lapbander081004

We're still thinking about you GIRL and miss you as much today as we ever have. Philip, Hope your getting along fine in your life and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers also

For those who know me you are fimiliar with my story. For anyone else a brief re cap. My oldest son got married in Oct of 2003 and I relaized after seeing the photos and videos I was in trouble. I knew I'd never live to see my grandchildern and I finially went after a solution. After researching I settled on the lapband and had my surgery in 2004. Would I do it again is a question I am often asked and I answer before the question is done "YES in a heart beat" and why do I answer that. Well look at this: Its what made it all worth it. My first granchild who was born July 27,2005 just turned one:

Well my daughter was a few days late but it was worth it. What a gorgious grand daughter I got. This is second grandchild this year. Today my grandson is three months old and he is growing at an unreasonable rate...lol Here is my newest Grandchild Tessa Marie born 03/25/2008 6.14 20" and healthy, healthy healthy... The second pic is of the two new ones. Look at the size of Logan....lol three months old and he only fits in 6 - 9 month close. God is GOOD

schewy, I don't trade them but I have one from the Grosse Pointe Woods Department of Public Safety where I am a dispatcher. I retired from Harper Woods PD but we didn't have Patches. HW is supposed to get patches and I'll try and get one from them for you when they do. These departments are in Michigan. lapbander081004@yahoo.com is my e-mail. Send me an address and I'll ship one to you.

Another year has gone by and still have you in thoughts and prayes. Hope that Philip has healed from the loss. Keep wtching over us Blossom, we need all the help we can get. Forever in our hearts. Greg

GreekO, Everyone is different, I dropped 50 pounds like it was falling off as I walked then it slowed to a stop. Next 35 pounds took a year. If your just coming off of liquids and moving to another stage of food it can cause the slow down. You might also be ready for a fill. DON'T GET DISCOURAGED... One thing to remember that even tough I have not reached my goal weight the weight I have lost isn't going to be put back on.

(I hope the fact this is in the men's room and I'm not a man is okay) HarleyGirl...no urnials on the walls in this room. Sounds like everyone in LE is welcome, retired, on the job, firefighters and dispatchers and family members. Welcome...We just want you healthy

Bigmills, Will keep good thoughts and prayers that your surgery is repaid, successful and recovery even better. You should see a marked improvement in your other health issues soon. I was facing surgery on both knees which I no longer need. I had sleep Apnea which I no longer have and I just plan feel better. From a fellow USN, Damage Control, USS Bon Home Richard CVA 31

Pizzaman, You put your two cents in but you only get a penny for your thoughts....ever wonder what happens to the other penny??? marathinner...I agree with Pizzaman that the officers attitude could be had to prove...As a retired police officer (16 of those years as a traffic officer) I have seen officers get away with the attitude "I'm the cop and your the citizen. What I say is law"...But normally it eventually come back to bit them. I, as many law enforcement officer will tell you, haave had many people will come in to complain about the "Officers Attitude" and want them to be disciplined. The minute the supervisor offers to take the ticket back this complaint suddenly isn't so important anymore. My suggestion to you is the same as pizzaman. Fight the violation on the grounds the time frame was not proper. With one exception...check to see if the officer's car has an in car camera and microphone. If it does then you may have his rudeness captured on film. If it was not so equipped then you have an uphill battle. The department where I worked would always take down a citizen complaint about an officer. But before they will investigate the complainant had to swear in front of the judge as to the facts in thier complaint. If the complaint was found in the officers favor the officer would then have an avenue to sue the person complaining. This department policy cut about 85% of the citizen complaints out. People would not go in front of the judge....proving most of them were just hoping for the ticket to be dismissed in exchange for not filing formal complaint against the officer. Please don't take this as if I think your complaint about the officer is bogus...Your the only one who knows for sure and you should do what you feel is needed. Good luck and please let us know what happens..

Marimaru, Of course he is cute...Looks just like his Papa....lol TY Kristin1031...I can only imagine, and would probably still not get it right, what it is like to lose a child. Its just not normal progression of life. My heart goes out to you. But I am glad to see your committment to the weight loss. I wish you the best in making the journey back to good health. God Bless everyone.

Darn, Have no idea how time flies like it does. Wow today my youngest child turns 23yrs old. On January 03, 2008 my son and his wife had thier second child, Logan Xavier, Born 8#1oz 21 in. He's a month and a half already and is 14 #'s. Looking into a baby band for him....lol March 21,2008 my oldest daughter is due to have her first child. She is having a girl, Tessa Marie. Well at one time I thought I'd never see my grandkids and now I'm getting piled on...lol. Don't stop I love kids will take as many as I can. Here is Logan:

Congraulations on your success so far pilate74 and wish you continued progress back to a healthy life. One of the hurddles is "getting used to" what we should have been doing all along. Eating smaller portions, excersing and cutting back on the adulat beverages. One good thing I have found is every diet I have ever tried when I would lose weight it would always come back plus some. Since I have had the band general all the weight I have lost has stayed off. When I get out of the proper eating sequence and I start going the wrong way on the scale I don't get discouraged like I used to and pile it all back on. The band is a great tool but it doesn't do the work...WE DO. Greg

CarlaG I think to "TELL OR NOT TO TELL" is the next big struggle with the surgery after the "TO HAVE OR NOT TO HAVE THE SURGERY" is answered. I tell everyone and I tell it loud...lol People have to understand that Obiesity is a disease and not all of us can get the cure without some help. Once they do they would understand why we do what we have to. At least to my face I have never received one negative comment and that may be due to the fact I am very open about it and they may not feel they can say negative stuff. I had the surgery after I retired but when I run into my former fellow officers they all mention my weight lose and they also know what I did to get my weight down. They have been extremely supportive. I also get calls from them asking me to talk to family members who are considering this alternative. About your boss...If he ever make the remark that you should be able to do it on your own remember to mention to him if you could you sure as hell won't be going thru surgery. As easy of an operation and recovery this surgery was for me I would never have done it if I could have gotten my weight under control on my own. I agree with the bypass person who says you are doing this the right way. I choose the Lapband because it is the right way. Uses my system in the order God intended for it to be done. I have friends that have had the bypass and although I do keep in mind that they like me needed to do something. But the trade off with any system other the the lapband is not worth it to me. Why trade one medical problem for several other ones when the band is out there. Just MHO...lol I agree with your comment "We are the most sedentary member of the law enforcement family". Its not easy but there are a few things I am able to do at work that help. On my breaks I walk around the building and on crappy days I walk the halls. MY desk is top of the line new tech... I can stand and it will raise up to me. Many times I stand while working and do lifts while standing. (raise up on my toes and down). I never ask anyone to get me something when I can go and get it myself. I work midnites so I follow a routine that I can maintain on my off days so I don't keep my body wondering why Breakfast, lunch and dinner come at different times. If the day shift girl would retire like she can do....lol I could go to the day shift and that would help. Fortunately I like mids so I don't have trouble with them but eight years is enough...lol Well rambling again. Bad habit I have. Comes for 16 years of working a traffic car and not having a partner. I tend to try and make up for all those lost conversations when ever I can. Later

Been long time since I have posted on this site. Stoped in today and found this thread. Funny one of the last post asked about dispatcher...lol I retired as a LEO in 2000 after 26 1/2 yrs. Spent most of my career on the high side of the scale and struggled to stay at the level I was at. Unfortunately they didn't have Lap Bands in this area while I was on the job. After I retired I went to work in security at a casino here in Detroit. I really lost control of myself and ended up allowing my weight to reach 330#. I left the security job after a year and became a dispathcer/911 operator for a Public Safety Department. I really never regreted retiring but I was very excited to be back in Law Enforcement and not security. (not to be taken as a slam to anyone in security). My son, who is a LEO and in very good health and condition got married in 2003 and after his wedding when I saw the videos and pictures I knew I had to get my weight down and under control or I'd never see any grandchildren. I was looking at possible surgery on both my knees that were bucking under my weight and I had sleep Apnea. When I was first tested for it it was found during the test that I woke up 477 times in an 8 hour sleep. Dr told me that I was just months away from not waking up if I hadn't been tested. I thank my DW for ratting me out to the Dr about my sleeping problems as she (which she may have regretted...lol) saved my life. But sleeping with a c-pap did not fix my weight problem. I was turned onto the Lapband by a church friend and he confided in me he had it done. So I looked into it and honestly being the baby I am about pain and needles I took the paperwork from the seminar I went to and tossed it into the rear seat of my car. One day a month later I was cleaning the car and found that I was just exhausted. AS I icked up the paperwork to shove in the garbage back I sat back and thought about it again. Made an appointment to see Dr and a month later I was on the table. I was very successful in the beginning and had lost a total of 85 pounds. Did well for a few years and then went on a slide. Should mention that during the weight loss I started having trouble with my c-pap machine and when I was retested it was found the pressure was now to high and it had to be reduce. 6 months later I was off the machine. I still do not need the c-pap. The surgeries I was facing did not have to be done. But I did put 40 pounds back on. I am using Lent as a kickstart to get the 40 off and finish the remainder. I now have two beautiful grandchildren and a third due next month. Need the extra room on my lap. Although I and I alone have been responsible for my failures in getting to my goal weight by now I still never have regretted having the surgery and truely believe I won't be here today without it. I talk at seminars my Dr puts on and I am a co-leader of his Support Group he has for his patients. Well I babbled long enough (now you know why I didn't write a lot of tickets...Talked them to death and they never wanted to be stopped by me again). I wish one and all of my fellow LEO & Dispatchers the best with the band. It has been a Godsend for me and I'd go it again in a heart beat. Greg

It is with great sadness that I am reporting the Death of Ryan Webster, known here as WHIPPLEDADDY. Ryan's wife Patty called me tonight and informed me that last Tuesday, while Ryan was home recouperating from having a cancerous brain tumor removed, he suffered an embolism and passed away. Patty said it was a fast and peacful death. Ryan was scheduled to have had a cancerous kidney removed today and the possiblility of more cancer surgeries was a present. Maybe this was God's Way of keeping our friend from a long suffering. If you are religious please pray for Ryan and his Family, If you are not please have a good thought for Him and Patty.

I have always regretted that. Well if this statement is true then you need to do this for yourself. I think what your planning is great and for the sound of you you really want to do it. It will give you some more incentive to get to that dress you want. And even if you don't so what... You deserve to be happy. It was a wedding that made me get the surgery done. 4 yrs ago this Oct. my oldest son got married and when I saw the pictures I knew that I was out of control. I researched and found the lap band. I knew I'd never see a grandchild if I continued on. I had no "LAP" room to hold a baby. So 3 yrs ago I hand the band put in. And even thought I have not lost as much as I would have liked I know it was not the bands fault. But I am healthier and so much happier. Two yrs ago I got my first Grandchild and have been able to hold her on my lap. AS a matter of fact I have enough room for another one which will be here in Jan. Well it is another wedding that got me re motivated to behave and lose more. I wanted to look good in the Tux I will wear this Friday when My oldest daughter gets married. And more grandkids will be on the way. So get rid of your regret Young Lady have that wedding and Live Happily Ever After. Best wishes to you.

Well soon she will be two. Where did the time go???? Have a daughter getting married in three weeks. maybe next year at this time I'll have another grandchild.

To my friends.....AREN"T YOU GLAD I USE DIAL

I got an e-mail from Patty a few days ago and she is coping. Has her good days and bad ones. Going to visit with her soon and visit Ryan resting place. Those that know him know his passion for motorcycles and his gravestone is a motorcycle.

What ever happened to these places being a "Service Organization".

I am very open about my surgery, especially when people start with "Is that all your going to eat" crap. And when home I will order off regular menu for several reason, One: I agree the kids menu food really isn't good for our kids and not any better for us...Two: Doggie bags help make another meal or two. But when traveling and Doggie Bags are not practical I pull out my card and use it for possible discounts. In Vegas a few years ago I went to a Buffet dinner and I asked the cashier, if I could use my card to purchase a ticket at the kids price. She called a manager and after he looked at the card he allowed me to pay the kid price. I felt every surveillance camera was trained on me.....lol JK but it worked out very well. Next Vegas Visit I tried it again at another Buffet and was told no and the cashier gave me a valid reason. She said that the internet provides a chance people can get these cards for the purpose of reducing the price but eating the large portions. Our waitress who came and got our drink orders and clearing the table of empty dishes had made a comment to me while I was sitting waiting for my son to return. " Your not going up for more". I told her that I had had weight lose surgery and was very content with the small portion I had eaten but I was sure my son would make up what I didn't eat. She opened her book and looked at our tickets she had picked up off the table and said "you should have asked for the Kids price." I said I did but I understood the policy and that I was fine with it and I enjoyed what I was able to eat. A few minutes later one of the floor guys came over and asked me how long I was going to be in Vegas and I told him three more nites. He gave me two free passes for both me and my son for each of the next three nites. We returned for two of the nites because I had to go to the original buffet and support thier Buffet because they allowed me to eat at the Kids Price the year before and this visit also. I will use my card when ever I can and do not hold any ill will to any rest. that turns it down. Just a hint for anyone interested. When you go out to eat and your going to take what is left home. Seperate your food and request the doggie bag first. Only leave on your plate what you will eat while there. remove the temptation of over eating while your waiting, after your full, for the doggie bag. I have never had a problem with the wait staff when I request they take the doggie bag away and return it with the bill.

Many of you here now will not have known blossom. This is the origial thread o the tragedy. Very sad...but it does show the Love and Friendship that can be developed between people who never meet. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/condolences-blossom-t5745.html?p=61204

Ryan, There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't remember what you have meant to so many. So I feel terrible that I didn't realize that your birthday had come and gone. I am terrible at remember ing birthdays. Just ask my sister who was born on my 1st birthday and I still forget to call or send a card. What brouoght me here was knowing it was almost the 2nd anniverary of Bloosom's pasing. I landed right in the middle of your birth March 8th and Bloosom's death March 12. I pray everyday for you both. God sure got the better part of this deal.

I graduated from High Shool on June 9th 1968 and quit smoking Cigarettes on June 10th 68. Went into the Milatary and took up a pipe. Was going to go back to Cigs but didn't want the enemy catching site of the red glow on end of cig so I started a pipe. Figured what the heck They'd never see the red glow at the bottom of the bowl from a plane. Came home from Nam in 1972 in time to go to funeral of an uncle who died of tongue cancer and he smoked a pipe for 39 yrs. On way home from cemetery I rolled down car window and tossed out a beautiful pipe I had purchased in Hong Kong. Got stopped by a cop and issued for littering. Oh well. Decided to take up cigars two years later and just before I got married my future wife told me that between farting and the damn cigars I could really stink up a room. So since farting is more natural and of cousre fun I gave up the cigars. Everytime I get into a smoked filled room I really have to fight the urge but I have for all these years. Bungy jumping, smoking, riding in car without seat belt and getting married can all end a man's live early. So far I survived smoking, no seat belt and 32 yrs of marriage. I WILL NEVER BUNGY JUMP.