New Hope

Persistence pays! You'll be eating in time for Galveston and Thanksgiving! Yeah!!!

"Walk a mile in someone's shoes, before you judge them." Neither of them are worth the effort it takes you to think about them. They must be pretty miserable people that they have nothing better to do w/ their time. You just concentrate on getting you and Patty healthier. You're far above people (?) like that!

You've gotten some wonderful advice above. Have you been following your surgeon's instructions since your banding? Eating the right kinds of foods and allowing yourself to heal BEFORE running real foods through? Try to keep busy with non-food related things. Best of luck to you!

If you make your own, use ground turkey. After browning it, rinse it well (in a colander) to remove excess grease. Plus you can control the spicyiness.

Try blending some frozen fruit, a sliced banana, and ice into it. Makes a smoothie. Can add some Splenda if it's not sweet enough. I got the unflavored powder so the fruit makes it good. Make a small one. It really fills you up.

Denise, Congratulations! Take care and keep drinking those liquids. So glad everything is going so well!

Margie, I don't think there's any stopping you now!! Theresa Marie, you've already begun your banding journey! You'll be posting your triumphs before you know it! So glad you found us!

Lainie, that is wonderful news! Please take it easy! You're still recouping from the effects of surgery. It really does get better every day.

Karen, please check with your benefits coordinator at your job. He/she can tell you if weight loss surgery is covered. Then you need to know if the Lapband method is specifically covered. The gastric bypass is an entirely different, more radical procedure that is often covered by insurance companies. Also your BMI, health, and family history are all considered. Please research the internet, forums like this, and banding doctors' websites. There is a ton of information available. The more informed you are, the better - before you do anything. Some patients are banded by U. S. doctors, others have chosen to go to Mexico. There are pros and cons to both. The main thing is be sure you have your after care covered, in advance. Have you tried the "search" at the top of this page? You can find about anything that you want to know. Best of luck to you!

Did you say you are throwing up? This is very dangerous, especially if you've been doing it for a while. Please don't neglect seeking help. Have you called your surgeon? He/she should have a contact number.

Try a little bit of peanut butter. The oil may help the licorice slide on through. Good luck! Please see about a slight unfill as soon as you reasonably can.

Feel like you're jumping out of an airplane? Don't worry, your chute will open! Best of luck to you!

Good luck, Greg! Here's to a good night's rest!

Great NSV! Let's hope you won't be "slippin' down the shower drain any time soon! LOL

Because of asthma, I need to avoid smokers and houses that have been smoked in. Not trying to be a prude here.

Of course you can, Paula! Whatever is most convenient for you.

Lisa, tsk, tsk, be kind to us "senior Bandsters". Or I'll get my cane after you. LOL

Greg, funny, but too true!!

And I bet most of it's carbs, too!

Wow, Margie, YOU are an inspiration!! To overcome all of that! Please do take care of the type of exercise you do, so as not to reinjure your back. But I know I don't need to tell you that! All that you have been through has taught you to appreciate each precious day. Please continue to heal - physically and emotionally. Your family will be there sharing your triumphs with you. Best of luck to you!

Will there be anyone smoking in the beach house?

Bobby, best of luck to you and your family as you try to figure out the path to take.

O.K., we're talking Galveston, right? With one overnight stay? November 13 and 14, 2004? And people are o.k. w/ that length of drive? Do you need me to go down and actually look at some beach houses before committing? And reporting back to you on them? How many people? How big a house is needed? Which end of the beach do you prefer? East or West Side? Waterfront house? Pedestrian Beach or Driving Beach Access? Please let me know. I could go down Monday or Tuesday (11-1 or 11-2).

Margie, find anything that you enjoy doing. But please don't wait until 2005! Fall is such a beautiful time of year! With a 3 year old grand daughter, that can be a walk in the park, collecting the many beautiful fall leaves. Press them in a book for her and you can cuddle and share them for years to come. Or a trip to the zoo. I'm sure she'll give you a great workout! And the better you start feeling, the more different things you'll be able to do. I had bought a cheap bike at a clearance center several years ago. It had been ridden so few times that it still had the little nubby things on the tires (which had gone flat). I started riding here (6 weeks after banding) because it was SO hot walking and I got bored with the treadmill. Just went a little bit more each time and gradually built up the speed and time. Before you know it, you'll be strapping a child's seat on the back of your bike and taking that little doll with you. Then you'll be running beside her as she takes off on her bike. There are great things in store for you!

But aren't you glad you don't have to go through all those "adolescent" feelings again! You have done so remarkably well...physically and emotionally! It's a pleasure and encouragement to hear about your progress. Best of luck today and everyday!