paula

Amen, Jamie! And this is why i love my band so much.

Yep! sure can. just wait till you get on solids... thats a whole new sensation! Glad you are doing well.

Hey Mary, how's the dark spot???

Hey Megan, how ya doing???

Oh my goodness.. that is unbelievable! Wonderful pictures! Who did the gassing?

Wow Betty, sounds like you had a great time! And all that distance on your bikes?!?! I bet that was fun! Hmmm... with the price of gas, I may trade my van in for a bike as well! :ermm If you get extra time, try posting some pics - please? I would LOVE to see pics of an adult vacation - I mean one that isnt at an amusement/water park!

awe Penni... so so very sad to hear this. Its always disturbing to hear about the death of someone so young; it reminds us that we are not the ones "in charge"!

Congrat's Brenda! You are so right - your journey has just started! Welcome to Bandland!!

Yeeaaahh Kathy! Welcome to the Bandwagon! So very glad you had a smooth exprience. Lots of thoughts and prayers were heading your way! When are you able to get your first fill?

I am so happy to hear this great news! On a side note... I live only a mile from my parents.... and even though we talk daily, we only see each other maybe *twice* a week. I feel the same way about my mom as you do yours (especially the sense of humor part). Youve just inspired me to do something special for her - and to make sure I verbally tell her how much I love her more often! Thanks Penni! Thank you fom the bottom of my heart.

Vacation!?!? She didnt get permision to go on any vacation!(LOL) Hope youre having a great one Betty... you deserve it! :banana

yoo hoo... Betty! Where are you???? we miss you!

During my Quest for approval, I found that the medical personel in all the offices I went to - were MORE then willing to help! I went over and beyond trying to get documentation of previous diets. Like you, my former doctor (OBGYN) had retired and (although I really didnt need it, I just wanted it for more ammo) I did some phone work and found the records building he sent his records to. It cost around $75 to get copies of my entire chart with him, but it was well worth it. These records showed 4 years of charted diets, with presriptions of diet pills - even phen-fen. Basically, after everything was over, these copies are now in my chart with my current OBGYN. Its good to have your medical history put together!

Slimee I suggest that this letter should come form your pcp or the physician that prescribed the diet pills. Good luck!

LOL!!! you are so much fun! Lets see, I was trying to figure out how much you weighed. My doctor wanted all of his patients that were 250 or more to go on a liquid diet a week pre op. On my last visit to him (pre op), I was 248 and the nurse said I was close to 250 - and wanted me to go on liquids.... like you, I couldnt do it! So girl, Im right there with ya! The reason its recommened for us to go on liquids before surgery is due to reducing the size of our liver - ultimately having an easier surgery/recovery. About your parents... how funny! Mine did the EXACT same thing! All of my family is MO, so I am going on unchartered territory with having weight loss surgery. You are probably a big inspiration to many of them. Good luck! This week will fly by!

Val, Im shocked, I dont know what to say. So very sorry to hear this is happening to you. ((hugs)) Have another surgery to change the position of the band... hmmmm, how many band surgeries has Chung done so far? I know he only did RNY until Nov, then he started doing the band.

That is so absolutely cute! My 2 boys watched it with me - they loved it too. thanks for sharing it Trish!

Penni, in all honesty, IF you have some really wonderful financial suggestions - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pass them this way... I could use your 2 cents (excuse the pun)! :cross-eye

**just thinking about you Kathy** Trish, Ive been thinking about her too - and definatley prayed for her. Im sure she is out of sugery by now... what do you think?

This is the only reason that I like moving periodically! Total clean out!

In all honesty - I so admire you and the others that can run. When I even attempt to run (for example, chasing the kids) my boobs nearly kill me... so I cant imagine running on a street for any distance. That would be self inflicting harm!

How lucky she is to have a daughter as a nurse! Big hugs to you and your mom... God bless!

ohhh, I am so happy for you! SMART planning Kelly! Glad you are back, weve missed you

Hi Val, Im from Lake Charles too! Try having warm liquids instead of cold. Warm things seem to sooth the tummy better then the cold stuff. Good luck!

Good luck Sharon!!! ...at the speed of a gazelle. Wow! Thats fast!