CCBSTX

My now deceased grandparents lived in S. Texas. They had all of their dental work done in Mexico. My mother does also. Typically, they have VERY good dentists with many trained in the US. Just get references. Shawn

Way to Go MARGO! Shawn

After banding, it is very uncomfortable to drink carbonation. Now, if I drink a diet coke, it needs to be "flattened", before I drink it very slow...... The first 6 months I didn't drink it. Now, I drink it very rarely. Shawn

Many things, early on, can cause this...low calories, low Protein intake, surgery/healing process, depression. Make sure to take your Multivitamins and eat/drink your protein. Plus, take it easy on yourself during this healing stage. You're going through many new things! Take care. Shawn

Way-to-go girl! Isn't it amazing and thrilling at the same time? It's hard to believe that we are in NORMAL sizes. I almost don't believe, with clothing on the rack, that I can fit into something THAT small.... Shawn

Generally, you won't find accountability if you're an American in Mexico. Although, I believe there are probably some excellent, well-trained surgeons in Mexico. Remember, to find good aftercare for your fills and followups. Usually that will be a local surgeon. It is critical that you have someone look after you in the years to come. The initial banding is just the beginning of your journey. Good luck. Shawn

I agree with the others. We all have our food issues. Keep receiving good help with your bulimia. The band wouldn't be a good idea as it would be dangerous. Good luck. Shawn

Like the others...I try not to bring the junk or "triggers" into my house. At least, if I REALLY want it, I have to work for it! I log into fitday.com and log all of my calories. For me, it's hard to determine if I am chowing down or not. My perspective on how much I eat, hasn't always been correct.... Good luck. Shawn

My opinion: I see her as a strong person with flaws. Much like we have...Yes, she is in the public eye and must take scrutiny. I am not sure that I would have lasted under all of the pressure and I consider myself strong as well. So she hasn't shared her weight loss secrets with the public. Either have I! She is first and foremost a fellow human being. Yes, her job as an "entertainer" is a job. She has a family and feelings like we all do. After that being said, I am not much of a fan of the "entertainer." But can feel for the woman. Shawn

No, I never forget. When I eat, it reminds me. When I am hungry, it reminds me (weird left shoulder pain). I am also more gasey (burps mostly). Would I trade it? NOPE! Shawn

So sorry about your denial! Do you have any comorbidities (sleep apnea, pain, diabetes, etc)? Sometimes, as "sick" as it is, that helps to get approval. Shawn

I was around 6 months when the "devils" raised their head (cravings for the junk). Shawn

Vines, I watched a show on The Learning Channel (TLC) last night. It was call "Mystery Diagnosis." It's real cases in which doctors are stumped at first. This particular episode was of a flight attendant...formally a size 2 that gained 50 pounds in 2 months and more after that. She went to every doctor imaginable. After 7 years of undiagnosed symptoms, she got ahold of her hospital records and did some research of her own. She noticed that her Cortisol levels were in the 190's (extremely high). Anyway, she ended up diagnosising herself on the internet, then hooked up with a UCLA-Medical Center endoctrinologist (sp?). Of course, you know what she had...Cushings! She ended up having surgery for the tumor on her pituatary gland via her nose. She lost all of her symptoms, lost 50 pounds with more to go, and started a support group for Cushing patients. Very interesting topic. I hope you get whatever treatment that you need. Also, it's good petunia has given your a break, even temporary! Shawn

I didn't take anything but liquid Tylenol, after surgery. That was every once in awhile, during the first days post-op. Good luck with your surgery. Let us know how it goes... Shawn

I use fitday.com (free) for logging in food, activies, nutrition ranges. It really helps to SEE everything that goes in and out! Shawn

YES! I've been thinking the same thing. 180 is my set point. I am trying everything to break the barrier. So far, nothing. My body is holding on to this weight...BIG TIME! I've been stuck for about 6 weeks. I am really focusing on nutrition and no less then 1000 calories plus the exercise. I think I might be "rounding the bend" this week. I just have a feeling. Shawn

Sorry Karel that things did't work out as expected! I know you must have encountered alot of frustration and disappointment. I wish you the best and pray for a speedy recovery and your pain gone!!!! Shawn

It sounds like perfectly normal pre-band jitters or emotionality. I had them as well...sort of depressed and emotional. I even had it after banding. There are alot of emotions tied to food. Keep talking to your husband and tell him what you told us. You might get that hug after all!!! Shawn

Lizzie, ask your doctor what the procedure is for fills. This might put your fears to rest. Also, if you feel like trying one of your Mom's natural rememdies go for it! You can either get an early start on your pre-band weight loss or postpone your banding, if you feel it's up your alley. Good luck. Shawn

I'm 5'8" and want to get to 160 at least. Shawn

Soundman, that is a horrible ordeal that you went through! I hope you are feeling much better and you are healing fine. Shawn

I'm with ya sista. I like to go as natural as possible. You know everything in moderation. However, I just couldn't moderate my food intake without "help." I am not sure how what you mean when you say that you will "swallow barium and have x-rays on a consistent basis." I've only swallowed barium and x-rayed once and that was right after my banding. I don't plan on anymore x-rays unless there is a suspicion of a problem. Maybe it's the fills that you were talking about. Many surgeons don't do fills under fluro. Mine doesn't. Good luck with your decision. Shawn

Teresa, most have you meet with a nutritionist and psych. as least pre-band. Some have you continue post-band. Some also have support groups. I'd suggest to do what the surgeon requires, but also at-least meet with the support. See what kind of vibe you get. Are they supportive toward lapbanders or do they treat you like a gastric bypass patient? Do you feel like they listen to you? This will at least point you in the right direction. Some folks need more support than lapbandtalk. Although, I have to say LBT is a terrific support! Shawn

Hey, we all have alot of positives in common!!!! Here are some, which may/may not have been mentioned. They are a little different. 1. I can sit on my husbands lap without killing him. 2. I use a regular bloodpressure cuff for regular folks. 3. My butt is flat and I rather like it! 4. My old bikini underwear is now "grandma panties." Shawn

This is a good thread. We should all be "blowing away" by now. Compared with what I used to eat and now.....MAN I SHOULD BE WAY SKINNY!!! Breakfast: 1-2 large breakfast tacos (egg, bacon, and tortilla) or 2 large bowls of cereal Lunch: A sandwich, 2 servings of chips, Cookies (man) Dinner: 2 helpings of dinner, plus roll Snack: What ever I felt like...cookies, candy, ice cream (2 cups), etc. Whew! Shawn