paula

awe Jenna, my heart goes to you during this time of grief...

Robyn, Could you please explain more of what you are looking for? There's several of us that have loved ones that are classified as "alcoholics".

I didnt even read the guide. So im still their #1 customer! You are right Rene, ignorance is bliss - that's why I chose to not read it!

a day in my life... untitled.bmp

From what I remember reading and hearing about, the symptoms of a slipped band are a little different for everyone. Some have ONLY nighttime reflux... some have reflux 24/7... some cant stop VOMITING... some cant swallow a small sip of Water. Its hard to say what the symptoms of a slipped band will be for YOU. You did right by calling your surgeons office and getting their input. Please keep us posted!

Katrina, Rita, Wilma...... whats going on with these storms???? I read in today's papar that Wilma has already made a record for being the "most intense" storm! Please keep in touch! *sending prayers your way*

By the way, are you from Creole?

What a great question - although Ive never heard of anyone developing this from the band. You may try Dr Felix Spiegel (Houston) for fills. Im not sure what his Houston number is - sorry! Please let us know what the answer is so everone can be informed!!! Good luck.

Mary, This was Rita - NOT Katrina! (I know, too many to remember the names) What made this storm so memorable is the fact that the Katrina victims were in all the hotels, camp grounds, shelters and wherever else they could find rooms - and us Rita victims had NO place to evacuate to! When we were enroute to NC, we FINALLY found an empty room an hour from Atlanta. We live in Louisiana - and thats the Georgia border!

Since weve been home, Ive seen things that make my stomach knot up. Im sure some of you remember us moving at the beginning of summer? The home we moved out of had a tree slice completely through the kitchen - down to the ground. Bricks and all - a 15 ft opening. That was disturbing. But we are safe - and our home is livable. Kids will re-start school Tuesday. Since Ive been out of the LBT loop for a while, I hope pics are still allowable? If not, any moderator has my permission to delete this thread. Thanks everyone for viewing these. And more then anything... thanks for all the prayers youve sent this way. They were felt.

When something like this happens, you MUST focus on the good. Marcus celebrated his 10th birthday on Oct 2nd. We were at Mike's parents. This was the first time he was ever able to have a party with his cousins (Mike's family). VERY special memories for us - and for them! (Oh my! Look how dirty Anne was!!!)

After a week with Mike's parents, we were able to return home (2 weeks after the storm). We had a limb break the roof in our bedroom and caused ceiling damage - but NOT complaining. Our good friends lost 80% of there home to wind/rain damage, their home has been condemed. So we are happy with this little problem.

Even though life seemed good, we knew there was a lot of work waiting at home... this is a picture from our drive way looking into the street.

ok, so now we are in NC. Hot baths! Hot meals! Gas stations open 24/7... even a Walmart! Life is good - once again!

I hope you arent getting bored with these pics.

A building destroyed.

The parish was closed. No gas stations. No stores. No power. NOTHING! So we packed up and headed to NC to Mikes folks! Here are some shots from around the city as we were making our way out...

My parents home on the left. The yellow stuff is insulation from homes.

This is the house directly across the street from my parents. Rita decided to blow a hole directly through their 2nd floor. Both side of their house looks the same.

This is a pic of mom and dad's pool area. There was a whirly bird from a roof in there pool - and sheets of yellow siding from another house. Notice the roof on the house behind their wind blown fence. That house suffered 70% water damage. Mom and dad's house did great, few shingles missing - no water damage, just outside stuff.

Since I love seeing everyone's pics, I thought Id share a few from what this my life has been like in the last few weeks. Im going to start off with a picture of Holly Beach. This is a before and after. This beach is on the gulf coast - directly 30 miles south of my house. (Penni, can you do a side by side for me?)

oh and I agree with the rest - we need a current side by side. With your new figure, you need to be striking a pose for us! go Bet- ty! go Bet-ty! go Bet-ty!

Way to go Heather! And hope you have continuing success!

This is a great question - and I think a big reason people choose another weightloss surgery instead of this one. Its the mental pre-occupation of having something foreign inside of them. What helped ease my worries is thinking of the number of people who have other types of implants - knee replacements, pace makers, hearing devices... the list goes on forever. After pondering this, my band decision wasnt as major as before. Try putting it into prespective, and get a "mind over matter" thought going... good luck!

Soon after banding, I called my pcp for an anti-nausea med just incase I did get a "bug". Ive never used it, but like the insurance in having it. Just a note of experience... during my year of being banded, I have actually vomited several times (this is grose, I know, but its life!). Not as a result from a virus, but just a here and there thing (ate something that didnt agree). Stomach convulsing for several hours or vomiting for many days is what needs to be highly avoided.