Duckie

Let's get together then! That would be wonderful!

Hi Vines,

Don't give up! You are doing great ---- go back and read some of your own replies. Keep your chin up girl! You give me tons of encouragement, I'd like to give some back to you.

Thanks for being who you are!

Hi Catherine! Welcome Aboard!

Hi Dani,

Welcome Aboard!

Estela,

I am praying for you both! I know what it's like to be so far away and feel helpless. That is why I now only live 1.3 miles away from my mom and dad. Please take care and know that you and mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Estella,

You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers at this moment. I just went through the same thing with my mom 2 weeks ago. My mom's turned out to be benign. Just remember that no matter what the outcome God is still God and He is still Good!

I don't have kids but thought that was funny! I could see myself even at 43 having this same conversation with my mom. = )

I am a Sr. Admin. @ my company and took Wed - Mon off. I felt fine to work on Tuesday. I went home Tuesday evening and went straight to bed. The rest of the week was good. I didn't have any trouble at work and was able to get through the days and evenings with no pain medication.

I say go with the 5 days + the week-end and you should be fine. If not call in on Monday and worry about the short term disablility when you get back.

Way to go! Keep up that fantastic work!!! I can't wait to get there myself.

One thing I have to consciously decide NOT to do is run up to every fat person and tell them about this band... I want to share with them because I think they of all people will understand and maybe find some hope for themselves. But then I realize - if someone had done that to me preband it would have reinforced the shame and self loathing.... I would have been mortified.

That's exactly how I feel!

Welcome Aboard Robin! I have a 16 year old niece who is also struggling with weight, however her parents are not supportive of her at all. It sounds like you've got some support at home. Keep plugging away and GO FOR IT!

Wow!! That's super! Thanks for sharing. It's so great to see before and after pics.

I'm 3 weeks out and still have quite a bit of swelling.

I know what you're going through --- been there done that -- still doing that.

Take care - there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I was told to take a flinstone chewable Vitamin every day for the rest of my life. I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances!

I skipped mine this year and now I know why! LOL!!

I had surgery on Wed. back to work (desk job) Monday. I would come home drink some Soup and go to bed 'cause I was tired. Not too much pain but real tired. I too only had 5 days of vaca/sick time now am down to 1 for the rest of the year. I'd do it all over again.

I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER!

My thinking about the permanence of the band is that it's a needed piece of medical equipment to keep me healthy. Would I ever consider removing an artificial heart valve or knee? Of course not. This is just another medical implant designed to maintain the health of the patient, and I want it to stay with me FOREVER.

I too am two weeks out and have lost eight pounds. Dr. Clinch told me not to expect to lose much more than that until the first fill. I know how you feel though --- that's one of the reasons I don't own a scale.

Take care and keep your chin up!

I am looking forward to being able to walk more than 1/2 block huffing and puffing.

I am looking forward to looking my age instead of being told I look older than my mom.

I am looking forward to fitting in to regular size clothes (something I haven't done in 24 years)

I am looking forward to seeing the real me before I can no longer see (Legallly Blind).

I am looking forward to standing before God and saying thank you for this body!

I am looking forward to being able to enjoy sex again with my husband!!!!

I am way looking forward to weighing less than my husband.

And

I am looking forward to making new friends and having new expierences......

My surgery was August 3rd! I'm so excited about my new life. My insurance company United Health Care paid 100% of surgery as well as 100% of the surgeon's fee. They have the best coverage and I feel wonderful!

I'm with ya sister!!!!! LOL!

When...

August 3 2005

Weight then...

325

Weight now...

317

Size now...

30/32

Height...

5.3

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Hi!

I'm In Edmonds. Feeling great after surgery!

Wow! You all are great! I've been banded for 9 days now and have had the very same things happening to me, but have been too tired to do anything about it. Thanks for all of your advice. I had thought about taking tums or something but didn't think I was able to. It sure is nice having ya all out there. = )