PhotoNut

*sings* Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Donali.. Happy Birthday to you!! :clap2: :happybday2: :clap2:

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Gosh that's never an easy thing to go through. My thoughts are with you. *hugs* I fully agree about getting a slight unfill. Even if it is the stress is causing the extra restriction, you need to be able to drink and get your nutrition. Don't wait around, go get some relief.

Ok, now that I've calmed down from my initial reaction.. *chuckle* I am currently going thru something similar, and am under the care of a burn care specialist. Be careful about what you put on the burned areas. Some creams and ointments actually dry out the skin and will make it more painful. I strongly suggest you get to a doctor. Hell, go the the ER. You're not paying for it. The passing out was most likely from dehydration over such a large area of your body. If you see any blisters forming, go see a burn care or wound care specialist. Burns with open blisters (indicating a second degree burn) are so easily infected, and I was told by medical professionals to put the wrong stuff on mine which made it more painful and took longer to heal. You were smart to take the pictures, keep doing that as things progress. And by all means, contact an attorney. You may not find one right away - so many aren't even interested in cases that don't promise a million bucks in their pockets - but you'll find one that will eventually. And it will be worth your time. I'm so mad at the magnitude of the negligence that goes on. They know you have a good case, that's why they were so quick to offer what they have. It's a drop in the bucket to what they know you could get for such a screwup. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Um.. you have a good case to sue that place! OMG you could have died. That is gross negligence on their part and I wouldn't hesitate to sue them. That's just inexcusable! And the title of this thread, Stupid Stupid Me - you should change that. You werent the one who was stupid!

First of all - *Hugs Lou* Secondly - Thank you for hearing and responding in such a gracious way. And last but not least - Shame on the people who misled you and NJChick and everyone else who was sold a pipe dream. Josygirl started a thread called "Never gain weight again" in which it was her hope of letting new people considering the band know that the band is not a miracle cure all to the eating disorders that many of us have. Perhaps we should all be stressing this more on this board. It is just unfair and cruel to make people believe that they can maintain the lifestyle that made them fat and miraculously lose the weight because of a stupid piece of silicone around their stomach. Some people recommend the RNY surgery to those people, however, I think that is far too extreme and it still doesn't change the root of the problem, so many of those who have had the RNY end up gaining all of the weight back again, and are then stuck with all of the associated problems for life - on top of the emotional problems. I would recommend finding someone who really understands your struggle, and begin working on behavior modification.. one small step at a time. Do not focus on the big picture of reaching any goals. Start with one very achievable goal - say, giving up one thing you know is harming you. Then when that is accomplished for some time, set another small achievable goal. Perhaps add in 10 minutes of some form of exercizing per day. As NJChick said, baby steps. And while you are doing this, really research all kinds of foods. Compare the calories, carbs, fat, and Proteins and you will be amazed at just how much you can eat by simply choosing foods that stick with you longer and help you lose weight (higher in Protein, lower in carbs). You have a huge family of support here. Nobody here wants to put guilt on anyone else. We are all trying -together- to beat this thing and when we talk together like we have on this thread, and really lay ourselves open for others to see and understand us, then we start getting somewhere. *smiles* You're going to be ok Lou. This is not an impossible thing to do, and while it may be extra hard for you (because of the negative you are battling in your mind) I believe that with lots of encouragement and support, you CAN do this. And prepare yourself, to me.. support doesn't mean accepting defeat and getting comfort for it. To me, being a support friend means being someone who will come back for you time and time again when you fall, offering you another hand up, and taking you along the road to success - not sitting down with you to feel bad about your fall and leaving you there. I want you and everyone else here, including me, to beat this thing. And together, I believe we will. Sincerely, Me

Heya Vines.. a very very happy birthday to a very very amazing woman! I hope you have a super day! *hugs*

Ok, I'm tired and I'm grumpy but something's been working on my mind and I have to get it said. Nobody ever said the band was going to cure emotional eating disorders. In fact, people with severe emotional problems that are manifested by their eating obsessions are not good candidates for the lapband. Whether we want to believe it or not.. whether it bothers people or not.. whether it sounds condescening or sugar coated or like a stupid guilt trip the fact remains - If we eat around our band, if we dont eat healthily, if we stuff our pouch, if we feed on carbs that are easy to get past that band.. if we fight the "banster rules" we are NOT going to reach the goals we had hoped the band would take us to. (By the way, why is it that when anyone speaks the truth around here, its called a guilt trip?) Everyone wants to thank others for being so honest. Well thank those who are being honest about the plain and simple facts too. If WE eat the foods that made US fat to begin with.. then WE are going to stay fat. The rules are not different for some than they are for anyone else. They are the same set of rules that we all have to face. Noone is being judgemental by saying so. Noone is living in a fantasy land by saying so. Noone is saying the next person is a failure for not 'working with the band'. There is nothing wrong with saying, 'If you dont do what you know you have to do to succeed, you wont succeed.' It is the truth. I have eating issues too. I began at 307 pounds for crying out loud. I'm going to be 50 this year and I've been fat all of my life. I have sad stories about my youth.. sexual abuse, rejection, suicidal mom.. Hell, we all bring issues to this place. We are all here for the same reaons. I'm sick of this US and THEM mentality. We are all fat damnit. All of us are battling this. When I say to this board, 'Why are we doing this or that??' I am asking myself too! And Im hoping to find answers alongside people who want the damn answers too. I'm sick of having to act like I can't be happy about my success, or the success of anyone here because somebody out there isnt having the same success. I'm sick of being accused of looking down my nose at those who are struggling. I do NOT do that. If I offer the truth in response to cries of "Why isnt this band working??" and if people jump up to claim that I'm just tossing guilt at the needy, then that's not my problem. If you can eat chocolate and cake and pizza and still lose weight, then hoorah for you! That's great. I have never seen anyone say that's something to feel guilty about. However, I have seen posts directed at those who talk about their frustrations with the band while stating that they are not following most of the basic requirements for success with the band. What is wrong with saying, 'Hey, I can see what you might not be seeing. If you do this, it will help.' No matter how much we wish it weren't so. The only one that's going to help us, is us. And no.. I'm not perfect by any means. And if anyone dares get on here and tell me that I'm going to fail.. well, you're in for a fight. I'm not here to fail.. but if I do, it will be because I faced the same choices as all of us here do, and I decided to give up. If that happens, I will die a fat and miserable person. Dear God, I don't want that.

My doc recommended Milk of Magnesia.. took a dose when I went to bed, and the next day I was able to go without being gassy or straining.

1 Cup of Fiber One cereal per day - tastes great, works great.

I was reading this article tonight and found this bit to be particularly interesting and wanted to share it with everyone. Calcium is one thing I've completely forgotten in the midst of all these changes that came with the band. Anyone educated on calcium and what's a good amount to take? Not just the RDA - I think those are far too conservative. Also, I found this article about calcium absorption that everyone should read over. Especially us gals who are getting on in age and need more calcium. I noticed is listed whey Protein as a possible deterant to calcilum absorption. I find this hard to believe since so many doctors are telling us that whey is the best form or protein supplement. Boy do I have some questions for my doctor and nutritionist next week! http://paleodiet.com/losspts.txt

Well, I did some online research on lactose free whey Protein supplements and there seems to be a wide variety available. I would just apply the same standards when picking one. Make sure you're getting a high percentage of protein and not just crap. While I was reading one article, I came across this.. thought you all might find it interesting too. I might post it in a new thread.

Here is an excerpt from my post which quotes the Personal Trainer Certification studies that are accredited by NESTA (National Endurance & Sports Trainers Association): Because of the types of Protein contained in most if not all protein supplements (with the exception of Proto Whey or any other protein that is micro peptide protein complex from extreme hydrolyzed whey protein fraction), a maximum of 30% of its content can be absorbed by the duodenum or proximal bowel (where all protein is absorbed by the human body). The remainder goes on to the large intestine where it rots and creates gas and GI discomfort. If you are getting gas and discomfort from your protein supplement, you can be certain that it is a low quality protein that your body cannot break down and therefore cannot absorb.

Finding the right Protein for you is usually a hit and miss thing. Don't buy too much at a time until you find one you like. Many of them taste like nasty. Look for a whey or whey isolate that you can tolerate. Concentrates (powder form) have 20% to 80% purity, with the remaining consisting of fat and lactose. So it could be 20% protein, and 80% fat and lactose; usually the case when not specified in a product. If the concentrate consists of mostly protein, it usually states so in the label. Isolates have a purity of 90% and up—can only have 10% or less consisting of fat and lactose. Except for Soy Isolates – You should avoid Soy Isolates at all cost. I would say go with either of these as long as they are of a good quality.

Oh what a feeling! So happy for you Skye. Many more NSV's to come, isnt that awesome?! Woot!

Hi Daisy Grats on getting your band. Take it slow and easy, dont push yourself too hard ok? Be sure to eat all your protein and drink lots of water. Hope you recover quickly. Keep us posted on your progress!

Woohoo! Welcome to the start of your journey! Glad you found this place, its great.

Hey Senorita.. a PB is a productive burp. This occurs when we eat too fast, or dont chew a bite enough to make it small enough to easily pass through our stomachs where the band is, and the bite has no where to go but back up again. Much like a baby spitting up. A PB can be accompanied by "sliming" which is the body producing large amounts of saliva in an attempt to help the food pass. If food gets really stuck, it is possible that one might throw up as the body attempts to disoldge the food. Concentrating on your meal, chewing really well, and eating slowly will usually prevent PBs, however, the bands are fickle. Something you had no probleme with yesterday, might cause a PB today. So eat slowly and always be aware of what's going on. Hope this helped.

Bravo Mikey. This is exactly the attitude that we should all adopt. Not only has your post made me nod and say "That's exactly what I've been trying to say" but it has also made me take a breath, step back and see that I could be a bit more understanding of those that don't see things the same way I do. Thank you.

*stands up* Hello, my name is Susan and I'm an LBT addict.

It's growth! It's crazy! It's maddening! So many new people arriving each day. Woot! You know it's because we are all so wonderful.. word is spreading that LBT is -the- place to be if you want a wide variety of topics and fun people. We rock!

Im offended. *grins*

Hm.. interesting. It would seem to me that if the owner and moderators of LBT wanted the place to have topic/content restrictions, it would have been mentioned when we signed up to join the group. I can see how some of these topics mind offend new people that dont know what a bunch of joking goofballs we all are, but those of us who have been here long enough should be able to discern whether or not they wish to read a thread. I have started reading a thread that was mildly sexual and then turned extreme (for me) so I just stopped going into that thread. I dont think we need a locked area. As stated, we are all adults here and children can find much worse on the net - their parents should be monitoring them! I also watch the new posts come up at the top of the main page and that's where I do most of my activity. I'm not sure how much coding it would take, but perhaps there is a way to put the new posts thing inside the top of each forum, rather than one that shows posts from all forums? And then perhaps start a new forum for Adult Topics Only? Not locked, but clearly marked. That way new folks wont be faced with things which might offend them when they arrive.

So many of us have the same night time grazing compulsions. And I agree, empty the house of anything that your hands can find that will sabotage your success. I think it was Kare that said she bought two small lockable boxes (one for the cupboard and one for the fridge) which hold things she cannot allow around herself because of temptation. She gave the key to her son. Kryssa was certain her hubby wouldn't agree to getting the junk food out of the house, but to her surprise he agreed to keep and eat any junk food out of the house. Maybe its just a phase. It's so easy to trick the brain. After several times of having the urge, and then finding nothing to appease it with, maybe it will stop. Let's hope.

I knew full well when I went into this that the band was not going to magically take care of all my issues, nor would it allow me to continue eating as I had been and be successful with my weightloss. It was stressed over and over again as I went thru the pretests (which included a psyc evaluation that I failed and had to take again after I had been on meds for a while longer.. yep, I was a mess). Sure, a lot of us still need to work on the emotional side of weight issues, but the band is there to help us keep from falling too far along the wayside. Our binges aren't nearly what they used to be. So even if you do cave and have a cookie, chances are you wont be eating the entire package of Cookies - which is a HUGE step in preserving yourself. It has been said here that the band is not for everyone. If your emotional problems with eating are so extreme that you will find ways to destroy any good the band can do for you, then chances are it wasn't the ideal choice. I am not controlled by willpower. I am controlled by fear. I fear the PBs. I fear another failure. I fear diabetes. I fear death by food. For me, the band is a tool, just like an electric toothbrush. If I don't pick it up and use it as directed, my teeth aren't going to get clean. I think in order for your band to work, you're going to have to put aside the thought that it was supposed to be an end all to your problems and yes.. work with your band. Can someone hand me a rag please? I seem to have something gross on my shoes! *chuckles*

Yay! Another January Niner! Welcome to LBT. Glad to hear you are doing well. Keep us posted on your progress.