ready2bthin

Hey everyone!! So glad to see the pic. Richard, can you email it to my account if you saved my email address? I would surely appreciate it!! Maybe you could identify who is who, also. I'm supposed to be flying home Wednesday, but I will see what happens. I can change my ticket with no extra charge due to the nature of my visit. Of course, my hubby and 4 teenagers miss me (at least I hope they do...a little...lol) and I know my 2 dogs do (for sure...lol), so I won't stay too long. I saw my dad who is 3 hours north of where my nephew is and he is declining day by day due to cancer. My nephew had a rough weekend, as far as he wasn't as alert, sleeping a lot, but today showed that he is understanding more and physically able to do more, too. They will be evaluating him for a rehab hospital tomorrow where he will hopefully go and get lots of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Take care everyone and will "stop in" again soon!!!

Hey guys, Glad everyone had a great time at the first Denton dinner!! Wish I could've been there, but will certainly be there next month, unless I'm called out of state again. My dad is on hospice due to cancer, so I may have to travel again at some point. I actually left the hospital where my nephew is to come up and see my parents. I will return to the hospital today or tomorrow. My nephew is improving, but he is still "waking up" and doesn't really know what has happened. He will be in intensive speech therapy, physical therapy (which I do), and occupational therapy to help him recover. Thanks again for everyone who is praying for Brian.

Thanks everyone for praying. Those prayers are working! I'm so thanking God! Brian has woke up and is talking. He is talking slow and having some problems getting words out, but he recognizes people, laughed, asked for a drink of water, and is moving his hands and legs on command. This is a MIRACLE according to the nurse. Please keep praying that he would have TOTAL AND COMPLETE HEALING OF HIS HEART AND BRAIN. So, far they do not know why his heart stopped. He lacked full oxygen to his brain, although 2 gals found him and began cpr on him at the gym. For anyone who would like to see the news video concerning this, you can go to this link: www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=112572 "Strangers rush to help collapsed student" We all teared up watching this. We do believe the Lord provided for these gals to help resuscitate Brian! Keep praying!!

Hey guys! Just checking in from Michigan where it's been snowing all day and in the low teens. Just spoke with Richard and he said that it is not slick in Denton and not supposed to be. It's snowing but so far all is well. Maybe the "bad stuff" is staying up north of Denton by you Cindy....sorry....check weather/traffic report everyone and BE CAREFUL!! My nephew has woken up and is slowly talking and starting to recognize people. He said my name loud and clear...probably the clearest of anything he has said. I'm happy about that!! Please keep praying that he will recover TOTALLY and have full function of his brain. Still don't know why his heart stopped. Tests not showing anything. You can look at a video regarding the 2 gals who found him and did cpr on this link: www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=112572 "Strangers rush to help collapsed student" Have fun at the dinner without me!!

Cindy: I left you a private message, but forgot to tell you the number of people coming. Honestly, I don't know exactly, but am thinking around 10 give or take a few. Billy, the manager is very nice and expecting ya'll!! So, everyone, have fun!! My nephew is holding on and in God's hands. We are praying for a total healing of his body. If you believe in the power of prayer, pray with us for Brian!! Thanks!!

Jane: I haven't been that successful, but it's difficult to tell. I probably won't make the 10 lbs. but will hopefully have at least 5 off. I will be out of pocket for a few days as I will be flying up to Michigan Wed. am due to a medical emergency. My nephew who is 21 and seemingly in fine health, collapsed at college in the weight room, and had to be given CPR. He was taken to a hospital and then air flighted to a larger hospital with a specialized Cardiac hospital attached. He is holding on for life and in a medical coma. They are unsure how long has brain didn't receive oxygen due to the Heart attack (don't know why he had the heart attack, etc....no history). We are praying that he will recover with NO BRAIN DAMAGE. Please, if you believe in prayer, pray with us for BRIAN and for my sister, JANET and her husband ARNOLD who are his parents. Thank you!! I'll let you know when I get back what happens. I will also hopefully see my dad, who continues to get weaker with cancer raging through his brain/body...my parents live about 3 hours from where my nephew is in the hospital.

Hey everyone: We had a medical emergency in my family and I will be flying to Michigan tomorrow (Wed. morning). My sister's son, who is 21 collapsed while exercising and is in a heart unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have stabilized his heart (don't know why this happened) but are concerned about brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Therefore, I will not be at the Denton Bandster Dinner on Thursday night, but Richard, a newbie bandster will be there, along with others. Just go in and ask/look for the Denton bandsters. Ya'll can discuss things, get to know each other and plan on time for next month. I'm sorry that I will miss this first one that I organized, but my family needs me and I need to be with them. Have fun!!

REMINDER: Denton Bandster Dinner is this Thursday, Feb. 1 from 6:30-8:30/9:00 at Jason's Deli in Denton (across from Golden Triangle Mall). I'll post another reminder on Wed. night!! Hope to see ya'll there!!

Time2live: Good for you! I hope to say that soon..like in the next few days!! Paula: Glad the post encouraged you. Look forward to hearing about the VICTORIES...scale and nonscale!!

Hey guys!! Just wanted to remind you that it's not "this Thursday" but on Feb. 1...next Thursday at Jason's!! Don't want anyone showing up and wondering where we all are!! So, I guess everyone's excited about meeting! I know I am and have put the word out everywhere I can think of. I'll also post a reminder next Tuesday/Wednesday.

Edie: Wow!! You've done amazing...keep it up!! Glad to see you post. Ruthie: Glad to see you post and your new challenge for yourself. I got my 2nd fill last week and I'm a bit nervous about it, as the technique used was different than Dr. Rod. He put in 1.0 cc added to my .7 cc for a total of 1.7 cc (I think). Hopefully, this will help me get restarted in weightloss and reach my goal for V-Day!! Well, have a great week everyone!! Keep posting!

Look forward to meet you Richard!! I have my new pic on here now, so you should recognize me! Well, except for the sunglasses...lol!!

Although, Dr. Ortiz was not my surgeon, I considered him as one of my choices. I live in TX so I went with someone closer and am very pleased. There are many factors to consider: cost (is it an issue), experience (Dr. Ortiz has a lot of experience), etc. I'm part of a yahoo group called mexicanbandsters where you will hear a lot about different doctors in Mexico. You may want to join there and get some input.

Susan: Although I don't have this (my port is more in the middle...above belly button), I have read about people experiencing this. Not sure if it's on this site or on dfwbandsters (yahoo group). You could do a search on here or go to yahoo and join the dfwbandster group (we have people from all over on this group). Then do a search there. If you don't find anything, post. That group is very helpful and has some longerterm bandsters (7 years maybe). Let us know when you get some info. May help others.

Joan, We'll be sure to always post about meeting times/places, so you can join us at the next one! I'm right with you on needing the support!

Okay everyone, time to evaluate if we are "working with our bands" to achieve the 1-2 lb. a week weightloss that is expected with the band. Now, I know that some have lost more, especially at first. But, we did not get "the other" surgery and the band is a tool for losing and keeping it off. I like what Barbara (pt. advocate) always says, "The band is not around our heads"....lol!!! Here's a list that I found in my information and I think it would be worth it to go through and be honest with ourselves whether we are eating/drinking like bandsters or going back to old ways (I know that I've been guilty of this over the past month or so) 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day or the correct amount for YOUR body? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid non nourishing calories a. soup can be a sign of "soft calorie syndrome" b. alcohol contains a lot of empty calories...7 per gram (also a stomach irritant and can contribute to erosion) c. fruit juice is sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. are you avoiding soft foods...can't eat just what's easy (I think I do that sometimes) b. cheese is glorified fat (Yeah, I like cheese too) 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day BETWEEN meals? 6. Are you eating 3 meals a day (with maybe 1-2 snacks) 7. Are you sitting down when you eat? 8. Are you eating consciously? (No distractions like t.v., books, newspapers...pay attention to the food and your companion(s). 9. Are you eating slowly? a. putting the fork down between bites b. 20-30 minutes to eat the meal (longer and your pouch may begin emptying) 10. Are you taking small bites? (Okay, I know that I don't at times and have suffered the consequences, along with eating too fast, etc.) 11. Are you chewing well? 12. Are you drinking with your meals? If you are well hydrated from drinking water between meals, you won't be thirsty during the meal. a. Wait at least 90 minutes after a meal to begin drinking again. 13. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? Sometimes that's just a whisper that you aren't hungry, had enough...do not looked for a "stuffed" feeling or pain. 14. Do not eat between meals...stop grazing (I admit it...I've been grazing) 15. Don't eat when you're not hungry!! 16. Last but not least, do you need an activity adjustment, like exercise or adding more steps into your day, more activity, etc.? Okay, this is a long post I know, but I hope that it will help those of us who have begun to struggle a bit. WE CAN DO THIS JULY BANDSTERS!! But, for me, it starts with HONEST SELF EVALUATION!! LOVE AND HUGS BACK TO YOU...SOME OF MY BIGGEST SUPPORTERS!!

Same thing has happened to me!! Hope it gets taken care of!!

So glad to hear you'll be there, Missy! I spoke with the manager at Jason's and he is very receptive to our group...5 or 25...whatever number of people show up. I figure that they have soups, tuna/chicken salad, cottage cheese, and then other food for those past the liquid/mushy stage. I'm excited about having something closer

There is a gal that posts on the dfwbandsters (it's a yahoo group opened to anyone/anywhere) who lives in India. Her name is Heather. That's all I know. Didn't get to meet her when she was here (they met for a lunch), but if you post I'm sure she will respond or her mom-in-law will. Hope this helps.

At the time I had surgery, there was an internet special of $7,000, which included the two nights of hotel stays, travel from San Antonio and back, surgery, night in hospital, medications, etc. This special did require having surgery on certain days of the week, from what I remember. My husband and I were able to get flights on Southwest for around $100 each, roundtrip, from Dallas. So, with our air travel, about $7,200.00. We stayed in Del Rio, TX the night before surgery, then in the morning, Dr. Rod's assistant drove us over the border to the hospital. We then spent a night at the hospital (fold out sofa like bed for my husband). The next day, Barbara drove us back to San Antonio, where we stayed in a hotel. The following day, we took a shuttle to the airport and flew home to the Dallas area. Oh, the night before surgery, we went into Mexico and had our "last supper" (at least for awhile since we would be on liquids for 2 weeks...lol). Dr. Rod prefers that one does not travel too far the day after surgery, and that's why it is set up to stay in San Antonio another night. Hope this helps.

Tired old man: I was commenting on the hearings from a couple years ago when she was being confirmed. (can't seem to remember why she was put in front of this "committee" but in this case, it was one particular dem senator that was trying to beat her down....she won) I didn't see the recent hearings, so I can't comment on that. I will still state my opinion that she is an intelligent, classy woman.

Some doctors don't even require a pre-op diet. My doctor required me to go on a low fat/low carb diet 2 weeks prior to surgery to try and shrink some of the fat out of my liver. It makes the surgery easier, so I've been told. I did this in a loose manner and lost about 3 lbs. prior to surgery. All went well and my surgery was fast with no complicatons. Basically, I ate sensibly and cut most of my bread/sweets out...notice...I said "most". Doesn't sound like you went overboard, so don't sweat it and continue on. Tomorrow is a new day.

Beth: I find that "junk" like chips, cookies, and stuff like that are crumbly and go right down. With the meats, etc., I have to take very small bites and chew, chew, chew. I cannot eat scrambled eggs at all anymore. I tried an omlette on the cruise and couldn't do it. I can eat fried, poached, or boiled eggs, just not scrambled. I tend to get lazy and not want to chew up my meat, etc. or I'm hungry (maybe due to eating junk) and eat too fast. Try slowing down and really chewing and be sure you are not trying to eat too much at one sitting. The meat, vegetables and healthy stuff will fill your pouch and not just go through. I can also drink soda, but choose not to. I do think the air affects me. Hope all this makes sense.

I feel the exact same way that Cindy does. I would vote for a woman, whatever color/race she is, or a man, whatever color/race he is, depending on their views. As a matter-of-fact, when I saw Condi Rice take on those Senators in her confirmation hearings (think that's where it was), she intellectually ran circles around those guys. I remember cheering at the t.v. What an intelligent, classy lady! Condi for President!!

BANDSTER DINNER/SUPPORT GROUP IN DENTON We will be meeting at Jason's Deli on Loop 288 for a support dinner on Thursday, February 1 at from 6:30-8:30. Spouses/Significant others are welcome to come, as well as those who are not banded yet. Jason's is located across from the mall, near Loop 288/35. We will discuss future meeting times/places. They have soups, mushies and regular food, so all will be able to eat. Any questions, feel free to ask either on here or in a private message. Can't wait to meet ya'll!! Pass the word along!!