GR8

I love the magic bullet. You can use the 20% off coupon from Bed Bath & Beyond or Linen and things that are alway in the Sunday newspaper's - and save a little money! The only dumb question is the one you don't ask! We have all different stages of the new journey here -- more than willing to help!!!!! Okay - here are my kids! Have a great night everyone! Gina

This is a very personal decision - the best thing you can do is research as much as possible and talk to us to see how it is like to have the band, maybe questions like - and find out why they decided what they did - are they happy with their decision... FOR ME -- I would do it all over again. Losing has gone much slower than expected, and still takes lots of hard work. I tis just a tool. :thumbup: Good luck on your journey!

Hi Janie: tastefullysimple.com -- you can order from here. It is like pampered chef; tupperware and such -- there are independent distributers - that talk people into having parties - inviting friends - sample the goods and take the orders! For having the party you get so much $$ in merchandise. My girlfriend that went with me, and I are going to have one - it was delicious. I also bought (when I was there)a new mix they just came out with - Gingerbread cake and frosting mix.:eek: Laura - when I was little my mom made Beer bread all the time -- she used the Bisquick recipe. They had samples there of the beer bread - but it was not enough to be able to tell -:thumbup:- it was like 2 miniture crouton size. Terri -- Peyton is such a joy - always happy and energetic! She is wearing 2T Training pants and a Onesie of course in pinks-- so adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks - good info. I use them during my liquid stages - and love them.

Good Luck!!!!!! Keep us informed.

You didn't mention what size -- but check this site out: Sea Dreams Wetsuits: Siren Wetsuit

Laura - How are you doing? TracyinKS - glad to hear I am not th eonly one that eat's (or can eat)Large Frosty's. TacyK - I hope Macy gets to feeling better soon! What a great DH. I am okay - I really need to change up my eating and get back to losing again. My cousin had Gastic Bypass last week - and that has me feeling guilty that I have gained 23lbs from my lowest point (even though only 24 hours there) and I need to EXERCISE. Judy - thanks for keeping us updated! Kat - So happy to hear you are feeling much better. Kity - 9 vials - wowser that is a lot! Hope they come back all in the norm. Suziecat - My DH loves meatloaf also -- we made some last weekend - on the grill. mmgood. We got a new puppy about 3 weeks ago (9 mo old corgi - named Peyton) SHE has more energy than the law should allow. The kicker -- she just started her first heat. Did you know the messy part lasts 16 days -- I am so tired form all the extra work. Wheew. She is adorable and te best personality. HAPPY all the time. AND getting along fine with our 7yr old German Shephard - Heidi. Beware -FOOD PORN: I went and saw Paula Deen saturday. She brought Mike - her husband and she is SO FUNNY and entertaining. They also had expo of 100 vendors. HERE IS WHAT I DISCOVERD THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD: 1. Tastefully Simple's Absolutely Almond Pound Cake - a simple mix, add butter and water. Very moist and wonderful flavor - best I ever have had. 2. West Virginia Fruit & Berry - Cherry Butter- absolutly heavenly on toast! 3. River City Bean Co. - Richmond Va - has these Keylime flavored chocolate candies with Coffee infused in. They come in a small tin - great pick me up! (those above I bought - I was weak!) Also good was: Gracie's Garden Franklin VA -- had lots of uniquie jelly's - such as Garlic Basil Jelly You could take and toss on pasta - be good - or poor over cream cheese - serve on crackers or bread. Have a good evening everyone! :thumbup:

The pre-op diet is not required buy highly recommended -- I did do it. I used the SmartForme powder shakes. I found the website in my notebook from Dr. T's preop class. Very filling - I mixed with more water to thin them out some -- I can't even try to use them now - too thick. The reason I did it -- to shrink the liver and reduce the fat right there where he was working to be most successful and without incidence during surgery. My liver was still enlarged and he did a biopsy and that came back as fine -- but I am glad I did it -- if not how BIG would my liver would have been --hmmm? I think it also helped me mentally to prepare for eatting after the surgery. But it is an individual choice. I think it would be fine to diet before, then eat on your special weekend -- and back to the shakes for 2 days.

I looked it up - just FYI: Prolapse of the Stomach Prolapse or slippage of the stomach underneath the band occurs in 1-2% of patients due to the use of the Pars Flaccida technique. This technique, in which the band is 'fixed' in place higher on the stomach and part of the stomach is sewn over the band drastically reduces the incidence of stomach prolapse. I feel so bad for her. I can't imagine what it is like.

Laura - I am so sorry you are not feeling good - Get feelling better soon! Kat -- Please let us know how your are doing -- I have both of you in my prayers. Gina

Great Job!!!!!! I need to use you as my inspiration! I almost forgot I have a bodybug also - that is a great idea. I need to get on my bike and ride! (First thing - I need to pump-up the tires!):biggrin:

Congrat's on the new date Bridgett! Amanda - I sure hope the insurance co-operates! :crying: Luvmy2dogs - keep up the great work -- I PM'd you back. I forgot to tell you - we got a 2nd dog - she is a corgi -- she is great company for our German Shephard! Have a great day ALL!

You are doing great! Keep up the great work! Gina

Thanks for sharing -- good to know others experience these issues as well. :tt1: Gina

That is a great question -- I can't wait to see the responses. I figure EXERCISE is top of the list -- I need to get my butt moving! Gina

I am the BIGGEST baby there is with needles. So I understand completely! My first was 7 1/2 weeks - was suppose to be at 6 but due to scheduling it wasn't. Mine are done with xray - so it is minimal pokes - and quick. The first shot is like a bee sting - it numbs the area so no pain then I feel just a pressure from the doctor keeping pressure on the needle while it is in the port while he extracts the old Fluid - and refills the new amount, just so he pushing (the needle) so he doesn't get out of the port. Think of me poking my finger in where your port is located. Hope this helps! Gina

Your band is on the top of your stomach - just like the pictures ( I would guess) -- the location of the port can vary depending on your physical make-up and doctors preference. Mine (port) is sewn to muscle below the right breast. I can lay my hand on it and feel it if I try. I can not FEEL the band location. Hope this helps.

Check this site out - maybe it will help your decision: Compare Gastric Bypass Surgery to the LAP-BAND Procedure For me: 1. Lower risk death risk with surgery and afterwards 2. Minimal hospital stay 3. No dumping syndrom -- I can eat sugar! 4. Reversable & Adjustable. I haven't regretted my decision - todate.

My heart goes out to my violet sister's. Hugs to everyone! Gina

Hi Everyone! Sorry I have been MIA for a long time. I have not been a good bandster -- I at one time had lost 100lbs -- now a little over 70lbs. How is everyone else doing? I have restriction - but I don't get a full or satisfied feeling just STUCK -- so I get frustrated eating -- Carnation Instant Breakfasts are my new best friends. Yes I know I eat TERRIBLE -- lots of carbs - liquid calories. Please share with me how my Violet Sisters are doing...

Thank you everyone for the Post Card from your trip – you all look wonderful and super happy! My husband was like – you should have gone – (totally different attitude than previously) and he started talking that we should invite everyone here (Virginia Beach) and etc… Jane – Happy birthday and thank you for my birthday card!!!! Laura – That was the first time I heard the John Mayer:Say song – it is absolutely beautiful – I am going to find it for my ipod. Also love the new hair dew! Tracy – I hope Robbie gets to feeling better – I have 1 of those boots/Air Casts – quite convenient – hope it works. I am totally too tight – haven’t had a fill since Jan –not losing – start birth control pills last month and have gained 10-15lbs. So frustrated – sad but not sad enough to stop eating (FOOD PORN) the ice cream – carnation instant breakfast’s with extra choc syrup and peanut butter – bread stick here and there, baked potatoes with lots of butter and sour cream. I am living on this stuff – I am so BAD and ASHAMED. So yes – I have been MIA for a while due to above – but no more – I promise. Have a good night everyone – Gina

So - how was your appt? Did you get your date?? Best wishes.

One anniversary this week! I need to take a new picture - but here is my before and February picture with 100lbs gone!

33 lbs ain't bad --- That is not what we said - we said TREMENDOUS! Have a good night - hugs!

You have done tremendous -- so far over achiever!