TerriDoodle

I haven't lost any significant amount of weight since October!! When I went to the doctor last time for a fill, I had lost only 5# in 5 months! My doctor was absollutely fine with it! He was like, "well you're not gaining!....so what if it takes you 3 years to lose the rest?!" He was just happy as he could be! So I've decided I like his attitude!...and I've relaxed quite a bit over the whole situation. I feel ya, sister! Plateaus can be very discouraging...but look on the bright side!

Kat, Is this thing something you're going to be wearing all the time? ...but supposedly it gets easier as the socket heals? UGH! How awful! I think I'll go brush AND floss my teeth now....and then do it again!

Here's something for you snowbirds to hang onto.... I just looked up the average highs and lows for New Braunfels, TX (Gruene) for May 15-19: The average high is 86, and the average low is 62. Ahhhhhhhhh.:tea: Just 69 more days!!! Hang in there!!

Kendra, We've not met but I was alerted that one of our beloved LBT members was dealing with some bad news...I wanted to come over to lend my support and prayers for your complete recovery. It appears you have a wonderful circle of friends here and I am glad for that... just like my lovely "Shrinking Violets"...I have come to rely on them for so much more than lap band support. Just know that there are countless others who join with you in positive energy, visualization and prayer. Also, I live in Houston and would be more than happy to help you or your family in any way I can. MD Andersen is the very best of the best. Thank God for that....you are in very good hands.

Kat... You ARE drinking, aren't you? Don't get dehydrated! Poor baby! You're sure it's not the pain meds that are bothering you? I hate antibiotics...I don't do well with them either. I hope you get straightened out soon! I just made a call to a plastic surgeon for a possible brow lift/eyelid tuck thingy. I scared myself when I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror the other night in SteinMart. OMG...who was that very tired-looking, pale old lady looking back? I've been toying with the idea for months now.... it's time. We've got some amazing surgeons here in Houston...so I need to take advantage. Why do I have the feeling he's going to recommend a full face lift?? Could it be my sagging jowels and turned down mouth? ugh. I used to be kinda cute! Damn! And I always swore that I would just age gracefully. Hmmmph! To hell with that!

Oh jeez... I hope that's the only time you'll have an experience lke that!! I've had 5 fills...and all of them, except one, was done with one painless stick. My port is just under my sternum. I think it gets much easier as you lose weight, too, because it's easier to FEEL the port before they go fishing with a needle! Try not to panic... it shouldn't be like that (or even close to that) every time!

That exhausts me just thinking about it! ....good LUCK!:crying:

I hope that helps!

You didn't say whether or not your doctor restricted caffeine... mine did not. You should just follow his guidelines whatever they are. That being said, one of the many benefits of being banded is the reduction in my caffeine consumption. I now have my morning coffee then drink Propel the rest of the day! This is a person who used to drink coffee, tea and colas allllllll day long! Guess what else!? My teeth are not nearly stained as much as they used to be. I am a smoker and I always assumed it was the cigs that did it. Come to find out it was the Diet Coke!!!:crying:

The only experience I have with this is reading various posts here on LBT...and with my own 4cc band. The way I understand it is that the doctor makes that decision when he gets "in there"....but seems like they tend toward a 10cc for higher BMI patients and 4cc for lower ones...Probably because of the amount of fat that surrounds the stomach. I was a lower BMI patient and, as I said, have a 4cc band which has worked very well for me. I have 2.8cc in it now with excellent restriction. I might just as well be happy with a 10cc band that has 8.8cc in it! Know what I mean? So I can't make that call as to whether or not I'd be 'happier' with a 10cc band. You just have to trust your surgeon's advice and experience on this one!

I wonder if we'll actually ever sleep?

Hi Everybody! I have been waking up every morning at 4:30 and have to get up because of headaches. So, here I am on my day off...up before dawn. Ugh. At least I can go take a nap later if I want! I went out with some girlfriends last night and had a great time drinking wine and eating good food (eggplant parm for me!). I just have the greatest group of friends in the universe.... all of you here PLUS my RL friends make one heck of a circle! I am so very blessed. One of my friends volunteered, after her 3rd glass, to host my 50th birthday party (in June) at her house. She will probably wake up this morning and think "Ah $*%!#! What did I do that for??!?!?" LOL (((Kat))) I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do. Sounds like Kinsey is such a sweet angel! Is she really or is it just grandma talk? lol I haven't heard you mention Lindzie in a long time! How is she doing?? They're all still living together, right? Still going to counseling or not? Laura, I'm just glad you're getting treated! You'll finally be rid of that thorn in your side forever! Does this drug have any other serious side effects that you'll have to watch for? As for your posting on science vs. religion... the thing I don't get is how can a person look up at the stars on a clear night and NOT believe that only a GOD could create something so beautiful, powerful and perfect. I may not be able to define Him...but I know without a doubt that He exists! But I understand that it's just me and my own beliefs. Everyone is equipped with their own understanding and I have never felt a need to be "right" on that issue! To each his own...for sure! Judy, don't you just love having your hair freshly colored? Reminds me that I wanted to do that today myself. I highlight mine and have done it myself for years and years. I save $80 a pop. (Sorry Jane!) Lunasa, It's great to see you. Obviously you've been very busy!! I remember the pics of the view from your new house and I have to say that I am VERY jealous!!! I know you must wake up every morning feeling very blessed to have that little slice of heaven! I can see why you never want to leave home anymore! LOL Well, good...then you don't have an excuse for being absent from here any longer! Glad you let us know you're still kickin'! Don't be such a stranger, ok? Tracy, Whatcha doing this weekend? I think our weather is supposed to be cold-ish. I liked last weekend's weather better!!! Man, it was awesome. We've got yard guys coming today to do our annual Spring overhaul and our azaleas are about ready to POP!! This is my favorite season....I'll be so glad to have my yard back in shape. I hate winter! Michelle, What's on your agenda today? Catching up on all your other chores?? Whoever said stay-at-home moms have it easy are crazy!! The moms I know are busier than a one armed paper hanger!! I hope you are able to rest a bit this weekend. Got any editing jobs right now? Are you independent or do you work for a publishing company or what? And what kind of work do you edit? (Sorry, I kknow you've told us before but I forgot. Big surprise there, huh?) Well, I'm going to go nurse this headache.... get some oatmeal... shop for beads...LOL I'll be back later. XOXOX

Oh yes... I can definitely feel my port! It gets more prominent as I lose weight, too. Doesn't bother me, though.... I LOVE my band (and port!)!!

Denise, Could you ask your doctor to do a fill under fluro? I was kinda in your same situation recently...felt like my restriction was "OK" but could maybe be a little better. He used the fluro and found that I definitely had room for a fill!! I would have never guessed it. So he gave me a tiny one... 0.2cc and it made a very big difference. I haven't lost any more weight since then (!) but I'm definitely at a set point homeostasis right now. That's not gonna change until I get my butt to the gym! You're doing great!!! I'd be very happy at your weight! Don't push it and get too tight...that wouldn't be good either! Thank goodness we always have the option of an unfill! Gotta love that band!

I can't think of a good reason, but i could use a demerol, too.

Haydee - Sorry about the trouble with Juan and your job. What a crummy week so far!! :thumbup: Did you know othat Rice University offers career counseling and testing? That would be a great place to get some help! Here's a link to their services. Best of luck to you. I feel ya! hugs. Jane, do your fills hurt? I've had like 5-6 and only one of them was what I would call painful in any way! My port is in the center below my sternum... I wonder if location has anything to do with it?

LOL.... too funny!! There was a time I actually came quite close to getting a tattoo. I wanted a tiny little exploding firecracker on my hip. Odd, I know...but there's a story behind it. I tell ya what, though....I am soooooooooooooooooooooo glad i didn't do it!!! So I'm using the benefit of hindsight! I love henna tattoos, though. I think they're beautiful! Tracy, surely if they can send a man to the moon they can do something to alleviate that pain!! Why not shoot it up with something first? I"m so sorry:sad:. I don't like to think of you or Kat or any of my Vi's being in pain!! :thumbup: Speaking of which...I think that flu season is just about over down here and i made it through once again without getting sick. I must have the strongest immune system ever! Thank God for that! Jenn, it's such a shame that you've been so sick during this time. Your new co-workers don't even know the real you yet! You've been sick the whole time! That Mucinex should do a good job for you. They prescribe that for my mom, so it must be good. Janie, that's why I was wondering why your doc prescribed such an expensive medicine for you when Mucinex does such a great job?! Maybe he thought you needed a cough suppressant more than an expectorant. Docs have no idea, nor do they seem to care, about the actual cost of the Rx's are that they prescribe! Sheesh. Can ya'll believe we go into Daylight Savings Time already this weekend? Isn't that way earlier than we used to do it??? :confused2: I'm one of those people who actually hates DST. I guess 'cause it's so hot here during the summer that having the sun up until 8:30p is just grueling! I'm so excited... starting to plan my summer vacation. I'll be turning 50 this summer and i get to pick! One week in Steamboat Springs. Ahhhhhhhhh. Wish it were a month!!...or TWO!! Oh, I could so do that.

I also got sick of looking at that avatar pic of mine. Never liked that picture. I want a cool one like Judy in her shades! :shades_smile: Where did Tracy go on her honeymoon? i forget.

I decided to raise my goal weight (from 150 to 165)...for a couple of reasons. 1) I'm actually fairly happy right where I am...but not quite. Another 15 pounds would be great though; 2) 165 is just more realistic for an old hag like me; 3) I can always lower it later if i get on a roll; and 4) it helps me to not feel so 'defeated'. 15# seems more do-able than 30. There. I feel better now.

Hate to tell you guys, but I would probably be the lone holdout...:biggrin: I'll gladly serve the tequila though!! Tattoos are fine on other people but NOT on me, and NOT on my kids!!

Yes, Paypal does charge fees for each payment... so I'd prefer checks if you don't mind. Sure that's fine to send multiple payments. I'm just putting them into my savings account as i get them....so I don't touch 'em!

You owe me $265 for lodging. I researched airport hotels and if you want/need to stay at a Marriott brand hotel, there is the Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport/North Star Mall for $129/night. If you are flexible on hotel brand, I'd suggest the Pear Tree Inn San Antonio Airport (by Drury). They offer a free airport shuttle and the rate is $103/night. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel San Antonio Airport is also very close and offers a free shuttle... $88/night. Hope this helps! :biggrin2:

Judy - Just got thru looking at all your pics! I adore that picture of you and Bob at the end! Did you get that on the ship?? Looks like a studio portrait! Ya'll both look FAB! My other favorite pic is you sitting forward in the chair with your cool shades on!! Love it! I'm sure you had a great time....I'm sooooooooo jealous! Busy day at work, then to see Mom, ate some food (soup again!), watched a bit of TV now I'm pooped. WOW, I think the wind finally stopped! It's been blowing 30 MPH here alllll day. The roof sounded like the shingles were blowing off, and now suddenly it's very quiet. Weird. So many personals in my head... but too tired to type. I should be able to get caught up tomorrow. XOXO Everyone! T.

Hi Ya'll! TracyinKS - Hope your day was just perfect!! I sure was thinking of you today! TracyK - Here's an article about caffeine and weight loss from the Mayo clinic. Dr. Atkins recommended trying to abstain from caffeine, especially if your weight loss stalled. I tried it, and it made no difference for me. If you have blood sugar issues and/or are insulin resistant, it can be beneficial to quit caffeine. I know that for me it does stimulate my appetite and mess with my insulin levels. I am fine with a cup or two of coffee in the morning, but since I quite Diet Cokes I rarely drink caffeine after morning coffee. I DO feel better but we all know the story of my (lack of) weight loss.... Jenn- Why in the hell are you going to work at the pizza place when you are so sick??? You better lay low tomorrow or I'm gonna come kick your ass! DH took me shopping at Chico's today and I bought 8 new tops! That was fun! Now all I gotta do is buy the pants to go with them..... I never have good luck with theirs. Not much else going on. Mom did get discharged and is back in the rehab place. She's doing pretty good. I am seriously thinking of going for a sleep study. I am just not sleeping worth a damn and it's getting SO old. i'm just exhausted all the time. I think I have sleep apnea... ugh.