ladykcusa

Thanks, Karen. You keep teaching us, the newly banded. Love your comparison to "new baby". My hubby is very supportive, however, being an integral part of life, his life is also changing. It's all good - just different.

Not sappy at all. I have veneers on my two front teeth on the top. Enamel was wearing thin with age. I love them. I was able to swallow the 4 antibiotics and decided to drink a shake with them. Was unable to hold down the whole shake - oh well. Meds on rather empty stomach was not a good idea - but I have learning curve to blame. Had no idea to space dental appt away from fill appt. These boards help so many - perhaps my error will help someone else. Time to go.

Drive by post for me too. Have dental appt today which should NOT have been day after fill. Need to take 4 antibiotics b/4 appt - will mix with applesauce and eat. Janet - doctor wants us on clear liquids for 24 hrs. and soft foods next 24 (after fill) then return to regular diet. Experiencing some loose bowels today - is that normal after a fill???

Way to go Arlene. You are really focused and it is paying off. Laura - Love the pictures from the plane and seeing the hospital. Also your smiling face and sweet, handsome Nelson. Cheri - Always enjoy learning from your messages. You feed me helpful information. Julie - good luck to Mimi tomorrow and strength and prayers for DD and family as they watch her thru the surgery (and you). Karen - nice to hear you so up-beat again. Some normal days to enjoy. Today was the first fill - a NON event. Why is it human nature to worry about new procedures? Oh well...

Laura - so sorry your Dad was upset with you. Your intentions were very good & I'm sorry he upset you. Don't worry about not eating perfectly. Your parents are in a very stressful chapter of their lives and their issues make life difficult for you also. It is easy to see what a loving daughter you are. They are very lucky to have you.

Janet - love the FB compliment. You deserve it with all the hard work you did to achieve success and maintain it. You looked like a model in that gorgeous outfit. Your avatar is also very attractive. Not wrinkled at all - attractive. Funny how the little voice in our heads wants us to feel "less than"..... Karen - our daughter lived in Santa Barbara for a couple years. I love, love the airport there - so little and charming. And I adore Santa Barbara. I could never afford to live there - but it is great to visit. If DS moves there, and if you visit and would be interested, I'd love to meet you there. Will give me something to dream about tonight. I'm little afraid - the first fill is tomorrow - but I know I need it with no weight loss since March 10th. It still amazes me that the 18 lb. lost has remained gone. yippee However I'm only 7 lbs. from onederland and I'm very anxious to see those numbers again. Not since 2007. It WILL happen.

Mom-when will you have your band replaced?

Jason - I had NO PAIN. Also no gas pain. I'm 6 weeks post surgery and have NOT had a stuck episode. 3 days after surgery I had a bit of anxiety. What will I be able to eat??? But, day by day, as I followed instructions, everything went well. The anxiety only lasted for one day and has not returned. Each day gets easier. Try not to worry over time. Follow instructions from your physician and welcome the band into your body.

Thanks, Janet - now I'll try to attach my Gizmo's pix.

Jason - have you met with a therapist about your decision? Many of us took advantage of a professional to counsel us before surgery. Secondly, do you have a friend or family member who has the band who might sit down with you and discuss their experiences? This is a very important choice. Each of us had similar reservations about surgery before the date. For me, seeing all the success on the boards and thru friends and family, helped me to decide that surgery was right for me. For me, the alternative (not having surgery) would open the door for significant health issues in my future. Good luck making your final decision. Joyce

Laura - sorry Dad was having a bad day. They are blessed to have a loving daughter (you) and handsome GS. Sorry your SIL is a B----. Probably jealous. Apples - deep sigh of relief. So happy DS is improving and that dear friends were there to support you and him. We were all praying and holding our breath. I had a very intereseting day - I was summoned for jury duty. 120 possible jurors were called to fill 12 places plus 4 alternates. Poor use of tax $$$ even at $10 a day per juror. I spent 6 hours sitting in court and was NOT selected (draw lots). The trial will last approx. 10 days and was a young man charged with kidnapping, murder, & robbery. Would have been very interesting to watch our judicial system at work. On topic - I was concerned what I would find for lunch. But - had a 4 oz chicken breast and cottage cheese. Each day as I find how to handle food in different situations, makes me stronger. I'm making great choices, but the amounts are increasing. Fill on Wednesday is needed. However, the scale is remaining steady, and for that, I'm thankful. Joyce

Eva - love your eggs and eye - very creative. Phyll - your classmates and you look like a great time was had by all. Love the golf cart too.

I'm doing well - looking forward to my first fill on Wednesday.

jojo - On the third day post surgery, I also asked myself - what the heck did I do to myself. It is normal. Once you settle in and begin healing, you will remember exactly why you made this choice. This is the beginning of our journey to health and self-confidence. Welcome to this very supportive group of women. Joyce in Kansas City

Janet - your Angel looks like my Gizmo - 11 lb. maltipoo don't know how to attach pix yet. Giz is 1 1/2 yrs. old

Kendra - How are you doing? Hope you are doing better each day. Thinking of you. Joyce

Julie- sorry about the snow and loss of power. You & your DH are such wonderful church members and do so much. Such a busy lady and able to manage pain too. Congratulations on DD announcement. I agree that we shall hope he is the right one to treat here with love and respect and that they can parent each other's children with the same love. The counseling will help. Happy Easter to all. Joyce

Karen - sending prayers and glad you will be leaving to be with DS. Nothing comforts as well as MOM.

Jewell - congrats on 40 lb loss. Your brother will be so proud and surprised. Way to go. Joyce

Love the sunrise pix - Phyl - I NEVER see them either - I'm a night girl. Apples - sorry about the 20 yr struggle with stones. Even tho you passed it on to sons, you will have lots of experience to make the journey easier for them with advice. Have a great weekend. Joyce

Congratulations, Kendra. 25 lb loss is wonderful. Remember to chew, chew, & chew. Have a nice time with your grandmother. Joyce

Laura - Nelson looks like such a good little boy and so happy. He is lucky to have such loving parents. Sending wishes for a lovely visit with your folks and Easter dinner. Janet - WOW did I ever love the letter you suggested for Melissa. Powerful. Julie - I agree, we want to see our children happy. The trends today of tattos and piercing (and clothes) are difficult for us to appreciate. Hope they do take their time and take it slow. Had PT this a.m. and it is a gloomy rainey day in K.C. I'm meeting another bander today for coffee and sharing experiences. Happy Easter to all.

Melissa - so sorry you had a "detour". I loved Lori's comments - remember why you started this journey. I remember some of mine - can't pull my boots on - too much stomach in the way - even outgrowing coats and bras - yuk - always afraid I'd be fattest in the room - can't wear any of my clothes - HATE shopping. Living life with guilt and shame. Others have been successful and you & I can too. I had lunch today with young man who had surgery for the band same day as I did. It was delightful. Then went to nutrition class tonight. Only 5 banders there and the same (very dull) dietitian who led group last month. I won't go again. Same info as last month and a waste of time - EXCEPT I met another new gal (teacher) and exchanged e-mail addresses. Also took all the baby food I bought before surgery and gave to friend who will pass it on to someone with a baby. I tried two jars and hated it. PT in the morning and I did my exercises here at home today.

Sharon - great to hear the fill was a breeze. I have my first one next Wednesday. Here's to success for all of us.

Way to go Arlene. Well done, lady. Laura - enjoy your trip to see your parents - hope you get Dad out on the boat. Anxious to hear from Julie. DJD - dengenerative joint disease - PT said it is the same as arthritis. Surgeon does NOT feel surgery is necessary for another 5 to 10 years and agreed with me that physical therapy would get me back on track. Three days a week for 6 weeks will make me a new gal. The staff worked with me to rehab my knee last year and I enjoy all of them. Welcome to Debbee - lots of great information here from great ladies.