DynamoMini

Angie38 - I can sooooooo relate to your experience. Cars and kids. My son Max has been through 5 cars and is on number 6 and he is only 19. Some he sold and bought something else, two were totalled so our insurance won't cover him any more. On Thursday he tells me about a speeding ticket for going 30 mph over on I225 by the Cherry Creek Dam (lots of police there) and wanted money to hire an internet lawyer. After my shock I started laughing. He had had the ticket since February and hadn't wanted to tell me because I might be upset. You think??????? Anyway, the story has a happy ending for him. He has to take another safe driving class and they will drop the 6 point ticket completely. I was sure they were going to pull his license. The DA said that if we had brought a lawyer into it, she wouldn't have given him the deal. I loved the lawn ornament concept! What a scream - but (moaning) sorry for the hassle. I keep saying that I want to see my guys alive at 25. Lap Dancer - you and I are almost bandit twins. Have you had a fill? Mine was pretty minimal and the band is definitely tighter when I exercise my stomach muscles with those tummy ups. Otherwise, I don't really notice a difference. Tomorrow is my day of reconning as i officially weigh in. I have eaten out 5 nights in a row, and even though I have been eating a lot less than I used to, I worry. Today, I am going to go buy new sneaks for the gym and then go work out. Have great afternoons, Michelle

Conniesueb - Glad you had a good college tour. I think the process of finding the right place for your kids is challenging. My son ended up at UCCS because a friend who happens to be a high school counselor said she really liked the campus and it was a first rate smaller state tuition school. He's been very happy there, especially after he figured out his major. He is in film and communications, also loves art history. Would you believe he started out in biology thinking he wanted to be a dentist. Now, he doesn't exactly know what he'll do, but loves studying. So I say you gotta follow your heart with this stuff. Good luck with your son. Anyway, I am doing well. It has been five weeks for me. I had a fill this week, it isn't tight, but I seem to be doing well. I weigh in once a week, tomorrow and will let you know. I think trying to get everyone together will be very challenging. Why don't you PM me a weekend time you'll be here and we can figure it out? Not sure what to recommend. You are doing so well with your weight loss. You must love summer coming and not worrying about the lighter weight clothes and showing your arms and legs off. Good for you. Are you still losing 1 -2 pounds per week? Best wishes enjoy our glorious weekend weather. Michelle

Oh Peaches - you are playing my story. I didn't want to get banded only to fail again. I have had to look at every aspect of my being and be willing to change what I was doing. I think it was more destructive to lose weight countless times and then regain it, plus more. Each time was harder. I think I would have accepted the fat at some point, but now my knees hurt, I have type II diabetes, high blood pressure and borderline cholesterol. All conditions I took pills for, but what about the knees. I don't want to be blind from the diabetes, or in pain. I had to face the truth that I was slowly killing myself. Then the harder part - did I want to live? Lots of history, abuse, etc. I got lung cancer. I had surgery. It took forever to heal. I faced death and choose life. That was four years ago. I am cancer free, but if I had chosen death, I am sure the outcome would have been different. So I started walking. continued therapy. Retired from a stressful job. Joined a gym, got a trainer, a year later i tried to diet again. Thought I was ready, did Slim4Life (similar to LA Weight Loss). I lost 40 pounds, then regained it all but 5. I was devastated when I realized that my five months of hard work were wiped out in about 6 weeks of out of control eating. That is when I started researching the band. My PC doc had suggested it two years before, but I didn't want to cop out. I told myself that I could lose weight without surgery but it opened my eyes a little. I started reading and studying the websites. I came to the conclusion that even with the band you do all the same things you had to do to lose weight anyway, but the difference was I wouldn't regain all the weight before I was cognitively able to face it. I could get a fill and tighten my control. I wouldn't feel the hunger of other diets. Yes, still the head hunger. I went to acupuncture. It helped balance me. So now I have my team - trainer, therapist, acupuncturist and me. My cheerleaders who will support me and the changes I want to make. i finally made an appt, six months after I picked up my first brochure. I see the nutritionist and doc. I have been banded now for 5 weeks. I don't look back. It was a great decision for me because it supported all the lifestyle changes I am committed to. i decided that I deserve a healthy life. Sorry - to go on, but when I read your last paragraph I felt compelled. Good luck with your decision. It is personal, and no one can tell you a band will fix it all, it won't. You are the vital link to the changes you want. Isn't that a great thing? We can repair ourselves. I also want to mention that remembering this is a two year process is vital for me. i want change now; I want weight loss this minute. No, it isn't like that. In fact my trainer had me put away my scale, because I was on there three times a day ( a scale whore). Hope this diatribe is helpful to you Peaches. You are my kind of people! Michelle

Woofay - I just posted and it was at the same time as your posts, so I didn't get to read and respond. I'm not sure about my fill. Today I don't feel any restriction, but I am equating restriction with the golfball feeling, and I don't know if that is the issue. Too bad there isn't a way to be certain about the right fill. I am eating ok today. Just having a relaxing day, not doing anything other than watering the flowers, laudry, dishes, reading. I haven't even been out of the house today. Tonight a friend is coming over and we are watching Volver on DVD and cooking out dinner. It's a laid back day, no exercise. I fill tighter when i exercise, which I think is interesting. Hugs, Michelle

Well, I think they wanted you on clear liquids from 1 - 3 days. So, if you are feeling good, I think it wouldn't hurt. Dr. K was very supportive about doing what feels right and that each person is an individual. Mal, I also think you were really tested with all the ups and downs pre-surgery, I'm so glad the recovery has been so wonderful. Some docs really go with the clear for a week, mushies for two, and then food, some are even more strict, but Dr. K says there is a wide range of recovery rates. I wish I had jumped back as quickly, but anesthesia really gets me. They have trouble waking me up enough to go home. Then I always, no matter what is used, have an allergic reaction and puke. Look at you, you waltzed right outta there! Don't get on the scale right away, I gained 10 pounds at first from the IV stuff. It is demoralizing. Many others report the same gain. May the weight loss that will follow, come as easily. Whatever you decide to do, go slowly. Do a little and wait to see if you are tolerating it. Remember, Dr. K's biggest rule, no throwing up, Michelle

Hi Violets - Spent yesterday morning with my son in traffic court. He had a ticket from February that he didn't "mention" until the day before when he asked for money for a lawyer. Of course, he is 19 and still learning. I was sure they would take his license, he'd lose his job, and be even more broke than ever. He was lucky with the DA who gave him the option of a class for $75 for 4 hours or a 6 point ticket that would cause him to lose his license. But, the real learning was for me. I sat in that courtroom and heard the mess other people's lives were in, there was another 19 year old who said his mother dropped him off, that he hadn't done what the court required and when the judge said, son, I want you to take a breath test, have you been drinking in the last 24 hours, the kids says no, then blew a .35 - he was handcuffed and jailed. I hugged my son afterward and said don't speed any more and thank you for being my son. Puts a little perspective on things. Through all this, even with the triggers, I ate ok, but kind of overate last night. Even after the fill there are moments I can eat more, then others were a few gulps of something can get stuck. Fickle....fickle....fickle.... Thanks for the great descriptions here, I know I am not the only one having the stuck, golfball, feelings. At first I tried to drink water to wash it down, but since banding it doesn't help. This really is a new lifestyle Hugs and good wishes for all of you this weekend, Michelle

Hi Mal - Welcome to bandland! So glad your surgery went easily and sounds like recovery will be a snap for you. You go girl! :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Per Paula - Try to get in 60 - 80 grams of protein a day. There are variety of ways to get it. Some people like Carnation Instant breakfast drinks, Slimfast, Medifast, I happen to like the EAS protein powder and use my blender to make a variety of flavored shakes (it really satisfies my ice cream addiction). There are lots of recipes on this site and Band2Gether. Hey all you other bandsters - how's your weekend going. Drews - when is the surgery on your knee? Roller queens are getting more notice on tv. :mad: I think the only wheels that I will try as I get my weight down and improve my balance are bike wheels. Ok - we are still on for June 6th at 7 pm at the Red Robin on Arapahoe and Yosemite, just west of the interchange of I25 and Arapahoe Road. I'll get you the exact address for all you mapquesters as we get close.:mad: Hugs to all and enjoy a beautiful weekend - ok, what am I doing on this damn computer???????Love you guys............ Michelle:whoo:

Kim2BHealthy - what a great idea. 80 gb of music to move by. Think about the workout you will have. The storage is great for books on tape as well. clynnc - I think the three outfits are a great idea. My clothes are looking shabby and baggy, since I am nowhere near goal, I think I will go to Kohl's, Target and WalMart when I cross into Onederland. I am almost there Have a great day!

Angie38 - which scale did you use? I found there was a difference between the electronic one and the old fashioned one in the bookkeeping office. Glad the fill went great. You may be at your sweet spot already. I am really tight on .9cc. Dr. K said everyone is different. I wonder if it is the positioning of the band itself. Well I'm sure the pounds will start to drop off now you are filled. We have a similar goal weight, but you are ahead of me already. Do you exercise? How tall are you? So glad it went well. Michelle

Cassenova Mom - well kissing is a passage, bet it isn't the first time, better have an obligatory birds n bees lecture, just so he can roll his eyes because he knows it all. It sounds like the girl was very willing too. Chuckling here in Denver, I've raised two sons who are 19 now. I told my guys they needed signed consent before any sex, just to cover their tushes. It's a different world today with litigation, but the kids are still innocents. I agree with Teachlady, this is a mild offense and really pretty adorable. I taught in the middle school for 31 years and you can't believe the stuff I've seen. Violets have a great Friday!

Love you guys - Gosh it is amazing how comfortable I feel with all of you and I haven't even met most of you. I guess it is because we share a special bond. Lap Dancer - Actually the Red Robin is at the junction of I25 and Arapahoe Road. Let me know where you'll be coming from, I was assuming the Parker hotel and then I can be more specific about the directions. Anita - I am so glad you are seeing movement again. I hate all the different scales now when I really want to be in Onederland. My one at home is put away because I was obsessing. I am a little sore, took some liquid Tylenol last night and am fine today. I can eat, but have to very slowly otherwise I gurgle, bubble in the back of my throat or if it is really bad I golfball. Mal - best wishes, you'll be happy for the other suppositories if you need them, I did. Anesthesia is a bitch! You'll feel much better in a day or two. Shesha - Congrats on getting the scale to move. I guess those stupid machines keep us humble, but know you are a lot more special than a number! Remember this is a two year process, we are all so impatient, I'm at the head of the line! Angie - I'm sure your fill will go smoothly. Good luck!

DynamoMini...what do you mean a gyser? One of the hard spots was full of fluid????? Did you eat before hand? What did they tell you about eating afterwards?? Was it done blind or floro? What do you mean gurgling? Inside your stomach as you drink? LOL...HURRY AND ANSWER ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL...Deanna<!-- google_ad_section_end --><!-- / message --><!-- sig --> __________________ <!-- google_ad_section_start(weight=ignore) -->Deanna - my fill was done with ultrasound. The doc located the port and then went for it. He put a big needle into the area, then looked back at the ultrasound, saying it had to go deeper. It wasn't all that bad, I only said ouch once, I've been through a lot worse. Now when he withdrew the needle it hit the hard serus(sp) fluid and it spayed out (a gyser was a bit of an exaggeration). It was great because I had had this hard lump under my port scar, now it is soft like the rest of the stomach. Usually the fluid is just reabsorbed by the body anyway. I did get a little black and blue mark. The fill wasn't aggressive, only .9, but enough to curb appetite, but still able to drink a couple of swallows of water. Don't worry. It was cake. I walked, talked, ate normally after it. My doc insists that we eat real food, not mushie or liquids. He think it is more realistic. I did drink and eat more slowly however. Best wishes on your fill, Michelle

Well I weighed 203 on Dr. K's scale. But will officially weigh in on Monday. Last week was 205, and my trainer had me put away the scale because I was obsessing. I am very happily working my way down to Onederland, it will happen for all of us. Best wishes, Michelle

lauraj23 - remember a wedding is a joyful occasion, I know you will have a wonderful memory and happy ever after with your honey. Now that said, lighten up about the details or you will drive yourself nuts. Stress holds weight for me. Hugs! Wish I was there and could help you. I love planning a party. Actually since you have the preacher, a good idea of the dress, and of course the groom - everything else is window dressing. Also, I thought Nov. would be easier than Dec because of the holidays. You would think things would cost less. Fooled me! Violets - I just got my first fill - it was only .9 cc, which seemed to be enough, but not too much. We'll see. I am already gurgling. In fact after Dr. K pulled the syringe out, I had a gyser of serus fluid (looked like blood to me). Do any of you have a hard spot near your port? Well I got a two for one today, a fill and a gyser. It stopped and now my tummy is softer around the port area. The pain wasn't too bad, no numbing was used. I'm a go! Hugs to all,

PS I PM'ed Tater and she is doing fine just very busy. I think if a few others wrote her we'd get her back on.

Aw Drews, I wish I had read this before I got my fill. I don't think .9 is enough, but if I gulp I gurgle right away. Next time I will stand up. I am scheduled in July. I also met with Paula - she looked at my week of eating and suggested a little more fiber like cereal. I can do that, since I can't overeat it. I really like her. She was supportive and gave me some ideas of how to live more normally with food. Anita - ouch! my fill hurt too. Dr. K went in once and then looked at the ultrasound and said, "I have to go deeper." I guess I have a great layer of tummy flab, anyway. I survived, it isn't all that bad. When he pulled the needle out the serus fluid that had been really hard under my port wound, spurted out of the needle hole. It was kinda funny, looked like a bloody volcanic eruption, but it was great to get that stuff outta me. Dr. K went back in to see if he could drain any more, but it had drained on it's own. So, I did it! Now, let the losing continue. We are on for June 6th at 7pm. Just let me know for sure you are coming to Red Robin on Arapahoe and Yosemite and I'll save you a seat. Hugs to all - good luck Mal! I have the same issues with the scales in the doc's office. The one in the back room weighs at least 3 - 4 pounds more than the electronic scale. But we aren't about a number, we are about success. Remember 2 years for the losing process and another 6 months to stabilize afterward.

So glad everyone's on board. Mal it will be great to meet you. You'll be banded by the time I do. Yeah! Remember it isn't about the scale, I had to put mine away, I was obsessing, but celebrating a new lifestyle. it will come off. So, tomorrow I see Dr. K for my first fill. Woofay - Thanks for sharing your experience, I'll have my Gas-X handy. I scheduled my workout before going to Dr. K in case I think I should rest a bit. I am also seeing Paula. I have been writing down my food, calories and want her to see if I'm on the right path. Hugs to you all - we are a wonderful group, Michelle PS - A friend I was with suggested I celebrate more and worry less. Celebrate the huge lifestyle changes and commitments I've made to myself. I think it is very good advice so I'll pass it along....

IndioGirl55 - you have come to the right place to get information and support. All of us have a story here. I have been banded for a month. I studied, researched and wrote lots of questions before making the decision to get banded. The band isn't a miracle. I still have to do the work. I wish there was magic, but then I wouldn't have the opportunity to face my eating issues and come to grip with the challenge of living a healthy life. So read, read, read, ask lots of questions - every experience with banding is unique. Some people lose weight quickly others slowly. Remember this isn't bypass surgery, the weight doesn't just fall off it is a two year process. The surgery is part of the journey. The more head work you do upfront will pay dividends later into the process. Welcome.

I think the clothes are a reinforcer for all of us. The smallest clothes I have are a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans size 14 short. I can't wait to create a new "look" for me. Usually for me, once I hit the regular sizes, I will change size every 14 pounds lost. It is a little different in the big sizes, especially with elastic waists. I can wear a smaller size, because I have no butt but a large waist. Isn't it fun to talk about clothes instead of always focusing on weight. In that spirit, I went and had a "make over" at the Macy's store, Lancome was doing them and I got some new make up tips. It was fun to play grown up. Hugs,

Hi all you beautiful Violets - I read a range of reactions to us being one month post op. It is frustrating that the pounds aren't dropping off as quickly as being on liquids or mushies, for those of us who are eating. However, real food is real life. I am committed to learning to eat in a new way, really trying to understand the difference between head hunger and body hunger. Speaking of "head" i am heading to the gym. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Michelle Remember - TWO YEARS - 104 weeks - We'll all get there!

Woofay, Drewslou, Lap Dancer and other people out there are all invited to Red Robbin on the corner of Arapahoe Road and Yosemite at 7 pm June 6th. Let me know if you are coming so I can get a large enough area for us. I think we are our own best support. Drews - will you be wearing a big knee brace? How long is the recovery? Pretty fast, I guess, if you are skating again by July. A friend had knee surgery and she didn't do the rehab stuff and is stiff, but I know you'll do the right thing so you'll be back in the rink. Woofay - my trainer works at my health club. She is a special person. When I started working out (about 1 1/2 years ago, I could only do a minute aerobic, she has slowly built me up. Muscles, aerobics and fortitude. Sarah is one of my cheerleaders. I needed supportive people around me. Never critical, always positive, she breaks up my one session into two half hour sessions per week. I did research on who I would work best with, though. Some of the trainers can really hurt you emotionally and physically without really thinking about the added weight risks and seditary lifestyle we've come from. Even with Sarah, we had to change our style of workout because I was having some problems with joints, wrists, knees, etc. So now I do a lot of work with bands. I have come to love/hate it instead of hate/love it. It is still work, but I feel proud and will have a muscular base underneath so I hope as the fat melts there is a hot body. Remember I am a lot older than you. Sigh.....sag Hugs to you and looking forward to the 6th. Michelle

Violets - I was in the dumps thinking I wasn't losing as fast as everyone else, but then I remembered this is a two year process. I have just completed 4 weeks (post surgery). I have another 100 weeks to lose weight. I have been losing an average of 1 - 2 pounds, but I am so impatient. I don't think there is a right way to do this. We all have to find a diet that works and that gives us good nutrition. I keep saying to myself, I deserve a healthy life and that I can do this. We all can do this! It probably isn't productive to compare myself to others, but to cheer you all on is a pleasure. I love you Violets. have a good night, I chuckled, I too get up an average of 2 times per night to pee. Hugs, Michelle

Okay, lets meet Wednesday June 6th. LapDancer - do you have a car? Should we meet along the I25 corridor? What's a good time? 6:30 or 7? I was thinking about a Red Robin that is on Arapahoe Road and Yosemite, just 1 block west of the I25 and Arapahoe. It would be an easy drive for LapDancer, how about Woofay, Drews, and anyone else who feels like meeting. Would this be pretty central? Let the good time roll! Man, did my trainer work my butt today. She was mad that I was obsessing about the scale and called to make sure I put it away. I did. Smiles, it is great to be able to work out hard. Michelle

Sher1224 - we have a lot in common. Certain stressful situations trigger the hiding behaviors, thus overeating. I am so glad you have love in your life. You deserve a healthy life and know you can do it. I am working with a therapist, trainer, an acupunturist and have a great group of friends, kinda like it takes a village. I need the support and I deserve a healthy life and I know I can do this. It will take longer than I want, but I'm on my way. It gives me time to work through the garbage that got me here. Welcome!

Ibchelle -I can't imagine complaining about 40 pounds - WOW! You are doing great! Your body may time-out for a bit, mine does after rapid weight loss. It always puts me into a tailspin emotionally, but if you continue eating and exercising, you will release more weight. I have to keep reminding myself this is a two year process, some weeks I'll drop more than others even if I am "perfect!" Violets - I am amazed at how wonderfully everyone is doing. Enjoy the wedding planning, what a wild ride that is! I will make this short because the website is screwy. Hugs,