Rebeccalee

I saw that last night, too. You are both such caring, supportive people. It's great to see you added to the wonderful staff on this board.

I would be glad for the 35 lbs.-- and then talk to my doctor again. It sounds strange that you were filled to the max at surgery. What size band do you have? Could it be you just had the maximum fill for time of surgery? I'd want to have a talk with my doctore and check to see that everything is all right. If it is, then carry on with the pace you're at with no worries. :cool:

Yeah! I saw yours Betty. Mine went in now. I think I logged in immediately after the site came back up. Now it works fine.

I tried to enter Betty's surgery date last night and it wouldn't let me. I'll try to put my bandiversary on it now.

I think we should start a business --Endoscopy on Demand. We'll need one of those luxury motorhomes and some cute guy (and a cute female assistant for the guys) who will run the tube. I'll be the guinea pig -- right after DeLarla, of course. :cool: Hmm...maybe the tube runner should be the girl and the guy should be the assistant? To better hold my hand, of course.... :laugh

I think this is one of those personal choice issues. Both options are good, it just depends on the circumstances. I have a semi-local doctor who charges $12500 for self-pay. Add tests and aftercare ($3500 and optional) and it is much more. It seems that most of the Mexican docs provide free follow-up and tests are included. I'm happy with my choice, but easily see why other people choose differently. I think I would have done just as well had I chosen to go to Mexico. To each his own and I'm glad we have so many options. :cool:

Oh boy! Now we have pics. You look great! Fifty pounds makes a big difference. :cool:

Megan, what a lovely post! You've got me crying over here. You are doing fabulous work with this band. I really think that the hope it gives is the best gift of all. I haven't shared this with anyone, but when you mention laughing alone, it strikes a chord with me. I took a psych class last semester and read that smiling is a social reaction; it only happens in response to other people. Well, after being banding, I walk around smiling to myself a lot. I've always carried on conversations with myself, but smiling at myself was rare. Now I'm a smiling fool when alone. (Not all the time, of course, but noticeable much more than ever in my life.) Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey. :cool:

He would probably be just right at 300 lbs. Can you imagine how much plastic surgery he will need to just function!?! I am so glad they are helping this man stay alive. He sounds like an amazing person.

Congratulations on 70 lbs. :cool: I think the new hope and confidence are the most incredible benefits of having the band. Have a great time out in the "real world."

I just freaked out because this site was down. The new colors made me think...Betty, you don't have an avatar. Hmmmm.....

You look so good, Karen! And you're a grandma!?! Your skin looks so good, I wouldn't have believed it. Your son will be way bigger than you in no time. Thanks for posting these great pictures.

Lisa, you have to keep coming back to this thread. I haven't exercised yet and I don't want to be the only one!! I have ABSOLUTELY no excuse. Hubby has been out of town for 3 days and we are having a heat wave. Really -- our usual temps are in the 50s and 60s and we are heading for a record-breaking 80. Inland it is 100 degrees. I should be out riding my bike. Sheesh! I used to like to exercise. :cool: I will try to exercise first thing in the morning. (I have a support group meeting at 7 tonight.) Maybe I should take an exercise class or something.

Three days and counting......these are gonna be lonnggg days! Stay well. Get plenty of sleep. Can't wait for Monday! :cool:

Way to go, Marie! It feels so good to get that much weight off, doesn't it? :Bunny Keep up the good work. I bet you will make it in time to celebrate your birthday in style! :cool:

It's so much better to have the extra time off if you need it, Ryan. I ended up having a more difficult recovery than some because of a liver biopsy and adhesion repairs done at surgery. I also was one of the lucky ones with immediate restriction, which means I had a real fast adjustment to banded life. We actually canceled one motorcycle run that I had wanted to attend for years, not far from our home. I just didn't have energy a week and a half out and camping was not in the cards with the soreness from surgery. Your experience could be much easier, but the adjustment time is great if you can get it. I wonder if Pam feels like you are stepping into territory that was hers with this weight loss. Being married doesn't eliminate jealousy. She may even need reassurance about your relationship through all these changes. I hope you get the support you need from her before your surgery day comes rolling around. :cool:

Congratulations to Patty! When I did my stress test, the nurse asked if I was okay because I looked so worried. I was just holding on for dear life, afraid I would fly off the end of the treadmill. At least they didn't have to shave my chest! :cool:

Glad to see you back again. Hope work is going well. The board has been busy with bash pictures which are so fun to see. Check in when you can.

Yummy Soup...mmm....find ones you like now, you'll need 'em later. It is only 4 more days -- hurry up and go to sleep, I'm not counting tonight! ha So...for bash we are touring Texas? First Lisa's, then Betty's....isn't Leatha down there, too? That would be known as the BIG Bash.

Penni, That is a big cut on your little tummy. It's strange that it would be hot and sore. I've never heard of that after healing. I hope Dr. Billy fixes you right up.

You are SO prepared! That's great! I am so glad your day is getting closer. I have to laugh about your book, though. I hope it's a psychedelic novel to go with your mind-numbing pain drugs. Or is that just all in MY head? :knockedou It's good to have it along anyway.

I'm glad you're starting the process of getting that hole plugged. Glad you have a tube, too.

I'm sorry to hear about your poor doggie. My big dog lasted 14 years and that was not long enough. I hope yours does well at home with your loving care. Good luck with your surgery date. You must be getting excited -- in your spare time!

That is so cool, Vera. I just love those movies.

Fun pictures. Your dimples are so cute. I can really see the weight loss in your face. Take good care of your incision that isn't healing as well.