Melissa Lea

I too was hunkered down yesterday with the weather. I felt like I ate all day but I made a conscious effort to watch what I put in my mouth. Since I keep little snack food in my house that wan't much of a problem. As for how much should you eat at one time, Like everything else to do with weight loss, I think it depends on the person and time of day. I can eat different amounts at different times. I try to eat until I am comfortable satisified. Each time I've gotten a fill I ask about pouch dialation. They say everything is fine. So I'm trucking along. Melissa Lea

Due to the icy, winter weather in the North Houston Area, the meeting for January 18, 2007 has been cancelled. We will move the meeting to next week. The next North Houston Bandster meeting is: January 25, 2007 6:30 p.m. to ? Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 150 The Woodlands, TX 77380 All are welcome! Melissa Lea

I didn't tell my boss a darn thing!! I requested the time off I needed, 3 days, (the day of surgery (Friday) and days to recoupe (weekend + Monday & Tuesday). They don't know what I did on my days off. If anyone ask --tell them family is coming in town. But frankly --I feel it's no ones business if you wish to not share it. I would becareful with saying you are having a specific procedure done and down the road you need to really have it done. Best Wishes! Melissa Lea

The next North Houston Bandster meeting is: January 18, 2007 6:30 p.m. to ? Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 150 The Woodlands, TX 77380 All are welcome! Melissa Lea

Regina --You hang in there with the smokes. You didn't start out at 1 or 2 packs per day (whatever it is you do smoke) over night. You most likely are not going to quit over night either. I think your doing great. Take it one craving at a time. Ladypitboss --sorry to hear of your troubles with insurance. Insurance is such a racket (my opinion). You probably will have to get a lawyer if you want more than what they are offering. They are betting on you take it and not get a lawyer. Barbara465 --sometimes the weather effects my band. Early fall I found that as the weather got colder I was tighter. I don't seem to be having that problem thus far but I haven't eaten too much yesterday and today (thus far). I'm counting down to Vegas too!! I hope to be at least 50 pounds lighter by the time I get there.

Barbara --I had a make over in Vegas several years back. And trust me, I did look like a hussey when I left that place. I was so embarassed. Melissa Lea

I hear you Pinky!! I got on the scale this morning and up 2 pounds. I haven't changed a thing about how/what I've been eating since I last weight. However, for the first time since being banded I'm experiencing some constipation. I think it's due to a bit dehydration. Since it's gotten really cold here in Texas I'm not drinking as much water. HUGE MISTAKE!! Ok --you know how when people lose all their weight they go and get the big make over. Well, I decided not to wait until I lose all my weight. I went on Saturday and had a make-up, make over. Why not look good until I reach my goal. Spent a bit over $300 dollars on new products and some new application brushes. In the Spring, I think I might do something with my hair, but I have not decided that yet. Well, I'm loving this cold weather. Just got back from the grocery store. I'm cooking Turkey Chili tonight (with extra beans). Talk to you all later. Melissa Lea

Congrats Barbara!!! I do know how excited it is to be almost at onederland. I feel like onederlander is eluding me at the moment. So close yet so far away. I know one thing....we can do it!!! Melissa Lea

Avilla -- I am not counting calories. I know, this is not the answer you are looking for. I simply eat until I am comfortably satisified. Some meals (days) it's more than others. If I am hungry between meals, I have some fruit/fruit cup or some nuts. Thus far it seems to be working for me. I may not be losing as fast as some but I'm losing at a satisfactory rate for me. Congrats with your 52 pound weight loss. Melissa Lea

Lisa --I hope that your new meds work for you well. I have heard that it takes time to get adjusted to medication changes. Also, congrats on your weight loss. Your doing great! Barbara465-- I hope that this fill continues to work for you as well. Congrats on the weight loss. Pinky --don't get discouraged. I'm sure it is fluid (not muscule atrophy). Remember, take it 1 pound at a time and the 180's will visit you again, but don't get too comfortable --they won't stay long. Melissa Lea

Lady --"ditto" on you all being ok after the car accident and congrats on your husband's new job. I too hope that you will be able to come meet us in Vegas. Speaking of Vegas --Barbara465 have you put any blocks on rooms yet or are you still waiting on a head count? Just keep us (me) up to date!! I'm so excited. Regina --I too drink sweet tea from time to time. Mostly on days I feel I am not able to get enough calories. And on those days that I feel my blood sugar is too low. I've never had a problem with high blood sugars but mine do tend to go very low from time to time. But I must say, since I've been losing weight this has been a rare instance. It now happens maybe once or twice a month rather than per week. I always notice it when I change up my breakfast. Go figure!! Melissa Lea

Regina --congrats on the not smoking this morning when you found that pack of cigs. I do hope that your mouth pain subsides soon. Aimee --sorry to hear about your plumbing problem. I hope that the activa works for you like it has for Barbara465. I've been fortunate in that department, regular, almost like clock work. Pinky --congrats on walking. The winter months do mess up peoples routine. I know that it has messed up mine. I seriously need to get more consistent with my walking/work outs. I know I would see better results that way. Melissa Lea

PinkyLee --thanks for the post. I am dying laughing. I've never read that one before. Barb465 --glad to hear your doing well with this fill thus far. I hope this will be it for you for a while. I know that you have had your share of fills/unfills. Melissa Lea

Hi lmh011-- The age depends on the group that is there. We have a few people that are in their mid-to upper 20s, I am 35, and the age goes I guess around upper 50's early 60s. Honeslty I haven't paid much attention to age. All I can say is I think all the people in the group are a great bunch of people. And I can also add, no one is there to judge anyone, only support. Please drop by and find out for yourself. I can promise great conversation, support, and laughter. Your welcome to PM me if you have further concerns. Melissa Lea Melissa Lea

Good luck with your fill Barbara456. Let us know how it goes for you. And as for your tummy roll, I can relate. Have you tried SPANX?? I love SPANX'S! They have high waisted ones to help with the problem you just mentioned. They are more forgiving than a girdle (you can actually breath) but much, much more control than your top of the line control top pantyhose. I know the Lane Bryant by me sales them and some of the big stores like Macy's, etc. They are a bit expensive but you can wash and wear!! Devanna --I too hope you can make it to Vegas. I hope that everone can make it to Vegas! I can't wait!!! Pinky --I love the idea of you naming your next dog Junebie! That is so cute. I hope that everyone else is doing good. I'm stuck for the past week between the same pound (up/down 1 pound) ...but I will succeed. Melissa Lea

Emilyd --Congrats on making it to bandland. Hope to meet you soon. Melissa Lea

Yes, I too have noticed the sagging skin mostly on my arms. I know that at the end of my journey will require PS to fine tune me. Exercise can help with some of the skin but with me I know a lot of my skin is past the point of return. As for Vegas --I know nothing about comps/free rooms,never have been give that option. I'm not a big gambler so I don't rack up enough points. I like the shopping in Vegas (especially the outlet mall). I think Ballys has really good rates. I've never staid at this hotel but the rooms look really nice online. The only other option is to go through a travel agent but then you have to have a certain number in the group commit early in the game. Ok --that's my 2 cents for this morning. Melissa Lea

For Regina -- I was reading another forum on here and came across "ousooner" (LBT member --male) and his website http://www.nealslapband.com/ Maybe when the time is right you and/or your husband can read about this mans journey. Melissa Lea

Yes I do eat some carrots. I have pretty much eaten anything and everything that I have wanted. Now granted, carrots, borccoli, asparagus, etc. are more difficult to get down. So when I do eat these foods (side dish or in a salad), I chew, chew, chew to baby food!! It really makes me slow down with my eating. But yes, you must be very careful. My doctor didn't restrict any foods except carbonated beverages (empty calories --they do go down). Melissa Lea

Barb465 --Right now Ballys has the best rates. I've been checking on the rates. That's pretty darn good for the strip in the summer months. Ofcourse if you went now it's cheaper but we aren't looking at now. I am searching for airfair too. I'm waiting for Southwest June schedule (they are only up to May right now). But $400 is the rate I have found. I too am planning on Flying in on the evening of the 7th and leaving on Sunday. Pinkylee --I am probably averaging about 35 (sometimes 40) grams per day. But I am not able to get all my fruits and veggies in either. I've been taking multivitamins. On a few days out of the week I take a vitamin 2 times a day. I have been eating a lot more black beans etc for the protein. I will also throw some in a sald for more protein and not a lot of volume (in a salad). Melissa Lea

Regina --I will keep you and Kevin in my prayers. You tell your DH that he needs to come to vegas to meet fellow bandsters (other than you) so that he can see, yes there is a lifestyle change but it's not about food!!! It's about being healthy, being happy, and being able to LIVE!! He should sign up on the forum and talk to other men that have had it done. I saw a thread somewhere on here at one time (men only). Lucy --can't wait too meet you in vegas. Don't fret over the swim suit. We are not here to judge only support. I will have to get my spray on tan though. The glare off my very white legs might blind someone. Ladypitboss --I too can understand finiancial concerns. But like Barbara said, you never know what's around the corner. Who knows, we might meet this year in Vegas. If not this year, there is always next year. I will pray for your husbands job interview. Melissa Lea

Glad you back Pinkylee!! Barb12 I'm all in for Vegas too. I'm excited to meet my fellow Junebies. I too am noticing lose skin. In 45 to 50 more pounds I will start to research my options. Melissa Lea

Spring into the NEW YEAR and join the North Houston Bandsters at their next support meeting. If you are thinking of being banded or already banded come and join us. Round up your friends and family and bring them too! The next North Houston Bandster meeting is: January 18, 2007 6:30 p.m. to ? Cafe Express 9595 Six Pines Dr., Suite 150 The Woodlands, TX 77380 All are welcome! Melissa Lea

Every doctor (US docs included) have different pre-op test they want done on their patients. It is all dependent on health status and past medical history (regardless of insured or self-pay). I think the problem with going out of the country for surgery is that the surgeon my not physically assess the patient having the procedure until the day of the procedure. This may not be true for all. But I highly commend the Mexico Doctor for demanding more testing before having the procedure. It shows they have your friends interest and health at heart and not just wanting money for a procedure. That's my 2 cents. Melissa Lea

Keep those fingers BUSY BUSY BUSY Regina. You keep on typing away. Hang in there. You can do it!!! Barb --you look great! Thanks for sharing the photos. And yes, where is PinkyLee?? I hope she doesn't have what I had over the weekend (yuck!) Melissa Lea