Cindy C

Great post, Twinkles. You've done an awesome job. Congrats and good luck with reaching goal. That really is the hardest part.

I feel your pain! I was banded the same year as you and also did great the first year. 115 pounds. In the past 2 years I have lost another 30, but actually 10 of that was the skin that was removed in my TT. So, technically, I only lost 20 in 2 years. I continue to struggle with the last 20 pounds. I've had a pretty hectic summer and now that things have settled back down hopefully I can figure it out and get it done. My plan is to act like I just had surgery and start from the beginning with the liquid diet and see what happens. Good luck. If you figure it out please let me know and I'll do the same!

If you go with the home town doctor it will cost you more, but in the long run it might be cheaper. Aftercare is very important. If you go to Mexico where will you go after and how much will it cost you? If you go 7 hours away how much are you going to spend traveling back and forth over the next year? I like the peace of mind I get from knowing my doctor is half an hour away and there when I need him.

I hate the idea of intentionally gaining weight. I suggest you make your appointment for later in the day when you naturally weigh more, eat before you go, wear heavy clothes and shoes and strap on a couple of ankle weights!

It's amazing how different the treatment is.

Soup is always a good choice. Low in fat and calories, high in protein and filling. Good job!

Thanks. I have looked at that before and thought about trying it.we'll see. I just pulled into st louis after eleven hours on the road. Brain isn't working at the moment. I'll check it out again when I get back to detroit.

Thanks. I have looked at that before and thought about trying it.we'll see. I just pulled into st louis after eleven hours on the road. Brain isn't working at the moment. I'll check it out again when I get back to detroit.

Thanks, girls. I know that my band is right where it should be. My restriction is great. The problem is I'm making the wrong decisions. I know that. I'm not exercising enough. I know that too. I'm also drinking more often than I should. That's all going to end on Sunday. Good bye, chocolate...good bye, vodka...hello, gym! I've done it before and I can do it again! I WILL be in the 160's by Thanksgiving. And when I am my reward will be a shopping trip in Canada while everyone else is eating turkey!

I am sooooo sick of bouncing around between 178-182 pounds. It seems I've been stuck there forever. (OK, it's only been a couple of months, but still...) I'm leaving tonight for a couple day trip to St. Louis to take my son back to college. As soon as I get back I'm going to pretend I just had lap band surgery and go back to the beginning to see if I can jump start my metabolism. My plan is 2 weeks of liquids....maybe 4. It shouldn't be too difficult. I'll have my house back to myself so there won't be a need to have crap in the cupboards. Whatever he doesn't eat or take with him is getting fed to the cow! I'm planning my pretend surgery for Sunday!

I don't know about that. I lost it in my thighs very quickly.

Oh yea....the double chin definitely goes. Unfortunately it's replaced by a turkey waddle!

Happy Bandiversary and congrats!

Talk to your PCP. He might be able to bypass that. Just because you need a 6 month diet doesn't mean you have to start now. If you have had the same doctor for any period of time he's already familiar with your struggles and can honestly fill out the necessary paperwork stating that you have met that requirement.

I really don't want to burst any bubbles, but if you have been sipping on the same bottle of water for 3 days, part of that 10 pound weight loss is probably due to dehydration. You really need to make yourself drink more.

According to his profile here only 17 members identify him as their surgeon. Only 3 registered within the last year. You might have better luck trying to organize this through his office.

I really don't understand how one would effect the other.

You are probably too tight. Just have him take out have of what he put in and you should still have good restriction.

Good Job! Hopefully that's the only thing you get from McDonald's!

Chew well....eat slowly....put the fork down between bites. As soon as you no longer feel hungry, STOP! Not just one more bite! Get up and walk away. "It's only salad, how bad could it be?" You're trying to train yourself to stop overeating. It may just be salad this time. Next time it might be pizza. You need to develop good habits whatever the food is.

Colace is NOT going to make you go. Its a stool softener not a laxative. Take 2 tablespoons of milk of mag with 8 to 12 ounces of water.

With the co-morbidities that you have I don't see why your insurance wouldn't approve you as long as it's something they cover. Good luck.

You should be fine as long as you aren't hauling around a heavy book bag.

Most lapband doctors are going to tell you to give up carbonation.

I have 10s, 12s and 14s that fit. Every company has a different idea about sizes. Just have to try stuff on!