New Hope

Terry, thanks for having the nerve to ask what those letters meant.

Claraluz, how about some flax oil or vitamin E capsules? I didn't know about gum being a no-no. I swallowed some yesterday, but I haven't noticed any problems YET. What kind of problems can it cause? Well, that's really comforting about "our" dr.!

Best of luck to you, Zoe, on your journey to "Bandland"!

Wow, Carolyn, that doesn't sound good! Did the local dr. give you any advice?

How about "Portless in Vegas"? I think "Sleepless in Seattle" every time I see your name.

Wow, Ginavit, great job! You're not a stalker. You're just getting info. for your new "bandster" life. That is very wise. There's a lot to learn about all this. I am still a "new bandster" and hate to think I'd called my surgeon every time I've had a ? I can usually find the answer here.

Yeah! Patty! Wonderful job! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We can certainly relate!

Marie3181, we have a cocko-poo that is now 8 years old. Buddy is the best dog you could ever ask for. He's always even-tempered and loves everyone. He smiles all the time. You just can't stay feeling "down" when he's nearby. When my kids were still in school, I spent many an all-nighter typing up numerous reports for them. For various reasons, I'd have to walk across the house to get something. No matter how late it was or how many trips I had to make, Buddy would get up and plod along behind me. I'd feel so guilty! But he'd never wait for me to come back. 8 years later, he still does the same thing. He follows me from room to room. The vet can't believe he's that old. He's snow white and loves to run and play. No agility problems yet. You will just continue to love this little dog more and more as time goes on! He'll also love to go on walks w/you. The only problem I had, was that Buddy likes to "catscan" (constantly looking for a cat to chase). Right after surgery, I didn't feel like him suddenly lunging on the leash. Best of luck to you!

You might want to get someone to elevate your headboard with some blocks. This hopefully will help you. Lying flat, any reflux just goes up your esophagus. It's very painful and can be very damaging. An endoscope will verify if you do have reflux. There are RXs available if your change of habits, not being overfilled, raising your headboard, etc. doesn't help.

Ryan's quote" It's never too late to become what you might have been."

Ryan, please reread your quote! You're being given a second chance to become a writer. You have a God-given talent that needs to be used for your ability to "know from hence you speak", to express yourself very creatively, to encourage and uplift others, increase awareness of this so misunderstood situation. Obesity is such a stigma for the individual, not only physically, health-wise, but even more importantly, emotionally. You could comfort and encourage overweight people and teach other people compassion and understanding. Kindness is always in style! If others could just learn to look past an individual's physical size and really "see", just imagine what a kinder and happier place this old world would be! If your book (or perhaps in the beginning, booklet,) touched one life, then your efforts would not be wasted. Best of luck!

"So I'm trying to enjoy the journey, since this is where life is actually happening." Wow, need that embroidered on a pillow, Donali! I used to always say, "When I lose weight, I'll do such & such, when I get enough $$, I'll do such & such, when I get enough time, I'll do such & such, when the kids get to a certain age, etc. Unfortunately, time isn't standing still. I think I'm conscientously doing better now about enjoying and appreciating life each day. I still have to give myself a good shake every once in a while, but it seems to be getting better.

Welcome, Diane, best of luck with your insurance approval! What do you mean about "changing your syle of eating in regards to chewing?" You do need to learn to eat slowly, enjoy your meal, and chew very, very well so you won't have any problem with food getting stuck in your esophagus. Really, we're just relearning how to eat properly-- to eat slowly and enjoy the flavor of each bite. You certainly can have sweets, like ice cream. But if you eat your proteins (meats, fish) first, vegetables first, you should be full and will not want to eat a lot of sweets. Again, Best of luck to you!

Pennie and Donali, Great pearls of wisdom!

Donali, would you mind posting your "mocha frappacino" in the recipe thread? That sounds wonderfully fattening and delicious (but w/ the secret substitutes)!

That is so sad for bypass patients to have that problem. How humiliating!

Please remember to CHEW, CHEW, CHEW! Good luck!

Nu-huh! I'm just saying we'll be able to run w/the big dogs now!

I just wore big, baggy dark clothes for years and thought everything was covered up. A friend had bypass surgery 3 years ago and took it upon herself to bring me some of her "too big clothes". Wake up call! She's an o.r. nurse where I had my band installed 5/04. I hadn't seen her in over a year. I saw her right before I went into the o.r. She'd gained back a LOT of weight. I was so happy I was getting a band! Now, maybe I can take her some of my "too big clothes."

Suz, I also have IBS. The band hasn't caused any problems. Best of luck to you!

Donali, Wow! I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than you! There's just no stopping you, is there? Yippee!!!!

Kiley and Tricia, Congratulations! Yes, this is hard, but when you start seeing that scale drop and your clothes get looser, you will feel so proud of yourselves! Drink, drink, drink! You've already taken the big step (surgery), now let yourselves heal. Best of luck to both of you!

If Whippledaddy writes a book, we all can promote it like "another" forum promotes their "Jessie".

Leatha, I just got it, too. Happy Belated Birthday! Now tell us what did you do for it?

Kimber-lilly, Don't buy too many clothes. You'll be having to buy new, SMALLER ones before you know it! Yeah!!!!