donali

Absoutely wonderful. Watch out, though - my dragon is loose again!!

I have heard of bands slipping due to extreme coughing. I wouldn't worry, but I'd definitely get the cough under control anyway.

Congrats, and welcome!!

Welcome back!! Just a heads up - please, please do NOT try and do too much too soon. That's the one thing I would have changed about my own recovery. I kept telling myself that it was no big deal, I should be able to get right back to it (I had gallbladder surgery as well), and this was NOT the same for me. I felt better each day, but had gone back to work right away, the Monday after my Thursday surgery, and that weekend I honestly felt like I was going to die. SO... Baby yourself for at least two weeks!! You are going to be shocked at how much sleep you're going to crave. SLEEP! That's when you body can REALLY focus on healing. So really, sleep as much as you can these next two weeks, and don't feel like it's weird.

Alexandra... Uh, YOU'RE not on soft foods...

Sending all my love and condolences to Philip and Blossom's family and loved ones. It is truly a shock to read this tragic news. Carolyn will truly be missed, and may her light continue to shine brightly in all the lives she has touched here on earth. Donali

LOL. You're so darn accommodating....

Trish - I hazard to guess that you DO, in fact, have A LOT of discipline. Start now choosing the habits you'll use to replace your food habit, and you're less likely to end up with a habit just as bad (or worse) than the one you were changing. You CAN do this!! :banana

http://www.organicconsumers.org/Toxic/safe-fish.cfm To be safest, however, The Green Guide and the Environmental Working Group recommend limiting moderate-mercury fish to one meal a month, and bypassing high-mercury fish completely. In addition, our list of high-mercury fish is longer than the FDA's, which includes only king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish (see fish lists below). POPs Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) -- neurotoxic, hormone-disrupting chemicals banned in the U.S. since 1977 -- were found at levels seven times higher in farmed salmon than in wild ones, according to a study published in Science in January 2004. PCBs are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which accumulate in animal fats. Because most farmed salmon are raised on feed that includes ground-up fish -- and sometimes other animals, such as cattle -- their bodies collect POPs. PCBs are also found at high levels in fish from polluted Water bodies, varying from locale to locale; state health advisories list which fish should not be consumed by children, pregnant or nursing women, and women of childbearing age. Other POPs found in fish include the organochlorine pesticide dieldrin and dioxins, which result from chlorine paper bleaching and manufacturing and incineration of PVC plastic. Fish to Avoid High mercury: Atlantic halibut, king mackerel, oysters (Gulf Coast), pike, sea bass, shark, swordfish, tilefish (golden snapper), tuna (steaks and canned albacore). High POPs: Farmed salmon. Limit to once a month if pregnant/nursing. Check TheGreenGuide.com for updates on POPs in other farmed fish. Fish to Eat The gift of crab. Moderate mercury: Alaskan halibut, black cod, blue (Gulf Coast) crab, cod, dungeness crab, Eastern oysters, mahimahi, blue mussels, pollack, tuna (canned light). (Children and pregnant or nursing women are advised to eat no more than one from this list, once a month.) Low mercury: Anchovies, Arctic char, crawfish, Pacific flounder, herring, king crab, sanddabs, scallops, Pacific sole; tilapia, wild Alaska and Pacific salmon; farmed catfish, clams, striped bass, and sturgeon. (Children and pregnant or nursing women can safely eat two to three times a week.) Take note, though, that low-mercury but overfished or destructively harvested species -- such as Atlantic cod, Atlantic flounder, Atlantic sole, Chilean sea bass, monkfish, orange roughy, shrimp, and snapper -- should be avoided for the environment's sake. Low POPs: Wild Alaska and California salmon (fresh or canned). Check with your state's department of health for POP advisories before eating fish from local waters. The Final Word Limit fish consumption by category, not individual species. For example, both cod and mahimahi are moderate-mercury fish, and only one from this category should be eaten per month -- not one meal of cod and one of mahimahi. If you're in a high-risk group, don't eat the skin and fatty parts of fish, where POPs collect. Eat grilled, baked, and broiled rather than fried fish, to avoid fat.

Trish - This is a very real and valid concern. When I went into counseling that was a point that was discussed - whenever you give up one habit/addiction, it is always replaced by something else. We have to consciously choose what that is going to be, and not let it happen by default. An excercise I found valuable was this: http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=434 It helps us identify and clarify what exactly is going on when we eat without physical hunger, and allows us to comtemplate constructive alternatives to that behaviour that will result in the same kind of soothing we would have received from food. Good luck, and congrats for being aware of this danger - you are more likely to be able to avoid falling into the trap if you're aware it exists.

People rarely want to hear the REAL truth... We like people to buy into our fantasies about ourselves. I don't know if this is specific to Americans, but I know that for me, anyway, it is very difficult to seperate criticism of ONE thing from judgment of myself as a whole. Not that there is only ONE thing about me to criticize - just using that as an example... I LOVE the thought of hearing anything "negative" about me, and feeling "Oh? Really? That is SO interesting." like the comment was about someone else, and didn't really have anything to do with me. Be able to HEAR it, evaluate it, take what is worthwhile and toss the rest. But alas... I have not yet become so evolved... Why should it matter if we look fat or not anyway? That doesn't have any bearing on WHO we are. But unfortunately for many of us, OTHERS' opinions of us are WHO we are - or so we think... Attitude is everything - we're only offended if we think of the comment as a negative, anyway. If we thought that looking fat was a GOOD thing, we'd be flattered. Some people are flattered when people think they are a B!TCH - some people are crushed. We have a lot more control over our perceptions of things than we realize. Mindset is everything. I believe that more and more everyday. ***** Oooops... That wasn't the question - I got distracted... LOL Good question!!! lol

Here's how Nykee did it: http://lapbandtalk.com/showpost.php?p=55037&postcount=7

Corgi!! How'd it go?!?! Congrats!

Can't wait to hear from you! Hope all went great!!

Whoo hooo!! Congrats!

They're being banded like flies!!! Hmmm... doesn't quite translate from "dropping like flies" - lol Congrats!!

A few possibilities: It could be the result of a fungus, symptoms of your insulin being out of whack, results of friction... Sounds like your best bet would be to see a doctor/dermatologist, and in the meantime perhaps try the suggestion for the friction caused discoloration? A discussion thread where some people received some sort of diagnosis: http://forum.lowcarber.org/archive/index.php/t-77678.html http://www.indiaparenting.com/faqs/beauty/complextion.shtml Q: I have fairly brown skin. I was a athlete in my younger days. Due to jogging and exercises there was rubbing of the skin and hence the inner thighs have blackened a bit. I would want to know if there is any way that i can make my skin lighter there. Are there any home remedies.. please suggest.. Thanks.. Diva (Mumbai, India) A: First, target losing weight around the thighs so they don't rub against each other, or they will get dark again. Lemon is a natural bleach, so you can apply it to your inner thighs while bathing, and wash it off in ten minutes. Do this everyday. Don't wear polyester fabrics around that area. In the summer, try and stick to linen trousers or cotton salwar kameezes. Also, apply Shower to Shower powder to your inner thighs. http://www.bawarchi.com/health/queries70.html#13 From: Sue Question: I have dark discolouration in underarms and inner thighs, although I keep it very clear, washing with soap twice a day. Can I apply anything to lighten the dark skin? Ans: It is very difficult to get back the colour in the inner thighs and under arms. Try applying anti fungal cream after consulting a dermatologist. http://www.bharatmatrimony.com/consult/beauty/beautyjan292005.html I would like to know what can improve my complexion. I use Green leaf's Aloe vera gel which looks good on my skin. I would like to know how to remove tanned skin and blackness around inner thighs. Thanks Answer Wash your face twice a day with any transparent face wash with micro granules to wash away the excess oil and maintain the pH balance of your skin. Shiseido Blemish Targeting gel This clears quick absorbing gel minimises the appearance of blemishes as it purifies and refreshes skin. It contains purifying agents proven to keep the skin clean. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Defining Skin Brightener This intensive multi benefit lotion contains optical diffuses which immediately blur imperfections and revive radiance .With continued use smoothens and clarity are restored for brighter , healthier looking skin. Home remedy: oatmeal magic: 1 tsp Oatmeal powder 1 tsp sandalwood paste 1 tsp buttermilk Mix and apply twice daily on dark spots . Eat a diet rich in vegetables, yoghurt, fruits & drink plenty of Water. Your skin color is determined by your genes. But you can definitely prevent your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Besides causing pigmentation which is due to the natural process of melanin synthesis within the skin . The ultra-violet rays in the sun cause photo-aging and skin cancer in the extreme. To remove a tan and brighten dull skin-Mix one tablespoon oatmeal and yoghurt and apply. Wash with tap water. Use of sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 is absolutely vital in a tropical country like India. Dark skin around inner thighs is usually caused due to constant friction. You could use all the remedies which you use on your face.

Can't wait to hear how everything goes!!! Congrats!!

First bash at the "Newbie Info" main post (each item or group of items will link to a post below specifically about that topic). Please add in stuff I forgot, make suggestions on organization, etc. Getting Started How to Navigate this site (LBT) Terms of Agreement/User Guidelines User CP Profiles Safety on the Internet Avatars Signature Lines 305/205/135 Weightloss Tickers First Stop Introductions Who are you? Where are you in the process? What are your questions? What are your fears? How much do you want to lose? Searching Regular Advanced Etiquette "rules" of polite posting eg:capital letters is yelling, etc. Posting areas Hijacking Posting New Threads Replying to Existing Threads Posting Photos Jazzing up your posts Bananas, smilies, etc. Color Fonts Font size Quoting Bold Italics FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Acronyms, Abbreviations, Lingo Various common questions Resources Personal Site Links Professional Site Links books What is the Lapband? Inamed site link Lapband vs RnY What Can Go Wrong? Leaks Leak Stories Reflux Reflux Stories Slippage Slippage Stories Erosion Erosion Stories Blockage Blockage Stories Complication Stats for the Lapband Weightloss Stats for the Lapband Who Usually Qualifies? Insurance Jumping through hoops General requirements Fighting denials Insurance stories How do I decide where to have it done? Inamed Link to Approved Docs Your Insurance Pays Available Docs for your Insurance Plan Your Insurance WON’T Pay Price Experience Location Considerations for Surgery outside of the country Hospital Used Follow-up Care Maintenance Getting Fills Additional Costs Mexico Info (need of passports, language barriers, phones) Europe Info Keys to success with banding The bandster “rules” Changing your lifestyle forever Water Exercise Mindsets Before Surgery Research, Research, Research Site Links (individual sites and informational sites) Emotions How are my emotions tied to my eating habits? Exercises in separating emotional hunger from physical hunger. Preparing emotionally for: Reduced food intake Changing relationships with food Shifting of relationship dynamics Losing weight Receiving compliments Buying smaller sizes Letting go of stuff that’s too big Jealousy Sabotage Self Others Society in general Challenges in the workplace Getting “personal” Attention They’re hitting on me!! I can feel them looking at me Now everyone wants to be my friend Everyone wants to know how I’m doing it Backhanded compliments Fears I won’t be able to eat my favorite foods I won’t be able to eat in quantity I won’t be able to eat out People will notice how I eat What if something goes wrong? My relationships will change I will change Support Why do I need support? Who do I tell? Where do I get support? Shopping Stocking up on liquids for the first 2-4 weeks What’s a clear liquid? What’s a full liquid? The eating stages Clear Liquids Full Liquids Mushies Back to “normal” The Surgery What to bring to the hospital Expected Length of Hospital Stay Surgery Stories After the Surgery Initial diet restrictions, and why Clear liquids Full liquids Mushies "Regular" food Is this normal? I’m hungry I’m not losing weight I make new noises My shoulder hurts THIS is “natural” gas??? Expected Recovery Time When Can I: Shower Drive Pick-up my Children Have sex Eat real food Swim Soak in the Jacuzzi Go diving Exercise Go back to work Take my vitamins/medications Post surgical pain, gas, Food Shopping list for Liquids Clears Full Shopping list for Mushies recipes How much water? How much Protein? Vomiting (Productive Burping, Productive Belching, “PB”) Why to avoid at all costs #1 cause of slippage Stomach trauma and resulting restriction After the PB When “normal” life resumes General Do’s and Don’ts How much should I be eating? How can I tell when I’m full? What should I be eating? Tubing issues Leaks Poking out Repairing Tubing Stories Port issues Flipping Hard to find Uncomfortable Port Stories Fills When can I get one? How much? How often? How many? How do I know when I need one? Price? Blind (non-Fluoro) vs Fluoro How’s it done? Pain After the fill When does it kick in? Am I too tight? Am I too loose? Fill Stories Should I wear a medical bracelet? pills, Vitamins Aftercare Problem foods Dry White meats Clogging Breads Breading Nuts Fibrous Asparagus Fruit skins Swells with liquid Rice Noodles Bulking Laxatives Chunky after chewing eggs Rubbery Shellfish Carbonated Soda Beer Champagne Seltzer Food Stories Can I still: Fly? Dive? Bungee jump? Diet? Have healthy pregnancies? Etc.

I think the links for the Newbies should be to clean Q&A threads that are locked within that section, as opposed to links to existing posts, as oftentimes one must read through 5 pages of replies to glean all the info in that thread about that particular topic. And we all know how easy it is to get "Off track" when we hit a thread hijack, and then we forget what we were trying to learn in the first place. I personally like the hijacks, that wasn't a criticism, but it is easy to get distracted... I also think that underneath the "Newbie Info" group, there should be an "LBT Index" group - that would be just one post with hotlinks to existing threads - an example of a list that would have links in this section: PB stories Slippage stories Erosion stories Fill stories Surgery stories Port revision stories Re-banding stories Things like that. Then, as we come across these interesting/informative threads, we can send the link to a moderator and ask them to add it to the index page under the appropriate list group. I don't think EVERY story needs to go on the index page, but I think we'd all agree that some people have written in more depth about their experiences than others, and those threads could be helpful to others. And frankly, some of these old posts are almost impossible to find - I was looking for Leatha's slippage story for a friend, because I KNEW it was here somewhere, and it took me over FIVE searches to finally find it, and I don't think I even found the original post about her symptoms - I could only find the post about her diagnosis. I've searched for my own posts re: my erosion, and even knowing some of the phrases I used in the post I had difficultly digging some of those back up, which is why I post those list of links now - telling someone to search for the info isn't necessarily going to help them find some of this stuff.

Kathy and Lisa, those are GREAT lists! You've given me an idea on organization - The first post, that will stay at the top, will have a brief welcome and explanation of this section. Then there will be a list of topics within that first main post that are hot links. The hot links will link to the other posts in that section - we'll have a seperate, clear, on-topic, locked post for each item in the main list. As we add to the main list and the posts it links to, the moderators can edit the effected posts and leave them locked. What do you say, guys? I'm thinking we have all the info we need scattered through almost 2 years worth of knowledge... I'm sure the newbies will thank us, too.

Okay, shoot... The very FIRST forum at the top of the list under "Main Lap-Band Forums" should be "Newbie Info"!!! Name it with an underscore if you have to to make it be the #1 section in that list. I was just trying to find a sticky post that listed all the acronyms and newbie-type info that we give out so often, and I could find NO newbie-specific stickies!!! WTF?!?! lol 'Cause, gosh, I would SO love to have the basics ALL written down and available in ONE place, in ONE post, so we can just link newbies to that info. Do I have any seconds on this suggestion?? Please say yes... I'll help draft the main post... Please, pretty please??? :bats eyes (very seductively... ):

Wishing you the best tomorrow, Jamie!! And everyone else getting banded tomorrow, this month, this year, next.... One of the best things I've ever done for myself!

Megan??? Are you STILL resting?!?!?! OMG. Okay, yeah, I'm jealous... Leatha, I'm commiserating with you... I want to have such fabulous romps that I'm THAT tired!!! LOL

GeezerSue used Rumbaut - she'll probably pop in at some point, but in the meantime you can do a search for her posts using the advanced search feature with Rumbaut as the key word, and GeezerSue as the user.