mousecrazy

I'm writing to say "hi" and welcome you here. There are incredible stories here about people who have been taken off all their meds, including insulin, blood pressure, etc. I am sure they will write to tell you their encouraging stories. I am so pleased to have had this surgery; it has been nothing but great! Welcome, and post anytime! Cindy

Hi to everyone! I'm a few weeks short of 4 months with the band, and what a difference it has made! I have lost 35 lbs, and two sizes. On my signature, you can see the "stats". My 2nd fill is for tomorrow, and I hope it will be just right--not too much. Pats on the back to everyone, you're working hard and it shows! Cindy

I sure hope you are okay. Let us know. Cindy

After my surgery, I was given 4 color pictures of my band...complete with a color picture of my liver. My doctor told me he could tell by my liver's appearance that I had dont a good job in following the pre-op diet he recommended...I guess you can consider that your report card. It is tough, but you are worth it, and you will be fine. Good luck, Cindy

My band is great and has changed my life because now I have brakes, which I couldn't find before, and can stop eating, regardless of "why" I want to eat.

Just thinking of you, and wishing you the best surgery and recovery ever! Welcome to the bandsters! Let us know if you have questions...and post when you can! Cindy

Wow! Betty, you must be one hot babe in that awesome-looking car! I"m going to start wishing a little harder for my dream car...I have several that would do!

Super, Margo! I share your love of the band...I call it the "brake." Glad it's working out for ya! Cindy

Good morning, friends! As Betty already told you, down here in Texas, fall is only about a week long, spring is about a week, and the rest of the time it is either summer or winter! I'm not such a fan of warm weather in November, but whatcha gonna do? Can't move, yet! The zinc (cold-eeze) has really helped... no headache today, just the congestion thing. So, every day is getting better. I am ready for Thursday (fill). Wish it would just get here, so I can get it done. Oops, being from Texas, that is "Git 'r' done! Eileen, taking my DD to school was one of the things I loved about being home after surgery. I am so pumped to be able to do that again, here in about a year, when I retire. Just last night, I was so frustrated with all the things that need to be done, and not enough time to do them...DH was great and reminded me that everything would get done. I just have those moments where it seems too much. I'm okay today. Beanie...I laughed out loud when I read your tease on Bigman about typing "broad" instead of "board"! You are so clever! Everyone else, hope you are healthy and meeting your goals... Cindy

The band can stay in for lie, but there is always the option of removing it, which was a comfrot to me when I was first considering it...as opposed to gastric bypass, which disrupts your body's normal functions, and would be very difficult to reverse. Now, after almost 4 months, I think I"d be nuts to have it removed. I call it my "brake." Good luck at the dr.'s!

Bigman, you are being banded in the same place I was... who is your doctor? Mine is Dr. Marsden. You must live in North Texas, too? I hope you are home and resting and doing fine...post when you can. Cindy

Welcome, busywoman, and good luck in your quest. You bet we understand! You'l find lots of new friends and good advice on these boards. Cindy

Mary, I missed you, too...imagine how great we're all going to look next year~! Nana, PLEASE come to the Texas board and announce your next visit! Anybody up for a minibash in the Lewisville/Denton area sometime the first part of December...or is everyone too busy? Maybe right after Christmas would be nice? I'm intrigued about Betty's car? What is it? I drive a basic little Altima...but I have dreams! Cindy

Too cute! You wouldn't want to hide yourself under a bandana, would you?! Thanks for the giggle! Cindy

Hi, everyone! I'm at school (work), and I'm plum tuckered out! Having a cold at home is one thing, but dealing with (at-risk) teens while struggling to breathe, is another! Beanie, congrats on the great job in the gym! You are doing great! Hope you hear some approval news shortly Eileen, I have a little cowardly dog, too, but she is only a small Bichon...still, the shivering shakes the bed. Hope you are all having a beautiful day! Cindy

Welcome to LBT! This is a great place to find new friends and lots of support! Cindy

He may stay nervous until you are safely back in the car and on your way home, but he'll be okay. Get everything ready at home, and that will let you rest easy, and he won't have too many last minute things to do. Get liquid Gas-X or something like that, and some sugar-free popsicles! Good luck!

Hi Friends, I am feeling better, but still have a nagging cough, etc. I guess that will hang on for a while. Today I went to church, as it's All Saints Sunday, and since my Mom passed away last July, her name was being called. Dad and sis couldn't handle it, so my little family showed up for the service. I am proud of myself for doing that. I thought to myself, "Mom, I'm here." I thought it would be sad if they called her name, and no one was there (from the family). It was a very nice service; the ministers called each name, and took a long stemmed white rose and placed it in a big vase, which was beautiful when all the roses were placed in it. Other than that, an uneventful day. Still moping about missing the big Texas soiree yesterday, and love seeing the pictures! Pat, I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences with deciding how much fill to have, if you are PBing every day...I cross my fingers that won't happen. I know I need to go for fill #2, since I am feeling too hungry too soon, and stuck on weight loss. Eileen, the refried bean/cheese suggestion is a good one...I loved that when I could first eat mushy food. I like oatmeal, too. I know you are just happy to have anything thicker than clear liquid! Beanie, I've been meaning to ask about your next chapter? Is that in the works? Betty, remember if you come to Sanger to eat at Babe's , give me a call! Gotta make something for dinner, see ya later, Cindy

Stay calm, everything should be much better after a week. I suffered with gas pain for quite a while, and I didn't want to eat, either. What do you mean by "I am sick" after 3 sips. Are you vomiting? Call your doctor and leave a message if you are! Your appetite is affected not only by the surgery, but pain meds, as well...there are a lot of factors. For gas, try liquid Gas-X or simethicone drops...keep sipping your water, and walk (shuffle?) around as much as possible. Hang in there! Cindy

Fantastic! Did anyone take a picture of you, Betty? Everyone is gorgeous and happy, and Mexican food sounds pretty good, too! I can safely say that everyone's avatars just do not do them justice! I am feeling better, but still slow. I kept checking LBT to see a report, so thanks, Betty! I am heartsick that I had to miss it! Hugs, Cindy

I hate to follow up one "regrets" post with another, but I have to. Waaah, waaah (that's me, whining). I've had this cold, stayed home from work yesterday, and thought I was feeling better last night. Woke up this morning with fever and a headache; guess I might have a sinus infection. I am soooo sad not to get to meet all of you THIS TIME, so ya'll have a good time, and let's see if we can get together between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Boo hoo, sniff...I'm gonna go lay down now. Betty, I sure hope your clothes stay on! And Beanie, give Bubbame a big hug from me (without the germs!) Love to all, Cindy

Come on, Leatha! It'll be fun, and good to meet each other! I hope I see you there! Cindy

I"m here to give you some support, but I have only had one fill, and just made the big (for me) decision to get my 2nd. I am reluctant to have too much restriction, but honestly, I don't have much at all now...I know the Brake is there, but I can eat quite a bit before I feel it. I would take at least a week to work with the level you have, then decide...if they will let you go back so soon. Some do, and some don't from what I've read. Try it for a while, and see. Good luck! Cindy

I have photos of my band operation, and one thing I can tell just by looking is that the color is all wrong...not clear, pink and healthy. It looks like the stomach tissue is damaged or bruised here, and there are some lumps that aren't in my pictures. I am sorry for all the discomfort you have experienced..what a pain! HOpe you are feeling better, Cindy

Got it. See ya there!