New Hope

Wow, Joanne, hang onto that guy! I'm "across the pond" getting "mushy" just hearing about him. How long have you been married? Any kids?

Wow, Nancy, another Masters! Now, that's an NSV to brag about! I'm so glad that everything is going so well for you! Congratulations on the regular clothes sizes, too! Super job!

Michelle, praying for wonderful, clear reports for your son! Has his thyroid been checked recently? It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job trying to feed him and letting him eat whatever and whenever he wants.

Kathy, how about joining the weekly weigh-in challenge? It really does help to stay off of that scale. It can drive you crazy!

Carmen, beautiful picture! I hope things are getting better at home.

Audrey, I have missed your posts! Glad all is going well for you. Congratulations on the FANTASTIC weight loss! You are a poster child!

My skinny husband says he's going to get a band and his computer, just so he can "talk" to me.

Wow, an amazing and encouraging story!!! How tall are you? What is an average day's menu (food types and quantities)? Did you have any pre-existing health issues? Thanks so much for all of your advice!

Oh, and guess what the dr. recommends .... WATER (and exercise). Is there anything water doesn't help? Also, he advised wearing 10 - 20 mmhg compression hose as great preventatives - every day.

Queen, my veins weren't that bad before surgery. I did have one bruised vein area on top of foot (about 50 cent piece size) where it joins the ankle that had previously given me a lot of pain. It hurt a lot, and would feel like it was going to pop open when I first started walking and hurt so bad. But it doesn't hurt at all now. It's since reduced to about a 10 cent size piece and is much, much lighter in color. I'm exercising (bicyling) pretty regularly and previously did nil.

Mine asked a lot of questions about fire. "I'm fascinated by fire." "I like fire." "I enjoy burning things." (I guess they decline you if you're an arsonist.) LOL

You've taken the first step (which is probably the hardest), realizing that you need to do something to be healthier. Your banding journey has begun! Best of luck to you!

Nora, I'm not in your area, but I wanted to welcome you and wish you the best of luck on your Banding journey. Look forward to getting to know you!

Magnolia, don't mean to throw a scare at you, but are you using any form of birth control? Those "change of life" babies do happen.

Welcome to Bandland, Betty! Take it easy, walk, and drink that water! We look forward to hearing from you as soon as you feel like sitting at the computer. How's DH been taking care of you? Missed talking to you.

Well, Kelly Ann, you should be a Bandster by now! Take care of yourself, don't overdo, walk, and drink that water! Look forward to hearing from you! Congratulations!

Joanne, Congratulations on being banded! Those little aches and pains will get better every day. Walk, walk, walk and drink that water! So glad all is well!

Blossom, I still would schedule an in-office consult w/ your surgeon before your surgery. You really need to know what to expect from him and his staff, not only for the surgery, but maybe even more importantly for your aftercare. This is a huge investment in your health and you have every right to expect and receive quality care - every time you need them. You will definitely not regret getting your band! But we want you to have a wonderful surgeon and staff that will be there for you for a very long time. I bet he isn't aware of this woman's attitude and he needs to know so it can be corrected ASAP. Best of luck to you!

Hi, I used Dr. Spivak (and there are a couple of others here - Lisa Green, and Clara Luz). I absolutely adore him! He's very competent, sweet, easily accessible, and has a great staff. I have United Health Care PPO. But the best thing to do is check directly w/ your Benefits Coordinator to find out exactly what your insurance does and doesn't cover. His website has an excellent pre-surg. questionnaire that asks you about the different types of weight loss that you've tried. Any and all that you can think of will help you w/ your case for the insurance co. Hope it works out for you! Best of luck to you on your search for better health!

But Lisa G., shouldn't you spend your anniversary with your husband? Hmmmm.

I thought it was just me. I've cancelled my fill before, too. Too funny!

Vera, have you tried Balsamic vinegars? (about 10 cal. tbl.) You can mix them w/ oil and spices for a marinade also. But I think it's the creaminess we're craving. Hidden Valley has a Ranch Lite w/ 40 cal. tbl.) I love stews, Soups, or a pot of Beans any time of the year. I think it's wonderful comfort food. And aren't we getting our vegetables in that way? (Any excuse to try to make it right. LOL)

Darcy, when will you find out if your tummy is healing? This is just a small bump in the road. You've done so fantastic! Your band is there waiting for you when you are able to use it again.

Tricia, try not to eat anything at least 2 hours prior to lying down. Also, have the head of your bed elevated. Those both should help w/ acids flowing back up your esophagus. Hope this stops very soon for you!