Madeline's mom

Sally, I went to Belgium for my band surgery. My surgeon ONLY uses the Vangard band due to its design and he believes it has less risk of erosion. Anyway, I asked him if he would be putting any saline in the band during surgery and he said yes. I usually put 2 cc in. After the surgery he told me he put in 3 cc of saline. I stayed restricted for about 21/2 weeks then my ravenous appetite came back. I went for my first fill and was given 2 more cc. I had very little restriction after that fill. On my 3rd fill I was given another 1.5 cc making my current fill level 6.5 cc. I have had excellent restriction since that fill. So with the larger band it does take time to get adequate restriction. I would guess that it would take a minimum of 3 fills to get good restriction. So you are not alone!

Honestly, What does it taste like? I would be willing to try it but I hate things that do not taste good.

I LOVE my band it enables me to eat the right things instead of the wrong. It makes me eat slow instead of fast. My surgery went very smoothly and I have had no complications as of yet(fingers crossed). I think if you are willing to make the necessary changes you will be happy with the band and the weight loss it gives.

I was on a pleateu for one month at 190 then I lost another 7 pound over 2 weeks. I guarantee if you follow everybodys previous advise about more protein and more water you will be loosing more in no time! If you go under search for "pleateu busting diet" and see if that helps also.

The slimes are when you eat something that was not chewed enought or will not go through the stoma. Your body sends all this thick slimey mucous trying to clear it. Sometimes the slime comes back up and it makes you shiver. If after several minutes of slimming the food does not go through the stoma it will come back up and that my dear is a Productive Burp!

We will be thinking about you and hoping you have an uneverntful surgery and speedy recovery. Post as soon as you can to let us know how you are doing.

Becky, I am exactly like you If I eat breakfast I am more hungary than when I do not. However, on those days I have to have breakfast I will eat a banana and peanut butter or a yogurt. I am usually really tight in the am as well>

Chocolate still gives my a high that is why I really try to limit it as much as possible. I really only have severe choclate craving certain times of the month.

"Accept the challenges so you can feel the exhilaration of victory" --General G. Patton

Try using the natural peanut butter as a snack! It stops the sweet craving and sticks to your ribs. I just eat a spoonful or so and that usually does the trick. The natural peanut butter has less sugar so less carbs.

Since being banded I have not eaten bread, pasta, rice, or pizza. In addition I no longer drink cokes or beer. I have given up a lot of the foods I thought I could never live without and I am loving it! I also really crave water I never thought I would do that.

Wow, It sounds like you are the reason that she choose the Lap Band surgery. That must feel really good to know what an inspiration you are for this lady! I wish her the best of luck on her lap Band journey. Please invite her to come and visit us her at LBT!

Honestly, I believe it is one of two things- anorexia or drug use. Seriously what else could make them look that thin! For examle look at Laura Flynn Boyle she looks emaciated. If you have not seen her lately she looks awful( anorexia) Whitney Houston well we all know what her problem is. I am just guessing here but I bet Lindsey Lohan might be doing a little experimenting and she proably was labeled "fat" by the media. I would hate to be under scrutiny about my weight by the media all the time.

Now that I am feeling more energetic I want to start exercising. I was hoping someone could suggest a relatively easy work out video. I have tai-bo but I really don't like it (too hard!). There are so many out there I would rather pick one that someone has used and likes.

I will pray for you to have an uneventful surgery and fast recovery. I cant wait to see the new and improved you!

Ok I had trouble remembering a funny and I knew if I waited long enough Madeline (my 4 year old) would say something else just as funny. Yesterday, I cleaned out my closets and put all the hangers on the bedroom floor. After finishing the task I asked Madeline to pick up all the "hangers" for me. About 10 minutes later she comes and finds me and says " Mama don't worry I cleaned all the hookers up!" So now my house is hooker free- Kids ya gotta love em!

Excellent Corrine! You are doing great 26 pounds lost in under 3 months! We are kicking butt! Lets see what are stats are now 237 + 26=263 pounds lost since out March Banding!

Tabi, Hope you continue to have a great recovery and keep us posted with your progress!

Teresa, Emily is such a beutiful baby! Thanks for sharing the great pictures with us.

Boy our Moms can push out buttons like no one else! I am sorry she did not give you the credit you deserve! ((HUGS)) But I am sure that she did not mean to offend you! You know how much she loves you and just know that even if she doesn't see your accomplishments you KNOW what hard work it has been to go from a size 24 to a 16!

AWESOME! You are down two sizes already- you are doing great!

Sending you good vibes and warm thoughts! Hope you have a super fast recovery!

Great thanks for reporting those good stats Gunn4ya! 20 pounds added to March Bandsters running totals = 237 pounds lost! Yipee you guys have really done great I would even venture to say that I am PROUD of all of us! Lets keep up this great progress.

Christina, Words can not express the sorrow I feel for you! It is so obvious how much you loved Gunnar. I know you will miss him so much but he is in Doggie heaven now in NO pain. Christina he really was a beutiful dog and your pictures together show how close you too were. I pray that God will give you the strength to get through this tough time. Feb 19 is my birthday too and I will send a little prayer for both of you next 2/19th!

Carla S you are doing so darn good and thanks for your post you have put the March bandsters at over 217 pounds lost! How do yall like those apples?