QuasiTova

I just realized that I have the most gaudy signature.... heh :drool:

My whole lapband journey actually began because I wanted a breast reduction... they wanted me to lose weight first. I have lost 50lbs, and so far almost none has been breasts... so I will definitely be having that done when I reach goal. I "HOPE" I do not have to have a TT... I am also using lotions twice a day on my entire body, and trying to only lose 2 lbs a week. The other thing my Dr suggested was massages... he said that massages not only break down the fat... but also stimulate the blood flow, which makes the skin more supple and less saggy. (He phrased it better, but I cannot remember his exact words for the life of me). I joined Massage Envy, and get a massage twice a month. Even if it doesn't do the things he says it will.... they sure do feel good :drool: But, I am planning for the TT anyway... just in case.

It's been three weeks since your last update (at least on this thread).... has the swelling gone down more?

I am staying on plan today because I like being able to pull my jeans down without unzipping or unbuttoning them... (and they used to be TIGHT)... heh :thumbup:

Oh geez... I feel so stupid... so they aren't REALLY eating them. I was thinking they were some sort of exotic pasta or something.. lol :thumbup:

What an awesome response!

I think they should have some sort of Daily Motivational Quote up there... or something like the "I am staying on plan today because..." thread. Or, that photo you see sometimes of the fat lady looking into the mirror and seeing a thin version of herself :thumbup:

*sees Chickies 2 cents and ups the ante* ****Off topic**** Chickie, Did you really lose 190lbs in one year? Wow! and congrats!!! Are you completely unfilled now? Did you "choose" to be unfilled? How long have you been unfilled? Is maintaining your weight difficult in an unfilled state? The reason I ask is because I am hoping to be unfilled after I reach goal.

One of my friends introduced me to her sister a few weeks ago, (who REALLY needs to lose a few lbs... like maybe 100), and was telling her about me getting the band. My friend asked me if I minded beforehand because she really thought her sister could benefit... apparently, she has a lot of weight related health issues. As my friend was telling her, the sister's response to me was... "you could have lost the weight on your own... just diet and exercise... it is easy". Usually, I am not rude to people, but this lady really pissed me off... so I asked her, "if it is so easy, then why haven't you done it yourself?" I almost passed out when she said, "I could if I wanted to, but I am happy with myself just the way I am". Yeah, right... whatever... ***Back on topic*** I vote for this answer: I am taking the EFFECTIVE way to a healthier me.

I think you look GREAT... (BTW, are you single?) If YOU still feel you need to improve your body more, (and that is YOUR decision to make)... maybe some sit ups or weight training would make you feel better about yourself. As far as being concave... whoever it was that said that a person who has a concave stomach is not healthy... that is totally NOT true. I had a concave stomach for years... until I gained 80lbs after being on steroids for a year... and then continued to gain for the next five years until getting this awesome band. Both of my daughters have concave stomachs... one has already had a child... I know a lot of healthy people who still have concave stomachs. If concave is what Manatee wants... then it is his choice. I seriously doubt he is talking "Ethiopia" concave.

Really? I thought ANYTHING carbonated was a HUGE no-no.... that is what my doctor says...

I am staying on plan today because I just bought this gorgeous new dress for my upcoming cruise, and it doesn't fit YET.

My doctor does not go in through the scar. But, it still doesn't hurt...just like a little pin prick.

Isn't that an awesome feeling :cursing: I am staying on plan today because I want to fit in a kayak this summer in Alaska.

Once again, what the heck are Ninja Stars?

Glad to hear you are feeling better too :tongue2: I am a bit confused about your ticker... You have lost 21lbs since August, and 15 of that was this past week? this was only your second fill? How often do most people get filled? I am only three months out, and have already had three fills.

(reposted from another thread) I am too lazy to retype all of this lol Personally, I do not like the "milky" type protein shakes... I have always been more of a gatorade type girl. I tried a lot of protein drinks before I had my surgery so I would know what I liked and didn't like. You can buy samples of protein drinks at Vitalady.com - Protein Supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, and Safe Snacks!. I think she has a few hundred different types. I paid $1.50 for each sample (which was one serving... 34.5g of protein). The "Nectar" lemonade flavor is really good She also sells this really cool battery operated mixing/drinking cup. I bought one... just to try... then went back and bought FOUR more! I absolutely L-O-V-E "CytoSport" Protein drinks (the tangerine tastes just like Sunny-D). This brand also has the highest amount of potassium that I have found. 40g of protein per bottle, zero carbs, 160 calories (I think). You can buy them at the VitaminShoppe, GNC, etc. The "ProteinSLAMs" are also pretty good. I like the peach flavored one. Sometimes they seem a bit too syrupy though and I have to dilute them. I also make POPSICLES out of these protein drinks for when I am feeling "snacky". I have discovered that diluting them with a little with water before pouring them into the popsicle molds prevents them from melting too fast. I try to "eat" at least 10-20 grams of protein each meal... and then drink one or two protein drinks to reach my goal of 100 grams per day.

This is a lucky day Don't be scared... Texas women are TOUGH!!! We have to be to keep all these damn cowboys in line.... lol Every doctor is different... mine only had me on Clear Liquids for TWO DAYS... and then modified/full liquids (i.e. runny stuff) for 5 days. After my one week post-op appointment, he started me on soft foods, and by week 4 I could eat ANYTHING I wanted except bread. (I still do not want bread) lol

Awwww, thank you! This site is so awesome... the amount of private messages I received was unbelievable (encouragement, support, advice, etc)... and I even got two phone calls from people who go to the same doctor that saw my posts on here and were worried about me :glare:

I think she means when she was passed out DURING surgery... lol

Bread and chicken are my evil foes. The one thing I have not had problems with that technically SHOULD be difficult with the band is my favorite comfort food... fried chicken gizzards. Before I had the surgery, I think I ate them almost every day for a month because I truly thought I would never be able to eat them again... but so far, they have not been a problem. I can't eat as many (which is good), or as often... but I am thankful to still be able to have them occasionally. Maybe I am just super careful when I eat them because I don't want to ruin them for me by having an "episode" while eating them.

I have UHC Choice too... and mine was approved with no co-morbidities. I would just list EVERY possible illness that your family members have *cough* or don't have (I did not say that). I think a lot of times the insurance's decision depends on how well the doctor "speaks the insurance language". Another girl who goes to my doctor was turned down twice by her insurance company when she was trying to use a different surgeon, but she was approved when she applied through my doctor. I think it is important to find out how much experience the insurance person has at the doctor's office. I have heard that some do nothing more than submit the paperwork, and leave a lot of the communications up to the patient. My doctor's insurance person took care of EVERYTHING. I am doing fine after surgery... I love my band... except for this past weekend. I have posted several posts about my progress, and some Protein info too.. if you go to my profile and click "show more posts by this person". (I am too lazy to retype everything) lol Wait, I wonder how many calories we burn by typing?

I think NOW I might actually be at that elusive "sweet spot". Today, I felt great! No more slime or pain, and I am definitely eating less that before this fill, and not hungry at all. Here I was panicking that I could not eat, and now that I can, I don't want to... are you sure this thing is not tampering with my brain? lol It is amazing what only .25cc can do. Hopefully, this feeling will last...

Like you, I have neglected my health for career and kids and grandkids the past few years. I could only scrounge up 4 actual doctor visits in the past 5 years... three of those were in the same year. I had one in 2003, and three in 2004. That was all. And then I got a physical in 2007 right before my first lapband appointment. My BMI was 43 (I think). I did not have any other health issues (but I was borderline on some), but I listed EVERY issues that my family members have. I think they look at this a lot, and expect that you might get these eventually if you do not lose the weight. So, I listed TONS of them... everything I could think of. I also have UHC... and was approved in only a week. Also, when you go for your physical, have the doctor document weight loss attempts during the two years that you do not have any history. Most doctors will just make a statement saying that the patient says, "blah blah blah". Every little bit helps. Have you had the same policy for all of this time? I think they can see that you have not gone to the doctor if you do not have any claims. Good luck

Thanks to all of you for advice... I called my doctor this morning, and he said to come in ASAP for a slight deflation. He reminded me that this is NOT supposed to hurt, and that it can be dangerous to wait when you feel like this. I will never wait this long again if I feel too tight. He removed .25cc, and I felt INSTANT relief, and was able to drink two glasses of Water with no problem at all (Water has never tasted so good in my life). I have eaten Soup and some hummus this afternoon, and all seems well now. My throat still feels a little scratchy, but I am sure that it is just from all of the irritation. The BEAST inside of me has been tamed! No more gurgling or growling or SLIME... at least for now