Dianechef

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Delarla & everyone, There ARE a lot of Lopez erosions on this forum. It does seem that his percentage is much higher then 1%. Not sure about why or how come. Sad... I really want it to be clear that Dr. Ortiz is not put in the "Lots of Erosions" category. I think others were getting him confused with your doctor. I know that La Madam was an Ortiz patient & she's the only one I know of on this board. I think she would fit into the 1% of his patients which is very normal. (And she STILL sings his praise!) Dr. Ortiz truly is a kind, caring doctor who has ALWAYS answered my phone calls & I believe is truly a great doctor. He really does give everyone his cell phone number & answers it!! I would hate for him to get a bad rap because of some misunderstandings on this board. :cry </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I may be a little slow, but I can't figure out how you all get those cute funny faces from? I have searched & searched this entire forum & can't find them. Also, how do you underline or make different fonts & colors?!? Have I completely lost it? Please tell me there are others out there who don't know how to do this either. Help!!!

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Oops!! Not sure why it has so much space at the top & bottom! I'll have to work on that one. </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"></TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! I figured it out!! I went to User PC & looked around. My display mode was on BASIC! I set it to the highest display mode & WA LA!! THere's the smiley faces!!:omg: :bananapartyhat: :faint: :bananapowerslide: :speechles :angry :biggrin1: :rolleyes :paranoid If there are others out there who may have their display mode set like mine was, I hopefully helped you out!!!! :funscale: Ha. Love this one!! </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"></TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"> </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Okay, I am on the GO ADVANCED area (which I have been to several times) & there are only 10 smilies that I can choose from at the bottom & they don't put them in the body of your message, only at the top. There are no other drop down icons to choose from or anything!! There's no big A on the quick reply screen. I want the dancing bananas!!! I am very computer illiterate & I PROMISE I am not slow. :bananapowerslide: (really!!!!!) Is it just my computer?!? I am so confused!!!!

You all have to remember something: Yes, we have seen a lot of people on this panel who eroded recently who were banded from Mexico. People who are banded in Mexico aren't able to attend a support group in their area for obvious reason. We use this forum as an outlet. There are many, many other eroded patients out in the world who were banded by American doctors. We don't know about them, simply because they aren't on this forum. I have to say that I 100% agree with Dr. Ortiz & his statistics. It doesn't matter where you get banded, 1% of the patients will erode. He was very nice to post on here & explain the procedure. The doctors in Mexico have been doing band surgeries longer then the American doctors & DO KNOW what they're talking about!! Dr. Ortiz doesn't have a large numer of patients on this forum who have eroded. His statistics are no worse then any other doctor. I think you are confusing him with another doctor that was mentioned on here. Look back at the posts & you will see. I don't think Dr. Ortiz needs to be defended at all. He is very capable of doing that for himself. However, we all just need to keep in mind that the patients on this forum come here for different reasons & the numbers reflected here are not accurate statistics for the world. He is a good, highly-respected doctor & I chose to go to him simply because I believe he is one of the best lapband doctors in the world!! Erosions happen!!

I was recently reading over some great information that I used with my business & thought I could use it with my weight loss as well. I'm going to try it & see how it goes! I've been with my sales company for 9 yrs. When I first joined, I went to a conference where I heard a speaker tell us that if you want something bad enough, you have to have 50 reasons you want to achieve that goal. My team & I immediately went to work & made our own goals & list of 50. My goal was to become a Senior Director in 4 yrs. (Upper managment, more money, trips,....all the great perks that go along with it!) I achieved my goal in 3 years!!!! I had that list of 50 hanging at my desk & I looked at it every day. It definately worked!! What my team & I realized was that the last 5 were the hardest to come up with, but that they were also the real heart-tugs that really described our TRUE reasons for wanting to reach the goal. I figured I'd share mine with all of you & get the ball rolling for anyone else who would also like to join in. Here goes: 50 Reasons to weigh 150 lbs. 1) To get rid of my double chin 2) To recognize the person I see in the mirror 3) So I won't be emberassed to go out in public. 4) So I won't shy away from pictures anymore. 5) To no longer be the fattest person in my family. 6) So people will STOP watching me eat. 7) So I can wear a size 12 again! 8) To feel good! 9) To run around with my kids & not get winded. 10) To walk on the treadmill for longer then a mile. 11) So I can shop at Old Navy & The Gap 12) To not be emberrassed to go to my high school reunionl 13) So my daughter won't be emberassed of her fat mother. 14) So I won't be so tired all the time! 15) So I can look people straight in the eye. 16) To wear a NORMAL size bra. 17) So I can wear cute undies that actually look attractive!!! 18) So I can actually think about other things besides food all the time! 19) To get rid of the cellulite on my legs. 20) To feel HOT & SEXY!! 21) To weigh LESS then my drivers license says. 22) So I can earn all my rewards I've set at each level. 23) A new wardrobe!! 24) To wear heals again!! 25) So I will ACTUALLY WEAR a swimsuit. ha! 26) To get rid of my Lane Bryant card 27) So I can wear my seatbelt without it rubbing so tight 28) So I can feel comfortable on airplanes. 29) To be truly healthy! 30) So my chances of getting diabetes are greatly diminshed! 31) So I will have a butt again. 32) So I can go bike riding with my kids & not feel like everyone is looking at my big ol' butt! 33) So my 1 yr. old can grow up with a happy, healthy Mom her entire life!! 34) To keep me out of a wheelchair when I get older. 35) So I can stick it to my mother-in-law who doesn't think WLS is a good thing. 36) So my family doesn't have to worry about me anymore 37) So I will feel attractive to my husband. (Can he be attracted anymore?!?) 38) To not have to wear a FREAKIN' girdle anymore!!!!! 39) To see my backside in a mirror & not recognize that it's MINE!! 40) To actually DANCE with my husband! 41) To be a better example to my kids. 42) So my family will eat healthier because I make healthier meals. 43) Going hiking as a family!! (Mom never goes.) 44) Knowing that the one thing I've struggled with my whole life is accomplished!!!!! WHAT A FEELING!!! 45) Not having sugar headaches that cause me to be stressed out & be rude to my family. 46) So I will have the time & energy to make my music recordings!! 47) To truly love myself. (even though I love myself, I can't say I love what I've become!) 48) No more excuses!!! 49) To live life to the very fullest!! 50) No longer telling myself - "Just Do it", but I can say - "I DID IT!!"

After reading what others have wrote, I've been thinkin' about my situation. My sisters & friends are all overweight. I was kindof the leader of the "unofficial" fat group. I weighed more then all of them & was the first person to make fun of myself. I've always had a good self-esteem & didn't feel like I was trying to cover up for being overweight. It was just who I was and am!! However, I think there is a little bit of jealousy from others since losing the weight & I am just being treated differently. I don't think it's on purpose, but it IS happening. I now feel like I'm a threat to them. It's hard to explain!!! I am truly the same person but am being perceived differently from everyone. My sense of humor is still there, but it doesn't feel like it is welcomed like it once was. It's a little sad to me!!

Okay, I just had to report back in! I didn't eat any artificial sweeteners today & I had NO PROBLEMS with junk!! I hope to lose the weight I gained from eating the house yesterday!! Big Paul, I looked at the ingredients in the candy bar I ate & you were correct. It had Sorbitol in it!! You are a very smart guy!!! What are you feelings about low carb diets now?!?!

Great topic!! I have asked myself the very same questions!! I am the BIGGEST in my family & also considered the fun, goofy one. When the family gets together, they usually start out with - "Hey Diane, tell us a story!" Pretty soon the entire room is laughing so hard they're crying. I have a story for everything. My stories are usually about myself & the funny situations I get in to. A lot of the stories revolve around my weight. (What happened when I wore a swimming suit snorkeling, falling down in church, running myself over with a car.) Our last family reunion, one of my sisters told me she was afraid that after I had my surgery, I wouldn't be the "fun" sister anymore. I told her not to worry, I'll never change. However, I've lost 46 lbs. & am no longer the biggest in the family. I have noticed that they aren't asking me to tell the stories anymore. Since the surgery I haven't had a single moment where we got together & just laughed. I'm not sure if I truly HAVE changed or if they are just treating me differently. I'd love to hear more responses on this topic.

I've always been afraid of someone being under my car or under my bed. When I go to sleep at night, I can't hang my foot over the edge!! When I get in the car, I can't linger with my feet dangling. I'm afraid the person under my car has a knife & is going to take some good stabs at my feet.

Take a picture of you with that necklace on & post it on Delarla's NSV picture page!!! That's a great NSV!!!!

Hi Erin, Wow........I am so sorry to hear of your struggles. We all think that we aren't going to be the one with the problems & that our bands will work perfectly. I'm sure you were very surprised when it happened to you. I read your story & you were in perfect health before surgery!! You would think you wouldn't have had any complications at all!! I cried as I read your story because it could have been any of us. I am sorry the complications happened to you. It doesn't seem fair. You CAN do this on your own!! If you think about it, you really did lose your 46 lbs. all on your own because you never had a working band. THAT IN ITSELF IS AMAZING!!! I have had a working band since July & I haven't lost that much. Keep your chin up!! You sound like a wonderful mother & your kids need a happy, healthy Mom!! PLEASE hang around here because you'll find lots of support from other bandsters who have lost their bands. We all sympathize with you & wish you the best!!! Good luck Erin!

Has anyone joined Fill Centers USA? I get my fills for $100 here in AZ & it works great. My fill person gave me all the information about signing up for this & encouraged me to give it a try. (She will be working with them!) I am trying to figure out the advantage of joining Fill Centers. You pay an upfront fee just to join & then fills are $155 each time. Am I missing something? This is MORE $$, not less......and I'd still be using the same fill person at the same place. Hmmmmm......

I posted too quickly. I only put in 1200-1500 without reading that I was also supposed to put in how much weight I'm losing weekly. Sorry, I messed you up! I am losing 1-2 lbs a week consecutively except during Christmas. For 3 weeks I didn't gain or lose anything!! (I was THRILLED!)

Adorable!! How do you get anything done all day with such a little cutie-pie around? I bet you just want to hug & squeeze her all day long!!!!

Alex, I have tears in my eyes!! What a wonderful feeling. Your kids are pretty lucky to have you as their Mom. I am so VERY proud of you & completely understand everything you have felt. I can't WAIT to be where you're at!!!

Here's a picture of our family at Disney World this summer. This is one month before my surgery.

I hit my sweet spot on my 2nd fill. I have 2.7 put in my 10 cc band. PERFECT for me!!

I eat cereal all the time. No problems!!!

I am a little concerned what I will look like AFTER I lose all my weight. I know I'll have more energy & feel great & I CAN'T WAIT!! However, I have seen a few people lately who have lost quite a bit of weight & their face looks older. I have a friend who's skin on her face is now wrinkly. (My husband said he thought she looked better before!!) Anybody else concerned? Any one have a secret to keeping our youthful appearance after weight loss?

I only have 4 lbs to go before I hit my mini-goal of 50 lbs!! The reward I was going to give myself was to get my teeth whitened. I talked to my dentist about Zoom. (Where you sit in a chair & your teeth are whitened in 1 hr.) He said it was the worst pain ever! He said that he'd rather give birth then to have his teeth whitened again. (He's never given birth, so I don't know why he gave me that comparison, but......oh well!) I did the teeth whitening trays 2 yrs ago & it was a pain in the behind to wear them & I didn't feel like my teeth stayed very white. Have any of you ever had the Zoom treatment? Did it hurt? I am wondering if my dentist just has a low tolerance for pain or if I need to get a new goal.

Ice cream goes down no matter how tight your fill is. DON'T EAT ICE CREAM!! Sorry, I have had the same problem, but with chocolate. I can eat loads of chocolate with no restriction. Step away from the ICE CREAM & CHOCOLATE!! They are NOT your friends.

Megan, I would LOVE to look 22 at 33. I have 8 sisters. (Yes, 8 sisters!!!!! That was not a type-o!) I am #6, but when we're together, people think I am one of the oldest ones!!!! I'm only 35 & would love to look 35 when all this weight is gone. Ajack, I've been doing those tongue presses & they really work!!

Hey Feulman, I've heard of Dr. Grossman from FL who will do fills on anyone. check him out. I don't regret ANYTHING about being banded. LOVE IT!!