RayLandry

I can't count the number of parties and other events that I've avoided due to the fact that I don't like to dress up. Most overweight people don't. My awesome little wife, who is the life of any party, has stood by me and sat out the parties too. Well, I owe her the good times of life! LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

I got my 1 hour walk in this morning. This evening I will do some weight training. But tonight is "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL" night, so I better be done by 700pm!!! One question Eileen; Are you a Jets or Giants Chick? Or do you not give a dam? LOL! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

One thing that I am looking forward to, is being able to swing my golf clubs like a golfer! Not a caveman! There are MANY more things to look forward to, but this is what comes to mind right now because I'm Jonesin' to play some golf. I haven't played in over a month because of surgery! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

I know that I shouldn't have, but I had a beer last nite while sitting out on the patio, watching the moon and stars...............The beer sucked! It was too filling! I'm not evened filled yet, and it didn't agree with me! I guess next time I want to relax...I'll have to have some straight tequila! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Jachut, Congrats to you. I've been reading your posts since I first joined this board a couple of months ago. I specifically remember your posts because it seemed your earlier attitudes, toward the LapBand procedure was very much like mine. I too was skeptical of my metabolism slowing to a crawl, due to the wrongly perceived 1000 calorie/day diet that I have heard many discuss. Everything that I have ever learned, both in college and from other reliable sources, stressed the need for adequate amounts of quality food to feed our lean muscle mass. I subscribe to the belief that more lean muscle mass promotes a faster metabolism, thus the body can burn fat more efficiently. This can only take place with some form of resistance training (cardio helps too w/ fat burning) and the proper amount of good quality fuel (food). Well......I consumed LOTS and LOTS of fuel! If I didn't exercise, I would have been much bigger! BUt I want to be able to consume about 1800-2000 calories/day. I know the band is helping stay within this range. I honestly feel that I have made the right decision and I hope that you will feel the same way. This is a big step.....but a big step towards better health. The very best of luck to you! I usually don't rant like this, but I do remember your specific concerns as they were very much like mine. Ray 8/9/05 280/260/05 Fort Worth, TX

Hi Delarla, That is exactly how I feel now that football season is finally here! To me, football games, both on TV and in person meant lots of nachos, burgers, sodas, beer, wings....etc. Well I know that it is going to be a struggle, but I'll have to be strong. I hope that you can too! "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL"!!! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Hello, Are you sure your BMI was only 37? At 321lbs, that seems kinda low, unless you are really really tall. Anyway, at 280lbs and 5' 10", my BMI was right at 40 and my Doc placed the Vanguard in me. I have yet to receive a fill yet. My Doc says that he perfers the VG band in men due to anatomy differences. I hope this helps. Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Eileen, Awesome pic! I bet that SHE is a very smart dog. That mix is a great combo! Nice pink nose....very ladyish! lol Ray

I rode my mountain bike for a whole hour this morning! A mountain Bike in Texas....where it's flat as a pancake!! Go figure. Ok Eileen, what did you do today? Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Yes it is Sue, Ray

Hi Estella, My wife and I just went thru the same thing a few months ago. She had a mass and it wasn't until a few days after the biopsy that we found out that it was benign! I know how stressed you. It is a very trying time. But remember that even in the worst case scenario, the advances in todays medicine is remarkable! Just try to stay positive. I know that is much easier said than done, but you have to keep it together for your family. Good luck and and may the good lord look upon your mom. Ray 8/9/05 280/260/180 Fort Worth, TX

Hello Schel, Well I'll answer the question about the amount of time off needed from work. I had surgery on 8/9/05 and because my job is very strenuous, I am off until 9/17/05. Luckily I had plenty of sick time in the bank. I've heard people with desk jobs get back to work in just 4 days. Maybe perhaps an extended weekend. I wish you well in your surgery and I am sure you will learn plenty of important info from this great forum here. Good Luck, Ray 8/9/05 280/260/180 Fort Worth, TX

I'm addicted Alex! Thanks!! Ray 8/9/05 280/260/180 Fort Worth, TX

JQ rocks! One hundrerd pounds......that is SO cool! My motivation has just been raised to the next level! Thanks JQ! Ray 8/9/05 280/260/180 Fort Worth, TX

Heya Nana, What a generous offer! One question here. Is this challenge for chicks only? The "under the bust" measurement kinda got me wondering? And just where is that located on a man? I totally understand if it's for women only. I'm in if it's for men also. Ray 9/9/05 280/260/180 Fort Worth, Tx

Mrs. Redhead, Best of luck to you! Here's to a speedy recovery! Ray 8/9/06 280/260/180 Fort Worth, TX

Carrie, 25lbs.! you are doing awesome! I too am looking forward for that first fill. I have it on 9/14. Watch out for that KFC. Man that sounds good! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Okay I'll give it a try! I'll have to figure out how to insert a photo. My goal over the next 10 weeks is to lose 30 lbs. I've just weighed myself. 9/5/05 260lbs Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Hey Jack, Wow! A PB expert! Man, they do not sound fun at all. If I have led you to believe that I REALLY want one...not true. I'm mainly anxiously awaiting it! I know it will be here, ready or not. Thanks Jack for the info. Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

I know this sounds stupid....but I want to experience the ever so popular PB! It seems that everyone on this board has had one, but not me. Oh, I'm not in search of a major PB, the tear drenching variety and most certainly not the newly learned BLOODY PB! A mild subtle PB will suffice. Just enough to remind me that I am really banded PB. In all honesty, I am mainly curious...and just a little scared as to what a PB feels like. I've been on solids now for a week and nothing that even resembles a PB. I have my first feel on 9/14, so maybe then I'll I have my PB encounter. I have had a PBJ (minus the bread). Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Way to go Parvathi!! Your photos are proof that you are kicking some major @$$ Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

Aimze, I know exactly where a you are comung from! At times,I go thru little spells of depression, but then I realize that I will be so much better off. I know that I am really going to miss the old friend now that football season has begun!! For me watching my Cowboys always meant pizza, nachos, chips, soda, wings etc.... and LOTS OF IT!! Ray 8/9/05 280/259/180 Fort Worth, TX

There is a book called Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Achieving Permanent Weight Loss with Mininimally Invasive Surgery By Jessie H. Ahroni Ph.D., ARNP It's a good overall informative book on the Lap-Band procedure, before and after. ISBN 0595311148 Ray 8/9/05 280/258/180 Fort Worth, Tx.

Ouch!!!!! Ray

Just wondering if these "goods" require saline fills? You know, adjustments for ultimate efficiency! LOL Ray