Tamyrn

I so sorry. Be careful not to lock your knees while you are standing waiting for the needle, folks often do that as a response to anxiety and down they go.

I so love it!

Choosing your surgeon is a very serious matter, I went to Mexico...Dr. Del La Garza because of the other American nurses who went to him...I trust him, I want you to trust your surgeon as well. I've returned to Mx for my two fills, but I may have my next one in Dallas. I surgeon with a good reputation can get you in to see a doctor in your area for fills...So, ask Dr. Rumbaut, before you go for surgery, who in your area he can refer you to...I've heard good things about him and have no doubt he will take care of a referral for you, but do it ahead of time for your family's peace of mind. I was teased to no end by other nurses...and a few docs about going to Mx., but as I see it a doctor has an ethical responsiblity to take the best care of his patients that he can...Nationality doesn't matter. Private hospitals in Mx. are for profit, they want you to return and bring your friends...The best way to do that is to keep you healthy and happy. While I can't imagine shopping for the cheapest doc on the internet if you know people who've used a specific doc the rate of exchange USA/Mx and Canada/Mx just makes medical tourism attractive...if you trust your surgeon.

Jill, Happy Independence day! I had the same "last meal" problem before surgery...I got my date two weeks before surgery and was amazed that I only gain 3 pounds, 'cause girl I eat everything that wasn't nailed down. You'll be okay, before you know it you'llbe banded and losin' weight like crazy. I'm so happy for you! Tammy

My turn: To try on lots and lots of beautiful regular sized clothes before choosing what I want. To sit in a theatre sit with extra room on both sides. To sit in one of those little icecream parlor chairs downtown without being afraid it will break. To take off my wrap at the beach. To walk into the gym with my head held high. To feel sexy/slinky again. To have my sons friends tell them they have a "hot mom" again, it's been years. To turn heads again...in a good way. To have extra room in my bath towel...and bath tub. That's all for now.

If the stick thing shows "trace" you are there sister, don't worry about turnning the stick a darker color...You feel good and you are losing weight, what else could you ask for?

Cozzie, Me too! Last weekend we went to visit friends 2hrs. away, it was the first time we'd all spent time together since I had surgery. I was a good girl Fri. night and all day Sat., then we did what we always do....We made dips and got out chips and crackers and cheeses to munch on while cooking dinner. I never ate dinner, I muched on the pre-dinner goodies until bedtime...and never got "full". It was wild because I get full pretty quick most of the time, I have to eat very slowly and chew, chew, chew...Which I suppose I did Sat. night, but not getting the "stop" signal was new for me. Anyway, I've given way clothing as it becomes too big, but I'm ready to be in tiny things...please!

Angie, I'm here for you Sister...Tell us what kind of exercise you are doing, just putting on your favorite music and moving for 30 min. does count. I have 55 lbs. left to lose and I want it gone by Feb.1,07...but Dec.31,06 would be even better. Tammy

GrizGirl, Smart idea to start over with the new band diet...We all did that to allow our stomas to heal, so this will do the same thing for your tummy now. Good luck, and let us know what happens. Tammy

DH has booked us a trip to Hawaii in Feb. one week after my 1 yr bandiversary...My plan is to be at goal for the trip.

Gosh, that is so sad..."They" say we gain our weight with friends and family, but we all lose it alone. What a vivid picture of that this poor dear woman was...I hope she finds us.

Welcome to LBT, I'm so proud of you for giving up smoke no matter what happens next you've already started a healthier life. I understand your need to just get the surgery planned, I felt such great hope from the minute I got my date. You're going to do great! Tammy

I've never heard of it, I had my surgery in Monterrey, Mx and have had both fills done there...I flew down and back all three times and have not had any problems nor have I notice more restriction on the plane. Let us know what your Doc. says.

Take your handy calorie counter book and eat small portions or even a bite or two of the yummy things your family eats. Is there a member of your family who will share food with you? My family and friends are mostly plate sharing folks, last Friday night I shrimp toast, crab cakes with corn and black bean salsa and 2 bites of something chocolate all in extremely small portions to suit my tummy. Have a wonderful and safe vacation.

My surgeon said the biggest reason to avoid carbonation is that the bubbles are "uncomfortable", but he knows I love champagne and told me to take tiny sips if I chose to drink it. I have not yet.

Did anyone else see the Divinci Code? I didn't read the book, but the movie was STUPID. I won't give it away in case someone is going to see it, but this is not a movie for folks with an I.Q. in the double digits. I can't wait to see Cars, all my freinds say it is awesome.

Kathy, Sunta, OMG me too!!! I've been at the computer 45 min. trying to find a thread to discuss this very thing. It's the hardest challenge I've had with the band, I have to eat something so I fall back on chips and crackers...My weight loss is slow and it's my own fault. The problem becomes, we have to eat at least 1000 cal. daily which is hard when you can't get much food down so I supplement with junk and go way over 1000 cal. Having complained about band challenges I need to say the band is the best thing ever! I just wish I'd had it yrs ago.

I enjoy wine with dinner a couple times a week, make sure you count the calories. Occassionally I'll have a sweet drink for dessert because cake won't go down...my favorite is butter shots and baileys...yum, but SO high in calories.

Happy Bandiversery! I loved reading your story. It's nice to know that we have a " 3 yr old" around who can jump in as needed...I look forward to your next post.

Bless Carnie's heart, I feel sorry for anyone who gains unwanted weight and am happy for anyone who finds a way to lose it. The question becomes, if I were rich and famous and uh FAT would I try to lose the weight publicly and risk ridicule or would I do it privately and risk, well, ridicule...They can't win. I'm going to vote: Lose and let lose. That being said, I will be watching the new season of Celebrity Fit Club.

I'm with BakoGal and Tracy, no one ever told me not to wear an underwire...I did...my closest scar (I just checked) is in the center and a full inch away from the bottom of my bra.

You will be asked if you have an allergies, tell the nurse, surgeon, and anestesologist (sp?) about your tape reaction. Don't just say you are allergic to tape say,"I get blisters from tape". Lots of people say they are allergic, but you really are.

BRICK HOUSE!!! Oops, Is my age showing?

Hi gang! Where is JanetC? Vacation? Donna, Sorry you had such a rough time, but thanks for the advice. My two fills were probably too much each time, but I always feel like I should get all I can because I go to Mexico for them. Anyway, then I'm miserable for a week or two after I get home. I saw a pic of my self at the Relay for Life the other night and almost cried, I kept looking at it and thinking,"I know her, I just haven't seen her in so long". I will get my husband to post a before and now pic for me (I am a bit of a techno-tard). I'm so close to onederland I can't wait!

Economic Left/Right: 3.75 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -1.69