CCBSTX

I worked at a hamburger stand on the beach! 3 small hamburgers for $1.00. I started the year between 8th and 9th grade. A good friend worked with me and we had a good time visiting. It was 48 hours a week, which suited me fine. My home life stunk, I couldn't drive, and I was on the beach! The hamburger stand blew away in 1980 Hurricane Allen... Shawn

I agree, let him figure out how to survive w/his grandmom. Give yourself a vacation!!! Shawn

Congrats on the job! I agree with the others, bring your own food. They usually don't give you much time to eat anyway. Since you're sharing the diabetes info. w/the manager...he'll understand your "special" eating. Shawn

Whippledaddy had a wonderful way with words! I've so enjoyed reading his eloquent posts. He came across as a caring man for his wife and family. He will be sorely missed. Shawn

If that statement is true, then 65% is better than nothing or gaining. I've lost 85% of my weight loss and I am almost a year out. Don't worry about stats. Worry about doing what is best for you and your health. Shawn

Dimples, I agree with telling your surgeon that you are totally feeling unrestricted. Please, be forthwright with him/her. There is no reason not to give you more, if needed. You are doing well, with your weightloss, and there will be some setbacks during this finding-the-right-restriction-phase. Keep your chin up. Shawn

Drinking liquids shouldn't be restricted due to the band. When you are first banded, you are often swollen and sometimes feel the "gurgle, gurgle" of liquids going down. Once the swelling goes down, you should be able to drink all you want (hopefully non-calorie drinks). Once you get filled and restriced, you'll feel the difference when you eat solids. Take care. Shawn

Yes, please do YOUR research. Either WLS isn't always perfect for some. However, the RNY can be life-threatening. Decide what is best for you. Don't let the surgeons sway you, either way. Consult with a few, if you are able, and pick out the one that you would like to work with AFTER banding. The most important part, I feel, is the aftercare (followups/fills/unfills). Lapbander typically lose and average of 1-2 pounds per week. This isn't fast weight loss. Yes, you may have plateaus and not lose a pound for weeks. Keep reading and asking questions. You're doing it right!! Shawn

THAT was a perfect response! Cheers to you, for speaking up and changing someone's life. THAT lady was forever changed, it certainly woke her up! Shawn

Chocolate doesn't have a season, it's year around! Shawn

I hope you well be feeling better soon. As the other posters have said, many folks get depressed and this is normal. Afterall, it almost feels like we've lost our best friend (FOOD)! Soon, you will be on solids and feeling like you can get into a normal life. Shawn

I was like you guys! Hiding, waiting, eating....Thank goodness for the band. There is NO way I could eat the quantity anymore. It's strange to hear yourself admit these things. Funny, when I finally admitted to my husband that I was overweight and needed "help" pre-banding...It was like "DUH, Shawn." He didn't say that, but I was thinking it as I was saying it. Such a brave girl you are! Shawn

Nope, I don't like them and don't drink them! I just eat my Protein via solids. Shawn

I worried about this also. The first month, being on liquids and mushies, I just did my own thing. If I wanted to sit with the family, I'd serve up my liquid/mushy. Now, I just eat what I can with the family. Regular food and regular time. No special recipes. Shawn

Get your fill! For the most folks, the band doesn't work without the fill. Take care. 40 pounds in 6 months is terrific! Shawn

Isn't it the most uneventful procedure? I thought "this is it?" By the way, your scars look wonderful. They sure healed up quite nice. Shawn

I am so glad that you found this place ALSO! I am almost a year out and pretty much get on this site for daily support. I really don't do the support group thing, as in my town, it is full of gastric bypassers. However, I am also thankful for this site. Come back soon!!!!!!! Shawn

I'd suggest telling him how you would love his support during this time. It is something that you want to do feel better and get healthy. Tell him how important it would be for you to have someone, that you loved ,behind you. When he is ready to ask questions, just be there with the answers. He just may come around. Good luck. Shawn

Great job on reaching below 200! It's good that you got a kick start, on weight loss, before banding. It sounds like you are super-motivated. Keep up the good work. Shawn

The times that I've read about folks spitting up blood (lapband folks that is) it usually is from too tight of a fill. Get a slight unfill and you should feel better and heal! Take care, Shawn

Remember, you never know when that .2cc is gonna put you too tight! The advice, from previous posters is correct. Take your time and be patient. I know it's hard to do, but worth it for band-safety (erosions and slips). Good luck. Shawn

Try warm beverages in the morning (tea, coffee, etc). For some folks that seems to open the band. Just go with the flow. Eat your solids when you open and mushies/liquids when you're tight. It comes to calories in and calories out when you are losing weight. You are doing just fine...Shawn

YEAH! Good work Kristen! It's amazing how time flies, isn't it? Here's to another successful year....Shawn

I'd try a nice letter to not offend (it can get worse if they are rebels). Then, I'd try the police. Also, maybe get their phone number and call them (anonymous) when they are getting out of hand. Remember, try to keep cool as these things can escalate quick. They will be defensive. Shawn

Paul, ME TOO! OMG, this is funny! I look for padding, when I sit down (in restaurants). My husband thinks I should carry around a donut to sit on. I don't think I am in THAT bad of condition. Shawn