maziemommy

I truly hope my post wasn't misunderstood. If so, I apologize. I am certainly not trying to be taken as judgmental... or implying that these docs are irresponsible. I have only seen/heard of one person ,with a similar procedure. The outcome from that personal experience was devastating. I am hopeful that any PS will go great, with wonderful recovery and fantastic results. I too want, and need all of this work done -in time- and who wouldn't want it done all at once? I, in fact, was requesting far more information about all of this, as I may consider this when I am closer to my goal. NO judging here. If I gave off a negative impression I am very sorry. Good luck to all in weight loss and PS journeys.

LJM.. Your hand, and legs look sooo much smaller than mine. YEAH FOR YOU. And the difference in tummy already, wow! I can not wait to see the results after this surgery. I am FINALLY down to 267#... Where about are you landing on the scales, if you don't mind sharing? Are the legs from running, or have you had smaller legs all along? I am sometimes jog/walking... are you full blown running now? Sorry tons of Q.?.

Atkins advantage- (15 grams protein?) taste good, convenient cans, and very low carbs.. $13.xx a 12 pack(at Sam's club). IDS -protein "test tubes" 3.3 oz I think.. I get them from Vitamin Shoppe online (25 grams or 42 of protein). Healthyweightsupermarket-in Springfield Missouri has a protein pudding/shake powder,1 box for $8.00, 7- individual packages... I make a "resses shake" with it.. 1 pack choc. protein pudding powder 1 cup water 1 cup ice 1/2 cup low/no fat cottage cheese small scoop low/no fat peanut butter.... Blend until desired texture. They also have high protein hot chocolates, and drinks to go.. (healthwise brand? $1.50 each?)(15 grams?) a bottle with a powder in the bottom- add water and shake it up... raspberry lemonade, kiwi strawberry, orange pineapple? Several to try. No lumpy texture, no aspertame.

I had shrimp today.. TMI ahead? When I was first banded I tried just chewing well... I took a piece of "chewed shrimp" out of my mouth.. it was "strung together".. but well chewed. I do make sure that I not only chew well, but separate the tiny pieces (with my tongue) from the "stringy" fibers that tends to keep them "attached". Good luck.

What kind of "expense estimate" is there at this time ? Too late to sign up? I'm in Missouri.. little/no extra budget, (recently separated, and with a two year old) and it all sounds great, do need/want some time away. I hate to determine things on expense alone... but... ya' know. Just curious and hoping for an estimate.

LJM.. a question? Do you have anxiety about flying with out taking it along? I'm still afraid to get on amusement park rides, as I have had to get off before the ride got started! Too embarrassing. I think I can fit now -BUT STILL WORRY. Congratulations, and that is a cool thing to offer it, and ask to keep the favor going! Love it.

Add me to the 200# to lose list... I am now half way there.. just this week, I made it to 100 pounds GONE! Starting weight 367# current 267#, would be great to get to 167#- right?? That would be 200# lost.

I was banded in April 2007... I have lost 100 pounds so far, but I am larger starting than you are. My start weight was 367# now I am 267#... but that is 100 pounds in 9 months??? My signature needs an update, but should give you some idea of my journey. Good luck. Kimberly

Thank you very much grannyk... how have you been doing? It's good to see that you check in now and again. Anyone else gain a couple over the Holidays? I'm getting a fill Thursday.

Thank you so much -I am accepting any and all prayers at this time. Hope you are doing well-2bthinagn---- and every one else too.

Thanks for the vocabulary info... dog ears and ken dolls! lol I knew there had to be a refference for those issues.

For those of you who have followed.... My Mom was doing pre-op testing for a band... failed a stress test... needed immediate triple by-pass heart surgery... that was Dec. 12 or 13? She went home and was recovering before Christmas... She had a reaction to blood thinners... now she has MANY clots.. in ICU again... has had a heart attack, and suffered a medium amount of heart damage(several small attacks/little or no damage)... they are watching for clots to travel, or bleeding (major or minor). Two of her by-passes need to be re-done... I'm not sure she will allow them to open her back up to do this all again. MY THOUGHT.. IF ANYONE IS CONSIDERING GETTING A BAND/ BEING HEALTHIER.... TELL THEM GO GET INFO NOW -NOT LATER- -DO NOT WAIT- WAITING TO GET HEALTHY MAY BE TOO LATE. Self update... I have not lost any weight while dealing with all of this,(just separated from my husband too)... but I am scheduled for a fill the 10th. 2008 will be a spectacular year! Hope to hear everyone is having less stress, and a great start to 2008.

Anita-Hi ... Have you used the fill center? Are you saying they come to Springfield MO, each week? Never heard of this? Who did your surgery? I was banded by Chris Edwards/St. John's/Springfield- they do my fills. I would love to hear more about this other option though. What is the cost? Hope to hear great news about your fill.

Even with serious restriction, I can eat peanuts, or prunes, and that helps with any issues that come up for me. I can also eat popcorn. I used to think I had constipation after being banded, never had that pre-band, but realize now.. small amounts in = really small amounts out. I used to go every day, now, not every day and surprisingly small quantity! Hope it all works out for you! lol

ON A BUDGET.. For myself, food, used to be THE ONLY REWARD. For my first 100Pounds.. long road for me... I splurged and got a charm bracelet... just for being banded.. evey 10 pounds down I get a silver charm.. every 25 pound mark I get a gold. jcp.com has some really cool ones. For 75# mark I got a gold fork knife and spoon.. every one I get represents something meaningful to me. We are on a small budget so I will need to think of something else for the next 100 pounds and my goal. Good luck and great health to everyone.

I am so excited for you.. may you experience continued success. Keep us all posted.

Stopping in to say HI and good luck from bandster in Springfield MO.

Thinking of you-ljm..... Well, any recent thoughts on the subject you would like to share? What is the official go date? How did you fare over the New Year/Holidays?

How far from Springfield MO? I love Dr. Edwards here! Good luck!

I had heard of this being done all at once- but only with unfavorable results. How often does your doc do this much at one time? Did he show pics of his patients? I'm all for it, if it is safe, and turns out great results. Can you post more specifics about your procedure? I thought a 360* was a "true LBL " for front and back but nothing else (only lower body). I did not think this included any arms or breasts. I will/do need alot of this done Please feed me information! Will you be one who posts pics? THANK YOU and good luck.

I get my fills w/floro... I lay on a table, they insert needle, and the table is moved to a standing position... I don't sit up/fold in the middle... then they give the fill while watching, and I sip barium between any adjustment. Sounds weird to me to have someone move so much with a needle placed.

ABSOLUTELY! I have lost almost 100 pounds, and I had my surgery in April. I have, and will have, issues to deal with like this... at 73 pounds lost, I started doing things like, making chocolate pecan pie at 9pm. I was "afraid" of a 75 pound lost mark. I know that means I am 75 pounds healthier... but, issues pop up. Now I am almost 100 pounds down, and thought I could make it by Christmas... one pound to go, (Christmas eve)and I found myself at IHOP, 5:30 am eating banana pancakes. Self sabotage... I am aware of it, but that alone does not make it go away. I am, and will continue to be, successful. One day at a time, and not every single day. Good luck and great health to you. Kimberly

Tabitha.. if no food by noon, what's for breakfast? protein drink? That is how my restriction was 30# ago (loved it).. not hungry till afternoon!

No Goal! But I am still very happy where I am compared to where I had been:clap2:. Too much anxiety goes along with goal setting, for me, so I will stick to being "progress oriented". As I was, 1 pound from goal, now I am 3 pounds from it:rolleyes! lol :hungry:IHOP banana/pecan pancakes... @5:30am Christmas eve morning... can you say "self sabotage" :doh: ? This same type of thing happened to me at 75 pounds lost too:(! Mom was home for the Holiday :crutch:(from heart surgery). She is not sure when she will want to re-schedule her band surgery.. :drama:or if she wants to at all. Holidays:confused:...... food and stress? or good times and family? memories.. good/bad? anyone care to comment?

Updates from everyone?????????? Princess21------ I try to exercise at least three times a week... some weeks I do more, and some less. I had a high starting weight.. maybe that helps it come off faster, I don't know one way or anther on that for sure. Our family had "cookie cutting day", and other traditions related directly to food... but I have done far better this year than ever before. True Restriction is valuable to me!!! Tabitha.. update? TO ALL.... THINKING OF YOU AROUND THE HOLIDAYS, GOOD LUCK AND GREAT HEALTH TO ALL OF US!