I would like to hear from some Texarkana Bandsters about their experiences. re: doctors, pre and post surgery, and how things are going for them now. I am considering the lap band.

I like to get ANYWHERE early, so I was there around 7:40. I thought that maybe it would rain and I remembered the school zones (I travel Hwy 67). When is your next appt.? Mine will be 10/23 at 8:30.

I fixed my ticker.

Lisa and Glo, congrats on the weight losses! I have been out of the loop since my accident. I am going back and reading all the posts. I usually try to keep up with everyone.

Had a wonderful surprise today. Sunlight got on (during her vacation) and saw where I had broke my leg. She hunted in her wallet to see if she still had my phone#, she did, and called to see how I was. That was such a nice surprise!

Yes, it was very nice of Dr. Hekier to send me well wishes. I emailed Betty today, but I am not sure if she has left for her vacation yet.

I got a new password for the blog thing, and it finally worked. Thanks Lisa.

How did the meeting go Lo2us? Did you wear your pin today???

Lisa, I did have an appointment yesterday, but had to cancel. I go back the 25th to see Dr. H for a fill. I could just cry but I just couldn't make it. Maybe if he lets me have a cast on the 20th when I go back, I'll be up and running. This thing has just got to get better. I can't stand this laying up!! Take care everyone. Keep those tickers moving!!!

Howdy Yall...

I've been extremely busy and havent posted for 11 days. I apologize. Hope all is well and Sugarbear hope you are doing better since your accident.

I go in to see Dr. Keilin on 17th (4 weeks post-op). I've lost about 27 lbs and am beginning to fit in my "smaller" large clothes.

However, I am extremely hungry. I'm trying as best I can to eat mushies and liquidy stuff but it's extremely tuff...

Glo, mine is the same day, but at 9:45 am. That way, I don't have to rush. I use the interstate. I hate being late for anything. Not cool!

Sharon, I saw Mrs. Betty this morning, but I don't know if she stayed all day.

Hey THJ, I was wondering bout you. Glad you posted. Great weight loss. Keep it goin, you will be skinny before you know it. lol And just so you will know, you are in what some people call "bandster hell". No restriction. Just hang in there, it might take a few fills to get to your "spot". But don't wreck it now, stay with your diet and drink lots of water. That will help "drain" the fat cells.

Talk to yall tomorrow!

Sleep tight!

i am hungry now too. i was hoping it would be later on that i wanted real food. this is so hard, i cant believe this liquid stage last two weeks. one day at a time. i am so glad i am not back to work yet, that will make it even harder. how did all of you make it thru this stage?

Determination!!! When I got hungry, I drank my water. Since you don't have anything in your band, your stomach hasn't changed much and you can drink a little faster. Also, I got up and did something. Took a walk, pulled weeds, just anything to keep youself busy for a while. Do something that takes two hands, or something that makes it impossible to eat while you are doing it. (not the computer. lol) Just stay busy. Some people mistake thirst for hunger. Soon you will be able to tell the difference. Just don't give up. It will happen, I promise. My loss has been slow, but I am determined to see it thru no matter what and you can too. Just don't get too down on yourself.

Speaking of which...... I just thought of something. Have yall thought about what you are gonna do AFTER you get to goal? My goal and Dr. H's goal is about 11 pounds apart. I want to be that much thinner, but what am I gonna do after I get there? (Besides go on a shopping spree) Haven't thought about it until yesterday. lol I guess we will find out when I get there, huh? hmmmmmmm

Yall have a good day!

thank you lisa. I am not going to cheat, i am scared to death to eat anything i am not suppose to. I am thrilled to be off broth so i should just quit complaining. It could be worse LOL. It just seems like such a long time on this two weeks. I am trying to remind myself why i did this and that i made it thru the preop diet. I plan to go to the next support meeting in october. i suppose that will also help me. I am scared to drink much of anything at one time. I hate water and i am use to just guzzling it down. i am drinking my morning coffee, that is the only caffiene i am getting. big change for me, i know i am having some withdrawl from that too. thanks for the support ! I am still sore on my left side, do you think that is where the port is? I have that pain to remind me to be good.

I expect to have a slow wt loss too. and that is FINE with me.

thanks again,

teresa

my goals are: i want to learn line dancing LOL. I also want to start riding my bicycle with my daughter. I saw a neighbor (she is a little wider than me) and it grossed me out seeing her on that little bitty bicycle seat.. so i plan to do this in public when i reach half way to goal.I also want to join a gym here in texarkana. i would rather die than go in there right now. Just me being insecure. I also want to go back to mexico or a beach again next summer .I have been basically living like a hermit for the last few years. My husband will never see me.. HA HA.

Thj, glad to hear you are okay, and hanging in there. Tpagern, this stage will be over before you know it. Well maybe not that quick, but soon anyway. Anything is better than the pre-op in my opinion. Cream potatoes, yogurts, and eggs never tasted so good! Soft cooked veggies if you are a veggie eater (chewed well). I think the real stuff starts the 5th week? Anything pulverized, or chewed to a puree will go for mushies. Lots of sf drinks in different flavors help pass the day too. High protein helps stave off the hunger. LOTS of protein.

You have taken all the first steps to being a more secure person. Look at all you have done for yourself! That takes courage! Go for long walks, and hop on that bike (after dark if that makes you feel better) All this exercise will cut your time nearly in half to reach your goals. I think you are going to be surprised how much easier things are going to get each month. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Where is Lo2us?? Are you okay?

Lisa, would you mind sharing some of that determination with us? We all need a dose every now and then.

I'm okay and it was nice to get that pin, but I HATE having to talk in front of adults and Ms. Betty made me. I'm really not celebrating until I get another 50 off. I guess I'm still in denial that this is working. The 50 I just lost is what I gained since I moved down here. I'm at the same weight as when I graduated college now. If I can lose another 50, THEN I will be getting rid of what I've carried since toddlerhood.

When I get to goal (maybe before) I want to run in the Race for the Cure walk. Even though a doctor told me one time that my joints are horrible for running (even if I weighed 100lbs.) I want to do this to say I did and help others.

Speaking of helping others, I've been reading onlind that you can donate skin that you have removed to burn victims. Did y'all know this? If I get to that point, this is something I would defintely do, although it makes me feel a little weird to think of someone else wearing my skin.

Anyway, I'm okay just uber busy. I'm in charge of the school's homecoming and it's getting that time. Y'all see less and less of me until after October 12th. I'll keep reading though!

TP, I made it "One day at a time, Sweet Jesus" (remember that song? lol). It was sooo hard, but with my bandster friends and their geniune support and helpful hints, we made it through. You will too. Be strong. "This too shall pass".

Teresa, use the crystal lite, To Go packets. That's how I get my water in. They have very little calories in them and it makes it so much easier to drink now. Since you can have mushies, scrambled eggs (soft) with a LITTLE cheese is great. Refried beans, and all the above Sugarbear listed are great. If you have one of those little food choppers, use it.....Let there be mushies! lol The possibilities are endless. And get on that bike, who cares what other people think. Get one of those Granny seats, they're wider. Get on that sucker and go. I did. I ride with my seven year old and we have a blast! So what if I hang off! lol If they dont like what they see (My grand dad used to say this) "They can just look at the sun!" lol The more exercise you get, the better you are gonna feel.

Yes the sore spot you are talking about is your port. Later you will be able to feel it better. You might be able to now. Mine is starting to poke out just a bit. Kinda looks gross, but no one sees it but me and my man. Don't let others deprive you from doing stuff you want to do. If you can do it, go for it.

Is that enough determination, Sugarbear?? Shall I go on?

thj, Congrats on the weight loss. Don't you feel super? I think that this is the best decision ever for me. I like getting into those "smaller" big clothes.

Sugarbear, glad to see you are feeling better, even if you aren't moving fast, but yet moving.

Lisa, I think you are the most positive person ever. I think your ticker is out of this world. Get it ,stars, moon,etc. LOL

Lo2Us, I remember when HC wasn't until October or later, now it's before it even gets cold. Well, my hat off to you cause I understand that it is busy and hard work.

Hello guys...love seeing how well all of you are doing...

Haven't forgotten about any of you...still just so busy...Teaching these older kids takes a lot out of you...but I am really enjoying it...hopefully I am doing them some good...we'll see at test time...

Billy and I are doing great...Billy is down about as far as he wants to go...everyone says he needs to stop...but he feels great and I am proud of him, too...I still have a ways...(about 30 more pounds)...getting discouraged a little because I am teeter-tottering back and forth with my loss...haven't lost in a few weeks...debating on getting another fill...I can't remember when my next appointment is, but I think I may try to go with #4 and see if it helps...Are any of you planning to have "skin reduction" when the time is right?...I am contemplating, but not sure how long they want you to wait before doing that...does anyone know?...Take care to all of you and wishing you all luck on your losses...I will check in ASAP...