piercedqt78

I think my arms and tummy are showing it more than anywhere else. Hubby says the new picture dosen't do the weightloss justice. I am thinner in my face too but it just does not show in pictures. ~Mandy

Tink, I was able to enjoy almost everything that I ate pre-banding on this last trip. We even ventured into trying new places. We ate at Crystal Palace and it was totally worth it. I had shrimp and prime rib. The nice thing about the buffet is that if you are having a hard time with the texture of something you can always get something else. We were on the dining plan and it was great. We also did Cinderella's Royal Table the steak was great and I even had an appetizer. I ate the center out of a seafood spring roll. La Cellier was wnderful and I only had one small problem with a too big bite of steak. I was totally able to enjoy the foods just like before. I even had a Mickey Bar, my favorite dessert is a Dole Whip, if you have never had one they are a must. Also Disney is very flexable, I believe if you explained your medical situation they would allow you half portions at a reduced price. I know I have allergies and they worked my dishes around my allergy. If in doubt ask to speak to the chef. ~Mandy

Thanks everyone. I love this site. Everyone says, "Oh you ave lost sooo much weight and I never saw it until I did the side by side pictures last night. I did that all by myself too, that is a victory in itself. I know my clothes are getting too big but in the mirror it was hard for me to see. I am going to take a picture once each month to compare. I am so glad I made this post, maybe it will inspire me to keep woring my band. Thanks again for all the kind replies. And for those that have never been to Disney, start planning now, you must go it is the best place on earth to visit. If anyone needs planning help, let me know. I know the place inside and out. Even my 4 year old can get around without guide maps. Disney Rocks~Mandy

I am sorry for the late post, I have been sooo busy, I need a vacation from my vacation. Weight:190 Waist:41 Bust:37 Hips:43

My band is Pandora, I never know if it is going to be nice or totally bitchy. ~Mandy

I am checking in early as I have a date with a Mouse . I am off to Disney World for 4 romantic fun filled days with my Prince Charming. Here are my stats for the week: Weight 191.5 Under Bust: 37.75 Waist: 42.25 Hips: 45 Good luck everyone, see ya on Thursday!!

I did not have one. I was told that if I went before the proceedure I wouldn't need one, if not I would have to have one. Every doctor is different, I think it is a 50/50 thing. ~Mandy

I had to have 1. blood work 2. chest x-ray 3. barium swallow (taste like chalk) 4. esophageal manometry this tests the esophagus (small tube up the nose most doctors do not require this) 5. psych eval (ins required) 6. EKG (took longer to put the stickers on then the actual test took 7. nutritionist meeting (I shared mine with another patient) 8. 10 pre-op liquid diet (some require some don't) At the hospital the morning of surgery, I was prepped with an IV and they gave me something for my nerves even though I was really not nervous. I was taken into the operating room and before I could remind the anesteolgist (I know I spelled that wrong) that I had a precious baby to wake up and take care of I was out. The next thing I remember is waking up and having some ice chips. I was sore in my shoulder and had some gas pain that night. I had to stay over due to a minor complication and the nurse refused to call and get me a script for gas-x. When I got home the next day, I walked around my neighborhood and felt really good. I took chewable gas-x for about 1 week and I think it really helped. I was only on pain meds for 3 nights and only at night so I could sleep. I used liquid tylenol for about 5 days for the discomfort. I was banded July 28 2005 and I am already down almost 40 pounds. ~Mandy

Ok I am just jumpin in on this. I had to take some time and really think this out. I am soooo totally hot for Johnny Depp but he would have the wear the Captin Jack Sparrow costume. not the Charlie and the chocolate factory get-up. His voice is also really cool in Corpse Bride. I just love him. As for Rob Zombie, we met him and his brother "Powerman 5000" a few years ago and while extremly hot, he kinda smells bad. I worked for a major tattoo place in Chicago and we went to a show, we were VIP's and got to meet the bands for the night, Rob Zombie, Korn and Powerman 5000. He was a very cool guy but like I said a bit smelly, sorry to screw up the fantasy. Next in line is George Clooney I live in Chicago and several years ago we were doing my favorite thing shopping the Million Dollar Mile and who walks up and opens the door for us? None other than George Clooney and Anthony Edwards, dressed in scrubs (filming ER?) they were on a break as Anthony Edwards was going in Marshall Fields to shop. They held the door for us, when I said thanks, my mom almost fainted. And yes ladies he is just as hot in person as on TV and a gentleman to boot!!!! I will forever be smittened over him as he was a knockout and nice to 2 fat ladies. He could do an emergency exam on me anyday. Last but not least would have to be David Docovany (sp?) the guy from the x-files. I am not sure why I think he is soooo hot but he just is. And honorable mention goes to Noah Wiley, he is hot and loves animals. He has a rescue for abandoned animals at his home. How sweet is that? And, well did I mention he IS hot? ~Mandy

yes, check out www.mousesaver.com actually this is where you want to go : http://www.mousesavers.com/dltickets.html#bestdeal and also www.disboards.com both are Disney related sites. On the Disboards there is a forum that is all about Disneyland. I am going to be at Walt Disney World Oct 2-5 on a honeymoon/5th anniversary with my hubby, my mom is keeping my little one and I plan to have a blast! ~Mandy

Try Propel instead, it is made by gatorade and has no sugar. We love it at our house and it comes in Peach Yum!! ~Mandy

My wish for you is that your Prince Charming can make you feel like Cinderella even when you want to just pull the covers over your head and cry. That is what my Prince does for me each and everyday. Love is a great thing ain't it? ~Mandy

Dr. Mark Pleatman in MI has a package deal also. He is a member here and I am sure if you do a search you can find a link to his website. ~Mandy

Oh, honey I am soooo sorry that this happened to you. Working in a job that is stressful is hard, but having to do that and struggle with your band is even harder. (((((hugs))))) Just stay positive and know that your band is waiting for you to be well and get that first fill. If you want to talk feel free to PM me, I am a good shoulder to cry on. And I have been in the I hate my job situation very recently. Positive energy coming your way. ~Mandy

Weight: 193 Under Bust: 38 Waist: 42.5 Hips: 45 I am going to be out of town next week, can I post sunday morning before I leave? ~Mandy

It makes the small meals that you can eat taste soooooo much better. I am a former smoker and I will NEVER go back. For one thing thay are $4.75 a pack here. And I like smelling nice, I sold some clothing on EBAY and one of my feedbacks was how nice the pants smelled. Smoke free forever, wanna join me? ~Mandy

ok, you can't laugh but I am wearing Pooh undies, they are 100% cotton sport bikinis. They are a bit faded but have no holes. I have a complete set of Disney undies, Hello my name is Mandy and I am a Disneyholic~Mandy P.S. Everytime I wear these my hubby says, you know you got pooh on your undies, he is just sooooo funny... ~M

I went for my first fill today and it was sooo easy. I was a little worried, but the doctor took my hand and said just let me know if you want me to stop and give you a moment. He was so understanding of my fears. He had me lay on the table and he cleaned the area with betadine. Then they put a surgical drape over the port and turned on the floro and had me do a crunch to locate the exact port, and then they stood me up on the machine. He numbed the area with lidocane (sp?) and waited a moment or so then stuck the needle into my port,(first try) I felt the pressure of the port being pushed but that was it. Then he filled my band and had me drink some contrast, then water and he removed some as it was too tight. Then more contrast and more water, perfect. A bandaid and a handshake and I was on my way. I got 2cc in a 4 cc band. I am on liquids for the rest of the day today and he said take it easy tomorrow with solids, try to stick to mushy foods. I have an appointment in Nov for my 3 month check-up and I feel great. ~Mandy

There is also a dotor in New York that does band over bypass. I can't remember his name but Don Mills from Inamed mentioned him to me once. Give Don a call he is the sales ad. manager for the company that produces the band 1-800-624-4261 ext 5765. He is very nice and can give you a list of doctors that do band over bypass. ~Mandy

I am starting to spound like a broken record, but I love Propel, it saved my butt during the liquid phase and it makes great icees. I make propel ice cubes and then add them to the blender with cold propel and blend. Thet taste good, are sugar free and have vitamins. ~Mandy

I was banded July 28th 2005. I have lost 37 pounds and I am doing really well. My mom says I am a walking advertisement for the band. This has been an unbelievable journey already. I had my first fill on friday the 16th and it was a breeze. I am down from a size 24 to an 18 in just 8 weeks. I eat right, and walk also drink loads of water and propel. I have more energy and feel alive, I think this journey is what you make it. I am making it fun. ~Mandy

Also try a cup of sf hot chocolate. It is warm, so it feels like food and it is sweet so it helps with a sweet tooth. I add a 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein to mine so it also helps me get a little extra protein in each day. ~Mandy

I am in the south burbs and would love to get together with others in the area. I know this should be in the Illinois board but I think it would get more response here. Please let me know if you would be interested and I will see what I can set up. ~Mandy

Also check out your local library, most have DVD's and they are free. I can request certain titles and they will get them from other libraries in the area. Worth a shot. ~Mandy

Keri and I were the only LBTer's there, I brought a friend and so did she. The food and company were equally great. I had a wonderful time and so did my friend. (he had GBP 4 years ago) Keri has a great smile and her friend Tab is really nice. I know she has a picture on her digi cam, I forgot mine. She said she would post it so everyone can see how much fun we had. I would like to plan another luncheon and have loads of people come and share their experiences. It was nice to meet a fellow bandster. The restaurant was cool and the food is a unique experience everytime as you prepare it yourself and choose your own meat, veggies and sauces. Way cool. ~Mandy