Jazlady

OK, here's my take: * When you're underware falls off...time to buy smaller ones * When the watress thinks something is wrong with your food. I once had one tell me to come back when I was 'really' hungry. * When one bite of something satisfies you just as long as you can eat it. * When you look at a plate of food at your favorite restaurant and think, "Who do they think they're feeding, a giant?" and before the band you could finish it and more. * When your hubby can eat forever off you're leftovers. * When you shop for clothes in the same shops as your young daughters. * When you actually look forward to events to show off your new look. * When people who don't know about your band look at you and say "I like your new haircut." * When you freak out at work because the boss is buying 'pizza' for everyone. * When you start saving money for plastic surgery instead of vacation

When I first got banded in 2007, my dr. changed my dosage to 2 500 mg. pills at a time instead of 1 LG. 1000 mg. pill. Now, I've gone back to the 1000 mg. pill without a problem swallowing. I have been able to get off of my insulin but are still on pills. I would have thought I would have been off all meds. by now. My dr. said if I lose the rest of the weight then I'll probably be off of it all.

Cher, Just keep me posted of the details as it progresses. I don't always stay up with the boards. But I do have your website too and I will check that. Please put it on the convention information so people can bring nice outfits to take their photo's in. I can't wait!! Jeanie

That was...'would LOVE to donate my time'.

I'm there. I'm also a professional photographer and would to donate my time taking 'after' portraits. You just pay for the prints. Just schedule me a place to set up a 'portrait set' and in between speaking sessions and I'm in. Jeanie

Since my lapband and 55 lb weight loss I have been excessively cold, especially my feet. I use to be always hot when everyone else was normal. Does anyone else have this? Thanks, Jeanie

I'd love to go to one or start one in the New Orleans area. If not, what is the closest one to me? I read there is one in Houma. Maybe some of us could carpool. Let me know. I'll get this N.O. one going.

Thanks everyone. I'm so glad I have a place to come to with all of this. Thanks for helping me get on track. And no, I don't chew meat well enough. I will definetly focus on this this week.

I am banded 10 months and am 11 lbs. from goal. I've only lost about 1 lb. a month for the last few months because my eatting is out of control. I still feel like I eat a lot because I can eat pretty much anything, bread and all, gulp liquids etc. The only problem I have is that I have trouble with meats, so I don't eat much of them. I tend to eat mushies, fried foods and sweets. My nurse said she thinks I need an unfill. That eatting mushies is not the way to live with the band. It should be protein first (I know that) and it should stay on top of the band for awhile. She said that since I can eat a lot of mushie type foods, it's slipping too fast thru the band. I'm scared to get an unfill. I think I'll gain weight because of my food choices. I'm at 3.5. I know I need to get my choices in order. What do you think?

Thanks. I'm going to try to work on my head and then I'll decide about an unfill. You're right. We know our own bodies.

Trying to catch up with all you violets! Thanks for the welcome. Jeanie

OK, I'm late for the trip but want to make my official intro. I wanna be a shrinkin' violet too! I had lapband on April 20, 2007 and I was in a size 22 at 210 lbs. I'm 5'1". I'm down 54 lbs and 11 lbs from goal and in a size 8. It has been nothing short of a miracle. And best of all, no more insulin!!! My pic is of me reaching a goal of mine. I ran in a beauty pageant and WON!!! I am the 2007 Woman Louisiana Honeybee festival queen and we promote and raise money for St. Jude's hospital. It has done wonders for my self esteem. I still struggle with body image and I need a TT bad. Days I forget I have lapband because I can basically eat anything I want. I still struggle with my sugar addiction too. Glad to have found all of you. Jeanie

Which one is the main thread?

OK, I know I'm late but is it too late to join you? I have no roommate but can drive or fly. I need details. Thanks. BTW where did 'violets' come from? Thanks, Jeanie

Not for me. I need this restriction because I have no control when it comes to food.

Yep, if I can do it too, anyone can. But I do miss it at times. I was a Diet Coke junkie, drank it over water any day. It's weird but when I hear someone pop the top off of a can, I REALLY miss it. But it's been a small price to pay for going from a size 22 to 8 in 10 months. Well worth it imho.

12...12...12...12:biggrin:

I went to OA for 30 years and got banded April 2007. I went to a few OA functions since then but have gotten negative feedback from those in OA like I was trying the 'easier, softer way' and 'now I'm cheating the program'. I decided that although OA has been a way of life for me with regards to the steps, there's been too much hurt around me having lapband. I miss OA but not at the risk of being judged. Now I'm trying to build support systems with other lapbanders.

I guess I'm the oldest one here. I was banded in April 2007 and am down 53 lbs. I only have 17 lbs. to go. I am down from a size 22 to an 8!!! And NO MORE INSULIN!!! And yes, you can see from my pic that I am a real festival queen. It was a dream of mine and I won! I am the 2007 Woman Louisiana Honeybee Festival Queen and we raise money for St. Jude's Childrens hospital and travel around the state to other festivals and events. My whole life has changed since lapband. I still struggle with sweets but I can pretty much eat whatever I want. If I'd get more serious with food and exercise I could probably pull off that other weight.

This is the one thing I miss the most. I too had it flowing through my veins. Thank goodness I like tea. I make it like crazy. But when my coke craving gets really bad I get a frozen coke icee. This satisfies my coke craving although I have to watch the sugar intake as it affects my diabetes. But this is what has helped me now for 10 months.

158!!! Haven't been there since high school, OK 30 years! SO... 14 to GO:whoo: Jeanie

I'm staying on my plan today because I've been on a sugar binge for a few weeks now. I've GOT to get back to healthy eating.

Why the band vs. no band? Well, for one thing it's not the 'easier' way. But with that being said, it is doing for me what I could never do for myself. I actually feel full now whereas before I was never full until I couldn't breathe from eatting too much and had to sleep sitting up so I wouldn't smother. When I say full, it's like 1/2 chicken finger and I'm done. That in itself is a miracle. I KNOW that I will never be a size 22 again. When I try to push on the band, the band pushes back. Like some bread just won't go down. I refuse to 'diet' again although my dr. wants me to count carbs. I just avoid all carbs like rice, Pasta and bread. And truthfully by the time I eat my Protein there's really no room for much else. Now if I go out to eat and want 'the works' I'll do 3 bites of salad, protein, a few bites of veggies and a few crackers & butter if I want. Yes, I can graze and eat chocolate and ice cream and I've been doing that alot lately, but I haven't gained any weight, just a plateau. I guess I'm not eatting enough of it to do any real damage. Overall, I love my band. It has given me a new life. :whoo:

I LOVE this thread!!! So many... No more insulin. Can walk up steps without taking breaks to catch my breath. My hips and joints don't hurt any more. Wear stylish clothes WITH belts and tucked in. Look 10 years younger. Know I will live longer and healthier. Have gained self-confidence. Competed, modeled in front of a crowd and judges and WON a beauty pageant. Started having dreams again because now I believe I can do anything I put my mind to. Actually look forward to dressing up and going out. Cross my legs. Happy to order a kid's meal. Can finally eye up a plate and know how much will be enough. Have a willingness to exercise (most of the time).