ready2bthin

Just happen to pop in here and read this. I'm sorry for those of you who have been refused due to your BMI being too high. On our previous insurance, they did not cover lapband for anyone, but would cover bypass in certain situations. Well, that was not an option for me and I probably wouldn't have been covered anyway. So, as you can see I went to Mexico. The gal who assists my doctor with patients (she was my contact and drove us there from San Antonio) was an over 50 BMI and chose Dr. Rod as she knew he had experience with these patients (as I'm sure many others do as well). So, if you don't get anywhere with your insurance (do all you can), you may want to consider Mexico or self pay in the states. There are many competent docs in Mexico and in the states. Some in the states are now lowering their prices (I would just be sure they are very experienced lapband doctors). Mexico is still less expensive if you are open to that....($7,000-12,000). I wish you the best in the journey of weightloss whatever you decide to do. I am very thankful that I did go ahead and get the lapband. Each one's decision is just that...individual. (lapband vs. bypass.....US vs. Mexico).

Sherri Jo: First of all, you have done FABULOUS!! It was bound to slow down some from the beginning weightloss. And the inches you've lost/sizes you've lost are something to celebrate. So, don't beat yourself up!! CELEBRATE (just not with goodies)!! It sounds like you may be on a plateau here, which I believe is normal. It happened to me in Dec./Jan. then all of a sudden I lost some more. Since then, I can honestly say that I haven't eaten right. But, even though I haven't seen any weightloss, I have continued to shrink some in inches and I think it's due to my skin catching up. I don't know medially if that's what happens, it just seems as though I look smaller (I am smaller), but the weight is the same. I know that I don't have good restriction, but that doesn't seem to be the issue with you. So, I would just be sure to eat that protein (as you stated in an earlier post) and your green vegetable, then anything else if you can eat anymore, which it doesn't sound like you can). You may need to supplement your protein with a shake if you are not getting in enough. Doesn't sound like you are feeding your body enough calories so maybe there is something to that "starving the body" deal. Remember, we don't want to lose muscle when we lose, but fat. Muscle weighs more than fat. All of us have a lot of muscle as we've carried around all that extra weight. These are just some things I'm throwing out there. I know that Barbara (Dr. Rod's assistant) has stressed so much with me NOT to go by weight but how I feel, size, measurement, etc. due to the muscle thing. She also stressed that I may not end up at the same weight that I was in the past due to this. I may be heavier in weight but get to the appropriate size. Does this make sense? Maybe you need to move that scale out to the garage and just quit getting on it. Keep track of your protein and food choices. Make sure you aren't getting in extra liquid or soft calories (as Kari talked about) and just RELAX!! The band was not a mistake. You've done well. It's so easy to try and compare ourselves with others. There are some on here that have lost extremely fast and large amounts. We are not all the same. (I'm reminding myself of this right now too). We are different ages, reached obesity in different ways, different metabolisms, etc. Remember the band is a tool and the typical weightloss promised with the band is something like 1-2 lbs. a week (that would be 4 lbs. a month- 8 lbs. a month). If you've been on pain meds and need them, I think you should take them. I don't know how they affect your weight, but if you can't move due to pain, that certainly isn't going to help you any. You can always talk to your doctor and read up on any side effects of the medicines you're on. But, you were on these previously, I'm thinking, so that shouldn't be hindering anything. I think the "slow down" is normal and we just need to remember that the band is to help us lose the weight and keep it off. I've always thought that it would be 1-2 years for me to get it off (approximately 115 lbs.). I have a goal of being under 200 lbs. by my bandiversary date of 7-28-07. Will this happen? Time will tell. But, I must do my part, too, and be patient. Our bodies are readjusting now, too. I have a feeling that my metabolism is going to get messed up if I don't make sure I'm eating properly and getting in my protein. I refuse to look at this as a "diet". The band is a lifestyle change. Since I've been struggling, I'm seriously thinking about getting some counseling or going through some inner healing ministry through my church. With my dad passing away and some other family issues, I just may need to address these in working with my band. Since I went to Mexico, I didn't need any type of eval for behavioral stuff. Well, I've been on enough boards to see that counseling can be a big help in dealing with stress and reasons for overeating to begin with. I've seen that many have gone to counseling or are going to deal with "life". Whatever it takes for me to be healthy, I need to do. Well, I've written a book here and guess I needed to get some of my own feelings out here, too. Sherri Jo, I hope you've gotten your medication by now and feeling better. I hope and pray that you are encouraged by what I've written. I'm just a fellow bandster that has struggled at times, too, so remember, we are here for one another and this is a journey, not just a trip...!! (Boy, didn't know I was so wise, especially after not knowing who Aunt Flo was)

Okay, I was thinking "Aunt Flo" was a real person until I just read Beach girl's post. ROFL!! I am so CLUELESS at times you guys!! I think I need serious help...LOL!!

I'm so excited to see you "back" Kari!! Will look forward to your weekly posts (I'm holding you accountable girlfriend...lol). I think it would be good for all of us to try and post at least once a week? What do ya'll think? I mean, we can't make you or anything, but I bet it will help us all get "jumpstarted" (that is if you need that). We didn't have any major storm damage here but there was flooding in Denton that was pretty bad last night (I'm sure you saw that Beth). We also had a tornado about 2-3 miles from my house that damaged a restaurant out here (Villa Grande). Edie, I'm getting on my stationary bike today. It's a fancy one with different programs that I've had awhile (due to my knee surgeries). So, I should be able to get my heart rate up. Can't wait till it's warm enough to jump in my pool and really work on my arms, etc. It's a new day today!!! Thank you Lord!!

Hurrah for you Stephanie!! You are doing AWESOME!! I am jealous but in a good way as I know that I'm getting somewhere too, just at a slower pace due to my restriction level (only have 1.0 cc in my band which holds 4-5 cc...it's the 9.75 cm band) and due to what I'm putting in my mouth. I'm excited to get my next fill, which will be with Dr. Stephanie (good name, huh?) in Bryan TX. She was banded by Dr. Sanchez in Mexico and does fills on Saturdays. It's a drive for me, but she helped me out before and I like her and her technique (it's like Dr. Rod's). Anyways, I have a goal of being under 200 by my anniversary date in July!! To all of you who haven't posted but are "lurking" and maybe aren't doing so well, know that there are others in the same position (me for one) and I'm hoping that getting on LBT and some other sites will encourage me to get with it again!! We are here for each other. So, please stop in and share a bit!! Have a great evening ladies and gentleman!!! LOL!!

I wanted to reiterate that Six Flag rides are much smaller than Disney World. When I was at my heaviest and in a size 24 almost 26, I had some difficulty with Six Flag rides. They had a special seat on the Batman Ride for larger people and that helped but still tight. At WDW, I rode everything!!! I remember thinking that they designed their rides to fit larger people. I just went to WDW again in March and now that I'm down to a 16/18 (yayyy!!!), I didn't worry at all, remembering my past experience when I was heavier. I can also sit in an airplane seat much more comfortably now. I did have a slight scare on my last trip, as for some reason, the seat belt just barely fit. I had already gone on one way with no problems and then one leg back with no problems. It was a smaller jet and I don't know why, but the belt barely fit. I really had thought those days were over (stressing over the seat belt not fitting, asking for an extension). Next time, will be a breeze!! I LOVE MY BAND!!!

That is an awesome worship song and it's so encouraging to see this young girl belt out a song of love to the Lord!!

For this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. His mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness O Lord!! The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever! I will sing!! He is wonderful, He is worthy, He is who He says He is...He is the great I AM!! Jesus, you are the lover of our souls, and we so thank you that you have provided us the way to eternal life and life abundantly now. You are the resurrection and the life and he who believes in you will never die. Thank you Lord!! Okay, time to get ready to join with my local church family and the rest of the world (at least those who are awake at this time) to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords!! Have a good one, all!!

NJChick: I just posted that video on my myspace!! I really liked it!! Awesome!! 396Power: Glad your sugery went well!! Welcome to bandland!! Follow your doc's orders and see how you shrink...lol!!!

For anyone wanting facts on life and on abortion, there is a website that has a ton of information. It's www.lifedynamics.com. For anyone who has had an abortion and is experiencing guilt, remorse, sadness, depression, etc., please know that there is forgiveness, hope and healing. You do not have to live with this burden any longer. Feel free to private message me if you want to know more. I care and am willing to help.

Hey everyone!! I am a born again, filled with the Holy Spirit Christian who loves God and wants His love to flow through me to others. I am a work in progress, but I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me and that this work in me will continue on. He promises me this!! As a matter-of fact, we can all bank on these promises!! I hope that I can be an encouragement to all on this link. I went to a women's retreat this weekend and I'm definitely refreshed! I thank God for He is a good God who loves us lavishly!! And He is ALIVE!! He is RISEN!! I struggled for many years with the extra 100+ lbs. I prayed, I tried, I failed. I had some knee surgeries, a hysterectomy and it hit me that if I don't do something about this weight, I will die. Although, I know my eternal destination (Thank you Jesus), why would I want to continue to destroy what God has made? This is His temple. He lives in me through His Spirit. So, through prayer, research, and the leading of the Lord, I went to Mexico (insurance wouldn't pay) and had the band. I thank God for this "tool". It's not magic folks and if I don't cooperate with it, I won't be successful. But, it's a tool and has so far helped me to get off a great deal of weight. I still have some issues of turning to food at times with stress, etc. and eating junk. God wants me/us to turn to HIM!! This is a daily process and I know that "The joy of the Lord is my strength". I have a ways to go but I will be successful. God is who He says He is, I am who God says I am, and God has a plan for my life. I am a daughter of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!! May He be glorified in my life!! God bless all of you! Let's keep encouraging one another in the Lord!!

We meet the first Thursday night, so the next one will be on May 3 at Jason's Deli in Denton!! Please come!! We will have a great time!!

So sorry you missed the dinner. You would not believe what Richard did. You must come to the next one. I'm sure he will not disappoint us!!

I'll be there Richard!!!

Just wanted to add my congrats to Edie for reaching goal! Sounds like you are quite pleased, too!! It's fun buying new clothes. Although I'm not at goal, I had to get an entire summer wardrobe as my old clothes didn't fit. I went to CATO and I absolutely love that store. It has bigger sizes for my bigger bottom half and smaller for my top half. Next summer, I will be at goal, so I won't have that issue. I'm hoping to start a more consistent exercise program. Am thinking of joining Curves, again, if they have a special. I also am thinking I could just do some good ole walking and riding my exercise bike. It's just that my arms are quite flabby and maybe doing some machines would be good for them Take care!!

Joan, look forward to meeting you next Thursday! See you in at Jason's in Denton.

Well, guys, I will make it to the dinner next week. Hopefully all of you will, too!! I emailed Joy and she said she'd be there. I look forward to finally being able to come since I originally initiated it...lol!! Thanks Richard for carrying it through!! Hopefully, the drama in my life will subside for awhile so I can get back on the "band" wagon again...lol. See ya on Thursday!! All are welcome to join us, so Dixie, come on up to Denton next Thursday to Jason's Deli!!

Hey friends! Well, I'm in Florida now on vacation. We stopped in Pensacola and did the beach thing and then on to Destin to the beach and now north of Tampa. We are going to have some fun today and tomorrow swim with manatees!!! My friend describes them as big potatos with a little face...lol. I think it will be fun!! I'm doing okay on eating but did snack yesterday on some choco covered peanuts. They were good and I'm fine with it as my other intake was small and healthy. I hope to actually lose weight/inches on this trip. I brought my protein powder for mornings and just have a shake, then try to choose lean protein and veggies or fruit later. Donnamarie: Congrats!! You seem to be really going strong!! Sherrijo: Sorry about your problems with others. There are some who want their opinion heard but don't want to hear others. That's exciting about your daugher having another baby...I think it'll be fun to have a grandbaby. Of course, my daughter is only 17, so I'd like that to be in the future....and not too near either...lol. Well, i'll sign off for now. Hope to get a nice tan down here and cont. it back in TX. I'm careful with using sunscreen but I like a bit of a tan. I'll let you know how the swim with the manatees is. I can't wait.

Hey everyone Just wanted to drop by and say "hi". Can't remember if I posted this, but my dad went to be with the Lord on Feb. 21. I stayed in Michigan until March 5. Basically, I was in Michigan for almost the whole month of Michigan (with all the snow, too). Anyway, I gained a few which I figured I would as I was totally not bandster eating and ate a lot of chocolate too. Well, the good news is I'm back down and even a tad bit more. I'm on track again and am trying to deal with my stress and grief in a more controlled manner. Grief is tough though and this is the first time I've experienced it with someone this close to me. Time will help. We are taking a driving trip to Florida and leaving tonight, and I may try to check in. Chris: WOW!! I don't have any tips for you at all....I can use your tips!! I haven't implemented a consistent exercise program and I need to. You are doing so well. I am very proud of you!! Share with us some of the positive changes that have happened with you if you don't mind since your weightloss. Beth: Sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. That fresh air should help and I too have the "sweet tooth" but am trying to control how much. Trying to choose fresh fruit to help that, but I still need/want my chocolate...just a bit. Stephanie: You are almost at the 100 lb. loss!! Good for you!! I understand about the knees, too, as I've had 3 surgeries on one (someday I will need a new one, too, probably) and 1 on the other. Keep up the good work. Donna Marie: Great to see you posting and experiencing weightloss. You may want to measure, too, as I've seen more "shrinkage" in me than actual weightloss. Well, may check in later on my trip. Plan on swimming with manatees next Tuesday in The Crystal River. Can't wait!! Then on to Disney!! Should get a lot of walking in there.

Just thought I'd jump in here and add that I don't think it was a botched robbery. It was more like an ambush/assassanation from what I read. I guess we will never know unless the killers are caught. He wasn't my doctor, but I did go to another doc in Mexico and know several who used him.

Well, I will miss the 2nd official Denton dinner, too. Many of you know that my father passed away up in Michigan and I've been up here for 2 weeks. I was up here earlier in the month for a week, so I've been in Michigan for the worst of the winter weather. It's snowing and freezing rain is coming in, too. I will be back to TX Sunday night and really hope that I can make the next dinner. I was so looking forward to seeing Richard's bus, too!! Have fun without me....again!!

Hey friends, I haven't checked in lately because I've been in Michigan again with my family. My dad was declining badly and I flew up on Friday, the 16th. He rallied around on Saturday and even joked with me a couple times. Well, on Wednesday morning with my mom, 2 hospice nurses and me by his side, he went on to be with the Lord. It was very peaceful and I'm thankful for that. With this sad news, I will report that my 21 year old nephew who collapsed at college (his heart stopped) came home on Tuesday and he was able to attend the funeral on Saturday. He is doing well physically but has a ways to go concerning his thinking and memory processes. He improves daily and we are so thankful for that. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers concerning that situation. I haven't had much time to concentrate on bandster ways, but I'm doing okay. I know that in high stress times, one must just get through doing the best they can. That's me. My doc's assistant suggested that I may go on liquids if the stress causes me any discomfort. I haven't had to do that but have had that nagging shoulder pain a couple times. Overall, I'm just walking in the peace and comfort of the Lord. My hubby and kids will hopefully fly out tomorrow, but we are experiencing a winter storm here and they may get snowed in. I will stay on to be with my mom for some extra days. I'll try to check in again in a few days.

Edie: Looking at your weightloss, you have lost a tremendous amount of weight since banding....more than the normal amount predicted. Also, as we are closer to our goal, it gets tougher, so I'm told. So, hang in there. Jane: Thanks for the thoughts and words of encouragement. Although you are not going to hit 15, you did well on this challenge. I think we need to be realistic about our goals, and maybe mine of 10 and your's of 15 was a bit much. I mean, I'm not that close to my goal, but you are and as I said to Edie, the closer to goal, that more difficult it seems to be. But, you have done very well, and should be patting yourself on the back. TODAY IS A NEW DAY...right?? I just measured today and have gone from a total of 45.75 inches on Nov. 18 to 57.75 inches today, another 12 inches gone from this bod!!! Yippee!!!

We did have fun and I say....GO GREENBAY!!! LOL!!! Can't wait for the next dinner to meet ya'll!! (Thursday, March 1). Richard, you'll have to bring the "hippie bus" to one of these so we can all see this creation!! Have we sparked some interest here??

Hi everyone. I come to you with a heavy heart and feeling exhausted. So good to see Stefani check in and WOW...you are doing so well. That has helped inspire me along with the other Stephanie and Sherri, and Jane, Chris and our whole July gang!! I have a heavy heart due to just coming back from Michigan and supporting my sister, whose son had the heart attack and is now in a Rehab hospital to regain his mobility and his memory, speech, etc. He did have a lack of oxygen to the brain when he was getting cpr and had to be shocked. He is only 21 so he does have age on his side along with God!! It's a miracle that he even survived. He is talking some, but not always recognizing or making sense and his balance with walking (needs help) is not good. But, the Rehab will help him in these areas. Being that I'm a licensed Phys. Ther. Assistant I understand these things and helped my sister, too. But, my dad who has cancer is declining rapidly. I did visit with him, too, but the last couple days he's getting worse. He told me that he prayed that God would spare Brian's life and take him. Well, I think that his prayer is being answered. I don't want my dad to suffer long and he is comfortable now. With all these things, I tended to reach for chocolate. But, I still have lost another 2 lbs. I probably won't reach my goal of 10 lbs. by V-Day, but maybe will have at least 5 off. I'll be happy with that. I need another fill, but with all this stress, I will wait. So, thanks for being here for me and sharing your ups and downs. I do have the peace of the Lord with me as I go through this. I'm just emotionally a little worn down.