wombat712

I'm going to be repeating week 1 next week so I (and my fam) can start with you!

I used the small salad plate and little utensils to help control me at that time. It is hard and some gain / some don't. I was able to not gain during that time. I don't know how though. I weigh myself religiously every morning. I really get out of sorts if I'm out of town and don't have my scale for a few days. I'm not so bad that I've taken it with me (yet ) The other part of my control was really fear. I didn't want to do anything to "hurt" my band. I hadn't used this forum during that time and I really wished I had. Good luck to you! wombat

I understand When I would get dressed up to go out with DH I would feel so good about how I looked and felt thin. Then I would see pictures from the event and it would be disgusting. How could I possibly have thought that I looked good??!?! I HATE pictures and really still do. I felt REALLY good at the Christmas party wearing something 3 sizes smaller and then I see the picture of us and I LOOK HUGE!! I don't understand why our heads play tricks on us. I can walk by my mirror and think "I am really starting to look good" then I can walk by in 15 minutes (in the same outfit) and think "God I'm fat; I'm never going to be thin" crazy crazy Hugs to you! wombat

Hugs and prayers for you and a successful recovery! wombat

My doc didn't do a psych eval. At least not officially. I met with him and we talked about my expectations of the band but he didn't delve into my family, history, or nothing. My family is all messed up and dysfunctional (not DH and my kids just all the other crazies I call family)- glad he didn't ask!!

I was a big burper for (can do it on command - I know; real dainty for a lady huh). When I first was banded I couldn't burp at all. Now - I burp big as ever. I have lots of little burps with food moving around, going through etc. When I get the hiccups it means I have just taken 1 bite too many. If I get more than a couple hiccups in a row, then I will lose my food I DREAD getting the hiccups so I try to remember to eat slow and look for my other signals.

I don't think you're crazy at all!! It's the familiarity, the comfortableness of where we've been so long! Our minds aren't ready for our bodies to be thin - it takes so much longer for it to catch up with how we really look. I know that I am greatful that I do not need to go into "big" stores again. It is so purely exciting to go into a regular store, get a regular size and it FITS!!

I tried it before the band. I didn't lose anything I can only eat so much tomato or chili based items and that seems to be the majority of what they had. Of course everything was soy as previously mentioned. It just was not worth the cost. I could do just as well with healthy frozen dinners. Good luck to you!

I am exceedingly late posting my pics. I promise it will happen soon!! The holidays have been hectic but DH has promised to take a pic soon and upload them for me. Y'all look fabulous!!!!!!!!!!

Hello All!!! My in-laws are in town so I've been held hostage from the computer I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and I hope that everyone has a safe evening tonight! Please please please get a designated driver or a cab if you need one 2008 is going to be a spectacular year!!! I am determined that I will hit my goal in this new year!! Hugs to all wombat

Update: I didn't make it all. I had a plateau that is just now moving. We won't discuss all the chocolate and desserts that have been floating around Congratulations to all that made your goal!! As for the rest of us, we deserve congratulations as well for taking the steps to a healthier life - it's just not reflected as well on the scale as we would like!! wombat712..........162............156.6............150..........6.6

Linda - I have not considered removing my band when done. I want to keep it right there to keep me from gaining the weight back!! As long as it's not hurting me, it can stay!! Especially as I get older, my metabolism will slow even more, so I want to have the ability to tighten it up if necessary Joy - You are such a sweetie I thank God that my words have brought you some comfort. That's what we are all here for - to follow in His will and to help/support our fellow Christians!! Praise God!! Rumar - I'm SOOO happy everything is working out for you!! You have most definitely been prayed for and now blessed! God is SO good!! I pray you all have a fabulous day and that our Father will watch over us this evening as we Celebrate the ringing in of the new year. I pray, dear Heavenly Father, that each one of us will be Blessed in the coming year with your infinite wisdom and grace. You are the creator of all things including this blessing of a band that you have given us. My hope and prayer is that each of us will have a closer walk with You and allow You to be the controller in our lives. In Your name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Blasted plateau - it's starting to budge ... Name.............S.W.........C.W........G.W......T o Go Dakota1984 ..... 246 ....... 242 ....... 234 ..... 8 MJSafari ....... 237 ....... 226 ....... 227 ..... -1 Wombat712 ...... 162 ....... 157 ...... 150 ..... 7 SueMagoo ....... 243 ....... 230.6 ..... 230 ..... 0.6 Missrhondalynn.. 255 ....... 255 ....... 235 ..... 20 MM ............. 213.4 ..... 207.6 ..... 205 ..... 2.6 BeckieT ........ 248.8 ..... 247.8 ..... 240 ..... 7.8 Suzzzie. ....... 312.1 ..... 301.2 ..... 299 ..... 2.2 HUNTERSMOM...... 170 ....... 170 ....... 165 ..... 5 LULUC .......... 182 ....... 169 ....... 170 ..... -1 SWEETY ......... 188 ....... 180 ....... 180 ......0 Joeygirl........ 226 ....... 220 ....... 220 ..... 0 FarmerE......... 182 ....... 177 ....... 172 ..... 10 Finallythin..... 235 ....... 235 ....... 220 ..... 15 Holliwagz....... 386 ....... 291 ....... 286 ..... 5

Congratulations again!! Welcome to bandland :eek:

Amen Jack!! Now where is that blasted restriction ?!?! :eek:

hotmusicmama - I used Spivak too I love the people there. I wish I was local so I could come to all the meetings. I only travel down for fills at this point :eek: tyme4change - I don't think losing weight would prevent you from getting the surgery - especially if you are self pay. I just had an unrational fear of being turned away if I fell below the 40 bmi. That's certainly a question for your doc though! teresa, vamaillady, linda: WELCOME!! I praise God each time I see a new person on this thread You are all in my prayers as is everyone else on this thread!! God is good and I pray that we show His light in us as we go through this journey!

Mine hasn't lost a pound. He needs to lose at least 30 and I don't really care if he does or not other than for his health. He eats his meals and samples what's left of mine which is getting him in trouble I insist now that I'm taking my leftovers for another meal and that's starting to help.

No medical bills/hospitals cannot take money from you. That's the IRS :Banane34: You can pay each bill $5 a month and they can't do anything about it. My sister had almost $250K in bills after her son was born. She got plenty of phone calls but she just sent each bill $5 when they called. I personally would get SICK of the calls. I haven't heard any risk with gallbladder. The only risks I heard about were just from the surgery/anesthesia and any health issues you may currently have. I was the healthiest fat girl around

welcome Joyross and Tyme4change!!! I know the beginning stages of approvals can be trying. I wish you both the best on getting through all the pre-op work!! Joyross - I was self-pay because any treatment is specifically excluded from my insurance. As far as if anything happens, well, they have to help you no matter what. They just may not pay for it. And, medical bills cannot be considered when evaluating your credit. You just may need to go to the community hospital (I'm not sure what they are called). If God can provide a way, then He can provide the means as well tyme4change - are you trying to go through insurance? Usually it's a BMI of 40 or higher qualifies you or a BMI of 35 + comorbidities. I had not comorbidities but just squeaked by with a BMI of 40. My doc wouldn't do the surgery even with self pay unless you met those guidelines. Sadly - I made sure I didn't lose an ounce before surgery incase he wanted to change his mind. God speed on your journey! Hugs and Prayers, wombat <><

Woooohoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap2::whoo: Congratulations LULU!!

Yep - it's cold here in Dallas!! Mary congratulations!! Where are you going for your surgery? I went down to Houston

I take good Vitamins to help out with nutrition (Bariatric Advantage - Nutritional supplements for Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery Patients from Bariatric Advantage) It covers most of my needs plus I take a Calcium chew to get that in as well. It's just the food that's giving me fits. I have a friend at work who's going to help hold me accountable and I will help her. She's not banded but really wants to lose weight and is using me as her motivation. YIKES - no pressure!!

I can't do super low rise. I like mid rise - just below the belly button. They are comfy but they do tend to slide down just a tad. I too have to make sure my shirt is pulled down in the back when I'm sitting or I'll be showing undies.

I paid $13,000 in Houston. Dallas was at least $17,000+ anywhere I checked. There is a doc in Colorado that does it for $9,000 but I don't remember who and if it included after care. I love my Houston doc and the price does include all fills for the first year - as many as I need. I've had 4 so far Good luck to you!

Today's going to be our second work out It might be raining so I was thinking of doing it indoors and jogging in place. Will that work?