the best me

Thanks for the story wavydaby. That was interesting! Really! LOL Okay, Karen, I'm following you...any news yet? tick tock tick tock

I'm a happy Kuri patient, and my hubby felt the same way about surgery in MX. Dr Kuri's experience and good reputation won him over. I did loads of research, too. Okay, maybe not as much as other hapapy researchers on the board, but I felt good about my choice and have no regrets about my band or my doc. My biggest piece of advice would be to find a local band doc who will see you and do fills, unless you plan to go back for fills with the Kuri team. But find a local band doc anyway. You need to have someone familiar with bands willing to see you should a problem arise. Good luck! Go up to the Search button on the blue bar and type in Kuri...you can read lots of old posts about him and get some great info. Share with your hubby and take it from there. Happy research!

The best me - H 242/ S 223/ J 188/ C 183.8 (-58.2 lbs total, -2.2 this week) well, I was 182.8 on Saturday, but I'm still down for the week! This is my plateau number, I keep coming back to it. But it used to be 187.4. Before that is was 192.2. Or 198.8. Oh, and 208 was a loooong plateau number. If I have to be on a plateau, I'll take 183.8 for sure! Oooooooo, I can't wait to see 179. I just can't wait! Okay people, this next 15 pounds of mine will be crucial. I don't look shockingly smaller than 60 pounds ago. I will with this next small bit of weight loss. Yesterday I put on my size 16 Honeymoon jeans. (BTW, today is my 9 year wedding anniversary! Yay Me and hubby!) so I just HAD to see. Well, with some prodding, they went up up up over my butt! Thing is, getting them over my butt wasn't a big deal. They were even loose in the legs, of all places! It's the button and zipper that were popping at the seams. I couldn't get them buttoned. All my loose flabby yucky belly skin was totally busting out of the front of the jeans. No wonder I'm stuck in a Size 18!!!! My belly fat is humongous! geez. Just when I think "maybe I can get away without a TT" reality sinks in. My belly is really in the way. 15 more pounds and I can do something about it. I need a dare. I'll post my bare belly pics if I DON'T hit goal by a certain date....like 175 by...whenever. Anyone else? I'm talking front and side shots of bare nekkid belly (undies ON, just tucked away under the flab) if you don't make it to whatever the goal is whenever. Someone scheme up the rules of this dare, who wants in?! LOL

Maggie! That was fast! OMGosh, how are you feeling?! (other than in pain...right?!) Did it all go well? You KNOW I want to see pics. Put a shirt on, cut off your head, whatever, we want to see your boobies!!! Yay Maggie!

hehe this is a very good question! I'll do my best here. Nope, I never feel the band. I can't press my tummy and feel it in there, I can't twist a certain way and get a sensation of the band around my tummy. I'd never know it was there...unless I eat. Eating tells me my band is definately there. That's where feeling "tight" comes in. I don't walk down the hall of my home or office and "feel tight". I DO take a bite of cottage cheese and chew the heck out of it because I know what happens if I don't, and even then it still happens with cottage cheese. My band is very good about stopping me in my tracks. Well, except for those Cheetoes I ate last night. Doh! The port is a little different. I can feel it under the skin and it can get sore from exercise, or I can lean over the washer just right and "OUCH!" or my 3yo can knee me accidentally. Others will explain more and I hope you will get a good picture of banded life. Good luck!!

Okay, I have begun my journal. It's been a heck of a year with my band, but I'll start with my weight as far back as I can reasonably remember and go from there. I love looking at the numbers. So this isn't about NSVs for me. It's stats. It's seeing where I've been, and remembering how far I've come. My One Year Bandiversary is approaching, and I have measurements, weights, dates, milestones for my Journal. They are currently on posts all over this board, or on little pieces of paper in the pencil drawer in the kitchen, or on big sheets of paper tucked away all over the office in my home. I will gather, sort, organize and post my little numbers game here. I can't wait to see it all done!

Yeah, WOW! What a great NSV. Very cool.

Not sure about the Super Blender but here's a recommendation on this thread... http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8504&highlight=magic+bullet

Wow! Bright! It's so good to see you!! :wave: This is odd, because I had a tummy ache today, and of course the paranoia of an eroded band starts to brew...but it felt like my bowels were just upset and I just needed to empty them! Well, over the course of the evening, that has happened. I'm very gassy, and have had 4? bowel movements in the last 8 hours (I know...TMI) but I'm feeling better! I never had bowel probs pre-band, but now they seem to hit on occasion. I drank some Aloe Vera juice and chewed a Tums, ate very little dinner and I seem to be on the mend...well, the tummy ache is gone. I'm thinking I just have lots of acid and need to start back on Prilosec for a few days. I haven't been able to relate it to any particular food group, like dairy. I also notice it feels like my lower stomach just needs some food in it? My stomach growls like mad. I dunno, but your post sounds similar and just wanted to say...yes...I think our stomachs may produce more gas/acid at times and that causes some bowel "issues". I wouldn't worry about getting a small fill, though. How's the family and school? I'd love to hear an update with all the scoop. LBT is so busy! But I miss you being here! ((hugs))

Nah. It's less sensitive as time passes. You'll be rolling all over in no time. I think mine is a location and weight loss issue. It's on the left, just above the waist band so scrunching over is like bending over a quarter but it doesn't flatten out, it's on edge between the folds. Know what I mean? Not sitting up straight makes it sore. I think that's what gets me, plus, I have been going to Curves for the past month and doing 50 crunches 3 times a week in addition. I just think my muscles are sore and that area is more tender then usual. Plus, I have lost many inches (5? maybe, I think?) from my waist and there's just less "port cushion". Pillow up, if needed. Hug one while sleeping and maybe you won't end up laying on it so much? Hang on, it will improve. But more importantly, nothing is wrong so you don't have to worry about THAT. "Cameron", that's the name I couldn't remember. I gotta see that movie again. It's been too long!

I like the idea of alerting a moderator (with the use of the red exclamation point in the upper right corner of each post) if anyone sees a post with that type of advertising, or anything otherwise questionable. I have seen Penni ask nicely for the poster to refrain, state the policy and the thread goes on to archive heaven. I don't have a problem at all with these threads being locked. Keep in mind that anyone can look up a user and name and see all posts by this person. For me, post after post of this nature showing up on a user name is very telling and informative. I quick look and I "know" who I'm talking to. A comparison of posts by different users can also be informative. One could never (from my end) prove 2 user names are the same person, but it's a red flag at the very least, right? If a moderator were to edit in any way or delete such threads or posts, well, all that info wouldn't be there for me to research the questionable validity of a post or poster. All that to say, I like how it's being handled now. I like the "hands off" policy of the board owner and moderators of this public forum. Internet info is risky until you get to know the folks on a board such as this, so we all know it's a free-for-all anyway. There was a time in my LBT life I was genuinely concerned about a certain "BigChixRule" poster who turned out to be...well, I don't know who? She apparently wasn't real. And I'm a bit less naive for it, humiliating as it was. Keep it the same, is my vote.

Uh, are you laying on it? I got to sleeping on my side with a pillow in front of me, just so I could throw my arm over it and keep my side-placed port cushioned. And I always have my trusty butt-pillow. The old one with the old mismatched pillow case that floats around under the sheets that I put between my legs. It's so funny when I wake up and hubby's got his nose snuggled into that gross butt pillow. hehe ANYway! I STILL have to favor my port a bit when sleeping. As I've lost weight around my waist it seems easier to squish when I'm laying on that side. I do better laying on the other side with my arm over the pillow in front of me. Does ANY of that help? LOL

The LBT potty-training curse. Lawn-pooping! LOL SIGH. We are okay over here...it's slow moving. Tinkle in the potty is no prob. Tyler responds better to his daddy telling him "time to go potty". When I say that, I get whining so I have backed off. I let hubby pick the plan of action over the weekend. Pull-ups in the day so he can tinkle and if he poops...well, he has the pull-up on. This is NOT the way I wanted to go. Pull-ups are evil, we all know this, BUT, here's why I agreed. This is stressful for Tyler. When he has his undies on, it's like someone has turned up the heat, he's miserable, uncomfortable, fussy, unhappy, and he doesn't even really know why. He knows he's supposed to poop in the potty, but something about it is "over his head". He can't handle it yet. The pull-up makes life happpier for him. He doesn't worry, and his pull-up is dry all day long! So, pull-up it is. I got a glimpse of how those evil things can work for some kids, so I'm a bit more open to them. I feel like I/we needed to back up and punt till next quarter. I'll give it a week...see if I can get the little fella to begin to recognize the pooping urge on his own without pressure and panic. I have to remind myself he's only 3 and 1 month. And I keep remembering what you said, Paula, about if he's not ready, wait. So, ready on the tinkle, not so much on the poop. Yay Philip! Saturday IS a long time, how cool is that?! 3loves, I like the "check to see if he's bigger" idea. How cute! I'll give it a few days, then maybe I need to get Emily's M&Ms. hehe

Awww Brenda. I'm sorry your doc was a jerk to you. Shame on him! Do you have other options for fill docs? I sure hope so because noone deserves that kind of rudeness. Sheesh! Did he give you a complete unfill? Take it easy, pretty lady. Get your Aloe Vera juice and baby that band. ((((hugs))))

Go to page 2 of the thread...Tricia posted the pics side-by-side. You can stare at Diane's hot bod forever!!!! How's your daughter?

Okay, I have Photshop and know how to crop. I get the pics from my "My Pictures" file which is where I put them. I send pics from my cell phone to my online photoalbum, them copy them to my pictures, then get them through photoshop, then crop etc. whew! I also have a photobucket account. Do I have what I need to be able to do this too? I can never get 2 pics to merge onto one so I can post side-by-sides. I keep bugging Penni and P'nut. Hey Diane, are the panties in both pics the same size? Just wunderin'. They look pretty and comfy!

OMGosh, every time I turn around I'm telling someone about Aloe Vera Juice or Egg Drop Soup!!!! I stand firmly behind both of my recommendations! Hey, where's daisydoodle?

I crack up every time I open this thread and read this post! Windex! Now I run around the house cleaning saying "Windex! Put some Windex on it!" and laugh at myself. Anyhow, just wanted to say thanks for the giggle. Now, :focus:

Well done! Well done and Bravo!!!! This one rates up there with StrawartS' PB on the Riverwalk in San Antonio! OMGosh, I'm LMBO!

Okay Trish...so you are having your band replaced on May 25th, right? I'm assuming the doc will replace and move your port also? This concerns me, because so many folks with eroded bands also had port infections. Noone knows for sure if one causes the other, or vice versa. The way I'm seeing it, it's possible your faulty/leaky band being replaced could prevent future erosion? No science or fact behind that theory, just a thought. Here's hoping it's just a skin infection and not at all a band/port issue. Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm thinking of you!!!

Holy Smokes! Oh My Garsh! Geeeeeee! Wow! Oh my Word!!! Good golly! Woah! All spoken as I was clicking on your pics...and watching you come to life on my 'puter. Well done! Thanks for sharing, too. If I looked like you I'd show panty pics, too!!!

Oooooh! a BMI Calculator!

tick tock tick tock... I have my eye on this thread. Waiting for an update, Trish! (((hugs)))

"candidate for the short bus" LMBO! I used to work with adults with developmental disabilities that ran the gamut from profound to mild to borderline mental retardation and all associated diseases and disabilities, so the "short bus" means something-in oh so many ways- to me! I adore this population of folks with "special needs", perhaps because I relate? With weight loss...there surely IS the "I can't help myself and do not have the capacity to do anything about it, no matter how frustrating it is and how much I'd like to change it...the desire alone is not enough" factor, that relates so well with "the short bus" analogy. Capacity is the key word. For me, given the right tool/assistance/support certainly increases my capacity to succeed in the weight loss battle arena. I do volunteer work with a gal named "Sharon" (not her real name) and help her with paying her bills and keeping her checkbook balanced, and budgeting her money. Without support, she's vulnerable to many many things in this world that can seperate her from her money. Credit card companies and magazine subscriptions, some idiot at the bus stop who becomes her "friend" and talks her into a trip to the bank with her checkbook. But the biggest risk for Sharon is her own impulsivity. She wants it, she buys it. Six months and $1000 later she can't pay her bills and has debt up to her ears. ??? Makes no sense, but her capacity to learn life's lessons is limited by a Mild Mental Retardation Diagnosis (among other things) and the cure is the right Support to help her through (me, or someone like me). Month after month after year, she now has what she needs, plus a little extra for vacations and special purchases. Her capacity for financial success is increased with the right support. I suppose my band is my support system, here in this "short bus" analogy? As for Learning the Secret...I'm not sure that I have, although I'm pleased so far with how the weight loss journey is going. I may always have a limited capacity, I just hope I always have my "appropriate support" to get me through. Great thread, GeezerSue.

Whew, this is a tough one. I went to the link about registered Sex Offenders and I'm relieved to find noone on my street listed...that doesn't mean there is no potential for danger, though! My kiddos are 6 and 3, so it's not much of an issue at this point. I would leave my daughter (6) playing outside or next door for 30 min, or even several hours if the lady next door were home and the kids were all together. You know, there are only 2 families on this street that I would actually call and ask for help with the kids...picking up, staying around while I run out, letting them be at their homes for a few hours during the day playing with their kids. Yep, it's a new day. I was babysitting at age 10, but got super busy with regular babysitting work at 12-13. The girl next door is 12, but I wouldn't leave her in charge of my kids for nothing. If her Mom was home, I would...maybe...I just don't see alot of responsibility in her yet. She's more concerned with herself and yells at her little brothers... Oy, I'm just processing here. Paula, I think you should give it a shot, see how he does. Have you tried it yet? Keep us posted. Man, parenting is TOUGH!!!!! I just want to get past potty-training! LOL