Anwyn

I loved it when they unearthed those topless photos of herself that she let an old boyfriend take. I guess she's not as perfect as she'd like us to think, eh?

Sleepyjean, I feel this way all the time, but it is getting better. When I drop my son off at school I feel invisible. It's probably just me, but it feels like every other parent is thin and gorgeous. Some days I do indeed throw on my track pants to take him to school, lol. At my highest, there were times when I found it mentally painful to stare at myself in the mirror long enough to put on make-up... I'm trying to get back into my old habits (doing the hair, make-up, etc). I'm looking forward to owning some clothes that cling instead of tent, lol. That's gonna be a while because I'm extremely self-conscious about my hanging stomach. Jacqui, can you bottle some of that confidence up and sell me some? I could sure use it some days... Oh, and stop tanning young lady!! I'll make you a deal - I'll start getting dressed to take my son to school if you stop going to the tanning booth. At least, I'm assuming that's what a Solarium is...

I remember having a similar experience while puking spaghettios during a stomach flu (pre-band). Very disturbing. Ewwwwwwww!

Congratulations! You have a beautiful bride - and I love that dress!!

Sorry, this is going to be long winded... For 10 years I worked at an apple orchard in Michigan. It was like a second home to me, and the people I worked with were like family. When I married 8 years ago, I moved away to CA for a short time and promptly gained 60 lbs. Then, after having kids I gained 35 more. I've been back in Michigan for 7 years now, and every year I have come up with an excuse not to go back to visit. I remember once (this was probably 10 years ago) my sister came in to visit me at work. She had gained about 20 lbs in college and was probably at about 180 lbs. My manager, Marie, said "your sister is HUGE!!!" after she left. I was mortified on her behalf, and a little shocked that she would say that to me about my sister. That experience really stuck with me. I felt that I couldn't go back there as heavy as I was. It didn't help matters that my ex-boyfriend also works there. This is obviously a seasonal place (they close at Christmas), and every Christmas for the last 7 years I've been telling myself that I would go back to visit after I lose some weight. Every year I would obsess about it and worry about it and talk myself into waiting one more year. Today, I went in to see everybody. At 225, I'm far away from where I want to be, but I just felt that I couldn't wait any longer. Man, I was a nervous wreck! It was so nice to catch up with everybody and show off my daughter (who was surprisingly good while we chatted). I could tell they were wondering why I hadn't come back, but thankfully nobody asked. I'm so relieved - I feel like a huge weight has been lifted (pun intended). I wish I had just gone in years ago. On the way home I was thinking about the other people in my life that I have pushed away over the years. I put my life on hold to lose this weight. Soooooo stupid. This NSV doesn't have much to do with my weight loss - it's more of a mental realization that I don't have to hide away and be ashamed anymore. In reality, I never should have felt that way. I'm glad that I've regained some confidence, and I know it's just going to get better. To all of my weight loss buddies, I say, don't let life pass you by another day. Happy holidays!

Way to go!

Yikes! A room full of 27 three year olds!! Sounds like you really, really deserve that raise! Congrats!

I had to take the Fleet's Phospho Soda (green box) the night before. To this day I still get a little heave in my stomach when I think about drinking that nasty stuff. Blech!! I think I'd rather be nautious after surgery, lol.

That is SO COOL!! Are you trying to act all normal like you have movie stars in your home every day? What does one serve movie stars anyways? Holy crap, I'm giddy for you...

It's almost a rite of passage... Like a bar mitzvah or a first communion, lol. My first bad PB was on Chinese food. Ugh - I'll never eat beef & broccoli again. Hope you're feeling better soon! And don't forget to stay on liquids for a few days. You want to make sure the swelling goes down before you try solids again or you could easily PB.

I would immediately switch to all liquids for 3 days to see if you can get the swelling down. Then, if you feel an improvement, take it very slowly with thicker liquids or mushies until your appointment. It sounds like you may need an unfill. Any time you PB you should go on liquids for at least a day or two. Otherwise you can get into a vicious cycle where the swelling never goes down. Feel better soon!

It's sounds like you are still swollen from the surgery, and I think you need to call your surgeon. PB'ing regularly, especially right after surgery, isn't good for your band. I'm also thinking you must be dehydrated if you can't keep water down. Full liquids should really go right through your pouch. In the meantime, sip, sip, sip and take in liquids slowly. Feel better soon!

It's great to hear that this is gaining support amongst PCP's. Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your surgery!

Alex, those dresses really take me back. My mom made my sisters and I very similar Christmas dresses one year. I loved that dress... Ladies, you have some beautiful children! Beautiful fur babies too Spydr. Here are my cuties...

For me, sometimes this is easy and sometimes I struggle with it. Last night I made my husband a big birthday dinner. Then I sat there and scowled at him while he ate a huge plateful of food, lol. I took too much food, and he made a joking comment about how I'd never be able to eat it all. I just growled "I'm NOT leaving this table until my plate is empty!". Fortunately, he knows to just laugh me off. I was laughing too when I left the table later (most of my food was still there). As for eating out, I always order soup and hot tea first. It gives me something to sip on while others are eating. It can be a mental struggle, but the rewards are totally worth it!

I also wouldn't be concerned about being a surgeons first lapband because of the proctor (who is always a very experienced lapbanding surgeon). But the surgeon misleading you about being his first is unforgivable. I'm so sorry - Good luck with your new insurance!

Nope - I think fitting into old clothes that used to be too small is an NSV. You're starting to notice changes that don't just have to do with your weight in the morning. Any way you label it, way to go!!!

I may not agree with everything Lisa posts, but I'm going to defend her right to speak her mind and seek support. Nobody should be personally attacked like this. Go ahead and think snarky thoughts if you like, but keep them to yourself. If you find Lisa's threads alarmist, stop reading them. If she is feeling upset, she has every right to post her worries. Sounding off on Lapband issues and getting support is, after all, the point of LBT.

I'm down 57 lbs as of today. Of course, I had the flu yesterday so once my fluids are back up that could change. I was just thinking that I haven't seen PinkMary around lately... We miss you!

I worked in the HR department for a company who was self-insured and we were always being copied on medical and dental procedures being done on the employees. Because the money for these procedures comes directly from company coffers, somebody in benefits (which is usually part of HR) needs to know how much is being spent. Of course, you would hope that "somebody" would be tactful and trustworthy... I remember thinking it was weird seeing everybody's private info (I was a young receptionist at the time)... I know HIPAA regs have changed in the past few years, but I'm not familiar with the particulars. I certainly hope it addresses this, because whether they had a legal right to see your info or not, this just isn't right.

I got my CD today - thanks again Kare!

This is an interesting thread... I didn't realize that the DS is a form of bypass. I'm the first to admit that I know nothing about the DS. It wasn't an option where I had my surgery. My earlier comments on why I chose the band over bypass were RNY specific.

Congratulations on your band Joe!

Dody, check out this thread re the ibuprofen. You can also find a lot of threads about the carbonation issue if you do a search. The majority of physicians do say no more ibuprofen (or any NSAID for that matter) or carbonation. http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?p=140701#post140701

Just out of curiosity, where do you work and is it within driving distance? Hang in there! I say, promise yourself two of your favorite chocolates at the end of the day, but not until you've gotten rid of the rest. Good luck!