mousecrazy

I"m really sorry for your loss. I have been there, too...it is hard, but you have cared well for Schnapps, and he is happy and running with some of my angel friends, right now. You were a blessing to him, and he to you. Hugs, Cindy

I'm so sorry, Vines. I've been there, and it is hard. You are loving dog-parent, and Astro is running like a puppy again. I know a few angels there, and they love dogs! Cindy

Start over. My surgeon does require psych eval on some patients, but I did not take one. He didn't require me to. Just go to another Dallas area surgeon, and pretend you've never been denied before. I believe where there's a will, there's a way. You have made reasonable arguments about all the suggestions; and while they are reasonable, they are also successful in keeping you stuck. Is there any part of you that is getting something out of staying where you are? This question is upsetting, but very important. There have been other threads like this on the boards in the past...and after the person kept trying to get the band and succeeded, they felt sooo good, and are on their way to a healthy life. I urge you to see another surgeon, if you want to make a step toward the life you want. Hugs, Cindy

Thank you for posting about this problem...I wrestle with this decision every day. I want to lose faster, but do not want to be too tight, and have those problems. I might be able to handle another .2ccs but for now, I'm staying with what I have. Don't be in such a hurry that you damage your band! I'd vote for a slight unfill. Cindy

That's fantastic! You've really worked that band! Way to go! Cindy

I can feel it, and when more of the fat is gone, I imagine it will stick out a little...I'm not planning on baring my midriff, so it shouldn't be much of a problem. My niece's port really does stick out, noticeably. She younger, and might wear a two piece swimsuit, so it bothers her. I'll see her tonight and tell her about the port revision option. Cindy

Good morning to all! Eileen, until just a few minutes ago, I was up writing on my laptop, with my little mini-schnauzer Mickey by my side. I am drinking Ghiradelli Chocolate Caramel coffee, brought to me by my DH when he came out here a little while ago! He's so great! Beanie, WAY TO GO! Great job! Have a good time at your NOON new year's eve celebration...being a teacher, we are never at work on this day, TG! Betty, have fun at lunch! I had a great time seeing my friends last night. I understand what you mean about getting back on track, then going off again for New Year's...I'm trying to avoid the last of my cookies, and I'm taking them to my neice's house tonight, to finish them off! Pat, I read your response to the Sturgis thread...I laughed my behind off! I'm still laughing! I worked with a guy who was a Harley biker...we got him a big book on Sturgis. You know, the kind with lots of pictures...especially of the women of which you spoke! Let's start designing your outfit now! I've got some ideas....LOL! We are going to a place called Master Grill for New Year's Eve, compliments of my FIL. We're going early, and getting off the roads before the amateurs start driving around. We are former "professionals" who have reformed...no drinking for us at all anymore. It's good. I bought some new clothes yesterday, and had the best time trying on clothes that fit right! Even a size 18, but didn't buy...I was tempted, but the pants were too short. I have some size 20s that are still tight, so I think those 18s were a fluke, but it was still a great feeling! Patty, good luck with the creme brulee. I love that stuff! Everyone else, do what you do and do it better than anyone else! Hugs, Cindy

I was out all day yesterday, so I'll post that first: (12/29) bfast: coffee and Zone Perfect lunch: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha, venti dinner: 4 nachos, Beans, chicken, cheese, and guacamole water: 16 oz, 16 0z. iced tea exercise: shopping for 6 hours (in person, not online! LOL!) I am so proud of those of you who are exercising! I bought a dance cardio DVD yesterday so DD and I can do something fun, and move around. It will help both of us!

I just gave away some of my cookies to the Schwan's guy. (Frozen food delivery). But, I guess this would be an NSV: I had a cookie after lunch, and left half of it lying on the counter...totally forgot about it! Like THAT's every happened before! See ya'll tomorrow...it's my day out. Shopping, then meeting a dear friend who is in town only this one day. We have dinner with "the old circle" of friends. It's a lot of fun...we drink more ice tea than margaritas these days! Cindy

Thank you for staying with us and sharing your good news...even without a band, a support group can be very helpful! You are doing great! Cindy

Hi, how many fills have you had, and what amounts? I can't really give you any ideas right now, because I don't know enough about your situation. What and how much are you eating? Are you following all or any of the "bandster rules"? What does your doctor say? What kind of support do you have? Give us more info, please! Glad you're back! Cindy

That happens to me sometimes, too! I think it is because I am used to taking a big ol' first bite and not chewing very well. In the before-band days, this would be the common approach. Now, I have to be very conscious of that first bite being small, and chewed well. Something that helps, but is very hard to do, is not to get too hungry before you eat. The hungrier I am, the faster I want to eat. I hope this helps you a little, and good luck! Cindy

<p>Breakfast: Zone Perfect bar and a cookie</p> <p>Lunch: pita chips and hummus</p> <p>water: one 20 oz. bottle (lots of coffee, does that count?)</p> dinner: ham chowder, and two biscuits with butter and jelly water: 40 oz. I don't know how this edit is going to work out...there's a smilie face between each and every letter of my previous post. Oh, exercise....oops!

Adorable! Sorry I missed this post earlier! Congratulations! Cindy

Hi, my doctor is in Lewisville, and does his surgery at a surgery center in Fr. Worth; actually, it's in Hurst. Name: Dr. John Marsden. I am very pleased with him, if that gives you a place to start. Cindy

Okay, I checked out the chat room, and talked to Alice LBT Bot. Fill me in? Is she automated? LOL! Cindy

Penni, I just want to wish you well and encourage you in your journey...I know it has taken a new direction and one you didn't plan for, but you will find your direction again. Any plan is better than no plan. Look at some of the ones that have been suggested, and choose one that fits your likes/dislikes and personality. I know WW has been fantastic for lots of people, but counting points just wears me out and makes me rebel. I have read and like Dr. Phil's book, and am willing to send it to you if you want it. Good luck, Cindy

Hi, all! My DD is out with my sister getting a pedicure...that little girl is going to be spoiled rotten! Fancy restaurants, big vacations...what's a mom to do?! LOL! I guess she's reaping the benefits of being the only little girl, in a family who was quite a bit older than average. She's enjoying herself, that's for sure! Hi, Zan! It's hard taking care of ill parents. I understand. How old is your mom? Sure glad to see you are back with us! Eileen, enjoy Scooby Doo! I love watching movies with my DD. I think she will like Narnia...my DD loves all the Harry Potter movies, and they do not upset her at all. Night, all! Cindy

EVerything went alot faster for me. I got a referral in mid-June...saw surgeon in early July, surgery July 22. All the insurance companies do things differently...I'm a teacher in a district that self-insures, and they have no exclusion for lap band surgery. I had already been seeing a dr. regulary for over 4 years, mostly on weight-related issues, and had documented several dr. supervised programs in that time, so that was one time-consuming step already taken care of. After reading all the frustrating long wait stories, I do feel lucky. Hang in there, it will be worth it! Cindy

Eileen, hang on! The holidays will soon be over and we'll be back to our regular routine, and all will be well. I'm joining you on the posting thing...the good, the bad, and the ugly. I don't mind being totally honest here, since that is the whole point, right? I will post exactly what I eat. I don't exercise much, so probably won't have much on there for that. Still, I can't resist the excellent company! Beanie...I think you're right on the "you never know until you ask" idea. I've looked up some stuff on the internet about demand letters and how to write them, and I like writing, so I am going to go that direction...when Mr. Adjuster calls, I'll tell him to wait on the certified letter, then call back with an offer. We go to church with a personal injury attorney, who will advise us if the offer is way too low. It was a mess with the property part of the settlement. I hate dealing with these things, but I'm no pushover. DH can get downright scathing, so I can always sic him on them...play good cop/bad cop. We can sing carols anytime! Come over and play with DD's karioke (spell check, Ira?) machine! Everyone have a good night, Cindy

Visuals are always helpful! Thanks!

After two fills, I can eat 2 pieces of pizza. Of course, before I would eat 6 at least! So, 2 pieces, put into perspective, is a victory! How do you like that spin?! Patience, girl. You'll get your fill, and things will change. Cindy

Eileen, I'll join in with you! I don't think I'll take on the no eating after 7PM, but I'll grab onto everything else. (My commute makes it very hard to get dinner completed by 7PM). We start tomorrow, right? WE can do it! Cindy

Good luck! I know you will do great, and what a blessing you have in your family! Cindy

Fills are so personal...I don't think there's any way to predict them. That being said, I do like reading these threads, just to see what works for others. I have .7cc in a 4cc band. I have never PB'd or slimed. I have had the golf ball feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew well. I am starting to consider a tiny third fill...I am so cautious, maybe too much. I think the difference between a dr. who sneaks up on the sweet spot as opposed to the ones who believe in aggressive fills is also a matter of personal taste. I have so much head work to do about food, that the sneaky approach works for me, so I have time to readjust my thoughts regarding the lifestyle changes brought about by the band. Good luck to everyone as we seek the perfect adjustment! Cindy