ImGonnaLose

There used to be an indicator on posts made by the OP in a thread (I think it said Thread Starter, or something similar, in bold). Is that gone for good? I hope not; I found it very useful, especially in multi-page threads. Thanks, Marianne

I had a wide binder on - it was wonderful. I think I was supposed to wear it for a week, but I wore it for longer. It made such a difference in the level of pain! My sister just had her gall bladder out in Sept, and was in a lot of pain, so I gave her my binder. She said it helped a lot.

I just finished reading a couple of Kathy Reichs' books and the first 4 "Irene Kelly" books by Jan Burke. I'm anxiously awaiting a delayed Christmas present - the latest Lois McMaster Bujold book comes out this month, and my best friend pre-ordered it for me. I also just started The Vorkosigan Companion, edited by Lillian Stewart Carl. It's full of essays and interviews about Bujold's Vorkosigan series (science fiction). I highly recommend anything by Bujold! On another note, I read What's a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie. I can't believe I made myself finish it. It had some continuity errors which bugged me, and I didn't find like the way the main character reacted to errors in slang/language made by another character. Plus, I thought some of the errors were very unlikely, even in a non-native English speaker.

I don't think you can use another dr's code, since your account gets linked to the dr's office. Try using the search function at the top of the LBT screen and search for posts with Cywes in them. Then you can contact other users here who have the same doctor. Hopefully one of them will still have the code handy. Hope that helps! -Marianne

My surgery was on 6/19, and I've only lost 15 lbs since surgery. I have high hopes for my latest fill, tho. The last one gave me pretty good restriction for about three weeks. I'm hoping this one is effective, and lasts me through the new year. I joined Curves today, so I also hope that helps kick-start some weight loss.

I usually get a tall non-fat, no-whip mocha. 170 calories, and 10 grams of protein. I have that for breakfast once or twice a week.

I get that, too! It hurts so much that I can't even draw in a full breath. It's happened to me about three times. I would love to know why it hurts there.

Go to your profile settings (I got there by clicking my login name in the top right corner, then clicking My Settings). Near the bottom you can select your current time to set your timezone. Hopefully that will work!

I think my doctor's office has access to my info, but I doubt they ever actually check it. The weight I record on the website is based on my scale, not the one at my doctor's. Since I weigh at the same time and with the same clothes each time, I think it's more consistent to use my own scale.

I just had my 4th fill this week, which put me at 6.75 ccs. Based on how I feel so far on soft solids, I'm not anticipating that I'll have great restriction. (Except for bread-related stuff. I couldn't eat bagels or rolls after my 2nd fill). I'm trying to be patient, but it's frustrating not to be losing weight! I realize that I have my part to do in making good choices, but the band is supposed to be doing it's part, too!

I've voted several times, and I'm curious as to when the voting ends. How long is the contest?

I'm self-pay in DFW (Baylor Plano) - $15k and free fills for life -Marianne

My two sisters did the walk last year in Dallas. One was having a hard time getting donations, so we had a garage sale. We both contributed stuff, plus asked friends and co-workers to contribute items. It was really successful. -Marianne

After being on this forum and two other weight-loss forums, I'm afraid "loose" for "lose" is almost starting to look normal. It's scary.

I got my 1st fill today - 6 weeks post-up. I got 4 ccs in a 9 cc band. I really hope I have restriction now. My portion control has been non-existent for the past four weeks! 48 hrs liquids, then a couple of days soft solids, then regular food. -Marianne

My doctor specified five Slim Fast High Protein shakes/bars a day (plus a small meal of meat and veggies) for the pre-op.

Wow - the chocolate one has a lot more protein. The orange mango only has 16 grams. Orange Mango Banana Blend

I second the credit card idea. I put mine on my Amex, and then did a balance transfer to by BoA Visa card (0% until March '09). After that, it goes back to my regular rate of 9.9%, but I plan to play the balance transfer game with another card. I just need to remember to keep track of balance transfer fees and make sure the switch between cards is cost-effective.

I've seen many posts where people have said that they told people they had gallbladder or some other type of surgery. I've never understood that - I just told my boss that I was going to be out for a surgical procedure. It's no one's business what TYPE of surgery. Maybe I'm just lucky that my co-workers were not nosy about me being out.

Thanks for the tip. I'll look for the next time I'm at WalMart.

You can also get liquid calcium citrate. I've got a bottle I bought at Whole Foods, but I haven't actually tried it yet. I've been eating so much pudding and yogurt that I think I'm ok for now.

I love Smoothie King! I had no clue they had anything for only 180 calories. I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for the tip. -Marianne

My Dr's PA told me that I couldn't use ibuprofen or aleve, but that I could have a prescription for Celebrex. That surprised me.

Waynette - good luck on your surgery tomorrow! -Marianne

I was just banded by Dr. Nick Nicholson (nicholsonclinic.com). It's $15k for self-pay, which includes aftercare and fills for life. -Marianne