Penni60

Laura: Marie makes an excellent point about bandsters stories. If they could see the successes I think it could help with some of the concerns they might have. It sounds like they may be confusing this surgery with the bypass. Maybe have them go to your next doctors appt with you so whatever fears they have can be discussed with your surgeon. Good luck and keep us posted.

Eve: No one can really answer if it would be worth it but you in the end. I can offer some insight into my thought processes prior to banding and what has transpired since being banded. I did research between gastric bypass and the band for about a year and a half. I came to realize that I did not want my insides re-configured and I didn't want the risks that were involved with the bypass along with the long term effects and complications that can arise. I chose the band because of the reversibility factor and the fact that no internal changes would be made other than the band around the stomach. Pre banding: Weighed 296 lbs, got short of breath getting out of bed, walking, eating, sleeping, etc I got short of breath with everything, joints ached, back problems, knee problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, problems sleeping, I was a mess. Post banding (11 months today): 240 lbs (lost 56 lbs and 31.5 inches), no longer short of breath, just did the L.A. 5K walk/run Marathon TODAY. Joints don't ache, back problems are nonexistent, knee problems are gone, blood pressure last check was 120/78, cholesterol was 188 last check, I sleep like a baby. I have more energy than I have ever had and I feel wonderful for the first time in decades. Is this mental work? Yes, and you can do it. Is this physical work? YES, and you can do it. Is the band doing all the work? NO, you have to see it as a tool not as a "fix all". If you could lose the weight without the band then you most likely wouldn't be asking that question to begin with. You would already be losing and not need the band. That was an observation I came to on my own with personal journalling. I could NOT lose this weight without the band. It wasn't possible. I had to have this little internal device to remind me I have eaten enough and am full. I am sure there will be others that chime in and offer their input as well. Good luck Eve on whatever you decide.

I want this screen cleaner. How about you guys? http://www.mcxnet.ch/screenclean/

I am so tired of plucking, creams, waxes, etc for my chin hairs. CALGON take me away!!!!!!!!!

Jenna: The Excedrin helps immensely with my headaches. I have horrible migraines and that works. But do check with your doc to make sure it is ok. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Frank: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my father about 10 years ago to colon cancer. We were all devastated and shocked they found it. He went in for a simple appendectomy and they found the cancer. I feel he knew all along something was wrong but just ignored it. From the time he was diagnosed to the time he past it was 7 months. He lived long enough to see his only grandson born and to spend about a good quality month with him before he past. It is never easy to lose someone. Time does heal but it still stings a little when I think of him. Prayers are with you at this time.

I too miss all those members that are no longer here. It saddens me too that some are afraid to post. I hope this situation can be gotten past and we can continue to support each other and get past this rough time. I am doing what I can on my end to aid in that endeavour.

YUP Sept 23, 24, and 25 those are the suggested dates. I am going to look at plane fare this week. Bright let me know what you schedule will be and maybe we can meet at the airport and shuttle over to NJ together. WHOO HOO!!!

Apple: I know this is frustrating for you. But I agree with everyone else. IT all happens for a reason. The fact that you have such a thorough doctor should make you feel better. Although I know it still is frustrating. It will happen just continue to have faith.

EGADS!!! Monday is weigh in day too isn't it? SHOOT!! Where did the week go? Oh well!! Good luck everyone.

Shannon: Come and let us know how you are doing. I am sorry you had a hard time with the first surgery. It will get better.

The airport will or could determine what hotel I stay at. If we fly into New York (JFK) or (LGA) then I would most likely stay in a hotel in NY. If we fly into Newark (EWR) then I would most likely stay in a hotel in NJ. I will do what the majority wants to do. I am so looking forward to this visit.

Madeline's Mom: I can't think of anything else to tell you to bring except maybe a book to read. I just want to send you lots of support and encouragement for your journey. Got Passport?

Jenna: You can do this!! Remember the little engine that could? I think I can I think I can. Keep repeating that expect change it to this. I know I can, I know I can. There ya go! Yoga might help. Meditation could as well. ANYTHING other than smoking. Writing your feelings down could help purge you of this habit. Greg: I stand corrected on the prebanding toilet cleaning match lighting issue. LOL!! Thanks.

By saying you can't see it do you mean you couldn't open the link? If so that happened to me a couple of times. I just kept clicking on the link till it finally opened. I tried it this morning and it worked.

Your post suggests the port was misplaced. LOL!!! HUGS!!

HarleyNana: In my understanding Moderators cannot read others Private Messages period.

Hey Princess: When taking Kathy's advice on cleaning a toilet and lighting a match to savor the sulfur smell just make sure you don't do them at the same time if you get my meaning. LOL!!! YOU CAN DO IT!! I smoked for 5 years then one day woke up and just threw everything away. I had had enough of the smell, burns, cough, feeling awful, etc that goes along with smoking. YOU CAN DO IT!!! I have faith. I will keep you in my prayers.

NOPE it has me too. UGH!! When will we ever learn. LISTEN to our bodies and we will be much happier. I hate it when I PB. I do it less frequently but man when I do. OY!!

WHOO HOO CARAMEL!! Congrats and welcome to bandland. Come on in the Water is fine. Well don't jump in yet your incisions haven't healed. But jump in when they have. LOL!! TINK: Just an FYI, if you have specific questions why not start a whole separate thread so we don't hijack this one. But to answer your question about the RRT. You state that you have had pneumonia 3 - 4 times before. That can make you more susceptible to getting it again in the future. I have had it a couple of times myself. It isn't fun. The RRT is a precaution to prevent it from happening. The anesthesia slows everything down and after surgery it takes awhile for things to wake back up. So the RRT will help you exercise your lungs to keep things moving and not get stationary and so to prevent pneumonia from settling in.

Mayra: Just a question here but what is the specific taste in your mouth. Is it metallic? Is it too sweet? Is it too sour? Can you put a name to it? Hate all the questions but it can help pinpoint what is going on. I never personally had a taste issue but that isn't to say it can't happen. Take it easy and heal. You should try to get in more Protein but at least get in Water or some form of liquids so you don't dehydrate. Have you tried hot tea? Even warm Jello that hasn't set up yet would be good. Never fear the mushie stage is coming.

I tend to agree with Sue. I wouldn't attend a conference type bash like that. It would be nice to meet other banded people but not to attend a conference about getting banded of which I already am. Just doesn't compute. I think it is great they planned the bash and had all those speakers and such but they were playing to the wrong crowd. Anyway, my two cents for what it is worth when we had the Vegas Bash last year it was full of fun and talking and getting to really KNOW each other. I think the Texas BAsh was the same way. Just lots of fun and fellowship. I am all about getting together, chit chatting, dinner, going out, etc. I don't like a structured conference for a bash like this. Just my humble opinion. Take it or leave it. LOL!!!

Have I let you down as a moderator? If so please give me specifics. Along with the specifics please list ways I could improve. Be honest! I am a big girl, literally. LOL!! Please send responses via PM as this thread will be locked. If you don't wanna respond that is cool too. Thank you for your honesty.

I have heard Denise that if you eat 6 small meals a day of healthy nutritious foods that it can speed up your metabolism. Seems to be working with you. Keep it up that is great news.

Hey guys if you wanna contact me personally then please send an email to Penni60@aol.com and I will respond.