rdbiles@sbcglob

I have been holding at 210-215 for a year. I need a fill, but problem with esophageus has prevented a fill for a year. The cost is 250 and may or may not be able to keep it, so just trying the hard way through diet. I'm not crazy about my band.

Everyone is doing great and that's good to see. My progress has stalled, I have been at same weight for over a year, 210 is my weight today. I haven't had a fill in 1.5 years, due to problems with the esophagous and afraid to go back and pay $250 for a fill that I can't keep. I'm not in love with my band.

Talapia fillet is simple to cook in a pan or in oven, and it's not fishy tasting. I use Creole or Cajun Seasoning and Lemon Pepper. I also enjoy Apricot preserve sauce for my fish.

I cook my pintos with Kosher salt, a little goes a long way. I also use chili powder, seasoned salt, garlic, minced onion, or whatever else you want to season with. Sometimes I use creole or cajun seasoning. I cook down till tender. To make refried Beans, I use a cast Iron skillet add some olive oil to cover bottom, about 2 T or less, or you can spray with your favorite oil. Turn on fire to medium Use non slotted large spoon, dip beans w/juice into skillet to cover bottom of skillet mashing with the large large spoon. That's it, I hope you enjoy! Rebecca

I'm a little over two years out and the hair loss has stopped for me. My loss has slowed down to 1 lb every 2-3 mo.

there's a group near you, their newsgroup is on yahoo. dfwbandsters.

Congratulations! The band for me has been a problem, but I'm working with it. I'm down 50 lbs, need to lose 50 more. My band is half full and my stomach doesn't tolerate fills right now. I'm happy for what I've lost, I feel much better! Currently what I'm going through is I have no appetite for any particular food. I know I have to eat, so I eat, but I never know what I'm hungry for. This is frustrating. I also miss eating Chinese, Italian, Mexican and white chicken. I can nibble these foods, but not enjoy a meal. One day I hope to enjoy my favorite foods again, that's what I look forward to and my good health.

My hair loss stopped within 18 mo.; In most cases it does grow back, unless you are genetically prone to thinning scalp.

thanks for sharing the pancake receipe, how many pancakes can you get in one batch?

Andrea thanks for sharing your new pic, you look wonderful and the haircut looks great too! The summers are always to short for me, it's my favorite time of tne year.

Thanks for sharing your recipe, the trick for me is finding ground chicken, if not chicken I could try turkey, that's always readily available at my local grocer.

Eileen you've got the right attitude! I agree about the clothing, that would be enough for me to get myself into check. Personally I've had some issues with my band, I can't seem to get more than 2.4 cc in my band without having reflux. I am at 2.2 right now. I may never get more than that, but okay as long as I have some restriction in place. My weight loss is slow, but I'm hoping to get to goal one day.

I'm sorry you had to have the band removed, at the same time I know you're relieved to not have reflux day and night. It sounds as if you'll need to continue the ww diet, and up the exercise if you start gaining weight. What a sense of humor your dr has...gain wt to have surgery! Yeah right. Hope you're feeling better today.

WElcome! I lived in Abilene as a young child and as an adult I've visited a few times. Do your research, go for consultations and focus on surgical experience and aftercare program. Go to news groups on yahoo and this board to read posts from other bandsters to learn more information about the surgery and life after the band.