Tricia K.

My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Lavin from the same office. I have nothing but good things to say about everyone at Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. You're in good hands. Keep us posted. P.S. You and I were born on the same day but 7 years apart.

Hello and congrats on your surgery. I itched a bit after surgery too but I wasn't in pain. I took pain meds the first day and a half just to avoid the pain though. I doubt that I really needed it. I didn't feel like eating anything either. I sipped on my Water and had a few sugar-free Jello cups, but that's it. As far as right now, I'm feeling great! I am so happy with my band and have the proper restriction (for now). I hope your recovery goes well. Good luck!

Here are a few of my updated photos... And, an after back shot....

Hammond, Louisiana here.

*BIG HUG* Sweetie, this is a decision only you can make but, personally, I don't think it would make you a bad person. Sometimes we just have to do things for ourselves. And, yes, you do deserve better. From what you've posted, it seems as though you've pleaded and tried to get him to go to counseling, to no avail. Maybe you can try one last time and then have a serious talk with him about your concerns to get his reaction. But, please, please, please, please.....DO NOT give him an ultimatum. That's one of the worst things you could do, to him and to yourself. I hope this gets better very soon. *BIG HUG*

I already had a nice sterling silver bracelet so I purchased a sterling charm from the web site below. I'm very pleased with what I received. Now, if only my bracelet would stop breaking!! (I've had it soldered 2 times in the past 3 months and it just broke again the other day!!) ARGH!! http://www.hahoriginals.com/ My charm has the following (exactly) engraved on it: LAP BAND PATIENT NO NSAIDS & NO NG TUBE W/O ENDO SCOPE There are other sites out there that specialize in designer medical ID bracelets but I preferred this one.

I have a similar situation. I didn't ask my husband that often if he could see the difference, but would every now and then. For the first 40 some pounds, he couldn't see a difference. Then, as soon as I purchased smaller clothes, all of the sudden he could see a big difference.

Girlfriend, you're doing a fantastic job!! :clap2: 20 pounds is nothing to scoff at. I think you're doing all of the right things and, before you know it, you'll be losing again. Keep your chin up!!

Not necessarily, no. Everyone is different and your restriction level could be different from mine. I just know that when I have proper restriction, I stay full for 4-5 hours and average a loss of 2 lbs. per week. As far as the size of the entree, the Lean Cuisine I purchase averages between 8 and 9 oz. each.

I have proper restriction and can only consume about 1/3 of the the Lean Cuisine frozen dinners. I hope this helps.

:clap2: Woo hoo! Congratulations!!

Congratulations on your success!

Awwww shucks.....thank you. I had no idea I had been nominated for something until I stumbled upon this thread today. Thanks again.

If you go to User CP and click on Edit Avatar, you can upload a picture of yourself. There are size limitations though. I hope this helps.

The one thing that I can't stand is when people say "You have such a pretty face." Why do they have to clarify it? Can't they just say "You're pretty?" Or, the old standard "If you lost weight, you'd be so pretty." I guess I'm ugly when I'm heavy. Urgh!!

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Wheetsin, your mother is very lucky to have a daughter like you. Kudos to you, my dear.

I agree....go get some Benadryl ASAP. And yes, PhotoNut, it's spelled correctly.

CONGRATULATIONS!! :)

I've also removed my signature from all but my intro post. And Heather......CONGRATULATIONS!! WOO HOO!! :purplebananna:

My mom had back surgery about 4 years ago and gets CS and anti-inflammatory shots every 6-8 months. She has never mentioned any trouble with getting the shots but is in a bit of pain for a few weeks following until they actually "kick" in.

I took it for only one day and I will never take it again. It has very unpleasant side-effects. I don't recommend it for anyone. If she's so into the "natural" way, why is she pushing Xenical? Taking a prescription medication isn't the "natural" way to lose weight either. You're going to receive advice/opinions/etc. from a lot of people. Just remember that what's best for you isn't always the best for someone else. Your dietician needs to understand that she can't lump everyone into the same category. Plus, you have to remember that she's a dietician. She has a different mind-set than someone who has been overweight for a long period of time. I would just trust your instincts. :hat:

Although I've lived in Louisiana for 2 years, I really don't know that many people so I haven't yet experienced a variety of responses. However, those that I do know have said nothing but positive things. They don't necessarily over-do it with compliments either. I have a feeling that when I return to New Jersey and Oregon to visit it will be an entirely different story and I'll encounter a wide range of responses.

C 212 (- 62 lbs. total, - 2 this week)