Zoe

Had to see this thread after staying away from LBT for months. . . I'm fluent in Spanish, speak Portuguese (Brazilian/Yankee accent, K@t, in case you're wondering!) but not fluently, read French and Italian but speak both badly with terrible accents; in French I sound like Saddam Hussein doing an Inspector Clouseau impersonation. I used to read Hebrew (biblical, not modern) but that has disappeared along with about half of my brain in the past 25 years... oh, I forgot, I used to speak German pretty well but now I can't remember anything except a few phrases related to food and sex. So I can ask for a raspberry puff pastry and say "You have enjoyable thighs" but I probably couldn't get directions for the nearest bathroom. This post isn't meant to be show-offy; I'm no genius, I just like languages, and I've got semi-Rain Man wiring for them. Now if only I could remember, in any language, where I left my car keys. . .

I agree with Alexandra. I love my two-layer parka, and I don't want to replace it even though it's too big for me now! FYI, it's a size 1x and it fit me perfectly when I weighed 230 (@ 5'9"). I suggest ordering a size down from whatever the sizing chart tells you to order, unless you like a really loose fit.

Crystal, I haven't been around much recently, but I had to read your thread. I'm so glad you're back with family and friends who love you, and away from the hated Taterterra. I hope you'll be able to relax into a comfortable life and finally get some answers from the docs. Sending good thoughts your way.

I'm sorry to hear of your two losses, Megan. But you have a special place of honor in dogdom. I hope you and Rocky have many happy adventures together.

A counterrecommendation from a sugar fiend: Make a commitment to stay away from sugar for two whole hours. Then see if you can make it through the entire day. Damn, I really didn't mean to offer advice, just support. Can you and Cheri make room for a lapsed bandster on that bench? I think I have "Band Fatigue" -- after a year and a half, I'm bored with the band rules, even though I know they work. A scoop or more of ice cream every day, on the other hand, does NOT work. My problem lies not in the band but in myself. Just wanted you to know you're not alone. And, by the way, Whoyah, 40 lbs. gone in seven months is a real achievement!

What a relief to hear that you don't have erosion. I hope your esophagus recovers completely so that you can get on with bandster life. Sending good thoughts your way . . .

Consider it done! One size 11 up the backside for the insensitive doc.

Kelly, I'm late to this thread, and I'm very sorry to hear that you had to have your band removed. It sounds as if you had no choice, given the horrible symptoms you suffered. If only your doctor were more supportive of your choice to fly solo. Your attitude is an inspiration, and I'm certain you'll be able to control your weight. Please let us know how you're doing. All the tales of erosion and slippage from experienced, careful bandsters makes me realize that I should have an endoscopy this year. Jonathan, your post is a good reminder that slippage can take many forms.

I agree with NJ! Looks like ole Mary has some major mammary issues. You could tell her, "In case you haven't noticed, I've lost weight in other parts of my body, too, and I'm feeling pretty good about it." Or something that gets across the message "I don't make fun of your nonexistent tits, so leave my girls alone!"

Congratulations! Every day will get a little easier; just don't ask too much of yourself during this first banded week. Welcome to Bandland!

chocolate? Did someone say chocolate? Where? (sniffing the ground like a manic bloodhound) I'm worse than ever after banding. . . I love dark bittersweet chocolate, but at least I can stop after a few pieces (as long as I'm in manacles). Good chocolate ice cream is my real demon. Aaaargh! Off-topic: Jenna, welcome to the 5'9" club! That's one way to get a lower BMI -- get taller.

I'm a happy Rumbaut patient. Just make sure you line up your aftercare arrangements (assuming you aren't going back to Monterrey/Tijuana for fills and check-ups) before you select the Mexican option. As you've probably read elsewhere, not all US doctors accept other surgeons' patients.

Excellent post, Kare! So many of us forget just how lucky we are... just by drawing the lucky card of being born in the economically developed part of the world. Thanks for the reminder.

I had a massive (cantaloupe-sized) cyst removed, along with one ovary and the attached fallopian tube, years before being banded. Actually, I think my obesity prevented me from identifying the problem early on; I assumed the newish protrusion was just a symptom of uneven weight gain. I'm sorry to tell you that you won't lose much permanent weight if your cyst is the size of mine or smaller. This surgery was done before I got my band, so I don't have any band-related tales to report. But last year, one year post-band, I had a hysterectomy. The band did not get in the way at all, and in fact the surgeon reported that my recovery would be easier than with the first surgery since I was nearly 70 pounds lighter this time around. I lost about 6-8 pounds in the first weeks after I left the hospital, due not to the weight of the fibroids (etc.) that left my body but to my lack of appetite. That little side effect didn't last long, though. Good luck to you. The surgery is no fun -- band placement is a lot easier on the body -- but you'll feel much better without that grapefruit pressing on your internal organs.

Dog threads get me every time! If the boxer adoption doesn't go through and you don't want to keep him, you might PM Christina (I'll Succeed), who had a beautiful boxer boy and may have some suggestions. If you change your mind about keeping the lab mix, please PM me to let me know what state you're in (geographical, not emotional!) and I'll send you the info for a local Labrador rescue contact. Most breed rescue groups keep the dogs in loving foster homes until they find their permanent guardians. You are a special person for saving these two big guys!