New Hope

Lauri, hang out with us for a while and you'll find that we "talk" about all kinds of "disgusting" little body habits. Anything's game here. LOL Nancy, you've lost 31 lbs. in less than a month! Wow! You're doing fantastic! That has to be some kind of record! You're very wise to be eating cautiously and avoiding pbing. It is NOT a good thing.

Denise, shave your legs before you go. You may not feel like bending over for a few days afterwards. We're trying to talk Ryan (Whipple Daddy) into doing that, too. LOL That is absolutely wonderful news about your husband! Now, get your band! Don't we live in an amazing time? You ARE going on a trip - a fantastic adventure called "Living life"! Can't wait to hear about your episodes!

DDBug, have you looked at something that weighs 40 lbs.? Like a large sack of dry dog food? Try lifting it and remember that's how much weight you are no longer having to lift every time you sit, stand, walk, lie down. That is wonderful! Would you have lost that weight w/o your band? Unfortunately there is a lot of ignorance about our band, how it works, and how much weight we can expect to lose on a weekly basis. Hopefully, it will become more common and people will understand how it works and stop comparing it to RNY. Now, about your aftercare...No one is going to take care of you like yourself. Your dr. is not going to call you and remind you to come in for a fill. He/she is not going to set special hours for you. You have to put your health as a top priority and do whatever it takes to maintain it. You have your band, but you have to do your part for it to work. That does mean periodic fills - as needed. If one of your kids were sick, you would be able to take them to the dr., right? I hope that you will reevaluate and realise that you are worth it! Please get your fill and continue regaining your health. "One day" is right now! Best of luck to you!

Yes, it happens way sooner than we expect! Does Colorado have a restriction on new young drivers? In Texas, they can't drive (on their own) w/ their buddies for the first six (I think) months. The state just wants to give them time to "pay attention" first. My oldest son got his license w/ my DH and then promptly drove past an unloading school bus. Yikes! Now, get ready for that first fender bender, because you know it's going to happen. Good thing you got your band, or you'd be hitting the munchies about now!

I've heard great things about Dr. Deol! Best of luck to you on the beginning of your "new life"! You won't fail! Yes, prayer does give you strength! Sending (((hugs))) and prayers to you for an uneventful surgery and minimum pain recovery. We look forward to getting to know you better here.

Kelly Ann, welcome home!!! So glad to hear that you're back and "Banded"! I can't imagine doing that by myself. My poor DH stayed the night w/me in the hospital and said he'd make a poor prisoner of war (sleep deprivation) and he'd tell the enemy anything they wanted to know. LOL Try to walk around as much as you can and drink tons of water. Both will help you feel better faster. Congratulations! We look forward to hearing about your progress.

Veronica, you are "losing" it! -29 pounds! That's great! Besides those other teachers don't need to know all your secrets. Greg, you'll just have to get in line! Lisa is buying a hummer and moped for me to give as birthday gifts. She's such a sweetheart! But I'm really worried about Leatha! I might let her get her therapy first! LOL (P. S. Don't use the s-e-x word around her. She goes ballistic. LOL) Pam, you'll be so glad that you stayed off of that scale. That thing can drive you crazy! (Or in my case, crazier.)

So now you're a Lapband poster child! How cool is that! Kellymoos has done a commercial for her dr. too. Great inspiration for the rest of us!

Hi, Theresa Marie! Congratulatons on your upcoming banding! Where will you have it done? This is the best thing that I ever did for myself and for my family! Pre-existing health problems and RXS cut in half! Grocery bills and eating out much cheaper! (It's amazing what you save when you don't buy all that "junkie junk"!) And the most noticeable thing is getting energy back, that you forgot you even had for so long! Best of luck to you and we look forward to getting to know you better!

Girl, there's a whole world out there waiting for you! You can enjoy it and share it with your handsome little boy and husband. I'm older than dirt and I still have a lot of living left to do. Aren't we lucky we got that second chance with our bands?

Don't forget Alexandra, who's been moderating all by herself for a very long time!

Kyleigh, 70 pounds! Gone, Gone, Gone! I am so proud of you! Great job! Now what are some NSVs that you've noticed? Keep up the fantastic job!

Pam, he may want to reconsider. You keep melting away like this and there's going to be several guys that will take you dancing! You could take up belly dancing. That ought to get his attention!

Leatha, what's the latest on your "Boot Scootin' Boogie" classes? And how many hearts have you broken?

[quote name=PamRN and chocolate MINT HERSHEY'S KISSES... I bought a bag of course...and ate a good half dozen before I knew what hit me. :sick When I realized what I'd done' date=' I stuck them under the nose of my kids, and they quickly disposed of them for me. I think they didn't even bother to unwrap them... inhaled them foil, flags, and all. I think it's a hereditary thing... [/quote] LOL LOL So, Pam, you're saying your kids got a good source of Fiber out of the deal? I LOVE the "it's a hereditary thing" . Hey, 6 kisses isn't going to destroy you! Just think, preband, you might have bought the store out.

Who does it for you? Does it hurt? How much is it? Is it supposed to be permanent hair loss? Would sure beat waxing. Ouch!

I hope your kids will be there to share their strength with you! Have a safe flight, and be there for your Mother. I know she will greatly appreciate it. Sending (((hugs))) and prayers your way. Be careful!

Do you have any pre-existing health problems (high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, joint problems, sleep apnea, etc.)? What about a family history of any major health issues? I certainly hope you don't. But those will help your case against the insurance company (if they cover weight loss surgery.) How did you find out about Dr. Spivak? Do you live in the Houston area? Have you attended any of his seminars? They're very informative. Please keep us posted how you're doing.

Denise, I so understand what you're saying! My husband overcame years of kidney failure, open heart surgery, and a kidney transplant. For so long, he did good just putting one foot in front of the other. That's why I cried when I was standing in RMNP, high up on a mountaintop. I was so very grateful that both of us have been able to regain our health. Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers that you and your husband will regain your health and be able to hike those mountains together. That's something that has no price tag and can't be truly appreciated until you almost lose it.

No, Debbie, it doesn't happen to everyone. But I think I'd rather lose some hair, than keep my fat! LOL

Kathy, don't eat 2 hours prior to your fill. But it's o.k. to drink up until then. You'll do fine!

Welcome to Bandland, Melissa! Please take it one day at a time. It really will get better! Betty was banded on Monday, also. You're so right, this is a very important thing that you're doing for you and for your family! You're regaining your health. And there's no way to put a value on that! Are you using a heating pad? Taking your liquid tylenol as needed? Walking and drinking water as much as possible will help you get back on your feet. P. S. My husband's open heart surgery was a 1 day notice also. A little unnerving!

You are so right! I think the "head work" is probably the hardest part! I see you enjoy sewing. What types of things do you like to do? That will come in handy, as you alter your too big clothes down and make new ones.

Each surgeon has their own proven favorite. I have a "sternal port". It sits about 3" below my bra band, centered. It doesn't bother me at all and clothes don't restrict it.

Margie, you've lost 35 lbs. w/o a fill? That's wonderful! I'm with you, I tend to be very cautious and want to know a reason why, before I do something. But it does sound like your surgeon needs to take more individual "hands on" with his patients, instead of running them through in masses. I did the informational seminar (complete w/ very detailed Lapband video). Then I scheduled 2 different appts. w/ my surgeon (for one on one info.) before being banded. Please remember the info. we share is from banded patients, and not medical professionals. Best of luck to you!