New Hope

Hey, we AIN'T all like that!

I thought what was interesting was she said other types of weight loss surgery (rearranging your insides) could have affected her voice.

That's really scary. And I know that you're living proof of the danger. Thank goodness yours was found and fixable. Is this something that once you've had, you tend to be prone to it?

Oops, meant NSVs!

Chris, wonderful job! And what great NIVs!

Wow, Leatha, despite all your setbacks, you've done fantastic! What an inspiration!

Leatha, I haven't even gotten up the nerve to take any pics yet. Old habits die hard. But I'll work on it. Thanks!

And a handsome little picture it is!

Please remember that we are just band patients sharing our experiences. We do not have medical knowledge or training. Please research your dr. of choice very carefully - his/her training, surgical expertise, former patients, follow-up care, etc. When you have chosen a Dr., then please follow his/her particular rules for preop, surgery, and follow-up care. Drs. seem to vary greatly in their treatment plans, but I'm sure that they have specific reasons for doing so. Best of luck to you!

Paula, don't be so hard on yourself! You've lost 21 pounds in a really short period! I agree w/Michelle. Please check what you're eating (protein first, then veg.), water amt. (drink, drink, drink - except w/meals), and regular exercise (something you enjoy and will stick with). It doesn't sound like you need another fill yet. If you're pbing, that's something we need to avoid as much as necessary! I think all liquids meals are just going to make you hungrier. Please try to eat nutrious, solid foods that will "stick to your ribs" longer. You already have your band. It will be there when you need it. Best of luck to you!

That's 11 pounds gone for good! They say anything lost before the first fill is a bonus. I bet your first fill will make a big difference! Best of luck to you!

Hi, Lisa! I was banded by Dr. S. 05/2004. Glad to meet you!

Ginny, I haven't figured it out yet either. But you do have a beautiful picture!!

Yea, Pam! I'm so excited for you! That's only 3 weeks away! Girl, you better get busy! Please start working on drinking, drinking, drinking (except w/meals). Get all your old clothes washed and arranged by sizes. Start wearing the ones you really like. You'll go to put them on one day and Whoops! They don't fit any more! (So sad - NOT!) Where is your Dr. located? Best of luck to you!!

Mom & Dad were watching tv when Mom said, "I'm tired, & it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed." She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the Cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons & bowls on the table, & started the coffee pot for brewing the next a.m. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt & secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger, & put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket, & hung up a towel to dry. She yawned & stretched & headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk & wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, & pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed & stamped the envelope, & wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse. Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed & flossed her teeth, & filed her nails. Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way," she said. She put some Water into the dog's dish & put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked & the patio light was on. she looked in on each of the kids & turned out their bedside lamps & tvs, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, & had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, & straightened up the shoe rack. She added 3 things to her "6 most important things" to do list. She said her prayers, & visualized the accomplishment of her goals. About that time, Dad turned off the tv & announced to no one in particular. "I'm going to bed." And he did...without another thought. Wonder why women live longer? CAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL....(and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!!!)

Naw, just human.

Thanks, Joanne for the encouragement!

Jello- various fruit flavors of gelatin. (A brand name)

Well, maybe insurance companies do need to read these websites. Then they could see how positively the band is affecting people's lives.

Kim, it's not really throwing up. It's more like baby spit-up. Yes, chew, chew, chew. But please stop at the first sign of the "golf ball in your chest" feeling. If you stop and wait right then, it usually doesn't develop into a PB. Try to eat slowly and enjoy each bite. I've usually pb'd when I was in a hurry and/or took too big bites. Once you start the convulsive swallowing, it's usually too late. The saliva starts building up and you pb.

Koukla, you must be doing something right! You've lost 60 lbs!! You probably need to be giving us pointers! You should be able to eat anything in moderation that you normally eat. The o.j. may be irritating to your stomach and it has a lot of sugar in it. When you say Mexican food, what do you mean? I love Mexican food! But since banding, I've tried to avoid the chips, rice, and tortillas. I love their grilled shrimp and fajita meat. Some days I seem to be able to eat anything and the next I have sudden restriction. That seems to be the "mystery of the band.":)

Paula, you can check Leatha's surgeries progress under "Pain, Part Deaux".

As cute as you are, they just probably thought you were making a "Propel Water" commercial right there!

Joanne, so glad to meet you! Those "last suppers" will get tinier and tinier! You'll do great!

Leatha, she probably did 95% of that stuff when she stayed w/ you last week!