The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

Ugh.... im just complaining thats all..... Im not even Banded yet.. and Im complainging... hmmmm go figure... lol So... Im here reading Post after Post... (gosh Im so feeling sorry for myself I know) And I see Tickers and Tockers.. and What people want to lose and How much they weigh and Im soooooo Down!!!! You all are GREAT I love you all, You have helped me with soooooo much i see 265 down to 160 280 down to 180 300 down 190.... Its GREAT!!! Why do I feel Like I will be a failer??? oh I know its just me and I being a big baby.. I need to be slaped LOL But really I think you all that have done so good...I need to lose more then 200lbs I feel I will fail... Im not fee…

Ok so we'll go with the bad news first....I am asking for many many prayers because my family is having a VERY bad week. My 22 year old cousin was just diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gherig's Disease (sp?) The whole family is taking it very hard and the poor thing can't even go outside or walk up and down the stairs do to all of his complications...please say some prayers for my best friend...he hasn't been given a time line, usually 3-5 years but some people live as long as 10 i've heard...If you guys have any information anything is useful at this time...we are all searching the net high and low for any information, treatments, that kind of thing...he has great doctors and w…

I have 9 gmail invites I can give out. If anyone wants one, let me know. (Be sure to include an email to send the invite too.) If you don't know what it is, go to www.gmail.com. (Gmail will be free to everyone, eventually, the advantage to getting an invite now is that you have a better chance of getting whatever username you want -- plus you get to use it earlier than everyone else =) I get absolutely nothing for giving them to you.) Jonathan

First of all, I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and Happy New Year!!! I have been having acid reflux lately and have woke up several time coughing on my spit or something that came up in the middle of the night. So yesterday, I was eating lunch and my food came right back up....I was eating little pieces of creamy chicken. So after that I went to CVS pharmacy and picked my up some Maalox, and I took 1 tsp with a sip of tea and about 20 minutes after that...it came back up. About an hour later I had to go and PB my spit. So, I called my Dr's office and he is out of town for 2 weeks. They told me to go on liquids for 5 days to see if it helps. No back up Dr arou…

Here is a new avatar for you with your 1 chin and beautiful hair!!!

Just wanted to share our new baby... well, it's really Chloe's, but since Chloe practically lives here, looks like we have a new baby to love. Meet Cooper. I don't like the name, but it's what Chloe calls it. It's Shitzu and Beagle.

I just read about Ashlee in us weekly. Those guys at the football game were total jerks. She said she wishes the critics will pick on someone else and i agree. Do you think MTV is gonna play the boo on her show? It's on after Newlyweds again right? I hope they let her tell her side! Mandy

I thought this would be a fun thread to share stupid things we've done. I'll start by telling you that I have an unusal amount of stories that involve laundry and laundramats (thank God I finally own my own washer and dryer.) Many moons ago, I loaded the public washers at my apartment with everything me and my boyfriend owned. I went back 30 minutes later and put Bounce sheets and quarters in the dryers, then left during the dry cycle. A half hour later I went back to add more quarters cuz I really jammed those machines full. When I went back to fold, all our clothes were gone, every last stitch. My violent-natured boyfriend was going to hammer down every door in t…

I just got back from the Doctor, I got my second fill. He took me from 1.5cc to 1.75cc. While I was there I ask him about the coffee and erison. He said coffee WILL NOT cause erison. I was happy to hear that! I have been drinking it all the time, even in the hospital. I lost 4 pounds since I was there last (Dec.) and he was happy about that, he said anyone that can lose 4 pounds over the holidays is doing something right. So, all of you that lost weight over the holidays can be proud of yourself

Hello all, I want to compile some writings from people that deal with food, addiction to food, obesity, the band, etc. I've done some journalling in the past few years as I've tried to deal wtih my problem on a psychological level that I'm going to clean up and post. In the mean time, I plan on putting them on my website. Eventually, maybe something more permanant. If you're interested in contributing, feel free to send me your materials via PM or email at any time. If you want to be anonymous, just indicate so, and I'll never reveal your identity. If you want to be credited, let me know that as well. I think writing, especially poetry, or even poetic "prose", i…

It's that time of year again and since I've been home sick, I've been taking advantage of the time to try to get my things together regarding medical expenses and possible deductions. I recall Marie posted a url in the past regarding those deductions but couldn't find it on a search, so here is the IRS one: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html Things are so much easier these days. All I have to do is go online to get anything I want. All my medication copays are right there ready to be printed off at Walgreens.com, my online banking is downloaded into MS Money, so I could just pull up reports for the 'healthcare' category or go through each payee and pull up reports …

chili dogs from junior high school lunchroom sweet and sour chicken from Chi's Wok tuna salad from my friend's Nanny's kitchen fried pickles with ranch from The Steak Co. fried chicken sandwich from Denny's chips and hot sauce from Don Pablo's fried potatoes with green peppers from Hotel in Waikiki Here is my list of things that I wanted to eat today and have been craving since yesterday and have not eaten. I am on liquids for 2 weeks because I had a fill and want to make the best of the 3 days of liquids they put you on. It felt better to write them down. I sit right by the break room at work and can smell everything that is cooked. It made me feel a little b…

i have heard so many different storys about having this surgery about the pro's and con's.will someone who has had the surgery please let me know.

Do any of you know of any seminars in the area that would be a bit insightful on the procedure...i dont know where to begin with this really.i dont want to rush into it but i did call my insurance company today and they said it takes thirty days generally for precertification ...and something else if my insurance will pay 80% of the cost then will i have to come of with the rest before having the surgery or will they work with you and let you pay it out?? and i want to have it done in a houston hospital and with a doctor that has done the procedure a lot so any info you might have will be appreciated...thanks so much for your kindness...

Mike and I have been married for 15 loooong years. We were 19 when were married. We came from different religions, different cultures, different backgrounds - my mother said it would only last 1 year, 2 at the most! I confessed to him later in life that at 19 I only married him to get out of my abusive alcoholic dad's home.... he understood. Weve been though the normal events that stress a marriage; job loss, the raising of 3 kids, numorous surgeries, moving, the near death experience of our 9yr old (that was at the hands of Mike), and of coarse, always being broke...... Lastnight we were able to "get away" and go to a restaurant - ALONE :eek ! At the resta…

As some of you know I have been feeling down of late. I have pulled myself out of the funk and am looking life through different eyes now. I will not let other peoples attitudes destroy my self-esteem and self-worth. I have worked too hard to get where I am now. I also will not let my relationships with other people define who I am. Enough said on that subject. To the reason I am posting today. I went to Target to do some shopping (I do that when I get depressed). I saw they had the bathing suits out already so I decided to go look at them. LOLOLOL!!!! I mean really Target having a bathing suit I would want to be seen in much less be able to wear, give me a br…

I am still trying to figure this out, so bear with me. This is Ginny and Lisa G. modeling and Paula in the background.

My husband said he heard on K-love oldie station today they were giving away a lapband procedure to someone. Those of you that are having trouble with insurance approval might want to check it out. I didn't hear it so I don't have anymore details.

I am going to try to post some pictures (if I remember how) of Christmas and some of my leathers as some of you have ask me to post them for you.

I got home from work, and my DH had a big beautiful vase full of red and pink roses. It is so nice and they are so beautiful. No special occasion, it was "just because!" Wow, this has just been a wonderful day!

I know this isn't band related, but I am so excited. My neice just got accepted at SouthWestern Medical School for her residency! It is so hard to get into a school like that! She was at the top of her class with grades and has some of the highest scores in the nation. She is going into Ear/Nose/Throat Surgery. She wants to be able to help fix those people that are really messed up or born with defects. She will be great at it too! I am so proud of her that I am just busting and had to tell someone!

Hi every one ,I am in the bandland now lol with my lovely friends thanks to all of you for all the support I just want every one to know that every thing is ok w me and my recovery is going very good thanks god and thanks to all of you

Hi everyone I haven't been on in awhile and I probably should have. You guys offer great support and being hooked in and helping other bandsters is such good therapy. Anyway, all in all I am doing OK but am having some problems..I was banded 11/11 in NYC..Went great..did really well 2 weeks pre-op and 4 weeks post op..lost a bunch of weight..That put me at the holidays and my 50th birthday 1/1..vacation..some parties, etc...I had my first fill 1.2 cc on 12/13 and then had all the holiday stuff and "only" lost 6lbs 12/13- 1/11..Still OK..The weight loss isn't the issue yet or maybe it ius just my inpatience..I keep testing this tool and have been taking too many foolish …

I was kicking around the idea about putting together an annual celebration of the banned ones. Heres the thought; a nice conference center in a nice hotel in Southern Michigan. I would ask the guest speakers to adress the gathering, possibly a rep from Inamed, I asked my Doctor (Dr. Boutt) to speak and he liked the idea(he even named it BANDSTOCK). He agreed to speak to us, perhaps a Psychologist to address the changing dynamics of weight loss and those around us. Maybe, dinner at one of the nice resturants in the area. I was thinking early next summer (poss. middle or late June) I want this to grow into something we can be proud of a celebration of the positive choices w…

So You all know im new to this Forum.. Anyway being new i snoop EVERYWHERE LOL I have knoticed there is a Chat Room.. hmmmm went in and its Empty.. maybe its late and everyone is sleeping.. which I should be doing.. anyway does anyone go in there? if so.. is there a time? I love meeting new people and I love to talk talk talk... ( is that the same as chew chew cheaw?) hehehe Well let me know... If not we should start going in there and Chit Chat.... Take Care

Did I hear it is snowing in Vegas??? We folks from Texas thought we would share a little bit of that cold with you since you never get to see it. When they showed it on the news, I thought of you Lisa!

Just relaxing here in the hotel. Westward Look Resort is a great place for relaxing. Went on a driving exploration yesterday and took some pics. Here are a couple of them.

Hi Everybody!!! Boy, have I missed you guys! Thanks for the "Where's Donali" thread a few weeks back. I check in occasionally, but I confess that it has be impossible to keep up over here. I am so proud of all of you as you meet your journeys with courage and strength, even when you think you are not up to the challenge of what your life entails, YOU ARE DOING IT!! YOU ARE A SUCCESS!! Because you are HERE, and kicking, and breathing. First, let me give all of you who are struggling with one thing or another a great big hug - hopefully your current trial/tribulation will be short-lived and that life will get better and easier very quickly. For those of you rejo…

Hey everyone! I'm currently in San Juan, PR. I'm on my way home tonight, and will fill you all in on the details later. Just missed you guys and wanted to say hi. Talk to you later!!!

I recall a dream you had "walking down the street in my Incredible Hulk underwear" here's to your dreams coming true... Wishing you the best with your up-coming surgery! This is Hunter, he's not quite incredible...but he's a hulk!

We grew up poor. Our Christmases were never about the presents, there was no giant windfall of brightly wrapped gifts under our scruffy little tree. But it's lights, though few, shone with angelic brilliance, and what little fruit it did bear, meager as it was, seemed to be the bounty of kings. This was because of my Mother, a woman who knew how to keep Christmas, and how to keep it well. All of Santa's gifts to me were hand made. Some were just for fun, but most were practical, and just what I needed at the time. He always knew when I needed more warm socks and gloves. And he seemed to manifest a muffler just as my old one wore out. Now as I look back I re…

Hi everyone Ijust got banded 11/11...Can't believe it but all done and it went really well. So far everything as expected. This board really prepared me for what to expect but there is nothing like the real thing...I'm being real careful ..doing the liquids..in fact I am nursing a cup of chicken broth . Besides the discomfort from the incisions I am really beginning to feel my new friend in my belly....Tough part amongst many is going to learn patience..I somehow gained 2 lbs in hospital and I have heard that weight loss can be minimal until the first fill..That's a little hard to understand given the caloric intake seems pretty low but I'll be patient...I'm gonna give m…

I am getting more and more excited each day as I will be banded on 01/04/2005. I can't wait and feel lil bad wish me good luck thanks tomorrow tomorrow

I need to vent, and this is the only place I could think of. Attention Health Care Providers. If you wonder why people sometimes seem unreasonable or edgy, maybe this will give you some insight. Monday, 9:10 PM: Patty falls, bumping her head and using her arms to break her fall. Bad idea with the right arm. Re-injures and flares up RSD. Ambulance comes as she is unable to get up even with my help. Ambulance worker, after having been briefed by me on her tunneled epidural catheter steps on same while lifting her onto stretcher, pulling it out of it's spot in her spine. Hospital takes x-rays of cervical spine to see if catheter is dislodged. No one at hospital c…

I haven't been on for a few days, I have been really sick, and I still am. I have the flu, the doctor said I had it full blown! I have been running a temp of 103 and my head feels like it is going to explode. My body aches and my throat is sore, and of course the terrible caugh that goes along with it. I am really weak and can't sit up long at a time. The doctor said 5-7 days of this, and I am highly contageous! I cancelled my fill that was scheduled for yesterday. The doctor also said since I had the first origianal round of flu shots, he had to report that the strain broke through the shot. Anyway, I just wanted you to all know that I just haven't been able to r…

I am very curious about looking into lap-band surgery. The only surgeon I have found is Dr. Spiegel and I am looking to see if anyone can help me make a decision..

My husband has been looking into the lap band procedure and has been waiting for about 1 year now and still has not been scheduled. The sad part is that my health insurance changed as of January 1st and now we have Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN. I have heard that BCBS does not pay for this surgery. Does anyone know for sure?

the pants i am wearing are a size 14!!! and i am so close to 199 that ist making me CRAZY thats why i took the pics lastnight to keep me from *whining* about not having restriction right now! (had to tight fill and i am letting my stoma heal) my bmi has gone from 51.9 SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE to 30.6 obese just 5 stinking pounds from only being OVERWEIGHT!!! from tight 30/32's to 14's!!!! i have lost 25 five pound bags of sugar or 7 20 pound bags of dogfood! michelle 350 highest weight 06-03 325 day of surgery 08-18-03 207 currently 190 new goal for now! heres the link to my picture trail if you want to see progress pics semi monthly

thank heavens i found this site 2nite. am having lap band this week in mx and need fill drs. in seattle. thanks for any/all help you can give me. kate

Yesterday is a memory, Tomorrow is a dream. But today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it "the present".

Hi, this was me at my lowest weight since having the band. I have put on since this picture...damn...due to having not enough fill (is that an excuse?). You see, I had some removed & now Im very loose. I plan to get some more in soon. :phanvan

Hi here are 2 pics of me before and after.

Well, a year ago I was still in school, thinking I'd never get my nursing degree. And here I am now, working on New Year's Eve. Somehow that wasn't quite how I pictured it. Where is that glam life of a nurse? Where's Hot Lips Hoolihan? Instead I'm tired from working nights, in pain from carting patients around, but loving my holiday pay. So what are your aspirations for the upcoming year? How do you feel about the year that's just behind us? Those of you who are banded, did you set time-directed goals for weight loss? And if so, did you meet them? My goals for the year are go find a job I love (and pediatrics ain't it) and to get the band. Hopefully obtaining goal nu…

My brother is on vacation in Goa, India. That's all I know. I don't know what hotel he was supposed to be at. He's not due back for another 9 days. From what I understand Goa was not really affected by the disastrous Tsunami. But then he said something about going on a river trip. And meeting friends somewhere else. I just would feel so much better if I knew for sure that he was safe. He's my best friend. I'm just posting this as a way to relieve some of my anxiety. Nancy

Wow, life sure does have a way of keeping us hopping! The last month has been a rollercoaster of family and household hassles, some small and some not so small. Here's my tale of woe: The day before Thanksgiving I hit a deer with my car, which resulted in the deer bouncing happily away but not before doing $1500 worth of damage to my car. A week in the shop, a week's rental car, and it's nice and shiny again. So two days after the body work was done, the clutch goes out completely. Naturally, this is not related to the deer collision, so won't be covered by insurance. Another week in the shop, another rental, and another $1500. :rolleyes Early in the months my husban…

Seems to be a lot of insanity around here, so I started this thread to share stories of our insane family. I'll start with Liana (my MOMster.) The woman has been certified by the courts, so instead of crying, I laugh a lot. She's on a mission to prove that "the government is corrupt." She thinks she discovered this hidden secret, and that she's gonna blow the cover soon. Shhh, nobody else knows. She spends her days typing 100 page letters to the president that nobody will ever read. She sends me copies and the typing makes your eyes blurry since she still uses manual typewriters (she has several going at one time.) She doesn't believe in waste, so she never doub…

I got an e-mail message saying that there were new posts on the anti-Christmas thread -- but the link didn't work, and now I can't find the thread anywhere. Help!

Hey, it is snowing here right now! It's cold too, and it's going to get colder the next couple of days! But, then a nice warm up! Thank goodness!

I find myself checking this board to see who has posted! lol Now, that is what I call addiction I just look so forward to visiting with y'all each day, I can't even stay away on a holiday!

Here's me and Chris at my work's annual Christmas party. Thanks to Penni for posting them side-by-side.