AnotherMe

Hi all, JC - I wanted to mention that a good friend of mine from childhood was banded just a few weeks after me (Nov 2005)... she's been incredibly successful, followed all the rules, near goal weight - but still had many issues with her band. She went in the hospital in April of this year to repair a slip. By July she was back in due to an obstruction - they removed the band and replaced with a new one at the same time. She tells me the new band is like night and day from the old one.... much better. I'm guessing she got the new band I've been hearing about. Do you have another appt before the 9/5 surgery where you'll be able to go over your concerns with the Dr? (assuming you have any) Sorry if you've already talked about this... I got up to page 70 last night and have a few more to read before I'm completely caught up with things. Karla

Hi friends! I disappeared for a few weeks and have missed so much.... JC, how are you doing? ... I haven't had a chance to catch up on the posts, but I thought I saw you were having trouble with your band? Is it restriction level, or more severe? I saw the pictures of you're new toys - can't say I've ever heard of jump boots before now... be careful! It's been a bit hectic here, and to tell the truth I've been a bit low... I'm up 10 lbs since mid-June. The cruise didn't help... prior to that I couldn't tell you when the last time I had Breakfast, lunch, AND dinner during the course of one day (much less 7)... My restriction is good (could be a bit better), I just need to stop eating junk! So, I've started keeping a food log and... you might need to sit down for this - working out! The new fitness center in my neighborhood opened a couple of weeks ago. I've been meeting with a trainer 2 times a week and going on the days in between... minimum of 4 times a week. I've got all the girls in my office on the program with me, starting next week we're going to do a weekly weigh-in and keep a daily track of the calories we eat. They don't know I'm banded, but always comment on how frustrated they are that the weight keeps piling on. So, I'm hoping we can motivate each other during the process. HI to everyone! I'm going to take some time to read up on the latest happenings with my fellow singles. More comments later. Karla

Hi everyone, my good friend Sallyjo (aka Fran) asked me to post these for her. The before was taken day of surgery - April 25, 2006 She's been working really hard, 2nd picture was taken at end of June 2007 on our wonderful LBT cruise! --> only 9 lbs to GOAL! WAY TO GO Sallyjo! Love, Karla

Tonight's going to be another fun episode of BB8!! Who do you think Dustin will put up on the block? Looks like Amber is safe for another week. Have any of you picked who you want to be the winner? I think I'm going to start rooting for Jameka, she seems to have a good head on her shoulders. The way they edit the show to portray Dick/Danielle, Jen, Kail, etc... it makes it hard to see the other personalities in the house, you almost need the live feed or showtime after dark to check out the other players. Who do you want to see in the final 2? Karla

I'm with all of you! NOT liking Jen at all... and, Jessica's squeaky voice is grating on my nerves! The website that does the Big Brother blog of each day in the house is Morty's TV The Big Brother 8 Live Feeds Daily Update - beats paying Showtime AND having to stay up late watching it. Only thing is, when I read the stuff I get it all confused!! ** Latest news ** Daniele won POV and took herself off the block, Jen nominated Joe in her place. So the vote on Thursday will be between Dick & Joe. WHO DO YOU CHOOSE? I'd vote off Joe. It's definitely hard to say who should win this early in the game... we need to see more from the quiet ones. Karla

Hi! Well, I guess that date counts me out as your dad's roomie! I DID hear from Windy, her mom's having health problems and she's been taking her for treatments/tests. She said she wants to get together with us... and will let us know when things calm down a bit. Sounds like a pretty great rate for a 14 day cruise, I hope you find someone interested in going. Karla

Eileen, Welcome to LBT! Glad you found our singles thread! Sounds like you and Chrispy are in the same neck of the woods! Being a bit anxious is normal, it's a bit of an unknown experience for you. If you follow your Dr's pre/post surgery instructions and diet you should be fine. We're here for you if you have questions. I was banded in Oct 2005 and to this day managed to tell only a few family and friends. As time goes by I've been a bit braver, in the beginning I was afraid of failing. The great news is I've been at able to maintain for the past 3 months, and even though I'd like to lose another 25-30 lbs people continue to tell me I'll waste away if I lose anymore. Personally, I think they're threatened when they see people taking control of their weight battles... and they are scared of WLS. It can make such a huge change in our lives, something not everyone is ready for. When you start dating, I think you'll have a sense of when to explain your surgery to the people you date. Obviously it's something I live with, but I don't want it to be the only thing they focus on. I'd rather someone get to know me for who I am and the qualities I posess, than the # of pounds I used to weigh. Sometimes people can't get past their preconceived notions of "overweight" people. I'll probably explain when the relationship gets more intimate. Now, I just got to get out there and start meeting those fellow singles! All the best, Karla

Hi! I was just going to start a BB8 thread and found yours TGTX! I, too, am a huge Big Brother fan. Have never had the live feeds, so I may have to look into that. Joyce, the promos I saw said it would be on Showtime2 between 12am-3am... there's no way I could stay up the entire time and I have not made the leap to DVR service yet. I was searching to find a cool website I used to go to last season to get all the latest news.. once I find it I'll make sure to post the web address. Let's keep this thread going and hopefully we can get all the LBT Big Brother fans to join us. Karla

Hey girl! How are you? I wish I could go for a 14 day cruise!! HA! Do you know the dates yet? You might get more bites if you post when it leaves (if you know). you might also try posting on Cruise Critic: Cruise reviews, Cruise message boards, cruise bargains, and cruise information You are such a generous daughter! I hope he has as much fun as we did Love, Karla

Hey friends!! Derick, Marcar - how are you guys doing? haven't heard from you in a while. Neveragain - glad to see you back! I lived in Sierra Vista for a year (my brother was stationed at Ft Huachuca), and visited Tucson several times. I know what you mean too, about the time factor.. seems like I'm either busy at work, or trying to play catch up at home (chores, etc). Where would I fit in dates, etc? It's definitely a time commitment, but necessary if you are trying to find quality people. I too have lonely moments... I have family close by (Mom & Dad), but it's not the same as someone who finds you attractive and wants to be with you. OK, I have to stop now because I'm tearing up! Just wanted you to know, you're not alone. We may be a few years apart, but I can relate. JC - I see your ticker moving down -- 7 lbs to goal!! You do deserve a reward - I can remember, back before you're last fill, when the furniture was in jeopardy of becoming your next meal. You've stayed focused and done an awesome job. Are you an electronics guy? there must be a gadjet you've had your eye on. Or better - plan a trip to knock off one of the items on your top 5! You deserve it! Derbygirl - great news about the insurance paying for PS! You'll be a whole new woman 14 lbs to goal? Do you like the Dr you've chosen? How soon do you plan to have the surgery? Don't forget to take before and after pics, it's amazing the difference. Denise - if you're working out regularly and reduced your portions I bet the fat your burning is being replaced with muscle. So, you probably see a difference in how your clothes are fitting but the scale is not moving because muscle weighs more. Just my opinion, but please don't be discouraged. If your following the bandster rules, your reward will come. Chrispy, sad news about your friend. I hope you're doing ok, sounds like you have an interesting prospect.. any plans to meet again soon? I have a friend who's going thru a difficult battle with breast cancer right now, the 1st round of chemo did not shrink the tumor at all. She recently started another 12 week round of chemo, much stronger medicine. But, she's amazing... very strong and extremely grounded in her faith. Foxy - I missed your post, until now. I was banded in Oct 2005, and would do it all over again. At my highest weight I was 255, BMI 43.8 and I had pain in my joints (knees, ankles). I'm down 90 lbs, my goal is another 25-30. In my point of view it was a success, I've been able to maintain for quite some time. I don't go up and down on the scale anymore, have had no serious complications. Not sure what you meant about side effects. The band, when filled properly, seriously limits the amount of food you can eat. But, the struggle is often finding the right fill level (or "sweet spot"). Another issue some bandsters have is mourning food... you have to evaluate what role it plays in your life, the simple fact is it won't be a factor once your banded. It's possible there will be times when it seems you can't eat anything, except the bad stuff. My experience is that I can usually eat small portion of protein and vegetables, I've omited bread/rice/pasta completely. And, if I have desert it's a small serving -- way less than pre-band. All the best, Karla

Hi Derick, I agree with Chrispy 100%. Try not to take the non-interest personal, it's too bad they don't take the time to get to know you. I'm sure you're a great fella! I can understand the frustration - sounds like you're trying to find a nice girl. At your age (12 yrs ago) I had the same problem, I was overweight and had trouble drawing interest... but I was also a bit introverted and unsure of myself, so I probably wasn't putting out the vibes that attract the right sorts of people. I joined a Young Adult Group thru a local church and got involved in the activities they planned... there was something every weekend - movies, bowling, concerts, etc. We even went on a ski trip to Breckenridge together. A group of about 12 of us have remained friends to this day... two of the couples in our group met at these events and later married. But, it was a great way to meet people -- you just attend the events you enjoy & eventually you meet people and begin friendships. Don't give up. Instead of looking for a relationship now, make it a point to go out and have fun with friends and acquaintances you like to spend time with. You're bound to meet other people thru your friends and the fun places you decide to go. I'm not sure what society considers "normal" anymore... but, don't paint yourself in that box. You've done an awesome job, 148 lbs down is a HUGE accomplishment. At 332, I don't see why you can't expect to attract a FLY lady Get out there and try to make those ladies think outside their box! Show them what a great personality you have and what they would miss out on if they don't take the time to get to know you. Sorry - just call me 'Head Cheerleader'... can't be a Mom without trying to make everything seem brighter and with endless possibilities. marcar35 - HELLO! Welcome to the group I agree - as singles we share so many similar issues. We can connect on the weight struggle as well. Toronto sounds like fun, have you always lived there? How is the dating scene? Are other singles more approachable, or does it seem as difficult as we find it? Wishing you all the best, happy hump day! Karla

Hey Girl!!! You are a TROOPER! whew, those bruises from the lipo look painful. But, it looks like you're healing up real good! I'm really impressed with the results, can't wait to see what gorgeous dresses you buy for the next cruise will look like! BTW - how's the dent? I need pictures! I've been studdying the profile shot of the 1st pic... but I can't tell. Saw Alex and Paul this last weekend, we took our kidos to Splashtown - Windy is ignoring my calls !! she didn't want to come play They say HELLO - we talked a bit about time tables for our next group cruise. I'm real tempted to do the Winter cruise, I just have to figure how much (if any) vacation time I have left. Say HI to Lin for me! Karla

Hey friends! I found a cool site today... Meetup: World's largest community of local Meetups, clubs and groups! You can search by city, or zip code to find others in your area who have formed groups with similar interests. there are a ton of categories: books, crafts, automotive, travel, weightloss, pets, etc! So far, I'm going to check out a scrapbookers group.. and maybe a line dancing group! we'll see how this goes Denise, I saw several in Oregon... Check it out! Karla

Hi Maryanne! Welcome to LBT It's the one place we don't mind if you call us a loser!! Congratulations on your awesome beginning! 35 lbs gone forever! Hope to see you around the threads, Karla

Hi mermaidsteph! Welcome to LBT glad you found us. GREAT job on losing 100 lb in 8 months! You're doing something right! My band tends to give me trouble when I'm under stress, and around my time of month. But, I watch for the signs and tend to do liquids/mushies until it passes. Keep up the good work, Karla

Sky & Derick, we'd love for you to join us on the singles Thread... check out http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/thread-single-bandsters-25494/ A few of our banded friends are trying the various sites, including POF. I, as of yet, have not had the courage!!! Best of luck to you.. hope to see you around Karla

Hi friends! What do you fun loving singles have planned this weekend? Manatee, how did the July 4th party go?? Were you comfortable in casual clothes? Maybe your goal for next year will be the speedo?!!! Tomorrow night I'm going downtown to meet some friends for a birthday celebration of a childhood friend of mine (and fellow bandster). I'll let you know if I danced the night away! Knowing JC, he's got some wild hair and has decided to complete a triathlon this weekend?!!!! whew! I tire just thinking about it Seriously, it's great to see you doing so well. Motivating the rest of us! Come on friends, report in... we have to keep our thread on the front page of the Support forum. Karla

Congratulations! just 12 short days left! If you've been overweight for any significant period in your life, you know what a diet is like - you can hang tough!! I did 2 weeks of high Protein before my surgery, and am convinced it helped mu recovery... which I sailed thru with no complications, and minimal pain. Keep the excitement going, Karla

Hi! Welcome to LBT I'm in TX, have heard of Dr Ren - but don't know any details. You might try the New York forum - check it out: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f53/ If you start a new thread there, you might have some neighbors who can give you input. Soda is not recommended due to the carbonation, I wonder if this is the caffeine they are referring to when telling you to omit it from your post Lapband habits? Most people do not have trouble with coffee. All the best, Karla

Niki, I think it's great that you & hubby are considering having the same procedure. In my opinion, it's important to have strong support on the home front. You can encourage each other. Since your Mom had the procedure, I'm sure he realizes it's not true baby food! sure, the first few weeks it's liquids/mushies - but, there is not too much I can't eat. I just eat WAY less that before. And, of 'course there are those foods I avoid (rice, bread, pasta) so I won't have issues with obstruction. Sometimes hard proteins like beef, pork, chicken can be difficult to get used to.... I always make sure I have a food "lube" of some kind. usually a sauce, bbq/ketchup/horseradish, that keep it from getting so dry and tough. I'm excited for you both, keep up posted on what you decide and when you get surgery scheduled! All the best, Karla

Hi Kelly! Welcome to LBT Congratulations on your decision, it sounds like you're on your way. I was banded in Oct 2005 and still come here for support and friendship, it helps me to know that others are going thru the same issues and we're on this journey together. I hope we can offer the support you are looking for. I'm in TX, so not familiar with your Dr. You might try to start a thread on the Florida forum: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f30/ to see if others can give input. Wishing you all the best, Karla

Tom! HAPPY 1 yr Bandiversary!! Awesome work, great job.... you lost 19 inches in your waist??!! You svelte thing, you! Are you feeling like a million bucks?!!! Keep up the nice work, Karla

Hi there! Congratulations on taking this important step. I wish it had been available to me in my early 20's. Sounds like you have a level head, and have really been thinking this through. So sorry to hear about the 'probable' MS diagnosis, but you're correct... it can't be a good thing to have the excess weight if/when the symptoms of MS become a daily struggle. I wish you all the best, and will check in for updates! Take care, Karla

Lonestar, welcome to LBT Congratulations on your upcoming surgery, just 17 short days left!! There is a great, active thread for Bandsters over 50 - lots of supportive people to chat with. check it out: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/how-weight-loss-people-over-50-a-21117/ I wish you all the best, Karla

Awwww! I know it's hard to wait, since you're ready and excited to get started. Try to stay focused on the appt on 7/16, keep positive thoughts and make sure you ask lots of questions. Don't let it get you down, it's important to take care of any concerns now... so you can have a no complication Lapband success story. Keep us posted, Karla