leatha_g

That's great news!! Study, study study, so you'll know what to expect. No surprises after surgery is so reassuring. Remember, you will NOT wake up skinny and you may not lose by leaps and bounds UNTIL you have restriction. Often people even gain a few lbs back before they actually get restriction. It's better to know these upfront so you don't suddenly get scared something is wrong afterwards. You'll do great! Congrats on getting a date!

I would definitely tell her you'll be needing that letter with as much documentation as possible of her knowledge of your weight issues. Every time she has counseled you about losing may be a mark in your favor.

As Christmas draws near, it has been on mind how best to say Merry Christmas to you all and I must confess that since the advent of computers in my home and my divorce, I have not sent Christmas cards in the same way I used to. However, Christmas is always a time of year when we do tend to think of old friends and new alike and in our hearts we wish them well and remember fond memories. So, I found this link, which I think is beautiful, although the sentiments expressed may not coincide with everyone's spiritual beliefs, it is my belief and in my heart I do, truly wish you all a magical Christmas, filled with love, laughter and many new memories made with your newly gained sense of self and happiness! God Bless us all and most especially, those who may not be at home or safe, in the comforts of their home, because they fight to allow us that freedom. Please enjoy this little story in the spirit it was given... http://jsmagic.net/emissary/

If you have been reading this site for a long time, you'll recall that most all new bandsters come here saying they are gaining or they are as hungry as ever after their surgery. This is a very common complaint, but one that is expected. this too shall pass. This is what we call bandster purgatory, or the pre-fill stage. Any weight lost in the first 6 weeks after banding is purely bonus. You have no restriction, most often and it takes a while for your body to decide you're serious about not feeding it anymore. Most weight loss during this time is actually water and often returns by the time you actually do get restriction. Good luck and welcome!

Yikes!! LOL, now there's an 'after' picture.. hmm, Congratulations?? ??

Awesome! Maybe mine will be there today too then!

Great photo Vera! Gorgeous kiddos! Like their mama! Thanks for sharing!

Be careful with how much extra protein you get in. Your body can only assimilate so much at a time and sometimes, too much can cause kidney problems. You definitely don't want that. Good luck!

That counts me out, I think. My plans are to be in Ireland the two weeks before, but we'll see. It may work out that I have to do a 'follow-up' up there around that time. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

I'll be working in St Louis until late spring/early summer. It'd be great if I could just stayover one of those weekends and drive up to meet you guys!!

I'm right there with ya Alex. Ever since my un-fill in June, I'm having a time with just this type of thing. My head tells me one thing, my actions do another. I think I need to detox from those foods that are NOT my friend.

lol, that's quite allright. we're glad to have ya! please let us know how your story progresses!

Welcome Spooter! Please locate the 'Introductions' section of this forum and tell us all a bit about yourself and how you come to find us. Welcome and congrats on your upcoming new beginning!

Sounds like you're doing well, William!! Congrats on your weight loss!! Who is your Dr?

Yea. I've heard the Nioxin Shampoos are recommended by some of the docs. Personally, I went and got myself a perm. I have lost quite a bit, but I'm a strange animal. When I get a perm, it's like a Vitamin for my hair. I don't lose as much and it grows much faster. Some people have the opposite effect - such as breakage etc, but more often than not, that is due to the type of perm used and the technique used to put it in. If I have a perm, I use alot more chemicals, such as conditioners, spray leave-in treatment, then repair mousses or gels etc. Left straight, I can't use all these things due to my hair being so fine and thin to begin with. Maybe this is an option?

Good idea, Babs. Like you, I've never been plagued with the pb'ing issue either. I am more likely to stretch my pouch, due to the LACK of this problem.

Did you say you are already using Nioxin shampoos? I'm really sorry you didn't get any answers that might have lead you in the right direction.

Boy! Is that ever true. I never EVER thought I'd be saying my butt is too boney! But when I ride my bikes. YIKES!

Not long now!! I hope you're getting all your liquids, Gas-X, etc to be ready when you get home!

What a great way to start the new year!! Congratulations!

Do you notice any restriction? 1cc sounds rather small for a Vanguard band. I hope it makes a difference for you! Good luck!

Yes, Michelle. That was my first thought too.

Yikes. That's pretty hostile from someone who doesn't know these people at all. Some people don't have thousands of dollars OR insurance. MANY mexican doctors are totally reliable and far better doctors than any amount of money can pay for in the states. My goodness! These people were trying to do all they knew to do, which was seek help for their obesity with whatever resources they may or may not have had. In ANY country a man's word should be worth something.

I think subconsciously, you're always aware it's there, however, yes, not too far off, you'll forget it's even there. Then, you'll take one bite too many or one bite too big and it will remind you.

Great job Audrey!! You're almost there!!