New Hope

"Mama, are we going on a road trip?" Too cute!!!

Good description, Paula! There will someone asking. I usually say it's like baby spitup.

Victoria, what type of foods are you eating and what size portions? Are you focusing on hard proteins first, then vegetables? These will "stick" with you and help you feel "full" longer. Eating soft foods will defeat the purpose of your band. Are you getting your daily waterload in? How about tracking your eating habits on fitday.com for a few days? It's free. Hang in there!

Be sure that you're doing something consistently. Pace yourself so you'll continue to do something. If you start extremely hard, chances are you won't stick with it. But if you can gradually increase your stamina, you'll find that you'll want to do a little bit more each time. I couldn't even walk once around our 1/3 mile block without huffing and puffing in May and my feet/ankles killing me. I gradually built my time up. Then progressed to bicycling. I've found that I loved it and have taken part in some bike benefits (20 and 25 miles). In October, I was able to go on 4 and 5 hour mountain hikes every day. I never could have done this in the past! It all begins with a single step!

Teresa, whatever you decide on, pay a mechanic to thoroughly check it out - before you buy it. I've been looking for a dependable, cheap (apparently those 2 words don't go together!) car for my son for the last couple of months. I think we've met most of the sleezy used car dealers in Houston. And for some reason, there are no "for sale by owners" any where to be found right now. I pulled a Carfax report on several. One VW Jetta seemed great. But the mechanic found it had been seriously damaged (wrecked). The Carfax said it was a "Certified" car. Bull!!! So we're still looking. Our mechanic likes GMs, says Fords are very good, but a little more expensive to work on. Take your time and don't get "strong armed" into something. Hope you're feeling better!

YES!!!! My PCP rechecked my thyroid last month because he's known me for years. It was fine. I know my blood pressure is great now, so maybe that affects our body temps. too. I've always had my "thermostat stuck on high". Felt like I'd just burst into flames, I'd get so hot. Never wore a sweater, about died in the summers down here. Now I wear gloves when I'm on typing on the computer sometimes. I bought some cute slip-on fleece-lined boots that are wonderfully warm and comfy. And I now can wear those pretty sweater sets that are out. Before, no way! I'm just hoping this means we'll be able to enjoy our summers better too!!

Please do a search on Mexican surgeons. There are several threads here. You can save a lot of $$ by going to these surgeons direct. A referral company is not necessary. Just be sure that you research the surgeon you choose very carefully - his/her banding experience, the hospital used, aftercare. Be sure that you have your aftercare in place BEFORE you are banded. Especially if you are planning on using an American fill dr. Contact that dr. direct and verify that he/she will accept you. Research carefully, don't make hasty decisions, and be healthy.

Oh, Nancy, I bet he's just unable to get to a phone right now. I'm sure he will contact you as soon as he is able to. Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers for his safety.

Nancy, I have some friends who named their daughter "Aabee". Their last name was Seay. (ABC). She'd crawl across the floor with "Aabee" embroidered in red across her little ruffly white panties. Wonder where that kid is today? Hmmm...

Encourage Willpower to walk with you, drink tons of water, and try to eat healthy choices. This will just help him get in practice for his band. Getting the band is pretty much like your gallbladder surgery. You'll do great!

Rica, you cute, sassy thing!!! That's the best investment your hubby ever made! You two are such a beautiful couple!

Mark, please don't beat yourself up! All any of us can do is love our children with all of our hearts and take care of them with the best of our ability. We want to always protect them. But the reality is they will have to go through certain trials on their own. Please take your son in for a thorough checkup. Bloodtests, urine, and a blood pressure check is a good place to start. Perhaps an endocronologist can follow up with more specific tests. Is there extreme obesity in you or your wife's sides of the family? Does your son have a good support system of family and friends? Do his friends feel welcome to come over to your home and "work out" with him regularly? He is very young and at an age when most kids his age are continually eating "junk food". If he's on his own, what will he eat? Junk food. Does he have things that he excels in. Try to encourage them and help build his self-confidence. Especially non-food related things! Please try to focus on his good qualities. Please realize that he will have to make the decision for himself about his weight. For the lapband (or any weight loss surgery) to work requires the banded person to take full responsibility.

Wow, Paula, Thanks! I've been so BAD about my water! I'll start this "tomorrow"... I promise! (Too close to bedtime today.) I know that really helps me with my eating. And I've been totally out of control!

Jen, Congratulations on the 31 pounds gone! A good complete vitamin may help. (I take Gummi Bear Vitamins (because they taste good-LOL), Flaxoil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C - chewable, Viactin Calcium Chews) But try to get most of your vitamins from your foods. Proteins first (lean, moist meats), then vegetables. Are you getting your daily waterload in? Dehydration can make you feel very tired and weak (and cause serious problems). Were you prone to anemia before your banding? Have you had any recent bloodwork done to check your different levels? Perhaps get your thyroid checked too (blood test). Are you able to eat solid foods without any pbing or sliming (not too tight a fill)? You should be feeling better, dropping excess weight, eating healthier, and exercising consistently.

Hi, Aubrey, Congratulations! Keep drinking that water and walking. Did you know that just being a male will help you lose weight faster than we "mere" females? Best of luck to you!

No, we just haven't found anyone good enough for her. You know he'd have to be scrutinized by all of her Sisters and Brothers here.

Pat, I've been SO bad the last few weeks. Eating all the wrong foods, zero exercise. But isn't it wonderful to know that we can get right back on track? However, I do think I'm going to have to go through a "detox" program for carbs! Yipes!

It's going to depend on your insurance policy and what specifically your place of work has negotiated. They're all different. Please contact your Benefits Coordinator. He/she should be able to direct you to the proper source of information.

Theresa, how are you feeling? Hope the insurance company is fair by you and this gets straightened out as "stress-free" as possible!

Yes, benefiber is good. It dissolves, easily digested. Have you tried prune juice or warm apple juice? A little does the trick. Once you get to regular foods, you can add prunes (different flavors), snack on some dry frosted mini wheats cereal pieces.

Jammin, that's good exercise!

Girl, I've put my foot in my mouth too many times! Choked on it a few times, too.

Went to a Christmas party last night. A friend (hadn't seen in a while) said she thought my DH was there with another woman. LOL

If we'd only listen more and speak less, think how much better the world would be.

Trust me, Leatha, you look wonderful! And being happy certainly is flattering!