lady in red

Hey, does anyone out there have any instances of their doctor saying no fill, you don't need it? I was banded on 8-29-2005 and assumed I would be getting my first fill next week on 10-3-2005, but when the office asked about my weight loss, the nurse said "honey you don't need a fill, that's for when the weight loss stops or slows down alot." She advised me to cancel my appointment until later. This nurse was very kind and made it clear that I could see the doctor if I wanted to, but he would most likely not give a fill. She said not to be upset because this is a very good thing. One of the other nurses (an extremely successful bander with a baby) said the whole time during her weight loss phase she had only 1 fill! I could'nt believe it, she is 5'3 and weighs 130 lbs. She looks wonderful and said after her baby 19 months ago she again needed only one fill the whole time. I was under the impression that most people needed several fills the first year and regular fills afterward, does anyone know about these fills? I'm all for less visits, but one thing the nurse said sticks in my head-"the more you lose on your own, the better off you will be longterm." I just talked to her an hour ago, so it's still fresh and troublesome. I trust my doctor and his staff, they have been great, but I can't help but be troubled by the thought that needing fills is somehow wrong, it can't be, can it? Please read this and offer much needed advice. Thank you, Rose in Texas banded 8-29-2005 Dr. Spivak Houston, Texas

Allright ladies, this is too funny! I have'nt posted for a couple of months and what do I see when I do? Subject matter near and dear to my heart or (actually a little closer to my "head") pun intended. My philosophy to giving great oral? "Good to the last drop!" Yes, I'm sure Maxwell House had a different idea when they patented that phrase, but describing great oral sex must include just the right words for the right effect. Some of you are probably laughing and some are gagging, but ask yourself this:" is your glass half empty or completely full of champagne?" Let's face it, champagne does sound better in the "glass" than uhh,well, umm, well, just better. Besides, the bubbles tickle your nose. Yes ladies, the hair does tickle your nose, but champagne does look and sound better in the "glass." Having said all that, anyone for penis? Oh, sorry, I meant tennis?

We eat out alot and since I love Mexican food, I have learned that hamburger meat works out well in the entree and no beans or rice. Soup and salad always work well and broiled or grilled fish goes down well every time. I am just learning that I'm not getting cheated by ordering small to be small. I am so used to ordering a huge portion, it has taken months to adust to the portion that is right for me now. I love veggies and most go down fine if soft cooked. After many unpleasant trips to "the best restrooms in town", I am forced to accept the fact that I can no longer eat the way I used to, and that's what it's all about right? I do get jealous of my thin husband's eating habits sometimes. He sits every night and devours whole boxes of cupcakes, potato chips,etc., and suffers only from indigestion. Oh well, luck of the draw I guess. I inherited a very different type of metabolism. I love the possibilities the band offers and I intend to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and step into a new life and off of the judgemental scale of failure. Take care and see ya!

Hey MelAnne, I am l still learning the hard way to tell when I'm full. This feeling for me is a "screech of tires" kind of feeling. That for me is when I feel a definate tightness around my band and I am learning to stop at that point no matter how delicous the food may be. This is so incredibly hard for me! Soooo many times I will keep eating "just a few more bites" and regret it immediately. I have thrown up in the finest restrooms in town. Seriously! I'ts not like regular vomiting, but instead it comes back up pretty much on it's own. It is painful and sometimes embarrassing in a public restroom. I have gotten some very strange looks. The women always look me up and down in puzzlement because they assume that I must be bulimic and are'nt bulimics supposed to be thin? Ha! If only they knew that I already tried that in the past and moved on to other self-destructive behavior. I can be far more self-destructive than mere bulimia! Just kidding. Back to your question, feeling full is relevent to an overeater is'nt it? For me it means learning to actually listen to my body, something I have'nt done for a long time. You'll get the hang of it, just give yourself some time. I hope I was of some help to you, take care and see ya!

I can't drink alcohol at all because I never had a stopping point like most other people. I often used to envy those that could drink 1 or 2 and stop. That was not a possibilty for me. The same held true for drugs and later with food. I guess being an "overdoer" means moderation is an impossibility for some of us. I know that some of the others banders I know say that a "seabreeze" is excellent for the waistline. This consists of vodka and cranberry juice. Then there's always a martini flavored any way you like with vodka or gin. Oh yeah, by the way, I used to be a bartender. One of the banders at my doctor's office has lost 160 lb.s so far and said she drinks corona light because it has less carbonation than other beer. Whatever you decide, the very best to you. See ya!

Hey Fellow Banders and Friends, It is so good to see faith so alive and well on our website. I have often felt so alone and afraid since being banded, even though I know Christ is always there for me. I take refuge in my faith but sometimes the very real human fears come jumping out to take over and make old insecurities take over. The power of prayer is so awesome and when I remember in times of trouble to ask for help, it's always like a brick upside the head. I ask myself, "Why did'nt I pray about this sooner?" I guess we all probably do that at some time or another. The fear of not succeeding with my band absolutely terrifies me because I am self-pay and making that payment every month is like a giant scale weighing my self-worth. If I am losing, then it's okay and everything balances out. If not, then I feel the scale clanking down with my failure and the added burden of contributing to the mound of financial responsibilites we have to meet every month. That feeling of failure sets up the too familiar pattern of wanting to take refuge in food instead of Jesus. I am trying so hard to change my behavior patterns along with my eating habits. I realize this is the only way to achieve lasting success with my band. I will certainly pray for the individual needs of you, will you pray for me? I no longer smoke, drink or use drugs, but food still haunts me because I can't just throw it out and never touch it again. The other bad habits I gave up through Christ many years ago, but this one is a doozy! Thanks for being there, each of you, I don't know what I would do without you, you're the very best! God bless each of you.

Hi Darkwing, I was banded with Dr.Spivak too. I was also a self-pay patient. The person I enjoy speaking to the most at Dr. Spivak's office is a bander named "Bea". She has lost 115lb.s and stopped to have a baby in the middle of the process. I would wait until Friday morning and then call, those ladies are used to people wanting to get it done yesterday. They might even call you before then. The best to you almost-bander! See ya!

Well Lisa, your pain is felt by all with a heart, and judging by these posts, you have alot of people who care about you. Thank you for your complete honesty that inspires everyone else to share and care. Pain can only be lessened by sharing with other people. There are so many feeling lonely and empty, the beauty of this forum is that now we all have a way to change what causes us to repeat a terrible cycle of binging and feeling bad about ourselves. You certainly know the routine: Okay, I'll eat this and get it out of my system. Then it's well, now I might as well eat whatever I want today and tomorrow I'll eat right, heck, I'll even do all protien shakes and exercise. Now that the way is clear...wait, what's that?" Why tummy! You rotten bast$%d! Are you insisting that I drive to McDonald's just because you think you need a big mac and large fries? That's insane! Do you realize it's 11:00 at night? I won't do it and that's final. Hey don't you growl at me! If I go it will be my idea and not yours!!! I'm the boss! A chocolate shake too? What the hell, you know I love you, you demanding little monkey. Hey, let's get 2 big macs and a coulple of apple pies too, okay?" Lisa, does this sound even vaguely familiar? Hopefully your scenario is a little more "sane" than this, but the similarities are probably close. I have no idea what it would be like to only eat when I'm hungry, do people actually do that? I hope that I at the very least got you to smile, it's what I do best and it makes me very happy. Take care of yourself, no one else has the power to make the right choices for you. You sound like a remarkable lady and I hope to hear from you soon. Till then just remember how many of us care about you Lisa. See ya!

Hey Penni, I think I know just how you feel: SON OF A BIT@*, MOTHER FUC#*, and HOLY SH*$!!!! Will this FUC*$NG nightmare with my FUC*@NG weight ever FUC*$NG end!!!! Just say that out loud and you will feel better. You might even laugh or blush if anyone hears you, but you will feel better. This phrase works for me when I'm frustrated or when profanity is needed in a liberal dose. When I'm not shouting strings of harsh profanity, I'm reading from my bible and following with prayers ( it's okay, He knows all about the dirty little words and He said He loves me anyway). My favorite scripture is Matthew 7:7, it has carried me through alot of tough times. Well allow me to step down from my soapbox and offer you heartfelt encouragement. You did not come this far only to start from the beginning again. Relax just a moment and remember: God never gives us more shoes than we can handle, okay? Have you considered talking to your doctor about phentermine? It has worked wonders for a close friend. She has lost 40lb.s in 5 months. She is under her doctor's care and watches sugar and carbs. It is only another option. Diet pills work for some and not for others. Whatever you decide, the very best to you Penni. See Ya!

All you have to do is use the pelleted pine litter (cat litter is very dangerous) and put hay on top of the litter. Rabbits love hay and will munch and poop very happily. When changing the litter, make sure to leave a small amount in the litter box because your bunny will not want to use a box that is too clean. There are many great bunny books available to assist you. Oh yeah, there just one very important thing to remember about bunnies: THEY LOVE TO CHEW...ANYTHING! So take care to put everything out of reach, especially electric cords and the best of luck, bunnies are great. See ya!

I just love the pictures of your bunnies and your adorable son. I have 2 pet rabbits that add alot of joy and laughter to our lives. My male rabbit is named Harvey and is 5 1/2 years old. Harvey is a dwarf mix and weighs 5lb. He has been neutered since 4 months of age and is incredibly gentle and sweet. My female joined our family this past December and is now 7 months old. Her name is Myrtle Mae and she is also a dwarf mix. Myrtle Mae has been spayed for 3 months now and is quite a character. Both of my bunnies are named after characters from my favorite movie: "Harvey" starring James Stewert. It's an oldie but a goodie, in fact, it's absolutely hilarious. Rabbits certainly are high maintainence pets, but so darn cute and sweet. I also have 4 cats and 2 parakeets. Yes, my home is a zoo! It keeps me busy and happy. Less time to overeat, that's for sure. Thanks for sharing! See Ya!

I feel for you, I have gotten so darn depressed with comparing my progress with others success! The rny is such a permanent decision, please think carefully before making a life-altering decision like this. I think you are making wonderful progress. You have lost 19 lbs. in 4 months, that's exactly on the mark girl! We are supposed to lose 1-2 lbs. a week, right? That's what my band literature tells me. Try not to be so darned hard on yourself, how long did it take to gain weight? If you lost alot of weight in 1 year, you would have so much extra skin a new problem would exist that would require putting up with it or having more surgery and spending more money. My freinds that have had the rny have tons of extra skin and 2 have begun to regain weight. Please give the band a chance and treat yourself more kindly; you deserve kindness and fairness, would'nt you offer the same to someone you cared about? Take care of yourself, no one else can. See ya1

Hey try not to worry, I have not had a bad experience after 3 bouts of general anesthesia. I did feel weird for a few days, but I put that down to surgery in general. I'm sorry for your worries, but most people fare pretty well over all. I'm sure you will be fine. Till later, see ya!

Hey, could anyone out there tell me if I'm resonding to others on LBT properly? I noticed when I respond to someone else's questions or comments, it gets listed as a new thread and then I get e-mails in response to someone else's needs. I have been going to "post quick reply" at the bottom of the screen to post a response, is this right? Other people's responses are'nt listed as new threads are they? Please help, I don't want anyone else's "thunder" my thighs provide enough thunder for my whole neighborhood. See ya!

Hey Jodie, don't worry, it's really tough for all of us, trust me. I've been told by 3 very successful banders that our bands are only a very useful tool and that the rest is up to us. What the %*#k! You mean I have to DIET? Nooooo! NEVER! However I will change my eating habits and lifestyle, doesn't that sound so much better? It actually does work, just 1 day at a time. The most helpful advice I can offer on eating is to try most anything in very small portions. Our bands allow us to eat only 1/2 to 1 cup of food at a time. Try just for a couple of days actually measuring whatever you eat to get your eyes adjusted to the proper amount of food, that seems to be the hardest for me! I want to continue eating because it tastes so good. One successful bander told me this: Order from the children's menu and get a take out box brought out with your food. Divide your food in half before you touch it and then you don't feel cheated. This lady said she never ordered "diet" food and ate pizza, fried chicken nuggets, etc., because that's what she wanted and she has lost 115lbs. and kept it off for 3 years now. I am so incouraged by her honesty and success, it has helped me through many tough days, I hope this helps you too. Take care, see ya!

Hey, what the deuce? Your doc is sick and cruel too. Is he serious? 800 calories a day? I think you're doing a fantastic job, keep up the good work. I was banded 7 months ago and have lost 45 pounds and my doctor is very happy. I am "middle of the road" with my success. I guess the occasional visits with cake frosting and chocolate might factor in there somewhere, but what the heck who's promised tomorrow? Best to you, see ya!

Please don't feel bad, I'll bet everyone of us has been there and will return again for a brief visit, you are in a rough patch, that's all. I'll tell you DeLarla, sometimes we all need a friend and sometimes cake frosting or chocolate is the best friend around. Let's face it, who else would invite themselves to stay right on our butts and thighs without an invitation? Only a true friend, that's who. So cheer up and the next time that loyal freeloader shows up, don't open the #&*^ing door. Hope that made you smile, see ya! LOL

Wow! What an inspiration! Congratulations, you deserve a round of applause girl: "Thunderous Applause Deafens Stunned Onlookers!" How's that? Keep your head up and stay smilin'. See Ya!

I have 2 friends that have had the bypass procedure and while both were happy to get the weight off, both were also unhappy with the great amount of excess skin left by such rapid weight loss. The reality is that whatever we choose, it will be the right choice for us as individuals. I chose the band and totally love it, but my friends chose the bypass and reached their goals alot sooner with side-effects, hair loss, excess skin, etc., but they both would do it again to be rid of over 100 pounds of rejection. Good luck to you in whatever choice you make, please do your homework. God bless!

Well, I do feel stupid when very kind people told me the simple process of getting a ticker by cutting and pasting. The problem is, I can't seem to accomplish this. I am clicking on the cut option, but nothing happens. Please help me. I need an explanation for each and every step, like for a baby, goo,goo! I would appreciate anyone's help. Thanks, "Dumb old Rose in Texas"

My doctor offers financing through Capital One Healthcare Finance Co. with reasonable interest rates. The fee of 14,700.00 goes directly to the doctor. My doctor includes 2 years follow-up and fills for all band patients. Rose in Texas

I hope I can offer some help here... I am just now 4 weeks post-op and am still enjoying Jello Sugarfree Pudding, low sugar Quaker oatmeal, instant grits made with skim milk, lots of foil packaged tuna in the flavored variety made with lots of light mayo and scrambled eggs. I am just starting to order the fancy chicken salads at restaurants and all the soups you want. Last week, after our hurricane, we barbequed and I was able to eat a hamburger patty (no bun) along with a bunless hotdog. Both of these were cut in half, and nothing got "stuck". Remember to chew, chew, chew. Best to you!

I can tell you that my morbid obesity comes from many factors. The main one is family atmosphere. My first memory of life was being sexually molested along with my baby brother. My parents were teenagers and not very interested in responsibility. The molestation continued for 11 years. I sought the approval and attention of a 30 year old at 16 and became pregnant the first time. I was always at work to pay for my baby and my mom gave him to my older sister at 17. I became a heavy drinker and married at 18. I was by then a full fledged alcoholic. Three days before my 20th birthday I became sober through AA. I spent my 20's in therapy. It helped me tremendously! I gave birth to my second son at 25 and still continued with therapy until the age of 29. I continued to smoke as a crutch until I reached 36. On 4-01-2000 I quit smoking and by 8-29-2005, the day of banding, I went from 155 or so to 280 lbs. Eating had always been my source of comfort, but I was always able to keep within 20lb.s or so of a normal weight. This was only achieved through starvation, diet pills, coffee and many cigarettes. My mom always offered food as a source of comfort and it became a way of life early on. My dad was not in the picture and my step fatheres were alcoholics. My younger brother and sister are both practicing alcoholics and not interested in quitting. I am the outsider because I chose a different life and because I attend church regularly. They will come to me for help, but only on their terms and I don't hear from them unless they need something. It breaks my heart because they will probably die in their addictions. They and my mom are obese as well. My father died 3 years ago from a massive heart attack. He was 58 years old, obese and a heavy smoker and drinker. I had not seen him in 10 years. Fathering was not of interest to him. My brother still wants his approval-sad huh? Well I guess I have cried a river, thanks for listening-or reading. I love all of you, you are all great! Rose in Texas not a victim anymore! banded 8-29-2005

Yesterday ReneBean aka "LeanBean" sent some very detailed and helpful directions, look on yesterdays posts or threads and see if you can print them. I am still trying to figure out how to enter some of the details that other banders are listing. Keep asking for help, there are other people more qualified to answer you than me. Good luck! Rose in Texas

Are you really gonna let you treat you like that? No way! would you let anyone else talk so mean to you or criticize you for eating not so perfect foods on occasion? This band is for life, that means changes for life, but not all in one day. You are doing fantastic and you are showing awareness of food intake. Look at how much weight you've already lost. If it makes you feel any better, I'll confess this to you. Last week our area was awaiting the arrival of hurricane Rita- I live just outside Houston and the evacuation left our city gridlocked for days and the stores ran out of food and all closed their doors on Thursday evening. I mean all stores! No gasoline anywhere, and the banks ran out of money on Wednesday and closed the doors. I had stocked up on non-perishables- you know, the "good" stuff. Peanut butter, cheese crackers, cookies, cakes, only the really "necessary" stuff. The show you mentioned about Patrick the 1/2 ton man and the show before about the 627lb. women were on in my living room too. Wanna know what I was eating? Well only the neccessary protein found in a large amount of peanut butter mixed with an equal amount of strawberry jelly, I cantget bread down. This was followed with more strictly needful things such as cheepuffs and more snack food. Don't beat yourself up for learning a lesson along the way. You are going to succeed! I'm crossing my fingers and saying a prayer for you.