mousecrazy

Hi, this is about my daughter, not me. My daughter is 7 (turns 8 in Oct) and in 3rd grade. She is 4'10" tall, wears a jr/misses 17/18, size 8 womens shoes. I'm only just a few years ahead of you on this road, and I'm happy to share with you our experience. She was smart and mature for her age, so we had her tested for kindergarten readiness with a private kindergarten, because here in Texas there is no such thing in public schools. We made our decision on what seemed right at the time for her, although thinking ahead to her classmates driving before her, etc., did cross our minds and discussions. Then, we decided to do what is best for her in the present, and we'll cross the other milestones when we get there. We went to the dr last year, right after her 7th birthday, and were told to expect precocious puberty, probably within a year and a half. She already has breast development. She is not at ease with children her age, and even in class with kids a year older, she still does not "fit in." She is very comfortable with teens and adults, and shines in those settings. SOOOOO, she entered kindergarten a year early, then we returned to public school for 1st grade, hoping for the best...well, she began withdrawing, daydreaming, etc., because she knew already what was being taught. THIS IS NOT AN INDICTMENT AGAINST PUBLIC SCHOOL! I just know too well what is being asked of teachers (both my husband and I are pub. school teachers). Her teacher had 6 non-English speaking students, several behavior problems, plus a blind student, and they are not allowed to ability group...the kids who are faster learners are the last on the list of students about whom to be concerned. But, I digress. We started 2nd grade, again in pub. school, and her withdrawal and unhappiness was so bad, we had to do something...she was already in the gifted and talented class, and that was all they could offer and it wasn't enough. So, we researched private schools and found one we love, that is willing and able to adjust curriculum to the individual student, as well as support her while she develops a bit differently than her classmates. We pulled her out of her 2nd grade in pub. school after 3 weeks, and moved her to the new school. You might try looking at some of the gifted websites like Genius Denied and Davidson Institute for other info and suggestions. I am sorry this is so long, but I am hoping it might help you with your personal decision. She is loving her new school, she still has some trouble with her size vs. the size of the others in her class, but we work on helping her learn and accept her own talents/strengths, and understanding genetics, because her dad is 6'3" and a former offensive lineman in football. God (or whoever you believe in) created mice and elephants, all for a reason. Good luck with your decision...for us the bottom line was what was best right now. Making decisions based on something that might or might not happen seemed irrelevant, and she would have to suffer through 10 years of boredom just so she can drive a car when everyone else does? Nah. Cindy

No food for 4 hours before fill, a cup of water I drink there to make sure I can, then liquids the rest of the day. Mushy food the next day. I have only had one fill, and I wasn't very sensitive to it. Story may change on next fill! Cindy

Good job, everybody! I am really enjoying reading about everyone's success! Cindy

I live in Sanger, north of Dallas...PM me for my phone numbers. Even up here we are supposed to get lots of rain, and tornados are always possible. I will be glad to assist in any way...I can find pet boarding, try to help you get reservations, etc....I don't have a guest room, sorry about that, but maybe I can help in some other ways. Let me know, and PLEASE take your important papers, ID's, SS cards, meds, and SCRAPBOOKS...put them in your car and get somewhere safe! I"ll do whatever I can.

Too cool!~ Post the pictures, please!!!!!!

Like everyone else, I am cheering for your success, and inspired to achieve my own! Congratulations! Cindy

My surgery was July 22, 2005 and I am down 30 pounds on my official ticker. I have had one fill, .5cc, and am waiting until I have a day off (Oct. 10) to try another. My avg. loss per week used to be 2.5, but it is slowing down now...still about 1 lb a week. In some ways I am happy with that, and in others, I'd like it to be faster. Sorta like the "angel" side and the "devil side"!

Hi, Mickey...you must have read my mind, because I was thinking about starting this same thread, out of curiosity and nosiness, mostly! I was banded on 7/22/05 by Dr. John Marsden. I had my 1st fill on 9/25, and am planning on getting a 2nd on Oct. 10 (which is a school holiday for me). I started my ticker at my surgery consultation weight of 282...but if I start from my all-time high weight of 286, I have lost about 36 pounds, give or take 2 lbs. I wore a 26 and now wear a 22. Thank goodness I have never had a PB, but I have had the rock in your chest feeling. MOST of the time, I follow the eating plan that is healthy and right for bandsters. I am not perfect. I have not been doing regular exercise, and that's something I need to work on...my reason right now is that it is still 100 degrees in Texas, and too hot to walk. I also have other issues with joint pain, but that has improved so much, I am about ready to put some exercise in my life! I am excited to read all the follow-up reports from our other July bandsters! Cindy

I second the hot chocolate idea. I have SF hot chocolate, and I add a Davinci SF syrup, like almond or peppermint paddy...it is delicious. When I give in, I confess I have ice cream...but a lot less than before. I have tried brushing my teeth, getting away from the kitchen, and sewing...if my hands are busy and I'm not thinking about food, I do lots better. That's one way I used to quit smoking 5 years ago. Good luck!

I can see from all the different answers, that it is a very individual thing. I sure know that big pain in the chest feeling, and I have gotten (is that a word?) it from all kinds of things...the common denominator is eating too big of bites, and too fast. If it's not liquid, and I eat too fast, and too big of bites, it happens. I can eat bread, small bites, chewed up well...but here's the thing: before band life, I could eat half a loaf of french bread, no problem. Now, a bite or two, and that's fine. I don't feel deprived about it.

Fantastic! Congratulations! You are living up to your screen name! Cindy

Maybe this will help you slow down...the doctor REALLY CAN TELL if you have been following the recommended diet...wanna know how I know? They took pictures! Yep! Right there in living color, you could see my liver, nice and pink...not white and splotchy like it would have been. I did have all the same feelings you have...and I gave in a time or two...but for the most part, I just made up my mind I could do this thing...really, you will be able to eat most of the food you like, just lots less of them. Good luck, Cindy

You express my thoughts perfectly...this is a fine group of people, and it is so much fun to get to know people all over the place, with all kinds of opinions...like you, I check out the site for a little while at work, then before bed. I read almost every post, even though I don't respond to all of them...mostly because someone else already said what I would have said... Thanks for bringing it up! Cindy

This has been mentioned somewhere on LBT, but I bought some Davinci sugar-free flavored syrups, and have just added them to instant breakfast, plus a 1/2 scoop of UNJURY unflavored protein. I WANT to make the blender shakes, but I end up eating a protein bar (Zone Perfect) instead, just because it's faster. Cindy

Thanks, Vines, for bumping this thread, and I hope you do it regularly! I hae forgotten to write about NSVs and I need to. Once again, I really appreciate your posts! Cindy

Hi! Isn't fitday.com great? By using it and being honest, I have kept myself on track (for the most part...I still battle the ice cream dragon!). I think it is a good thing to lose slowly, because skin has a chance to change with you...you made your own decision, in your best interest, and that's all that matters. Just say, I appreciate your concern. Then you are polite, but aren't really saying anything or having to defend your decision! You're doing great, Cindy

A perfect story to help us understand stress management...or at least the absolute need to manage it! I would imagine that story could change a few lives! Cindy

Hi, I lost my Mom this past July, after 5 months of hospitalization. The pain is very real, and I can't imagine when I will not think of her every day. So, only two months, and while there are times I feel "normal" there are times that I can't stop myelf from sobbing. For sure, everyone is different. Secondly, a friend said this and it helped, "Your life will be different now, but it doesn't have to be bad." When I have a hard time with something emotionally, I try to remember that my mom would not want me to stop living and enjoying life over being said about losing her. I am very sorry for your loss, and pray that God will lift you up and carry you through these first most difficult days, and He will continue to guide and comfort you while you learn to live with your loss. (((((Hug))))) Cindy

Sheilaj! Hi! I live in Sanger and Dr. Marsden did my surgery on 7/22/05, so about 7 weeks ago. He is fantastic! I don't have a nutritionist, but haven't really needed one...but I bet if you call and ask, he can set you up! PM me and I'll give you my home email address, or my work one, whichever you might like. I'd be glad to chat with you about things! Cindy

I hope you are holding up okay. I know how hard it is to bear the pain of loss, and like someone else said, watch others we love suffer. I lost my mom to a long illness in July. Many prayers and hugs coming your way, Cindy

Welcome to LBT! You'll find lots of friends and neighbors (look on the Missouri thread), good advice and lots of fun! You've done fantastic on your weight loss! The first fill is fine...I was surprised at how simple it was! enjoy! Cindy

I second Penni's opinion/suggestion. Also, what does your doctor tell you? He or she might like to get a nutritionist to analyze your eating patterns. It is possible, I hear, to eat around the band...maybe you are filled too tight to eat the right foods, and now have an excuse to go with the chocolate and other things that are "easy." See someone about your problems with food, and then start over to use the band...that's one thing: you still have the tool. Cindy

Yippee!!!! I am really happy for you, and thanks for sharing! Cindy

I still consider myself a newbie, but it has been about 6 weeks since my surgery, and I have had 1 fill. One thing I think is very important is to understand that each and every one of us is different, although there are some common situations. All of us must decide what level of fills we need or want, what weight loss goals we have, and what foods we can or cannot eat. I definitely use LBT as a starting place for figuring out if my situation is experienced by someone else, and then evaluate my own experience. Another really critical issue is that LBT should not be a substitue for medical expertise...I have seen posts describing situations that seemed like a dr. phone call would have been a better choice. I am very happy with my lapband...it keeps me honest.

I'm so excited you're posting these pictures as you go! I bet ya'll are having a blast!