PhotoNut

Wow, Mary! How did I miss this thread?? Big congrats on your NSV hun! We want to see pics of you in those cute dresses now! :) *hugs*

Hey Paula The largest incision is usually where the port is, and because the port is stitched to muscle tissue it is typically the most sore area and takes the longest to heal. As long as your incision isn't bleeding or supurating, it is most likely fine. If it is, I agree with Linda that you should see a primary care doctor. You don't want to mess around with infections. I met the gal you're talking about at last month's soup night. She seemed very nice - made it a point of meeting and welcoming everyone. I'm sure she will be a good source of support for you when she returns. I have no problem with you bringing your dog on our walks - we just need to pick areas that don't restrict dogs. Example - Katherine Albertson park won't allow dogs as it's a bird sanctuary. Lovely place to walk though. Do you have anywhere in mind for walks? The greenbelt seems to be limited due to the flooding. Speaking of flooding - we are in the process of refinancing our home. We live near Fairview and Locust Grove and we were told today that the city has zoned us as a flood zone. O...K. Where do they think this water's going to come from?? We don't even have access to a canal up here! *laughs* Linda - Sorry girlfriend, but David's overdone bean soup cracked me up! At least he tried. And what's this I hear about you and pizza?? *peer at you* Hmmm?? *winks*

Burping? *burps* Scuse me. What bur*burps*ing? Sorry. I don't remember burping. *burps again* Oops. *blushes* Hehe.. seriously, it will get better. It took me a couple of months and learning how to eat slower to get those burps under control. Now, I'm just a normal burper. *grins* Hey, welcome to bandland and to LBT! Glad you found us!

For the past five minutes I have sat here reading this, whispering "Wow" over and over again. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and yours certainly holds true. This is exactly why I was banded. Not to look hot, but to LIVE! Really LIVE!! Brad, I am so deeply happy for you. Congratulations dear fellow. I pray this kind of life success for all of us bandsters. Thank you for sharing this. And... Happy Bandiversary!

Ok, this isn't a claim of medical knowledge in any way, shape, or form. It is purely speculation, but... See what you think. Prior to banding, it's easy to identify what's causing the reflux - poor choice of foods and excess body weight. However, once banded and with the diet in check, especially after losing weight, the cause of the reflux MUST be from some other problem... right? Perhaps Kellie's Dr feels that treating the symptoms and not fixing the cause is where the danger lies. If the bandster's reflux is brought on by the band being too tight (for example) then merely controlling the symptoms is masking the cause of the problem while perhaps even more serious complications continue to develop. Does that make sense to anyone else?

Thank you, everyone. Y'all make me smile! All of you who are newly banded - you're going to LOVE LOVE LOVE these kinds of things when they start happening to you. They far outweigh the joy and satisfaction you get from stepping on a scale! Paula and Robin - your posts brought tears to my eyes. Boy can I relate! Love you gals. Bandayed - I'll do the hustle with you. Where can I buy some 2 1/2 inch platforms?? LOL!

Three flights of stairs?? Yup, that definitely counts! I worked out at the gym last night. Cycled for 15 minutes, did the eliptical for a while (man that thing kicks butt) and did lots of upper body stuff with a small weight and bands. My right rotar cuff is hurting so I'm starting slowly, working on building that range of motion up again. I plan to return today for a repeat of last night.

Welcome to Bandland, Paula! My husband, Dawg (Paul) and I live in Meridian too! Which Dr did you go to in Mexico? Was it a difficult journey home? As Linda said, you are very welcome to join us for our morning walks. And Linda, the soup night this month is on the 25th isn't it? Thursday? There's also a support group that meets at St Als on the second Tuesday of each month (next Tuesday) and even though most people who attend were banded locally, I think it would be fine to join us. There was a woman there last month who had the bypass done in Vegas. *shrugs* Anyway, welcome welcome! And I hope you keep feeling better every day. Let us know if you need anything ok?

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. DeLarla TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post. Paula is my sweet Band-daughter and I'm so proud of how genuinely sweet she is and how her caring heart and love of God shows by her actions towards all others Iluvharleys has a good heart and is always so thoughtful, kind and caring always thinking of others in their time of need. NJChick (Eileen) Cracks me up!!!! She brings a smile to my face no matter what the topic. Bandland would be a boring place without her : - ) VinesQueen reminds me never to give up no matter how bad things seem at the time and encourages me that I should dance my heart out no matter whos watching~and I wish she would hurry up and get back on LBT!!! Michelle, without a doubt the most inspirational person to me. Even while having her own family problems, she finds time to come here and offer her help. She's a great person! Susan (PhotoNut) is one of the most supportive and knowledgeable people I've ever known. EmileeKaye is the sweetest, most genuinely nice and wholehearted bandster and online personality I have ever met.. and I have met quite a few. The sun shines on her goodness and it feels really nice to surround myself with people like this. K@t has been my friend and support since the moment I joined this group. She listens and gives without asking in return and makes me feel anything is possible. DeLarla is my vision of independence, strength, wisdom and trust and has always been a person that speaks her mind and has gained a tremendous amount of respect from me as an intelligent and witty person. StrawartS is smart and funny, and she has the strong personality I admire, yet she's kind. Plus, her screen name is a Palindrome. It's spelled the same backward and forward. Very Cool. Kathy (best me) Jenna (princess n thep) is always honest and straight foward. And she is a great booty dancer. Kathy was kind and gentle with me when I was cursing over my first PB. I was shocked by her generous spirit at first, but now I see that that's how she treats everyone. And her baby is pretty cute. And I don't even like babies. The NJ Board: I can't chose just one person because so many have come to my rescue. They give their heart and soul and they do it with compasion and love. *Cheers NJ Board, I Love You ALL* Since I have known Mychevygirl (DeAnn), she has shown incredible inner strength, focus and determination in the midst of extremely trying times. She has kept a positive, happy attitude in spite of the stresses she has endured, and she has a smile that shines through her words because it comes from her heart. FunnyDuddies is a beautiful, intelligent, loving woman who's quit witt and sense of humor is a blessing to those around her. She makes me smile, and I feel so bless to call her my sis. She has also earned my respect and admiration for showing a deep inner strength during times of adversity.

Thanks ladies. We have two kids. Our daughter is 25 and our son is 22. They are Dawg's step kids but I make him take credit for them too because he helped them through their teen years. For having no kids of his own, he is a remarkable Dad.

Drj and Omamoon - Wow... both of your posts have really hit home with me. Time for me to go off and do some more thinking. :phanvan

Yay Murphles! :clap2:

Is getting another fill going to solve the problem? What kind of foods are you eating? I know what you mean about the "mind trick". I'm the same way and I'm an all or nothing person too. Which is why I do not allow myself treats and I don't tempt the fates by testing out different foods that I know made me fat in the first place. Some people say, "All things in moderation" but I say, "I can't eat just one!" So I tell myself that I can't eat bread or Pasta or anything fattening and sweet etc because it will hurt me and ruin my band. That's MY "mind trick" and so far it's worked. The only think I know to suggest is to take a few minutes to really examine why you got the band in the first place. Search your soul for that feeling you had when you made the decision to be banded. Remember vividly why you chose to be banded. What was your reason? What was that pivitol point in your life that made you decide to make the change? Try to rekindle the commitment and then go through the banster "how to" list and start taking control again. Force yourself if you have to. Today will be hard, but tomorrow will be easier. I can give you some ideas on foods to eat that will help you stay full longer. If you want to talk more, PM me or email me at skmorris2@gmail.com. I'm sure there will be others who can offer encouragement and sound advice as well. Best of luck to you. Sincerely.

Wow... everyone has contributed exactly what I would have said so I'll just jump in the crowd of well wishers and encouragers. It's your life, it's your decision. Get a doctor that will support you. Or! (added after I read the above post) Talk to your doctor and enlighten him about the band. Ask him to support you. He seems like a Dr who really cares about your health. And no more tears. This is just the beginning of your journey, not the end. And to all who mentioned that they were sweeteaters prior to banding but their tastes have changed - Thank you! That is SO true and I'd forgotten that.

Hi Drj! :wave: I'll remind you again, thanks for checking in! Guess what folks? Dawg and our son drug me (kicking and screaming) to the gym tonight, so I got in my 30 minutes of exercise, all of my water and ate no flour or sugar! That's a perfect day! Yahoo!

Oh yes, I've eaten the fruit of the forbidden tree known as the Cold Stone Creamery. I have since repented and vowed never to return. Rebuke the voice, sister! Resist the temptation and it shall flee before you! (In otherwords, don't walk in the door and you won't be so apt to sin!) Oh and by the way. :gossip: Prepare yourself... the band wont protect you against ice cream.

BigPaul always makes me feel really good about myself. He's funny and silly but really smart right when you need him to be. TellyMelly keeps me motivated on days I think I want to slack and theres always a smile on my face when I'm talking to her, she just keeps me laughing. She brightens my day! Cutiern reminds me of my daughter. I love how she is young, independent, and willing to make financial sacrifices to change her life. Dawg is a great husband. Selfless and supportive. He lives a banded lifestyle, without the band, so that he may succeed along side his wife. Pennie always seems so level-headed and diplomatic. I really admire that. Jack cracks me up with the use of his warped sense of humour in the manner in which he offers practical advice. Humour and practicalilty...great match and I always appreciate his input. (I also like his avatar!!) The best me (Kathy) has one of the most loving and tender hearts I've ever seen. She is always caring and giving to others even when she's needing support for herself. Her love of God and her desire to be a better servant shows in every post.

Hiya Eddie! Welcome to LBT. So many people ask this question and like Funny said, it's a very personal decision. As for whether or not the band can work for you that will depend on you. You can cheat with the band, and if you are a real sweet addict, chances are it will be harder for you to succeed because so many sweet things can disolve easily and slip right through the banded area of the stomach. liquid calories are a killer. The band is designed to restrict the amounts of food we eat, and for those of us who have difficutly with eating reasonable amounts or are big bread eaters, the band is a great tool. Be sure to ask all the questions you want. There are many people here, from newcomers like you to seasoned bandster - from success stories to the worst case scenario stories of erosion and band removal. You'll find it all. Here are a couple of threads you might find interesting. Questions to ask your doctor about the lapband prior to surgery: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 People here who have lost over 100 pounds: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16050 Is it worth it? http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=17875 Also, check out the FAQ Forum. There are a lot of links to other sites with information about the band as well as a lot of information provided by LBT members. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=73 About smoking. Smoking inhibits healing, and with the chances of infection after surgery I think it would be very important to give it up. Not to mention the health benifits from that. I have been a smoker so I know its not easy. But hey, if you're going to undergo surgery to get healthy why would you want to keep a habit that could kill you in a different way? Just a thought. :eek: Cheers!

Hi there, Becky! Welcome home! Your post took my breath away. 148 pounds is so freaking awesome! I can't wait to hear more of your story. :eek:

How awesome! I never knew this about Cinco de Mayo. I always thought it was the Mexican Independence thing and couldn't figure out why the US celebrated it too (other than the obvious reasons to party hearty) For those interested, here's the story behind the holiday: http://www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm

LindaV is homeschooling here in Idaho. Ive called her and told her about this thread. I homeschooled my kids through most of their school years, but after a divorce that left me having to be the bread winner of the family, I decided to let the kids go to public school while I went back to college. I regret that decision and I think it was a huge mistake on my part but thankfully, my kids had enough years of the good foundation that they came through ok.. well not completely ok. It took almost 10 years to get my son back to his self again. It was touch and go for a while. Want to see my gray hairs that prove it? *chuckles* Edited for afterthoughts: Just before I saw this thread, I had found some pictures of my son that were taken just months before he returned to public school. We were on a missions trip with some YWAM families and every picture of him was a picture of a tender hearted young man (9 yrs old) who loved children and loved the Lord. Since then, he has survived the death of a class mate (gun shot), drug overdoses, fights, juvenile court, depression, you name it. Once, after school, he agreed to meet another boy to fight in a lot near the school. This was 8th grade. Of course word got out about the fight and lots of other kids showed up. The fight began and my son was winning until 4 highschool boys that were friends of the kid my son was fighting showed up and beat him senseless. It took him two hours to figure out where he lived and to make his way home. That was 9 years ago, He's 22 now. He made it through but I have a lot of regrets and guilt for those years. All so I could go to school and work. *sighs* I know all things work out for the best, and indeed they have. Perhaps he had to go through those things in his life to become the wonderful man he is today. I don't know for sure. But one thing I do know is, if I had it to do over again, public school would not have been part of my children's upbringing. Now I have a grandson who is two and I can't even stand for him to go to daycare. Oh boy do my daughter and son-in-law have a tough road ahead of them (with me) if they decide to put that boy in public school. *nervous laugh*

Celeste, at 307 lbs I was right there with you on the desperation meter. Thank God for the band. The only thing I'm desperate for now is a size 12! hehe

Hey Mo, check out the Starvation Mode thread. Even though we've been led to believe that we can ruin our metabolism, we can't! That's great news! I put a link on there to an article about metabolisms. Have a peek at that when you can. Knowledge is power! One quick thing from that article that really hit me was... when we crash diet, then gain it back, diet again... doin' the yo-yo, we actually lose muscle mass from the low amount of calories but what we gain back (and we always have) is not muscle, its FAT! So everytime we do that we have less and less muscle mass. Muscles take more energy to function, so they burn up more calories. The less muscle mass we have the slower our metabolism is because we aren't burning up as much. Make sense to you all too? Sure did to me! We need muscles!

Ok, Idahoans! It's time to mark your calendars! This month I'm reminding you prior to 15 minutes before the meetings! *laughs* Hope to see you all there! St. Alphonsus Support group Tuesday, May 9th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm In the white "tent" behind St. Al's. Usually about 30 people, led by two psychologists. Relaxed invironment. Meets every month on the second Tuesday of the month. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Idaho Bandsters Soup Night Tuesday, May 23rd, at 6:30 p.m. at Johnny Carino's at Fairview and Eagle in Boise/Meridian. Take the Eagle Road exit off of the Interstate and turn right onto Eagle Road. At Fairview Avenue, turn right, and then turn right into the parking lot when you see Johnny Carino's (before the next light). Last month we met at Outback Steakhouse. Great food and great fun. There were about 15-20 of us. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walking groups. Some people have started getting together for walking. If you live in or around the Boise area and are interested in finding walking partners, hop onto Yahoo groups and search for Idahobandsters. Join the group and let us know you're wanting to walk. I'm sure there's a group you could join, or you could start your own. See you on the greenbelt (bring lifejackets).

Have you guys seen this video? Its awesome... a recording of an actual lap band surgery and they answer a LOT of questions. I can't remember if they show you where the tubing goes, but check it out. Its about an hour long but worth the time. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3190472028990485080&q=lap+band