live2canoe

Kryssa - We've ALL been there. Thanks for sharing. It's good to know that we're not alone in this struggle. Frustration gets the better of all of us somtimes ((((hugs)))))

http://www.snopes.com/risque/kinky/hero.htm

That's my idea of a house boat!

Kathy - that is a significant drop in blood pressure, and considering that you were there with a sick kid, it's probably even better than that. Blood pressure is the Rodney Dangerfield of medical tests - it gets no respect. Every one can SEE weight loss, and you can tell if your asthma or diabetes is doing better by the amount of medication you are having to use. Blood pressure though is silent and invisible. But the underlying effects of high blood pressure are severe. Congratulations - you have successfully reduced your risk for stroke and heart disease (the number one cause of death for women). You will be around much longer and be healthier for your family. I know it's not glamorous, like Ms. Letha fitting into a size 14!!!! (excuse me while I get over my fit of jealousy here......) but it is significant. Keep fighting the good fight, my fellow turtle!

I am an admirer of quality craftsmanship - and wow! I think that being able to do stuff like that rocks! Tell Chris that he has groupies on LBT.

You have precious grandchildren. It must be hard being so far apart, for you and for them, too.

Yay you is right!! Next - a 10k!!

I'm here, I'm here. I just posted on the 'Slow Loser' thread. I have an awesome new job that unfortunately requires that I travel more than 3 weeks out of every month. When I'm on the raod, I don't have an opportunity to check in, except on weekends. I'm still turtleing along here. No weight loss, in.... I don't know... three months?!?! But - no weight gain either! And that was through the holidays AND a CRUISE. There is no way I could have done that without my band. Hang in there turtles!

Hi Vines!!! I miss you guys, too. I have this new job, and while it is an awesome job, it requires that I travel A TON. I'm gone most onf every week. I don't get a chance to get online when I'm 'in the field'. Thanks for thinking of me. I am SO happy to hear that you have found a doctor who is taking you seriously and that you are feeling better with the thyroid meds. I love what Sarah said - obviously, no matter what the tests said, your thyroid levels weren't right for YOU! I'm home this week! So I'll be able to participate more often. Then I'm gone for two weeks straight. Please keep the 'Slow Loser' thread alive in my absence, even though you may not be one for too much longer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eight fills, 2.9 cc's and still looking for my 'sweet spot' As we all know, having the Band is 'a process'.

I know it's not glamorous, but I've had GREAT success with the Crest Premium White Stips. They really work for me. My teeth look great. I get compliments on my smile now all the time. They are inexpensive and easy to use. I've never done the 'Zoom' thing, so I can't help you there. Great job on your weight loss!!! 50 POUNDS!! Woo HOOO

I'm going to address your original question - Yes - I think you will be able to find some people on this board who have stopped losing weight with the band, are no where near their goal weight and have simply decided to 'live with it'. I am sorry to hear about your nausea problems, though. I can't even imagine living like that. I hope you can figure out what's causing it - band related or not. Good Luck

These are very funny. I particularly like the one about the weasel! If I'm not mistaken, some of these are part of Steven Wright's stand-up act. I LOVE him.

I have a 4 cc band. My first fill was 2.0 ccs, and I felt nothing. I went back 6 weeks later, and .7 ccs had "disappeared" - this is not unusual. They put me back at 2.00 cc's. Still nothing Next fill up to 2.4 - nothing Next fill up to 2.7 - and I finally started to feel something. I'm at 2.9 now, and could honestly use a bit more.

Here's the link for Dr. Johnell in Greeley http://www.bannerhealth.com/patients+and+visitors/facilities/colorado/ncmc+greeley/programs+and+services/bariatrics+center/default.asp

Try Dr. Johnell in Greeley. It's a bit of a drive, but it's where I get my fills done. I love his PA, Paula. She's never missed hitting my port! SHe is very conservative on fills, which can be frustrating. The name of Dr. Johnell's clinic is NCMC Specialty. Good luck

Several of us on thsi board had Dr. Kuri perform our surgery. I have never seen a negative word uttered about him. I have never seen any complications from his surgeries. He did try to repair an infected port of DeLarla's (lisa) and seemed to have made the original problem worse. DeLarla's original surgery was not performed by Dr. Kuri, he was simply trying to help. That is the most negative thing I've heard about him to date. Not too bad. Personally, I loved him and am very happy that he was my surgeon.

Awesome post! What a great mental breakthrough! We are all very happy for you- and impressed, too. Thanks for writing.

I had the band for vanity purposes. I had no co-morbidities. I was as healthy as the proverbial horse. My BMI was under 40. I hated the way I looked and I felt about myself. Even though I am probably THE slowest loser on the board, I wouldn't trade my band for anything. I look so much better, and because of that I FEEL better. And isn't that what having WLS is all about?

I want the links to your poetry!! I am particularly intrigued by the poem with the lines: Miles may separate but distance... means nothing to love. it looks like you may have a link on your signature, but it takes me to the 'Ticker' home page.

Where is Dylan's mom when we need her? Jessie - you definitely need a new avatar.

Oh My GAWD, Oh My Gawd, Oh My Gawd - that is WONDERFUL. I'd be jumping all over the room!!!! Which cruise line? How many days per cruise? How many cruises are you going to do? We want DETAILS!!

Oh my gosh - I LOVE your new avatar!!! If that isn't proof of progress, I don't what is. That picture speaks a thousand words.

As a proud member of the 'Slow Losers', I promised to start a thread of my NSV's. I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in years. Before my surgery I ordered a pair of custom fit khakis from Land's End (if you haven't tried their custom fit service - it's awesome - but I digress) By the time the pants showed up 6 weeks later, I had gained enough weight that they didn't fit. I, of course, blamed it on bad measurements and threw the pants into the closet, meaning to return them. I was digging in my closet yesterday and came across these same khakis. I tried them on - they fell off! and I mean FELL OFF. I'm going to take them to the tailor today and see if she can fix them. I have bones!! When I lay down flat, I have hip bones! I also have wrist bones and knuckles on my fingers. I'm beginning to see a little clavicle action. and some cheek bones. I had to retire my XL belt from Target. I got an identical one, size large, and I'm down to the 2nd to the last notch. I can cross my legs! (this is probably my favorite) I was at the gym doing some weight work. I picked up the 35 pound dumbell to start - and it hit me - this is how much I've lost. Holy Cow - This thing is HEAVY! I know I have more - and I'll have to think about them and add to this list like Vines does to hers.

Bumping cause I have new NSV's I went out on New Year's Eve. We went to dinner and I had a bandster portion of ravioli, some salad and a glass of wine. After dinner we went to this very chic opening of an art gallery. The gallery owners are friends and they are very wealthy. They did everything in a grand style, they had a band, an open bar with very expensive champagne and a beautifully catered buffet table. They also had the waiters and waitresses bringing around trays of the little delights. Now this has always been my very favorite type of food. We're talking crab and artichoke dip, baked brie, bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp scampi, YUM! You get the idea. Well, I was still full from dinner. Not only did I not eat any of that yummy food all night, but - here's the amazing part - I didn't even want any and I didn't feel deprived or anything! One night of victory over the food demon!!! Yeah ME! (and my band, of course)