New Hope

Thank you Alex! I have it too, now!

Denise, 15 pounds! Wow! Great job!

Anne, that's wonderful...no leaks, restriction, and the holidays coming up! Now what more could you want!

Finally, pain is gone and I can bike ride again!! So I've got to make up for that lost 2 1/2 weeks! Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Today....10 miles bicyling each day.

Sorry, Blossom, it will only get worse as time goes on. Pretty soon, your skinny DH will be threatening to get a band and a computer just so you'll talk to him.:cry

Quick update...We have 8 people confirmed...Nancy, Leatha, Betty, Paula, Ginny, Lisa Green, Kathy, and me!! Would each of you please bring a "Before" picture? This will be great to see our progress! Last weather check is showing Saturday 64*/56* (breezy w/some clouds), Sunday 66*/57* (chance of drizzle). But anybody familiar w/ Texas weather knows it can change hourly. So I'm personally predicting lots of sunshine, breezy, fun, and perfect. ('Cause that's what it will be in the condo, regardless of the outside weather, Right?)

Paula, take it easy on the nerve pills! We don't want you falling off the seawall this weekend!

Dan, so glad that you're doing so well! Hang in there, this liquids stage is the hardest part and it's temporary! Your port site will get less painful as time goes on. Better day by day!

Estela, try to drink warm liquids and see if that goes down better. Some warm sweet tea, broth, etc. The important thing is to get enough fluids down. Avoid dehydration!! If you're thirsty, that's a sign you're getting dehydrated. Mild dehyration will cause loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Try to calm down and that will also help ease the tension in your esophagus. You are a new bandster, getting over surgery, and do have swelling. It will get better. But really work on your liquids intake. Best of luck to you!

You two are TOO funny! Your job should be grateful that LBT motivated you to get back to work sooner! What dedication! (NOT)

I'm having the same problem! Everything I'm coming up with is not "good". One thing, schedule plenty of "rest stops". LOL

Hi, Dallas, congratulations on getting your band and doing such a great job w/ your weight! Hope to see you posting here often. ...From a short Texan (in Houston)

Yeah, real food! And terrific weight loss! Please take it easy, cut things up to pea-size, and chew, chew, chew. Try to eat somewhere that's soothing and you won't be distracted (like away from the t.v.). Give yourself plenty of time (20 minutes), then get up, and get away from that food! LOL If you can't eat very much, don't force yourself. Heaven knows, we aren't going to starve to death! LOL I usually feel more restricted in the a.m. and drink a protein drink. Cottage cheese is good. But if I wait a while, drink some water, then I can eat a soft scrambled egg and a Morningstar breakfast sausage. The real foods help me feel full longer than the shake. I like tuna salad, it's moist, filling, and goes down easy. Just be sure your meats are moist and use sauces if needed. I can eat about anything, just a lot less. And most of the time, I try to choose quality foods. Great job, Sharon!

I was going to list some things, but there's way too many. So here's a good place to start. Then just check out the links. Better bring some good walking shoes and a jacket! http://galveston.com/attractions/

Theresa Marie, I thought the same thing! I already know the answer to that one! LOL

MIL is going to be pea-green with envy. Can't think of a better revenge than major weight loss!!!!

Hi Mary E, Congratulations on getting your band and amazing weight loss!!! So glad that all is going well with you. I, also had to have some fill removed and have 1.0 now. It really makes you "wake up" and appreciate you band, doesn't it? I realize that I've got to do my part for this thing to work. Best of luck to you!

I think Mom is still on liquids. Mom, when you add the fruit, don't add too much. That will control the thickness of your shake. Then if it's too thin, throw in a few ice cubes. It's all just "fine tuning" it. But when you do get to solids, tuna is a very good source of protein.

Friends, O.K.? I'll be glad to help you with any thing that you need. I understand your time frame. Hopefully it will work out for you. Mine was denied in October 2003, appealed, banded May, 2004 (along w/the 3 other laproscopic surgeries). Those extras are not the norm for someone just receiving a lapband. So far I'm getting the same answers from everyone that I've contacted. It's apparently one of those "hurry up and wait" deals. No sense getting stressed out about it, that doesn't make them move any faster. If anything, I think they throw it in the back file. I'm not familiar with Aetna Insurance at all. Have you spoken w/someone in human resources (at your job)? They should be able to answer your ?? or direct you to the proper source. Get names, dates, time of conversations for future need. Do your research, so you won't get any unpleasant surprises. Best of luck to you! Here's some contact info. for Dr. Oscar R. Beltran, L.S.A. L.S.A. means Licensed Surgical Assistant He has performed advanced laparoscpic procedures for the last 5 years. His Office Manager is Gale 713-520-0658 United Surgical Assistants 1200 Binz, Suite 1275 Houston, TX 77004 713-520-0658

Vera, what a handsome young man! He certainly looks like his pretty mother! Now, we're going to expect our Ryan to look half as cute. LOL

Vera, are you saying I'm semi-normal? I have colon polyps that get reamed out every year. Maybe that clears the gass out. Thank you for making me feel loved and included here! LOL Hey, I thought about you so many times, when I tried to find a long sleeve sweater to fit and the sleeves hang down to the floor. Just who are they making these things for? LOL

marie in Houston, Texas Claraluz is in Clear Lake, Texas Lisa Green is in Cleveland, Texas

I feel like I'm missing out on something here. I have minimum burping or farting. Honest! I do feel like I have a gurgling perculator in my esophagus when I eat. Now if I can get through this Weekend in Galveston w/7 other Bandsters (who will rat me out in a heart beat)! Hopefully my 5 months of nongas relief won't decide to explode, wiping out the seawall, and creating a worse Natural Disaster than the 1900 Galveston Hurricane.

Leatha, thanks for sharing the cottage cheese test. I'm one of those "show me" types, so that is a great test to know. Actually this fill will probably help you enjoy the weekend even more, because you know you won't be overeating, and feeling the guilt and crummy effects from that.

So glad everything went well! And you're off and running to exercise! You're such a good girl!