CCBSTX

NOPE! NO blaming here, just observation and opinion. But I do know folks (including myself) that haven't been waited on, in a retail environment etc., but aren't assertive enough to "ask" for help. Is it because they are moribly obese or the store has bad customer service? Heck! Customer service is nonexistent, in my town, unless you BEG for it! :confused: I just say, that in some circumstances, the lines are blurred. Yes, I do agree discrimination occurs...no doubt about it! Shawn

I must say that I have never knowingly been discriminated against! Also, how do morbidly obese folks "carry and present" themselves to the public? I've always came across as a mannerly, smiling person, with good self esteem (on the outside). I've never felt less-than the other person. Do persons with weight issues put forth a different attitude when they are feeling less-than? Hmmm. Does that reflect how we are treated by the public? I say "maybe." I also say there are differences in treatment, by the public, depending how MUCH you are overweight and circumstances. Someone 50 lbs overweight might be treated less severe than someone 200 lbs overweight. Either way, when discriminations happens, it is very sad and unfortunate. Shawn

How wonderful! You sound so proud of yourself, that is terrific! Great job. Shawn

My opinion: Kinda seems aggressive on the fill side. The doctor telling you "to wait it out" seems to poo poo your feelings. You know how tight you are, not him. If I want a slight unfill, I nicely suggest this and figure he can have his opinion and I can have mine, but if I want a slight unfill it is my body. Usually during these tighter times, you lean toward Protein drinks, soup, Fluid, and junk (goes down easy). At least this is what happens to me...as I am never quite satified with the liquids. Good luck...Shawn

Kim, I had/have PCOS for years. Once my waited topped to it's highest I would never have a period without "help." My Gyn. just prescribe the Provera (progesterone) to get my periods started. She said you need a period at least every 3 months to help prevent cervical cancer. I didn't need birth control as my husband is fixed. I had the typical acne, hair growth, missed periods symptoms. Now that I've lost weight. I get a period every month without the "help." Also, the acne and hair growth has slowed. Am I cured? Hmm, not sure..I'll have to ask next visit. Shawn

Go DALLAS! Ya'll look like you're having a wonderful time... Thanks for posting..Shawn

Candy, cake, ice cream....ALL SWEETS! Shawn

Welcome and good luck with your decision! I agree with the previous posters, do your research. Start by reading some of the messages on this board. No regrets, Shawn

Tina, I felt the same way! I just knew that I'd be the person that it didn't work on. Obviously my mind has been changed (see ticker/info. below)!! Tips: Do your reading/research. Know that 1-2 pounds per week is average weight loss. Your band can be fickle, tight one day and loose the other. Restriction takes time. Get support (message boards, support group, etc). Good luck and welcome! Shawn

Welcome to LBT! Good luck on "jumping through the hoops." Best wishes on everything. Shawn

Questions: Do you mix the dressing into the salad before you serve? Thanks, Shawn

How wonderful that you realized that you needed to work on yourself and DID IT! A huge hug and pat-on-the back!! You are very courageous. I think you already know what you are looking for...It's ok to be prepared for rejection, it has served its purpose to preserve your dignity. NOW, be prepared for acceptance as well, after all you love yourself right? If you are good human being, as I think you are, then any person that rejects you based on your looks/weight is superficial dumb-sh_t! (kinda frank eh). Better to know that up front and go on with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy dating. Let us know how it works out...Shawn

Mary Ann, there are plenty of folks that have had a difficult time losing the weight they wanted or expected. Vinesqueen is one of them, that comes to mind. She is a wonderful support to all of us, even when she has struggles all her own. Good luck..Shawn

Goodness! That's alot of times to be poking in and around your port. I would think of researching another Doctor for fills (more experienced) or insisting that he use fluro, as others have mentioned. No sense in risking port problems (leaking, soreness). The doctor may not have a fluro, but maybe he can meet you at a place that has one!

Let your stomach heal...eating solids would only disturb this process! Like the others have said...soups (bean n bacon w/liquid and purreed), watery cream of wheat, Protein drinks. Don't let yourself get to the point you are starving. Don't count calories, at this point. Just let yourself heal, rest, and drink plenty of Water. Hugs! Good luck, Shawn

Hello! Post any questions on this site. Folks seem to answer quite quickly. This place is a great place for support! Good luck. Shawn

I was hungry when I woke up from surgery! Congrats on being banded. Yes, liquids aren't very satisfying...however, once you begin mushies you will fill a bit better. Banding will curb your appetite once you are on hard Proteins and properly restricted. Good luck, Shawn

I think many of us feel the same way! I think it is common for the band fills to kick in, even 1-2 weeks after the fill. Also, I think it is common that once you PB a few times, the stomach is swollen, thus tightening our band. Not to mention, hormones, time of day, etc. My motto with fills is...if more often than not you are too tight, then you may need a slight unfill. I HATE being too tight. Also, with the quick weight gain. Sometimes, if I am too tight (low calories) over time, then bamm I am loose and can eat more, my weight loss slows or I even gain a pound or two. I attribute this to my metabolism slowing, due to low calories/starvation mode. Then, once I can eat more my metabolism is still on "slow speed" and takes a while to speed up. Your body want to conserve the food (energy) it is receiving. Give it awhile, those pounds will come off. Shawn

Pasta with sauce? Lasagna? Mac n cheese? Grits? Oatmeal? Cucumbers? Bananas? Grilled cheese sandwich? Oysters as in fresh? Sushi? Rice? Shrimp as in cocktail? Celery? French fries? Fake crab meat? Corn on the cob? Chili with Beans? Enchilada? Have you ever slipped up and had champagne? What happened? What could happen? Don't like it. Yes, to everything! Well, except the oysters in the raw! Shawn

My father-in-law went into the hospital for a partial colon removal (age 73). They decided to give him a sleeping pill (Ambien over the counter), to help him sleep. He hallucinated for 24 hours straight, in the ICU. The ICU nurse said that he's seen folks have strong reactions to this pill and it needed to wear off. It took along while. He was totally out of it. No more Ambien for him. Shawn

RUDE! Anymore, I don't take sh..t! I would have probably said, "who are you, and what makes you think I asked for your opinion?" Some folks like to feel superior. That's ignorant!!! Keep going to that gym and GIVE IT TO 'EM! Shawn

Micki, you ARE doing wonderful! Even with the loss and illness of loved ones you still managed to lose weight. I think we all go through the roller-coaster of motivation. I suppose it's human nature. Don't be too hard on yourself. I am not sure which food you can/cannot tolerate. However, all along I've been cooking for my family and eating what I can. Really, I haven't had to eat seperately, for the most part. Although, sometimes after a fill I might eat a bit differently. I don't follow a food plan, other than Protein first then veggie and carbs. Of course, no drinking during and directly after meals. Other than that, it's pretty easy. Of course, try to go for baked, broiled or broiled, other than fried... Good luck and pat yourself on the back. Shawn

Congrats on getting your band and they subsequent weight loss! Yippee. Welcome to lapbandtalk. Shawn

Hello Michelle! Welcome to lapbandtalk. You'll find lots of info., advice and support here. I love it! If you have any questions just post, there is always answers out there. Anyway, keep researching and asking questions. Good luck. Shawn

You have some good advice from the previous posters. We all know what it's like to be frustrated with our tool. Try logging in your calories, via fitday.com, that way you can be accountable. Also, getting the proper restriction is critical. For some folks, it takes a little more time and effort. Good luck. Shawn