mousecrazy

I remember the feelings you describe exactly. We were banded about the same time, only a year later (that makes sense, right?). I had a conversation with a friend, who was asking me what size I wanted to be...I could not even imagine being the size I am right now...which is a size 18. Couldn't even imagine it! Now, I'm trying to imagine the next size... So, believe it! Just don't get impatient...it takes time.

I actually only discussed this my surgeon one time, on my one week follow-up...after that, his fill technician is the one I talk to about this. This arrangement is working out very well for me.

Eileen, have fun at the flea market! DH loves these! I like em too, if it's not hot! We're supposed to get rain again, and it's cool today. DH hasn't come home from my FIL's yet, and I'm hoping all is well over there. I guess I'll call in a few minutes. DD should be getting up soon, demanding breakfast...here she is now! Nothing going on today, maybe some closet cleaning. I'm going through a "simplify" stage. I think I would be happy with few clothes and less clutter. So I say today. LOL! See ya'll later...have a great day!

4 weeks for me, but it was very, very small (and I was fine with that!)

Hi, big Texas dude! I think of the band as a safety net. On the other weight loss projects, I would experience success, but only for a limited time. When I lost focus, the weight would find itself right back to me...by the time I regained focus, I'd have to start all over again. Sound familiar? With the band, if I lost focus for a while, I don't lose ground, or maybe a couple of pounds, but that's all. It prevents the yo-yo effect. I have recommended the band to my friends, one of whom will have her surgery in a couple of weeks. If my daughter were to need it, I would have no reservation.

Kat, your avatar is beeyuuteeful (that's beautiful in Texan!) You look fantastic! And thank you so much for your prayers for my FIL. I know he would be surprised to be told how many perfect strangers (to him, anyway) are lifting him in prayer to our Father. I think his faith was seriously tested when my MIL passed away...I'm not sure where he stands in that now. But, I believe, and whether he does or not, if we pray for him, I know our prayers are heard. Thanks so much! I hope your DGD is better real soon, too. Mandy, I consider it good news that you have seen your puppy, and know he is nearby. It's better than being totally in the dark, so I like your plan of taking a "decoy" dog with you tomorrow. More prayers being sent your way! Good night, to everyone, and God bless, Cindy

Congratulations on the Anniversary, and the NSV!!!!!!

My whole point is to be "normal". To eat like a "normal" person. I enjoy eating out, and usually choose what I enjoy, even if I can't eat all of it. I have changed my perspective about that. I don't think I'm not getting "my money's worth" if I don't stuff myself to the gills. I get my money's worth if I enjoy it, even a very small portion of it. Like JulieNYC, the band is adjustible for a reason...I prefer not to be extremely restricted, so I can enjoy a variety of food. You are in control of how you use your band.

It's a big day here on the NJ thread! WTG EILEEN! 50 lbs is a BIG DEAL!!!!!!!! I join you in wishing for the size 16! I can hardly imagine it, but I'm getting closer....you will, too! Wait...you ARE, too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PATTY! Hope you have a good day! You sure deserve it! Dianne...congrats on the 4 foot club! When is your Bandiversary? Sherry, I think congrats are in order for dumping the dead weight girl, too! Pat, you may think your desk is messy, but I think it looks like a dream come true! I love your desk! Darcy, you are busy today...whatcha doin'? I am home now from my "nursing job" with FIL...he did great! DH is going back over there to spend the night with him, just in case. I am pretty tired...why is sitting around in the hospital so tiring? I think working/teaching is not as tiring as sitting in a hospital... So, all is well... Mandy? I was hoping you would post some good news about the puppy...still waiting to hear, and praying it's good news. Much love to all, Cindy

OH, Kat...isn't that always how it is?! I'm not gonna throw anything at you, that's for sure! I've done my share of that very thing...griping about the DD's bad mood, only to discover a fever and a rash. But I usually get thrown up on as part of my penance! LOL! Take good care of the little one. Sorry she is sick, and don't worry about guilt...it never did anyone any good. I forgot to tell ya'll I'll be out of touch early tomorrow...my FIL is having hernia repair surgery in the morning....I'm picking him up at 6:30, that would be A.M., surgery scheduled at 8:00. Then whenever he can be released from recovery, I am taking him back to his house. Then when DH gets off, he'll come rescue me- oops, I mean "take over." He's gonna spend the night with him. He has had a hip replacement and is being treated for multiple myeloma, so has some additional health problems that complicate a usually simple procedure. Wish me luck, girls! Should be an interesting day, filled with magazines and lots of coffee! I'll definitely check in tomorrow night, though. Hugs to all, Cindy

I also used the liquid Lortab, and it was great for pain...also needed liquid Gaviscon or something like that. Baby tummy drops worked great (simethicone).

Generally, I try not to become hungry like that. I have been eating small meals spaced out about 3 hours apart. That has been working well for me. I have pretty good restriction, and can't eat much at one time, so I go for solid protein first...unbelievably, those kinds of foods actually appeal to me now! I keep protein bars available for quick on-the-go food. I also like fruit and yogurt and iced tea. No need to feel that hungry.

WOW! I was just reading along, enjoying all the news, and then all the rah-rah-rah at the end...blush, blush, blush! And, smiling from ear to ear! Thank you so much for the compliment and encouragement! Mandy, I sure hope you find your little puppy...is it named Mickey or Moe? I can't remember...poor thing. I pray he is returned to your home and heart. Pat, let us know how the boob consult went...I am in awe of all those who are brave enough for PS. I just don't know if I am that brave. So far, I am not expecting to need any, but that could change. Someday I'll write ya'll the list of things I said I'd never do, that I am doing NOW! Ha! Since we are talking about age difference in mates (Darcy, Eileen)...I am the cradle robber in my marriage...my DH is 5 years younger than I am! I am 50, he is 45. No one ever guesses that, though, because I have the best camoflauge: an 8 year old daughter! Most people think both of us are much younger than we actually are! My sister is the other way...her Dh is 11 years older! She just says I am immature for my age! WTF? LOL! Kat, thanks for the compliment on "mom-hood"...but you are a mighty fine mom, too! And, you have those beautiful ankles that we all can sigh in jealousy over! Darcy, you mentioned Applebees...we took my DD there for her 4th birthday, I think...we thought she'd like the singing and all...well, if you could have seen her face! MORTIFIED was written all over it. She still to this day will not allow the waitresses/waiters to do that kind of thing, or let them do it to anyone else (and I hope it stays that way!) It IS kinda embarrassing....funny your DH and my DD had the same experience. Confession: my house is utter chaos. I was reading someone's post somewhere on here, and they mentioned www.flylady.com or something like that, and thought "WTH" and went there. What a great site! I need stuff like that. As I transition from world of work to stay at home mom, I'm going to use that kind of information to get a grip on my home. With the ebay stuff taking over, I've already warned the family that I'm getting big black trash bags and they better watch out! I think they know I'm serious..... Well, it's about lunch time, and I'd better sign off for now. If I skipped you, I'll get ya next time. Anne, I love your new avatar! Hugs all around!

Wheetsin said everything perfectly, even though I suspect it wasn't what you were wanting hear. My best advice is to take a deep breath, don't panic, and be patient. If you have restriction, you will lose weight. This is not a race. Time and time again, I have read the sad stories of bandsters who have wished they would have been more patient, or happy with what they had...before they became too restricted and began a long process of PB's, soft food syndrome, eating too many calories, esophagus problems, etc. Sometimes, this resulted in erosion and band removal (although these things can happen even if the person was not overly restricted...). Bottom line: this is a long process. Being impatient can cause problems. You have not wasted your money, or at least it is way too soon to determine that. Take your time and let your body adjust to all the change. Good luck in your journey. (A marathon and not a sprint).

Thank you Carol, for that very informative post. Answers to so many questions and discussions are included in it!

Welcome! Read up on everything you can, and don't linger too long in the complications, although it is good to know about them. Spend more time in the Before and After Pictures, and the Bandiversary posts! Far and away, more people are happy with their bands than have problems with them! Good luck!

Absolutely, I would do it again. It has been a huge plus for me, and I am very happy with the decision.

Aren't ya'll the busy posters! I will, for sure, miss somebody, so forgive me, okay? Hi, Beanie! Sounds like you had so much fun! Congrats on RUNNING! I know it is a wonderful realization that you can do something that you previously couldn't do! Betty, you cracked me up on the hand-slapping comment. I was aching to get her, but I just threw my hands in the air and told myself, "The juice ain't worth the squeeze!" LOL! Take care of that foot! Allison, I am sorry about what you are going through with your GM. Dementia or Alzheimer's is extremely difficult. Do yourself a favor and look around for a local support group for caretakers. It will help you understand that your frustration is normal and understandable. There may even be some respite programs that can help you, too. There are always ways to find some help, if you look for it. You come here anytime and vent! Your friends must know the truth, and if they don't, who needs 'em? Hang in there, girl. Dianne, rawhide treats and chews cause intestinal problems in lots of dogs, so I'd eliminate that first and see if that might be the problem. It's cheaper than vet bills. We have these treats called Pupcorn, than come in a plastic tub, and look like little cheese puffs. They are supposed to be healthier than Milkbones, and our dogs like them. Eileen, you had a fun post to read today...psssssst....I can eat bread, too. I just try not to very often. I've just never had trouble with it, ever. In fact, the only food I've had trouble with is chicken. Wouldn't you know? All the other foods that cause problems for people (shrimp, pineapple, broccoli, etc., I can eat--no problem!) Darcy, you are the best resident veterinarian! Have you ever been to vet school? Maybe I'm supposed to know that, but I forgot... Pat, it is just great that you are here so often! You always bring a smile with you! Even your "urrrrgh" stories are kinda funny (probably not to you, but it's the way you write them!) Mandy, just like everyone else has already said, you are a wonderful and loving mother, and you are doing all you can to help your DD. Everything will work out. Sorry it is so much to handle, but God picked the right mom, that's for sure! Sorry for those I have skipped...many apologies. I have a room full right now, and gotta go explain similes and metaphors and dialect and why it is better not to date seriously when you are 16 and how to be a good father when you are only 17. There's always lots to do around here! More later, hugs, Cindy

It really will get better and better...it is very hard to complete the post-op diet requirements, and it is important to do it. You are very good to her, to be here and be such a support to her!

No problems here with any of that...I eat oatmeal, too.

Yes, stop. If you don't, you'll get the "golfball" which is just a step away from the "slime" and the "PB." There is always more food.

Something I've been kicking around lately is the whole idea of perfection. Seems like many of us have this idea that if we are not perfect, there is "no use." IF that is part of the problem, and you'll have to really think that over, then try saying something like, "Something is better than nothing." Why are we expecting perfection? Then, when we don't achieve our expectation, we set up the next step: overeating to calm our guilt at not being perfect. And, there we go...the cycle repeats. You have done a great job! There are still obstacles to overcome, but look at all the ones you have already left in the dust! Courage! You can figure this out, and make one little step in the right direction, and that is good enough!

Good for you! You are going back to the basics, and that's the way to go. You are most definitely not alone, as you can see. We all have our struggles. You are doing great, just keep after it!

Mandy, I hope the Topamax works! I take that for preventing migraines, and it has helped tons! I almost got one this weekend, but didn't, so that's a plus! Keep us informed on the progress with Abigale...she is always in my prayers...and you, too! Thanks for the tip on the "makeover" for DD's party...I'm gonna look into that. Patty, hang in there...hope Channing (did I spell that right?) gets through these rough days. And you do, too! Hope you enjoy your first day back with kiddoes at school, that's always my favorite part! Kat, enjoy the granddaughter!

When I had a hysterectomy, I started losing hair about 5 months later. It stopped and I have hair again. I lost some hair about 5 months after my band surgery, too. Believe it or not, I am not bald. I have the same amount of hair I've always had. There is always "too much of a good thing." Try to keep your protein, carbs, and fats in a healthy balance.