PrettyThick1

Ahhhh...the joyful sounds of banded life. If it's not butt trumpets, it's the screeching baby eagles or the tune of a sink draining in our bellies.

It's not your band making noise, it's the contents of your pouch "draining" to the lower stomach. Just think of pouring Water down a thin funnel pipe, it gurgles...just like your tummy does. It doesn't go away, you learn to live with it as a reminder that your band is doing it's job, slowing the digestion process and holding on to food for you longer.

I went in for my annual eye exam and there are no signs that my bout with diabetes has done any damage to my retina and that diabetes is no longer present in my eyes.

I haven't had a fill since August, but I do remember that it took a few days for the fill to take effect. I needed a total of 3 to get to thr green zone.

This journey is as much psychological as it is physical. To have moments of epiphany and actually have the motivation to pursue greater is an NSV. You've conquered a major hurdle in your life and have overcome something that has plagued you for sometime. When these things occur, we realize we have regained lost power and belief in ourselves to do "the impossible". Congrats to you at this new moment of discovery, may there be many more moments of positive realization for you in the near future.

I feel bad for your delays and issues, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. What is for you, you will get and at the appointed time. Try not to allow discouragement to hold or keep you back, you want it? Will it in your mind first.

This is such an amazing song. I don't know how anyone could listen to it and not want to break out into their wildest dance...even if others are looking. This song is special to me because I know how much my sister would have loved it, she died two years ago yesterday and I played it for her at the cemetery as I placed spring flowers for her and my father. It's strange that I'm writing about such a happy song, but as I type I'm a bit sad because I still miss her terribly and even though my heart tells me she heard me playing that song (the diet coke my brother in law left for her kept falling over, for no reason...I think she was telling me it was flat and time for a new one) the fact that I couldn't see her smiling face, doing her dance and bobbling her head in such a way that only she could while snapping her fingers. My sister was happy. She was the picture of health; vibrant, thin, she ate well, exercised daily, visited her doctor and treated every living being as though she had given life to it herself. How does this person die at the age of 57? She was one of a kind, it just so happens that the type of cancer she had was basically one of a kind, too. Leave it to her to be original, I tell you! My big sister became my hero through that fight though. She NEVER gave up, even in her final few hours and life support had been removed, she lifted her frail fist in the air as if to say "I'm not done yet!" For that reason, I bought a pair of boxing gloves and had our family sign them before the funeral and I placed them in her casket. This is NOT where I was going with this post, but my spirit seemed to move in this direction. I miss my sister so much. I spent ages 2-5 sleeping with her every night because I loved her so much, she put up with me, too...how many 17 - 20 year olds allow their baby sister to sleep with them? Especially when that little sister is a wreckasaurus who breaks all of your things and fills the bed with all of her baby dolls before you get home from your after-school job? She still didn't put me out and I had my own room! As I look back on it, she was a saint and very responsible for the woman that I grew up to be. I miss you Marian Jeanette Ganaway-Magee, Lord, please let these tears stop before I pick up my baby. The attached photo of our hands was taken on our last day together and in her final hours - February 16, 2011 at around 7:30pm, just before I threw the party of the century in her hospital room, all of her favorite music, laughter and me acting a plum fool for her because I knew I wouldn't have the chance to do it again...TRY TO PUT ME OUT IF YOU WANT TO, IT'S ON! The second photo is of her and her very devoted husband. It's kind of sad, I didn't realize how much he loved her until I witnessed (and continue to witness) him grieve for her. That's love and I pray for a bond as strong as theirs some day.

This has nothing to do with my band, but in this forum I am among friends and this is a place that I like to share things...not always related to the band and I hope no one minds. As I mentioned in a previous post, my sister died two years ago yesterday and I'm really dealing with some heavy emotions. One thing made me chuckle...and it shouldn't have, but it did because it was so sweet. When I went to the funeral home to do my sister's hair and makeup, my brother in law almost got upset when I told him I was placing the wig on her head without a wig cap. I didn't say a word, just put my head down and waited for him to realize that it wouldn't matter anymore. He was so protective of every part of her and I love him even more for that.

Yesterday I was 1 lb. from my goal...guess what I did? Went to DQ and had a medium turtle blizzard with extra pecans and chocolate...chunky style. LOL My daughter made a great grade on a test and I hadn't rewarded her with treats in a very long time and we went for it! Welp, I guess I've officially put off my goal day for a few more days. Drats! What was I thinking? They DO sell smoothies afterall!

I guess a sign that my slight body dysmorphia is wearing off is that clothes look huge! You can't keep me out of the stores these days, I'm not concerned about losing much more and can feel better about buying a set size - thrift stores are still my faves, but I have begun buying new off the rack. What I've noticed is now that I realize I'm smaller, clothes seem to have gotten bigger. I grabbed a pair of pants in my old size and couldn't believe how big they were, I can fit BOTH of my legs in one pant leg! Dang!

Advice from bandsters who have reached their goal. How did you approach maintenance? Did you allow yourself to continue to lose until you stopped, leaving the band as it was? Or did you get a slight unfill when you got where you wanted to be? If so, how many adjustments did it require to get you back to green?

We all know how being overweight has impacted our lives, one of the most hurtful is being judged by our appearance. People who have gone through traumas that affect their skin feel the same sting of judgement and rejection, if not worse than we do. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford skin removal surgery, you can give a gift that will last a lifetime...even after you are gone, perhaps. Imagine a part of you that you didn't want in the first place going to an infant who hasn't yet tasted the sweetness of life, but must face a world who will judge them first by their appearance. This unwanted part of you can cover them...to me, it's a form of love and protection. Imagine that infant going on to live a meaningful life for decades after you have departed. A part of you lived on through a source outside of yourself and you didn't have to die first to make it so! A wonderful part of this equation is that it costs you nothing but it's priceless to the recipient. That in itself makes me want to give it away. The following agencies can assist you with your decision and/or making your organ donation, please note: you will not be paid, but that's not the point anyway. Right? Need a Reason to Donate? Calculating the Value of Tissue Donation NPR (National Public Radio) http://www.npr.org/2012/07/17/156876476/calculating-the-value-of-human-tissue-donation How to Donate Skin After Bariatric Surgery Livestrong http://www.livestrong.com/article/126643-donate-skin-after-bariatric-surgery/ Free Tummy Tuck - Donate Skin (Validity Not Verified) Global Medical Service http://globalsurgerycenterusa.com/free-tummy-tuck-donate-skin/ New York Organ Donor Network (FAQ's) http://www.donatelifeny.org/about-donation/faq/ Collection Sources United States The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center http://www.traumaburn.org/who/skinbank/faq.shtml The University of Michigan Transplantation and Donation (Transweb) http://www.transweb.org/index.shtml The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/organ-donation/art-20047529 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://organdonor.gov/about/livedonation.html Donate Life America Tissue Donation from Living Donors http://donatelife.net/understanding-donation/tissue-donation/ American Skin Association http://www.americanskin.org/donate/ Skin Cancer Foundation http://www.skincancer.org/giving Shriner's Burn Center (Children only) http://totalburncare.com/shrinepage.htm American Transplant Foundation http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/about-transplant/living-donation/about-living-donation/ International National Burn Center of West India http://www.skindonation.in/about_us.html Skin Donation and Skin Banking Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion Mumbai http://www.ltmgh.com/FrontView/inner.aspx?Mkey=ODYz&lKey=NA%3D%3D Skin Donation and Skin Banking Dr. Sunil Keswani, National Burns Centre, Airoli http://www.slideshare.net/NationalBurnsCentre2000/skin-donation-and-skin-banking-by-dr-sunil-keswani-national-burns-centre-airoli There are more, but for the sake of time this is all I can list. If you need more information or would like my assistance in finding a donation center near you, it will be my pleasure to assist. Simply message me, letting me know your city and state. Have a great day all!

B-52, did you get an adjustment once you reached your goal? I'm wondering what to do and I'm getting conflicting advice - some say leave it alone, you'll bottom out... others say get a tiny unfill (.25). What did you do?

Not so glum chum...just wait, it's only temporary. You're paying your dues now...suck it up!

We all know how being overweight has impacted our lives, one of the most hurtful is being judged by our appearance. People who have gone through traumas that affect their skin feel the same sting of judgement and rejection, if not worse than we do. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford skin removal surgery, you can give a gift that will last a lifetime...even after you are gone, perhaps. Imagine a part of you that you didn't want in the first place going to an infant who hasn't yet tasted the sweetness of life, but must face a world who will judge them first by their appearance. This unwanted part of you can cover them...to me, it's a form of love and protection. Imagine that infant going on to live a meaningful life for decades after you have departed. The biggest part of you lived on through a source outside of yourself and you didn't have to die first to make it so! (Your skin is your largest organ, true story). A wonderful part of this equation is that it costs you nothing but it's priceless to the recipient. That in itself makes me want to give it away. The following agencies can assist you with your decision and/or making your organ donation, please note: you will not be paid, but that's not the point anyway. Right? Need a Reason to Donate? Calculating the Value of Tissue Donation NPR (National Public Radio) http://www.npr.org/2012/07/17/156876476/calculating-the-value-of-human-tissue-donation How to Donate Skin After Bariatric Surgery Livestrong http://www.livestrong.com/article/126643-donate-skin-after-bariatric-surgery/ Free Tummy Tuck - Donate Skin (Validity Not Verified) Global Medical Service http://globalsurgerycenterusa.com/free-tummy-tuck-donate-skin/ New York Organ Donor Network (FAQ's) http://www.donatelifeny.org/about-donation/faq/ Collection Sources United States The University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center http://www.traumaburn.org/who/skinbank/faq.shtml The University of Michigan Transplantation and Donation (Transweb) http://www.transweb.org/index.shtml The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/organ-donation/art-20047529 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://organdonor.gov/about/livedonation.html Donate Life America Tissue Donation from Living Donors http://donatelife.net/understanding-donation/tissue-donation/ American Skin Association http://www.americanskin.org/donate/ Skin Cancer Foundation http://www.skincancer.org/giving Shriner's Burn Center (Children only) http://totalburncare.com/shrinepage.htm American Transplant Foundation http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/about-transplant/living-donation/about-living-donation/ International National Burn Center of West India http://www.skindonation.in/about_us.html Skin Donation and Skin Banking Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion Mumbai http://www.ltmgh.com/FrontView/inner.aspx?Mkey=ODYz&lKey=NA%3D%3D Skin Donation and Skin Banking Dr. Sunil Keswani, National Burns Centre, Airoli http://www.slideshare.net/NationalBurnsCentre2000/skin-donation-and-skin-banking-by-dr-sunil-keswani-national-burns-centre-airoli There are more, but for the sake of time this is all I can list. If you need more information or would like my assistance in finding a donation center near you, it will be my pleasure to assist. Simply message me, letting me know your city and state. Have a great day all!

On it now Lisa!!!

For anyone considering having plastic surgery to remove excess skin, might I suggest donating your removed skin? People from all walks of life go through trauma from fires, accidents, surgery and birth defects. Wouldn't it be nice to give away something that caused you grief to give someone else a better shot at living a normal, less scarred life? It doesn't cost a thing, but the rewards are endess. Think about it!

High Protein foods help with head hunger...which is what it sounds like you are describing. Being 3 years out, you may have lost your motivation. I would suggest talking to a counselor and attending support meetings. I don't go to meetings, but I plan to when I feel it's necessary - like years down the road and I need a reminder of how far I've come...and where I don't want to go back to.

Congratulations...waiting to read about your milestones, NSV's and all of the great things that come along with your new lifestyle!

Whoa...two years banded and you don't know what sliming is? That's awesome if you've never done it before!!!

There are plenty of reminders for me, if I can avoid the visuals it would be great. My skin isn't THAT bad, but it could stand to be tightened up quite a bit. My arms...oh my arms could swaddle a new born with what's hanging. I didn't expect a lot of looseness on my panis, that's disappointing and if nothing else it's my reason for getting a tummy tuck. Thankfully, BCBS TX has approved the TT, but the arms will have to be out of pocket unless I can start rashing up, which isn't likely.

Eight months and a day ago, I woke up with diabetes, sleep apnea, crazy blood pressure fluctuations, tired, unmotivated and with low self-esteem...even though I didn't know it. Eight months and a day ago, I followed through with a surgery that most people frown upon and have misconceptions about. They told me not to do it: "consider the risks" they said. Eight months and a day ago, I told myself "this is the right thing to do, the decisions that make you think hard about are usually the ones that will impact your life the most but they are often for the best." Eight months and a day ago, I put my life in strangers hands and trusted that in the end I would come out better than I was went I went in. Eight months and a day ago, I thought it would be hard living the banded life: "what about all the foods I'll miss...what if I slip...what if I am one of the ones the band doesn't work for...what if...what if...what if... shhhhhh! I had to quiet my mind. The greatest fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. I was tired and lonely - I just didn't know it. Eight months and a day ago, I arrived on the other side; floating on the awesome knock-out punch, unaware of the gut-wrenching pain soon to follow. It was worth it. Eight months and a day ago, I was me - just not at my best. Eight months and a day ago, my life changed dramatically. It's strange how it has all unfolded, I've enjoyed the victories both large and small. I've enjoyed getting to know and communicate with people who share this lifestyle with me; congratulating many, consoling others - while feeling the need to put some in check at times, but always enjoying the sense of community nonetheless. Eight months and a day ago, I didn't think I would be a pound away from the lowest weight I've been since before I was a teen. Ain't the band grand?

My daughter eats healthier as a result and she is beginning to exercise with me. My S/O benefits in other ways .

Part 2: You have short periods of liquids only, for example: pre-op and post-op which are both in the 2 week range, then 1 day after fills. I eat just about anything I want and I never get close to our recommended caloric intake of 1,200 per day, unless it's a special occasion and I've had a glass of wine, sweets or too many carbs.

It depends on two factors: how large are the pills or if they can be split. If neither of those will work, see if your meds are available in liquid form. You should consult your PCP regarding absorbtion rates, it is definitely much faster for me that had it been before the band. I hope one of these options will work for you and that you are successful in your weight loss journey regardless of the road you have to take. Good luck to you!