Apples2

JoAnne...try not to worry too much about how your band will be when you fly and any complications while on vacation. I was very concerned about being gone for over a month and away from my doc. He said all I would need to do is make one call to him and he would provide me with a name of a doc in the area I was in. I think you are being smart not to get another fill b/4 you go. I have had only 2 fills. Thought the second one did no go good until a month later and it finally tightened. Have not had to have one since and think that one was in Oct. I feel that I have perfect restriction. Never have had problems (until I ate that corn) and I get hungry at the appropriate times (meal times or about every three hours). My doc thought I was crazy when I told him I tightened up the first time I flew with the band. He said that none of his other patients have ever mentioned this. I can literally feel the band squeezing as we are ascending. It's not a bad deal. Just tight for a few days and then back to normal. I am very careful those few days after I fly and eat soft foods. It could be that flying will not bother you but just something to watch for. Just make sure that you have packed your band friendly food just in case. Talk to your doc b/4 you fly and let him know of your concerns and just have the greatest trip ever!!!!!!

I'm pretty sure everything will be OK. I am almost positive that it was the corn. It felt like something REALLY BIG was trying to work it's way through the stoma. I had chewed my steak really well (it was very tender also) and really think it was the corn that absolutely did not agree with me. I know you self-payers would panic a little more when it comes to complications. I had thought about it if ins. was not going to cover. But, with my six co-morbidities, not a problem. There is not one co-morbidity left in my body and that is after only 9 months. I thank God every day for providing me with this band (and my wonderful surgeon also).

Long...congrats on Onederland. You will be at goal b/4 you know it and into those new capris b/4 you go on your cruise. You have all positive things to look forward to. Our 30th anniversary is in November. Been trying to think of some things to do for DH. Last year I bought him the original Lionel Pennsylvania line train set. I am thinking that I will add to it by buying another line for him. But, a trip of some sort would be wonderful also. Phyl..hope you are feeling better. We've been lucky not to have had any "bugs" this winter. (I am knocking on wood!) Take care of yourself. To everyone else...........Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Mornin' girls...had a tough Sunday. Woke up to extreme pain around my band area. It lasted about 15 minutes and then about an hour later it happened again. With the second round of pain, I was going to go into the ER but pain stopped again. Just kind of waited it out and it didn't happen again. The rest of the day was a little touchy as far as food goes. My band area was really tender so just ate soft foods. Today everything is fine. We had gone out to dinner Sat. evening. I had a butterflied fillet and corn. I am wondering if it was the corn that caused me to have trouble. It's something I have not tried since banding. I have had the IDEAL band life since surgery. I have known which foods to stay away from (I will try different things but know if they will be band friendly after one bite). Needless to say, I was quite worried and when the actual episodes were happening, I had visions of a slipped band, twisted gut, etc., etc., etc. Scared me. Ate a bowl of steel cut oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar this morning for breakfast and now working on a Pure Protein Bar and everything is going great and no more tender band area. Has anything similar to this happened to any of you?????? I have always been so thankful to never have complications with the band. A little insight, please. I was going to make an appt. with my doc but don't see the need now that I feel back to wonderful.

I was really surprised that I actually had some butt after weight loss. When I was thin years ago I had somewhat of a flat butt and, as Jackie stated, that rack that women get as they gain weight makes the butt look flatter. I now have a rounded rear...think a lot of the shape comes from working out and staying active. The thing I think helped the most to shape my butt is walking 5 miles a day on a pretty good incline on my treadmill.

Wow...great photos, Janet. You are so beautiful. You truly are an inspiration to all of us. Heading out for a date with DH tonight. Dinner and then stop at our local bar and grill to cap the night off. Haven't seen a lot of my friends for over a month because we have been gone. Should be a fun night. We didn't do anything for Valentines Day cuz we were bushed and in some hotel in Orlando getting ready to fly out the next morning. I am thinking that lobster is in order. LOL....I'm worth it, aren't I? Everyone have a great evening. Better hit the shower.

What I don't get is this preconceived notion that whoever has the band "throws up after every meal". Do you know how many people think that?

Mimieg...trying to break acquired eating habits is really tough but you can do it. You had great success with your weight loss. Try not to compare yourself to a person that has lost more than you in that time period since surgery. We all lose at our own pace. Till you get back to your post band eating habits it might be a good idea to not have "trigger" foods in the house. Get back to the "hard" Protein first and then fruit or veggies. Keep SF Jello, SF popsicles, SF jello, etc. so you can grab something healthy. I love the 100 cal pkgs of Orville R. kettle corn. You feel like you are getting a real treat. You CAN turn this around. Give yourself a new start and come back to the LB board for support!!!!!!!!!!!

It wouldn't be me LOL....usually not quick to judge but Casey's demeanor from the get-go stinks to high heaven.

Lucy...I LOVED Home Ec and still stay in contact with a teacher I once had. I grew up in a home where the only way you could afford clothes was to sew them and as far as I knew there were no cake mixes LOL.!

Whooohooo, Lynn...a new guy in your life! Katydid........so sorry for your troubles but I feel relieved that you are finally getting answers and that things will be taken care of. Just have faith that everything will be OK> Peace and hugs

Oh Charlene.......changed my avatar the other day. Now I notice that it's the same as yours. Sorry, girl. I will change it to something else. (I want to be just like Charlene!!!)

Boy Janet.....you can really kick some major A$$! RUN, GIRLS, RUN!!!!!!!!!!! LOL. That's why we love you! You don't mince words and I know we all take it to heart and listen when you talk. It's a good thing I behave....you might make me cry!!!!!!! Just kidding...we do really appreciate your words of wisdom and I commend you for the time you take to help others....you are truly an amazing lady. Got home late on Monday night. Laundry done and mail and gone through and bookkeeping done. Then yesterday took off again for an over night with a good friend to a casino. Had a blast. Drive home was hairy. Took about 3 hours for a 1.5 hour trip. Worried about DH and DS. They set our for home from trip south of us. Their usually 7 hour drive will be considerably more. We already have at least 3 inches of messy snow on the roads. Welcome Mrs. Bubba and Kristen. Sorry you are having a tough time of it, Kristin. Try to keep moving. I am 53 yrs old and did not lay down after surgery during the day AT ALL. Not a lecture just want to help. You will get stronger every day and do better if you are more active. Go out for a short walk, sit in the tub without getting your incisions wet, just keep moving. Let us know how you are doing today. We want to know. (Hugs). Mrs. Bubba...where in ND are you from. I'm close to the MN/ND boarder. Welcome to the group. I had posted this on the June, 2008 thread and would like to throw this idea out to you girls. The National Lap Band Conference is tentatively set for Oct 2009 in Vegas. Wouldn't it be fun if we could all make it????????????????????

It does seem like a long time away but it would be a great way to get together hit the conference. I was looking into flying to NY for the conference coming up and noticed that Cher has one tentatively scheduled for Oct. I would rather go to one that my Junies would be at. I'm so excited at the thought of meeting all of you....I can't breathe!!!!!

I have an idea....how about if us girls try to do the fun girl thing at the National Lap Band conference in Vegas in October????????????????

Hi Ladies.........Well, made it home. The drive is usually 1.5 hours but took almost 3. Heavy snow and almost zero visibility. Sucked. I drive a truck so felt safe. Was worth it though cuz we had a great time. Not a big winner but came out about even and played the entire time. BTW...I didn't bet the farm!!!! Long..I don't miss the buffets at casinos. Waste of money for me now. I just packed some beef Jerky, Fiber One Cereal and Pure Protein bars. Didn't want to wast good gambling time in a cafe. Worried about DH and DS. They just started out for home for what normally would be a seven hour drive. Thinking that in this crap it will take quite a bit longer. Strike.........another move...poor thing. We have lived in our house for 21 years. I hate moving but, like Allie stated, it's a good way to organize and down size. This might sound sick to you guys but one of my favorite activities is to clean closets, cupboards, drawers, etc. I find it extremely relaxing and cleansing. My spices and condiments are even in alph order. Well, better go pick up my baby (dog) from the neighbors. I feel like a terrible mother. Gone for over 30 days, home 2 and leave him again for over night. I'll make it up to him. You all have a great weekend. I have a feeling ours will be a snowbound one.

Way to go V!!!!!!!!!! Way to get the call backs!! Long and Allie...I can hardly bring myself to go to support meetings. I get the stares...etc. I can't help if some of them are buying gallons of ice cream and eating all slider foods. Banded two years ago and they still gripe that the band is not working for them. Such a downer sometimes. Just because I am at goal,that does not mean that I don't need support also. Reminds me of when I was 15# overweight about 25 years ago and went to WW. Me and my friend basically got booed out of the room. Not heavy enough. Oh well, sometimes you just have to do what works for YOU and not worry about snide comments, the looks, etc. That's why I like you girls. We all know what the other is going through and support each other. I can only encourage everyone..not tear them down.

Bek...don't worry about the end result...work on getting healthy and along with weight loss will come a new found confidence. I am 5'7" (a little shy of that) and started this journey at 249#. I am a little below goal and have a flat tummy and minimal loose skin. I am 53 yrs old and came out of it all just fine. The only thing I notice is a little sagging of the upper thigh. My DH is the only one that sees that and if there ever is a complaint by him........he just won't go there anymore!!!!!! (BTW...he's been very supportive). Hang in there. Do this for you. You have every chance of coming out of this with great results due to your age. Good luck to you!

Darned friends anyway! Just got home and on the go again. A friend needs to get away...MIL died last week and needs a break from it all. Heading to a casino a couple of hours away from here and will be staying over night in the hotel there. Hey.........I'm always good to go on a girl's trip. Bye Bye till we talk again! Everyone have a great evening!!!!!

Way to go Lucy!!!!!!!!

Woohoo...good answer, Allie!

Love my drinks but after banding takes less of them. I love sipping Johnny Walker Black and also order Grey Goose and water. I carry the little Crystal Lite (I like the generic ones better and not so sweet) and dump about 1/2 tube into my drink. Wine makes me stupid for some reason.

There's only 12 bites in a normal sized Hershey bar....you better make that 24 bites cuz you cannot open that second bar without eating the entire thing.

V...good luck finding that job..have my fingers crossed. LOL>....my DH is the ORIGINAL "White men can't dance" guy. Love him to death but that would be one thing I would change about him. I love to dance and he will only do it if he has had 12 beers at a wedding dance and it is a "belly rubbing" song. After all those beers he is usually drooling on my shoulder by that time. I caught him paying the Johnson Brothers (5 of them) $5 a dance so they would dance with me at one of those wedding dances. Little did he know...the Johnson Brothers think I am cute. He wouldn't have had to pay them at all. I turned around and collected the $5 back from each of those boys each time I danced with them. On my own today. DH and DS when on an equipment shopping run to Mason City, IA. Just me and the dog...bonding time.

Katies..........forgot to congrat you the on the 90lbs lost. WTG!!!!!!!!!!!