ReneBean

Goodness!! You've lost 92 pounds and KEPT IT OFF! That IS a triumph. That is what makes the band the BEST bariatric procedure. Even though you have been down and depressed, you didn't gain any weight. Have you EVER been able to say that about a period of depression before? I know I haven't. Congrats on maintaining. Your band will wait for you to get back into a weightloss frame of mind. Good Luck!!

Well, the good news is that the particular auction that is linked has been closed, now. That item is no longer for sale. *Whew!* Scary! Just look for the e-bay logo before you let them give you any meds... lol.

Doll - they make clothes in sizes without X? DANG!!! I don't think I have seen any of those for about 20 years... Great work!! Paul, you are cracking me up. Send pictures in your new lack of wardrobe! lol! :]

She won't release your records even with authorization from you? She won't release them TO you? This seems odd. Ask the Psych about this. Explain that it is causing a problem and see what she says. I think she HAS to release your own records to you, if not to anyone else. What you do with them after that, is up to you. Good Luck.

Do you have a 401k you can borrow against? A house? I know that increasing the debt-load is not a great idea for most people, but if the payments were low enough, some of it would be offset by your reduction in food budget. I know that for the last few years, I have budgeted $200/mo for lunch money. If I got a band, I could cut that in half easily - or even cut it out and bring lunches. In the end, that may be what I have to do. I am currently waiting for the State of CA to finish their independent medical review of my case, to see if the two denials from Blue Cross can be overturned... Good Luck!!!

K - call me crazy - but is there ANY chance this could be gas pains translated into back pain? Have you tried taking an OTC gad relief med? I have read about people having shoulder paid due to gas - is it possible this is some weird extension of that? Just a thought. I would try anything before I gave up a Band. Good Luck. Hope you feel better, soon.

Penni - you'll be a star either way... One assumes that if you are selected for TBL, they will give you a more definite time-line. Maybe you can do both? I would be all for trying that. But, if I HAD to choose, I would go to Cannes. TBL will do another season, and another, and another... There is no shortage of raw materials for them to film, if you know what I mean. You can always apply for the next season, or the one after that. If you can't do both - go to Cannes... Besides, if you go to Cannes, and get selected for a later season of TBL, think of the fun you will have dropping names from your trip! Good Luck!!

She's ba-ack... OK - another vegged weekend... in more ways than one. I actually tried a semi-experimental recipe this weekend for some dip for raw veggies. I really love veggies and dip - but the dip is somewhat detrimental to the diet & exercise effort, if you know what I mean. So, it was off to the grocery to see if I couldn't find some solution. I mixed up a pint of FF sour cream and a couple of big globs (4-6 oz?) of LITE mayo (if you go full FF it's just yucky!) with some dry Onion/Mushroom soup mix. Viola! Edible dip with WAY less of the bad stuff, both fat & calories. Practically all I ate on Sunday was popcorn & veggies & dip. I will try that again next weekend, I think. It was yummy. Plus, I ate all those delicious carrots & radishes and things that are so good for us. It was an uneventful weekend - just the kind I like. Next week, after the long weekend, I'm off to NY again. Guys, any ideas on Saturday the 21st? I hate to get together with a bunch of folks on a diet to EAT - but it seems that most of our social gatherings in this life involve food. Shopping, anyone? Anne - glad I didn't wait for you, since you had kids in the tub. I understand these things can take some time...Sorry about the unfill - but glad at the same time that you are going with "better safe than sorry". If you have any doubts at all, you make him give you an Endo, too. I must admit that by the time I got home from the store, I had changed my mind about the gym - but I did get up and go on Saturday. Eileen - how are you doing at work? "Excited" to be back? lol. Hope it isn't too bad. Not nice of Auntie to visit on your last glorious days of freedom. I like that cooking on the weekend for the whole week concept. If I didn't have DH to take care of me, I would probably do that too. I am a big believer in portioning out meals and putting them in the freezer. It's almost like your own personal Jenny Craig system. No worries about what's for dinner, just pop a container in the microwave and you're all set. Cindy - I don't think you are capable of "Hacking me off". I haven't ever seen anything from you that was unsettling in any way. Maybe I am just not easily "hacked". :] But, Give it your best shot. I love to see your smiling face... and you always say such nice things. Who could be hacked off by that? Yes, I am aware of John's success without a band. I am amazed by his dedication. I have only ever been able to have that success when I was 100% obsessed 24-7 with losing weight. I am not in that frame of mind, currently... I want my band!! Right now, I am just taking baby-steps... Going to the gym, getting my protein & water, making low-fat dip for veggies. I figure anything is better than nothing. Dianne - hope you had fun with the In-Laws. I don't think anybody is offended that you don't do the whole personal thing ever visit. I personally would rather hear what you are up to than have you stay away cause you don't have the time or mind-set to address each of us individually. :] Betty - glad you got out into the sunshine. Are you still working on that blankety-blank computer? I hate it when they crash. I got to re-load all the software into my computer this weekend because I had a corrupted file. Of course, I didn't figure out that it was just the last game I saved on my computer game until AFTER I had re-loaded windows and done several other things... Oh well. Quilting - it's really cool - and they have lovely books for beginners. It's a time-thing, though. I have a friend who quilts in front of the TV at night to keep her hands busy. I have never been that dedicated - although I have been known to crochet in front of the tube ever so often. AWESOME about the interview going well. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for YOU. Sherry - Don't feel bad about the stuff in boxes... I didn't get my books unpacked until well over 3 yrs had passed... Hope you find your cereal bowls, though. :] And - we are just a bunch of forum-crashers around here. Although, in self defense, Eileen did invite us - a long time ago. Hey Ira! Come on, Darlin', Don't be such a tease. Let us know what you've been up to. We know you have a life - we just wish you would share it a little. No need for the individual responses to all of us - we just want to hear about you. :] Doc, if you weren't a little scared, we would be worried about your sanity. You are going off to have a major surgery. It's scary. Big Hugs!! And don't forget to check in when you get home, if not sooner! Pat - great NSV. And in Dallas, you can be a fair-weather rider in January. It was glorious here on Saturday. Warm and sunny. Of course, this morning it was horror-movie fog - but that's just the way it goes... And, Girl! you cook just like me! We'll have to get together and compare "recipes". lol. I favor Macaroni Grill curb-side service, myself... It always gets rave reviews. Patty - you are just becoming a regular at the Cathedral, huh? And I really don't know how you have the strength to avoid opening that box! But let's see. Whatever is inside is about a foot long, lightweight and it rattles? Some sort of cat/dog Toy? And DEXH had it shipped to your house, instead of his own. I really think it has to be some kind of toy. Could he really be stupid enough to have something sent to your house that wasn't for you or one of the kids? Well, the last thing I am going to do is post a pic or two. My DH & my Sister & my goofy computer-nerd nephew.

I swear, if you had been eroded, I was going to change my mind... So glad you are ok. For both our sakes!! :] Feel Better Soon. Hot tea with lemon, hon. :]

Mmmmmmm Yodels, Starbucks... MMMMMMMM OK, it must be time for me to get my butt home and go to the gym. All this talk of food is making me HUNNERY!! OOOOO Ira & Anne are both on-line... Maybe I will have to come back later and edit or re-post. Anne - how did your un-fill go? Did your doc give you any guff? Did you have him look at your band on Barium? Fill us in... (no pun intended) Cindy - The short week has me all weird. I had actually forgotten it was Friday until a co-worker wished me a good weekend. Truly forgotten. I swear it's early Alzheimers. How many wage-slaves forget FRIDAY?!? And thank you for the lovely compliments. I might have been a great teacher - but I have enjoyed working in the crazy mortgage business, too - and the money is good. :] Patty - did you call your PCP on the diabetes thing? What's up with that? And the box is VERY suspicious. Is he ordering presents for his new girlfriend and having them delivered to your house? (Does he have a new wife that he is hiding stuff from?) Of course, putting the best possible spin on it - he had a package delivered there because it is a surprise for you &/or the kids. I would be totally DYING of curiosity. Betty - Rock On!! Get that job! Hopefully they will offer you the best possible option with a good salary!! (and I am assuming you didn't walk in on the interviewer in the Men's!! lol!) So nice to hear that folks are impressed with you, isn't it? I always enjoy that, too! Eileen - if you come visit - I forbid the import of Yodels into Texas... I have enough difficulty resisting my old favorites without having NEW ones... Sorry about the fill thing. I know you were really wanting it - but if you are still losing weight, even AFTER the holiday spree - well, you can probably wait. Better a little loose than over-filled and in danger of erosion. God knows we have had WAY more than enought of that around here. Your doc sounds like he is taking a real interest and looking out for you. If you get too tortured from hunger, you can always slug him until he gives you a fill! lol! (get one of those cousins over there...) Doc, you must be SOOOOO excited. I am just still waiting to hear from the State of CA. Since the original "We have your request for Independent Review" letter, there has been not one thing... I guess nothing is due until the early part of February - but DANG it! I wish they would hurry up, already! It seems like centuries! (yeah, yeah, I know. It's only been a couple of weeks. But Dang it!!!) Well my Darlings... I am off to home. I have decided that I won't procrastinate - I will drag DH out to the gym tonight, so I can Veg-Out tomorrow. I do so love my Slug-fest weekends. Take Care!! And, IRA? Don't you love us any more? I can see you checking up on us. Let us know how you are doing, ok? We miss you.

Hi Patty!! Yep - some of the stuff lately has been scary - but we miss you! Good to hear you are doing great. Keep an eye on that swelling business. If it seems red or hot, smack your doctor up-side the head until he looks at it seriously. Otherwise, just go with what feels right. Keep up the good work on the exercise and weight loss. 41 lbs since Late August Kicks Butt!!! I am officially experiencing Band Envy! Hugs! Irene

Lisa, Darlin' ALL OF THE ABOVE!! You are wonderful and we all love you. xo

YAY!!! That's Totally Awsome!!! Have a great time!

I have been enjoying those new avatars all day! Vines, you look GLORIOUS!! I don't care what the scale says. You look wonderful!!! And Jessie - you hot chick, you!! Love to see that smile! Go! Go! Go!! You guys ROCK!!

I swear I saw one that meets in Plano... I will see if I can find it.

k - muscle weighs like 2-3 times what fat weighs. If you have been working out and building muscle - your body size would trim down, but your weight would stay the same. Some folks get discouraged because they actually GAIN weight when they start working out. NJChick (Eileen) actually posted a picture of what five pounds of fat looks like next to 5 lbs of muscle. It's amazing... Hey, the scale is just a pack of lies anyway. The number changes daily - several times - based on what you eat, what you drink, whether it's salty, etcetera. All that matters is whether you can skim into those size 14's or 8's or whatever. GO FOR IT!! Keep up the good work!

It looks like the band is finally getting some recognition from various sources. Yippee!! The more positive public press, the less insurance nightmare - I hope! Thanks for the Article. I love the way they put the mortality rate out there for the world to see. I wasn't overly enthused about the band when my doc mentioned it to me - because ALL she said was that it was slower than by-pass. She did NOT mention that the pay-off for the slower loss is the much lower complication & mortality rate. Uh - that's kind of important in MY consideration of which surgery to have! Oh well. If I ever get insurance approval, I will educate my PCP as I go. :]

Well, I am too big for anything y'all have to swap - but I would love to meet you, anyway! Let me know if you get together!

**Hey Mysti - I am not a huge fan of AIGB (Alex, AIGB coordinates the medical testing for Surgery Center of Richardson) - but what they told you was that you were MEDICALLY approved - in other words - you physically qualify according to them to have the surgery. SCOR has an assembly line thing going on - which must be working for somebody - but not for you, or for me, either. AIGB Medically Approved me and then forwarded my file to LapBand Solutions - who handles the insurance approvals. LBS submitted my file and I was denied. After that, I took over. I have Blue Cross - and they have their own little barrel of monkeys for getting approval if you happen to have a high BMI (like me). Call whoever has your file and tell them that if they don't submit your package to Aetna right now, you will happily come and pick it up and find another surgeon. If that doesn't get some action - DO IT. There are plenty of qualified surgeons here in DFW and I would hazard a guess that most if not all of your tests are 100% transferable to another physician. Certainly, the 6 mos of diet history with your PCP will be. Once your file is submitted and you get that first denial - YOU will have control over the fight. Don't wait for LBS (or anyone else) to help you - I would STILL be waiting these four months later - but start calling Aetna and asking pointed questions and figure out just what you have to do. I am waiting for the State of California to complete an independent medical review. Hopefully, this will overturn the denials I have received. I am keeping the faith that sanity will prevail. Keep your chin up!

Hey Dianne, Thanks for that info... if I knew the name of "The Train" I could probably find all the stations on a lovely map on-line... But there are LOTS of different mass transit listings for NYC and I don't know the local geography well enough to figure out which one runs in the right area. Help me out folks - what is the name of the transit service that runs trains out that way? Please let me know. Thanks!! Irene

Oh, and don't worry about being vain. I am not nearly as worried about erosion and slippage as I am about losing my hair!!! I think it's doubly hard for us - who have never had great beauty except for hair and eyes - to know that one of our main points of vanity is going to deteriorate!! I mean fully 2/3 of the positive comments I have received in life have been about my HAIR. How could you NOT be vain?? lol. Deep Cleansing Breaths... it grows back. :]

Penni - have a little tantrum. Kick a pillow, scream rant and rave. Just get it out of your system a little. You are entitled after what you have been through. I don't think "it is better to have been banded and lost than never to have been banded at all" is going to make you feel better - so try a little rave. You know we will all be here to cheer you on. And, if YOU are going on the Biggest Loser, I know I will be watching! Good Luck. I know you can do it. Great job with the Cake, BTW. hugs!

I can't spell or pronounce Jack's term for it, for some reason, tonight - but the basic idea is that you aren't "full" or "Stuffed" you are satisfied. It's wonderful that you are stopping at this point and not testing the limits of your band. That eating until your satisfied and then STOPPING business is what keeps thin people thin... Congrats!!

Hey All!! I am here, I am finally here when I have more than ten seconds to dash off a reply. YaHoo!! Cindy - Retiring? Wow! I also had planned to be a teacher - and took lots of the classes and did an internship or two - but my advisor told me my communication level was for middle to high-school level - and I really only wanted to play with the little kids... *sigh*. If I had just suffered the torture of teaching high-school, I could be retiring now, too... (maybe!) Anne - you are getting started on this matching furniture business EARLY... DH and I were married for 12 yrs before we got away from that GoodWill Chic look in our house. We didn't get new or matching furniture until we re-located to Texas... (I live in TX - but I get to travel to our NY office for work) and BWAHAHAHAH - if you get an electronic keyboard in the house from that same SIL next year, you will KNOW. Sherry - how is the "bike butt"? Any relief, yet? I finally dragged my lard-butt back to the gym - and wrestled with the Evil Eliptical for a full 15 minutes before my heart rate topped the danger zone... Yee haw, not too much loss of stamina for being out for over a month! Glad your dog didn't fall into the pool! Zan - did you ever figure out where the closest train station to Pearl River is? I would love to meet you, too. If nothing else, I might have to train into town one night - just to check it out. I have never been to Times Square or any of those cool places. Pat - It must be sad in the house without all those wonderful Santas... I always get a little meloncholy when I Un-Decorate. Are the Dreadmill and the Yoga ball still getting along?? lol! You guys are cracking me up with that. And a new car... ooooooh. I am jealous! (only a little though). I am going to drive my car until it collapses into a little rusty heap. I love not having a car payment... And, is it like the office joke - every time that guy is out every says "oh, his Grandmother must have died?" That's too funny. He must be a good employee otherwise (I hope!). Hope you are doing great! Betty - see, I am here. I am posting. I am as sane as I ever get. It was just a short-term issue. they have re-structured the job a little so that the work is more regular/frequent - but that is good. I used to get bored... I am not much of a sports person... I couldn't care less about football - and I am only lukewarm on BasketBall. If the Mavs make the playoffs, I will tune in. Until then, I leave it to the die-hard fans... Oh - and GOOD LUCK on the interview tomorrow!!! Dianne - STEP AWAY FROM THE YODELS, just put the box on the floor and nobody has to get hurt.... Did you get your fill, today? I don't think I even want to KNOW what a yodel is, since Eileen used it next to the word Ding Dong - Dang. I love those Ding Dongs. They rank high as a secret closet junk food of choice. Leslie - I have also read that Biotin and trace mineral supplements are helpful with the hair loss. Good luck with that. I am not looking forward to thinning HAIR. But I guess I could survive if I also got a thinning butt... And congrats on getting rid of the Fat clothes! That's a big step. Eileen - I don't know that we scared Ira off - I think he is just sooooo close to goal that he doesn't hang out here much any more... At least I hope so! I can't say about Lisa. We are a pretty scary bunch!! Oooooo and tomorrow is your first fill...How exciting!! I hope you get the perfect restriction (or at least SOME) so you can get this show on the road! Good Luck, Bunky. Doc - yep. You probably are grieving for food... I have read stories about bandster melt-downs when it finally sunk in that they simply could NOT eat the foods they once did. Here's some good news, though. Once your stomach is healed from surgery - and before your first fill, you will be able to eat again, momentarily. (just ask Eileen!). PATTY!!! What a welcome home! But don't panic, even if you have diabetes....DH has it - and you can still eat cake - once in a while. Just remember - a carb is a carb is a carb. It's all about balance. The first thing to do is be sure your dietician wasn't readying from the wrong chart or something. Call your pcp! Oh, and one more reminder - We are ALL going to die... it's just a matter of when, and what we do with the time between now and then. Deep cleansing breaths, Honey. Hope you feel better from that fall. Janice - how is it going with you? 23 pounds is FAB. I am proud of you! Keep up the great work - and check in with us. We love to hear from you... OK - as I type, I can see that Ira is looking in. Hi Ira!! You all have a great night. I will check in tomorrow. xo

Hey Y'all! I'll kick in a prize, too. Some scratch tickets or something. I am going to post along with you - but it will be hard for me to play properly, since I don't have a scale - and, my gym doesn't have one yet, either. I will HAVE to focus on life, since I have NO IDEA of my current weight. My NSV for this week? 15 minutes on the Evil Eliptical machine before my heart rate got too high to continue. I do treadmill, & bike, too - but the eliptical is the one that kicks my butt - so that's what I call an NSV.