vegasgirl44

Tracy, I know, I spent a long time too. It was very annoying to create this sparkly banner and then not be able to paste. I know that for the ticker, there was different keys to use depending on where you were going to put it, but on this site I used, there was only one choice. But I know other people on this site used Sparklee.com also and it worked for them, so what the heck? I'm just not that computer savvy, I guess. LOL!

OK, I give up! It's just a bunch of words. Crap! I'm hopeless at technology. But I thought it looked pretty cool and I'm glad everyone likes the name August All-Stars! Yeah!

Hi All, I went to Sparklee.com and created a pretty cool banner, but for some reason, I can't paste it onto my signature without it showing that there's an error and too long. I'm going to try to paste it here. If it shows up and you all like it, then we can see how to paste it or re-create it. If it shows up and everyone hates it or thinks it needs tweaking, feel free, I'm new at this. If it just shows up as a bunch of words and symbols, just forget I posted this message. LOL! <a href="http://www.sparklee.com"><img src="http://img701.mytextgraphics.com/sparklee/2008/07/12/b389c5db2c0ccc697471c8fa9fcb5406.gif" border="0" alt="free logo - Free Glitter Text Words Generator | MySpace Glitter Text Word Name Graphics Maker | Cute Happy Birthday Comments | SparkLee.com" /></a><br /><br /><a href='http://astore.amazon.com/buy.nintendo.ds.lite-20'>Pink Nintendo DS Lite</a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bT*xJmx*PTEyMTU4OTI4MDgwMTcmcHQ9MTIxNTg5MzUxNTIxNCZwPTc*MzIxJmQ9Jm49Jmc9MQ==.jpg" />

clayverde! thanks for the response. All the posts I've seen and I've never heard of Nectar. I'm going to check it out. I did order the protein bullets in fruit punch and I'm looking forward to trying those. And I never would have thought about the milk idea. Ordinarily, I would never drink milk alone like that without a dozen cookies to go with it (LOL!), but I'll try that. I do agree with the ice and straw thing. I'm a big crushed ice, blender and straw person. I'm just feeling so overwhelmed with all the different types of protein mixes out there and ways to mix them up. So, thanks for the ideas!

happy days! That is fabulous! How much water are you able to drink a day, are you exercising, and what drink are you using---if you don't mind me asking? And thanks for the reply!

I am supposed to lose 16 lbs before my surgery, which should be scheduled when I go to my consultation this Tuesday. My nutritionist put me on 3 protein shakes a day, with a salad (or should I say lettuce leaves only). NOT Slimfast. Must be at least 20 grams protein, and no more than 150 calories and 5 carbs per drink. He suggested the GNC whey protein mix. Does anybody have any good ideas for which is the best tasting mix and what does it mix best with? I did order the whey protein bullets online yesterday, so waiting for those to come in. Also, I weigh 320 at 5'7"....how long do you think it will take me to lose 16 lbs drinking 3 shakes a day like that? Any ideas?:confused2:

Tally, that is the reason for the weight loss before surgery. Apparently, the liver is the first thing to get fat and the first thing to slim down when you lose weight. Hence, the reason for the pre-op weight loss. Plus, I think it's just a good thing for healing purposes and to get in the right mind set. I'm starting my liquid pre-op diet on Sunday. My doc requires a 5% weight loss prior to surgery. That's 16 lbs. I have no idea how long it will take to lose that much on liquid protein. I'm guessing 3 weeks?

I love the idea of the stars with the All-Stars. I think keeping it simple and fun is a good idea. Yeah!

I used to work for ARDENT. HeeHee!

Thank you. I figured it out FINALLY! It seemed really easy, so I don't understand what I was doing to begin with. LOL!

Just wondering. Do any of you guys have a history of DVT or pulmonary emboli, or any co-morbidiities that would require these injections? Now you have me curious! LOL!

Yes! Take pictures! And something else I found in another thread somewhere. Take precise body measurements, probably fully naked. Because when you are stuck on a plateau for who knows how long (and many people do) and get discouraged, you will need that encouragement of lost inches to keep you motivated and excited. So, measure, measure, measure!

faithmd, I just bought that Oster attachment mini-blender thing. It cost me $13. Have you used it yet? I've had the Oster for a while, was looking for something like the MajicBullet, and saw the Oster thing. Do you like it?

edel, when you figure out how to do the ticker, let me know. both my boyfriend and i spent a long time trying to figure it out. i've done it before, so i don't know what's wrong. Boohoo!

MoonandStarzz, It's hard to tell from the post, but you almost sound a little upset at the fact that there will be a vote. I'm sure everyone thinks your banner is delightful, which it is, but it's got YOUR name on it. Are you implying that we should all have a banner like yours? Why can't a name be picked for the group and STILL have the name banner? And then you say that you haven't shown the other "siggy" yet. Are you afraid that someone will steal your idea? Why don't you share with the group? My opinion is that you don't want to be part of the group and you want to be your own entity and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But many people. from what I can tell of the site, like the idea of a fun name. My suggestion is to the majority....pick a name you like. If moonandstarzz feels like sharing, so be it.

I think I suggested this in another thread somewhere. I'm not sure if my surgery will be July or August yet. Will find out next Tuesday.

What about the August All-Stars? Ok, still bored...

I might be having surgery in August and I had fun playing with names. What about something like the the Triple AAAs-The August Affirmative Action or the August Absolute Achievers...some kind of play on the Triple AAA theme. Or I also thought about the August Aces, August Over-Achievers, August Adventurers, etc....ok, I have too much time on my hands. :biggrin2:

Hi everyone, just wanted to say I'm single and new. Just had my psych eval and nutrition consult. Seeing my surgeon on the 15th and looking forward to my surgery soon after. A graduation gift to myself. So, hello, and if anyone is from Las Vegas, drop me a line! :redface:

LateBloomer! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. I thought it was honest and entertaining. I think one of the great things about this site is that we get to read everyone's experiences before, during, and after the band. I just had my psych eval and nutrition visit today--surgeon appointment on the 15th, and God willing, I could have surgery in a few weeks. I have been reading everything I can, copying and pasting notes and lists of things to buy, and loving the whole thrilling process. I appreciate all posts, especially yours. The funny thing is when you talked about your period. I wondered the same thing and you answered the question for me. Many people would consider that TMI, but not me! LOL! I loved your post! Right up my alley, baby!

Susan, I was just going to say the same thing about using the computer and walking at the same time. When I walk on the treadmill, I need to use my arms to swing and can only concentrate on my IPod. That is amazing! But if it makes the time fly, great

I agree with you guys. I have an 11--almost 12 yr old daughter in New Image Camp in California right now losing weight and exercising. When she comes back in August, I want to be able to do it with her, eat right, exercise, and set a good example for her, too. If I can turn down Oreos, then she won't eat them. I just figure this is a good way for my body to say "Enough now, you are done"...instead of keep plowing into the food because I'm too lazy being heavy to get up and move and do something besides sitting around watching American Idol. I want us to go bike riding and roller skating before she becomes a teenager too cool to hang around her mom. Bonnie

Josh, for being so young, you have asked some really good questions. I would like to know the answers myself. I think it's natural to feel nerves, and I'm willing to bet some of those feelings are feelings of excitement. Being my age, I'm at that state that I just don't care anymore. I went to my doctor thinking that I was going with the bypass, and willing to lose my hair, and possibly look and be malnourished, and risk the complications because I wanted it so bad. When I found out about the lap band more, I knew it was right for me. I have no illnesses (knocking on wood) and I didn't want to risk being sick for the rest of my life because of surgery that wasn't medically necessary, so to speak. But anyway, I think if it's something you really want, you will be fine and the nerves are normal. I think the physical feelings that are going to be new, you will become adjusted to them. Just like when I put on a few lbs or lose a few lbs, I become adjusted to it. I many not like it at first, but I get used to it. I expect we will get used to the port inside and learn how to eat as we go along, with help from people here. The biggest thing I think that I am dealing with is that I just don't want anyone to know. I've told my Boyfriend, my daughter, and my mom, and that's all. I don't want anyone at work to know. I expect I'll have to tell my boss, but noone else. I don't want to have to explain myself, or hear advice, or have people say I cheated my way to losing weight. That's BS. Obviously, from the posts on this site, this is NOT an easy way out. It's hard work, but we will have a great tool. Do you think a butcher can carve a piece of meat with a better knife? Of course! Best of luck to you. You will be great! I envy you doing it so young. You have your whole life ahead of you. Just think of the possibilities!! Bonnie

Hi, I'm also 47 and I lived in SA for 30 years before moving to Vegas....so hello! I was just wondering why it's slow for you since you are self pay? I just look at banding like a tool. People who are obese have bigger stomachs and need more food. So we eat more and our stomach stretches and so on. Banding is not a miracle cure. It's our weight loss tool that we are going to use to help us lose weight. We still have to eat right. We are going to make conscious decisions to eat veggies instead of milk shakes, right? I don't know much about it yet, but from what I've seen and heard, it's going to be a lifelong struggle and the band will be our weapon. I'm going for my consult on the 15th and having my psych and nutrition next week. I'm self pay also, and I'm hoping to have surgery in early September. Good luck to you!

I'm waiting to have surgery in September because my last class is over on August 29th--getting my Masters--and so I wanted to concentrate on this. It's my present to myself.