New Hope

That's really scary. And I know that you're living proof of the danger. Thank goodness yours was found and fixable. Is this something that once you've had, you tend to be prone to it?

Oops, meant NSVs!

Chris, wonderful job! And what great NIVs!

Wow, Leatha, despite all your setbacks, you've done fantastic! What an inspiration!

Leatha, I haven't even gotten up the nerve to take any pics yet. Old habits die hard. But I'll work on it. Thanks!

And a handsome little picture it is!

Please remember that we are just band patients sharing our experiences. We do not have medical knowledge or training. Please research your dr. of choice very carefully - his/her training, surgical expertise, former patients, follow-up care, etc. When you have chosen a Dr., then please follow his/her particular rules for preop, surgery, and follow-up care. Drs. seem to vary greatly in their treatment plans, but I'm sure that they have specific reasons for doing so. Best of luck to you!

Paula, don't be so hard on yourself! You've lost 21 pounds in a really short period! I agree w/Michelle. Please check what you're eating (protein first, then veg.), water amt. (drink, drink, drink - except w/meals), and regular exercise (something you enjoy and will stick with). It doesn't sound like you need another fill yet. If you're pbing, that's something we need to avoid as much as necessary! I think all liquids meals are just going to make you hungrier. Please try to eat nutrious, solid foods that will "stick to your ribs" longer. You already have your band. It will be there when you need it. Best of luck to you!

That's 11 pounds gone for good! They say anything lost before the first fill is a bonus. I bet your first fill will make a big difference! Best of luck to you!

Hi, Lisa! I was banded by Dr. S. 05/2004. Glad to meet you!

Ginny, I haven't figured it out yet either. But you do have a beautiful picture!!

Yea, Pam! I'm so excited for you! That's only 3 weeks away! Girl, you better get busy! Please start working on drinking, drinking, drinking (except w/meals). Get all your old clothes washed and arranged by sizes. Start wearing the ones you really like. You'll go to put them on one day and Whoops! They don't fit any more! (So sad - NOT!) Where is your Dr. located? Best of luck to you!!

Naw, just human.

Thanks, Joanne for the encouragement!

Jello- various fruit flavors of gelatin. (A brand name)

Well, maybe insurance companies do need to read these websites. Then they could see how positively the band is affecting people's lives.

Kim, it's not really throwing up. It's more like baby spit-up. Yes, chew, chew, chew. But please stop at the first sign of the "golf ball in your chest" feeling. If you stop and wait right then, it usually doesn't develop into a PB. Try to eat slowly and enjoy each bite. I've usually pb'd when I was in a hurry and/or took too big bites. Once you start the convulsive swallowing, it's usually too late. The saliva starts building up and you pb.

Koukla, you must be doing something right! You've lost 60 lbs!! You probably need to be giving us pointers! You should be able to eat anything in moderation that you normally eat. The o.j. may be irritating to your stomach and it has a lot of sugar in it. When you say Mexican food, what do you mean? I love Mexican food! But since banding, I've tried to avoid the chips, rice, and tortillas. I love their grilled shrimp and fajita meat. Some days I seem to be able to eat anything and the next I have sudden restriction. That seems to be the "mystery of the band.":)

Paula, you can check Leatha's surgeries progress under "Pain, Part Deaux".

As cute as you are, they just probably thought you were making a "Propel Water" commercial right there!

Joanne, so glad to meet you! Those "last suppers" will get tinier and tinier! You'll do great!

Leatha, she probably did 95% of that stuff when she stayed w/ you last week!

Well, I've really done lousy so far. But I've gotten a shot and some antibiotics so hopefully this will start turning around by tomorrow. Tomorrow is my 32nd wedding anniversary!! Wow, that's older than many bandsters!

Light a fire under them, Terry! Best of luck to you!

Sheeanisland, it's worked out great. We celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary tomorrow!!!