Spydr

I was so excited when I saw this drug was being released and then it dawned on me: I don't need thsi anymore. Thanks to the band, I've got things under control. I guess there are times that I forget I'm not a fat as I used to be!

The one thing that no one else mentioned is about the time to eat. I find that if I am rushing or trying to eat in the car, I can run into real trouble. I always make sure to block off plenty of time to eat so I can go slow. If I go to fast I can get in the PB zone and that's no good. Don't rush when you have a bite to eat. Take your time and go slow.

I have several things on my list to do when I'm skinny: Ride the roller coasters at Six Flags - Done! Fly to Vegas with no seatbelt extender - Done! Stop shopping at the fat girl store - Done! (although I miss it sometimes) Wear a swimsuit on the beach on Mexico with no big t shirt - Done! There are a few things on the list I still need to do: Dance in a go go cage in Vegas in tiny shorts - Will do by end of year Flash my new boobs at Mardi Gras in New Orleans - Will do in 2008 Meet new people who never knew how big I was - Happens every day! Life is good and getting better every day!

I was banded by Dr Jayaseelan in Dallas at Medical City in November of 2005. He is great! Dr Jay is voted as one of the top docs in Dallas in D Magazine. A couple of people in his office have been banded and they were helpful. I have Medicare and my end was $2000. I was approved right away but requested a date 30 days later. I wanted to eat a bunch of last meals! Here is a link to Dr Jay's site: http://www.texaslapbandcenter.com/index.htm

I too have had several MRIs since banding in order to diagnose my MS. You need to make sure to tell the tech, not only your doc, that you have a lap band. Since it is your head, it should not be an issue.

My band set off the alarm once when I was flying to Mexico. Perhaps they had it set higher for international flights ad I have never set off the alarm going other places. I too get very tight on the plane so i do not partake of the in flight snack. It takes me a few hours after landing before I can get solids down again. Like others have stated, plan your meals and please don't rush. I would hate to read about your PB story!

In my situation, I think they were able to find my MS due to my weight loss. I used to be too large for a closed MRI and they would cover an open MRI. Also, I had several health issues from being morbidly obesse that doctors would not look pat me being fat. Once I lost the weight and still had problems, they had to look for other answers. I think my fat masked my MS for quite a few years. I am very glad I got the band and lost the weight so I can continue in a healthy way.

Hello fellow Bandlanders! Hope all is well with each of you and that 2007 is looking great! I have some good news: I will be having plastic surgery on February 23rd at 8a to lift the twins and cut an ugly apron of fat from my belly! It has been a long time coming and I can't wait to start this next step in my extreme body makeover. I am proof that the LapBand does work. There are tough times (PB) but they are all worth it in the end. My body did shrink and now, well, let's just say I'm feeling like a whole new person. I just wanted to share some good news as we can't get enough of good news. Keep on keeping on everyone and just know that the light at the end of the tunnel is not always a train! Spydr

Something Jacqui said kind of struck me: " Money for cosmetic surgery? We're very comfortably off but its ridiculous to think of even beginning to find that kind of money for what amounts to vanity - as I dont seriously "need' it." I am hoping you are speaking of your own situation. I am one of those people who does need some. I have an apron of skin hanging over my belly that rubs against itself to the point of bleeding several times a week. Perhaps some would view surgery as being aboiut vanity but I can't help but get a little ticked off because those are the people who told me the Lap Band was the "easy" way out. For some, surgery is necessary. I am one of them. I guess this is too close for me right now as I did work hard to prepare for this moment. I hope no one is offended. Sometimes things just build up and I can't hold back.

I thought your story was odd since I have never lost any clothes for a fill under fluro. I have worn an underwire bra with no problems. I just pull up my shirt a bit and pow, we are done. Maybe your port is higher than mine. Mine is about 2 or 3 inches up from my belly button on the left. Ask your doc and explain your position.

I got to the hospital at 6a, they cut me at 7:30a and I was home in time for Jerry Springer at 12p. Not a bad morning!

Hello fellow Texas Bandsters! I hope you are all well and making the best of this cold weather by staying inside and walking on the treadmill! As some of you know, I was banded in November 2005 and to date have lost about 105 lbs. I will be having plastic surgery end of February but these are not the reasons for my post. I was diagnosed with MS in October of last year. I am taking meds and doing fine right now. It seems to be a day to day thing. I am a member of the Nation MS Society and we are having a walk in Addison, Texas March 31st. I plan to be in this walk to help raise money for several MS program as well as research to help find a cure for MS. I'm not sure this allowed on the board but since you guys have been my family, I want to include you. If you are interested in joining the walk or just supporting me and making a pledge, I will include my personal page for the walk. No pledge is too big or small. Thanks for your support! Click here to visit my personal page. If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=2332010&pg=personal&fr_id=3390&s_tafId=5251

Thank you all for the good wishes and advice. It can't get here fast enough. I'm a bit worried about the pain but I think it will be worth it in the end. I'll keep you in the loop!

When I got my band, I started a plastic surgery savings account. I sent the money to my parent safe deposit box about 2 hours away so I would not be able to touch it. I just mailed a little bit each week. Some weeks I would send more, some less. I knew that not going on trips and to fancy dinners was going to be worth it in the end. I too want everything done so my doc and I have set a plan. On February 23rd, I will have both a major tummy tuck and tummy skin removal and a breast lift. Since I am doing both at one time I get a price break. Total will be 9500. Yeah, that's still alot but I saved for this and I had a plan. I will go back in about 6 months to do my arms and thighs. Don't have a quote on that but the ballpark is the 4000 range. If it is the priority, you will find the money. There are some credit cards, like care credit, that pay for plastic surgery. Some docs will take payments. You just have to decide how important it is to you. For me, it was priority one after the weight came off. I had to be patient and wait a while but now, I can't believe it here! It will come to you when it's time. Everything that is supposed to happen in life always does. It's just a matter of waiting things out. I hope you are to fund things for yourself. Taks care!

How interesting that I would just happen upon this thread. I was diagnosed with MS in October, almost one year after my band. I decided not to take the seriods right now but am taking meds for the MS. My wieght loss stalled about 2 months, I think due to the new stress, but in January, I began to drop again. Everyone is different so please do not take my word as law. My docs have no issue with my band and it is not impeding me in any way shape or form. In fact, since I am losing weight, it makes it easier to get around. If I still had that 100+ Lbs, I might be having a tougher time. I have not even thought of removing my band. I would fight, kick and scratch to keep it. Although both are auto immune diseases, they are very different. I don't think I helped but it's nice to see someone else out here in the fight! Take care!

I have found that stress makes my band slam shut it seems. My best friend and I have had some heated arguements and I was unable to eat afterwards. I make sure, if we are going to dinner, I let him win the fight so I can have a meal in comfort! I'm not sure if the band really does tighten. Perhaps my chest is tightening and I am just much more aware of my body and how it feels since banding. Just remember to keep your head about you. Take plenty of time out to take care of yourself and don't fell guilty if you need a breather.

Early in my band life, my biggest mistake was thinking the soda thing was myth. Yeah, after one gulp I lay on the floor crying for about 3 hours and I realized there may be somthing to not drinking sodas! Lesson learned the hard way. Down the road, I learned, like others mentioned, don't eat in hurry. If people are rushing me I just don't eat. I wait until I can take my time. I do not want to pay the price of something stuck or a PB! If someone trys to rush me in one way or another, I explain my LapBand and tell them there will be no rushing. I'm just not going to do it. Sometimes it's okay to be a little bit of a bitch. It works!

As far as pre made shakes, I enjoyed the Adkins Advantage French Vanilla. I still would blend it with some frozen berries but it was good all by it's self and had about 35 grams of protein.

I too would support you in giving yourself a bit more time. It has not even been 30 days. What is giving you the most trouble? Maybe we can help. Just a thought....

When my scale sticks, I go on shakes for a couple of days. That will sometimes jump start. My system likes the shock of liquid or increased work outs. The scale won't move that day but a few days later I'll see a drop. Hell, as long as it's not going up I can't complain too much!

I would hate to think that you are looking for the easy way out by not exercising. The exercise is key for many reasaons including tightening your skin as you lose fat. To answer your question, I lost my first 35 lbs with no exercise. I was at a stand still after that until I started working out and the rest started to come off. It goes in spurts so I cen get frustrated pretty easy. Just when I think working out doesn't work, the next day the scale goes down. You just have to stick with it. I understand the not wanting to work out thing because I was that way. I hated the gym because I was the biggest there but now, I'm the one the staff brings new clients past to show them how it works! Little do they know they know it was also the band!

Congrats on your one year and reaching your goal. I too have reached the one year mark and, although I have not reached goal, I'm well on my way. The band has helped me in ways I could not help myself and I do it again in heartbeat! Keep up the great work!

I too am a fan of "Your Mama!" I see it's starting to make a come back!

I hate that this happens to us but it has become more common than we would like to believe. Although I appear strong at the time I'm called a fat bitch, it tears me up inside. To the jerk offs calling me names, I have a myriad of comments: "I may be fat but you're and asshole and I can always diet!" "If you think I'm fat now you should have seen me a year ago." "Sorry about your penis." And of course my fave: "Kiss my ass you MF!" Guess I'm a little sick of the jerks myself. If it makes you feel any better, I bet he dates fat girls. You know we do tend to be the hottest things out here. He really just wanted you and knew he couldn't have you and it pissed him off. Hang in there kid. I can't say it will get better right away but just know that you reap what you sow. He will soon have a problems times 3 due to his behavior. I believe in you and think you should keep plugging along. We shall overcome, one day!

I blend my protein shake with frozen fruit so I'm getting not only my protein but but also some fruit. Never thought I would be all about nutrition.