GR8

Congrat's Keyairah -- My surgery was at 9:30am - my instructions was nothing to eat or drink after midnight (I think it was) the night before. Please do take a pillow to hold on your lap for your ride home in the car - it will help with the bumps in the rode. We are here to provide support --

Hi HarleyNana -- I go for my fill on Thursday - will you be there? My appt is at 1:15 - love to see you there! I will give spinach a try-- the past week plus - restriction is weak -- I can eat lettice again and much much more that i don't even want to admit. I am up 2 lbs - today I went back to the basics - just need to make it to Thursday! I read an article from 2004 (I think) that talked about the 2nd lapband surgery that Doctor T did -- it was in the Daily Press. I was surprised they didn't mention you - go figure....

I was a Dreamer - Minstreal also: any years ago there was a period of time that is often casually called "Medieval." It was a time, so the story tellers tell us, of tiny kingdoms, brave knights and ferocious dragons. ransportation and travel were both crude and difficult, usually necessitating that each kingdom be as self sufficient and self reliant as possible. So it was very important that within each kingdom all the major crafts and professions of the day were ably represented to insure the survival of the kingdom. In the English language we still see remnants of some occupations in the familiar surnames such as Smith, Carpenter, Miller and Baker to name just a few. nterestingly enough, beyond the specific title the vocation also took on its own greater personality. This personality preference can also give a broader understanding of the basic complementary style and types necessary to the kingdom's survival, or perhaps any organization's success. Although the specific vocation influenced the name, it was no accident that certain personality types and styles gravitated to certain occupations. The personality of these jobs suited the inclinations of the job holders, and the predecessor to modern day job descriptions was born. The successful matching of a job-holder's personality to the personality and unique requirements of the job was necessary to the kingdom's survival, or perhaps any organization's success. The successful kingdoms more than likely were able to blend the differences into a powerful and formidable entity. With today's diverse workforce, the corporate kingdom that acknowledges and nurtures these personality preferences could become an organization as successful as the Camelot of old. ven though we now appear to have the freedom to explore many different career alternatives, we still have a medieval vocational personality within each of us. This personality, properly identified and understood, can motivate our success but, if ignored, may set the stage for our ultimate failure. Since times appeared to be simpler then, let us return to the kingdoms of medieval Europe and see what we would have done then, regardless of what our names are now. our distinct personality, The Dreamer-Minstrel might be found in most of the thriving kingdoms of the time. You can always see the "Silver Lining" to every dark and dreary cloud. Look at the bright side is your motto and understanding why everything happens for the best is your goal. You are the positive optimist of the world who provides the hope for all humankind. There is nothing so terrible that you can not find some good within it. On the positive side, you are spontaneous, charismatic, idealistic and empathic. On the negative side, you may be a sentimental dreamer who is emotionally impractical. Interestingly, your preference is just as applicable in today's corporate kingdoms.

The pain most likely is gas. Take deep breaths - and get up and walk around every hour - that helps move it as well. Some find gax-x help as well -- they do have them in the dissolving strips that are wonderful and I keep them in my purse. For me -- I wasn't able to get out of the sitting position by myself the first day - but there after I could. But I couldn't get up from a laying down position for a few days. Congrat's on your new and wonderful journey! Hugs!

BigAsLife (Di)- 04/09 (-57) AmwLady - 04/02 Maizemommy - 04/02 SFeliz001 - 04/02 CJulzGO - 04/02 Sara Mos - 04/02 Adumont75 - 04/02 Darla - 04/02 (mother to Panda) Panda - 04/02 (daughter to Darla) SienaK45 - 04/02 Squale(Pat) - 04/03 Kity - 04/03 Sparkette(donna) -04/03 Jennifer - 04/03 RVingDi - 04/03 TerriDoodle - 04/04 TexasP - 04/04 SkinnySomeday -04/04 Wannabethin - 04/04 ShineOn - 04/04 LJWILGeNHOF - 04/04 OnlyMe - 04/05 BandedMe - 04/05 DaveinToronto - 04/05 Cred - 04/05 AlexR - 04/05 gr8ful gal - 04/05 (also her BDay) HouseHuntress - 04/09 Day3447 - 04/09 Cmarie - 04/09 Gr8 (GINA) - 04/09 92lbs total - 45 lbs since surgery Chica Chula(Haydee) - 04/09 MsPruett - 04/09 BigAsLife (Di)- 04/09 Tekymom- 04/09 TeachLady (Judy) - 4/10 Vlander - 4/10 TracyTX - 04/11 ElizaJo - 04/11 Bubbles - 04/11 Bwaydiva - 04/11 KCQ -04/11 MaltoMeel-04/11 TinyBelle - 04/12 StaceyLynn - 04/12 Lucy22884 - 04/12 Horns10 - 04/12 Ihomeschool4 (Christy) - 04/12 Ross (husband to Christy) - 04/12 Tater Bug - 04/13 MS_Jen - 04/13 - 47 lbs never to be seen again ChicaChula (Haydee) - 04/13 - 53 lbs - GONE Collector - 04/13 WarpedPegasus- 04/14 ShirleyBee- 04/14 ARD - 04/16 PsWashburn (Phil) - 04/16 DynamoMini (Michelle) - 04/16 Margi - 04/16 Jennifur - 04/16 Lunasa - 04/16 SchexyMomma - 04/16 Laura23 - 04/16 -52 lbs GONE FOR GOOD JanieBug - 04/17 LapDancer - 04/17 Keluliana - 04/17 Tigeriffic - 04/17 Angie - 04/18 pinkybar (ellen) - 04/18 Jullee71 - 04/18 FloridaGirl - 04/19 AREELlady - 04/19 Michelle731- 04/19 Katschai - 04/20 NWJenny - 04/20 Sherri - 04/23 GonnaBeFree(Tammy) - 04/24 Galati25- 04/24 Actg1rl- 04/25 Adorable(Denise) - 04/26 -52.2 lbs gone forever!!! TracyinKS -04/26 -57 LauraleeD - 04/26 Brennens - 04/26 BeckyNtN - 04/26 JDarnwest - 04/26 Flax - 04/26 Kathy - 04/27 NBJen - 04/27 Jenn- 04/27 Rachel675 - 4/28 Wolfmaydn- 4/30 Drekagirl1976- 4/30 AnnieMac- 4/30 Mary (MEW) - 05/23 MICHELLE (MDRI) - 05/29 Kat817 - 4/17/06

And sometime after Halloween but before Thanksgiving send me the following information (PM or e-mail) to pass on to whoever your secret santa is: 1. Do you have specific allergies (foods, scents, dyes etc.)? Nope 2. Favorite color? Purples - Pinks 3. Least favorite color? Olive greens 4. Hobbies of any sort? Photography - Baking - making homemade ice cream -Bike riding - Music (iTunes) - 5. Do you collect anything? Cookbooks - Pillsbury Dough Boy - German Shephard items - Hummingbird items and(do office supplies count? LOL) 6. Any additional comments I think the Shinking Violets are the best support I could have ever found for this journey! Thanks everyone!

Name your 3 all-time favorite movies: Sleepless in Seattle; An Officer and a Gentleman; While you were sleeping. If you could pick a new career right now, what would it be? Vet How old were you when you fell in love for the 1st time? 26 If you could pick your “last meal” what would it be? Ice Cream What’s the greatest thing about the town you live in? Wildlife - Blue Heron's; Black Bear; Deer; Red Foxes; Bunnies; Woodpeckers; Cardinals; Humming Birds. Where were you born? Elkhart Indiana - next to SouthBend Ind. Have you ever read a book (or attended a lecture, took a class, etc.) that changed your life in some way? What was it? No What is your favorite charity? Why? SPCA - animals are helpless Imus Ranch - helping kids battling cancer - achieve self confidence and take their mind off their illness. Name your 3 all-time favorite books: Dean Koontz - Odd Thomas series; Sue Grafton - Alphabet series. What do you do when you are bored? Eat - bake - watch tv - surf internet Do you have any vices? Eatting? Name one thing you’d like to do before you die. I can't think of anything? Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Half Full What is your bedtime? 10:30-11:00pm What is your idea of the perfect vacation? No Blackberry - no computer - no cell phone; No schedule - just my husband - maybe cruising Alaska. Ever have a dream that you were “with” a movie star? Who was it? No such dreams. I like Garth Brooks - Dean Cane - Tom Hanks - Tommy Lee Jones - and (Y&R Nichols) Josha Morrow. If you knew your advice would be taken, what would you say to a high school graduate? Don't wait to live your dreams - take charge and do it NOW.

Hi Everyone! Some of the local doctors (mine included) in the area did a lapband surgery live today on the internet - you can view the surgery (if you wish) at: OR-Live: Live and On-Demand Medical Webcasts Have a great night everyone!

Hi Everyone! Some of the local doctors (mine included) in the area did a lapband surgery live today on the internet - you can view the surgery (if you wish) at: OR-Live: Live and On-Demand Medical Webcasts Have a great night everyone!

Don't be scared -- I do eat some sweets - just small portions. I also like to get something like gobstopper's (jawbreakers) I let them melt in my mouth then eat the sweet tart center. 13 of them is a serving for 60 cals. You will do great --

I haven't actual used it but I have read the following: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=962 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 722pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 35181" width=962><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; WIDTH: 722pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=962 height=17>unflavored Adolph's meat Tenderizer powder also contains papya enzyme. Find it in the herb and spice section of most supermarkets.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>directions: Mix 1/2 teaspoon AMT, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 4 oz tap Water.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=17>Sip slowly over one hour."</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Also -- I can't eat lettice when (good) restricted -- last night I did some - but I try to eat the stuffing (Cheese, Tomato's, such) more than the lettice. It is hard to chew lettice enough to get it in little pieces - it just puts holes in it and still remains to big for passing through the band. :eek: okay - I will stop for now. I know I am rambling... Forgive me.

Janine - I was banded Apr 9 and just celebrated my 6 mo anniversary today and have to say only this past month have I had restirction and kept it for the most part. I was filled 5 weeks ago - and until this week - I'd eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup depending on the density of the food and was satisfied - stuffed naaa .. but knew if I didn't stop I would go to far and be hurting. But I also have to say that I wasn't hungry either until next meal time. I eat alot of chicken and tuna salad, cottage cheese, and protein drinks (EAS brand). Be sure to get your water in as well - helps with hunger and helps burn or move the fat through your body! Hugs - and Best of Luck - eatting this week. Take one day at a time and one week at a time.

Janine -- Overeating can cause problems - band slipage is one of them. I get in a bad habit of eatting something that I shouldn't -- such as for a while I was eatting a 1/2c peanuts in the evening or eating ice cream - then I would gain -- and go back to liquid protein for a day and then remind myself of the rules, and start over -- We ALL do it at one time or another. Good Night.

Janine - I agree with HarleyNana -- if you want -- ask and make your case. Of course this is to late -- let us know if you were able to get one! Harley Nana -- 1 year of free fills -- I think they have changed that to 6 mos' -- I am also self pay! My next fill is the 18th of October and my 6mo anniversary of surgery was 9th -- that stinks. Can I ask how much does it cost for fills now that you pay? I have been concerned about that. Thanks again for helping us and joining our group! Janine -- ALL are welcomed in this group - don't have to be williamsburg or the Tidewater area. Richmond is 90 miles away and I visit there - and we can get together!

Thanks so much - you are beautiful!!!!!!!!! And you look so much younger - Congrat's!

TracyinKS aka Charlotte (lol): Happy Birthday (belated) – you look absolutely amazing. Woof and Hoof – how cute that is. Pamela: My DH’s name is Mark. Kat817: Your experience was terrifying – I had a similar experience 5 yrs ago in July – I was driving from Indianapolis to Virginia. You might remember the guy that started throwing stuff at cars on the interstate then advanced to shooting at them and did kill one poor lady. He shot at me (didn’t know at the time) – I was so sick (flu with killer headache went to Indy hospital to get med’s) and just trying to get home. My windshield did not explode – left two circular cracks around the hole from the bullet. I call police and they told me to come into the police station or I could place a report online when I got home. When I got home my DH swore someone shot at me – I was like no – but I don’t know what it was – there was no cars I could see in either direction – so it wasn’t a rock. Well then on the new the following month – the poor lady was killed – and it did made sense then. We hadn’t had it fixed yet so we contacted the police and they confirmed it 98% came from the bullet. Your mean granny – made me cry also!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing – such a sweet story. Lunasa: I remember that incident being on our local news – I live 90miles south of Richmond. I am so sorry that happened to you. As long as you didn’t make a terrorist threat – you should be fine. Are you coming here for court on 24th of Oct – That is a hike for you. If you do – let me know and if I am available I will drive up and we can meet somewhere. Kity: I agree – you do want and deserve that doctorate degree!!!! And I am so jealous – I can’t even complete a crossword puzzle. So – go get it and let us celebrate with you!!!!!! Maybe we can read your wonderful writings -- J I was stuck also as I have moaned and grown about thousand and one times– but I finally broke the 250 mark – I wanted to make sure before I said it and jinxed myself – but today – drum roll please …..247.8 yahoooo! Hopefully not more 250’s (or above). I have just under 2 weeks to my next fill. J Fantastic job on Jazzercise! What can I do to help and provide support? Mdrai: I did not know you were in Wash DC – we need to arrange a meet in Richmond sometime in the future! TerriDoodle & Kat: I think adding our Birthdays is a great idea – mine is 5/16. TerriDoodle: I am right there with you 1 lb in sept. – thank you for the link about Water! – I have added it to my personal journal for future refresher! Chantay: Welcome to the group!! Wishing you the best! Well – I am going to sleep – sorry if I am always so far behind with my posts – please forgive me! Have a good night everyone – thank you for letting me part of this group!

HarleyNana -- Please share a before and after photo and some stat's. If you are willing to give us all some tips and tricks of living day to day. I just love Dr T. -- Let's plan a group gathering - that we can do qtrly or so - maybe change areas to meet so all have a chance to come without burden being on the same people. Anyone interested ? - I will make a info exchange list of "US" if you PM me your info ie LBTname, Actual Name, Address, contact #, contact email address. Once compiled I will send to those who wished to participate - and we will arrange the first MEET! Have a great day everyone!

Glad to hear you are better and Thank you for sharing and the warning!

PreOp Diet: It was listed in the NOTEBOOK ( 2 options - I did the Smart Forme Shakes 3 a day. 750 cal) - and I spoke in depth to Dr T and he said optional during my physical/consultation appt. I was extra cautious because they have to manipulate the liver and so if you do (liquids/low fat/low cal) it will help shrink the liver. I wanted to avoid any and all complication in surgery. I don't regret it -- he did a biopsy of the liver due to color and size - so I couldn't have imagined if I wouldn't have - the size it would have been. Biopsy came back fine - I almost forgot to mention. HUGS to you both!

No problems per say. I took a decongestent that was a capsule that must have dissolved in the pouch - creating a burning that the reflux brought up the throat - burning all the way up. So I am not doing that again - liquids only. I had no problems with pills prior to this last fill. I have restriction (finally that has stayed so far 4wks!). The hardest thing -- hmmmm... breaking old habits. Eating too fast, not chewing enough and wanting more food than the band allows and soe bad food choices - Ice Cream! Don't have last supper syndrum. Why do you ask.... (from my experience) You will have surgery - have restriction from swelling and the little bit of fill that is in there at installation of band. You will be on liquids and lose weight - which will reduce the restriction and soon - no restriction - and no fill until 6 weeks out to be sure you are healed (aka Bandster Hell) You will find that you can eat anything you want -- try to keep to sensable portions use WILLPOWER. Go for 1st fill -- feel restriction for a few days and the cycle starts again - lose weight - lose restriction - use your willpower! (for me) 2nd fill (13 weeks since WLS)- repeat just not able to take in as much volume; 3rd fill (18 weeks) - repeat but felt restriction; having issues with eating to fast or not chewing- just was being able to eat more and more so called 3 weeks out and asked for another fill; 4th fill (21 weeks) - I have restriction - I can only eat approx 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup depending on the density of the items -- but must take it slow. My husband says everytime I eat - I look like someone is punching me in the stomach. I get the FULL feeling and know I have to stop eating --then apprx 5-10mins I get the hiccups which I read is a sign for some - you are full. It has been 4weeks - and I can eat Rice - Bread - just a few bits though. ANOTHER HARD THING for me is/was the speed we lose - seems to go so slow. I will lose immediately after a fill - then bounce around the same 3-5 lbs for weeks. Here my summary stat's - I don't remember if I shared this with this group: I started dieting/losing 9/2006 - debating the WLS - ate like I had it - to see CAN I DO THAT- for life? 3/1 - lost 29 lbs total made consultation with Dr T and scheduled my surgery for 4/9. 3/26 - lost 10 lbs since above doc appt and started optional 2 weeks preop liquid diet - lost additional 7.6 during this preop diet. 4/9 - SURGERY DAY (recap -lost 46.6 prior to surgery) 5/9 - 1 mo anniversary - 10.4 lbs lost this mo 6/9 - 2 mo anniversary - 5.8 lbs lost this mo - 16.2 since WLS 7/9 - 3 mo anniversary - 6.4 lbs lost this mo - 22.6 since WLS 8/9 - 4 mo anniversary - 6.2 lbs lost this mo - 28.8 since WLS 9/9 - 5 mo anniversary - 10 lbs lost this mo - 38.8 (85.5 1yr) 10/1 - today so far this month-just a few days away to 6 mo anniversary 2.4 lbs lost! TMI - sorry... Have fun in OBX. Good night!

You are absolutely WELCOME! Wishing you the BEST. I am here if you need me -

Congrat's on your new journey! Best wishes!

I do it constantly. From July 27th -- I didn't lose another pound until Sept 6th -- and I had fill on 8/16 that didn't help so I went back for another fill Sept 6th. The doctor had to FIGHT to get 1.0 cc in me at that time -- saying that I was having so much reflux he didn't think he was going to be able to get a full cc in -- but he did. I (for the first time) have had restriction for more than just a few days. Sept 6th to the 14th I was losing again --from the 15th to currently I have been bouncing around in the same zone (252 - 254lbs). I am hoping and praying that it doesn't take over a month again to get some results and make it below 250 - its been 2 weeks so far :rolleyes I complete understand where you are mentally -- try to stay strong and try to start some type of exercise -- I should have mentioned I wasn't exercising either -- but I started biking 8/28 - so far so-so.

I will be here -right with ya. I am fighting - trying to get the scale below 250. I am at 253 this morning. :plane: It is getting slower and slower. What does Judy say - Patience.