Anwyn

Hi Deena! Welcome to LBT.

I'm with Terri - gaining 20 lbs is NOT the way to go. I think your only recourse is going out of the country. Because the surgery is relatively new in the US, doctors are going to stick to the criteria unless you have some serious co-morbidities. I've never heard of anyone going to Canada, but there are many, many LBT members who have had good experiences in Mexico. There are some pitfalls, so I would definitely take the time to explore LBT on this topic. Good luck!

No way Keri - I see a big difference on you from head to toe, not just in your neck. You're looking great!!

That is so great. True friends support your decisions even if they don't agree with them. It'll make your recovery much easier if you have some people doting on you for a few days after too.

Hey guys - I'm going to start a new weight loss challenge thread to get us through the last 7 weeks of the year. It will be titled "End of 2005 Weight Loss Challenge". Hope to see you there!

Corinne, thanks for setting up the Fall Weight Loss Challenge! It has really helped keep me on track in a way that a weigh in at Weight Watchers never managed to do. I had a bad week, but I'm really happy with my progress overall. Here's my stats: Starting Weight: 255.5 9/19 weigh in: 252 9/26 weigh in: 250 10/3 weigh in: 250 10/10 weigh in: 246.5 10/17 weigh in: 243 10/24 weigh in: 242.5 10/31 weigh in: 239.5 11/7 weigh in: 235 11/14 weight in: 236.5 That's a total of 19 pounds down for the challenge. My goal was 25 but I don't care a bit! Great job everyone!

Hi Cindy, I was going to PM you about your new avatar, but since there's a thread... You look wonderful! You've taken off 10 years since your surgery. Keep up the great work!!

I have a glass of red wine about 3 nights a week. I waited until I was 6 weeks out from surgery.

Keri, I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma. Put that week behind you and don't worry about it. Just the fact that you're posting about it means that you're ready to get going again. Hang in there! (((((HUGS)))))

I started the protein shakes my first day home from the hospital. It really helped keep the hunger at bay.

That's too funny Spydr, I had no idea - I've never heard of them. I have heard of the Chapel of Love song though... If it's the song I'm thinking of my sisters and I used to lip synch to it with hairbrushes.

Spydr, are the Dixie Cups a childrens group like the Wiggles? (LOL, sorry I couldn't resist - I know you meant the Dixie Chicks) I'd looove to see Harry Connick Jr, he's dreamy.

Don't feel guilty - I can't imagine anything you would have done to cause the port to flip. Good luck with your revision!

Thanks Maria!! You're going to make me cry... Wow, just saw your ticker. You're kicking butt yourself!

Great NSV Kellie - thanks for sharing it with us!

You can absolutely start over. I can tell that it was really hard for you to post here. I'm so glad that you did. Sometimes just getting it out to someone is all it takes to get back on track. You need to baby your band right now. Just because you've eaten solids doesn't mean that you can't back up the bus to mushies. The counseling suggestion from Karen is a great idea. It sounds like you're not sure if you're ready for this. The good (and bad) news is that it's too late now. Time to get in the game and embrace the new lifestyle. I also gained a few pounds once I started eating solids. It's not at all unusual. Don't worry about it - you'll have plenty of time to lose weight after your first fill. Good luck - you can do this!!

LOL - you may be the first person on here asking insurance questions about Kuwait... I would find a banding surgeon first and ask them which insurance company they have had the best luck with. Good luck!

Hi there! I've experienced a big improvement in my back pain and I'm looking forward to having my cholesterol checked to see if there is any difference. I think you'll be surprised at how quickly you start to feel better. Welcome to LBT!

Good luck with your surgery Maggie! Don't worry about the liquid phase. I'm not saying it's not difficult, but you'll get through it. You're going to love your band!!

Hi Abby! Congrats on your band and your weight loss. I'm envious - I wish I could turn back the clock and get banded when I was 20! Welcome to LBT.

OMG, I have tears running down my face right now. Thanks for that - I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.

Man, I fall for those things every time... too funny!

Have a great day!

Let's see... Madonna (in 91'), Ted Nugent with Damn Yankees (several times), and... and... and... OMG, THAT'S IT! Clearly I gotta get out more... I haven't been to a concert since I was 20 years old. Big crowds make me kinda nervous, plus my husband and I have completely different taste in music.

Hi Michelle! How great that you have been able to get down 120 lbs on your own! The band should really help you get where you want and keep it off. I know there are quite a few people who have been able to reduce or stop their diabetes medications after being banded, but I'm not sure how weight loss affects lupus. There is so much information to tell you about what to expect pre/post surgery. I would recommend reading as much of this site as you can. You'll find a wealth of information here. Every hospital is different with their pre-op requirements. I had blood work, an EKG, a psych evaluation, a meeting with a dietician, and a meeting with an exercise specialist. You may also be required to perform a sleep study. The surgeon made me lose 5 lbs before my surgery. Good luck with your seminar! You'll find out a lot more about what they expect from you.