New Hope

Hi, Lori, you're a "Baby" Bandster! Congratulations! It sounds like you've got a great outlook and things are going just how they're supposed to. Look forward to getting to know you better on here!

Megan, how much does your type band hold? How much do you have in right now?

But like you said, Melissa, it does have a lot of sodium..so not too, too much.

Ooh, I haven't had any fried green tomatoes or fried okra since banding. Kim, you've got me started. Do find yourself also looking at the kitchen gadgets to see what new thing you need to add to that cluttered kitchen drawer?

My husband bought some Neutrogena T/Gel (Therapeutic Shampoo). It's fairly cheap, available anywhere. It has 1% Coal Tar in it. The smell does not remain in your hair! He used it a few times and his hair looks thicker, shinier, and healthier. I know I've bought something similar from the vet for our dogs' coats (same smell).

Wow, Vickie, you have a lot of serious things that you need answers for! You are very wise to be thinking about all of those before you do anything. I was banded locally, but I wanted to wish you the Best of Luck and keep researching everything!

Pat, that holds true for husbands too, doesn't it? (Sorry, Bobby, Ryan, Jack, Greg!)

You are making the safest decision of the two weight loss surgeries. What problems do you have w/your liver? I had a "fatty" liver, which seems pretty common w/overweight people. I followed a low glycemic foods list prior to my surgery, no other dieting required. There's an extensive thread here about L.G.F. It's supposed to help shrink the liver to avoid having to do an open-method surgery. It wasn't hard to follow at all, basically good, healthy foods that we should be eating any way. I hope you research and choose a well-experienced band surgeon with great aftercare. Best of luck to you and please let us know how you're doing.

Bobby, glad things have settled down w/the daughter. You love them w/all your heart, but they can be stinkers, can't they? My 20 yr. old son has been out "on his own" for the last year. He's come to realize that things are pretty good at home. He's moving back next month. We've had some good heart-to-hearts. He's matured a lot. Upon a counsellor friend's suggestion, I'm having him sign a contract stating exactly what's expected. Of course, I'm so glad that he'll be home. Here's to your family and mine- minimum stress, tiny heart aches, and lots of happiness for 2005!

Holly, there is also a "Bandstock" on June 25, 2005 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. You can do a search for more info.

Hi, Holly, we look forward to getting to know you better here. If you met Michelle, then you've already met one of our Star Bandsters. She's a great gal and has done an amazing job on her weight loss!

Hi Penny, how much weight are you hoping to lose? Great weight loss so far!

Don't you just LOVE these ticker tapes!! It's so neat to be able to see everyone's progress!

Roro, please don't hate yourself! If we've learned anything, it's that diets just don't work. They may get the weight off, but it always comes back. Why, because we return to our old habits. With the band, you have a tool that reminds you (sometimes not too gently) to watch your portions and try to eat healthier (most of the time). But you're the instrumental one in whether your band works or not. You can eat "around" the band by eating soft, high calorie foods that don't fill your pouch and leave you feeling hungry. Please research and ask ?? This is a very personal decision that you alone have the final say in. But do this for YOU, to help you regain your health and energy...not for some guy that doesn't appreciate (or deserve) you for what you are.

Leatha, do you have any Gatorade? That's good to help replenish your electrolights.

Good luck on your search for better health! We have some Chicago Bandsters on here. Zoe comes to mind, but I think she was banded in Mexico. However she might be able to give you some local info. Really, just research everything you can get your hands on BEFORE you do anything.

Rachel, that is wonderful!! Just think how good you'll look by Christmas! Heck, you'll be looking good by Easter!

Oh, Leatha, that sounds like what Betty had a few weeks ago! No fun! Please take care of yourself! Do you have any hot teas? Add some honey and lemon, that's soothing to a sore throat. Hopefully, you won't have the nausea part. (((Hugs))) Sis!

Do you mean about the surgery procedure itself? Or what life style changes you need to make? Or what to gain in health benefits from having the lapband? Sorry, but your ?? are pretty broad and I was wanting to understand what you were looking for before I responded.

Hi, Roro, how about going to the "Introductions" Section and telling us a little bit about yourself, how much you're wanting to lose, where you're wanting to be banded (dr.?), and any other general info. you'd like to share? You'll get better response that way. Also, please search the old threads. There are tons of info. there just for the reading. Best of luck to you and hope to get to know you better on here!

Michelle, I thought I was the one that first mentioned his name! Everyone probably just assumed it was Lopez from the "Update On My Problem Port" thread. And Lopez is getting some positive publicity out of this - for a change.

No matter how long it takes, we're lucky that we have one of the health insurances that do cover it!! It's definitely worth the wait!!

I'm not familiar w/it at all, just trying to think of a possible reason why you're rejecting. I know we have another "future" bandster on here (in Alaska) who also has that and has expressed concerns about rejection problems.

Congratulations, keep walking and sip, sip, sipping.

Lisa, glad you got this taken care of and that you and Lopez have mended fences. But do you think your immune problem could be the reason your body is rejecting any "foreign object"?