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Not sure if you ever heard of Dave Ramsey. He has a talk radio show. He is EXCELLENT in his advice giving. My husband is a financial advisor/stockbroker and we both think he's well rounded and common sense. Here is a link, as he streams his radio program online. Take a listen. He deals w/folks up to the "ears" in debt. The Dave Ramsey Show - Homepage Shawn

Yep, that's it! However, it IS ever evolving! Depends on time of month or day, foods, etc.. Shawn

Plunder, I am a mother of a 17 ADHD son. Diagnosed in Kindergarden, but I knew WAY before...Some suggestions, which may/may not have been mentioned. 1) Read all you can. Here's is a good read w/lots of info .SchwabLearning.org - A Parent's Guide to Helping Kids With Learning Difficulti 2) 504 and IDEA are federal laws and they are different. Even if you son doesn't qualify under IDEA (special education), he will qualify under 504 (civil rights law) w/an ADHD diagnosis. 504 has helped my son, the last 2 years (modifications, content mastery, shortened assignments, longer time to complete work). If you want, you can get the ball rolling this year (if he's been diagnosed). 3) I've tried it all. Biofeedback, nutritional supplements, diet, and several medications. Remember, medication isn't a bad word. No parent wants to put there kids on meds. It's not an "easy out." Please e-mail, if you want some info. or support. I really am knowledgeable and can point you in the right direction. Take care. Shawn

Get a second opinion! Shawn

What a wonderful group of ladies! It's so great that you have such nice sisters and Mom! Shawn

Robyn, so glad you taken care of this and you're on your way to recovering! It must feel great to eat "normally." I hope your sleeping "normally" as well! Shawn

Marcy, your almost there!!!! It's perfectly normal to be stressed. I am one that went over all of the possibilities both good and bad. Definetely the good outweighs the bad!!! Before surgery, I was hesistant and nervous that I would be the only person to be banded and NOT loose weight. Well, it didn't happen that way...thank goodness. Happy Mother's Day!!! Shawn

Not to encourage increased Reese's Buttercup addictions!! However, in the aisle where the Protein bars, Slimfast, etc.. I found a lower carb Reese's Buttercup. It isn't exactly like the real deal, but VERY simliar and it has extra protein. I allow myself on treat per day. Well, it doesn't always go as planned, but I am doing pretty well. Good luck. Shawn

ME too! I suggested, in our area to have a lapband support group. Not many of us are around, in my city. Anyway, when I went to my first "support" meeting, it wasn't greatly supportive. I was the only bandster, at the meeting, and a few were quite judgemental about the band. Who are they to talk? I support anyone who tries to take control of their weight. Shawn

It's going to be OK. Up your calories to feel better and quite starving. (It's wonderful that you keep a food diary). Keep coming here and gather support (or anywhere else you can get it). Take a deep breathe, it takes time!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Great suggestions everyone! I LOVE Wendy's small chili! It goes down easy, is 200 calories and full of Protein.:hungry: Shawn

Great suggestions everyone! I LOVE Wendy's small chili! I goes down easy, is 200 calories and full of Protein. Shawn

Lapbanders have great variation! They are told one thing by their surgeon, lapbanders friends, and nutritionist. No wonder it's confusing!!! This is what I've found: 1) Some nutritionists, like mine, treated gastric bypass the same as lapbanders. I supposed nutrition is nutrition, but we do have differences in our tolerance, capacities, and expected weight loss per month. 2) My surgeon says 3 meals a day, no more than 1 1/2 cups at each meal. No calorie counting and exercise 3-4 times per week (I calorie count and have slacked on the exercise). If you are hungry between meals and have had Protein first, then you need a fill. 3) I don't like being too tight. If I get the "golf ball" feeling after 2 well-chewed bites, than I am too tight. If I am too tight, then I am not satisfied and end up grabbing the junk, which goes down really well. Plus, being too tight is miserable. It sounds like you are doing really well. Shawn

If you need a fill, which it sounds like you do, get one! Ditto to what the others have said, something isn't right!!! Ask for the surgeon, by appt., or get another surgeon for aftercare. It is so important to have a supportive doctor. Shawn

Look on obesityhelp.com, you can search for bariatric surgeons located in your area (top of page, once you're on website). It's a start! good luck, Shawn

That sucks! All of it...I suppose it is good to know what you are dealing with now, and it's not a maybe but a definite diagnosis. Not knowing can really drain a person. Hugs to you, regarding your Mom. I suppose all that you can give her is honesty, time and comfort. Shawn

Glad to hear your band is ok. Hope you are feeling better and the pain has gone away! Shawn

Telly is on fire! Good for you. There is nothing wrong with setting healthy goals. I've also had the gastric bypass folks look down on me, during a support group meeting (all bypass and me). It's not that ALL bypass look down or judge, but just a few said some things that was judgemental. It was my first meeting. I don't mind saying that it wasn't for me. I need support not criticism. Hmmph. I suppose all folks think their decision is best. I yell "hurray" to anyone who takes control of their life and support them. good luck Telly! Shawn

Julie, what incredible weight loss! You really did it! So sorry to hear of the "domino effect" after surgery. I bet that was a real surprise to think, "I've lost the weight, perked up the body, then BAMM PROBLEMS." Sounds like you've gone through an ordeal. Hope you feel better soon. Being a patient does get old... Shawn

How wonderful! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Once you decide and set a date, maybe your can post your Doctor and date. Possibly, you may meet another LBT person and at least have some support while you are there. Maybe, even letting the surgeons office know that you are traveling alone. If they know of another patient also traveling alone and scheduled the same day, you can allow them to give out your number or e-mail address for a contact. That way you'll know of someone else, when you are there. Who knows? You may meet a new friend and support. Good luck. Shawn

I have one child going to camp for 2 weeks in June (boo hoo). My oldest is working. The family will be going to Kaui, Hawaii in July! I can't wait to travel with my new body!!! Shawn

Plunder, I understand what it's like to get MAD at schools! Anyway, my 17 year old has struggled w/ADHD and LD. He's doing better now. The good thing is that Texas has very liberal homeschooling laws. I checked it out myself. It's basically your school (home) and your way. Obviously, most parents want to give the best education possible. Yes, I believe that once you want them to return to public school, then they go into the grade that they are supposed to be. I am not sure how that works (testings, age, etc). Hook up with a homeschooling support group in your area. They will give you the "scoop." Plus, they often have classes and educational outing together, if you choose to go that route. Good luck. Shawn

Good piece...It hit home! Shawn

Becky, you are wonderful! Great work....Welcome back and no more "pity party." Just keep the PARTY!!! Shawn