Darragha

Tell me more! You are a shining example and my new hero! Darr

OK...sliming and PBing. I'm beginning to be afraid... But I'll get over it! Darr ::

Congrats! I fear the apron...but I'm a year off from having one Darr

I applaud you, Round Peddling woman! Riding whether you want to or not is commendable. I have problems getting out of bed at this point! I did a lot of walking at a family gathering a casino today. I exhausted myself. All I can think about is *in one year this will all be easier.* One year from now. Here's my plan: I'm going to go to the bulk mail scale at the post office, stand on it and get my picture taken. I think I weigh around 340 right now. DD can take a photo of me. I'm going to stand on that scale on the first of every month and have my picture taken. In a year's time, the postal workers will probably line up and applaud me! I'm going to begin the "liver shrinking diet" on 8/1 so that when I see the doctor on 8/9, I'll be more ready than not. I can do this! Since I'm a private payer, my surgery should be scheduled within a few weeks of seeing the doctor. I want to walk in there and get my surgery date as soon as possible. It is time! I told some cousins today that I'm having the lapband surgery and one told me that an office-mate of hers has lost over 100lbs with the same thing. That, and many of these posts, are just so encouraging! I'm jazzed! Darr

The old dog (age 13) and the new kitten (10 weeks!) have lots of flab to play with around here. But not for long! WHOOHOO! Darr

BIG, HUGE CONGRATS! I love this thread. It is quite encouraging. Darr

Trolls are posters who like to jump out and go "BOO!" and stir up trouble. Then they slink back under their bridge and skulk while they plot they're next attack. Not all trolls are nasty-bad people in real life, however. The anonymity of the internet allows folks to hide behind bad behavior they'd never do face to face. For all the posters on this site, I'm seeing fewer trolls, flames and Lord of the Flies behaviors than I have on other weight loss boards. LapBandsters must be an overall happier lot, huh?

The Desiderata says, "Listen to others/even the dull and ignorant/for they too have their story." Bless the naysayers and when you are feeling and looking FABULOUS, shake your booty at them and say, "Nyah, nyah, nyah." Darr

SD....congrats! What can you take for the gassiness? Or for sleep? Did your doctor give you a couple of valium or something to get you through the first couple of days? I am excited for you, at any rate! Darr

I'm a writer, true--and thereby I spend my life in a seated position. See that BMI of 57? I didn't get that by doing construction! When I was a bingo hall floorwalker back in the '80's I didn't weigh 335! I spend 12-15 hours a weekend on my feet. Now, my rear is planted firmly in my computer chair. My husband says only my fingers get any exercise. Hrrrummpf.

It's the tone, the spelling and the grammar that are making me see trolls under this bridge. Love is color blind, baby.

Bariatric Store Not sure if we're allowed to post a link to a retail store, so please delete if my bad. Darr

lisah25, I'm going to see Dr. Montgomery, too. What city are you in? Darr

This is a very encouraging thread. Since my consult is on 8/9, I assume 8/10 will be the day I start my pre-op diet and two weeks after that, my band! Since I'm private pay, I won't have to jump through any insurance hoops--which is a good thing because at my weight, I don't jump very far! Love the "liquid" ideas I'm reading. And darn it, I'm looking forward to starting my pre-op diet, too! Darr

My current BMI is 57. I weight somewhere around 335 and I'm 5'5" I have lost hundreds of pounds and gained them all back again over the last 20 years--which oddly, have been the happiest years of my life! If the nurse at NWWLS phoned me tomorrow and said, "Start your liquid pre-op diet tomorrow" I'd be there. My consult is 8/9 and I am ready to be a part of the band. Rock on! Darr

Hi May I share something? I am a romance novelist and "conferences" are a big part of the genre. I've avoided attending conferences for a few years now. Why? Goodness...you know why! I am feeling very confident that a lap-band is for me. I know it is going to work well and that I will be another lap-band success story (and may there be many!) Because I feel so confident, I just booked myself for EPICon in March, 2008. I am about to get part of my life back that I have forsaken. The world is opening up to me once again. And I don't even have my consultation until August 9th! I read these threads and see your successes and I am jazzed to make this journey into better health, less poundage and in March, 2008...to Portland, OR! I have one question regarding the pre-op diet I know I'll be put on. Should I not start a modified version of it a week to 10 days before my consult to show that I am, indeed, ready? I'm private paying, so I can get scheduled shortly after my consult--no having to wait for insurance approval. (My insurance denies any and all weight loss treatments). Thank you, and many blessings. Darr

What about Underwood Chicken Spread? It is "potted meat" in that it is minced and sold in a can. Quite frankly, I love the stuff. Darr

I am so excited. I feel like this is the best decision I've ever made. I have brief glimpses of fear (what if the doctor won't do the surgery?) and realize 1) I'm a perfect candidate 2) I'm a private payer. They want my money...come on! 3) That I'm not seeing any "unsuccess stories." Everyone is coming out ahead! I am wondering about the anesthesia. Is it full or a drip that knocks you out for awhile (like when I had carpal tunnel surgery). I had a full spinal with the C-section--but I've never been "completely under." Counting the days... Darr

I tossed my plus-size catalogs today. From the mail box to the recycle bin! Darr

A friend of mine had the surgery in Monterrey in April. She's lost about 30lbs so far and feels great. The only problem she had in the beginning was a bit of constipation. She said the doctor, hospital and staff were gracious, thorough and first rate. Darr

I live for that day! We own a horse! I can't ride until I'm "small" enough for him (he's an Arab Gelding). I can't wait! Darr

Hi I've heard lots of things about the "pre op diet." What is your experience? Thank you, Darragha

Many blessings SDChick!

I can't wade through the 500 posts in reply, but as a romance novelist, all I can say is: you go, girl! Good for you for posting the question. I was wondering about such things myself recently. I feel a plot outline developing with a banded woman as the heroine Darr

I have used Bare Minerals for years and I love the stuff. Love it! Darr