Neicy

So sorry to hear that your som is sick, Michelle. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

Thank you for your inspiring story, Megan. I appreciate that you are willing to share these personal feelings with others, in hopes that it might help. It does! You are beautiful, inside and out.

Let me tell ya'll my theory on coffee. I quit drinking it after I got banded, because I read that it could be an irritant to the banded stomach. The weight seemed to fall off effortlessly. Then I began to drink my 2 mugs every morning, and the loss seemed to slow almost to a stop. So I discontinued it again recently, and now I seem to be losing better. One of the gals I work with said that she read that it stimulates insulin production, which slows weight loss. Anyone else hear of this?

Does exercising your jaw count? That's all I've done in the past few days!

Way to go Marie! I keep going up and down between 195-200. I hate seeing that 200!! Stops me cold in my tracks.

I heard a report today on the news about appetite control. I found it interesting and thought I'd share it. As you may know, the digestive process begins in the mouth with salivary flow. One of the digestive enzymes, called pitalin, is generated in the mouth and one of it's functions seems to be to stimulate the urge to eat. It apparently sends a signal to the brain to take another bite! Studies have shown that if you brush your teeth after eating, this will alter the PH of your saliva and neutralize the pitalin. Also, more pitalin is produced when carbohydrates are consumed. This was reported by Mackie Shilstone, one of New Orleans notable diet and exercise gurus. I'll have to try this out, I am terrible about going back 15 to 20 minutes after I've eaten to get another taste. Seems like yet another good reason to brush!

Actually, Katie, anytime something goes into your mouth the salivary flow is stimulated. After 22 years in the dental field, I've seen alot of spit!

Ryan, I would think it best to have the option to be off just in case you don't feel so hot. Lots of folks feel just fine, but some take it a little slower than others. I had surgery on a Friday and returned to work on the following Wednesday. I flew home from Mexico 2 days after surgery and it was pretty tiring, but I had been sick post-op. If I were you I'd take an additional day or two, just in case. I can't believe they sanded your chest! And then poured alcohol on it, whew! Do ya think they just get jaded after a while and forget how it feels on our end? Glad your test results were positive. Soon you'll be steppin' lighter, my friend.

I'm so sorry that you're feeling down. Sometimes it helps, just to get it out in the open. As a woman, I love to bitch! Just get it out there and it makes it real and puts it in perspective. Sometimes I am amazed that I am griping about something so insignificant. You, sweet Lisa, have had long duration stress and yet you manage to not only cope, but be friendly, funny, and helpful to all of us. I keep you in my prayers and thoughts hoping that you are blessed with a caring doctor who can properly diagnose and heal you. It will get better, tomorrow the sun will shine.

Penni, I am so sorry to hear that you are having this problem again. I will keep you in my prayers, I hope it isn't anything too serious. The photo kinda looks like dejavu. Good luck tomorrow.

Me too! Burp! That's my only complaint about this band, I sometimes think it creates gas!

Lisa, my friend, I am glad that you are addressing this wound. You really do need to resolve this problem. It sounds like the tubing may be causing the problem, whatever it is, needs to get fixed. I have to say that I agree with Penni and Michelle about having Dr. Billy take care of you. ( just my 2 cents!) I know it is more expensive, but he is here and available for you, should you need him. Dr. Kuri is certainly good hearted, but he hasn't fixed your problem, nor is he available for you to consult. You've got a stubborn situation here, it needs more than sporatic attention. I don't mean to be lecturing you, but I am truly concerned about your health. As always, wishing for you all the good things you deserve. Denise

Dear Bobby, I think if your wife really knows who you are, then she wouldn't expect you to just let your beloved daughter go. Your daughter is nearly grown, but this is a critical time of her life, a time when she needs your love and involvement, especially since she is estranged from her mother. Tough decision for you, but you seem know what it's going to take here. I wish you the best, and I admire your love and sacrifice for your daughter. I hope that it works out well for you.

Hi Cort, I, like you, suffered with reflux, hypertension and high cholesterol. I want you to know that those problems are resolved now, since I got banded. My BP is 140/70 now. My cholesterol went from 347 to 190, without drugs. My reflux improved immediately after banding. I love my band! I know you will enjoy better health, too, when you get this wonderful tool to help you take control of your food. Good Luck, we're glad to have you on the forum.

Yeah Ryan! I'm glad you got the "go ahead" on your band, and that the ulcers were h pylori. I mean, if you got 'em, they're the kind to have! Keep us posted on your news.

Glad to hear ya'll are doing so well. I'm glad to hear Deb is feeling better.

Thanks for the photojam, Vera, it's very cool!

Cajun bash would be a blast! I will have to figure out when Mardi Gras will be in 2005. It's really crowded and crazy in New Orleans on Mardi Gras day, but I really like the parades before. There are 2 or 3 weeks of parading before the actual day of Mardi Gras. Anybody interested in that? Mardi Gras is early in 2005, Feb. 8th.

Best wishes to you for a smoothe surgery and speedy recovery.

I really enjoyed the yogurt drinks at this stage. It's not exactly clear, but they gave me one the next day following surgery in the hospital.

Kelly Ann, congrats on your surgery date. Dr. Rumbauts staff IS fantastic. They really do take care of just about everything. I wouldn't worry about bottled Water in the hospital. It is purified and tastes pretty good, but I found the water at the hotel to be very chlorinated and nasty tasting. They do have bottled water at the McDonalds next door, it is more convenient than trying to carry it in your luggage. Dr. Rumbaut sends a basket of Soups, juices, gatorade, etc., so you will have what you need to sustain yourself post op. Get some rolling luggage, pack light and bring comfortable clothing and slip on shoes. Shave your legs the night before. They accept American currency almost everywhere, so bring small denomination bills with you for tips and incidentals. The hotel van will bring you anywhere you want or need to go. The taxi ride back to the airport was about $25.00. This was the only time I had trouble exchanging american currency. The taxi driver didn't know the exchange rate and I wasn't too great at it myself! One thing that really helped me was my little translator computer, since I don't speak much Spanish. It was about $15 at Wal Mart and was invaluable to me in MX. I also really enjoyed my travel pillow in the plane. Best of luck to you, sweetie. Keep us posted. There is a computer room in the hotel, so if you feel up to it, you can log on to LBT to let us know how you're doing.

I so enjoyed all the pictures of the bash. I can see that everyone had a wonderful time. All the beautiful smiles on everyone's face just brought a grin to mine. Lisa your home is beautiful. Count me in on the next bash, it looks like too much fun!

Congrats on being banded. Sorry to hear that Deb has been sick. What do you think is causing the nausea? I was sick for a few days after being banded, at first we thought it was caused by anesthesia, but later realized it was a bug, because our friends at home all had the same problem. It's a scary thing to be vomiting right after band surgery. I hope that she is feeling better soon.

Have a great time everybody, wish I could be there.

I wanted to wish you well on your upcoming surgery. Please don't fret too much, it won't do any good. I know you will be pleasantly surprised at how well you'll do. This is minimally invasive surgery. Who is your surgeon?