*JASMINE*

I really like your post. I had it out with WASA more than a year ago, regarding illegal immigration. There is a whole other thread devoted to that topic. I've always been conflicted regarding this topic, but your post makes so much sense to me. I wish most people took your approach. As many people say, a message can get lost, based on someone's approach.

I never even thought twice about not breastfeeding my son. I felt no guilt in making that decision. He was a very healthy baby. I have no problem with people who go that route. I voted for modesty. Personally, I wanted my body back after carrying a baby for 9 months. I had to go back to work right away, so even if I wanted to do it, it was not possible. But at the end of the day, I take full responsibility for the choice I made not to breastfeed.

We're out here. A lot of us just lurk, though. But even though the lap band hasn't been the best "tool" for some of us, some of us still haven't given up. I just got a gym membership and am doing things the old fashion way. Some days my band kicks in, but most days, I don't feel like I am even banded. Still trying, though.

I personally enjoy looking at pictures, but it's a little hard when I pull up the site and see a picture of someone's bare butt. I think that's where I draw the line. I don't even mind seeing the before pics of people in their underwear, but someone's bare butt is a little too much for me. And this was displayed on the home page, not the before and after thread. I admire people who can take pictures of themselves like that, as I would never have the nerve to do that. It's just that if I don't want to look at a bare butt picture of myself, I definately don't want to see someone else's.

I know I'm a little late, but can I join? I've been trying to find a running buddy with no luck and this is the next best thing. I REALLY need to start running again. It's the only thing thats ever worked for me.

Anyone in Grand Prairie, TX? I am seriously in need of a running buddy. I've tried recruiting just about all of my neighbors, and can't find ANYONE. Anyone, anyone out there??? :thumbup:

Hi Karen, How did your first appointment go?

Hi Melissa, Welcome! Have you searched around on this site? There is a wealth of information here. Three years later, I am still learning new things about being banded. You will probably go through a grieving period. Most people do. Anyways, just wanted to say hello and good luck on your future surgery. As long as you go into it with as much information as possible, you should be just fine.

I think that people have a right to defend themselves, but he really should have faced some type of charge for not listening to the 911 operator. I heard the call and he really sounded like he was just gun happy to me. Imagine if the police would have arrived as he was walking out. They would have probably shot him. The operator said that the police officers responding were not wearing uniforms. That would have been a bloody mess. Something similiar happened and the home owner ended up shooting a teenager that was just crossing through his lawn trying to get to a party. The mom of his friend died in a car accident trying to get him to the hospital. They ended up charging the home owner who shot the teen with the mom's death, I think.

Just forget it. Not even one response. That's what I get for placing this in the right place instead of the general forum...

I'm always in need of a buddy:biggrin2:. Absolutely! How's the book going so far? I went and looked for it in the library, but it wasn't there, so they placed an order for it. If it doesn't come in soon, I'm thinking about just going to Half Price Books and buying it. Sorry I didn't respond to you earlier. I haven't been on here in a couple of days.

I'm so sorry you are going through this right now. I don't have any advise, but I wanted to bump this for other possible replies. Keep us updated. And your loss is awesome. I know it sucks to gain, but 149lbs is wonderful. Just remember, you will not be at square one. You will be 68lbs lighter and at a normal weight. Hope you can get some help from Inamed.

Hi Katie, First I want to say CONGRATULATIONS! Second, if you're getting sick, like throwing up, then yes I would tell them. They might have to unfill you, but it's better than risking a slip. You can start again after your pregnancy. Right now, you have to focus on that first, and the last thing you want is a lap band complication while you are pregnant. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Hi Julie, How much Water have you been drinking? When I get like this, it's usually because I am not drinking enough water. If you are, then yes I would try to eat some solid Protein to keep full. Don't panic. When I find myself like this, I end up obsessing over food, which causes more stress, which causes me to want to eat MORE. It's a vicious cycle.

Ok, a couple of questions: 1. Have you had a fill yet (I wouldn't think so, but I had to ask)? 2. How many calories are you eating? 3. Have you been cleared to exercise by your doctor yet?

I went in at 8am and was out of the surgical center at about 10:30am. It's actually called conscious sedation. I guess it is sedation, but I don't remember a thing. I was completely knocked out.

Yes, they knock you out. You don't feel a thing. I barely remembered anything. The hardest part is getting the needle in your arm:).

It is normal and you will start losing. It is just the beginning for you. Just try to maintain for now until you get your first fill. 17lbs in less than a month is REALLY good. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just be good to your band and try to follow the bandster rules untill you get your first fill. You will be o.k.

Hi 80s Chick, How is your new doctor working out? Did you have a good experience with him? 28lbs is great. Keep up the good work. I'm glad you were able to recover from your horrible hospital experience.

Yes, congratulations on a successfull year. 123lbs is a really big accomplishment. You should be really proud of yourself. Keep up the good work and thanks for always being a positive poster:).

Yes, I think we should all have this option. Like others have said, why wait? It was a preventive measure for me. I paid for the surgery and have been paying for all of my complications. It would be great if my insurance would have covered it, but I was not about to gain any more weight to make that happen. I'm very happy that I had the choice.

How many calories are you eating per day? It could be that you are too tight. If your food is always getting stuck, and you are chewing well, you might be too tight. But your weightloss so far is incredible.

Just keep coming here. You will always find someone to lean on here. You do have a lot on your plate, but maybe that will work to your benefit. For me, the busier I am, the better. It keeps my mind from focusing on food. Good luck on your move and just remember to come here and post about how you are feeling. We are always here for you.

Hi there, I usually eat half a south beach tv dinner for Breakfast and the other for lunch. Then I usually eat half a ham sandwich with mustard as a midday meal and usually determine my dinner based on how many calories I have left. I try to stay between 1000-1200 per day. I have a bigger band, so you might find that others will eat a lot lesser than me. Try looking in the blog section. You will find that some people like to use that section to track what they eat.

Hi wlh08, Have you been keeping track of your calorie intake? If so, how much are you allowing yourself per day? Walking is a great start. I know it's hard to get up and go, just don't allow yourself to make any excuses. Just get up and go. The fill will also help, if you are always hungry.