PrtyAntOvrYt

Brandy! Oh My Goodness! I love your before and after pictues! You have done so well! You're such an inspiration to me and to so many!!! You've always been Gorgeous!!!

we are going to find out at the BBQ that Dr. K only has banded Beautiful people! Everyone I've ever met that is a patient of his - is gorgeous! Our faces ARE glowing (you're right Mal) and our smiles are huge and lovely! Dr. K's Bander Beauties~

I can never find that page, how do I get there? My friend and I used to look at it at work, but she had to find it each time. I was usually busy doing my work! HA!

Brandy, if you right click on it you can save it to your computer. I do that every month and I'm saving them in a folder!

Anita, The pictures are so cool! The way you can click on them to view them bigger! Awesome! Wasn't I right? Aren't we the prettiest girls on the Internet? Thanks for posting! Brandy! Happy Bandiversary! You have done great! If I were you, I'd post that picture on my fridge! I bet your hubby loves the new You! Love, dee~

Slowing down, Eating Less? What a novel idea! Someone should have thought of that earlier!!!

Thanks for that information Woofay! I wonder why when you go to RR you are tighter - since it's obviously not the elevation. Do we make you nervous? Is it because we are so lovely and arrogant? And don't forget judgemental? Just teasing! We are lovely, but there is nothing arrogant or judgemental about us!!!

Anita! I checked last night from my cell phone to see if you got home. I can check my email on my cell. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you got home safely! I always worry about your driving so far at night! Thank you so much for driving so far to spend your evening with us! I loved seeing you again!

I just got home from Red Robin's. I have to say, everyone is even more pretty than they were last time I saw them! Brandy, Bookholder, Bahotmamma, Woofay all are looking great! I can see they are tinier and prettier than ever! Woofay will post the pics! She got the best ones. We had a good time. Some day I hope we can all get together! Whether it's for the BBQ or just during a visit to the area! Hugs Peeps! dee~

Anita! Congrats! I have a bag in the corner of my bedroom and when I wear something and find it's huge on me, I mark it with a sharpy and then wash it, when it's clean, it goes into the bag! My sizes are pretty large! BUT if anyone wears 5xl or 4xl, let me know! I have lots to give! I can't wait to see you tonight AND it doesn't matter what you're wearing! GOT IT CHICKIE? hugs, dee~

Mal, I'm so excited to hear that Buster is feeling better! Prayers Work! And lots of love and a drink or two from an Atkins shake! I was at work today interviewing some new nurses and as I was walking through the lobby, I looked over and saw Dr. K! He waved and I just had to go over and say HI! I told him, I'd be giving some of his out of town patients rides back to their hotels. He said, "thanks!" He's so cute! I call him, "The Fat Whisperer" -- He's our Super Hero! When all else has failed for us Mini -- he gives us the tool, we need to succeed! Nice segway --- Mini, I believe, truly with all my heart that I will never be fat again! I have a long way to go, but I am learning daily what I need to - to be a powerful advocate for a healthier me! I'm learning the value of working out daily. Dr. K asked if I was feeling well and I said, "YES!" I do feel well. I feel great! I got my bi-annual fasting blood test results yesterday from my primary and after 4.5 months with the band -- my cholesterol was 150, LDL- 80, HDL -48, Trig. - 78!!! These are perfect results! AND my fasting glucose was 92! unbelievable!!! I spoke with my primary and asked him to make sure that the diagnosis of Diabetes was not on my chart! I was pre-diabetic, but getting the band reversed that and I never converted to full blown DM. I am thrilled with my results! I thank God for Dr. K and for the Lap Band! I'm not perfect, it's not always easy, but it's possible! AND for the first time in my life, I don't feel out of control when it comes to food. Brandy! You're sweet Hannah Faith is adorable! What a strong Baby Girl! I'm sure you are so proud of her. I have recently started looking at adopting a child with a special need, i.e. cleft lip/palate, aminotic banding, club feet. These children in some foreign countries are viewed as cursed. I'd love to adopt a sibling set or a singleton from a foreign country. Hannah is lucky to have such a wonderful Mom! I can't wait to see you tonight! Deb! You're right about pets! I love animals! I can't imagine my life without them! I am a cat and a dog person! We had the sweetest Doberman named Nina. As my daughter was growing up, we had cats. She named them all -- Pouffy, Pepper, Pumpkin, Pretty boy (can you tell she liked names that started with P's?) Our last cat was Buddy! Buddy was my most favorite cat in the entire world! He would go upstairs when we left for work and find that special stuffed animal and then come downstairs and fall asleep on it. What a Sweetie! Well, I'm going to get ready for Red Robin's! I hope to see you all there! I will miss you Mal! But I know spending time with your Baby is very important! Hugs! dee~

I just have one question Deb, when she's playing UNO and she gets a DRAW FOUR card, does she get angry and try to reverse the game so that she can pass the favor back? I love UNO and if I had a dog who played it with me, I'd be one happy girl!

Bless You Mini! You and your husband have been through a lot with your Son. My heart goes out to parents who have to deal with children who have problems like your Son's. I'm sure it takes a lot of patience and love. I'm also sure you're pushed to your limits many times. He's lucky to have you in his corner. I hope you know how valuable you are to him. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Hey Anita! I can't wait to see you! I can use the 3xl's.... if you wanna share! Or else, I think Mini will come and get you! It sounds like she's pretty Anti-fat clothes! I'm a little scared!

Mal, I think the big picture is best, because you can see his sweet little eyes! He's an adorable Baby and I can see why you love him so much! thanks for sharing his picture! Love, dee~

Bandito Goal ----1st week--2nd week Dee = 20lbs +4.6lbs-7.0lbs:thumbup: Bookholder = 15lbs+0.0+0.0:thumbup: Brandy = 25lbs-4.5-5.7lbs:thumbup: Woofay = 15lbs+4.0lbs-4.0lbs:thumbup: Mal = 15lbs +0.0-2.8lbs:thumbup: LA = 23lbs+1.0lb-1.0lb:thumbup: Marcy = 15lbs+0.0-5.0lbs:thumbup: Lapdancer = 20lbs +4.0lbs-5.4lbs:thumbup: Shelbi = 20lbs -2.6+2.0:thumbup: Amieru = 20lbs-2lbs-5.0lbs:thumbup: Sidann = 20lbs-4.5lbs+1.5lbs:thumbup: Lifesaver = 20lbs-1.0lb-1.5lbs:thumbup: John T = 15lbs-2.0lbs+0.0lbs:thumbup: bahotmamma = 20 lbs -1.5lbs-1.0lbs:thumbup: Week One Losses 18.1lbs (6.8%) Week Two Losses 24.8lbs (10.2%) Hey Guys, We're going in the right direction! Our losses have increased. I am so proud of all of you! I don't count the pounds that were gained last week and then lost this week. I'm only counting the pounds that will be subtracted from our initial goal! This is good news! Stick with it Ladies and J.T.! Remember what matters most is what is on the inside, our hearts, our souls, our core -- for it's what is on the inside that is reflected daily on the outside. Hugs! dee~

Poor Buster! That's horrible! I hope he gets well soon Mal! I know he's just one of your kidlings and you love him with all your heart! I'll say a prayer for Buster. Let us know how he's doing.

Hi Everyone! Good Morning! Wow, Lap, bless you! You have a lot going on in your life right now. What is Clara's gestation now? 33weeks? It's a good thing your daughter is getting the care she needs now. Kidney infections can often kick Moms into premature labor, so I'm glad that didn't happen. I'm glad you had a nice dinner with your sister. My family can be toxic too. I know that they are going to act the way they always do, I have to react differently. I know exactly what you mean about not being willing to take other's crap anymore. I have been long suffering my entire life. And that's not always a bad thing, but it is when we allow others to abuse us. I know, I have to learn to step up and take care of myself for once. We are shedding the armour of our bigger outer bodies, we need to make our souls stronger too. Adorkable! I know what you mean about being frustrated at times. It's not my portions that are out of control, but the choices I make. We ate out a lot this last weekend. AND I do fear overeating so much that I do not do that, but I am not always good about choosing the healthier options when we eat out. I'm getting another fill next week. I weigh myself everyday too, Dear. I need to for myself. I went 20 years without weighing myself and I ended up gaining consistently without realizing it. I know that makes me sound like an idiot, but once you pass a certain weight -- you can continually get bigger without having to get bigger sized clothing. Those ugly elastic waisted pants just keep stretching. I thought the Pre-op diet was totally doable! I lost 13 lbs and didn't feel hungry at all. I do it when I need to get back on track. As you start your journey Newbies, you'll learn that you have to make your own eating plans. What works for me or someone else may not work for you. But there are some Bander Rules that can't be ignored. These are the ones I feel are most vital to follow: 1. Eating your Protein first at every meal. (getting 60-80grams per day) 2. Eating when you're hungry and not when you're not hungry. (just because it's noon, doesn't mean you have to eat lunch) 3. NOT drinking with your meals and waiting 30-60 mins after your last bite. 4. Taking a Multivitamin. 5. Eating three meals a day, including Breakfast -- which needs to be eaten or drank (some can't eat that early in the morning, they are tighter, so they drink a protein drink) within an hour of waking. 6. Taking smaller bites and chewing at least 30 times, putting your fork down and waiting 9 seconds before your next bite. 7. Move your body in some way every day. 8. Drink 64oz of Water daily. 9. Do not take any meds in whole form - crush your pills. Some things I do personally are: Something I forgot to mention is that I measure my food out in a 1 cup serving. I learned early on, IF I don't, then I want to everything esp. when it tastes really good. Sometimes, I can't eat a cup full, but I try hard to not eat more than that. Eating balanced meals, Proteins, Veggies, Good Carbs - i.e. whole grains, steel cut oats - whole grain Pasta and brown rice Eat fruit and walnuts everyday Stop eating 3 hours before bedtime Take my 1000mg of Calcium chewables through out the day I need to remember for myself, this is not a race - it's a new lifestyle and something I will have to do the rest of my life. I need to find a way to live with my band, to make food my friend and to co-exist with food in my everyday life. Hey Vet Banders -- any good ideas of your own that you can share with the others?

Just a friendly reminder!:tongue2: Red Robin Gathering on Wednesday, June 11th @ 7pm! I-25 and Arapahoe! Bring your cameras, bring your support and bring your pretty faces!:smile:

I can't wait to see you on Wednesday too! I hope a lot of us can come! I would love to get a great picture of all of us Banders!

Hi Shelbi and Munchkin~ I've been bad this last weekend too. We ate out too many times! So today I'm starting over! Don't worry about the gain Shelbi, you can hop back on the Bandwagon and get back on the road. I'll reach down and give you a hand up - if you reach across and give me one! I'm going to do the 30/30/40 plan. I started this morning! So far so good! I love that the Band is forgiving, it is a tool we can use to start new each time - we fall. A new day for all of us! hugs, dee~:tongue2:

Tell your co-worker that Marty and I thought you were just adorable! Marty still asks about you! You were very sweet! I am sure I wasn't closet to being very sweet post-op. I was like Lifesaver, I was in a lot of pain and I was so nauseated! My friend was looking for a emesis basin for me and I told her, "I cannot throw up!" The Recovery nurse was excellent in giving me something before I left the PACU. I don't do well with anesthesia, but I did not throw up and I credit the meds with that. Don't hesitate to take those meds! John and Mal came to visit me the night of my surgery while I was in the hospital. I had to stay the night since I have the family history of Malignant Hyperthermia. I see the nurse all of the time who was my nurse that first night. She's so sweet and I felt she was one of the best Med/Surg. nurses I had ever had! Her and the tech were so attentive to me! It felt like I was the only patient on the unit. And that poor girl had 8 others! I do not know how she did it! I agree with Marcy and Lifesaver, -- Mini, Fatwidow and Deb, if you can stay one extra day, I'd do it. BUT like Munchkin says the third day is the most uncomfortable for some reason. I didn't have any gas pains. I was all ready with my gas-x dissolving tabs, but never had to use them. Well, I gotta get out of bed and ride that bike of mine! I'm working today! Hugs everyone! Love, dee~

The Crown Point Surgicenter is on the first floor of the hospital. It is a separate facility but it's in the same building. I work on the third floor of the hospital. The surgicenter is off of Parker in the city of Parker. Dr. K's office is in Aurora, I'm not sure how far it is, but it's not that close. It's not difficult to go from Aurora to the hospital. Maybe 10 miles or so. Are you having your surgery in the Main Hospital or the Surgicenter? Most likely it in the Surgicenter, but mine was in the Main OR in the Hospital due to my Malignant Hyperthermia family history. Fatwidow! I look forward to meeting you! I live in Littleton but because I work at the hospital, I'm pretty familiar with that area. My home is about 13 miles from the hospital. Let me know if you need anything else. We are going to Cheyenne early on the 19th. I don't mind helping if I am able. My schedule is not always open, but sometimes, I'm fortunate. During the week of your surgery, I'm actually on vacation. Let's keep in touch! dee~

Hi Everyone! Amieru! Wow! 5 lbs! That's great! You're really working that band of yours! Congrats! You're going to meet your goal before you know it! Brandy! When you reach your goal, can you start working on mine? Please? I am going to hit it hard starting tomorrow! I am going to really watch my sodium intake to make sure that I can get my swelling down! My friend started on the Zone diet on Wednesday and she's lost 3lbs already! I might look into that! Bookholder! Don't worry about being stuck! Maybe up your working out. That might help. It will start moving for you soon! Are you going to make it to Red Robin's? Fatwidow! I remember when I had my surgery, you had to sign a form stating who would be picking you up afterwards AND you had to give them the phone number of the person. I remembered this when I saw that Munchkin was going to have her surgery. I wrote her and gave you my number. When the surgery was over Dr. K called my cell phone and let me know she was in recovery! I waited in the waiting room and watched TV until she was up to going back to the hotel. It was the best meeting her! Even after surgery, she was just adorable! I have no problem picking you up after surgery and taking you back to your hotel. The scripts for surgery are an Antibiotic (liquid form), a stool softener (OTC) for the night before surgery, a liquid pain med and a oral antiemetic (to keep you from throwing up) -- he's using something different now, it's a tab to put under your tongue. They will also put a patch behind your ear to help you from throwing up. Throwing up is an absolute NO NO after surgery -- you can cause the band to slip by vomiting. He will also want you to get something to wash your tummy with for a couple of days prior to surgery. My insurance paid for these. But if the insurance hadn't paid, it would have cost me $105.00. Deb! The airport is pretty far from the hotel. But the hotel is very close to the surgicenter. I'm not sure of my schedule in August. If I'm not working that day, I would be happy to give you a ride back to the hotel after your surgery. Ask Natalie, she might have an idea of how much a taxi from the airport would be. The Super-shuttle might be a good price, but there might be some people on here who used the shuttle and they can give you more advise. Are you going to come in early the day before yours surgery for your pre-op appt? Mini! WE are a bunch of losers, aren't we? Be good all of you! love, dee~

Bandito Goal ----1st week--2nd week Dee = 20lbs +4.6lbs-7.0lbs Bookholder = 15lbs+0.0+0.0 Brandy = 25lbs-4.5-5.7lbs:thumbup: Woofay = 15lbs+4.0lbs-4.0lbs:thumbup: Mal = 15lbs +0.0-2.8lbs:thumbup: LA = 23lbs+1.0lb-1.0lb Marcy = 15lbs+0.0-5.0lbs:thumbup: Lapdancer = 20lbs +4.0lbs-5.4lbs:thumbup: Shelbi = 20lbs -2.6+2.0 Amieru = 20lbs-2lbs-5.0lbs:thumbup: Sidann = 20lbs-4.5lbs+1.5lbs:thumbup: Lifesaver = 20lbs-1.0lb-1.5lbs:thumbup: John T = 15lbs-2.0lbs bahotmamma = 20 lbs -1.5lbs Week One Losses - 18.1lbs (6.8%) GREAT work EVERYONE!!! I'm so proud of how hard everyone is working for this challenge! Each pound you lose - you lose for you!