ready2bthin

Richard, I actually just inquired again recently, as I would like to get a support dinner/lunch started up here like the ones they already have on dfwbandsters. I've thoroughly enjoyed the dinners/lunch but I have to drive 45 min.-1 hour and thought one near Denton would be nice for those not willing to drive to Dallas, Arlington, or Plano. Please pm me and ask your friend if he/she is interested. Then I will have your information. Also let me know what day and time of day would be good. As soon as I have enough responses, then I'll work on the place to meet. Anyone reading this, please do the same.

Jenna, Just cleaned out my pm's. Sorry about that. Thanks for letting me know. Look forward to your message!

I actually live north of Dallas. I was looking at your fills and I haven't even gotten a secnd fill yet. I went to Dr. Rod for my first one and just found a doctor here (there are some others) who I will try out. The price is $200.00 but with travel and the time it takes, probably the same as going back to Dr. Rod with less time.

I had a great experience with Dr. Rod. I am so thankful that I was banded and would not change a thing. I would be very happy to give you more detail if you have any questions. Don't have the time here to type out all the details. I would also be willing to speak to you on the phone. I did that with 2 other people prior to making my decision and found it helpful. I've had at least one person call me. So, feel free to send me a private message.

I used canned chicken and made chicken salad during the mushy stage. I still eat it now, too, for lunch. My doc's assistant told me that anything that I can get to a "cottage cheese type" texture I could eat during the mushy stage. So, I chopped up shrimp, tuna, etc. and mixed with lite mayo/miracle whip (whatever you like) to make it that way.

It's Friday everyone!! Hurrah!! Even after a tire blow out in pouring rain, I am celebrating! I must say that when I pulled into a gas station, there was a tire place next door and they changed out my tire, so I didn't have to stand in the rain and cold! What a blessing! I'm down another lb. (actually have taken off that pound and maybe a couple that came on over Christmas). I will get my second fill next Thursday at a place that I just found out about here in the DFW area! The price is pretty reasonable (self pay ya know) and they use fluro. I think I'm ready for the fill, although I doubt that I will be able to take too much. I've had restriction all along, even when my band was empty. Glad to see you're doing well Leona and what a great attitude, Susan! Have a great weekend everyone! Tip for the weekend: Make sure you are eating enough protein!

Well, I've exchanged emails with Jules and thought about pm'ing mousecrazy cuz I met her online when I first was banded. So, hopefully you can just pass this along and we can meet up again...anyone interested who can make it. Cracker barrel would be fine or anywhere in Denton. Do we want to set a date?

I was thinking that dfw was closer to Highland Village (it's north of Lewisville) and I'm right. I went to mapquest and DFW is 17.68 miles from Highland Village with a time of 26 minutes. Dallas Love Field is 26.80 miles with a time of 35 minutes. Depending on the time of day, I would much rather be coming in from dfw than Dallas Love Field as around the rushhour in the afternoon, 35 going north can be a mess. Also, Southwest does fly into DFW, too. Since there isn't that much difference, I'd choose on ticket price/time of day. Hope this helps!

CHRIS: you look awesome!! The weight training class sounds great. Also, let's see a smile out of our lapband "star"!! Keep us informed of how things are going! Stephanie: you have also done amazing! Both you and Chris inspire me to get back "on the wagon" and get this weight off. And I definitely can understand the "fat image syndrome" (my words) that I still have. I still have a ways to go, too, but I was holding onto my larger size clothes that no longer fit. Well, the other day, I went through my closet and am taking them to the Goodwill today. I also am going to stick to wearing clothes that fit me. A lot of my stuff was hanging off me and that definitely doesn't help. I guess I will go to the resale shops today and look for some smaller sizes. I WON'T stay at this weight long, so don't want to spend a fortune on a bunch of new winter clothes. Next winter, I hope to be at goal!! Have a great day everyone!! Tip for the day: Drink that water!!

JEN: Great to see you back and to have chatted with you last night...or was that early this morning...lol!! Olive: Not that you asked for my 2 cents, but I also think you should hold off on the dress. I definitely think you will be smaller and maybe to your goal by your wedding. When I got married (18 years ago) I only had about 2 months to find a dress and I found one right off the rack that was PERFECT and exactly what I wanted. Unless you have some unique type style you are looking for, I would hold off. May even save some $$$ too!! Jane: You are doing awesome. I hope that by the end of this week I'll have a couple pounds off at least towards the VDAY challenge! I'm going for a nap...up too late chatting with Jen...lol....church this morning. But, it was worth it to catch up with her!! We can continue to really encourage one another for the second half of our first year being banded all!! It will be so much fun when we start reaching goals!! GO JULY BANDSTERS!!

Hey everyone!! I've been reading and catching up on what everyone's been doing. Kari, I can so relate to the "sweet addiction". We just got back from Michigan and it seems that I had to eat everything chocolate in sight. Glad you have lost the small amount that you had gained over the holidays. I am going to accept the Valentine's Day challenge and try and lose 10 more lbs. by Feb. 14. This will be a real challenge for me but maybe if I can get in for my second fill that will help. I did okay today, but will be more focused on things tomorrow. Missed all of you while I was up in Michigan (with no snow) and leaving a day late due to bad weather here in TX last Friday (tornado at airport...yes...our flight was cancelled along with around 200 others). Then, my luggage didn't arrive until Monday late afternoon. Learned I can survive with one pair of jeans, a couple tops and clean panties...(oh yeah...I did buy new ones to fit my shrinking fanny...lol). Almost forgot the NSV for the trip: I had EXTRA belt after fastening my seatbelt on the plane and I wasn't pouring into the seat next to me!!! YIPPEE!!!

Carlene: Happy Belated birthday!! It's now Christmas day...so have a wonderful Christmas, too!! I always think that Christmas babies are special cuz they share a special birthday with Jesus!! Haven't been able to make it to Arlington lately for the dinners, but all is going fine with me. I'm down around 43 lbs. now. Been stalled some due to eating goodies, so I must get back on the wagon!! I hope to go to the next bandster dinner or maybe the Plano lunch to meet some of the dfw bandsters I haven't met, along with Heather who've I read posts from India and her mom. They sound like a lot of fun. Anyway, hope to see you soon and hope you enjoyed your birthday!!

Wow Olive!! Congratulations!! I hope to join you in the next month as I'm now at 43.6! You may want to take some type of mylanta or something to help with heartburn if you haven't already. I took Gaviscon when I had my little tummy upset in October on recommendation from my doctor. (You may have already done this but wanted to share what my experience led to) Okay, everyone else, let's be GOOD with our choices!! I've done better the past couple days and even saw a loss on the scale again which shocked me. We are on a journey with some twists and turns in the road and some bumps and some bad driving (that would be me). With the better "driving" I get closer to that goal!! We are doing this July group....I'm so proud of all of you and of myself. This was a wonderful "present" even though I had to spend $$$ on it!! We have the new year coming up with many of us reaching our goals or getting very close to reaching them!!! Can't wait for us to see our goal picture next to our start picture!!

Hello Everyone! I've been a bit bogged down with work, kids' basketball games, and getting ready for Christmas, but I wanted to drop in and say "hi" to my July bandster group. Haven't had any big losses, but I'm plugging along and am down another almost 2 lbs. I need a fill soon, but will wait till after Christmas (that will only be my second one). Ya'll seem to be hanging in there, although I noticed that many have not posted in awhile, probably due to "life". I need to get a handle on the Christmas goodies and "Just say No". My sweet tooth says "yes" though....lol. I've had so many compliments and some people who just look down at my body, don't say anything, but wonder what's up. Maybe they are afraid of saying, "have you lost weight?" thinking that would be rude...lol!! Have any of you experienced this..."the look"? Take care and post when able. Love to see what's going on. I read even when I don't post.

Sherrijo: I saw what happened to Dr. Sanchez on mexicanbandsters. For you who don't know, he was gunned down out at his ranch while there to pay his workers. I guess another doc...doc susan (sp?) was with him so she witnessed this. They don't have any suspects as of yet from what I read. There are probably other links on here you can read about it. I pray comfort and peace for his family during this shocking time. Kari: Girl, your schedule makes me tired!! I'm also going to be working some in the next weeks to relieve people who are taking vacation during the holidays and make some money to help pay for the cruise and we plan on going to Michigan to see my family after Christmas. My dad is now on hospice as the last treament of chemo did nothing for the adrenal gland tumor (it actually doubled in size) and he also still has tumors in brain and probably in other areas of his body, too. Thankfully, he has not experienced any pain really. Anyway, I will always have on messenger and "look" for you online, just in case you get a spare moment....lol...especially this time of year. Well, better get going for now. Time to do carpool....6:30 am...yes...crazy!!!

Hey Everyone!! I'm back from the cruise!! Had a great time, enjoyed wonderful food, including desserts, and weighed this morning thinking I would be in trouble and guess what?? I only gained 1 lb. Now, some of you may be thinking why would I be happy with that? I'm happy cuz I deserve to gain more....LOL!! But, my "handy bandy" helped me to keep the quantity down, while I enjoyed the quality. I also know that I need a fill, although I still have some light restriction. The cruise went well and I swam with a dolphin in Cozumel! It was wonderful. The weather on the ship was a little cold but they had a solarium with a pool and 2 hot tubs. The last night we went dancing and had fun, although the ship was moving so much from the waves/weather that we were having to keep our balance. We actually looked like we had a few too many trying to dance and walk on Sunday night! This trip was not just about FOOD, which again, is thanks to my "handy bandy". It's great to see everyone's updates: Steph: YOU GO GIRL!! Chris: Looking fine....but one thing....SHOW US YOUR SMILE!! You got something to smile about and we are all smiling with you! Kari: I miss you on chat!! Everyone else: I couldn't wait to check the July group. Welcome to our newcomers and those who have been "gone" for awhile. I may post one of my pics on here from the cruise. It felt so good to have on formal clothes and actually feel SEXY!! I'm gonna be dangerous when I get to goal which of course will be awhile!! LOL!!

Well hey everyone!! I am getting ready to go on a cruise with 15 other ladies. We are leaving either tomorrow night or Thursday morning, depending on this crazy Texas weather. Supposed to be getting rain, cold front, and it may be icey. We are all pumped to go. My weight hasn't moved much, but I'm okay with that for now. I know that it will come off slowly and will just keep on keeping on!! With the holiday season now upon us, we'll all be tempted to eat those goodies. Let's help each other with encouragement and ideas to be "samplers" once in awhile and not "indulgers" every day!! I like sweets so this is a challenge for me. Take care and BON VOYAGE!!!

Sherrijo: Didn't know you were in the hospital. Glad you are home now. Take care of yourself and be sure and get that nutrition in even if you are not really hungry and Get well! Never had kidney stones and don't want them from what I've heard. Take care of yourself!! Indianlight: Congrats on the NSV's. Both of those are reasons to celebrate, but especially what your doctor had to say!! Proud of you and hope to hear that the doc becomes HISTORY when you go back! Well, the scale has moved finally and I'm down another 1-2 lbs. Yippee!! Not sure that I will have 20 off by Christmas but if I can get at least 5 off, I'll be happy. Anything else will be my Christmas present...lol!! I am recognizing that sweets are my biggest downfall and that I must avoid eating too many. This is what I've done this past week and it's working. Okay, tomorrow is "stuff the turkey, stuff yourself day" but not for us bandsters! With the help of our band, we will enjoy the food but not be a stuffed turkey!! Have a good one and GIVE THANKS!!

Hi everyone! Great to see the posts! Beth, sorry to hear about your dog. My two are special to me, so I sympathize with you. Well, I've lost some more inches! I'm not down much more weight wise, but I measured today and have lost a total of almost 46 inches from neck to feet. That is an increase of about 5 inches from last month, with it starting to leave my hips and some of the "junk in the trunk" is leaving as well. I knew I was smaller and even had someone at church tell me I needed new clothes today! But, I don't want to stay at this size, so I need to find some good resale shops around here. She also said it looks like I've lost more than 38 lbs. So, that tells me that MEASUREMENTS are very important. If you haven't taken them yet, I would highly recommend this. The scale can be deceiving as both Stephanie and Indianlight can attest to by the compliments and surprise about weight they received from those around them. If you think about this, we all started out lugging around an extra 50-200 lbs. of extra weight. This had to cause our muscles to increase to do this work. MUSCLE WEIGHS MORE THAN FAT! So, even when we aren't seeing big movements in weight for awhile, the inches may be coming off...which I can attest to for the past 3-4 weeks. I am getting ready for a cruise I'll be going on Nov. 30 for 4 nights in the Caribbean, stopping in Cozumel. There are 15 crazy gals, like me going! I'm going to swim with the dolphins, too! I plan on enjoying good food (but not too much), exercising and having a blast with the group. We are gonna ROCK THAT BOAT!! I was thinking how much fun it would be for all of us to plan something down the road when we get closer to or at our goals! We could celebrate with a weekend get together someplace fun, a cruise, or a party! I know we all live in different areas of the country, but if we planned it far enough ahead and looked into keeping costs down, wouldn't that be fun? All of us gals and guy(s) (Chris...are you in?..lol) and spouses or significant others, too, if that's what's decided. Something to think about July bandsters! I am proud of all of you and of myself for the progress that's happening. We are all smaller and healthier than 4 mos. ago!! Let's keep it up!! Ya'll have become my friends and support system in this and I appreciate you! Since this is Thanksgiving week, I guess ya'll are on my list for what I'm thankful for, along with so many other blessings in my life!! God bless your week and Thanksgiving Day!

Congratulations Chris for reaching the 100 lb. mark!! Kari, Congrats on 30! Stefani, glad to hear from you and that you are moving right along with the weightloss, too!! Maybe this will "move" me from my plateu. No, I don't need a fill, I just have to quit eating JUNK!! Keep going guys! I can't wait to reach onederland! I still have around 26-28 lbs to get there. I know I can do it!! Charlie: I do know people who cannot tolerate cold drinks. One of them is the patient advocate who helped me with my surgery in Mexico. She does not do "cold" at all. So, I think this is common. I can do it okay, myself. Hey, you are doing GREAT, also and will be at goal soon! Keep it up!

lcain25: I DEFINITELY think you should tell your doctor. I don't think you should get another fill, but leave that up to your doctor. You can still do well even being pregnant. You didn't say anything about restriction, but from what I've read before, people either quit getting fills or even have fluid removed. You want to make sure that the baby and you will be getting the nutrition that you need. It will be important for you doctor to know and for you to have guidance on how many calories, etc. that you NEED...not want...I know that when I had my kids I felt like it have me a license to eat, eat, eat and that wasn't good. I gained most of my weight due to this and having 3 in a row. So, get the guidance you need and take care of yourself and baby!! You will do great!!

Indianlight: You are doing FANTASTIC!! I think that at this point in your weightloss 2 lbs. a week is still a good weightloss. Remember, losing it at a consistent pace will help with the excess skin, etc. The average weightloss with the band is 1-2 lbs. a week. If you are getting adequate protein, drinking your water, and doing everything right and start getting HUNGRY between meals or able to really eat at a meal and your weightloss stops, then I would get a fill. At this point, you seem to be doing fine. Well, yesterday was a better day for me! I kept my sweet tooth under control I've been struggling with SWEETS. Anyone else? I had some sugar free jello pudding to help with that.

KARI: YIPPEE!!! I'm so excited for you!! I miss chatting with you!! This may help to encourage me to become a LOSER again. Kind of staying steady around 38 lbs. off. Up a couple, then down a couple. EEK!! I need to get back on the bandwagon and get moving!! Well, everyone!! Time to sign off for the night!! TAke care and let's just be LOOOOOSSSSSEEERRRRSSS together!! Love ya'll!!

Hey, just checking in here. Had a beautiful day up here in northern Michigan. I went for a 40 minute walk this afternoon. Thought I could use some exercise while I'm away from home. Had pizza tonight and could only eat a slice and started a second and well, I knew that was it. I am a licensed physical therapist assistant and do homehealth care, and work part time in a rehab hospital and will start some work in a nursing home when I get back. I have 3 kids, daughter 16, son 15, son 13 and an exchange student daughter who is 16...So I HAVE 4 TEENAGERS living with me.....HELP!!! (Just kidding...they're great, really!!)

Hey ya'll!! I made it to Michigan. My dad looks pretty good for all he's been/going through. Left my house at 4:00 am!! Jane: Way to go girl!! I was wondering where you've been. I am still doing my 2x a week workout in the mornings, tai chi, boxing, etc. and yesterday I went for a walk while my son had drum lessons. Figured, I would make use of the 30 minutes in a positive way. Beth: Take care of yourself. If you keep having problems, go to your doc or try liquids for a few days to give your tummy a rest. Kari: Thanks for the well wishes. It's soooo COLD here!! My dad suggested going to a football game, but under 30 degrees sitting outside watching a game is NOT too appealing. My cousin is the local coach and they have a great team this year. Who knows, maybe I'll bundle up in a snowmobile suit (lol) and head out. Take care everyone!!