crazycoolbutterfly

Congrats! You look great! It's amazing how our body transforms and results show better in pictures than in the mirror

:lb10: The simplest things are the most enjoyable moments

I agree with KellyC and Dana, I too am always cold. I have the same probs with eating, if I'm cold, I can NOT eat solids. So I too carry a sweater and make sure I'm nice and warm before I start solids. Also, with Dana on the Texas weather, although it is fairly warm most of the time, I've noticed that when the temp goes down, my band tightens. I brought this to the attention of my doctor that was doing my fills (fillcentersusa,houston) and he agreed that many patients have told him the same thing. I also, was anemic, or should I say am. So, about every two months or so, I go in and have a CBC with my primary care doctor. Just to make sure my levels are good and I'm not low in iron or other vitamins/minerals. I sometimes take iron supplements, but not everyday. Therefore, I also suggest like Jazzy and Trav, to check with your doctor on a regular basis to assure optimum levels. I'm guess it's a combination of all things weather, iron, stress, etc.. Working with the band is a daily learning experience. One day at a time... Also, CONGRATS to everyone on their weightloss be it 80 pounds or 1 pound!!!! SUCCESS IS SO SWEET

You are doing GREAT!

Congrats to you, WOW 117 pounds gone in 6 months AMAZING!!!!! You are doing wonderful! I'm so inspired, you HAVE to share more details- Please, like exercise, nutrition, new eating habits, anything that you do that has done wonders!

> What a wonderful NSV Sarahrnrx! I'm sure your sister is smiling with you too

:lb24: WOW!! Thats great news for you! Congrats! :lb13: And it's funny you posted this, because just the lastweek, I looked into ordering it online. BUT, my wonderful husband ended up downloading it for FREE, from his friend who had used it and bought in online. His friend also says its a GREAT workout and really LOVES it! It's a tough program, but I've heard great results, and so I am very glad you posted today. I feel even better that someone like me, can actually do this and see results that you are happy with!!!! GOOD for YOU and thanks again for sharing with us. :lb23:

Can I get another WOOOOTTTTWOOOOTTT? My 1 year band anniversary is April 10th, I'm not sure if I will be there on that same exact day, but I will be wishing you all the best! I hope that I will be there sometime that week or weekend, I just haven't booked the flight, yet. Congrats on making a wonderful decision that will change your life for the better

Nope. Not at this time. Up until my second fill, I could eat salads galore. So, it's all steamed veggies for me now. I'm sure eventually I will be able to get back to my "rabbit food"

Thanks JazzyJude, I too loved the soda! But alas, I digress. When I joined my fitness walking/running group I thought to myself, I just want to walk 5 miles without passing out. I could barely do 1/2 a mile in July of last year. This past month, I completed My first half marathon which is 13.1 miles in 3 hrs, and 47 minutes! It was AMAZING, crossing the finish line. I know that you will be meeting that goal soon, you have a great mindset and cheerful attitude. As for my most recent NSVs, Candles, flowers, and new walking socks for Valentine's day from my husband! I used to look forward to CANDY, GOURMET food, office parties, etc... Not anymore, I love my new training shoes and socks. I hope by Springbreak to be getting a size M swimsuit, to replace my size XL. Photos are now an enjoyment in my life, rather than a shy avoidance. I used to avoid having my picture taken. Now, I am opening up to actually posing for a nice shot, rather than saying "please don't take a picture". :girl_hide:

Thanks, you know some people like to saute the onions, tomatoes and other ingredients. Kinda like a "ranchero" sauce. A good sauce can make a "dull" meal into something flavorful and wonderful! You're right the list goes on ... :lb3:

:lb9: May your journey be successful and fun"filled!

For my first post-op follow up in June, my family and I decided to vacation in Mexico and we stayed at the Grand Hotel Tijuana which was AWESOME. They have a pool, on the second or third floor, a full golf course, workout room, two full restaurants, a bar, dr offices, spas, a whole shopping center inside the hotel. And free Internet and free in-gargage secure parking. My husband is a veteran, so we have a discounted membership that allowed us to book three conjoining rooms for about $400 for a week!!!! OMG, it was the best. We had our privacy, while our boys had their "own" rooms. The best thing was that we had access to all rooms, while no one could come in or out unless unlocking the "main" door. Really nice! Also, across the street was Burger King, Subway, and some other fast food places. Down the street is Sam's club, a theater, and Chuck E Cheese/ Peter Pipers Pizza, and way further down the street is Ave Revolution. I too thought about the Marriot, which actually is futher down the street north from the Grand Hotel. But, I'm glad we chose them. Here's the link: Grand Hotel Tijuana

In response: MrsParris, first and foremost, I normally don't respond to requests for help/advice for the very reasons of what occurred on this posting. Some, very few, people on this forum twist and turn words, or make it about them, which makes it harder for others to be honest when voicing advice/opinions. However, you asked for an opinion and/or advice and I gave it to you honestly. The band is a tool, not a miracle. Which is a phrase that several patients and doctors have mentioned before. I too am a wife, mother of 4 active boys, etc...but I MAKE time to exercise. Even if it is for 5-10 minutes. Believe it or not, it only takes 8 minutes for some people to run a mile. It takes 5 minutes to do 50 crunches, slowly. It takes 2 minutes to walk outside to your mailbox and back 5 times. I also MAKE time to carry a low-cal bar, snack, whatever in my purse for the days I am in a time bind and can't get to a sit down meal. Do you remember when you would pack for child's diaper bag? Well, that's pretty much what I do for myself. I carry a bag with my walking gear, a change of clothes, water bottles, and healthy snacks all the time in my car. I understand you may not have a habit of eating at McDonald's, but they do have healthier options other than a burger. Moderation is true, but a double cheeseburger isn't what I would call moderation. They have apples, salads, grilled chicken, yogurts... The choice is up to you not the band. You also mentioned that you hadn't eaten since 11 am and it wasn't until about PM when you did eat, I ask why? Taking care of yourself is a must. Isn't it the main reason why "we" got here in the first place? I came to terms that in order to be a better mother, wife, friend, etc...I must take care of myself first, then the others. If I'm not well, how could I care for someone else? I re-learned this because as a mother, wife, etc you put yourself in the back burner and then end up with negative results. You are doing extremely well, and I'm sure that you expect faster results as we all do. But at the same time, are you willing to risk your health once again, because you don't make the time you need for your body to be better? And with that burning question, I will let you be. JazzyJude Thanks for your support, I know that sometimes honest opinions/advice is taken in wrongly, but you always find the best out of the conversations. Thanks. Pammie Thanks for posting the "guidelines" once again for everyone on the board. It's pretty much what I said, just in more detailed explanation. Most important is that the patient is following bandster diet and portions. I too keep a handy list of my on line guidelines and books that I have read regarding patient portions, diets, exercises, and follow-ups. I probably should have posted that, instead of my opinion. "Regular reviews (4-6 weeks) are recommended with weight and clinical status measured. If weight loss is 1 pound per week over the period and patient is following bandster diet guidelines then another fill of normal saline is added" Jennifer JS, "haughty ...and death", To mention this regarding my advice is ridiculous. It was our previous choices/habits/excuses that could have lead to our untimely death, not words. You are the first, and only person, who has ever posted something negative about me or to me. And I don't appreciate that. Obviously this post was intended for a response to a question of help, not a response to others opinions/advice. Sometimes the truth hurts, and if that struck a cord with you/others, well that wasn't my intention. However, in my defense, I am honestly repeating what Pammie posted in the guidelines, but not in the same exact words. And, Yes, I am proud to be here today and what I have accomplished. My faith, family, hard work, determination, and positive attitude is what gets me going everyday. happygirl02, I am NOT "relying on willpower more than band", I make time to exercises, eat better choices, eat the correct portions and keep close contact with my primary care physician, fill doctors, and surgeons. I researched for over 5 years before having this procedure done. And when I finally did, last year, I made sure that I knew what I was getting into, where I am going, and how I'm getting there. I am not wasting my time, money or efforts this time around. I learn from my mistakes, thank GOD. "Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. " Kahlil Gibran

:negative: I disagree about getting another fill. First I would recommend making sure your water intake is at minimum of 64 oz per day. It doesnt have to be all water, in can be crystal light, clear soups, etc... Secondly if you have time to eat at night, then you have time to go outside and take a walk. Instead of eating, go for a walk. Do jumping jacks. Do situps. Do anything for 10 - 20 minutes. It will take your mind off eating and give you a break. Finally, steer clear from fast food. If you can eat a McDonalds burger you can eat a whole grain wheat sandwich with turkey or peanut butter and a small banana, which is way lower in fat, calories, etc. Remember that you can have snacks between your meals, just make sure they are under 100 cals and low in fat, like fruit or sugar free puddings, cookies, etc... :popcorm1: IF and when you have tried to do this honestly and still feel hungry, THEN at that time go for a fill. The LAST thing you need is to be TOO tight and can't hold liquids or solids and go back for an unfill. I have a total of 3.0 cc in my band that holds 4.0cc and I can't eat white breads or white rice, or white potatoes. But it's been that way for me from the very beginning. Before surgery I gave up all of those items, slowly, but surely. Finally, when I caved in about 3 months post op, I realized I couldnt eat these foods that I totally once loved. But, that's good because I don't need simple carbs, so about 8 months post op I began eating complex carbs the whole grains, brown rice, and realized I liked these better and can eat them without a problem. Hope this helps you and doesnt make you upset in any way. I realize others pushed for a fill, but if you rely 90% on the band and only 10% on will power, then you will be miserable. You have invested lots of time and money on this, make sure you put in your 50% and the band will put in 50%. :lb4:

Fresh pico de gallo * 6 medium Tomatoes diced * 1 medium Onion diced * 1/4 cup fresh Cilantro chopped. * 2 to 4 Fresh serrano or jalapeño seeded and minced (if you like heat) * garlic powder just a pinch * juice from 1 medium lemon * Salt and pepper to taste Put all ingredients in a bowl (add 1/2 cup of cold water, mix well if you like it saucy, otherwise just mix and serve as is) <after adding the water, you can also place in blender and blend for a minute if you like it smooth and saucy>

:lb9: Glad to hear that everything went well. May you have a successful and fun"filled" journey!

The weather is usually nice and sunny through out the day, and nice and cool by 5pm. Always carry a light sweater if staying outdoors after dark, heavier sweater if you get cold easily. As for swimming, even if it were summer, she would still be cold. The pacific ocean water is COLD no matter what the weather outdoors. We take our boys to California once every two years or so, different times of the year -and each time we enter the water we are FREEZING. But it's great to wear body suit or just clothes to get a little warmth. We are from TX and our waters here in the gulf are always warm, even in the winter with lots of humidity, compared to the temp in CA. We love it in CA!

The airports are very strict about the ounce limits, I would recommend NOT risking it. That would just delay you and may risk missing your flight if you are pulled to the side. I would just buy one or two at the airport, upon passing the TSA. Alot of them have smoothie places with protien shots, and vitamin shops that you could purchase one or two quick drinks. Otherwise just wait til you get back home, you won't be drinking anything but clear liquids after surgery anyways, so you may not be able to drink the protien bullets right away. You may also be able to find them in Mexico at the supermarkets, pharmacies, or local vitamin shops. It's worth a look around while you are walking your gas off.

:lb17: Chopper, I am glad that you feel some restriction, isn't it great and awful at the same time? Funny, I know-- great because you know that the band is working but awful because sometimes in the moment or on the go, forgetting to chew properly or eating too quickly will give you a pain right away. Good for you, thanks for sharing.

That sounds pretty cool, I wonder if they have some here? I'm going to look around and post if I find anything.

It sounds so yummy! Unfortunately, I can't eat eggs at this time. But for those of you who can without a problem, eat a bite for me. Thanks. I'm going to try and make them with the bacon for my boys and see if they like them. (which I'm sure they will, they eat everything and LOTS too :yes: ) Thanks for another recipe Judy!

Hi Zeph, There are several teens who have been banded, if you go to the main page and click on the topic discussion of : Lap band for Teens It is the fourth main topic after General Support & Discussions. You will be able to communicate more with the others in that section, as well as read some the questions and answers posted. Hope this helps and welcome to our group! May your journey be a successful and fun "filled" journey.

:lb16: :lb10: :lb16: Good to hear things went well for you. Hope you have a successful and fun "filled" journey!