I'llsucceed

I told only 4 people. My dearest friend (whom I know has never breached our trust in 20 yrs) & One friend in FLA., who is out of state & therefore not a threat. My Mother (in case of death) & my sister(who lives in town & would help w/recovery). Well I have yet to have the surgery & my sister has driven me so crazy with backhanded comments of support, that I have choosen to tell her I decided against the surgery. So only the 3 gals will know & 2 are out of state. I just didn't want to go through all the things you guys have listed already. I mean its tough enough. I thank my lucky stars for our monthly support groups & this website. Strangers are the best supporters around. They usually never judge & always boost your spirits! I have only 2 days till my dietian appt- Than I get to wait for insurance. I hope it goes quickly.

You know one thing I am so looking forward to doing in a restaurant is????????????? Being able to talk more when eating with my friends... I mean before I was always so busy stuffing my face that they were the ones getting in all the conversations & I was just nodding & ahhumming. Now that I will have to be chewing more & eating slower I just may be able to contribute more to the conversations! Another PLUS for banding

Now that was funny - willpower!! Hang in there Seppi!

Smart reading -good stuff

You'll do great Lauren-The very best of wishes coming your way- keep us updated! wwhhhoooohhhoooo!

Boy I sure hope so. I was just going off those reports from Women's Magazine saying 73% were GERD free after the band. Even my own doc, Dr.Hawasli said it would be gone. I have an appt coming up next week & I will let him know what you said La Madam & if I should be medicated prior to the surgery. Thanks for your concern

I just had my psych evaluation a few weeks ago. It was two seperate days & very easy. First day was just talking to the doctor about my weight loss past. I came very prepared & had all records written down & copied for her. She really appreciated this. The second day was a test that took about 3 1/2 hours answering t or f questions. Its to test if you have any serious psych problems or behavioral problems that may make you unsuitable for a surgery like this one. It was very easy & all you do is answer honestly. PAY ATTENTION to all the questions. they are very repetitve( some very silly) & this is done to make sure you are reading every question & not just filling in t or f for all of them. That is what mine was like I do ot know if they're all the same. I have Blue Cross network & this was standard for them. I was told I passed the very next day. Good luck to you- you'll do just fine.

Hi Paula, I do not know the science of what goes on but I can tell you what I go through. Mainly it starts at nite but can be sometimes throughout the day. Alot of belching & I mean constantly in a row for minutes at a time. Very embarassing. At nite its what I call "little baby throw ups". Like a moment ago I got up from a seated postion & threw up my tea(a bit). Gross I know-sorry. When I sleep its much more belching & gas, sometimes "baby throws" until my body has relieved all of it. A few hours later it can continue but only one or two more times until morning again. You just feel like your always full of acid or air. I've actually gotten used to it over the past years. I refuse to start w/all the antacids & things. Mine isn't as painfull as it used to be ( my gut was in bad pain for several mnths) & now is more of a nuisance. I plan on the band relieving all my symptoms very soon. Hope that helps.

Welcome Holly Your not that far from where I am-Detroit. How much do you want to lose total & why did you have to go ALL the way to Mexico for your fill? Was it something already included w/your doc who is there? Or have you looked into fill in Ohio & Or Mich? 16 pds is great - your doing very well ! Congrats!

Get out those smaller sized cloths Jazell you will be there sooner than you know! Best of luck!!

Way To Go Healthierme!!! You are on your way. We all look forward to hearing about your success. I want to lose the same amount as you do - I hope to be banded in a few mnths. Congratulations & safe healing to you.

I just love the name Conner & what a beautiful boy-such a sparkle in his eyes. Trish- thanks for the nice words & you & I will hopefully be so prepared for this journey there will be no stopping us. Every single woman is Beautiful-inside & outside. I'm not sure if I will watch the last episode of 'THE BIGGEST LOSER" tonight or not. I love the show but than it also makes me feel like I should try again by myself. I know I could lose it - but I also know it NEVER stays off & comes back w/avengence +.

I too turned 38 on Jan 1, 2005 & feel forever stuck in this house. But listening to your story & many others makes me believe my turn is coming! Great Job & Congrats!!

For those that are banded-- Do you know if you forever will be getting filled on & off throughout the years? Or does one find that "perfect" fill & remain there for a lifetime? If you get lots of fills throughout a year & have a small band, once its down to nothing , can it stretch out? I read alot about bandsters getting fills & wanting more to feel good. So I am just curious as to: is there a time when we won't need fills? Or is it that we feel tight than get used to it & want to feel tighter & than tighter & so forth? Thank you for your toughts

What an awesome moment for you ! 16 way to go! I hope that rush stays with you everytime you hit a bump in the road & it just makes you "drive as fast as possible right over it"! Your doing awsome-Lets us know when you hit the 14 or 12 or 10 or more!!! WHOO HOOO!

Hi Brighteyes, You and I started at the same weight & have practically the same goal. I am not banded yet but have you thought about a thinned out protein shake?? Like boost. I know if you blend them & add afew ice cubes it makes them frothy. I wish I knew more to help. Your doind incredible by the way nice weight loss so far. Yahooooo!

Remember that inspiration is 13/14 years ago. I think two bands would be great one for my gut & one for my mouth. Yes my "boy" is a boxer. I never have had such a loving & sweet dog. i highly recommend them especially for children. He also loves to dress up -or at least he amuses me. take a look. Newhope your almost there! I can't wait till I get under 200.

that would be great ! thank you very much.

Oh I see now- thanks for teaching. And if you know how to get a photo posted I sure could use the help. I have no idea how to find out what the url?? is on a photo. Just not great w/computers. Thanks

Jammin & losing- what does that mean when you bump a thread? Iam still learning this site. thanks

I sure did nancy- I am learning alot from all of you & feel I will be well prepared for my "day". See you weds & thanks

thats funny Harleynana! I wonder how fast my lady bug will be?? Maybe i will need to switch to a butterfly!

Thats great news Kathy. I hope you on Monday you feel even better. Now just think you can be the resident "Golf Pro" ;0)

Alex!!!!!!!!!! I cried when i saw your photos- they just don't look like the same person! You are a great inspiration to me. I bet your family/friends are over joyed. I am so wanting to be banded I can't stand it. Way to go girl and such a dynamite smile!

Now that looks like it was a great weekend. I love Texas but I have only been there once. If there is ever another overnite, i would look into a cheap flight & join you all for the laughter & good times. Love the thongs!!!