CCBSTX

Oh my, you are doing great! It is probably the most important thing that you could do for your body! Here is a link that tell you have your body recovers, when you quit smoking. It may help to provide some encouragement http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_Benefits_Time_Table.html. Congrats! Keep us posted. Shawn

Congrats on your recent banding! Sorry you are having doubts. Many of us have it at one point or another. I had mine pre-banding! Try to surround yourself with positive uplifting people. People that want to see you succeed. I understand that it is sometimes easier-said-than-done. However, tell them that it hurts your feeling when folks say thing like that and you'd prefer for them to keep it to themselves. Good luck and take care. Shawn

Hello fellow Sept. 05 bandster! It's so wonderful that you have done so well this year. I agree, this year has truly been a learning experience with the band. I also agree, I would do it again! Congrats...Shawn

Haha Carlene! Talk about miscommunication.. Yep, I am a cold one. I used to be a hot one. Now, I have no insulation and have REALLY become a member of my family. They have always been cold, even in the summer. Now, I am one of them!!! Shawn

How frustrating for you! I agree with logging in your calories for awhile, using fitday.com. That way you know exactly what you are putting in...There is also a place for activities on that website to log in your exercise. This has helped me. Good luck. Shawn

John, I will say a prayer for you. Don't stay gone for long. You will need support and we are here for you! Even if it is venting. You have always come across as a support to bandsters. Let us know, how you are doing...when you are ready. Shawn

All I know, is that I flew in to meet w/Dr. Spivak for the consult and seminar. He was the first surgeon that I met, regarding lapband. His staff seemed friendly and efficient. When we met, he seemed kind and professional. He listened to my questions. My main concern was experience and bedside manner. Who want to come to multiple followup appointment to someone who is on a power trip?? I ended up with a surgeon that was closer to home. However, I probably would have went with him because of his experience and good reputation. I can't say much about Dr. Spiegal, other than 2nd hand info. Good luck with your decision. Shawn

From what I gather, you pay for any re-banding or surgery that occurs. Since, it is listed as a risk. I have heard of price breaks for rebanding, depending upon the doctor. Shawn

I am glad that you came out ok! When I read your post, I was angry for you. How dissapointing to be sick, really sick, and no body (medical profession) believes you. Oh, "you need to walk the gas off." Grrrr. One thing this has taught me, is to be persistent and get someone to listen to you and take you serious. Take are, Shawn

What a bummer! It's so frustrating to want to do something and you can't!!! I hope the rooster injections make your feel better. Why is your band deflated? I must have missed that part. Take care. Shawn

As others have mentioned, it's hard to tell w/limited info. about the status of your relationship. Talking and listening is mandatory. Tell him how you feel, and allow him space to share as well. Do this when you feel semi-calm. Ask yourself, is this interfering in the marriage? Some folks do become addicted to porno and find it difficult to perfom without. Some are able to occasionally view. It is up to you as a couple. Take care and good luck. Shawn

Wonderful! I know that you planned and worked really hard for this moment! It's a wonderful time in your life...Congrats!!! Shawn

Sounds like a date! Here's hoping that everything is in place, that you need, in order to feel better and healthy!! Good luck and take care. Shawn

I'm not sure where you are in the eating stage, according to your surgeon. Mushies? Please be careful, if you are eating solids...heavy duty. As your band is new and needs to remain in place for healing. When you eat hard solids (chicken, beef), it puts pressure or torque on your band. Allow your body to heal. It's ok, if you're eating more than you thought you should. Restriction usually happens with fills. Take care, Shawn

I'd been highly frustrated as well. I hope you get to feeling better, one way or another. Shawn

I am glad that you are over the scary part! Sounds like you are quite a trooper as far as surgery goes. Take care, Shawn

I hope your port is found! My port moved, well sort of...several months ago, I told my surgeon that my port had moved. He said well..what sometimes happens is once you loose your "fluff" it seems to be in a different position. It's still stitched in place, but located different. Like if it was stitched on a ball on the ball deflated a bit. Good luck. Shawn

Julie, what a wonderful dilemma to have! Sounds like you are a single gal, with no strings attached. That will certainly make traveling easier. Sometimes, business travel isn't what it's cracked up to be. By the time the business is over, there isn't much time/energy left for the fun stuff. However, I am unsure in regards to the job that you are speaking of....maybe the travel is occasional?? Anyway, more money is always tempting. I'd try to gather more info. regarding the new job offer. Perhaps call someone, from the other job and ask some pros and cons. Most folks would be pretty honest, I think. Good luck to whatever you decide. Shawn

Happy birthday to you! Hope your day is grand... Shawn

It's horrible to lose your faithful companion! I am so sorry. We had to put down our cat of 19 years last spring. Boy is is difficult, even when you know it's for the best. Take care. Shawn

The first year, I've seen my surgeon about every 6 weeks to 3 months. After my recent 1 year appointment, he said you can see me in 3 months or 6 months if you feel you are doing well. Of course, I can come in anytime that I feel like it for fills/unfills. Shawn

My lapband anniversary was Sept. 8th! I am very suprised that I did this well. I always, half-way, expect that I'LL be the one that it doesn't work on. That was my biggest fear going in...that I would fail. I was pretty diligent counting my calories the first 6 months. I walked about 45 minutes every-other-day. I also pretty much stayed away from the bad stuff (junk). The last 6 months, I've reintroduced junk (unfortunately). I also have been as diligent with my exercise. However, I have continued my calorie counting. This helps me remind myself to eat healthy. Lapbandtalk has been my MAIN support throughout the year. Local support groups were for gastric bypasses and didn't offer much for myself. Who else could I talk to about my lapband adventures!!! Thank you for all of your support... Shawn :clap2:

Thank you! Shawn

Hope your "hernia" surgery goes well! Nice to know, what it is... Shawn

Think of alcohol as eating dessert! Each drink is a cookie or donut or whatever!! Shawn