JoannMarie

Wow Ruby! A fashionista in our midst! Your insights are excellent, and you can be our official fashion guru. Of all the fashion choices out there, I think flattering dresses are the hardest to find. Even on my favorite show - What Not to Wear - I often do not like the dresses people choose. There's just something about the way the fabrics drape, the hemlines - many are just not flattering. I think the skirt/jacket combinations - both the business suits and the casual combos are usually more flattering. Maybe because there seem to be more options for the individual to combine and add their own special touches, color, etc. Hemlines are also very important - esp for those of us who are height challenged. Hems at knee length are usually best for us. I am looking forward to shopping in a few months. Not crazy about it right now - I feel like nothing is flattering to me at this point. That's okay, it is changing. I'll save my money for when it will make a difference. I'm retired - I can quilt in my jammies if I want to!

Janet, I responded on the style show page, but wanted to check in here in case you see this sooner... You look wonderful in all the pics - I esp liked the first 2 groups. I find I am partial to the last pic in the 2nd group - little green top layered over white, black pants. I love the color on you, and the white layer peeking through accents your tiny waist. I'll bet many colors are flattering to you - blues, corals, pinks, rich jewel tones - they must all look beautiful with your coloring. I also like the bold black/white print top in the first grouping. It also accents a tiny waist and slender legs. Whatever you choose will be great! It's great that you can now shop with color and style uppermost in your mind rather than trying to find just anything that doesn't look fat! I am so happy for you, and only a little bit envious. You inspire me!:wink_smile:

Janet - all of these outfits are adorable on you. If I had to choose from these it would be very hard. I do esp like all the outfits in the first two groupings. I am partial to the black pants/green top layered over white. The addition of color is good, and the layering with the white peeking out is a good look for you, accents your small waist. You look great...

Thanks, Becky. Many days I feel like I am full of talk and NO experience... I think I know the rules now in my head - but I am actually very nervous about putting them into practice! DH has commented on the fact that I am leaving food on my plate and taking home doggie bags (don't tell the dogs) from restaurants. I am happy about that but I am dealing with "last meal syndrome" every day. I am concerned about the exercise component. It's pretty painful right now and I am having motivation issues because of that. I have never loved exercise, although I have had periods in my life when it was more of a priority and more enjoyable (funny, that was during the child-rearing years and times when I was slender --- hmmmm). Right now I am trusting that this component will fall into place and become less painful as I lose pounds. I know once I establish the habit I'll be okay with it. So I am here and waiting for word. I think I've taken care of everything I can do for myself. Not much left but keeping contact with surgeon's coordinator and watching calories in and calories out. I will say I am absolutely not worried about the surgery, liquid diet, mushies -- I know these are just the steps I have to take to get to the result. I know I can do anything for a few weeks, for me it's the long haul that gets tough, boring, frustrating, etc. That's when the weight can start creeping back, and that's when the band will really be the tool I need. That's also when support from the banded people here will pull me back and administer a little tough band love...

Janet - I am having the same trouble you had with posting. What's going on?? I posted this morning and it was lost in cyberspace somewhere, happened again just now. Kicks me out completely both times. Phyl and Janet - thank you both for your kind words. I am sooo looking forward to joining the banded people. I should get a date later this month, and am hopeful for late October/early November. I can't wait to join all of you great losers - and be among the BEST! Lori - Congrats on your better day today. You are so together. It sounds like your sister is either a bit envious, or looking to make a lifestyle change. I hope she makes a good choice. She couldn't have a better role model. gonna try again...

What the heck, Janet - buy something new!! It's so darn much fun for you to shop these days - and you need something really special just for this occasion. Way to go, girlfriend!

Lori, if I heard right - you had one piece of apple pie ala mode - and the rest went into the garbage disposer. Last year at this time, where would the apple pie be? I think Ellen and Janet are right. Apple pie (and other good things of all kinds) is a part of life. Once you start depriving yourself of EVERYTHING, you begin to resent everything, feel bad about yourself - and this can lead very quickly to giving up. This is the pattern we fat chicks have followed from day one. Meanwhile, many of the health professionals (esp those who are skinny b.....s) tell us we must have iron-clad will power and never eat apple pie again as long as we live. I totally disagree with that assessment. Replace "will-power" with "discipline". Allow yourself the small piece of apple pie ala mode, grind up the left-overs, cut back a bit on calories and add on exercise the next day. You can turn away from almost every temptation but it is totally unrealistic to expect that you will be able to walk away every time for the rest of your life. You have great discipline, Lori, and you have a great tool to help you. I just read a few posts back what your daily food intake has been. There is no way you can be consistently eating like that and NOT LOSE WEIGHT. You are successful, you are going to continue that success, and you are going to reach your goal. (p.s. probably best if you don't have apple pie today - haha)

I hope Charlene is running real fast and has a place to go. Ike looks pretty awful. My prayers are with all those people on the Texas coast tonight.

That is sure a better day for me than the 4th Thursday - I have a standing meeting on that night and do not want to give up my quilting guild! I'll look into the Northland group - may see you there next Wednesday. Thanks!

Lisa, is this also a SMMC support group?

Hi LittleBit - welcome. As you can see, I have not been banded yet. Everything is in the process, just between appointments and approvals. The only thing I am nervous about at this point is WHEN! I know that will change when I actually have a specific date approaching - right now it is way off in the distance (late October/early November). Yeah, I know - not so far off in the distance! I went to my first seminar in March, so it has been a while... This is a great place for gathering information, calming your fears, and finding support in your journey. Lots of very nice (and smart!) people.

You're right, Elayne. It is pretty quiet today. It's good that you are getting your appointments made -- there are so many t's to cross and i's to dot. It's interesting how each surgeon has his/her own requirements. It gets pretty frustrating at times, a little disappointing when you come upon a setback, but keep pushing. I am finding I have to keep the outcome foremost in my mind and stay focused on what I want. We'll both get there!

Margie, check out the main page of LBTalk - there are threads available from each state. You might try NY and see if anyone there has worked with or had surgery done by your surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Laura, I don't think you should worry about being a pest - and they should not consider your calls/questions as being a pest. You are having surgery - a foreign body implanted in your body - rules to follow to make this tool work - and LOTS of questions about the whole process. I, too, have to leave messages, but I always receive a call back within a very reasonable time and you should, too. I try to be respectful of their time, but when I need (or want) information I don't hesitate to call, leave my message, and request a call back. Keep calling - and discuss your concerns about post-surgery communication. It is a valid concern. It's just me - but if I were having difficulty with staff communication I would discuss it with the surgeon, and have to make a decision from there... Is there a support group through this surgeon's organization? You might check that out - if they are on-line you might find out more about their communication processes.

Wow! The Saturday morning crowd is doing great! Liza, you may have slowed down, but look at your ticker. 114 pounds in 4 1/2 months is incredible. It seems to me you are much more aware of what you are doing, what and how you are eating, reading labels and making good choices to deal with your hunger. I have concerns that I will simply get bored after a few months, and the "newness" will wear off, leading me to stray. Hearing from you helps me understand that does happen, be prepared for it, and follow your lead in planning ahead and dealing with those issues. Thank you for sharing. You are all an inspiration to me. I can't wait to join you!

Don, that is great news! I hope everything goes well for you next week. You are on your way!

Oh Lori, that is absolutely amazing!!!! I am so happy for you. 60 POUNDS in 3 months - you are a champion! You make me realize just how possible this is - I can't wait to join you!

Hey Lori, I wonder if all this rash stuff plus the additional medications could be making you retain water? So many things affect water retention - we don't even think of that making a difference, but it can. Try pushing the water more and watching your salt intake and see if that helps get to the magic #60! But wasn't it just a couple of weeks ago that you were pushing for #50? Seems like it anyway. You are still doing GREAT and should be patting your own back in between scratching missions! Hang in there, babe - you will get through this.

God's blessings, Marilyn. I agree not knowing is so hard - and so is waiting. It is so conducive to worry and fear. God has made you a strong woman, Marilyn, and you have a strong and supportive husband as a partner. My prayer for you is that you and your husband feel His healing hands and all His love.

Suziq, I think each ins co and each case is different. I do believe some docs want to see how committed you are to weight loss and will require some dieting before banding. It also helps to shrink the liver, so just about all of them require some sort of pre-op diet to get rid of the excess fat in the liver. You've probably heard all that several times... I do know that a diet for me at this point is pretty-much pointless. I would probably lose 2 lbs - then gain it back and lose it again, and yet again. I still keep trying, though. I hope you doctor is open to your issues and knows you will keep trying. Good luck!

Good luck to you tomorrow, Elayne. I don't know how your surgeon will be, but Dr. B was pretty straightforward and informative. You will be in my thoughts. and thanks for the advice, Phyl. I may just make that phone call. I learned a long time ago they can only say no - and might say yes.

Lori, you are so kind to remember... The consultation went well today, questions answered, liked the surgeon, etc. Apparently because of my ADVANCED age (my words, not hers! haha) - I am over 65, and their protocol requires her to bring my case before their surgeon group for review. The review board meets the 4th Friday of the month. oohhhh. I was assured it would be a formality, as I have no other health problems but the arthritis, but I still have to wait for the date until after the meeting. The coordinator said they are scheduling about 4-6 weeks out, so that will put me at the end of October/beginning of November. I am toying with the idea of calling the coordinator and begging a little - how 'bout setting a date for mid-October (6 weeks from now) and rescheduling if you have to... Doesn't that sound reasonable? grovel, grovel... :thumbup: I did learn a lot about the surgeon's requirements, pre-op and post-op diet, exercise recommendations, overnight stay question, etc. Just have to wait...

Welcome Steve. I think we were kinda in the middle of a couple of thoughts on this thread and completely missed your first post! Very sorry about that - I don't think anyone would want to miss welcoming you. Congratulations on your banding - hope everything is going well for you. One month out - you must be close to real food after many weeks of liquids and soft stuff. I am waiting for banding - but I have my surgeon consultation this afternoon and will probably receive my date during that consultation. I am excited - talked to the coordinator this morning to get directions (how did I forget that???) and could hardly talk to her I was so excited... It has been a long process and I am so hopeful to be scheduled soon. In spite of every glitch that has happened (like happens to all of us), my Father has opened the way quickly. That is why I know this is the right solution for me. Good luck to you, Steve. Please let us know how you are doing.

Sue, from what I have been told, Medicare pays the hospital the normal amounts they would pay for any hospital stay, surgical care, etc. However, where the surgeon is concerned, they only pay approx $900 - far from what any surgeon is charging for this surgery. Having supplemental insurance helps out some, but still is a very low payment. That's why some surgeons are opting out of Medicare. Now - to qualify - I heard this first from a surgeon's office, and one who does not contract with Medicare so he can charge his normal fee for the surgery. I would take it with a grain of salt, but I've also read this on other threads on this site. The surgeon I am planning to use does contract with Medicare (as does the hospital), but even that surgeon's coordinator tells me she is never sure what payment they will receive from Medicare and the supplemental. It is my understanding that if they contract with Medicare they are bound to accept the Medicare payment + supplemental and not charge the patient for any excess. ALL of this is "what I hear" - guess I will find out soon enough. Please understand, I am not dissing Medicare. Bless their hearts - they take care of a lot of people with all kinds of medical problems and they do the best they can. You really got this done in a hurry! I thought about the group you went to, but was concerned about the distance from my home. I am glad you had such a good experience with them. I've heard similar from others who chose that group. I actually have found that the wait, while I was not happy about it at first, has not been a bad thing for me. It's given me a chance to read a lot and make sure I really want to do this.

M&M's.. funny.. haha. Charlene you have a cruel sense of humor...