barbara465

We're off for our cruise. It's finally here. Everyone have a great holiday. May it be PB free!!!!!!!! Love you guys!

Good for you Anglea. I think tiny bites lead to another and you are doing good to resist. That will make it even better for you on Christmas when you can have a little of what you have been deprived. I'm off for a week long cruise tomorrow so I'm sure I will have lots of temptation. I plan to stay busy so maybe it won't be too bad. Have a great holiday.

You might try searching for terms like rejection on this site. There have been one or two that had their band removed because of rejection. It is rare, but it does happen. I think that when you are "active" with CFS and fibrolmalgia and experiencing new immune issues, that you would be at a higher risk for problems or even rejection. I know it seemed like for me it was one thing after another until it started to level out and calm down. When that happened I was able to stop the downward spirial and climb my back up. I am indeed one of the lucky ones. My CFS is under control and my fibrolmalgia is manageable. I am able to function and look for the signs that my energy is draining. I have learned to be very protective of my energy since I know what happens when it becomes depleated. Go to doctor informed and with your questions. Good luck to you.

I didn't have any problems with the insurance. They didn't demand any information so whatever lapband doctor sent was sufficient. My CFS/fibrolmalgia was brought about by a virile infection - bronchontis. Once my immune system started to go I went through stages. I had thyroid problems, diagnosed with pernicous anemia (lack of B12 absorption), shingles to name a few. I was in a fog and staggered when walking. I functioned at work, but barely. I slept a lot, but of course didn't get rest. I stayed off work for about 9 months. Good days was the ability to get up and showered by noon. I tried to destress my life and learned to ask for help. Little by little I regained my mental abilities and could function again. I reentered the workforce. I was concerned about compromising my immune system with the lapband. It is one of the things that will stop most doctors from operating. It sounds like you are still deep in the throes of CFS and I personally would be hesitant to compromise my system. I'm sure that's not the answer you wanted, but I would think you stand a real chance of rejection of the band when your auto-immune system is still reacting. I am functioning and most of the time no one knows that I have it. I am stiff when getting up from a chair, but I just take my time. Leaving restaurants is always a challenge. I've got to get everything working before I can walk. I don't know what ME/CFS is so I guess I don't have that.

I can't stand Trump. He was so insulting and he has now offended lots of people besides Rosie. Calling her fat and ugly, talking about her private life, etc. was just too much for me. If he sues her he will be making more of an a$$ of himself. I just hope she doesn't get fired from The View over this. She has been a little controversial in her new role. As an aside, I hadn't seen Rosie in a while. She definitely did look different, but what I noticed was her face is round. I wonder if she is taking some medication that is making it that way. It didn't look like it was caused from weight. Don't want to start any rumors here, but it just looked strange. Rock on Rosie!!

Oh Christa I'm sorry you are going through this. It's rough when you are trying to get pregnant and get your period. It's like all hope is shot for another month. You need to relax now and stop stressing. There is a master plan and you can't rush it. Curb those sweets. They are your trigger and one bite leads to another. Step back from the candy. You can do this. We all have to learn to cope with our "triggers" with something other than food. Remove yourself and take a quick walk around the floor at work. Journal your thoughts instead of feeding your disappointment. You can do this. We are here for you.

Don't ever stay away, any of you. This is the only place we can get support. We are the best group ever! I feel comfortable inside our June thread. Last night I took the second bite of dinner and got the golf ball. I was really surprised. However, we were having steak and brocolli. I put down the fork, continued dinner conversation as we had a guest. It passed with no incident. Whew. I've never experienced this without it being related to a fill. I didn't eat much yesterday because I wasn't hungry so maybe I was tight. Got to work early so I can leave at noon. I'm not packed yet so I need to do that this afternoon. I can't wait to be on our way and just kick back and relax. To all my friends here have a safe and happy holiday. Make good choices when you can and don't beat yourself up when you don't.

Glad you are doing so well. Jealous that you got the new facility. It looks awesome. The surgicenter is nice in a different way. I assume you will be going there for your fills? The staff is nice and you can get in and out relatively easy. Welcome to bandland.

I don't drink Protein drinks unless I have to be on liquids for some reason. I portion my meal out on a small plate and eat slowly. It usually takes me 30-45 minutes to eat. It was taking me 1 hour, but I decided that was allowing me to eat too much. Until you get the hang of chew, chew, chew, and waiting between bites to make sure all is well, take the longer time. Once comfortable, make the meal in 30-45 minutes. My doc says if you don't have 45 min. to eat your meal, then drink a Protein Drink. Most of the problems you hear about is because they ate too fast, too big of a bite, or was eating while driving the car. To me its better to eat slow than to have a PB.

Look at my fill history and you will see that sometimes we have problems with getting the right restriction. I have never felt "restriction", but I have gotten into problems 6-10 days after a fill if it was too much. For me it isn't the amount in the band, its the amount they fill me at any given time. Also, I've had 2 fills evaporate on me later than the first or second or even third. I'm now on the heavier solution called omnipaque. I would log your food into www.fitday and see what you are eating. You might be having too much of something that is setting you off. Also, are you on solids? Having hard Proteins first, then veggies, then a carb if you must, is the preferred method. Working with the band and how it works with you, is a learning curve. Don't get frustrated. Just see what is working and what isn't and take corrective action. Increase your Water intake and stay away from empty calories. Above all, don't compare yourself with others. That's the trap we all fall into. I always look at others at my time and think why haven't I lost 75 instead of 45. Good luck

Your story made me remember why I moved from the cold. It's hard to remember all that snow. We are heading for the carribbean for Christmas so definitely no snow there.

Maybe some of what you write here about the kids and him is transparent to them. You sound bitter that he is spending time with them, taking them out of state. Right now the most important thing is peace - for all of you. If they want to go with him then let them. Your day will come when it will be your holiday and you can enjoy it with them. It doesn't have to be on the exact day. Don't make them feel like they have to chose or that Mom will be lonely and sad if they go have fun. The money is another issue. Just let him pay all the bills. He will be quicker to get things wrapped up and in court if you let him pay the way. You need to be getting money together to live on after the divorce. You can't do that when you are having to pay for every little thing.He is a master manipulator, and he knows how to get to you. He plays the children all the time. Don't fall into that. Have a quite, happy, holiday. Peace may come with them out of the house for a few days. Don't worry about what looks "good" for the judge. Most of that stuff doesn't even get discussed.

It's beginning to feel like Christmas ..... I am finally getting in the real holiday mood. Not many people at work so I'm getting lots done. I have finished all my year end reports and preparing for multiple project presentations in January. I'm just staying busy. Had dinner with two friends last night that haven't seen me since the band. They said I looked great! It's so nice to the ego to hear compliments. We had a great dinner and I was able to eat moderately without any issues. I had the best crab cake since leaving Maryland. It was so light and no breading. I split a plate with one of the ladies so I had more than enough to eat. I have way too many clothes laid out for this trip. I will have to weed them out tomorrow as I just want to take one medium suitcase. I just don't want to be bothered with a bunch of stuff I won't wear. I feel great since the unfill. I'll use my willpower the best I can to not eat too much. I'll recomit on the 30th when we return. One of my goals is to walk the promenade deck every day for 30 minutes. That should jump start my exercise program. DH's cousin arrives today. I haven't met here, but I'm looking forward to it. She will be going with us along with another of my friends. My friend is having a meltdown so I guess there will be some drama on the high seas. I'm not planning on letting that get me down and ruin our trip. I've heard of food triggers, but people triggers? I think we need to work on the stress triggers in our lives. So many of us are emotional eaters. I also eat when bored so I'm going to work on that. I bought a jigsaw puzzle holder so I can work on puzzles and then put the board up out of view. It should keep my hands busy, my mind active, and hopefully away from food. Hours after dinner are still killers for me. Have a great day.

I don't know anything about Dr. Collier, but the surg center is great. I had my surgery there and get all my fills there under fluro. The staff is great and very friendly. As far as I know Dr. Collier has a good reptuation Good luck

I just don't look at all the food around. I socialize at parties, but don't eat. The last one was a brunch. I had two bites and ended up PBing for 3 days. Umm, that is a deterent from eating. I had to go for a slight unfill. Now I'm headed for a cruise on Saturday. I'll try to be good because today I bought size 18 pants, down from 24's. Motivation enough for me.

Most doctors don't want you on mushies right away. They want the stomach to settle down from surgery and the stiches to heal. The issue is not to get the stomach churning and liquids and mushies go right through. Make sense? In your case, you would have been better off having a milk shake, although lots of calories, than solid foods. THis is time for healing. Weight loss will come later. Hope this helps.

I worked myself back from bed days to full time working. I am one of the lucky ones. It took me about 9 months. First and foremost I protect my energy level. I also get a B12 shot each week. On bad days resort to a Protein drink, thicker Soup, mashed potatoes with a vegetable. You could make yourself some "TV dinners when feeling good for those days that you aren't. I usually have chili con queso and refried Beans handy when I need mushies or lots of protein. I bounded back so fast from surgery I was so surprised. As the weight is coming off I find I'm more active. I still have low energy, but I haven't had any severe sinking spells since surgery. That for me is major as before it felt like someone had put a pin in me and let out all the air. Good luck and hope this information has helped.

I have so much trouble with fills. Mine don't kick in until 6-10 later. I have learned that I can't tolerate big fills, but small ones of .3 work the best. Even this last time when my saline had leaked out and they refilled me with omnapaque, I still had problems. Why? Because I had leaked down to 1.4 and they put me back to 2.0, which was still .3 less than before the leaking began. I'm convinced its the amount they put in at any given time, not the total in the band. Take it easy after a fill. If you are sliming and PBing you are too tight and the best thing to do is get a slight unfill. You might try having hot tea or hot Water to reduce the amount of slime. You may be having nasal congestion as well. Many drink something warm before eating to remove the mucus and to open the stoma. Good luck

Most of those foods are fine. However, with each fill, you might have to retest what you can eat. I didn't tolerate scrambled eggs after one of my fills. I haven't tried since, but I can have fried, omelette, soft boiled. I think most of it is the texture of the food, not the food itself.

Update: Went to Macy's at lunch and found a pair of capri's size 18W. I haven't seen that size for 30 years. This is too exciting!!!!!!!

Stop playing his game. If he doesn't want your 20% as agreed to, then stop paying all together. Let him pay everything. Don't pay what he thinks is your debt. You are letting him manipulate you. Since you have to live in the same house how long do you think he will live there without electricity, water, phone, cable, internet? I would stop paying. I would also have savings and joint accounts frozen so that he can't siphon off anymore. I would also make sure he couldn't take your car anymore for his use. It's time to get tough. Two can play at his game. You still can take the high road, but you've got to stop letting him manipulate you. With all that said, try to enjoy the children this holiday. You can do fun things with them that does not cost money and that doesn't involve him. Your kids are older so they will be wanting to spend time with their friends as well. If you still have electricity rent a movie or two. Happy holiday!

I think your Mom doesn't know how else to show she love's you and cares about you. Think about it. She probably shows her love through food. I found myself the other night when guests were over making sure there was enough for them to eat. I was pushing food - my way of showing I cared. I wasn't eating any of it. Next time she "brings" you a token of love, just tell her I love you too Mom, but I'll pass. She will have to find a new way to show you she cares. Don't be so hard on her. She doesn't know any other way.

I can't stress enough the benefits of routine massages. When I was so bad I finally found a great masseuse. Through the pain she was able to get me relief. It took a while because of all the knots at the pressure points. I would find a good one and go every 2 weeks to keep muscles from getting so many knots.

Make things easy on yourself. Visit SAM's and pick up some appetizers. You can buy so much prepared food now that is good. Here are some quick things though: Precious Picante Take 2 packages of Philadelphia cream cheese and mix. Add Pace THICK picante sauce in whatever heat you like. Serve with chips. I find PACE works the best. pineapple Dip or Ball Cream cream cheese and add chopped green pepper (fine), a little chopped onion (fine) and 1 can of drained crushed pineapple. You might want to add a little salt. Add crushed pecans. Roll in nuts to form ball or serve as a loose dip. This gets rave reviews from all. It is better if made the night before and left to sit in the refrigerator to get full flavor. Buy a spiral ham and heat in over right before dinner. Serve with potato salad, macaroni salad, etc. Make some deviled eggs. You could also make a sweet potato casserole. Have fun

Poodles, It is so good to hear from you. Hope you are enjoying your new house. That is a lot of stress moving so don't beat yourself up on losing weight. It will come. The 26th starts a brand new involvement with the band for you. Just relax until then and don't stress. On the 26th recomit and get busy. Its nice that the band will wait for us to be ready to proceed. You should be able to eat meat so not sure what's going on there. You may have to try very tender cuts and load with nonfat gravy. Don't eat lots of it at any one meal, but maybe an 1 oz and work your way up. Melissa hopefully "it" didn't get on you and you will be fine. Keep some of that hand wash with you and wash hands constantly. I'm taking that onboard ship with me so hopefully we won't come down with some crud on the ship. I tried on size 18 pants this morning. I need to lose about 3-5 lbs to get in them. One pair I could wear, but very, very tight. I won't believe I've lost weight until I can get in those pants. I have 3 pair waiting for me. Two brand new tops I bought for the cruise are two big. They are sweater types so can only wear them tucked in. I seemed to be back to normal. Not hungry in the mornings, but can eat lunch and dinner with no problems. I'm still on semi mushies, but will be moving off of that tonight. I'm having dinner with two friends that haven't seen me since the lapband. This should be fun. PinkyLee have you tried to upload the pictures again? If you can't send them to me and I'll do it for you.