paula

Can you believe that i actually cant remember?! I dont think I applied anything to my incisions - maybe vit E oil after they were closed. You may want to call your sugeons office and get their input. I certainly wouldnt put anything on my wounds until the steri strips fell off!

Dr Spiegel did my surgery. But, from what Ive heard, there is another one in that area that is also doing the AGB (banding). You may want to ask Kellymoos (Kelly) - she is a moderator on this board and lives in the Beaumont area. She may know more about the surgeons. Good luck!

Hey Yall! I was just thinking about this challenge this morning and wondering who won! To make it fair - I think we should have 2 groups: those that were banded a week or so before the challenge (new bandsters) AND those that were banded a while before this challenge started (old bandsters). Have 2 winners! To me, it looks to be Jamie as the NEW bandster winner with a total loss of 28 pounds. And Big T (Tony) as the OLD bandster winner with a total loss of 19 pounds. Is this correct? I will be donating something to both winners favorite charity!

Victoria Texas? Isnt that near Houston? Not sure - but I think there are MANY cities named Victoria.

We JUST got DSL - and love it too! No more missed calls. Hey Lisa - how about a updated avator for your new computer???

Thanks everyone! Jonathan, your little girl is so cute! Hubby never had sisters, so he loves this "girlie" stuff... how about you? I just woke up my 9yr old up from laughing too loud! Kathy, I cant wait to read Rachel's note to Anne Marie. She's gonna be SO excited!

OMG - LISA!!! You are precious! Its that headpiece... its bigger then your head! goodness, Im gonna have to do some diggin to find mine. But I will!

Hi! No, this hunger isnt just a mental thing! Some lucky ones have a good bit of restriciton from the surgery, but MOST of us need a fill before gaining that feeling. You are wise in picking good food choices to eat, that the biggest adjustment to make. Ive heard of some doc's giving diet pills to tie us over until we get that golden fill. In the meantime, just try and maintain your current weightloss - and if you dont, thats ok too! It will all come off in due time! So, hang in there - the 22nd is just a little more then a week away. And dont forget to drink that water!

gosh yall... everyone is looking so good! Greg, how much have you lost so far? Looking great! Lisa - Your face is pointed now!!! You are so pretty! How is DH handling his "new" woman?

Alex, she's 4. The recital went great! There are several dance studios here in town. Different ones focus on different dance styles... one place is known for having an awesome jazz program, another one has a great ballet program. But this place that Anne goes, focus' on the modern dance moves (in the older classes). Our local state college dance team teaches alot of the classes at this particular place. Anne started going last summer for a "Summer Dance Camp" - and LOVED it. So I enrolled her in their fall program. Lisa! I AM wearing my tu-tu, you just cant see it! (I cant believe I just said that)

here we are together.

This will bring back memories for some of you... today was my little Anne's first dance recital. She looked so cute - I just had to show you her picture.

Dreamweaver, that is the funniest avator that Ive ever seen! love it! I was actually wondering about the home spray-on mist by Neutragena. Ive used the foam for a couple of years now and thought it gave a great look, but a little messy. Zoe, Im with the rest of those that recommend the air brush tanning or the mystic tans. Using a home kit works well for general areas, but a full body look is hard to attain by applying it yourself.... you dont want nice tanned legs with white arms!

Sure this is normal! The surgeon stitched the port to muscle tissue, so its definately gonna be sore for probably a week. Just drink that liquid tylenol - it should help the discomfort!

LuAnn, Heck, if you must pay cash, just think of it as a car note! This surgery is around the same price as a car......

approximately 2x's a month.

This is the great thing about the band... every day is a NEW day. Just like Michelle said, we are able start fresh as many times as needed (thank God). Gosh, you were on vacation! We all need a break from everything - even eating habits! Are you sure it isnt time of your cycle? That adds weight as well.

Thanks Mary for this link. Im sending it to my sister... she wants this RNY surgery very badly! Definately praying for Jessica!

Great topic Nicole! Yes! My 9yr old is overweight and my 4 yr old is as well. Donali gave some great pointers. The hardest thing for me is to not use food as reward system - too avoid saying something like, "If you 3 get along well we will stop for ice cream on the way home" When I notice that my 9yr old has put on extra weight, I try and make him b/c more physical and (this is the big one) NO fast food. I can tell when weve been eating alot of fast food, his little cheeks b/c chubby! You get a gold star for trying to get a handle on this with your step daughter. Good luck!

LMBO... about your dh! You are so funny! Doesnt it feel different to be noticed by the opposite sex? So many years you were just looked through, now you are being looked at! WOW! Great NVS - with bat wings OR without! LOL

Hi Robyn, Each doctor has their own post-op rules, 3 weeks of liquids seems a little long. Most of the time its a week of clear liquids, a week of full liquids, a week of mushy foods, ect. About the protien shakes, try different ones. Slim Fast, Atkins, Boost... diffferent brands has slightly different flavors/taste. You may like one and cant tolerate the taste of another. For the water intake, try filling up a large cup/bottle and sip sip sip ALL day long. Youll be suprised how fast you can consume it. Another idea is popsicles. This is another way of getting in some liquids. Congrat's on getting banded!

This is a request that one of our moderators PLEASE make this thread a sticky.

LMBO, You kill me!

Betty, Im going to copy this link and send it to my sister & cousin - BIG splenda drinkers. Sucralose may be more like ingesting tiny amounts of chlorinated pesticides, but we will never know without long-term, independent human research Thats scary! I remember reading something on the same line about diet drinks. Going back to what DeLarla/Lisa has said many times - real suger is safer then all this fake stuff! Thanks for sharing!

Jonathan, ((hugs)) brother! You are making a big change in your life - and the biggest is single parenting! On the flip side of all of this - all of these expriences are going to make you an awesome pastor/minister! Good luck - and especially... May the Lord bless you and keep you! May He Face shine upon you and be gracious to you! May He look upon you with kindness and give you is peace!