Rebeccalee

My doctor charges $300 for a fill without fluro. Or he charges $3500 for 3 years of follow-up. When he decided he didn't like what my insurance paid, I ended up paying $5000 for surgery and $3500 for follow-up. Thank goodness the hospital and everything else was paid by insurance, except for my 25% share. It can be very expensive no matter which way you go, but it has certainly been worth it for me so far.

I used food to numb anxiety and depression. If your belly is busy digesting, there's less blood for your brain to work overtime. At least that's how it felt to me. I have to have a way to deal with my nervousness and overthinking. Exercise would be good, but food has always been easier. Now I try to keep busy with hobbies and activities. It works most of the time.

I think I'd run away if people were playing dress-up with me, too! We have sure been messing around with this thread!

Water Water Water Water Pee.....

I think we scared poor Darcy off. She's afeared we're gonna make her dance on the beach in a baby doll with coconuts! When I first got on these bulletin boards, I was quite intrigued by the bananas. Now I think there should be a limit on the length of the chorus line! LOL

Oh, Yeah! I got a knitting book that has a bikini in it! But Darcy wants more coverage -- so would I. My belly hangs over like Niagara Falls when I put on my pants. And that's just my upper belly! I think a quilted muu-muu with a ruffle. Then she'll have to do a dance for us. That would be your exercise, Miss Darcy! How did this get started, anyway? Sheesh....

A muu-muu with a ruffly skirt. Okay? With snow in your hair.

Ha, DeLarla! I was banded just a few days before that post. When I got active on the site, that purple bra was the talk of the town! I never saw it until now. Jenn, as you lose weight in your belly your pain may improve. My port was right at my waistline and my pants would pinch it. No matter where I was, I had to unzip my pants when I sat down. :eek It got better after a couple months. I hope yours is not an ongoing problem like Lisa's.

My doctor's timetable is to wait for 45 minutes after eating to drink anything. It's usually considered okay to drink right up to eating or only leave 15 minutes before. I try to wait at least an hour after eating. Some, like Leatha, have been told 2 hours. The important thing is to be sure you pouch has emptied and your nerves have told your brain that you are full. I think this is THE most important guideline to follow. It's how the band works. Some of us :guess drink with our meals only when we want to eat more -- and it hurts. Not a good way to treat the band!

You'd be a very cute dancing banana with a little ruffly skirt and bikini top. Good morning from Cali!

That makes me worry less since I'm not the only one it irritates.

Come chat, guys!

It's funny, but I was so dedicated for the first few months. Now I really want my DH to make those cookies. I hear them calling to me. I guess that's what happens when I start eating a bunch of carbs, or whatever else I want.

Yeah, mine was diluted, too. I think I'll go back to herb tea. I only had one cookie. Probably because it was the last one! DH is planning to make some. I want him to hide them. I am WEAK! Absolutely no junk tomorrow!

Paula, you have me mixed up with someone else! I ate 2 bags worth of peanut m&m's at the movies yesterday -- and didn't drink my Water. I am one bad cookie!

glad she is home!

I put Crytal Light in my little jug. I forgot that it irritates my throat. Weird, huh? I am getting in my water, though, and it tastes good.

Way to go, Jack! Mushies are just around the corner!

You could even wear a skimpy little dress over it if you're shy!

Of course you have a say, Greg. You say, "Where's that black lace, and oh, yes, I'd love the matching gloves."

It's okay, Darcy. It took me 3 weeks, I think, to change mine. I certainly wouldn't change them hastily!

He's supposed to model a Speedo....but I think that lacy number would do the trick!!

I have one of those little bottles, too. Time to start using it. We went to a double-feature movie last night for our anniversary, so I had to limit myself in order to actually see the movie. Today I will meet my water goal.

Okay, Greg. The blues have set in for real. Where's that Speedo shot you promised??? I'm sure glad I didn't promise anything if I lost this challenge! I have stayed pretty much the same, I think. Exercise is once or twice a week and I'm still at 175. Geez....

All right, I'm changing my signature to reflect the 3 pounds I can't get rid of yet. I guess 172 was a temporary dip, because I have been hanging around 175 for a month now. This is my weight from 20 YEARS!! ago that I've only touched on once, very briefly, since then. My body likes this comfy place. My head is telling me I am very fat again. :rolleyes But I still look good in my stretchy, relaxed fit size 12 jeans! Thanks, Michelle, for the encouragement. It is a new year to bring out a new resolve. Let's all work on that dress size -- you, too, Greg. I am so glad you are back on top, Penni. Oh, by the way, that turtle recipe you shared was WAY too good. Thanks bunches! Have a nice rest.