Leecelove70

Hi all! Well My MIL is still in alot pain but no major organs damaged as I mentioned yesterday. I had alot of fun yesterday picking out new linoleum for my apartment- it looks like wood so it gives the look of wooden floors. It should be installed sometime this week ! What a difference a weekend makes, here in New York this weekend its low 70's and beautiful, compared to the Nor-eater that destroyed my basement apartment carpets and some furniture last week. On the negative side my psychiatrist has changed my Bipolar medication once again ! The Depakote was not working that well so now he has me on Tegretol and I have to go back to him in two weeks to see if he wants to keep me on this new medication. I hate when my medication gets changed since these medications have side effects and weight gain is one of them. Its been so hard to say on track lately I go up and down. I have gone as far up as 240 and back down to 225 in one month. Righ now Iam at 235 but Iam not changing the ticker until I go see the Nurse NP. My cravings when on these medications have been Sweets! Iam trying not go over board, but its so dam hard:think ! I have to for my next appointment on April 25th but, Iam not looking foward to it since I have been really terrible with my eating over the past month! It been because of the continued medication changes and my depression. I was a Complusive Overeater before I had the surgery and Emotional eater. I turn to food for comfort, being in a depressed state from my Bipolar this month with the medication, I have been turning to my old food choices.:think Its so hard for me having Bipolar1 and having my band, but Iam trying the best I can to work through it all. Thanks to this board and my friends here, I know I can post my feelings and know Iam not alone ! Lisa

Just when the rugs finally were finally getting dry enough for them to be pulled up the new lenolium to be ordered( not sure itf it spelled right but its flooring!) MY MOTHER -IN LAW FELL AND BROKE HER PELIVIS! She and my father-in law were shopping in Targer and she just tripped --NOT ON ANYTHING -NO LAW SUIT!-She said she had on rubber sole shoes. She is also 81 years old but in good health! She told us she just she just tripped over her own feet. No organ wer damaged, just a clean break and she need rehabit , but she is in alot of pain! They are now full time residents of Hilton Head South Carolina after having a part-time house there for 20 years. Right now no surgery is needed, thank god. Its so hard to get decent airfare to fly down --we keep telling them why did you not go somewhere we can get to ! Lisa

REGINA: SOON, I HOPE YOU BOUNCE BACK TO YOUR OLD SELF REAL SOON! LOVE AND HUGS, LISA [/url]

Hi all! Ever since Regina posted that she has to have her Gall Bladder removed, it got me scared. So I started to look up information and wanted to share this with all of you .... Gall Bladder Pain Symptom List - Types of Pain Sporadic pains in the middle of the upper abdomen, or just below the ribs on the right side. The pain may spread to the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades. The pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and sometimes excessive wind. The attack can last from a few minutes to two to three hours before getting better. The frequency and severity of attacks is very variable. Attacks can be triggered by eating fatty foods such as chocolate, cheese or pastry. It can be difficult to distinguish the pain from other diseases, such as: gastric ulcer, back problems, heart pains, pneumonia and kidney stones. Gall Bladder Symptom 3 - Gall Stones Symptoms of Gall Stones may include: No Symptoms... Many people don't know they have gallstones. These "silent stones" are often found by accident from x-rays for other medical reasons. These stones may or may not require treatment. Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Indigestion Abdominal bloating Fatty food intolerance Biliary Colic Belching Gas Indigestion Certain symptoms indicate that there is a higher risk of danger and require immediate medical attention. These include: Fever Sweating Chills Jaundice Yellow eyes Yellow skin Persistent pain Clay-colored stools ("Light Colored Stools" or "Pale Stools") Gall Bladder Symptom 4 - Gall Bladder Atack Symptoms An acute gall bladder attack symptom can occur at any time, such as the night or after a fatty meal. A gallstone attack indicates that medical attention is required. A gallstone attack usually is marked by a steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen. Attacks may last only 20 or 30 minutes but more often they last for one to several hours. A gallstone attack may also cause pain in the back between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder and may cause nausea or vomiting. Attacks may be separated by weeks, months, or even years. Once a true attack occurs, subsequent attacks are much more likely. Gall Bladder Attack Symptom List in Summary: Upper abdominal pain Back pain - between the shoulder blades Pain under the right shoulder Nausea Vomiting Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Pain in the back between the shoulder blades. Pain under the right shoulder. Nausea or vomiting. Gall bladder attack symptoms often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. Other gallstone symptoms include Abdominal bloating Recurring intolerance of fatty foods Colic Belching. Gas Indigestion. LISA

Socalgal: Iam so sorry to hear about your car accident and Iam so glad that your okay. I was in an accident myself in 1998 while in my brother's car and the car was totaled. We both had xrays and nothing showed up. Few days later I had terrrible neck and pain on the right side of my body along with numbness in my right arm and hand and fingers. I went to the doctor who did tests and had MRI's that showed that I have herniated discs on the upper right side of my neck and spinal cord. I had to wear a neck brace and had physical therapy for 8 months. Iam okay now but - Iam allergic to Vicodin- had a terrible reaction to it! I wish you the best of luck and hope you get better soon! In regards to the Flood- Yes my mom has flood insurance and we made calls today so hopefully we will get compansion. We pulled the rugs up and are trying to save as much furniture as we can ! Regina: All my prayers and thoughts are with you tomorrow. Huggies to you ! Love, Lisa

Well ladies the Nor-easter finally went away and the second storm we were supposed to get last night is not as bad. We Still are expected to get rainny weather into Wednesday. But.......... MY BASEMENT APARTMENT WAS FLOODED: RUGS GOT DAMAGED AND SO DID SOME FURNITURE! Iam thankful that I live in my mom's house and that I am now able to go upstairs and stay in my old bedroom with my husband and my son can have my brother's old bedroom. It seem that we found out from the plumber that with 6 1/2 inches of rain fall, the city drains in the street outside the house backed up. With so much rain the water has no were to go and it backs up. If anyone was watching CNN or the Weather Channel I am sure you saw us under water!-lol My husband, myself and my mom have been wet-vacking all since last night. Thank God my son's school was open so I could get him out of our way so we could clean up. Regina> Still thinking of you, hang in there! Hugs:girl_hug: Melissa> I missed you, I hope your ankle gets better soon! Love, Lisa

Hi all! Here in NY we are going through a Nor-eater and it started late last night and it is supposed last through Tuesday. Alot of heavy rain and dangerous high windsand trerrible flooding. If it was snow it would be The Worst Storm in 25 years! Where my inlaws have there main house in Lake Gerorge,NY they already have a foot of snow and are expecting another foot. (They are in there winter house in Hilton Head right now!) I heard that Houston had Tornado's I hope everyone is okay! I was thinking of all my Texas friends. Regina --My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the gallbladder surgery. Please keep us all posted! It seems this is happening to alot of lapband patients, I peronally know of a family friend who has had her's out and has problems with kidney stones. I think maybe we should start asking our surgeons more questions in regards to this since its happening to more and more people we know. I hope that eveyone stays save this weekend. I will keep you all posted on how I make it through this storm. Love, Lisa

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=775 bgColor=white border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=30></TD><TD vAlign=top width=475> Small Bits of Fitness Add Up Exercise Comes in All Shapes and Sizes -- By Liz Noelcke, Staff Writer SparkPeople Sponsors help keep the site free! <!-- begin DFP ad tag Resource_300x250--><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sp.sparkpeople/resource;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=412200781342?" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><!-- TF 300x250 JScript code --><CENTER><SCRIPT language=javascript src="http://a.tribalfusion.com/j.ad?site=SparkPeople&adSpace=ROS&size=300x250&requestID=17029982440.7206671626002683"></SCRIPT><NOSCRIPT> </NOSCRIPT></CENTER><!-- TF 300x250 JScript code --><!-- START AtlasDMT --><!-- END AtlasDMT --><NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT><!-- end ad tag --> "Where did the day go?" Is this a common question in your life? Many of us jam-pack so much stuff into our daily routines, seemingly there’s no time to relax for just one minute, let alone exercise. Lack of time is one of the most common excuses for not having a decent fitness regimen. But do you realize that in the time it might take you to go through your e-mail, you could fit in a good workout? We’re not talking about giving up 60 minutes either; all you need is 10. Just 10? Forget the "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to exercise. Fitness does not live or die by 60-minute workouts; there is middle ground. Short spurts of exercise, when they accumulate, have been shown to share similar benefits of longer workouts. Your body will reap numerous benefits just by becoming more active. This approach is perfect for times when you don’t have time for a regular workout, or when you want to start off slowly and build up a routine. Easier Than You Think Treat these 10 minutes like you would a regular workout. Take 1-2 minutes to warm up and get the muscles ready, including stretching. Follow with at least 7 minutes of exercise at a medium or high intensity. Then make sure to include a 60-second cool down. (continued...) Article created on: 5/14/2004 Page 1 of 2 Next Page > Return to Main Fitness Page > <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> </TD><TD width=8> </TD><TD><TABLE><TBODY><TR><FORM name=theFavForm action=/myspark/loginpage.asp?whereFrom=/favorites_thanks.asp method=post><TD></TD> </FORM></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD width=8> </TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- begin DFP ad tag article_bottom_475x200--><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/sp.sparkpeople/article_bottom;sz=475x200;tile=2;ord=412200781342?" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://js.adsonar.com/js/adsonar.js"></SCRIPT><FORM id=qas_frm name=qas_frm action="" method=get target=""> </FORM> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> To all who have posted new pictures, you guys are looking great! Iam having problems with my all in one-printer, scanner, copier:phanvan . I have some great pictures from Easter that I took of my new look with my red hair in my new size 18-20 capri's! I hope all are doing well! Lisa

Regina: I went to the link and I love the poem, its is great and I encourage all to check it out , she really caught all our emotions . Lisa

Regina: You put all my thought and emotions into words! I love it! Iam so glad that we are members together in the June Crew! Love, Hugs and Friendship, Lisa

I was just wondering what type of pre-op diets everyone was put on by their surgeons, Nurse NP, or Dietician's before surgery. How long were you on it? How much did you lose? I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New York and they do require a 6 month documented diet with proof from your primary of your weight on your medical records. I had that and then some! The Surgeon I choose also has a Dietician and her along with the Nurse NP have special guidelines for pre-and post op diets. They require that you do two weeks of Optifast ( you have to purchase it from them ) before surgery. I was approved on June 1st and given a surgery date of June 13th so I was not on the Optifast for the full 2 weeks! Needless before the Optifast I was weighted at 290 and on the day of surgery after doing the pre-op diet I was 283 which is a 7 pound weight loss! I Always go by the 290 number as my starting weight and then just keep subtracting the numbers as I go along. I was wondering if that is how others are using the weight loss ticker. Also my first fill was covered as part of my after surgery care as were my first three months by my insurance. I have to see my Nurse NP and My Dietican every month for the first year and they are not considered out of network and I have submit reciepts and get remburished( The office vist for each is $80.00, and my fills are $80.00 each time I get one.) I Know we all have different insurance, and Iam the only one here form New York , but Iam courious to see what everyone has to say.

Hi all! Sorry its been a while since I posted! Since I had my refill on March 15th ( my second fill) it been been slow going. I also was upped on my Bipolar meidcation on the same day so it was like a double whammy for me! My Nurse ANP had me on the liquid, mushie and very slowly sloid diet but I stayed on them a little longer than usual since with the new medication adjustment I not up to eating anyway. The progress was great---- I have lost the weight I gained with my unfill and then some! Iam now down to 225 from my highest of 290 making that a 65 pound weight loss! Also for my 5 year Wedding Anniversary which was last weekend my hubby took me shopping and told me to buy some clothes since everything is to big on me ! So, I was so excited to find out Iam in a size 20 now and I bought capri chino's in Avenue in a few different colors and few tee shirts. I also have light brown hair and very fair skin for an Italian and my hair is down to the middle of my back . So I dyed it Color Silk medium Alburn and now I can say Iam sort of a red head! I have cheek bones now and well I feel and look great! I have also been going to the gym more to use the treadmill since it helps my Bipolar and depression( I love walking on it and listening to music and zoning out) and I learned to use a new circuit system that they have here that is like Curves that you do in 30 minutes, but its for both men and woman. My gym is called Planet Fitness- The Judgment Free Zone. I like this system it has 10 machines and you do 10 minutes on each and there is a green light for you to go and red for you to stop like a traffic light. You can use bring your own music headphones or ipod but they do have music playing at the gym. I was going everyday until Tuesday late afternoon ... My son wanted to take his bike out to ride out of our manual garage and I went to go close it and I could not grab the catch to pull it down and got my right hand stuck in the garage! I fractured my middle and ring fingers, and have to wear a slint on them both and Iam right handed so I am typing with like the one good finger on my right hand that is not brused and prurple!-lol My son has off next week for the Easter Holiday and then goes back to School April 10th! I hope to make my Easter goal of the 70 pounds and lose another 5 that would be great , but if not Iam greatful for how far I have come! Reading all of the post -WOW! WE ROCK LADIES--! LOOK HOW MUCH WE HAVE LOST ! Lisa

Hi all! Well I had my second fill on Thursday of .6 to replace my total unfill of 1cc (1st fill recieved 10/25/06) on Feb. 8th due to a suspected slippage( Thank God it was nothing). On Feb. 8th I was 233 and on Thursday the Nurse ANP weighed me at 240. She told me to do liquids over the weekend and then gradually move to mushies and then solids as I feel comfortable. She also asked me to purchase 2 weeks worth of Optifast to get me back on track if I was interested. They use this for the preop diet before surgery and I had to use this for two weeks before surgery . Well I have been peeing and pooping alot and drinking my water. Yesterday and today I weighted myself and I found a new lower number so Iam going to claim it........255---I LOST 5 POUNDS! Iam 2 away from the Feb. 8th number and 55 pounds down! Iam back on track! This has been a horrible weekend here in New York>>>> Friday we had a horrible Ice Storm and here where Iam in the North East Bronx we recieved 4-5 inches of ice/snow. You really could not shovel it with out a ice pick first to break the ice. Its still pretty dangerous in some areas since now its melting since its 45 degrees. Those of you in hot weather I wish I was there! But --- I love my four seasons! Yesterday I had to register my 4 1/2 year old son for kindergarden and it was so dam crazy! You get there as early as 630-7am to get a number since they only register 14 kids a day for kindergarden starting March 19th. We got there early and we recieved number 11 out of 14! They then tell you come back at 9 am but they do not tell you that they only have two people doing the registering and that they only take two parents with the child at a time. You also have 6 pages of papers to fill out and its take a half hour. We were not called until 1pm and were there from 9am thats the New York City Public School System for you ( my son has to go to public school to recieve his services for his speech delay and ocupational therapy). So thats how my weekend and past two days have been !:phanvan I hope everyone else is doing well! Lisa

My name is Lisa and I am new to this site but I am 4 months post op. I has my LapBand surgery on June 13, 2006. I have since lost 50 pounds. I would like to share my story so far. I feel I could help out others and maybe even get some help on this site for others who are further in their journey than Iam. To all who are getting ready to begin your journey, I give you all my prayers and best wishes. Love and friendship, Lisa P.S. I hope that someone finds useful information in my post. Here is my story so far: JUNE 1 2006:RECIEVED MY APPROVAL FOR SURGERY TODAY. I WAS GIVEN JUNE 13,2006 AS MY SURGERY DATE. MY SURGERY WILL BE DONE AT NOON BY DR. DANIEL DAVIS AT lLAWRENCE HOSPITAL. JUNE 16TH: Iam doing really well and up and round well. I started on pureed food yesterday and had my one ounce of chicken and rice Gerber Stage 2 baby food. It was not that bad. Right now I enjoy sugar-free cherry Jello and sugar-free ice pops the most! I had lost 7 pounds with the Optifast before my surgery on 6/13/06 so that brought me down to 283 from my 290. Well today I went on the scale since my shorts felt really loose on me and I weighted in at 278! Thats a whole 12 pounds!! I was so shocked ! Iam getting all my Water in but otherwise Iam not that hungry at all. Iam still taking Optifast shakes of french vanilla and chocolate since I have alot left over and I really like them. I bought mostly chicken and rice or turkey rice of the Gerber Stage 2 baby food. I also bought plain yogurt and some strawberries and bananas to puree and mix into the yogurt. June 24 : Well Iam a week out and I feel great, Iam out and about and having fun outside with my son. I know that the band is working because I not hungry all the time. I eat my three meals a day and only have one or two sugar-free icepops in between . I am getting used to pureeing my food. Breakfast is either eggbeaters scrabbbled with a little SkimPlus in a nonstick pan with PAM spray. lunch is either pureed chicken in chicken broth or chopped hamburger pureed in my MAGIC BULLET, I used Mrs. Dash for taste and I have gotten very creative. I still use Baby food on occasion or Optifast Shakes. June 29,2006: Today I had my two week check up and weigh in with Dr.Davis and my grand total is 18 pounds! I cried and screamed! The Nurse told me that it means that the band is working and to keep up the great work. I then told me husband I need to go shopping. Its such a great feeling ! -****JUNE13,2006- ONE MONTH POST-OP******: Today is my one month post -op and my total weight lose as of this morning on my home scale is 24 pounds ( 266 from 290)! Iam in tears as I write this! A month ago today I fufilled a dream of mine, that dream was to take charge of my obesity and take charge of my life. I was a 290 pound woman who at 36 was on the road to death's door. Now I am gettin my energy back , my self-esteem and self-confidence back, and most important my healthy back. All the chemical and sugar are out of my body and I found out were never my friend, my skin has never been clear! This month has not been easy , the optifast shakes are not bad in taste but gave me the runs,in the berginning baby food is okay but after three days I hated it! I have learned to get very creative with pureeing food and trying different flavors( Mrs. Dash is a God sent!) Aside from walking outdoors( Its been so hot here in NY lately!) that I added exercise tapes and DVD"S to my workouts: "Walk Away the Pounds" and "Dance Away the Inches"--- Iam having fun and my 3 1/2 year old son does them with me! ***July 21st: WAS ABLE TO DANCE AGAIN!: I actually posted this on the main message board but here is a shorter version : I went with my husband to see KC and the Sunshine Band at Jones Beach Theater in Long Island , NY , last night . It was a gift for my one months post-op anniversary( Iam almost at 30 pounds lost!) I felt such freedon as I danced my ass off to each and every song ! I even recieved comments form the people in front and in back of me on my dancing. They were like " You go girl"! In the ladies room I told a few of the ladies that I had weight loss surgery last month and that before that I could no longer dance which I love so much. The ladies were in tears and huggied me and said ," Then you keep on shaking it girl"! Thats what I did all night long! July 26: I had my 6 week checkup today and had my swallow test to determine if I needed my first adjustment /fill of my band. I met with Dory my nurse practioner and she weighted me and Iam now down 29 pounds ( 261 from my heighest of 290)! She was so impressed since this was all done with out my band being inflated! She told me that I do not need a fill yet and to keep up the good work. I then met with Stacy the dietican and she told me I can now do more solids and add more fruit and vegetables and carbs to my diet. Iam a little nervous able this but she feels its now time. I feel so healthy and good about myself right now, my attitude is so much better. Iam always so high on life now and my husband said he likes that Iam back to the woman he married ( I suffered such a bad depression for so long), our marriage is so much better now and life as a whole is better now! *****AUGUST 13TH TWO MONTH ANNIVERSARY**** Today is two months and Iam now down 35 pounds and still have not gotten my band filled yet! My life has changed so much in two months and I love the new person Iam becomming! For starters I got a new therapist who I like and who wants to help me set new goals for myself and to help find ways to achieve them. I have had my depression medication decreased so that I can get weaned off of it eventually. My self-esteem and self-confidence is soaring to new heights. My energy levels are through the roof and I am so much more active with my young son. I went to Jones Beach for the first time in 17 years and I wore a bathing suit with no cover up and went in the water and had fun with my family last weekend. I felt so free! Iam finally taking care of me and I LOVE THE NEW ME ! ** AUGUST 23 -10 WEEK FOLLOW UP - 40 POUNDS DOWN! **: I hit another mile stone today, its now 40 pounds down in 10 weeks! Dory told me that Iam using my "tool" well and she is so proud of me and that I still do not need a fill. Stacey the dietician only advised me to try using soy milk since I told her that skim milk is starting to bother me in my Protein shakes. I am going on vacation next week and I feel confident that I will be able to make the right food choices and enjoy myself. September 27: Iam now down 45 pounds and that feel so great since this was a hard month for me. October 16: I weighted on my scale at home and It says 240 which means I finally have lost 50 pounds! I go for my 4 months check up on Ocotber 25th, maybe I can add a few more pounds to that number . Surgeon Info: Surgeon: Daniel Davis, M.D. Dr.Davis was the nicest doctor I have met in a really long time. Before I even had my consul with him I passed him in the hall way and he said hello and wished me luck as I began my journey. When I finally met him he carefully explained the surgery to me and the risks involved. He showed me diagrams and spreadsheets. He full explained my aftercare program to me and about how important it is to my overall success as a patient. I felt very safe in his care and would greatly refer him and his office to others. Right before he wheeled me into surgery he came to wish me luck and told me not to be nervous. My LAPBAND Surgery went as planned on 6/13/06 and iam doing well . Insurer Info: Blue Cross, Blue Shield Empire was great ,especially Paula of Medical Management . She calmed me down when I was frustrated and was very patient with me when I became very stressed out. I was approved with in two weeks. Approval is a long process! I began looking into WLS surgery a few years ago and I now know enough to give advice to others. Here is my words of wisdom: Before you even make an appointment to see a surgeon make sure that you talk to your primary doctor and that you have enough medical documentation about your weight loss struggle in your file. The surgeon is looking for this information and so is the insurance company when it comes to approval . Make sure that you have a good therapist if you are suffering from depression and get the support and any medicaion you need you will need a letter from her stating that you are mentally fit for surgery and the insurance company will ask for this letter. Also make sure when you call for an appointment to meet the surgeon that they fully take your insurance and ask if their are any co-payments or out of network fees. Also have questions ready to ask the surgeon or nurse . I meet with the Nurse Np first and the Dietican and then the doctor before surgery. I hope this is helpful to others on this site . Lisa Hall

Barbara: Just curious what is a ominipaque and omnipack? Does it have anything to do with the Lapband? I have never heard of this before? Good Luck with the new fill, I go for my second fill tomorrow and after my total unfill on Feb. 8th. I really need the restriction since I have been eating everything that is not tied down:think ! Lisa

My friend sent this beautiful email to me and I wanted to share with you all: Subject: True words... Believe, have a seat, relax and read this slowly. It sums it all up... I believe - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. I believe - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I believe - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I believe - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I believe - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I believe - that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I believe - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I believe - that you can keep going long after you think you can't. I believe - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I believe - that either you control your attitude or it controls you. I believe - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I believe - that money is a lousy way of keeping score. I believe - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time. I believe - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. I believe - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I believe - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I believe - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I believe - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. I believe - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I believe - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. I believe - two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I believe - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I believe - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. I believe - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I believe - that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. I believe - that you should send this to all of the people that you believe in ... I just did. This really brighted my day, pass it on if touched you also! Love and Hugs, Lisa

Momma: I had lost 57 pounds getting down to 233 from 290 with only one fill in October. I had to get totally unfilled on Feb.8th due to what they though was a slippage. Thank God it was not! I have gained since my unfill, but go for my second fill on Thursday. My surgeon and Nurse NP do not belief in giving fills every month,only when they fell you really need it (they work with you to acomplish this). Oh, to answer your question about food, yes, I do miss some foods, right now with my unfill unfortunately Iam eating them. When Iam filled and restricted, I do not eat as much and and do not crave them. I also do not want to eat out, unless its a diner where I can pick out something healthy. If its a resturant I feel uncomfortable asking for it to be prepared a certain way. I guess that will come in time. I have come into that very uncomfortable task of being invited to my in-laws ( they know I had the surgery) and they did not have food I could eat there. I had to bring my own food. This was Christmas and I spoke to my sister-in-law weeks in advance and asked her if she could have at least one dish that I could eat or I could bring one that myself and maybe others could eat. She told me no need I am preparing everything. I did bring a small salad with some chicken for myself and sugar-free pudding cup since I had Breakfast and lunch and we were having dinner at 3pm. Needless to say, I was very uncomfortable. I think that family who know that you had surgery,should be more understanding when you ask about making a special dish, or bringing your own food. Good Luck in your journey, your doing so great-- Keep up the great work and welcome back to the board! Lisa

That book is still around and you can get it at Barnes and Nobles. Before I was properly diagnosed as Biploar 2, I was thought to be Boderline PD and was told to purchase this book by my therapist. It is an excellent book and it does describe Jodie perfectly! Jodie it does not cost that much and its worth puchasing and reading. You might find out alot about yourself. This will help you on your road to recovery. Again and always I wish you all the best and Good Luck! Lisa

Good Luck with the fill I go for mine on Thursday and I really can not wait to get back on track with that fill. This unfill has been horrible! Lisa

Hi all ! Nothing new weight wise to report yet:phanvan. I went to the open house tour of the school I want to register my son for kindergraten in this morning.( Registration is March 19th!). The school is so nice and on the different floors of the school are inspirational sayings in the hallways. Some that I thought were nice to share and apply to us are: "TRIES ARE CHANCES TO ACHIEVE"! "BEGINNING A TASK IS THE FASTEST WAY OF GETTING IT DONE"! How nice these sayings are! I think I will try to start my day off with them. Love and hugs, Lisa

Jodie: Iam so glad that you are going to the school counselor. Iam Biploar and you possess alot of the symptoms that they found in me. Good Luck and best wishes-- Your taking the first steps to helping yourself get better!

I was 290 at my April 4th 2006 consul. I was put on Optifast for a week before surgery and I lost 7 pounds and was 283 on my day of surgery on June 13, 2006. I then lost 40 pounds before I had my first and only fill on October 25, 2006. I had to a totat unfill due to a suspected slippage on Feb. 8th.and I weighted 233 for that, which was my 8 month weight in. That was a 57 pound weight loss! I have since gained weight since my unfill and Iam now 240 and my next fill is scheduled for March 15th and it also my 9 month follow up. Lisa

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Jodie: I so agree with the above statement! If you can afford all these expensive bags that cost $100 dollars or more( I am sure you have more than one of each) you can afford a once a week threapist session - who are you foolin! At least go the school counseling center. Also call a few counselors they might have a sliding scale and let you pay what you can afford. I know you say your on BC and use condoms, but all this sleeping around is only going to give you problems in the end! You will not admit it but, it is doing a job on your self esteem since these men do not really love you , they are using you. Please have some self respect for yourself and your body ! * NOTICE ALL THE POST ON HERE - WE ARE ALL TOTAL STRANGERS WHO CARE ABOUT YOU --- START CARING ABOUT YOURSELF AND GET SOME HELP! Lisa

Okay ladies, who you might ask is R.S well it's Richard Simmons! My mom had ordered his "Slim Away Everyday" Program a few year ago and I found it this morning whie cleaning out some boxes in the storage room. He had some really good ideas about what to do when you feel like cheating and when you have sweet and crunchy cravings. They were so good I want to share here: For when you wanna cheat: 1. Drink H20. 2.Pop in an exercise tape . 3. Take a walk. 4.Go for a bike ride. 5.Stretch, meditate or read a book. 6.Call a friend. 7.Write down what might be bothering you. 8. Rate your hunger on scale of 1-10 to see if you are really hungry or just bored. 9.Wait a half hour and the craving will pass. 10.Visualize what you will feel like when you reach your goal! 11. Get a massage. 12. Go shopping. Have a sweet craving: mix 1 cup of yogurt plain with unsweetend apple sauce. Sugar free jello with 3 tbsp of fat free cool whip. Freeze grapes and then eat them. For Crunchy: 3/4 oz fat free pretzels 3 cups of airpopped popcorn 1/2 cup of dry cereal such as Kashi I just thought some of these were really great and I hope that they are helpful to everyone. I also recieved my Weight Watcher at Home kit today and I have been reading all the material. They give you an at home booklet thats like 400 pages long with everything you need to do the plan. My current weight is 240, so Iam aiming to get to my 10% goal of 24 pounds bringing me to 216 . Then aim for another 10% which is 21.6 from 216 which would be 194.4 and so on until I reach my final goal of 140. Lisa