New Hope

Leah, only you can make that decision for yourself. Please do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions before you do anything. There is a ton of info. here you can "search" (as well as other websites). I can honestly say it has given me my life, freedom, and health back. I'm taking 1/2 the prescription meds. for different health problems (which have all greatly reduced). Best of luck to you!

DebW, isn't that a GREAT problem to have? I've lived in drawstring shorts and t-shirts this summer. When I do buy, I just try to buy basics - solid color jeans, slacks, and a variety of tops. Then I can mix and match. And someone's always having a sale. Just don't buy too many because you'll be needing something smaller before you know it!

Trisa C., congratulations! I know that you are excited and scared all at the same time. That's perfectly normal! Start right now getting in the habit of drinking tons of water (but not w/ meals), and some type of exercise that you enjoy - walking, bike riding, dancing, Curves, etc. All of that will help you so much w/ the surgery and the recovery period. You'll do great! Best of luck to you!

Rica, luekemia is white blood cells run amuk and destroys the red blood cells. Treatments for this disease have come along remarkably. Bone marrow transplants are now a common routine (in a controlled environment) that destroys the patient's sick cells and replaces them with healthy cells from a donor (delivered through a i.v. drip). It is easiest to find someone in the family to match and become the living donor. The marrow is extracted from the donor's hip bone. The donor will be sore a few days, but the marrow replenishes itself. But if no one in the family matches, the data can be entered into the National Bone Marrow Foundation. Also, friends can come forward to be crossmatched. (That is just a blood test at that point - checking for compatibility.) Please know that I am sending (((hugs))) and prayers for you, your Dad, and your family during this trying time. I am hoping that you will get quick, positive answers to help your Dad regain his health. Please keep us posted!

Seems a little like when you take your car in for a tune up, and it's not making that sound that you were talking about. LOL

Starrla, pb means productive burp. It's a lot like baby spitup. It usually happens from eating too fast and/or too big bites. You should try to avoid it. A few times is o.k. But if it happens a lot, it could cause your band to slip, or cause band erosion (which could have to be removed). One thing you will find after banding is that you will be eating a healthier diet - getting most of your Proteins and Vitamins from the types of foods you now eat. This will eliminate the need for several supplements. Then there are maintenance supplements that Bandsters take such as flaxseed oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C (chewable), Viactiv Calcium chews, children's chewable vitamin - just to name a few.

JPort, you sound like you are a very strong, independent woman, capable of making life changing decisions, without being intimidated by your ex. You just take the best care of yourself and your children that you can. No one else will do that for you. You will rise above this chaos and get your life back in order and you will be happy. Best of luck to you!

Alex, just a guess here, but do you have any sinus problems going on right now? Maybe that is causing you to retain smells. Have you tried replacing them w/ good smells (like hand lotion, a candle)? Hope it gets better soon!

Lauri, congratulations to you and your daughter! That is so cool that you can do that together! Leatha, I have a very, very cheap, old 3 speed bike w/feet brakes (no handbrakes). Just try to go a little bit further each time. It took a while to build up my distance. Get yourself a speedometer (Walmart) and it helps you feel like you're really going somewhere. Plus it's mostly flat terrain here. That doesn't take as much effort as hills. (Do you have your seat at the proper height? A biking nut friend raised mine and it made a big difference. I know you have short legs like me.) No, Betty, they're not a Harley family (yet). But I knew you'd appreciate the cake. LOL

Did the "Hokey Pokey" at a 7 yr. old's birthday party and 10 miles bicyling. (Hey, Betty, he had a little Harley on his b.d. cake.)

I'm not familiar w/ either doctor. Mine's in Houston and I love him and his office staff. You will need to be careful w/large pills after banding. Are these prescription meds.? If so, your dr. can probably prescribe another brand that's smaller or in liquid form. Time release meds. aren't good and need to be replaced w/ regular meds. A lot of solid pills can be broken up before swallowing. Capsules can be opened and mixed in a little yogurt or applesauce.

Have you tried Ambien? I've been an insomniac for years. It's a prescription sleep aid that doesn't make you feel "hung over" the next a.m, or leave you with a dry mouth. It works really fast, so you need to be ready to go to bed when you take it. Also, you need to be able to get 8 hours straight, uninterrupted sleep. But you will get a refreshing night's sleep.

Hi, Tigger, another Texan! Welcome to LBT! Please come here often and let us get to know you. 30 pounds gone! That is wonderful! Keep up the good work!

So glad you got your referral! You're one step closer to getting banded. Crossing fingers, eyes, and toes that all will go well.

Sexercise: Reach for your mate, instead of a plate!

I know we have other Aussies here. Hopefully there is someone in her general area that can help her. I recently heard about a band that was used (before the Lapband) that was not adjustable. Other than that, I can't imagine what type of band that a dr. would say was "filled to the max" when first inserted.

Aussie jode is in Darwin, Australia (Northern Territory). Mr. Tracey does her fills/follow ups. She was banded 6/30/04. Her website is www.geocities.com/jumpineddy25 Maybe she can give you some insight.

Zoe, what does W. A. stand for? What type of problems is she having?

Lisa G., here's a pretty detailed website about Hives :www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000845.htm It says apply cool compresses or take a cool bath. Avoid hot showers and baths. Do not wear tight clothes. Apply Calamine Lotion. Take antihistamines (Benadryl). It's caused by your body releasing histamines. It can come from an allergic reaction to something, and/or stress. (You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?) Hope this helps and you get some relief FAST! You also might speak with your pharmacist. Good luck!

Melissa, we do go through a "grieving process" because food was always there for us, didn't care what we looked like, comforted us. But like Lisa Green has said since her banding, "Food is NOT my friend." Try not to watch t.v., those food commercials are all too frequent and tempting. LOL You will get through this period and discover there's a whole world out there and things to do that DON'T involve food. It's hard to break old habits, but you will. You're also just getting over your surgery. Please take it easy and give yourself time to heal. It is hard for someone to understand, who hasn't had that "addiction". If we could handle it, we wouldn't have needed our band in the first place. Take it one day at a time. You have your band and you will succeed! Best of luck to you!

Wow, that is wonderful news! Isn't it nice that monthly payroll deduction is actually doing you some good?

Rye bread chewed into a gun shape! Wow! Some imagination! Now, Zoe, is a squirt gun the preferred method of defense in Chicago? Hmmmm.

How about "Everything's Bigger in Texas - Women, food, and Margartitas" LOL Hey, maybe Playboy will do a spread on "Banded Guys and Gals". They did "Women of Walmart". Just don't count me in. LOL

Zoe, too funny!!! I got stopped in Houston for the 1/2" metal hinge on my powder compact. But Denver didn't catch the hair pick w/ the seven 4" metal prongs that I forgot to put in my check-in. Go figure!

Penni, I'm sure stress is playing a big part in your restriction problems right now. Plus all those foods people bring in are usually not band-friendly. Please try to take it one day at a time. You've had an awful lot to deal with lately. Sending (((hugs))) and prayers that things will calm down in your life very, very soon. Please give you Mom a hug for us. What a terrible shock to deal with!