itsuptome

I have not had that done but just left a msg with my coordinator for ?. I have had the edg which my surgeon did for esophogeal health as well as stomach, and intestinal health, he did a biopsy just to be sure there was no reflux or ? tissues since I do have a history of cancer as well as many other issues, everything was clear not evan any reflux. This is the first step for me and if it happens to not work (not that I think it wont) then I will cut my losses and move on the the next more substancial option. Thankfully I have NO comorbities (at least the ones the dr's say are related to obesity) If u ask me I am 100% sure the auto immune issues I have are realted to obesity, and I have less than 80# to loose so I am optimistic this will work. Casa Grande, wow! I spend alot of time down around there. Family in Hidden Valley about 10 miles frome CG. My grandmother and grandfather owned a donut shop in Eloy in the early 30's I think (maybe they met each other) If you know anything about school systems you know az is on the worst list (and spelling and grammer are at the top of the worst list) for our country so I try to apologize ahead of time(lol).

not the upload signature pic? thats what i did first.

try preview signature, and u are pasting it in the second box right?

So, u prompted another ?. Do you eat under the calories they state 6-800 is what my doc says? Also, what tests are u having run? I am followed pretty closly by a myriad of dr's myself from oncology to rheumatology to nephrology so im pretty sure I've hade everything done. Ive also been on many many diets and can loose weight just cant keep it off so I am sure this is the answer for me! and im not dillusional just positive!

yep, I can. u copy the first box after you set up your ticker and then paste it in your signature (under quicklinks) if u need more help just let me know

You got it Steph, NO MORE DIETS EVER! Im gonna eat to live (as ww would say) not live to eat. Finally for the first time in my adult life!

I havnt read all the post and dont intend to but I do have something to say. Maybe im the "can't we all just get along" kinda person but geez, why do we have to be so childish? I mean really Geezer, I certainly appreciate your story, as a prebander myself and the information you have provided. I know what the sx risk are and chances of it being unsucessful. I think most of us would love your input but not the negative, name calling juvenile behavior. I understand your frustration and bitterness from the failed band, I would assume most of us do, we have all had failed plans etc when it comes to wl. Maybe you could try being more supportive and kind rather than bitter and mean. I think you have an important message to tell and I for one want to hear it just not surrounded by filth and personal attacks. I would love to know why the band didnt work, is there anything u did or didnt do that may have affected its success? What would u suggest to those of us that are getting the band (the decision is made) to prevent failure if there is anything. I am guessing you feel somewhat personally responsible for the fail since you are soooo bitter. And maybe some kind words about other options and what to do if in fails. You know, as someone who had the band fail and moved on to another procedure with great success you could be an inspiration not a source of negativity and self doubt for those of us who just want hope! (please dont slam my sp etc. I went to az schools and cant spell, lol)

Good luck and thanks for posting your story. I am curious u said u were being filled in phx, thats where i am (gilbert actually) what dr did u have? I havnt been banded yet but scheduled tuesday (yippy!!!).

Protein shakes (as many as i want) sf jello, sf pudding, broth here. Have not been perfect but the results are amazing, not as far as weight (13# is pretty great though) but the change in my head! When u are deprived from something you are addicted/crave (whatever u want to call it) u are forced to face the demons (in my case anyway) that I didnt even know I had. I know this will be successful now because I am beginning to understand why and how I got this way which never happined with any other diet/plan. I know now I have an emotional connection with food and a tenacy to binge eat therefor the band will be crucial for me while I face my demons. The bottom line is without the deprivation of food I would have never even realized any of this in fact I would have told anyone I didnt have any "emotional" isuues with food (duh) I was just fat because I really liked to eat and I probably would have started to process trying to eat around the band. Hopes this helps its just my persective.

Not sure yet how to copy posts for a response so Ill just respond. I read about your "cookie emergency" NGA and thought I would chime in...here are my 2 cents and I am on day 11 of my pre diet. I went 4 days without a single cheat and was so proud even through most of thansgiving, had my turkey I was allowed and sf cranberry jello and sf cheesecake pudding then when the fam went to bed and I was sitting with my sorrow and lonelyness (sp?) and had a sliver of pumpkin pie manipulated me (I actually like pumpkin pie the least of all sweats, go figure) and force me to consume it. After I had a horrible upset stomach and felt generally terrible (wasnt sure if it was the self loathing or the sugar/flour that made me feel terrible) sooo, here is what ive learned....we are not gonna be perfect, if we could do a liquid diet without fail we wouldnt be seeking this sx right? I think the liquid diet is as much for our heads as our body, I have decided to not feel defeated about the cookie or the few other mishaps ive had, instead I really try to figure out why I felt I needed to eat or make a bad decision. through this process I have done alot of personal examination and learned alot about me and why I am here, why I eat and why I turn to food to make me FEEL better. I can tell you now I know this will work because I am facing my demons head on, I had to to stay on the diet. Now, have I been perfect? certainly not Ive eaten at resteraunts had a pb&j ate an eggroll and a few others but what ive learned was worth each "emergencie" I had. Take this as a learning experience and try some self examination it worked for me. Good luck to you!

I wont restate what the others have said regurading that post just OMG, I didnt know people could really be that rude on whats supposed to be a supportive caring environment. Lets never let this thread get like like, k? And sunshine please stick around us december bandsters like you enough to give you an almost december bandster membership, anyway we can all help you through the process. Good luck to everyone. I am soooo excited my surgery is next week!!! Well of to another protein shake (im gonna pretend this one is dinner at the local all u can eat chinese buffet,lol). have a good night everyone Julie

Thanks for your response Carlene and I totally agree, as I said in my post I certainly dont consider myself educated on the war or current political situations, I stopped watching when my nephew was deployed the first time I just broke my heart and wounded my being to watch it. I am absolutly against war and violance that being said I just cant bring myself to be negative. I have letter after letter from my nephew during his second deployment telling me of the negative press/people protesting here in the states was terrible for their moral. (please excuse my sp. I went to az schools, that should explain, lol) For me it feels the same to protest but I respect you and your opinion, that is what america is about. I would never bash you or anyone opinions that were different than mine. In the last election I felt there was no go choice and voted for the best of the worst in my opinion. Trying to stay true to key issues for me, ie stem cell research, gun control, abortion and a few others. I may be simple minded or nieve, if thats the case so be it (i inherited it from my mother, lol). Anyway, I completly appreciate your response and respect all of your opinions. Thanks what being american is about right?! Also, I have read much of your story and find your 92# soooo inspirational as that is just about where I started and hope to have as much success as you. One more thing, Kudos to you for raising a son with loyalty and respect for his country. Evan though we may not have the same opinions on the presidency I repsect that and hope I am raising my son with the same patriotism.

I want to thank you all, this is a learning experience for me and I feel more prepared and knowledgable every day. I think when you are starting out just being viewed as healthy is more than one can imagine on any scale, bmi, body fat% etc. I would give anything to be witin normal limits on any of them. I have actually learned more from some of the post than I did from the poll results. Thanks again Telly, you are always full of invaluable info. Keep it up!

Just a few words. I havnt read all the posts in this thread but thought I should chime in. Im not a politically knowledgeable person (still watching sesame street with the 3 yo)and I dont watch or read the numerous news programs etc. so I certainly dont consider myself capable of commenting on Bush's stupidity etc. but I am an american and a patriotic person. I find myself confused as to how people can bash the predient and support our troops. I know first hand that information gets back to the troops and seriously crushes there moral. My nephew served 2 terms in Iraq as a marine, we prayed for him daily and thank god he is home now and discharged from the corp. unfortunatly he was injured and will deal with that for the rest of his life. I could never make a single statment bashing the war or soldiers etc. (they are one in the same) as I said earlier I dont know about all the hype around this war (I really couldnt watch news coverage as my nephew was there) I only know its my duty as an american to support each and every soldier fighting for my freedom, they deserve at least that. I vote in every election, not as a rep/dem or ind. but for the individual that has the same beliefs as me (or as close as possible) i base my decision on specifics not on tv hype, biased articals etc. simply on the issues. I believe as an american its everybodys right to believe whatever they want and of course say whatever they want I just hope everyone understands evan if they dont support the specifics of the war our soldiers are there to protect your right to do just that lets support them and respect those that have given there lives. Thanks for letting me vent.:usa2: :usa2: :usa2:

The band has become the first choice here for people able to loose the weight at a slower rate the gastric bypass (w/o serious comorbitities) infact my dr. does only lap bands. He used to do others but since the popularity and sx risk is so low he now does just the band a revisions. I think its the perfect option for people willing to put in a little work to reach there goals.

Unfortunatly I cant help you with being scared but I can tell you I have had MANY sx and I am to the point now I look forward to the anastetic (god, that sounds sick) I was never really afraid of it just a little nervous of the unknown the first time and that was a doozy, 7hrs in sx and 6 days in icu, i guess i figure if i can make it through that this is nothing. I guess what I could say is relax and enjoy the ride its kinda fun. Did you have to have the edg done? If so, generally the iv meds they gave you for that are the same as the sx anastetic(sp) verced I think. For the egd its just not as deep. This is just part of the process and u will be fine. Wait until you start the pre diet, I have been on 9 days and I feel stronger and like I can do anything now that ive managed it. I think the reason the make you do the diet is to prepare you mind and remind you you are capable of anything you put your mind to (fears included). It has really improved my self image and confidence in myself. I know they sx will work because I will make it work. Good luck to you and sorry for the rant (sometimes I get a little windy as dh would say). When u are ready to start the prediet look around for shake ideas there are alot of great ones on this site.

I see where you are coming from. Its almost impossible for me to understand being at a healthy bmi and not being satisfied so I am sure the ? are hard to answer and probably written in the before wl mentality.I just want to get in the range of normal ive been obese for so long. I think maybe the key to losing and maintaing is never being truly satisfied? I really appreciate your thought and answers, you as well as a few other have been SUPER in helping me make this decision. I pray someday I will have the energy and ability to not be happy at the top of my healthy weight range. I also didnt realize all dr's didnt go by the BMI scale, mine does and is more concerned about BMi than # so that is what i assumed most dr's did. Thanks again!

I have seen on other threads where the members keep a running tally of the participants wl thus far, this would be cool, like a cumm. total. not sure how that is accomplished if anyone has any suggestions/ideas let me know . i think we need to have a moderator to do it but dont know how to get one.

Great idea I hope the moniters can do this. Also, I would like to thanks all of you for helping me through the first week of the liquid diet, I MADE IT my surgery is a week away and I feel soooo ready! Still a little scared but after this week I am sure I can do anything. Ive read so many times on this board that the liquid diet is the hardest part and if thats true than the hardest part is easy for me now. Dont get me wrong I cant wait for solids but I know I can do this now. Good luck to all and thanks again for all the kind words and encouragment (i suck at spelling sry). For those december bandsters starting the liquid phase hang in there it gets better!

welcome to the december bandsters gonnalose. I think we all are feeling the same thing, excited/scared/nervous, all those emotions as well as STARVING if you are on the liquid diet. I am on day 9 of the pre diet and doing okay, ive had a few "emergencies" as my dietician puts it that required some chicken or maybe a cookie but otherwise okay. I have also quite smoking....today is day 22. I guess I am gluton for punishment, or maybe just stupid. Quiting all addictions at the same time has been difficult but if I can do this I can do anything and this time next year I will be healthy for the first time in my adult life (thank god we cant drink during the preop stage or I may be alcoholic by now, lol) Everyone in my family is excited for me except for the one (my mother) she is scared but optimistic at the same time. I wish you good luck and keep us all posted on your progress.

Would like to make this thread sticky so more people can vote. I think its interesting that noone has reached a healthy BMI? I would love to see some more responses, any suggestions? Thanks again, this info is really helpful for me and I hope others as well.

i know there is a place for this but what is nsv? Oh and bitter, I have a pair of boots I bought last year I am WAITING to zip they are knee highs! congrats on the new milestone.

Ty for posting telly, I have read many of your post over the last few weeks, you are truly an inspiration. I have to say though, I have seen your post of the after tt pics and I would be eladed if my bod looked like that!! Surly you are at a healthy BMI? BTW I suck at spelling so I apologize in advance. I wish you luck with your future goals (perfection is always a personal perspective) and hope I have similar success.

i think height really matters here, I am only 5ft 1 (sometimes I have a tall day and im 5ft 2) currently i weigh 194.5 and wear a 16/18 but have been in a 12/14 recently (over the summer) and could not cross my legs. i am guessing maybe a 8/10 will do it i'll let you all know. if there are any other shorties out there let me know when u were able to do the "cross and hook". thanks Julie

the secrets... ive learned a few and most of them are from the site, my favorite one is a vanilla shake with ice and 1/2 crystal light orange to go pack (no milk), it taste like a creamsicle and is my FAVORITE! I also like to mix the sf coffee syrups (I get mine at cost plus) with the chocolate but I got sick of chocolate really fast. Broth is a lifesaver (would have never thought) its salty and hot and taste like real food! GET SOME! The other thing I do (and I know its not totally okay) is mix cool whip free with my sf jello and pudding it makes it lighter and sweeter. Good luck I hope it all goes well for you. BTW check the sugar content on your protein shakes, my dr recommended under 1 carb per serving which is kinda hard to do and be prepared for the headach/carb flu on day 2 and maybe 3 but you will feel like a new person on day 4!! Good luck! Julie