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Sherry, thank you so much for your post, in reply to mine. I really appreciate you sharing how things are for you now that you are two years out....and here I am at only 6 months out. It's so great to be able to share this feelings about the lap band here. I know that there are a great many things that far surpass being concerned about what goes on with my band and me....fact is, surgery was a drastic way to go about addressing my weight problem and I am glad that there is Lap Band Talk available to help with "band" issue concerns. It's twice as nice to have a forum like this and have great people like you folks, to help the newbies like me!!! Thank you so much. Betty's back!!!!!! So glad you had a fantastic time! everything must have been sooooo gorgeous!! Those memories will keep you smilin', every time you think about it, for years to come! Glad everything went well and that you're safely home again. (it probably all seemed to fly by to quickly though, huh?) Kat, I continue to include Manda in my prayers, Although I don't know everything that she's going through, I hope God provides all the strength she needs to deal with everything she needs to, during this difficult time. Jessica, you still in Cali? DH and me are still in DC. We leave tomorrow. Saturday was hot and sunny. Today was about twenty degrees cooler and misty, and we still had a good time! Every time my knee hurt going up steps or just over-exerting in general, I was thinking of you Mandy and hoping you are getting around OK now. I had a torn ACL years ago. repaired with stapling what was left of the torn ligament, to the bone. Then years later, the medical community reports that "that doesn't work" (no kidding!!). Hope your doing better. Big hugsgo out to you Eileen. I remember looking at the pictures of your beautiful girl, lying in the snow...tired after just a little activity. She looked so sweet. You helped me with your kind words when we made the tough decision to put our beloved german shepherd, Heidi, to eternal rest. That was only three months ago. Your old girl is a special beauty, and I know how hard this time is for you. I'm sending out BIG HUGS to you as you move through this time. Well, DH could use some company in this hotel room with me....instead of hanging around listening to me bang on these keys!!!! TTYL

Sherry, loved your bike stories! Glad you're enjoying it! I'm so sorry to hear about the reflux issues. I remember reading some time back, how bad you had it with that dang reflux! Hope it calms down for ya. Kat, thanks for keeping us posted on your DD. You sure do have a lot coming up soon! Violets meeting, TT, It's getting exciting, huh? Sure do miss Pat and Betty. Can't wait to hear about Betty's vacation! Well, I gotta tell ya.....(I shared this with Pat already).....A few times I felt very close to saying "well, it's been nice folks... was great talkin' to you all, gotta leave now....I failed." :w00t: I remember the first fill, how well it worked. The the second fill, how I could barely even keep liquids down! One week later I had to have an unfill (1/2 of what was put in). Now, I can eat sooooooo much! It started with stuff getting "stuck". it seemed like a daily occurance that I had to spit the stuck stuff up...then I'd try to eat again (stupid or what????!!!!!) finally, I'm just eating almost everything bad under the sun! I got "fill shy" when I felt too tight, but truthfully.....My once consistantly sensible food choices have become open to eating some ice cream here, chips there, WTH, why not just have a candy bar! (my eyes are getting misty from recounting all this) My band didn't fail me, I failed my band! 3 meals and one snack, LOL pffffffft! Needless to say, there hasn't been any weight loss!!! I've been gaining and losing the same 2 lbs. for about a month now :tongue2: I know I'm eating while not particullary hungry, what can I DO about that!!! What difference would a fill make then? And as hard as I've tried to grab my shoulders and yank my head out of my *SS it"s still there! Well there you have it my dismay my confession my hope I can still get my head screwed on straight and turn this around! Tomorrow, DH and me will be in DC for an extended weekend. I'm looking forward to it. We used priceline to get a four star hotel $260 per night for $80 a night! in between the capitol and the white house. Not sure yet if I'm taking the laptop or not............I bet I end up taking it tho'!! Thanks for reading my rambling. (Sorry about it being so whiney)

just peekin' in to say hi. i'm at work, no time read posts or type a long post.....was just thinkin' 'bout a great bunch o' folks! have a good day, all!

bex, I'm still trying to learn what I can & can't do. I was banded on Halloween and so far I've learned that chicken (white meat) is always a no-no for me! Sometmes I can eat a little bit of dark chicken meat. I also learned that what works one day just fine, won't on another day for "who knows why!" I remember that when I kept having to spit it back up, I found that I must have aggravated my eusophogus (sp ?), so I took only liquids for 24 hours to calm it down, then things went better :blushing:...don't worry, you'll find what works for you! Talk to your surgeon or your surgeon's staff....they are typically very helpful! Good luck.

Kat, It's so troubling to hear about all that Manda is faced with right now. I will certainly hold her up in prayer. Be assured that you, as well, have a share in those prayers, to help you through all the fear and anxiety, and to give you all that you need, to be the person she needs right now. God bless you both. Mandy, are you getting around alright? Feeling better? Sherry,...sweeeeeeeeet bike! Looks real nice! Eileen what was the name of that book? I need someone to help me think about what I'm eating! I havn't been that good at it myself! and speaking of that, thanks for the "pep" talk Pat....I needed to unload those feelings too! Hope the best for everybody this week!

Mandy, I'm so glad to hear the surgery went well and that you didn't need any "new components", lol...be sure to move around...helps the healing (but i'm sure you already knew that) take care gal. I hope you have the best time of your life, Betty!!! I'm sure you're already there Kat, that's fab-u-lous news about your PS. May is gonna be a busy time for you, It'll be here before you know it...then you'll be another hottie (like Pat!), already great, and even gettin' better! Jessica, you're doing so well!!!! I'm so happy for you and all that you've achieved, through all your dedication, WTG! Pat, Sherry & Eileen, where ARE you guys? Well folks, til later!!!!

Alright!!!!! :biggrin2: I miss ya gal! hope you're havin' a great time!

jrzy, so glad you checked in! I was thinking about you and hoping you were doing alright. I know the feeling about wanting to CHEW something! I went to sonic and bought a bag of their "party ice" to crunch on. It's great in drinks, 'cause you get those periodic bits of soft crunchy ice to munch on. I think it's like $1.70 for a ten pound bag. I also liked chewing on those fruit pops (sugar free popsicles). As far as the Protein drinks go, I remember that small sips helped to get the protein down in the beginning. Good luck! you'll be feeling great in no time! Sherry! happy belated birthday!!!!!! Hope it was great! Kat, here's hoping all went well with your scan and that your doctor is on board for your PS. Are you going for just the TT? I'm sooooooo happy for you that you got approved!!!! Oh Pat, I would so love be to be in Fla.! Or maybe I should just say, I'd rather be anywhere where I didn't have to work!!!! Beautiful weather would be an added bonus!! As for my next fill, just not sure about that. Remember that the last time I got a fill, I ended up going back for a slight "unfill." Betty, you must be runnin' crazy with all the "last minute" stuff!!!! Friday will be here in no time!!!! I looked at the pictures again (of the place) You're gonna have a blast!!! Eileen, how's the book so far? Hey everybody, I'm thinkin' of ya too!!! Hope everybody has stress-free, peaceful week!!! :biggrin:

Janine! Hey there gal! glad you popped in to say hi! I was reading about you eating the baked potato fries and chicken, and I said to myself "that would never go down MY band!" I seem to have a real problem with chicken, unless it's real juicy dark meat. I don't have the best numbers (weight lost/ time frame), but I do believe that the band stopped my downward spiral.

Can't stay, I'm at work...Welcome to bandland jrsy!! No monkeys for me...hee, hee Mandy...I still have prayers for ya! BTW your pics are GREAT! thanks for posting them! Unlike Some people I know who go on vacation and never post a picture...she looks just like my reflection!!!!

So a week from this Friday you're gone! Fab-u-lous!!!! you're gonna get back so tanned! It's been a long wait, but it's finally here! (wish I could stow away...I wanna go back to the carribean!)

Welcome jrzylioness! All the best to you on your way to "bandland" All the support and answers to your questions are here! Great wealth of info. from "veteran" bandsters!!! Hey there folks!!! Sherry, I did the same thing!!! Just couldn't believe nobody had posted...duh!! a new month, a new link! I had even been here once!! then forgot about it! Kat! OMG! **big grin** so happy to hear insurance approved TT!!!! that's major!!! So happy for ya! Betty, When are you leaving for the wedding? What did you say the name of the place is? I remember seeing some of the pictures....looked beautiful!!! Pat, you've been one busy lady lately!!! You're gonna have to give a call when you have time to sit still!!! lol Mandy, Prayers? You got it, gal! I'm sorry to hear you havn't been well and I'm sending up prayers for you and your doctors. Even tho' I didn't mention you by name...you know I think about each and every one of you!!!! G'nite all!

Kat! GOOD-NESS!!!!! So happy you're doing better! Thanks for sharing that unorthodox treatment too! Mandy!!! missed ya gal! Hope things are calming down for you now (for whatever was up) Just glad to see you're back :cursing: Pat, hope to catch up with you soon. And to everyone....have a good night and a great day tomorrow!

Hi Nicole! Welcome! I'm not from NJ, I'm from williamsburg VA....I hang out here because I get the best advice from those who have been living with the lapband for years! The folks here are great! VERY helpful, and just good people to chat with. I was banded Oct. 31st and I am so glad I did Good luck with everything!!!! Betty & Kat, I'm sorry to hear you guys caught that "bug" or whatever it was...I hope you both will be feeling better in no time!!!! Jessica, WTG! your weight loss has been very impressive!!!! Good job!!

HAPPY Belated BIRTHDAY PAT! :cake::eek::musical_note::tt2::musical_note::party::party::party: I wish I was there to celebrate with you yesterday!!!!!!! I hope you had a blast! Heck...why let it stop there? Go'head and celebrate ALL WEEK!!!!!! We need to get together! :cheers2:

Hey everyone! Just wanted to jump in for a quick moment to say Hi to y'all! Sherry, you poor thing !!!! sounds like you're being run ragged! Thank goodness you have the opportunity to teach others to relax, heal, revive (forces you to unwind when you need it most!). Kat, glad to hear you're doing alright. Eileen....ooooooooooo oooooooowwwwwwwww! maybe imodium and advil? gotta be better than corks and ...um? Duct tape :tt2: really tho', hope youre feeling better soon. :thumbup: I got a little craving today for a cheesburger...so I rented one from micky D's (just didn't return the rental) LOL Pat, I've been trying to play catch up since vacation. busy bee! Can't wait to get together again! Just gotta get a handle on things again! Jessica, GREAT WORK at the gym! Me, well, um....yeah. If it counts for anything, I bought a pair of biking shorts....havn't actually ridden the bike yet!Just hoping that spending that kind of money on a pair of shorts will inspire me! lol!! See y'all later

Hey Jessica, try posting on trip advisor, DR forum. Maybe sombody could tell you what stores are there.

Jessica, I brought some packets of "Wheybolic" (60 grms.per approx. 6"x6" pk.), bought at the local GNC store. I decided I wanted to pack the potein, so that I wouldn't have to think about where to get it once I got there! And also because when I scooped out my protein, to put it into food saver bags, it made me think that getting me and my luggage through would probably be much easier without those clear premeasured bags of whitish powder!!!!!

HelloooooOOOOooooOOO!!!! :smile2: Hey there everybody! First thing's first: Mandy, so glad to hear that Abi is doing alright, 'cept for maybe a runny nose , Still, sounds like all went well!!! Good deal! Kat....So sorry to hear about all the pain and difficulties with the new tooth. I had dental problems my whole life. Always brushing & flossing and still not being able to hold onto my molars! When I was in my early 20's (and broke) I had needed many root canals (that I counln't afford!) so I kept telling the dentist to ..."just pull it!" then I almost ran out of molars to pull. No lower molars left on the right side. Was thinking about getting some implants. I would have to have at least ONE implant anyway to anchor a bridge.... I really don't want a bridge.........BUT, I digress!!! Hope your'e doing better today! Betty, man that UTI sure did sound mean!!!! It sounded like you were already on the mend. I hope this finds you much better!!! Jessica, I do seem to be "shedding" maybe a little more than usual. I have very,very baby fine hair....so when I start to loose hair, it'll probably be pretty noticeable!!! GRRRRRR! I was taking Biotin (for hair and nails) from the get-go. And I have really tried to get the daily Protein in. I'm s'posed to have 90 grms. a day! Geeze, somedays it's all I can do to get 50 grms. Anyway, I figure if I'm gonna loose the hair, nothing I can do about it. I knew about that probability going into this band thing, and still decided to get the band. And I'm still happy with that decision. No sense in stressin' over it tho' 'cause I hear that may make it worse (I'm sure easier said than done:unsure:) And anyway, if it falls out for 2 months or 10 months, I've read that it does stop! and it does come back!!!! Hang in there...I'm right there with ya!!!! :eek: Cozumel was GREAT!!!!! No missed flights, no lost luggage! Absolutely wonderful people there. Anything you wanted or needed they'd try to help you with it. Fabulous staff, and a good place to stay. I guess the highlight for me was the "drift snorkle" I did with my SIL. It was sooooooo relaxing! Just get in the Water with snorkle gear and the current did the rest! We would walk way down the beach, then get in the water and the current would take us right to our hotel!!!! :Dancing_sorry: There were a couple of other "firsts" for me: first time ever doing a NIGHT snorkle....(kinda freaky but fun! Almost as freaky as a waxed coochie! :tt2: ) First time ever walking up 6 flights of stairs (my choice, was too impatient to wait for the elevator) and being able to do it!!!!!! (huff puff puff ). First time, on vacation, that Breakfast was NOT the biggest meal of the day! (OK, that one was kinda tough!...kept getting stuck, slime, UGH!). I tried to be good though! A couple of times I did manage to get a Protein shake in. Yeah, on vacation no less!!!! It was pretty funny though, I finished the shake in one of those "GNC live well" shakers, then tried to get the mexican staff member to understand that I needed it rinsed out, and that I would also like a screwdriver. Instead of getting a small cocktail glass and a clean empty shaker...they filled that HUGE container with a screwdriver!!!!!!! Hmmmmm, that must've been the day I dropped you all a line....IN THE FEB. NJ CHAT! :Dancing_wub: Eileen, Hairy buns???? Sure that was a child's party you were at! LOL. Happy belated B-day to your DD!!!! All in all, terriffic! did get a tan too! But the photos of me,:sad:....well, let's just say, I got a long way ta go , baby! Pat, thanks for snaggin' my note from Feb. and posting here. I'll be talkin' to ya real soon. Til then.....see ya later!!! :wub:

Hola Gals! i´m still in mexico! on cozumel island. we leave tomorrow :tongue: when i get settled in at home i´ll catch up with you all! Muchos love!!!! (((hugs)))

Pat it was soooooo good to talk to you last night! It did me some good to share some "band" stuff..... .....and to anybody wondering, it was just jabber about a bunch o' slime. Yeah, I know...yuck! But regardless, it was good to talk to somebody that you don't have to draw a picture for (like the "never banded"). I'm still happy with my band! Jessica, good to see you pop in! I was startin' to miss ya! Kat, how did things go at the appointment? Hugs for Abi! Gotta run folks...TTYL!

Betty, when I read that you got your box I just grinned from ear to ear! That's great! I can totally relate to changing clothes until I run out of time! Man! how many times I've done THAT! Mandy, nice car!!! I like the color too! Sorry you had to go through all that stuff with the car that died though....but this one sure looks cool! I'm sorry Abi has to have the sinus surgery, and I'm sure it'll help her a lot too. I'll have you both on my mind and in my prayers on Thursday. Gina, your Heidi is a pretty gal :cryin: She looks young and spunky (and, yeah, spoiled! LOL!) I remember my Heidi, in her prime was about 110 lbs.!....I found a paw print on a board in our garage....so BIG!!! needless to say , I got all choked up again....... You know, Kat....I totally agree with you about the support here, and all these great folks! All the people I work with knew that I lost my pet friend...but not a word. I'm thankful for the friendship and counsel here! I'm glad to hear you're feeling better too! Pat, how's that tan holdin' up gal? :Yawn: I can't hardly wait 'til Saturday!!!! 80 degrees and blue water "here I come!" (hope to get a tan of my own on this ghostly white bod!) I learned all the important spanish: where's the bathroom? I'd like a margherita on the rocks with double tequila please. Oh yeah, and a few other assorted words like: excuse me? Please, thank-you and Very Good! also: seafood, butter & garlic!:biggrin2: Sherry, thanks for the pics!!!!!! Petey is a sweety! and Fred's a beauty beta with digs to match! I like that bowl, and love the way the glass rocks compliment his color. And that tatoo!!!! Better you than me! LOL! I am so dang fickle! I'd love a tatoo for a few years, then wish I had something else after a few years! and yeah, I enjoyed the long post too! Folks, I hope that when I get back from vacation, I can get off this slippery slope I've been playing with......chocolate! Ice cream! Good Lord! I had weight loss surgery! WTH am I doing???? GRRRRRRRRRR! It's not all the time, or every day...but it shouldn't be happening at all.....when will I ever learn? I'm not defeated though! Just need some exercise.....any exercise!!!! TTYL

Pat that picture is priceless!:biggrin2: Just HAD to show it to DH (it looked so fun!)...He said you look sooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!! Sherry, yeah that's right snow, snow, snow.....boy I've sure been feeling it! I had a migraine for three days...I could tell the weather system coming through was an intense one! stay safe and warm Kat, that is so cool about your DD's book!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISPY!!!!!!!!! Hope it's a great one! Eileen, Awwwwwwww....Susie is sooooooo sweet! I gotta admit, when I was scrolling up and saw her pic, I started to get weepy for Heidi, then started to appreciate Susie in the snow....Wow! 13?!!! Thanks for the encouragement. My DH and me, keep sharing how we break at unpredicted times then have to "buck-up" There's still paw impressions in the backyard. We bought grass seed. :smile2: Mandy, it's not my birthday....but you can shop at that same place for me too, hee, hee :sad: Dianne, I sure hope that things are calming down for you after your surgery....anxious to hear from you. You know folks, I read somewhere on LBT, that someone was banded in October and has lost something like 80+ lbs. so far!!!!!!!! Yikes! I was banded Oct. 31, and I'm nowhere NEAR that:sad: Of course I DO have food issues!!!!!!!! Later

Pat, thank you. I have shared the hugs. Mandy, what sweet words to comfort and encourage!!!!! thank you! Jessica, I appreciate the hugs and prayers. Right now everything just seems so "off". Dianne, how are you feeling today? I hope things are starting to turn toward things getting better & better every day! Sherry!!!!!!!! You're a "Super Moderator"! YEA!!!! You're gonna be such a healing positive force for LBT and all the folks (like me) that look to LBT for support! Kat, I was always plagued with dental delights! (not!), I can really empathize there! I hope your (and your Drs.') efforts gain you the help you want for the PS. Only nine more days til I'm in the 80 degree weather, drink in hand, floating toward the "swim up bar" . Everybody have a good nite :wink2:

Hi folks........not gonna stay long, just wanted to share that I had to put my faithful friend of 11 years, to sleep. Heidi was a part of us, and losing her has been very painful. It was "time", but right now, knowing that we did the humane thing is not comforting me very much right now. After tears through the night, and a splitting headache this morning, I called in sick at 5:30 this morning. (left a message on the machine) Got to go in tomorrow......Her being gone has really hit me hard. Girls, I didn't read all the posts very closely (not thinkin' too swift)....but I do hope that you both (Kat & Dianne) get to feeling better real soon. Pat, Betty, Sherry, Mandy, Eileen, Jessica, Cindy, Anne and everyone...sorry about the "weepy" post.:cursing: Heidi.bmp