Vera

Thanks for the laugh. Billy will cram anything into a toaster...Have you ever had shopping cart races in the store?

I got a call from Arnold (Schwazenenegger) last night. I feel so important, the terminator called and every other canidate....

You've got it B-A-D Lisa....People were asking me "Your going to Vegas to meet a bunch of strangers you met on line? Man, you've got it bad" Gee Zoe, 48 hours....I may not post much lately but I've got to read.

Otis, Cheetos and Mars are not my friends!!

Boy do I need a challenge....Parties everywhere, including Roxannes Birthday Bash tomorrow. I'm eating nuts right now...justification, it's Protein with tons of fat. I go for a fill on 11/11 under fluoro and boy do I need a fill. OK, only one junk-fun thing (cause it's not food) a day. There's chocolate everywhere. HELP it's never going to end Put the candy down...good girl... :lick :devious

Hang in there and be strong. Hopeing for the best. I will keep you in my prayers.

All of these life altering experiences have touched me. Thank you for sharing. Moment...Besides struggling all my life, trying to be thin was such hard work. I remember being 180 lbs. at the age of 13 and very sad. Once I started exercising, by the time I was 18, I had dropped 40 lbs. Exercise was constant, aerobics and running 4 times a week. When I was 27 I broke my foot and gain 40 lbs. My problem was the bottomless pit. I was never full. The death of my sister put weight on me as well, my whole family is Obesit. I was always fighting food and time. In 1997 I had Roxanne, I had got up to 245 with her and maintained 212 for years after. I was battling ulcerative colitis for about a year and had my colon removed. Then came Hunter, pregnant with him, I would tell people I was eating for 5 and someone actually believed I was having quints. I maintained 230 lbs. for a year after, then started gaining. Being in my 40's the exercising has got harder(excuses), time was limited and I didn't even want to chase my kids. The moment came after a trip to Yosemite in May 2003. Watching video's I was discussed with myself, OK sure the camera adds 10 lbs., but really now. I couldn't keep up on the hiking trails. couldn't ware a pair of shorts cause yes my knees were rubbing, not just my thighs. I knew I had to do something and started researching WLS and came across the band. I thought "what a bunch of bull" and started calling not just e-mailing those that had it done. I found out it really works. After discussing it with my better-half and investigating insurance(declined). I decided its worth my health, and applied for some low interested credit and researched doctors. I decided on Dr. Sanchez and flew to Mexico. Nancy: it was on August 14, 2003. Recognize the date??? I thought you were talking about me. Like how did you know. You were on the roof of the parking structure while I was under the knife getting my band. I am sooo much happier, able to chase my kids, my attitude has improved. My daughter says I don't yell any more, I think in the past I was just so frustrated. Now I wear normal clothes and feel normal and so very blessed.

Of course I'm interested, count me in! Anyone in the south Bay/San Jose Area need me? I'm here! There is a group of Baybandsters but I don't believe they have a Angel network. Carol and I went to a meeting last August and spoke in detail with Sylvia, A wonderful lady who was looking into banding. She is now scheduled for January 4th I'v just heard. Anyway the questions and concerns she had were very common, Carol and I were even laughing as we described how and what foods we were eating when first banded. She was very grateful to have spoken with us first hand and we walked away with a feeling of opening her eyes to lots of details that reading doesn't always cover.

Happy Birthday!!!

Penni I'm sending all my strength to you. Keep on smiling for Betty Sue, and look on the bright side as she did. God Bless You

Penni.....I've got 2 feathers...a piece of you

I'm 14 months out, and yes at 3 months post-op I was loosing alot of hair, the shower drain was always clogged. I take my hair very seriously. It is very thick but grows oh sooo slow. I'm happy to report my hair is growing fairly good now or at least not falling out in clumps. I take alot of vitamins...don't know if that helps or not. One more thought , my sister claimed that hair changes with the seasons...new grow in spring then shead, growth..etc...?

Melissa Congratulation! Greg said it well about the Babys on liquid diets...I had shoulder pain for almost a week, walking seemed to help get the gas out. Do not lift anything heavy, It's time for healing. Warm teas and broths were and still are soothing for me. Take it easy, Beautiful pic!

I sure hope all the tests come out negative. You see all the signs and have to decipher in your own mind, what’s best for your son even though you know something’s just not right… go to the extremes if you have to. and you ask whats that.?/ all the medications you may has to give. Time is our enemy. We wish there was a cure for everything..I’m not implying the worst, I’m just so distrout to have the young victomisized. I don't know what I'm talking about...and only hope nothings wrong!!!! You told me about going to the school and explaining details in his condition, to keep it clean and germ free, the fact that you had to teach them (the School) how to be germ free and supply them with the resources. I have small children and do relate. That’s allot of work, Thank you! You know so much more than we do and can not even compare in understanding what your going through. God loves each and every one of us. There really aren’t any words I can say to describe.. Bless you and your family. AMEN

Mom.. Your Surgery is tomorrow! Best wishes to you. Sending ((Hugs))

Tanise You are my Hero! Congratulations and Thanks for sharing I love Liz Claiborne pants.

:banana :banana :banana Congratulations Betty Penni, is this now concidered excersize? :Bunny

Thanks Becky, Pesto Ranch sounds good, even on a bean salad and marinated mushrooms or pickled beets. I love Balsamic vinegar Marie, as well as Bob's Big Boy Blue cheese Michelle! Now I want all your stew and soup recipes, at least your favs! That squash sound real good about now Teresa. Every time I get a ham, I always make a split pea/bean soup with carrots and celery with ta bone! I can almost smell it.. I'm glad your enjoying those Capris Michelle.

As some of you know from the Vegas bash, I'm a Salad lover, even when I was very restricted, I would dice/chop/shred salads and still do. My problem is I like Blue cheese and Ranch dressings and they can be high in fat, calories and carbs. So, I was wondering if any of the wonderful bandsters on this board have any suggestions besides olive oil & vinegar, that tastes good and is good for you. I have spent time at the grocery store reading labels but wish I could just taste them all. What are some of your favorites??? :lick Also, with the rains starting and the colder weather it seems like I want stews and rich foods...anyone else feel a change in food cravings?

I've got it bad!!! Too....

The best to you Baby Betty. Get up and walk as soon as you can. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hi Mag, Marie, Jodie and Jock, Difference in the Inamed and J&J Swedish band The J&J band is 11mm tall about a ½ inch. The standard Inamed band is 9mm tall about 3/8 inch tall. I don’t know about the Inamed Vanguard band, which is said to be larger, or if it’s any taller then their standard band? The J&J band is wrapped and clasped like a tiewrap with notches….avoiding a buckle. It will pop open under extreme vomiting apparently to prevent slippage. I don’t know if that’s a good feature, just listing this I’ve read. Also, the J&J port is titanium. I spent my first few banded months comparing my band to the Inamed and the placement is the same, they work and function the same. I just get larger fills…I could be at about 7cc’s and will find out for sure on 11/11 under fluoroscopy. As far as erosion rate between the 2 bands, I would like to see the documented facts. I am fortunate to have a follow-up doctor within 20 miles that will service a Swedish band. I’m very pleased with my results thus far and happy with my decision to be banded.

Oh My, More Postive thoughts coming your way. Please keep us updated on his condition and sometimes it's just good to talk...call anytime. Just gave my kids a hug and sending you and your family hugs and prayers.

Wow! You go girl. You are so beautiful inside and out! You have me crying too.

Just wanted to say Thanks Michelle! Just talking to you over the Vegas weekend open my eyes to enjoying life more, spending more time with the kids and basically seeing the world. I took a good look financially and after talking it over with Bill I'll be going on part-time or at least a 30 hour work week hopefully by next year. That way I can pick Roxanne from School on the way home and be able to get dinner made by 5! I also booked 3 nights in South Lake Tahoe during Christmas break so the kids can play in the snow... I remember not being able to do things or go anywhere as a child cause we were poor and my parents were always working. I don't want my kids to grow up that way. Life's too short.. I also wanted to commend you on being such a strong person. If I had been through what you have, I'd probably be in the loony bin. Thanks again