keeping on!!

I was banded June 4th, 08. It has not been an easy road for me. Yes I am addicted to food and still am after my surgery. I am an emotional, binge eater. With that said the band has helped though. During he liquid post-op phase I did lose weight but that has been it. After liquids and before my first fill I followed the "rules" fairly well but as I found I had no restriction then it was just back to the same old shear willpower as before I had been banded and on a diet plan. After having been "deprived" for 3 weeks I made some poor choices but for the most part I did OK. I didn't lose any more weight though as I was not able to stick to the plan 100%. Old habits die hard. Now after my first fill on 7/17 I had immediate restriction, so much I worried I was overfilled. I stuck it out and now after 2 weeks I feel like I have good restriction and can eat 4-6 bites of food, chew well and I don't PB. The problem is I don't stay full for more than a few hours and then I want to graze. This is not the answer to my deep seated problems with food. Yes counseling might help perhaps but that' not a possibility for me at this time. I have faith that in the long run this band will change my life and I just keep plugging away at it day by day. I try not to beat myself up when I slip and just move on. I may not lose my weight in record time but I WILL lose my weight. Much of the responsibility though is not on the band but on my choices and that's the most difficult part of this. I am not wanting this to sound negative as that is not my tone at all when I type this but just a "real"answer from my heart to someone considering this and wonders what to expect. It's been hard work every single day and for me I still obsess over what I am eating, going to eat, have eaten etc. I pray for some day this will become more of a habit and these cravings will go away as well as the obsession. Sorry this is so long. Best of luck to you in your decision.

Glad to know we have some helpers when it comes to "tax" issues on the board.

Oh Phoenix you are my hero!!! Thanks so much for giving me a satisfying alternative to my worst nightmare. :lb23: Now about the diet coke I am afraid I can't help.

As others have said try not to jump to the worst conclusion. It may seem to you that this is the only answer when in fact there are so many other factors that may be in play. No I don't understand it either but I sure hope for you that this is the case. You should probably talk to one of the Docs at OCC, not that Carolyn won't have some good advice but they are the experts. :lb4:

So we all have been wondering how yesterday went. I know you may still be going through the drama surrounding you having surgery but just wanted you to know I care. Hope you are able to post soon so we know you are doing ok

Oh Suzie I feel for you. I do understand what you are going through. Before my first fill I could and did eat alot of what I shouldn't have. Now since my fill I am having trouble eating solids. It's my own fault as I don't go slow enough or chew enough but I am finally getting the hang of it. My biggest problem is one I had prior to surgery and that is ICE CREAM. Oh it goes down so easy, especially when I can't eat solids very well. I know this is eating around the band and all that and I am trying to STOP this. I guess years of bad habits and my one worst one is not going away easily. I know it is my choice and it's just going to take that much longer to lose the weight. So my dear I do understand and let's both just take it one day at a time and we CAN do this together!!!

Hey Trudy: =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> I am so happy for your milestone. yes it is great to go down into another number on the scales.

But Stormy yes you can help her. It may not be by giving your sister money though. You need to contact any of the suggested places to be an advocate for your mom. She will NOT lose the social security that is entitled to her. Your sister may lose her ability to squander it though on her own needs. Again I urge you to be your mom's advocate as it's obvious she needs you to do this for her health and welfare. Especially when you describe her mental condition as you did she may not even realize what she is missing!! Out of the numerous suggestions on this board I am sure there is some way to do it anonymously if you fear repercussion from your sister. Truly you will regret this later in life if you don't stand up and do something asap. It may take several months for things to be investigated so start now. Make just one phone call today for your mothers sake.

Phoenix did a great job of answering your questions. I advise you to just read this forum as much as you can and you will get answers to questions you havn't even thought of. I encourage you to call the OCC to speak to one of the patient care coordinators about your specific needs. They are a wealth of information and are happy to spend the time necessary to answer all your questions. :lb11:

For my first fill Dr. So said to have liquids for 3 days after because we are still heeling from the initial surgery. At the next fill time, whenever it may be but at least 4 weeks from 1st fill the stomach is healed and they want you to eat something after the fill to check it out. This sounds like what Paula was told to do. I wonder if they've changed this in just the last few days?

I think it varies from person to person regarding how long your "glue" stays on. I just remember the folks at OCC saying o not "pick" it off just let it come off naturally. I used soap and water and a soft washcloth over the areas to cleanse them but there is no need once the "glue"has come off to cover them or even use any antibiotic ointment unless they are bothering you.

:lb21: :lb10: It's all about patience and perseverance!! I'm happy for you!! =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =

Let's give a shout out for SOLIDS!! I had oatmeal for my breakfast and then was so full all day I had no lunch. For dinner I made delicious salmon ( I used the recipe on here from momonamission which I could only eat about 3-4 bites of, a few bites of broccoli and that was it. I got full very quickly. It was so good!! Just go slowly and chew, chew, chew!!

:party: :party: :lb10: I'm so happy for you Paula!!

Yes you do need the console to then use the WiiFit. We paid about$300 for the console(I think)and then I got the Wiifit at Costco for $79.99....great deal. I was there one day and they had just gotten a big crate of them, limit 2 per customer though. Anyway we went back a few days later and they were all gone. Hope you get one because everyone I know has lots of fun with them and you can workout as a beginner or at any level you choose. Lots of fun stuff to keep you moving either alone or with a partner.

Lynzz's experience is not normal from what I've read and experienced myself. Don't worry over something you have no control over, I know easier said then done but try.

Wow we have more talent here then we realize.

Posture does have 2 elements working together to make it good. First a conscious effort to sit and stand tall and suck in the "core" as much as possible. the stronger your core is the more able you can do this. Now with excess weight it is more difficult and your muscles are out of shape I am assuming so this is more challenging. It's my opinion that weight loss alone will not help your posture but can help you to manage it better. There's alot of good info out there on how to strengthen your "core" as in pilates, ab work and many other ways. We must make an effort at all times to suck in our stomach and stand tall with or without extra weight to achieve optimal posture.

:lb5: and Happy B-Day to you Suzanna!!

Thanks Karenlynn, I am always looking for new exercise DVD's. I like to do these at home for the convenience. Now I just need to actually do them more to get some results!!

I think because not all of us may chew so thoroughly and this is a safe suggestion to all who may not do as well as you. Also maybe "mushy"foods arn't as fibrous and will not be as painful to digest? Just a thought.

:lb21: for your success. Yes the water weight will go as quickly as it came.

You always make me laugh. Glad to hear she's on the mend.