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I am so sorry Joy about your rough time. It's good to post here as most folks have great wisdom. Of course, I don't know the "whole" story. If he didn't love you, then it is probably a good idea to move on. The hardest part will be the kids. Concentrate on your kids and making yourself happy. Take care. Shawn

Interesting and very hopeful for those with early infections! I am wondering, what do these bead look like? Shawn

Good for you Mercedes! Reaching out for help and grabbing ahold of it! So glad you're making an appt. It never hurts for folks to seek out professional help. Good professional help, can benefit all people. We all have some issues that may need sorting out, at one point or another. As a child, you've gone through trauma and yes that affects your psyche into adulthood. Of course, you know that already! Knowing and doing are two different actions. Yes, you can take pills banded. Depending upon your restrictions, some swallow whole and others divide/grind them up. Take care, Shawn

Start treating yourself well. Do something special that you don't normally do. Get a great haircut! I've noticed your signature says that you lost 77 pounds the first year..That is quite an accomplishment. Alot of times, we don't feel that we are worth it. Whether it's something we have been told and then started to say (internally) to ourselves. Know that it took great courage to get banded in the first place. Somewhere, deep inside, you felt that you were worth. Of course, you are going to have self-doubt. Everybody does, at one time or another. Get as much support as you can. Stay around folks that are positive and helpful in your Quest for self-confidence. Take care, Shawn

The other day, my husband asked "is this your shirt?" I said, "yes, but it looks like you shrunk it!" So, right then and there, I tried it on. It fit!!! :nervous Here's to all the skinny women in mirrors!! Shawn

I'm glad that you seeing your surgeon. Let us know how it turns out. Best wishes, Shawn

That's probably very frustrating for you! Maybe keeping track of what you are eating, like on fitday.com. That way, you will have some record of what you are consuming (nutrition, calories) to take to the doctor. This has helped me greatly. Just try it for a week. When I was too tight, I found I went for the "easy" foods. Usually it was the junkier type of foods that went down. Of course, these a calorie dense. I am not saying you are eating bad. Just get a gauge. Your exercise program is terrific! Take care, Shawn

I am glad that you didn't wait for us to reply! I hope you are feeling better. Yep, many of us have been through the too-tight to swallow spit. Once there, you never want to go back! Agree? Shawn

Yes! I've fallen off the wagon. I always go back to fitday.com and start logging what I eat. That way, I am accountable and actually remind myself what I am eating. For some reason, this seems to work for me. Good luck. Shawn

Amanda, do you think you possibly picked up something while in the hospital? I am thinking a virus. Yes, anytime you are vomiting, especially in the healing stage, there is risk. If you can't sip Water without the vomiting, I'd suggest going to the surgeons office. If you are dehydrated, then you can get some fluids via IV. Maybe some anti-naseau medication as well? Let us know how you're doing! Shawn

Just listen to your body. I was still, on occasion, sore up until 3 months. You know the "twinge" of pains that you get every once in awhile. Also, sleeping on my stomach, wasn't always comfortable until after the 3rd month. You are still in the recovery mode. Do what you can and ask for help. Take care, Shawn

Ouch, I've been there and boy does that hurt! It sounds like gas, but if you have another incident or feel not quite "right" then go in and see your doctor. It sounded like you were doing the standard gas treatments. One night I suffered all night long. I took a couple of extra-strength Gas-X, and got in a very warm/hot tub. That was the only comfort that I could muster. Finally, after hours of suffering...BAMM, it went away! Take care. Shawn

What a wonderful problem you have! I am wondering, are the temptations as strong, food-wise, as in the US? Shawn

Carrie, Congrats on your weight loss! How wonderful...I understand the not wanting to take work off. Maybe, down the road when your daughter is a bit older and you're more established at your job. For now, you are healthier and have probably extended your life by many years. You also can shop and buy clothes in the normal-sized departments. Also, getting around and doing things doesn't require the amount of effort that it used to. Maybe, down the road. Be kind to yourself...you deserve it!!! Take care, Shawn

I agree with tracking your food. Either write it down or fitday.com. You need to know exactly what you are eating for awhile. Vines, is right...if you aren't losing on low calories, something is wrong. Shawn

Some folks, assume the port is on the outside! Sort of something that you "gas" up when needed. Hehe. I guess I can't blame them as it is a foreign surgery that many have never heard of... Shawn

I think it's PERFECT for folks wondering "what is the lapband." Very simple and short. Thanks for sharing. Shawn

Wow, 3 years! What a tremendous change you've gone through, for the better! Thanks for sticking around for us "newer" folks and sharing your wisdom. You've done terrific and look terrific as well... Shawn

SS was never intended to be a "retirement plan." For most folks, on SS, it doesn't cover much of their bills but helps a bit. I do like the idea of allowing the consumer to choose whether or not to invest in the stock market. I am against gambling with our SS dollars, however, I see a better return on my investments than what is currently given. Yes, some will mismanage their money anyhow or get in "over-their-heads." There can be some safeguards involved in the choosing of investments. So much to think about. I do feel for the poorer folks, making ends meet, and barely able to keep up with the bills (most US). As a culture we LOVE to spend and aren't very thrifty as all. I have several friends who can't afford their homes/cars and fail to make ends-meet. Yes, they have a huge mortgage and drive luxury/sports car, but if they were fired today, they would struggle to make their mortgage payment. It's nice to have these discussions to take our thoughts away from food and WLS!!! Shawn

Vera, you look AWESOME! What an accomplishment!! It's wonderful that you came back to share your bandiversary with us. We can always use more winners!!!!!! Shawn

I fear that they only way to truly be in control of your retirement is to not rely on employer or government. There are many example of folks working a lifetime for a company only to be cut out of retirement due to lay-offs/bankruptcy etc. My generation won't see Social Security. At least, not in the way it currently is set up. What a pity that booklet is given to already depressed employees. Shawn

Tonya, this is VERY important! Please call them and explain that your port is infected. If they give you the typical runaround, tell them you want your money back (the $1,500) for aftercare. You are going to someone else. If they say, they'll call you back. Get angry and forceful. What's it gonna hurt? In the meantime, line up a local person for aftercare. Look under the Oregon thread on lapbandtalk.com or Obesityhelp.com to find surgeons in your area. Go to your local doctor, if you can't get into see your regular surgeon. This infection is quite dangerous if left on it's own. It may work it's way to your band and cause all sorts of problems! Do this TODAY! Let us know, how it goes. Shawn

Desi, congrats and good work! My bandiversary is coming up also... You must feel terrific! Shawn

Joan, don't be too hard on yourself. Without restriction, the band does nothing for you. Once you find a fill doctor, then restriction, you're back in business! Sorry about the rough year. Try Obesityhelp.com to find a list of surgeons in your area. Good luck. Shawn

Wow! THAT was life-changing for you. What an uplifting story of courage and determination. I am glad that you are on the right track now and can get on with living life. Thanks for sharing. Shawn