molynn

Wow that is so cool. Thanks!!

I'm having a breast reduction and extended tummy tuck on Dec. 13th. I am still a DD. I am hoping to be a small C. I lost 10" but nothing in the cup size since my band surgery. I'll be happy if he can lift them off my knees. Tummy tuck is going almost all the way around. I have to tuck my hanging skin into my size 14 pants and skirts (size 12 if spandex material). Insurance is paying for the breast reduction. I am paying for the tummy tuck. My surgeon said the surgery will take approximately 6 hours. Does that sound about right for people that have had it done. Pain is supposed to be nasty and I am going home the next day. Between the 2 procedures my surgeon said he would be removing approximately 15/20 pounds off my body. They had to order a replacement port and tubing since the port will have to be relocated during this surgery. I'm kinda scared but excited at the same time. Maureen

I am a certification specialist for New York State Education Dept. I certify teachers, administrators, counselors and social workers. I started off as a secretary and worked my way up. I have been here for 14 years.

Happy, happy birthday Marie!!!!!

I'm so sorry Penni. Your friend and her mom are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom died from pancreatic cancer 16 months ago. She also was cared for by hospice. She only lasted 6 months. It is a terrible, painful way to die. There is an organization here that is dedicated to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. www.lustgartenfoundation.org I participate in their walk every July to raise money. Again, please accept my deepest sympathies.

I can definitely relate to this Denise. I went shopping in Kohls a week and a half ago. I needed to buy clothes for a business trip I am going on in May. I automatically walked to the plus size until my daughter asked me what we were doing there. I ended up buying a Villager by Liz Claiborne skirt and jacket in a size 14. It doesn't even have a stretch waistband. Regular waistband with a zipper. I ended up buying several other outfits in a size 14. The new bathing suit I bought was a 16. The 14 fit was too snug for me...I felt like a sausage in casing. Anyhow, get used to shopping in the "regular" section.

Congratulations on your new home Kelly. I can't believe you unpacked so fast.

OMG Penni!! I don't even know what to say....such a young age. They will all be in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to you and your family also.

1.49 lbs per week for me. Hopefully since I just got a fill last week I will pick up the pace a little.

Congratulations on your one year anniversaries Michelle and Penni! You guys are awesome!!!!

Thanks for sharing the photos Vera. Great visual on the leak. I'mso happy you are doing better.

OMG Penni - I've never seen so many bees together. I am terrified of bees. I am allergic to wasps and don't want to press my luck with bees or yellow jackets.

Welcome to band land Kathy! Hope your doing great. Feel better.

I bought Dr.Ren's book. I ordered it right from her website at NYU Medical Center. I thought the book was horrible. I really didn't get any information that I didn't already know from Inamed or my own doctor. I didn't think it was worth the money at all. Very small paperback, typos all over the place and some of the pages of the book were actually upside down (and not on purpose). Dr.Ren and Dr.Fielding have excellent reputations. I was embarassed for them when I got my book. Only my opinion though.

My fills were done with flouro. I would agree with the others that if you are not going to have a flouro for the first one, have it for the second so you know everything is where it is supposed to be and the band is not eroding.

Welcome to band land Brenda. I'm so happy that you had such a wonderful experience (except the airport dilemma) and that you are on your way to losing those pounds and getting healthy. You're gonna love the band!!!!!

Hi Jorjet, Our stats are pretty close I think. I am 5' and started at 263. Your band is going to change your life. The 10 pounds you need to lose is just the beginning. I know you can do it. We are all here for you.

Please make sure you call your doctor if you cannot get fluids down. Don't make the mistake I made last year. I wanted restriction so bad that I never told them the band was too tight. I could have lost my band. All the fill was taken out because was stomach was inflamed. My doctor finally let me get a fill after almost 9 months. It is tighter in the morning but I can drink fluids with no problem. Right now i amvery happy with the restriction that I have. Make sure you talk to your doctor. You'll be surprized that the smallest adjustment of fill can make a world of difference for you. Feel better.

Welcome to the land of the banded Kathy. Glad all went well and you are on the road to recovery.

I would love to meet all of you. In on Long Island, so NJ is not far at all. My 26th wedding anniversary is the 23rd, my daughter's birthday the 24th. My aunt might be having a 50th anniversary party that weekend. I can't remember the date. But I so want to come. Even if I can't make the whole weekend, I would catch up with you guys on one of the days. I'm so excited.

Thanks for sharing Kelly. You have less of a fill than me but your band seems a lot tighter. How much can you eat? Do you find your band tighter in the morning? I got 1.5 last week and the band is very tight in the morning. All I can do is a cup of coffee for a few hours.

Please let us know how you are doing. How hope you start to feel better soon!

Penni, I'm so glad your mom is doing so much better. She sounds like a remarkable person. What's that old saying....the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. You take after your mom I guess. I hope you get some much needed rest and your headache has gone away.

I have a desk job so I was sitting a good deal of the time, but I had my surgery on Wed and back to work on Monday. I was still a little tired but that was it.

Great news! May God continue to bless you and your family.