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I think you are all amazing and its great to get a heads up on what I'll be going through in January and post op. My sleeve revision is just 6 and a half weeks away. I was really anxious making the decision but now it's all organized I feel really great about it all. I'm so impressed with the great losses of you all. I currently have minimal fill in my band and I just want to eat all the time because I finally can after having awful restrictions with the band. Am trying to be careful so as I don't put on too much weight before the op.

Getting ready to revise my notes...

The suicide rate thing is odd. I bet it is the same as people with obesity! You need to focus on facts and not hearsay. I Celebrate one year tomorrow and would like to lose 5 kg more. For me it has been so easy. I chose sleeve because I wanted "one and done" and my surgeon ( Dr Adib) anyways recommends the sleeve now except for people who have a history of reflux. I have a friend who switched to bypass because of the reflux issues and I know that if my reflux becomes unmanageable with Nexium I may need to revise to bypass in future. I don't remember the total cost of my surgery but I had $6500 out of pocket. I would do it again and pay twice as much.

Susan, don't know if you knew or not but she lost her internet and has been posting from her kids' house or the hospital but she hasn't been on at all since last weekend. :ohmy: That IS eerie! Stuff like that happens to me all the time. It always freaks me out a little. ~Kristen, I leave my hair down most of the time, or I pull the sides back to a clip. I will wear it in a pony tail or rolled up in a large clip sometimes but I can't leave it up too long or it stresses my head and I'll end up with a migraine. I've started wearing a braid more often tho. It doesn't seem stress my head as much. Probably b/c it's low on my head. My hair, when loose, is about where my bra strap sits, so kinda long and heavy. I don't eat popcorn. Not b/c I can't, (not sure), but b/c DH refuses to allow DD to eat it yet. Choking hazard. Sooo, I don't like to even have it in the house b/c I won't eat it while she's awake and after she's asleep, it's too late to eat anything. :tt2: Oh my gosh! Fanny! You look fabulous!! I love your taste in clothes but for me it scars the shit outta me! LOL! I don't know why but patterns scare me! I do have a skirt I love, the one that almost fell off at church last Sunday, but it's pretty rare for my closet. There are only a couple of things with patterns in there. I so admire women who can go for it and do it so well! Thank you for being an inspiration!! Great tip on the drink!! Ooohhhh, sounds good! Hope the revision goes well! Take care of yourself! Let us know how it goes! Damn! I hate when that happens! If I eat to close to bed, it sits in my throat! I have to wait AT LEAST 1/2 an hour before trying to lay down. If I MUST eat something, I'll try to wait nearly an hour before trying to go to bed. Don't have the reflux problem, just the sitting in the throat problem! I've still got lots to learn and bad habits to break. Not sure how to do it. I'm struggling with a couple of things. :sneaky: Is that what it is? Shit! I started on Depo in July, one month before my surgery last year. I thought it was surgery stuff. You know, the excess estrogen being released thing. UGH! Maybe it's a combo of the 2! UGH!!! God-forbid we get any extra vitamins! LOL!! ~Okay y'all! I hardly EVER drink anymore! I'm too paranoid about the extra calories! Yet, y'all lose well and I'm such a slow loser that it just freaks me out! I drank some wine the other night, from the open bottle in the fridge! Just a few sips! I was afraid to get a GLASS!!!!! I also worry about any drinking when I'm home alone with DD in case something happens and I've either gotta drive, be up with her during the night or whatever. Drinking and sleep go really well together for me! Okay, so I'm REALLY paranoid! LOL! Suggestions? Advice? Do you just not worry about the calories? I'm seriously asking! ~Got some okra in our veggie box this week. Have NO clue what to do with it! I've never had it before, that I know of! I got on food network's website and found a chicken and sausage gumbo that'll use most of it. Sounds yummy! Headed to the grocery store tomorrow to get what I need for it and some other dinners for the week. Going to use the rest of it in a okra/tomato dish I also found on their site too. Hope I like okra! ~Accidentally made a FABULOUS dinner tonight! Last night DD and I had a package of mini cheese ravioli. You know the fresh pasta in the plastic containers? Anyway, we had lots left-over, of course. All I do is spray some butter on it and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Throw on some steamed broccoli once in awhile, if we have it. Yumm! Sooo, in order to use it and do something different, in a large pan I sauteed up a small yellow onion, 4 cloves of garlic, small zucchini, part of a red bell pepper, small japanese eggplant and an heirloom tomato, all chopped. Little olive oil, salt and pepper. The oil and the juice from the tomato helped make a little "sauce." Added the leftover ravioli to heat thru. Sprinkled a little parm cheese on top and OH MY!!! I actually stuffed myself a little b/c it was so damn good! Here I was just trying to change things up a little and get some veggies in and came out with this wonderful thing! I love it when that happens! ~I hope y'all have a great weekend! TTFN!

Hi! I think it sounded positive and he probably told you more about what he's thinking than he did with any of the others. He is confused as to what he wants to do but maybe after speaking with you, it will help him define it better for himself. Best wishes!! Revision? Are you okay? Hope you feel better soon! Congratulations!!! If you want it bad enough, you'll work to get back on track and get as much of that off as you can. I know you can do it!!!!! Sounds like it went well! And a thank you email is a great idea! Best wishes!!! Sorry you have to wait but good that you'll get to see your own doc. I'd rather wait too. Unless I just can't for some reason. Best wishes on getting those steroid lbs off! I know that's frustrating. We call it short-timer's disease here! LOL! You and DH are very smart. Money isn't everything, tho it does play a HUGE role! LOL! But yes, when it's a small step pay difference, being happier in your job is worth the pay "cut" that comes with it. So all of you are on my prayer list. Jobs, health, happiness, safety in travels, etc. Speaking of travel, Tap should be home tonight or tomorrow, right? Hope she had a good week and it wasn't too horrible for her. Beth, since I've been tracking my food again, I've been losing! I lost 1.6 this week, even with a couple of higher calorie days and no exercising. Still haven't got out for any walks. Yuck! Hope everyone has a great day! TTFN!

PJTP...:thumbup: there is a person on other threads that had a revision. I will call her the angry person. Since that revision she is sounding so hateful towards others. Her last few post has been very hateful. Last one was talking about the poster not losing very much. But she is pbing everything. Some one talked about starvation mode and the angry person said something to the effect of there is no proof that you go into starvation mode. She was angry because the woman doesn't like to excersize. If she doesn't want to that is her perogative. Don't belittle someone for not doing what is the smart thing. I just had to get it off my chest:cursing: I used to really like and respect this person. She is intelligent, (or so I thought) Her post was always to the point, but in a nice way. Not like lately.

I'm sadly dry this weekend - but if I must declare a drink - let's change it up: tequila sunrise but since you're on clears - cranberry or pomegranite juice instead of oj .........ok? I have to do liquids monday - not for band but having a revision to a failed root canal - thinking cream of mushroom soup!

I am glad it was quiet this weekend. I was out of town and it's too hard to catch up if you miss a few days. I can't wait to love to shop. It hasn't happened yet, and I am 56, but maybe after my revision surgery, I will need new clothes again. I can only hope that I don't still hate shopping if that happens.

Hang in there Froggi! Who'd you speak to? I'd speak to more than one representative. I got different answers from different people when I was trying to get my revision approved. I know it is an entire different situation though.

lol...I am still here. You can never loose me LJM! lol... I was pissed off yesterday because of the revision talk at the PS already. And my port hurts like hell and he basically blew it off. I am better today...lol...I am kinda over it today I guess. I am going to my Bariatric surgeon in a few weeks, even though the PS told me not to. What did I miss while I was gone? Any new storms? lol...

I'm not understanding the need to take anything to PM instead of leaving public where it all started. This is a public site - correct? A group of people having had the same procedure (oh wait - not everyone has - make that having had, thinking about or having been revised from same procedure) talking to each other about whatever they want. Within said public site, this is a thread with the description of posting just to post which seems identical in meaning to the forum in which it belongs - in case anyone has forgotten here is the forum's description: Forum for general conversation, share interests, have a laugh or discuss anything not specifically related to banding or the LAP-BAND®. That's all I've witnessed here save the unprofessionalism of those (one in particular) supposedly moderating us. I will not take something to private that was brought out publicly - who are you to suggest I do otherwise- you have had no interaction with me ever - why start now. I am now embarrassed that I have sent more than 15 people here from my private life within the last 6 months due to their having or contemplating lap-band - no I did not do it through a link so as to get credit or have it logged somewhere. It was because I used to think this was an amazing place to come, get support, give support and enjoy a shared kinship w/ others across the country - world actually. You should be ashamed of yourself and the way this site has changed. Please inform your mod's that I am no f'ing follower - a friend - one that you will probably never have the joy of knowing - your loss!

Hi everyone. So much going on, you all have been busy. Apples, incredible pic -- you look exactly the same -- wow. And your boys were so adorable -- I'm sure they still are -- just larger versions of adorable now. LOL. Janet, good going on your working out and eating -- I've also been well behaved eating wise and working out. Did a 5 mile walking tape and then went to the Y and did the recumbant bike (very slowly and very little resistance) for 30 mins. and some circuit machines on my arms only. Then did my water aerobics class -- was able to do most everything in that -- just a few stretches I passed on as the angles wouldn't have been good on my new hip. Jessica, congrats on having your surgery behind you -- you will always remember the day you were banded. You've done so well -- just continue on the same path with eating healthy and exercise and you'll continue to do great. Glad you had no problems and were able to be home so quickly. Julie, sorry about the SD -- honestly, I don't understand that behavior either -- I know how hard it is, but like others have said, don't put yourself out there anymore -- they can't hurt you if you don't put yourself out there for them -- it's easier said than done, but just dwell on your own DD and Mimi and forget the rest. JB, sorry about your baby - I understand completely -- I still grieve for my almost 20 year old baby that died in 2001. I found another dog in a shelter that looked similar to her and that did make the transition easier -- our new little baby has just been the sweetest little baby -- and now she's getting old too. It's been so cold here (-18 last night) and when she goes out to do her no. 2 business her little legs and back get so cold she can barely make it back in the house -- we had to go out and pick her up one night -- she only weighs about 13 lbs. I'll be thinking of you and your baby -- sending love and hugs to you. Deb, nice pic -- you look very much like your avitar. Someone asked what we do - I was a legal assistant for 30 years -- worked for civil defense trial lawyers - mostly in product liability -- and then I "retired" and moved to Iowa -- didn't work for about a year and then was bored and got a part time customer service job which then turned into full time -- it's a very low stress, fun job -- I turn lights on all over the country -- and perform other customer service. Much less stress than working witih attys. But I miss it some times, it was exciting work and I loved it -- loved the investigative parts of it and just loved using my brain. Now I don't have to use it as much. I also took some writing classes and actually have had a couple of children's stories published -- have a children's book mostly done -- just need to make final revisions but it's been a busy year - hopefully will get it sent out soon. Laura, good going on the gym -- keep it up -- I know it's hard when you're so busy, but you'll feel better if you take that time every day for you. I fired my cleaning people too about 3 months ago -- they never seem to do a good job -- I just decided between the two of us we'd be able to get it done - -he does the vacuuming and I do all the rest. I guess that's fair. LOL. Well, gotta get to bed, sorry if I missed responding to anything. Love to you all. Linda

Phyl, my DH had a revision on his knee, but he had a complete replacement the first time. I have heard that the new knees are a lot better. Maybe it was good you waited of a complete knee replacement. My Dh's doctor said since he has lost 100lbs his knees should last 20 more years. He will be 63 next month and one knee is already 10 years old. Julie, praying for you! I know you will feel so much better after a transfusion. HUGS!!! Apples, sounds like DS had a great party. Are you recovered? Melissa, I wish is could say something that would make you feel better. HUGS and PRAYERS for you today! Lori, I can see you smiling as you write about your new Grand daughter. You will be burning up the skies going to Denver. This is when DH working for the airlines really pays off. I love the FB picture! Meredith......missed your post.....I hope you feel better soon! Janet, are the Lucky Seven's staying with you this weekend? Linda, I saw all of your new pics on FB. Aylah has your smile. She is adorable! I took my mother to get her ingrown eyelashes plucked. Poor thing...I can tell it really hurts. Oh, and she has another bladder infection. UGH! She can't have a bladder suspension. She would never survive the surgery. I stopped by on the way home and got my face waxed by a new girl. YIKES! I have four spots she burned. The wax was too hot. Now I will have scabs on my face for a week. I look like my two year old DGD that fell on the playground last week. lol Okay, peeps, gotta go walk the dog. I may not have gone to the gym in a while, but I do keep walking. I want to get back in the gym. I hope my mother will not need me next week so I can get back in the habit.

I was very surprised the other day when I logged into the Realize Band web site and a message popped up that my weight seemed to be at a plateau and I needed to revise my eating plan and contact my surgeon! I knew they moniterd progress, but I didn't know they really watched you! Sooooo! I took a really good look and can cut some things out. I don't think I am ready for another fill yet, I come too close to getting things stuck now. I have to sit and wait and it seems like the band relaxes and I can continue to eat then. Perhaps, I am doing it wrong. Perhaps my band is still not quite tight enough to stop the food from slipping through right away and once it gets lubricated with a little food then it lets it go down. Does that sound reasonable? It is always at the first bite that I do that. Well, I will get back, I am working and students need help!

Charlene - you just have to limit carbs and count calories since you know what your resting metabolizim is - I really do find that the sf foods satistfy my sweet tooth. Mine shows up at nite time.. Last night I had 2 sf puddings (dark choc). you and dh have had surgery - you both should be eating very healthy... Just set your mind to it - for 2 weeks don't allow any extra treats to kick the sweet tooth... I allow real sugar about every 2 - 3 weeks - but that's it. Arlene....the way I see the "trying this diet and then trying that diet" thing is this: It's like yo-yo dieting. What I get from your posts is that if you go off the plan and have something that is not allowed, you feel like you "cheated". If you just concentrate on eat day and plan, plan, plan as Janet said and not allow certain carbs, you will not feel so defeated. It's gotta feel like a continuous challenge when the only challenge you should really have is keeping the hunger monster at bay and making good/healthy food choices when the hunger hits. If it is meal time and you are really not very hungry at that time, don't eat at that time or just eat a few bites. That would be a way to bank your calories. I think that you trying to be so structured with your "diet" actually is making you feel defeated because it is sooooooooooo tough for you to stick to. Cheri's idea of having some dense Protein (like her moist chicken) on hand to just grab a bite in between meals. Having raw veggies with some FF dip on hand when those times hit. I do believe that you are extremely carb sensitive and should try to limit. Heck, if you are carb sensitive, a piece of cake could throw you off for an entire week. Not saying that you should not eat any carbs....just all the good ones. If it is not made completely by mother nature, don't eat. (fruits and veggies). Hugs Charlene, I understand your need for a system that works for you. Since you like eggs, and its one of the best sources of protein I see no problem with it. You do show a pattern of adopting various food plans and then abandoning them--the shake thing, the Weight Watchers thing, the 17 day thing. Janet is right. Just make healthy choices most of the time. For you, with your carb sensitivity and low resting metabolism, that means plenty of protein and not a lot of carbs most of the time. Also, you have an unstructured lifestyle where eating opportunities come up unexpectedly--like a chance to go out to eat. Nothing wrong with that, but I find that I'm starting to refuse offers to go out to eat. I'd rather make myself a salad. Now that's a change for me. Nothing wrong with a more flexible lifestyle and unstructured days and nights other than that its not conducive to planning. So I can see where having a plan done for you, like the 17 day thing is very appealing for you. The trick is not to worry about the times you go off it (as long as they're not everyday) and to stay with it most days. It can give you the structure you lack. But vary it more and change it up. You're going to get pretty sick of those hard-boiled eggs very soon and then what are you going to do? Okay, I here ya! I joined WW to be on the same plan with my DD.....to many calories for ME. I joined Dr Davis Protein Shake plan to take food out of the equation so I could learn to eat right. I did that to jump start my weight loss and learn to eat healthy. I still eat healthy, but I have let too many carbs in my life mainly because they go down now. The boiled egg thing is working for a quick snack. The Water with lemon is working. I am going to make an appt with Dr. Davis to see if I need a fill. If my insurance will pay for a sleeve I may get a revision. The last time I saw him about a revision he put me on the shake diet. Now, let's see what he says. I have gained 10lbs since I saw him in the fall. Well, I have lost a few too. Anyway, we will see.

No, I haven't heard that, but there is a revision for bypass patients who stretch their pouch. She needs to ask that question on the bypass forum. I am sure they know. Okay, it looks like we have a plan for October, so let's get started!:thumbup:

Back to not being able to change print size. I don't get this new site and why it does this. Quick post. Quite the morning around here. Sprung a water leak where the pipe comes into the house. Better now than when we are gone. Glad DH caught it. He's on his way to town for new pipe and joints. Also, found out late yesterday I have to revise some contracts. Was not in the plan but gotta get them done b/4 we leave. Have them all saved on computer but a real pain and very detailed. Mini blizzard here this morning so maybe it's best we leave late anyway. Don't even know if we will make it to Omaha tonight but does not matter. Will stay in contact...should have WIFI but you all know how that goes sometimes. Won't vanish off the face of the earth. Eva is expecting us and if we don't show, she can send out the posse. Talk to you soon. So happy so many of you guys jumped on to get back on track. Keep it going. Focus on what it will do for you and how good you will feel both physically and emotionally. Hey Phyll, good to hear you are back "home". Love to all.