Robin Bird

Hi Kat, I just wanted to tell you how much I like reading your posts - they are so eloquent and heart-felt. Robin

Love the images, aubrie!! Too funny! Robin

Hi all. Congratulations on your victories! I was banded on Nov.2. At my highest weight I hardly ever wore the few (big) pairs of jeans I had because they pretty much cut off my circulation. But if I did wear them, I would have to air-dry them or I couldn't get them on! Now I can put them in the dryer and they fit (until they loosen up during the day - then they are loose). I am able to wear my wedding ring again. Robin :eek:

How are the Wisconsin band-its doing? How about those Packers!!!!!! Robin

Hello footballer, With regard to the pre-op diet: yep, suck it up. Good luck, Robin :smile:

Hi everyone. I am 37 and live in a small town in northeast Wisconsin. I am married (13 years) and have 2 daughters, ages 8 and 11. We have a dog, 2 cats, 2 gerbils and a turtle (and a partridge in a pear tree!). I was banded on my birthday (Nov. 2). Total weight lost (including pre-op liquid diet) is around 45 pounds. I am happy I got the band, although will be happier when I get some restriction. I will have my 2nd fill on Feb. 5th. Hopefully that will help. Best of luck to all, whether you've been banded or are waiting to be banded! Robin :rolleyes2:

Funny! Robin

Hi Sharon! Marinette is a pretty small town, so we pretty much have squat for fun things for the kids. Green Bay is only an hour away, so there are some things to do there (insert disgust here over last night's Packer game...). We are thinking about taking the kids to the Dells for a weekend yet this winter. Take care! Robin

Mistah, Best of luck on your surgery tomorrow! Thanks for the good wishes for the Packers - I guess it just wasn't enough. They could have won last night's game easily, but they just couldn't get it together. I have a friend that was at the game. I haven't talked to him yet, so I don't know if he lost any extremities to frostbite! Good luck and let us know how things went! Robin

Marie, I used the unjury unflavored also. What I found to best mask the taste (and smell) was the orange flavor of Crystal Light. Good luck! Robin

Vessa, Congratulations on the baby! Dr. Kemmerling did my surgery. He is not overly friendly, but is professional and competent. I don't know if he takes on patients whom he did not band, but it's worth a try. His office people are very nice, and his bariatric coordinator (Mary Elliston) is great. So, it's worth a call to them to find out. Good luck to you and let me know what they say. Robin

Thanks for the help everyone!! I finally went shoe shopping yesterday. I tried on all sorts of the ones you all recommended. I ended up getting Saucony ones. They felt the best. The heels are super-springy. I tried them out today walking at the mall. They feel really good, except I have flat feet, so the arch supports fatigued my feet a bit. Hopefully I will adjust to that. Thanks again! Robin

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a brand or model of walking shoe that you've found to be very comfortable and "springy"! Oh, and doesn't cost a fortune! I got my band on Nov. 2, and I plan to start a walking routine on my lunch hour after Christmas. Thanks in advance for any info, and Merry Christmas and Skinny New Year to you all! Robin

Sonia, Why non-cotton? Can you tell me what you use? Thanks! Robin

S, I had my surgery Nov. 2 (my birthday) in Green Bay. I have lost about 40 pounds total since pre-op diet began. I have had one fill, which didn't seem to make much of a difference, if at all. I go for my next one Feb. 5th. My kids would love it if we lived where you do - close to the Dells! We've only gone there 2 or 3 times and my kids are 11 and 8! Have a great day! Robin

Hi, I'm from Marinette. It's STILL raining today. Don't get me wrong - I'm all about the snow going away - but it is depressing when it's this dreary. We had no thunder, but I think they had tornado warnings down by Madison, etc. Are you down that way? Take care! Robin GO PACKERS!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for their ideas. I haven't gone shoe shopping yet, but I DID start walking on my lunch hour! I did it yesterday and today. It's pretty cold and icy here (Wisconsin), so I walk at our local mall. Kind of boring but it's just until spring, which typically doesn't come here until May or June...lol! Thanks again! Robin :rain:

Thanks Cindi!!! Robin

Newblew, My surgery was 7 weeks ago (Nov. 2). I also experience a "stitch" in my side (right side). It's not constant, just mostly when I'm walking. I'm not sure what it's from; perhaps the port being near that side? Robin

Hi, I was banded Nov. 2. I went to my surgeon on Dec. 14th for my first fill. He tried several times, but "couldn't find" my port. I go back on Dec. 31 to try again, but now I'm nervous about him not finding it again. Anyone else have this problem? Robin

O2B, I love your comment about boobs being donor organs! I only wish! I am also at least a DDD. Since my surgery on Nov. 2, 2007 I have lost about 35 pounds and went from a 44 to 40 bra band size, but cup size has not changed. I hope to have reduction surgery after I meet my WL goal, but only if insurance pays most of it - no way I could do private pay. My sister had it done a year ago - I'm so jealous! "Hang" in there and try not to trip! Robin

SueSue, I currently take Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Seroquel and Trazodone (for sleep). I still have bad days, but for the most part it is working. I've been playing musical medications for about 8 years. I know that when I'm not on meds I can't stand myself. I'm crabby (understatement), VERY easily irritated, and feel like the world is crashing down around me. My family suffers when I'm like that. And I know they are a hurdle to losing weight. If you think you should still be taking them, you probably should be. Do you live with anyone? The people around you can be helpful in determining your "mood". My husband would go to my psychologist appts. with me and the Dr. would ask HIM how I was doing, since I was so out of whack I didn't know how I was feeling! We'll just have to work a little harder to lose the weight! Hang in there! Robin

whosyadaddy - I am going to Dr. K. this Friday for (hopefully) my first fill. Nice "meeting" you and all my best to you and your wife on the journey! Robin

Hey whosyadaddy, Who did your surgery? I live in Marinette and had my surgery done by Dr. James Kemmerling. GO PACKERS! Robin

Lindaa - I live in Marinette, right on the border with the U.P. of Michigan. Where are you? Robin