Rebeccalee

You're doing really well now, Leatha. Hang on to it! I've been getting my water in every day now and that is helping a lot.

Brrrrrrr....Go out there???? That would be crazy! How many calories do you think shivering would burn?

It's hailing here in the far north of CA on the coast. And it is COLD!

Oooohhhh...yucky....I hate when my cat tries to knead me. I don't know why. I'll send mine to you for her kneading sessions.

Alex, I do just what you are doing now. liquid only until it resolves. My doctor said liquids and soft foods. It probably wouldn't hurt to take the Pepcid if it helps heal things. I would also follow that coffee with milk or Water. It can irritate if it sits there. From my experience, it won't get better unless I baby it -- but then I have other problems that make it worse, too. Hope it gets better soon.

One of the reasons I chose to get the band was because I retained a good amount of control over my life afterward. I like that there are different opinions, even though it can get confusing. It gives me the opportunity to mold this new lifestyle to fit me within reason. I suggest you follow your doctor's advice. It sounds very good. He sounds very conservative, which will keep you and your band very safe. My doctors are fairly conservative and I've done very well following their program. I also did a lot of research and get a lot of advice from other bandsters. That way I can modify my doctor's program and make it work best for me. I have heard lapband surgery called the "thinking person's weight loss surgery." This is because you are very involved in making it work. It's very natural to be nervous about it for the first few months. Thinking about how to make it work right is the first step toward success.

Awww, Penni. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. And I hope you are able to deal with your own troubles, too. You are such a sweet, upbeat person. I just hate to see you down. Hope things get better soon. (((Hugs)))

Because I have to go to my pcp about my carpal tunnel and tendonitis, I started thinking about the changes in my body since banding. So far... :Bunny I no longer get welts on my back from my bra. Even wearing large sizes or extenders, my dh would have to rub my back every night it was so painful. :Bunny I no longer get a nasty, oozing rash under my belly overhang. :Bunny My sciatica/hip pain and numbness no longer keep me awake. It's almost gone. :Bunny My knees don't hurt when I walk or climb stairs. :Bunny I can climb stairs without panting and thinking I'm going to pass out. I don't even have to take breaks in the middle of the stairs. :Bunny My blood pressure has gone from 150/90 to 120/84. Yahoo! And these are just the medical-type things. My mental state has drastically improved, too.

It's great to have you back on the board. You have been gone way too long. Do you have time off from working now? I hope so. You were working a lot.

Nice pictures! That scenery should help you relax. I'm glad you've got that computer up and running. You'll be gone WAY too long to be away from us all.

Modesty has its virtues. I may wear tight pants (they're not really that tight) but they cover everything. I think it's great when people have the nerve to "let it all hang out" but that is also not me. There's room for all of us in this big world! What I want to know now is -- where are her little scars? Ya know, where they put all those holes in her belly?

Marie, it sounds like you are already back on track! Congratulations on your great loss! It is sure to continue as you return to the basics and get that new fill.

Way to go Leatha! Isn't it great to see the possibilities?! You have done an awesome job! I'm glad you finally broke that plateau.

Cute picture Rachel. That's such a sweet, romantic story.

I walked around feeling numb for a month before surgery. I think it was my mind's way of kind of shutting down and quieting my fears. After surgery, the numbness went away. It has all been very real since then. It becomes a very natural state. Connecting with others who share this experience helps ground me.

I have friends who tease my husband about other guys wanting me now that I "look so good." They mean it all in fun. I make sure my husband knows how much I love him. He is the one who has loved me through "thick and thin." It doesn't take much to reassure someone that you love him, especially if it is true.

Lol!!! Gross!!!

Isn't Hunter just the cutest! I love this pic!

Bump for Jammin!

Some doctors will not take federally funded insurance. I have a different branch -- for disabled vets, so it may be different, but what they pay is considered payment in full, like Medicare or Medical. The doctor can't ask the patient to pay more than the copay. My doctor eventually did not take it, so I paid him myself. You might have to travel a bit to find the right doctor, but it is sure worth it. Good luck with getting approved. Keep trying with the doctor you have first.

So...Ryan? What were you saying about missing something. :laugh

Yeah, there goes the hidden side of Leatha. She wears them sexy underoos and tries to play it low...but we KNOW she's a hot one!

If you can only eat a small amount -- you need the protein! You need the Vitamins from veggies, but with a Multivitamin, it's not as important as Protein. You don't need other carbs except for energy. We have lots of energy in storage. If you try to eat mostly protein, you'll be surprised at how many carbs you'll get anyway. Beans, cheese, milk -- all higher in carbs, but also carrying a pretty good dose of protein. I'm always surprised at the different instructions -- or lack of them. My doctors are so strict on this point, and I've heard it so often from experienced bandsters, that I thought it was an unquestioned rule for bandsters.

Still drinking my water.....Still need this reminder.

Wow, Jonathan! That's great incentive. It won't be long now. You really do look younger when you are thinner. Turning back the clock! You should do great with the band. You've proven you can do it with your previous success.