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Good luck with your decision! Maybe insurance will cover and pay. Then you can use the money to go on a vacation to Mexico! Shawn

So sad. So sorry...Shawn

I tentatively broke 200 this morning (199.5). Sometimes I have a scale malfuntion! I feel smaller and no longer have to wear plus sizes. I am waiting to buy a swimsuit, even though they are all coming out at the stores. Why is the positive? Well, I don't want to buy one, if I am going to need a size smaller in the next month!!!! DUH :biggrin1: I have healthy kids and a sweet supportive husband. Thanks for this thread. Shawn

When I was too tight, I avoided the foods that would get stuck (hard proteins) and went for the junk! I had a bit of a fill removed and now I can eat semi-normal and go for the healthier stuff. Of course, I still want and sometimes eat the junk..but not as much. Hard Proteins will give relief from the hunger pains and some of the cravings! Good luck. Shawn

Wendell you must feel awesome!!!! Congrats...Shawn

Don't give up! Sometimes it's easy to get misinformation from other well-meaning folks. Double check your insurance policy. Go on the USA message board and post under Alabama, ask if folks there are getting banded. Also, like mentioned before, there are other ways. financing, borrowing, saving some. Of course, we don't know your details, but would like you to encourage you to GO FOR IT! Shawn

Welcome. You lost a considerable amount of weight. Congrats! The good thing, as you know, the band is ready and willing when you are..... Shawn

Not sure about the Laws in Aussieland. However, check with the lawyer and see if he can come up with an agreement of who gets what stuff, and about living arrangements (timeline). Take the solicitors advice. He's probably been through 100's of divorces. Do what is in your best interest. Feelings will get hurt. Shawn

Marcele, the first month can be emotional for all. Everyone is trying to get used to the changes! Remember why you did the banding. One thing that helps me, is remembering something I saw on a show..."How many 100 year old obese people do you know?" Well, from the ones I've seen, they are NOT obese. This gives me motivation. Hugs. Shawn

Biotin is a B Vitamin supplement. Mine is in a very small pill. Shawn

Gas pains will occur, even when you haven't eaten. Often, you will feel it in one or both shoulders. At least I did. Chest pains often occur when you are eating and take (1) bite too many or don't chew well enough. If you are swollen, on the insides, since surgery, you may have restriction. You'll be able to feel it on liquids as well. After surgery, I could hear my liquids gurgle, gurgle on the way down. Congrats! Shawn

You sound like I was and many others are....emotional! However, only tell those who you feel will be supportive. Make sure you do your research based on mostly facts and some opinions. Each bandster is different. Some my feel restriction right away. Others, it make take several fills. I have no regrets. Shawn

The difference between myself pre-band vs. post-band is that I no longer can GORGE myself! I can't eat a full entree plus bread plus salad and desert. I no longer can eat a whole bag of cookies! It is a big "Stop Sign" for my eating. Yes, it is a tool. I started out as a perfect bandster. Now, after the end of 2005, I started some occasional treats. I am trying to eat in moderation like many of the slender folks do!!! Shawn

I understand that we all have simple answers with no emotions tied to the problem (much easier to make decisions). YOU just have to think what is best for your family. Kick him out this weekend (as husband says) and tell him wife and baby can stay for a few more weeks (give him an exact date). Out of love, give him your reasons. Sometimes a good shakeup is what folks need. Shawn

Dear L, so sorry about the breakup. I am in agreement with Elisa regarding "sticking it out and getting help." However, I don't know the details and trust that you are making the best decision for yourself. Since, I think, you don't have children..that makes a difference in my book. I married at age 19 and have been married for 21 years. It's been a roller coaster, but mostly good. Alot more work in marriage than I'd ever thought!!!! Anyway, if you must still live together, just keep busy and out of the house as much as possible. Work, go to gym, visit girlfriends and family, etc. Just sleep there. Since it's for a short time, that would be doable. Be firm and don't sleep with the hubby as he will get mixed messages (this happens frequently with couples). Good luck. Shawn

Darla, sometimes fills don't kick in until (you fill in the blank). It takes about a week for myself. I would go in for a slight unfill. Limited fluids makes me nervous and is very dangerous!! Shawn

I am a female taking Biotin for about a month. So far, no "weird" hairgrowth. I 've been trying to get my protein intake up and take Biotin. So far, my excessive shedding has slowed but I am left with superfine hair. I suppose it will take 6 months to regain what I've lost... Shawn

Grrr, that is frustrating! Many folks, in your position are struggling to be insured. You're correct, when larger folks are not insured but smokers, drinkers can...that's discrimination. Shawn

I'd suggest "jumping through the hoops" so to speak. Go on their "diet" and not really diet. If you feel that it will be another lose weight, gain back more scenario. Shawn

Wow! Isn't great to be abnormal? *haha Great job...Shawn

Wow Josy that an incredible loss! You're right, hopefully and bandsters we get our "heads" on halfway straight. Until my weight loss, I couldn't remember what it was like to feel good. shawn

Many prayers going your way! Come back and post to let us know how things are going! Shawn

Wow, your stomach is a sensitive sort! I guess you must immediately swell, when he does a fill? I'm only at 1cc and holding. I had .2cc added awhile back, but a few weeks later was unfilled .2cc. So, I am like you at my original fill. Oh well.... My surgeon doesn't want me to "diet" or count calories. However, what works for me is logging in on fitday.com to keep track of my calories and nutrition. So I ignore him on that part. One day, once I'm at goal, I won't have to log in my food. Shawn

Elena, you are doing fantastic! I've found my weight loss can be inconsistent or not as I expected. I'll go weeks, like Donali, and not show a loss, then almost overnight 2 pounds go away. Then one week I am hot on the weight loss. Another, I am keeping the same weight. Also, many folks might lose a good bit at the beginning and slow. I know I did. 1-2 pounds, on average, per week works for me!!! Fitday.com is a good tool. Shawn

Robyn, first off let me say how wonderful you are doing! 100 pounds in such a short time...Way To Go!! I have the same head issues with food. Ordering my "regular" meals and not eating much. I am beginning to learn at 5 months out. I don't order salads, I just eat a few bites of my husbands. I look at the side orders on the menu and pick out a few favorite items. Or, if that doesn't work I order a item off the Entrees and bag it up to take home. I remind myself: Before banding, I never had ANY food to give to the "starving people." I ate it all, and wasn't even starving. Shawn