DonnaB

Thanks for the update sherry. I've been wondering about FunnyDuddies too! When you talk to her, let her know we're thinking about her and hoping she gets some down time soon.

This is why individuals need to do research on their chosen doctor. The same is true of doctors in the U.S. What do they call the guy who finished at the bottom of his class in medical school? Doctor. This is a lap band support board. Naturally, more people having problems post here. They post more frequently, and for a longer period of time. Naturally this means you'll hear about complications. Whomever you choose for your surgery, I recommend doing a lot of research on that doctor, and talk to as many of his patients as you can. Talk to the nurses in the hospital where he performs surgery. Pull out all the stops and do what it takes to make sure you're comfortable with the decision you've made when your surgery date arrives. My Mexican lap band doctor has proctored more than a hundred U.S. doctors. It's one of the reasons I chose him.

The point of banding the stomach is to create a smaller stomach, or pouch, above the band. You eat a smaller amount of food to have a feeling of being full. If you drink Water following your meal, you could wash the food out of your pouch and down into the bigger part of or stomach, and there goes that feeling of being full and you'll want to eat more. The other problem with not waiting an hour after meals before drinking is, what I call the 'clogged funnel effect.' Think about your newly banded stomach as a funnel, the small part is where the band was placed. If you put chewed up food in the funnel, then add water, you could clog up the small opening which would make you regurgitate your food - what we here on LBT call PBing. PB stands for productive burp - a nice euphamism for regurgitating. As far as the 1 - 2 pounds per week goes . . . 2 pounds per week would mean you've lost 104 pounds in one year. Some people do achieve that. Some people lose more - one of the current active members here on LBT has lost over 80 or 90 pounds in something like 6 months. That's a lot of weight, but she works really really hard at it. Exercises like a demon! The thing that the bariatric doctors don't tell you about the band is this: The band is just a tool. It won't magically make you lose weight. You have to work for it. It will make it possible for you to diet more comfortably because you won't be as hungry. That's it. You still have to do the work, either through a restrictive diet, through a reasonable diet along with exercise, or, ideally, both. If you don't do your part, the band won't do you much good. I don't mean to make it sound like it doesn't work - it does. But it only works as well as you do. I've lost 42 pounds in 6 months, but I've only had one small fill and have little restriction. I'm also not exercising the way I should be, ergo I've lost at a rate of about 1.25 pounds per week - AVERAGE. In the last 8 weeks I've only lost about 2 pounds - not 2 pounds per week, 2 pounds TOTAL in 8 weeks. I need to get a fill and I need to get off my azz and exercise. See what I mean? The band won't do it all, all by itself. You have to participate in your weight loss. I hope this helps you with your decision. I recommend the band, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

It's time to go back to the basics. If you're PBing daily, you do NOT need a fill. It actually sounds like you need an unfill. Get unfilled, let your esophagus heal completely, and begin eating solid food again. Get away from soft foods and mushies. When you can eat solid protein again, like chicken, fish, and vegetables, without PBing, THEN start thinking about restriction. Not restriction of solid foods - restriction of quantity of solid foods. Start journaling your food - www.FitDay.com is the one I like best, but other people really like Sparkpeople.com. The point of journaling is to figure out how many calories you're actually taking in and to help you make better decisions about the foods you choose to eat every day. If you continue abusing your band, you risk losing it. You went through a lot to get it, and it did a good job for you when you were using it correctly. It's time to go back to the basics and start moving toward your goal again. You can do this. Best wishes. Let us know how you're doing, OK?

LOL - I went back and deleted my post because I realized that even though I didn't write that attempt at Aussie utopia, I did post it - which makes me the OP! lol No worries mate!

I don't understand this post. What does your mother have to do with it? Does she know the woman? Was she the surgical nurse? *confused* I'm not surprised that U.S. doctors are trying to scare people out of going to Mexico. Gastric band surgery is HUGE $$$$$ to U.S. doctors, and only getting bigger and bigger.

If you're so tired of it 3loves, then why did you just start a new thread bashing another member? If you're so tired of drama, why did you feel the need to share a negative PM when you knew it would spin out of control inciting a member into attacking? I'm crying BS on this.

Sanitized bashing is STILL bashing. Now go wipe your conscience.

So no one in Australia has guns? Is there no hunting in Australia? What about crime? Do the criminals have smuggled guns? I confess I am virtually ignorant about Australia. I always think of it as brown and dry, with some great coastal/beach areas. I know some of the best scuba diving in the world is in Australia. I know it's a big ol' country so it has to have varied temperatures and regions right? What about snow? LOL - I sound like an idiot! lol Now my curiousity is roused. Might have to use my computer for more than blathering on LBT!

You know, I agree that you have every right to state your opinion, but jeez guy, chill out a bit. If the religion in question demands of its followers everlasting war until all other religions are decimated - then YES - I would support the suppression of THAT religion. Either that or the DEPORTATION of that religions' followers. If they were born in the U.S. then let them choose their new country and give 'em the boot! During the time our country was settled, "Americans" could kill Indians and turn in their scalps for a bounty. Should we still be doing that? Of course not. The times have changed, and rightly so. Does that mean we should we put a seal on the ways things are now and never consider future changes? Ridiculous! All of our official national documents are in english, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation - to name but a FEW. All of our laws are handed down in english THEN translated to other languages. Our currency is printed with english words denoting its value. The vast majority of the nations' road signs are in english. So we don't have a DECLARED national language, neither have we declared that we DON'T have one. I happen to be among a large percentage of U.S. citizens who think english SHOULD be declared the national language. I am entitled to my opinion, just as you are entitled to yours. You come across like you think you're the ONLY one who has an education and can see inequality and injustice. You're wrong. Get over it. Just because I DO have so many rights that I should be (and am) grateful for, does not mean that I'm not allowed to speculate on things that still need to be addressed. Instead of bashing people who make statements about this country, why not just state your agenda - you clearly have one. What do YOU want to happen? Should we give the country back to the spaniards? And what ABOUT those Indians who might like to take ownership? Where do they stand in the pecking order in your mind? As far as having enough backbone to imigrate to Australia, I'd be satisfied if our citizens would have enough backbone to work toward making the United States the greatest country it can be. Most of the time I don't disagree with the things you say T.O.M., but I do disagree with the way you say them. You wear me out. Stop preaching PLEASE!

I remember those days - not fondly! It will go away but probably not until you get back on some more solid food. Don't push it, follow your doctor's orders, the time will pass and things will settle down. Best wishes.

Quick! Jump in the car and go back to the restaurant! It's not too late!

My sister sent me this and it made me wonder if I should emigrate to Australia. Anyone know what Australia is like? Temperature, rainfall, humidity, politics, freedoms, negatives, positives? They probably wouldn't let me keep my guns. Hmmmmm. Australians Got It Right! (Verified on Snopes.com - see last item below - Source: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/australia.asp). Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on national television. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said. Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians." "However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia." "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle." "This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom." "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!" "Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture." "We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us." "If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others. "This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'." "If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted." Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voting the same truths!! SEND THIS TO EVERYBODY YOU KNOW !

It could also be gall bladder - do you still have yours?

Wear a great slim skirt which is ALMOST too tight, but isn't. A silk blouse buttoned down ALMOST too low, but not. High heels that are ALMOST to high, but not. Several dangley braclets, one necklace with a small pendant that sit's in just the right spot to draw the eye but not be an invitation, and a pair of too-big diamond stud earrings. (Zircon will work - who'll know the difference?) The perfect 'dress-business' outfit to make them all go . . . look at that! Uh huh.

That's how it's always worked at my house too Carlene. Seems to work pretty well. Too bad grown up doesn't equal maturity.

I've always been 'an eye for an eye' kinda gal. I think there needs to be a public slap on the wrist for bad public behavior. The problem is - who does the slapping? Unless the mods do it, it will continue to be done by the members. And the cycle begins again. *yawn*

I just recently had to move my wedding set to my middle finger. I was washing my hands in a restaurant bathroom and almost lost them down the drain! That's when I moved them. Sadly, because of weight and water fluctuation, I never know which finger they're going to fit from day to day. Worst of all, because of the settings, neither my engagement ring nor my wedding band can be resized. The best they'll be able to do is lay in more gold on the inside of the rings - which would obliterate the inscription on my wedding band. :-( When I reach my goal we're talking about maybe looking into using the stones in a completely different set. *sigh*

You think my ass is hairy in those pictures? You should have seen it mid-winter! OMG! And the spring shed was truly frightening! BTW Paul, for some months now I have been without an ass. So currently, you have the biggest ass. Feel better now?

I was a self-pay. Locally the surgery would have cost $22,000. I paid $10,600 which included everything but my airfare. Taxis, hotel, all pre-op testing, the hospital, fills, band removal should it become necessary - ALL included in that price. All I paid extra for was my airfare. The other big incentive for having surgery in Mexico was my surgeon, Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. He's recognized as one of the best lap band surgeons in the world and has proctored so many of the U.S. doctors now doing the surgery here, that I wouldn't be surprised if he proctored the doc I would have used here if my insurance would have covered the surgery! Another benefit - Dr. Rumbaut has a gastric band himself so he knows exactly how it feels - when you call him because you've got questions or concerns, he knows exactly how you're feeling. Speaking of calling him . . . I have his cell phone number. His and his assisting surgeon's. If I have a problem I can call him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and one of them will help me. How many doctors in the U.S. would do that? It's been great. I would recommend Dr. Rumbaut to ANYONE - and not as a last resort because they don't have insurance. He's simply the best.

I doubt anyone will believe me but . . . I drove a team of Mammoth Jack donkey's for over a year at my last job. "Just" Paul, I'll see your little donkey and raise you two GIANT ASSES! (Make that three if you include me!)

Your ass needs to be shod. You know what they say - shod happens!

I don't have a problem with people defending themselves or even just participating in a heated argument. I DO have a problem when it degenerates into name calling, cussing and threats. Generally speaking, I find heated arguments annoying at worst, amusing at best, and good typing practice if I'm involved in one! lol (It's a joke people!)

I'm so sorry for your loss Lisa. I hope it was quick and painless - preferrably while he was dreaming of chasing rabbits! I love seeing your dog on the couch! I sometimes regret allowing it, but mine are couch dogs too. I wouldn't have it any other way! My MIL would probably stroke-out if she saw my dog jump up on my white formal living room couch! The way I see it - it's just a couch. My dogs (and cats) are family!

My understanding of the no carbonation rule is that the buildup of gas in the stomach, once the soda has passed the stoma, puts pressure on the band from below. The pressure could cause the band to slip but the real danger is from errosion. If your stomach below the band is swollen from the gas, it could cause a loss of blood supply to the stomach tissues where the band is which would cause errosion. Kinda like wrapping a rubberband around your finger - as more blood is trapped below the rubberband, your fingertip begins to swell putting more pressure on the area under the rubberband, causing more blood to be trapped in the fingertip, causing more pressure . . . see what I mean? When you have good restriction, the stoma is small enough that it keeps you from being able to burp out enough gas fast enough, to stop the pressure problem. Apparently, no matter how frequently you burp, you can't get all the gas back out. That's my understanding of the no carbonation rule. It sounds logical, but who really knows. What I DO know is that carbonated drinks aren't important enough to me to take that kind of chance. Best wishes on what YOU decide to do.