Dianechef

Ditto above. The story you have on here & the story on your blog are totally different. I re-read both of them thinking I may have mis-read. But, NOPE.....they are different. I'm a little confused. Can you explain please?

I am tempted to try this at night when I feel like I can eat the whole house!! My band seems to be wide open at 7:00 p.m. & on. Do you think it would hurt the band or should I just not even go there?!?!?!?!

<p><TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Why is there such a big space afte my messages? See, it's doing it again? I promise I didn't hit return 20 times. </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"></p> <p></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></p>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">I belong to a gym & love it. But, with little kids, I don't always get to go when I want to. (usually because one is sick.) I am looking for a good workout video I can do at home. Any suggestions? I would love something that has a lot of dancing or fun moves in it, but I'll take any suggestions. I went to Walmart & couldn't believe how many there are to choose from!! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hi Alex! I live in AZ & I have never heard of partnering up as an LLC. Hmm... that is definatley something to look into. It is our Broker who has been helping us get Health Insurance & is also a little unhappy that they STILL aren't covering me because of my weight. Maybe he already knows that we don't qualify for this program or hey, maybe HE just doesn't know about it!! I'll ask! Thanks for the tip. All in all, I only have 5 lbs to lose before they will qualify me. I'm sure the easiest thing to do is just LOSE THE EXTRA FREAKIN' POUNDS!! It just bites.

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Kathy, please keep us posted!! We are all thinking of you!!</TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

You are so right John!! 2 yrs. ago my husband lost is job which had great company insurance & I was 8 months pregnant!! AGH!!! For the first time in my life, we qualifed for AHCCCS & I have never been treated so good!! They GIVE you stuff just for showing up at your schedule appointments. We got a free carseat, free baby formula, bottles, & lots of baby bags & other stuff. I never paid a dime for any of my appointments or to have the baby. 6 months later my husband started his own business & now we are making enough, but we are right in the middle where we have to pay ALOT to have personal insurance. It's just even more frustrating that they won't even accept me AT ALL because of my weight. Something just isn't right! :straight

Hey Jenna! The insurance is private. My husband & I are both self-employed so we don't have the option of getting work insurance. By the way, I got your private message & tried to respond, but it keeps coming up as an error. E-mail me at Dianechef@cox.net & I can answer your question. Not sure what the deal is!! Sorry.

I currently DO NOT have any health insurance. No independent insurance will cover me because "my build exceeds the limit of acceptance." I am currently 5'7" & weight 212. When I initially applied for insurance I weighed 258. I had the lapband placed to help me lose weight & qualify for health insurance. My husband is self-employed so we have to find independent insurance. My family is insured, but not their fat mother!!! I don't smoke or drink. Heck, I don't even drink caffeinated drinks!!! I don't have high blood pressure, diabetes.........NOTHING!! My doctor told me I was in perfect health except that I am overweight. However, when I went to re-apply for insurance since lowing weight, the insurance has told me they will not cover me unless I weigh below 208. I could get my own "special" insurance & it would cost $650/month for me alone. I don't have $650 a month!! Heck, I NEVER go to the doctor except for regular routine checksup. What would that $650 cover?!?! Is this discrimination or what? They will cover people who smoke & drink, but not ME!! They cover people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, problems with all kinds of stuff. They are cover these people because they are under the required weight limit. Something is SO WRONG with this!!!! I know I should just lose that extra 5 lbs. & suck it up, but REALLY.......this is just so frustrating!! I should be covered!!

DITTO!! I feel the same way. Other people are always saying how great I look & I keep wondering if they're just being nice!! :eek: I think it's because our body SHAPE is the same, but the SIZE is smaller. When we see our legs, they look just like they always did. My stomach still hangs over, my thighs still have the same cottage cheese.....need I go on?!?! Our body is the same shape, but not the same size. I am now wearing a size 16, when I previously wore a 22/24. I am still amazed everytime I stick my buns into some size 16 pants & they FIT!!! I'd love to know how many fills everyone has has so far? I've only had 2 & I think I need one more.

First of all, it's hard enough to be FAT. Then to have WLS & have it fail, is even worse!! Penni, I can't even imagine your personal struggle along with all the rest of you who have lost your bands!! It is unsensitive for a doctor to make any comment about someone to get over it. I am very happy to hear that he apologized. I have always loved reading your posts & love the support you give to the rest of us. YOU CAN DO IT PENNI!!!!!

I had some candy bars left from the original box I bought. (The same one I ate that was artificially sweetened.) I thought I'd try them again just to get them out of the house. I also thought that maybe this time I wouldn't have the same reaction. (Who knows, hormones, stress.....it could have been a factor!!) I ate the candy bar 2 hrs. ago & I am locking myself in my office so I don't eat some crackers, Cookies, & M&M's!! Did I mention my husband is a soda pop & snack vendor? We have LOADS & LOADS of any kind of junk available. You name it, we got it!! I think I'm sleeping in here for the night!! Artificial sweeteners are BAD!! They don't do well with me at all!!

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Banded 7/15/05 TJ, Mexico - Ortiz No problems at all!! :puke: </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Okay, I just saw this thread. Not sure how I missed it!?!?!? Great topic! I love your picture Vines. You look great!! My problem is the exact opposite of all of you. I look at pictures of me NOW & say - "Who is that?!? That is NOT me!!!" I still see the thin me that I was when I got married. I have my wedding picture on my wall & when I think of myself in my head, I picture myself as that person. This fat suit I wear everyday isn't for real & I'm just wearing it because it won't freakin' come off!! Am I totally messed up? Am I not seeing myself for who I really am? At my highest, I was 100 lbs. over weight!! I was and still am OBVIOUSLY fat!!! Body Disphormia is REAL!! I do the same thing to my husband when we're in public. I ask him all the time if he'll compare me to someone that I am about the same size as. He will point out someone & they are BIGGER then I think I am. BIGGER!! We had to stop doing that because my poor husband felt bad...

Hi Everyone! I was banded on 7/14/05 & to date have lost 46 lbs. Only 4 away from the -50 goal!!! I haven't had any complications & am THRILLED with the whole banding process. :puke: Great to hear from everyone!!

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Delarla & everyone, There ARE a lot of Lopez erosions on this forum. It does seem that his percentage is much higher then 1%. Not sure about why or how come. Sad... I really want it to be clear that Dr. Ortiz is not put in the "Lots of Erosions" category. I think others were getting him confused with your doctor. I know that La Madam was an Ortiz patient & she's the only one I know of on this board. I think she would fit into the 1% of his patients which is very normal. (And she STILL sings his praise!) Dr. Ortiz truly is a kind, caring doctor who has ALWAYS answered my phone calls & I believe is truly a great doctor. He really does give everyone his cell phone number & answers it!! I would hate for him to get a bad rap because of some misunderstandings on this board. :cry </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Oops!! Not sure why it has so much space at the top & bottom! I'll have to work on that one. </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"></TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I figured it out!! I went to User PC & looked around. My display mode was on BASIC! I set it to the highest display mode & WA LA!! THere's the smiley faces!!:omg: :bananapartyhat: :faint: :bananapowerslide: :speechles :angry :biggrin1: :rolleyes :paranoid If there are others out there who may have their display mode set like mine was, I hopefully helped you out!!!! :funscale: Ha. Love this one!! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"></TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"> </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Okay, I am on the GO ADVANCED area (which I have been to several times) & there are only 10 smilies that I can choose from at the bottom & they don't put them in the body of your message, only at the top. There are no other drop down icons to choose from or anything!! There's no big A on the quick reply screen. I want the dancing bananas!!! I am very computer illiterate & I PROMISE I am not slow. :bananapowerslide: (really!!!!!) Is it just my computer?!? I am so confused!!!!

I may be a little slow, but I can't figure out how you all get those cute funny faces from? I have searched & searched this entire forum & can't find them. Also, how do you underline or make different fonts & colors?!? Have I completely lost it? Please tell me there are others out there who don't know how to do this either. Help!!!

You all have to remember something: Yes, we have seen a lot of people on this panel who eroded recently who were banded from Mexico. People who are banded in Mexico aren't able to attend a support group in their area for obvious reason. We use this forum as an outlet. There are many, many other eroded patients out in the world who were banded by American doctors. We don't know about them, simply because they aren't on this forum. I have to say that I 100% agree with Dr. Ortiz & his statistics. It doesn't matter where you get banded, 1% of the patients will erode. He was very nice to post on here & explain the procedure. The doctors in Mexico have been doing band surgeries longer then the American doctors & DO KNOW what they're talking about!! Dr. Ortiz doesn't have a large numer of patients on this forum who have eroded. His statistics are no worse then any other doctor. I think you are confusing him with another doctor that was mentioned on here. Look back at the posts & you will see. I don't think Dr. Ortiz needs to be defended at all. He is very capable of doing that for himself. However, we all just need to keep in mind that the patients on this forum come here for different reasons & the numbers reflected here are not accurate statistics for the world. He is a good, highly-respected doctor & I chose to go to him simply because I believe he is one of the best lapband doctors in the world!! Erosions happen!!

I was recently reading over some great information that I used with my business & thought I could use it with my weight loss as well. I'm going to try it & see how it goes! I've been with my sales company for 9 yrs. When I first joined, I went to a conference where I heard a speaker tell us that if you want something bad enough, you have to have 50 reasons you want to achieve that goal. My team & I immediately went to work & made our own goals & list of 50. My goal was to become a Senior Director in 4 yrs. (Upper managment, more money, trips,....all the great perks that go along with it!) I achieved my goal in 3 years!!!! I had that list of 50 hanging at my desk & I looked at it every day. It definately worked!! What my team & I realized was that the last 5 were the hardest to come up with, but that they were also the real heart-tugs that really described our TRUE reasons for wanting to reach the goal. I figured I'd share mine with all of you & get the ball rolling for anyone else who would also like to join in. Here goes: 50 Reasons to weigh 150 lbs. 1) To get rid of my double chin 2) To recognize the person I see in the mirror 3) So I won't be emberassed to go out in public. 4) So I won't shy away from pictures anymore. 5) To no longer be the fattest person in my family. 6) So people will STOP watching me eat. 7) So I can wear a size 12 again! 8) To feel good! 9) To run around with my kids & not get winded. 10) To walk on the treadmill for longer then a mile. 11) So I can shop at Old Navy & The Gap 12) To not be emberrassed to go to my high school reunionl 13) So my daughter won't be emberassed of her fat mother. 14) So I won't be so tired all the time! 15) So I can look people straight in the eye. 16) To wear a NORMAL size bra. 17) So I can wear cute undies that actually look attractive!!! 18) So I can actually think about other things besides food all the time! 19) To get rid of the cellulite on my legs. 20) To feel HOT & SEXY!! 21) To weigh LESS then my drivers license says. 22) So I can earn all my rewards I've set at each level. 23) A new wardrobe!! 24) To wear heals again!! 25) So I will ACTUALLY WEAR a swimsuit. ha! 26) To get rid of my Lane Bryant card 27) So I can wear my seatbelt without it rubbing so tight 28) So I can feel comfortable on airplanes. 29) To be truly healthy! 30) So my chances of getting diabetes are greatly diminshed! 31) So I will have a butt again. 32) So I can go bike riding with my kids & not feel like everyone is looking at my big ol' butt! 33) So my 1 yr. old can grow up with a happy, healthy Mom her entire life!! 34) To keep me out of a wheelchair when I get older. 35) So I can stick it to my mother-in-law who doesn't think WLS is a good thing. 36) So my family doesn't have to worry about me anymore 37) So I will feel attractive to my husband. (Can he be attracted anymore?!?) 38) To not have to wear a FREAKIN' girdle anymore!!!!! 39) To see my backside in a mirror & not recognize that it's MINE!! 40) To actually DANCE with my husband! 41) To be a better example to my kids. 42) So my family will eat healthier because I make healthier meals. 43) Going hiking as a family!! (Mom never goes.) 44) Knowing that the one thing I've struggled with my whole life is accomplished!!!!! WHAT A FEELING!!! 45) Not having sugar headaches that cause me to be stressed out & be rude to my family. 46) So I will have the time & energy to make my music recordings!! 47) To truly love myself. (even though I love myself, I can't say I love what I've become!) 48) No more excuses!!! 49) To live life to the very fullest!! 50) No longer telling myself - "Just Do it", but I can say - "I DID IT!!"

After reading what others have wrote, I've been thinkin' about my situation. My sisters & friends are all overweight. I was kindof the leader of the "unofficial" fat group. I weighed more then all of them & was the first person to make fun of myself. I've always had a good self-esteem & didn't feel like I was trying to cover up for being overweight. It was just who I was and am!! However, I think there is a little bit of jealousy from others since losing the weight & I am just being treated differently. I don't think it's on purpose, but it IS happening. I now feel like I'm a threat to them. It's hard to explain!!! I am truly the same person but am being perceived differently from everyone. My sense of humor is still there, but it doesn't feel like it is welcomed like it once was. It's a little sad to me!!

Okay, I just had to report back in! I didn't eat any artificial sweeteners today & I had NO PROBLEMS with junk!! I hope to lose the weight I gained from eating the house yesterday!! Big Paul, I looked at the ingredients in the candy bar I ate & you were correct. It had Sorbitol in it!! You are a very smart guy!!! What are you feelings about low carb diets now?!?!

Great topic!! I have asked myself the very same questions!! I am the BIGGEST in my family & also considered the fun, goofy one. When the family gets together, they usually start out with - "Hey Diane, tell us a story!" Pretty soon the entire room is laughing so hard they're crying. I have a story for everything. My stories are usually about myself & the funny situations I get in to. A lot of the stories revolve around my weight. (What happened when I wore a swimming suit snorkeling, falling down in church, running myself over with a car.) Our last family reunion, one of my sisters told me she was afraid that after I had my surgery, I wouldn't be the "fun" sister anymore. I told her not to worry, I'll never change. However, I've lost 46 lbs. & am no longer the biggest in the family. I have noticed that they aren't asking me to tell the stories anymore. Since the surgery I haven't had a single moment where we got together & just laughed. I'm not sure if I truly HAVE changed or if they are just treating me differently. I'd love to hear more responses on this topic.