New Hope

Lauri, that's priceless!! LOL You need to write that one down so you don't forget it. I guess it's safe to say you're NOT going to be a "Closet Bandster". LOL

8 miles bicyling. I waved at my neighbor today and was horrified to see my upper arm continue waving after I stopped. What exercise is good for that?

Ryan, what is RSD? What are you hoping the drip will do for this? What is MRSA?

Ryan, what type of surgery is Patty having? You listen better than I do. I would have been trailing right behind her. Sure hope everything goes as you expected!

I haven't heard about powder proteins clogging the band. I thoroughly mix my protein powder w/milk, ice, and fruit in a blender and haven't had any problems. They're also more cost efficient than the liquid protein drinks. Comparing stats, I've found the ones at my wholesale club are just as good (sometimes better) than the higher priced namebrands. The main thing for me has been finding one that tastes decent.

Nora, here's my surgeon's website, www.lap-surgery.net . Click on pre-op questionnaire. It will list several different diet attempts by their names. Also, do you have any pre-existing health problems? Do you have any family history of health problems? Write down everything that you can think of to help win your case w/ the insurance company. You're your own best advocate. Good luck!

Debbie, how much weight are you wanting to lose? You are at a lower BMI than most of us. This could be why it's taking longer. You have less "fat" to lose than I do.

Do you think it's possible that you have a leak? Hopefully not. Some people do seem to need more restriction than others. At one month, had you been eating solid foods long enough for your first fill? Please be careful getting too many fills too soon, so you'll avoid complications that could cause you to lose your band. Are you getting your water intake in every day? Have you tried tracking your foods on Fit.day.com? This can be helpful to show you how much you're actually eating. Are you making wise food choices? There's a lot of mental work to do with this band. The band will help us, but it won't do the work for us. Best of luck to you!

Babs, you've done so great! I don't know how I'll feel when I get so close. I guess the main thing is if you're happy with yourself and your life right now. If you talk to anyone long enough, you'll find there's something that they don't like or want to change about themself. Even the most beautiful, skinny, rich person in the world has problems. I'm happier now than I was at this same weight on the way up the scale. Best of luck to you!

Denise, sending you hugs and prayers for a successful surgery tomorrow and a great "afterlife". Can't wait to hear about your adventures! Take care!

So glad to hear that, Rica! It usually takes a while to get answers. But,hopefully, they'll be good ones!

Hi, Nora, my dr. had a 1st visit form to fill out. It had several things listed that I would not have remembered on my own. I didn't have to remember when I did them. They're just basically trying to document that you have made attempts at weight loss and been unsuccessful. Best of luck to you!

One and a half? LOL

Bish, how are you feeling? Hope those aches and pains are getting better every day!

Joyce, how much weight have you lost so far? Are you getting your protein (preferrably w/ good food choices) in daily? You need 60 grams a day. Are you eating protein first, then vegetables, then if room left -fruits, carbs.? Moist meats are going to give you a sense of "fullness" much longer than liquid proteins. Are you drinking your water quota daily (but not w/ meals)? Do you need a fill? Are you having any problem eating (pbing)? Try to find some form of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly. Come here and "talk" w/ people who really understand how you're feeling. Best of luck to you!

Deb, you'll do fine. Don't eat anything 2 hours before your fill. It's o.k. to drink right up until fill time.

Good for you, Janie! Best of luck w/ the new fill dr.

O.K., Lisa G., you busted me! I have to admit we had a wonderful cabin w/ an indoor jacuuzi and fireplace. Didn't I say it was a perfect week? Enough said. LOL

Neicy, that's why I posted about this trip... to encourage other bandsters and let them know that their life is just going to get better and better. Hopeful 1, I didn't have a clue what would happen to me after I got my band. I really assumed I'd fall flat on my face. To lose 50 pounds has not been hard at all. In fact, it's been so rewarding to see the NSVs uncovered. I never dreamed I'd fall in love with bicycling and go on beautiful treks. And to be capable of climbing any mountain trail that I wanted - all the way to the top and back down. Well, that has to be one of the most rewarding moments in my life. I've learned that it takes more than just losing the weight. You have to also have some steady form of exercise to build up your endurance. Without the routine bicycling, I would not have had the lung capacity and the leg strength to hit those mountain trails. There were times I was huffing and puffing, but I did it! Again, please let me encourage you to reach out there and attempt things that you might never have even contemplated. You and your family will be so pleasantly surprised. Best of luck to each of you!!!

There's a boatload of us, aren't there? One of us needs to learn how to give fills. LOL

It's coming, Lauri, it's coming!

Starla, why don't you call Dr. Spivak's office (713-520-8900) or (866-4spivak) and ask them about your thyroid? Shirley is the office manager and she's very knowledgable. I know Alexandra (here on LBT) takes thyroid meds. Maybe she can answer your ?? Best of luck to you!

It's the pits, but you can do it! Be sure you're drinking, drinking, drinking.

Eva, Congratulations! The improvement in your health and energy will benefit you and your family!

Hi, Shannon, good luck on your search! Research everything you can get your hands on. The surgeon's seminar is a great place to start. This is not a "quick fix". The band will help, but you have to be willing to make lifestyle adjustments and do your part. Hope you find the answers you're looking for!