Lindsay

...i'm so sorry you're having such issues finding this sweet spot we all talk about. how old is your daughter? it sounds like she's going through some hormonal changes, too - the increase of breast size. Has she had a blood panel done lately? (they'd check for potassium levels, thyroid, ect) Just keep in mind that breasts are fat. That indication alone tells us that she's definitely increasing her bodyfat percentage. Is your daughter motivated, or as discouraged as you are? I would get her into the right mind set to get one thing in gear at a time. Suggest she starts journaling her food - this is a GREAT habit to get into - and makes one far more 'aware' of what they're really eating. And exercising. This is a BIG thing. We need to get her metabolism going, which won't happen with diet alone. With increasing her activity level, not only will that help with possible sluggish hormonal levels, but the more lean body mass (muscle) she has, the quicker her metabolism will function naturally. If her caloric intake is too low, she may have reached a physical plateau, which will cause a stall, and a possible increase of body weight. When your body thinks you're starving it, it will hang onto weight/body fat. Just keep in mind that diet is at LEAST 85% of your (her) results. the other percents is exercise. I'm not too sure about the fills --- It's so unfortunate you can't depend on the 'professionals' you thought you could trust. sigh/ I hope someone has some better insight for you! xo

I would talk to a doctor and a nutritionist about your caloric requirements if you're breast feeding. I know it's different if you're nursing restricting normally not recommended during that time period. Your babies need the nutrients, which come through you. Here's a great thread on breast feeding and the lapband - this forum is full of amazing information. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/tags/breastfeeding.html Basically, they're saying that keeping calories a bit higher (1600+) to ensure you're getting the proper amount of nutrients, you're good to go. I would really speak with a nutritionist, who can help you calculate the approx ratios of what you need. Because a lot of diets for the first 21 days are liquid, i would be concerned about getting enough of everything. The first 7 days is clear liquids, which is basically broth - pretty much zero nutritional value there. I would also ask about the anesthesia, and breast milk. I've read that it shouldn't interfere, but I would detest that and worry as a parent .. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10900494 I found that for me, I wasn't really able to walk my 3 dogs properly for a good week after surgery. I also wasn't able to lift my little fatso boston terrier up on the bed for a good 5 days. Bending over is still difficult every so often, and I'm 8 days out. Just to give you an idea

I would say find a new fill doctor/location. I'm assuming you're not getting it done by x-ray fluoroscope? From everything I've read, doing it under x-ray can save you TONS Of time finding that sweet spot as they can physically SEE what's going on and how the band is sitting. What does her diet look like? (caloric intake - protein/carbs/fats) And is she exercising regularly?

What Sabrina said. My directions were so clear. I'm just a bit confused. Didn't everyone else receive the folder of nutritional info (it's only TWO pages of info) and have a private consult with Gabriella, the in-house nutritionist? She made me go through a really basic powerpoint presentation on carb's and the importance of liquids, and clear liquids and protein. Even Dr Martinez said that if i wanted to be successful, i HAD to follow the diet to a T. This was all before i went into the operating room. They were very very clear on the instructions.

oh. my. goodness!! LOOOOOOVE IT!!!!! It looks unbelievable!! The Kitchen -- Are the cabinets from IKEA? And how long did this take you??

good thread - thanks for asking this. For me, the sleeve wasn't something i was interested in, because it's FOREVER. At least if my body rejects the band for whatever reason, i know i can remove it, and everything will be back to 'normal'. i also plan on having children, and knowing i have no way of adjusting my intake of food scares me. what if you get ill, and need to take in more calories? what if i start bodybuilding again, and i need to take in more calories? what if you decide you're mentally prepared and ready to loosen your band? You can do that with the sleeve.

great thread .. and awesome question! i was just talking to my boyfriend about this last night. I look forward to reading everyone's reply ....

i don't think what a lot of people need is hold handing. she's stretching out her new stomach. that's fact. she's making her own decisions. that's fact. that makes me mean? ugh. i hate it when people make excuses as to why they can't do something they have full control over. i think they need to make INFORMATIVE decisions, not based on what they psychologically want or THINK they need. Hell, that's why the majority of people are over weight. They have serious issues that go far beyond what we see.

hahaha!! the funny part, is when i put them on, i looked at my boyfriend, and asked him if i looked sexy. he asked me if i had them on backwards. LOL!

hm. i'm not too sure how to respond to this post without sounding mean or nasty ... but the band is only a tool. you won't lose weight if you're still eating crap. and not exercising. You shouldn't be eating solids, because you're stretching out your new stomach! Once it's stretched out by eating solids far too soon (like you're doing), it can't be un-done without more surgery. You're stretching out your new pocket. Did you get the diet information package and the consult with the nutritionist explaining this?! my husband doesn't eat very well, but i don't revolve my eating habits around his. i make my own decisions. maybe you should too? i'm surprised you got the lap band. It doesn't sound like you're ready.

...it's better than farting, which seems to be MY issues at the moment!!

... i'm here!! and my surgery went perfect. recovery has been a bit of a bitch, but I don't think spending 8 hours on a plane did me much good! How are you doing???

What Ramona said ... As a side note, all major chain hotels use purified water in there ice making machines now. I drank the tap water in Tijuana, but even at the Marriott, they are hounding you with bottled water. It's extremely accessible. I always had a couple of bottles in my bag at all times. I also drank lots and LOTS of apple juice at the hotel, and had ZERO tummy issues. My boyfriend ate room service every single night (all of which, he had 'exotic' meals) and never had any issues. So don't worry.

Hm, that's too bad you had a negative experience there ... I've seen it, and had a look at the lobby, and it looked so peaceful and serene. I stayed at the new hotel the clinic now refers clients to, Marriott Hotel. The service was awesome, and the facilities are new. We were originally put on the 2nd floor, but then requested a floor higher up that overlooked the golf course, that's right next door. It had 2 single-like beds in it, and the room was small. It's not as central as the other hotels, but I was there to have surgery, and then fly home, so it worked for us. Next time, we will be staying at the Lucerna, because of the prime location. I personally won't be staying at the Del Rio, because it's a prime location for tourists. After talking to a local San Diegoian, I was told to lay low. Beyond everything else that's happening in Tijuana, the main issue is holding hostages for money. It's a cheap way for locals to get quick money. Just sayin'. Be alert, that's all.

I can't find Gas X strips in Canada!! ahh!!

Hi honeybee's! Just a quick update --- wow, what a difference 24 hours makes! I am feeling soooo much better today. Around yesterday at 4pm, all of a sudden all of that excess gas I had built up finally ... came out. Gotta love the farts, eh?! Thank god they're the non-stinky kind! My boyfriend has already given me his tip of 'blaming the dogs' This morning, I started on the drinkable yogurt, which was a wonderful taste. I haven't had that stuff in so long! I even made a trip to IKEA to pick up new SMALL dishes I am feeling 10000% better. A little achy at the incisions, but most of the time, i forget it's an issue. I've even caught myself itching without realizing - must mean I'm healing up well. I made fresh chicken broth last night, which is amazing ... much better than the store bought sodium filled stuff from the store. I just can't wait to feel completely better, so I can start back at the gym. That's when the real changes will take place. I THINK I'm feeling restricted while I eat. It's such a weird feeling ... I can't remember ever feeling FULL to the point where I just walk away from food. Is this not the oddest thing ever?! I'm just excited to get things going ... !!! Thank you everyone for all of your words of support - I'm not sure what I'd do without you all. xo.

I'm from Toronto, and was using my cell phone at the hotel AND the clinic with no issues. I was even texting, with no issues. (I'm just scared to see my next cell bill!) There is a telephone in each private room at the clinic - which are set up to dial out internationally. Zero cost to you.

oooooooo! you're such a sweetheart! I'm alive - and doing pretty good It was a few rough days ... and I'm hoping what I feel is natural - very gassy, and my tummy is achy (that's no surprise!). Everything went perfectly, although, they shuttled me to the clinic at 5:30AM (!!!!!!!!), and then had me sit around waiting until around 11am. That was slightly ... horrible! I'm back home, which was a looooong journey. Flying was very very difficult. I normally get very sick on planes, but this time it was even worse. After our first flight to Chicago, I got off the plane in tears. I was so uncomfortable, and felt so sick to my stomach. I also felt very dehydrated, and couldn't get rid of that horrible sickness feeling. I"m so grateful to be HOME! I just hope how I feel is 'normal'.

oh, how scary! i'm so glad you have such a good attitude about things ... Please keep us posted. xo

JENELLE! Thank you so much for your reply. I seriously thought something was wrong with me! I do think it's dehydration that's making me feel so barfy - it's easier to just NOT to drink anything, than argue with gas! I'm sipping tea right now, which isn't uncomfortable. I just have to get past the first week, I guess On my way back to the airport, I was talking to a sweetheart to had her surgery a day prior, and was talking about walking miles and miles the next day. UGH! I've been feeling like poo!

ahh! this was my BIGGEST fear too .. waking up in the middle. I was fully awake when they wheeled me to the operating table. They gave me a very VERY mild sedative to calm me down prior, (i told them I have horrible anxiety), but it didn't do anything. When i hopped up onto the operating table, i knew EXACTLY what was going on around me. I could see them cleaning and prep'ing, heard lots of noises, etc... I told one of the beautiful (male) anesthesiologists, that i was really really scared. He put a heart rate monitor on my finger and started laughing ... my heart rate was going NUTS!! BEEP BEEP beep beep beep!!! He agree'd, that yes, i was nervous! He started to talk to me, about what I do for a living -- and then we started talking about dogs - my favorite topic. LOL ... Then, i asked him to promise me i wouldn't wake up. He promised, and told me I'd be alseep in 30 seconds. I said, 'no way .. i don't think ..' and then i remember saying, 'good night!' and closing my eyes. Before i knew it, the nurses were asking me to lift my arms - which I couldn't. I slowly said, 'give me a second' .. and I could feel my senses coming 'round .. quickly ... They asked me how I was feeling, and my throat was hurting. I think they had a tube down my throat? But that was it. I was DYING of thirst that morning, so it was no surprise my throat was tender. They wheeled me back to my private room, where my boyfriend was watching golf on the tv *hahaha!*, and was excited to see me so quickly. He told me I was only in there for about 30 minutes! The nurse quickly came back in, with a freezie! That felt amazing on my sore throat. I was so nervous. I told them that going in. They arranged my surgery first of the day, so I wouldn't have to wait around ... But seriously, if I did it, ANYONE can do it!

Hi everyone! Well, i'm FINALLY back home in Toronto. What a horrible journey back home. Flying was horrible, especially when it all added up to over 9 hours in the air. My tummy was in pain, and I felt like I was going to throw up the entire time. HORRIBLE. Last night, we arrived back home around 2am. I slept the ENTIRE night through, which was amazing. Now, for my questions. I feel sooo gassy I can barely drink anything. And I'm feeling very sick to my stomach - it was really bad again this morning. I have to walk around, with my head up, to prevent dry gagging, which happens every time I take tums to help with the bubbling in my tummy. I'm assuming these 'feelings' will calm down as time goes by? I just hate feeling so barfy, all the time. I had my band surgery on Tuesday, which was great -- but I've been feeling quite barfy ever since. Please tell me this is normal? How long will this last? How did YOU feel after being banded? I'm assuming flying after the operation wasn't a wise idea for me -- I've always been sensitive in terms of my tummy! Lindsay//

we´ve been tipping as much as we´d tip in downtown toronto .. no more than $5.00USD. we have also been tipping in usd, as they tend to get more excited with the exchange rate.

AngelaAnn: Stick with at least 30 minutes of cardio a day. You can do whatever you wish. As your fitness & endurance increases, I can almost guarantee you'll become more brave, and before you know it you'll be up on the step mill sweatin' away! As for weight days - recovery is important. You can do cardio every day. But weights, you don't want to work the same muscle groups every day. This is a very popular upper/lower split: Monday - Cardio / Upperbody Tuesday - Cardio Wednesday - Cardio / Lowerbody Thursday - Cardio Friday - Cardio / Upper Saturday - Cardio Sunday OFF Then switch it up the next week ... repeat! By setting a schedule ahead of time, you'll know exactly what you're doing, on certain day. Keeping a workout journal is also key - it's awesome going back, and seeing how much you've improved. In my w/o journal, I also keep track of my moods (just little key notes like: 'going to die' next to my squat set ..'could barely breathe' beside my step mill session!) It's funny to go back, read the notes, and remind yourself how far you've come in such a short period of time. I hope this helps ... i've always found it extremely motivating to go in with a plan.

Judgmental no - informative, yes. I'm sorry if I can't support your decision, but you should at least be fully aware of what water you're treading in. Why ask questions, if you don't want to hear responses? You asked about fat burners, I gave you facts. along with suggestions. What you do is your decision. After reading your profile, it was clear that you've been yo-yoing with dieting for years - why you'd add 'fat burners' into the mix, is beyond me. They've NEVER been clinically proven to work long term. But that decision is yours. Any 'trainer' that advocated fat burners is a huge red flag. But again, the decision is yours. Just get your facts straight before making it.