Vera

Thanks Alex and Moderators

Susan scares me. I can't stand the "Holy than thou" crap and my way is the right way...Please tell it like it is. I do like her Photoshop skills, but everytime I post (and it hasen't been that often lately) she finds something to add or pick apart. my 2 cents Yes I do love Leatha and Lisa, they have always been there for me with the truth, and it can hurt.

All weekend I've been in the back yard with a 2 piece but never in public. I've got so much hanging skin on my belly. I LOVE my tankini's and boy shorts!

I'm less than 5 pounds to goal, and like Babs I'm almost 3 years out. Babs has come a loooong way. I will never have my band removed unless I have to. I'm a size 10 and some 8's and lovin it. I'll be your most positive supporter.

Cyrstal, I've been thinking about you and how strong you have been for others. You have such a wonderful caring personality and you always have the right thing to say. Just being around you is a blessing. Your in my thoughts and prayers! Happy Mothers day to you and your Mom.

My fill doctor near me is making a video showing how to preform a fill. This will be issued for emergency only and is supplied with a fill needle. This kit is to be used by medical profesionals only. I think it's a pretty good idea. As for the banding, I went to Monterrey Mx and had Dr. Sanchez band me and I'm from Calif. Welcome to LBT Terri

Noodles and cheese was my first PB! Now I just look at them and start to burp..... Sorry the chicken dance didn't work.

:happybday2: Have a Happy Birthday

You so Rock! Maintaining with all you've been through and on top of that 148 pounds is great. Welcome back Becky

I love summer! I live on a lake so lots of freinds and family come to visit us. I have three families coming at different times for up to a week each. When they comes it's on the boat, off to the beach (Santa Cruz or Monterey), up to San Francisco for a day and an over-night trip to Yosemite. There's so much to do around here, I never get tired of seeing the same stuff. On 4th of July our neighbors are planning a 3 day bash and letting people camp on the decks and we'll have 4 boats on the lake plus there's 3 birthdays all around that weekend. Last, I'm tring to squeeze in a trip to Disneyland for the kids... Wheets When will you be in SF? No Can Do Hot Dogs!

Congratulation on the approvals! You really have to read you policy carefully. I have BCBS CA and it is not covered.

Totaly agree with Kathy! This seems to be panning out as well. The VG band might be the best type of band at this time. There are so many issues that happen when you are just banded that not everyone gets or knows about. The band is a thinking persons weight-loss-surgery. For me I have to look at everything I eat due to reflux-heart burn or just foods that don't go down. Dr. Cirangle is well known here in the Bay Area, So is Dr. McKeen. If your ever down by Morgan Hill look me up. Wishing you the best

All those pics in your brain! I love real live flouroscopy, they can move the plate or table and you can see it LIVE.

Happy Birthday Blue Eyes I hope you met those goals you set up to meet by your 40th. Knowing you...you did!:happybday2:

Do you have a 401K you can borrow from? That's my approach...Your right, the more you can get done at one time the cheaper. Please make sure you find a good doc with no negitive marks/claims I'm doing research now, it's more than pictures, talked to references who've had work done by them. Good luck, I want to know what you find out.

Very cool Inspiration Telly You will get there. I have been banded almost 3 years and had the same type of Inspiration. Mine was to get into Guess Jeans cause the largest size in Guess I could find was 32(12). I'm proud to say I bought a size 29(10) last week. My latest Insiration is to fit in some of my bathing suits from when I was 30 years old and pre-baby...dreaming

My DD had to do a report on Lungs and the Respitory System. While in research the diaphragm can cause all sorts of side effects like hiccups which has been a stop eating sign for me since banding. This holding a deep breath makes sence. Here's just a few things I found out. In the anatomy of mammals, the diaphragm is a shelf of muscle extending across the bottom of the ribcage. The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity (with lung and heart) from the abdominal cavity (with liver, stomach, intestines, etc.). In its relaxed state, the diaphragm is shaped like a dome. It is critically important in respiration: in order to draw air into the lungs, the diaphragm contracts, thus enlarging the thoracic cavity and reducing intra-thoracic pressure (the external intercostals muscles also participate in this enlargement). When the diaphragm relaxes, air is exhaled by elastic recoil of the lung and the tissues lining the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm also helps to expel vomit, feces, and urine from the body by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. A hiccup occurs when the diaphragm contracts periodically without voluntary control. A hiatal hernia can result from a tear or weakness in the diaphragm near the gastroesophageal junction. I get all kinds of attension when I do my chicken Dance:eek:

Maybe that's why when I flap my arms up and down like a chicken dance. I'm takeing in deep breaths????

Again no expert either. The only part that concerns me is the bulge on the right is slightly overlapping. The size looks good, I'm comparing the pouch to your vertibre/back bone. I'll agree you look a bit tight, but you have to see the whole process. The barium should sit in the pouch for a second or so, then the muscles in the esophagus pushes the barium/fluid through.

A day without Vera is like a day without sunshine

I'm sorry too Mary Ann Your taking this all fairly well. Wishing you and Shanna the best

Never drink with meals, I've learned cause IT will come back up. An hour after for me. I do drink right up to the last second.

chocolate.

Here in CA. if you have a good record they just keep re-issuing the same pic on the new DL. Nice pic Megan! congratulations and high 5

Did somebody die! You love us too much and us you. Don't go away too long. I already miss you