Tricia K.

I have PCOS and have been banded for nearly 7 months. Please visit the following thread for PCOS/banding info. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15654&highlight=pcos

If you have a photobucket account, then, yes, you can post pictures side-by-side. If you open up a new post form, click on the Insert Image icon (it's yellow and looks like mountains with a small stamp in the right-hand top corner), and then paste the URL (web address) of your photobucket image, and then click ok, it will paste the image directly in the post. Then, if you click to the right of the image you just posted and hit the space bar a few times, you can paste another image to the right of the first by following the same steps. Just make sure your images aren't too wide that they end up one on top of the other. I recommend no wider than 350 pixels. Did I just confuse people even more?? Here's a sample picture that I have on my photobucket account. If you right click on the image and choose Properties, it will show you the location of the URL.

You're very welcome, Diane. First, I use a program called Adobe Photoshop to reduce (crop) the size of the photos so that they're not so big. Then, I upload them to my web server, and hyperlink them so that they show up in the post rather than having to click on a link and open a new window to view them. If you have a web server, I can walk you through it.

Diane Before @ 258 and After @ 202

Diane After @ 202 in original pants

Diane Before @ 258 and After @ 202

I noticed that PhotoNut hasn't responded yet so I'll do it for you. Give me a few, ok. P.S. You look GREAT!

Thanks, Txblue & Gurly. Txblue, my weekend went well but was, for the most part, uneventful. My husband and I went bowling on Saturday night and then hung out at home for the remainder of the weekend. Gurly, I'll be doing the happy dance with you soon!!

Congrats on a successful surgery. You look wonderful. I'm happy to see you back here.

LOL....that's ok. It's a common mistake. And, thank you!

Thanks, MoOrLess and Skye.

If you work for a company that offers a group policy, they can't deny you health coverage, but may have exclusions for weight loss surgery coverage or anything related to obesity. My previous post was in reference to individual coverage.

Certainly! BCBS of Louisiana Humana One Coventry

Welcome to LBT!

The 3 insurance companies that denied me coverage won't cover anyone who has had any type of WLS.

Teresa, You're a beautiful woman...inside and out. I'm sorry that you're going through such a tough time lately. I truly believe that you should get another fill (or 2) and see what happens before you make a huge decision to get RNY. The band does work, as long as you're willing to be committed to it. Have you thought about seeking the help of a therapist to help you deal with your lack of motivation and low self-esteem? I think you might also want to talk to your boyfriend about it. I bet he would be supportive and help you get back on track. I offer these suggestions because, personally, I don't think RNY is the right choice for anyone. It's too risky. I hope you feel better about yourself very soon and make the right decision. If you EVER need someone to listen or just need some encouragement from another bandster, I'm just a phone call away. Please send me a private message and I'll be happy to give you my phone number. Hugs, Tricia :love:

I was denied individual health care coverage from 3 different companies due to being banded. It's crazy. Prior to being banded and losing weight, they denied me because I didn't fit into their height/weight chart. Now that I do fit into their height/weight charts, they deny me bacause I've had lap band surgery. You can't win for "losing."

leener, I hope you're feeling better these days. *hugs*

LOL...I seriously hope you didn't take offense to my comment. I was just busting your chops. I actually like Kellie but just disagree with you about her being the best female vocalist. I really like Chris too. I hope he wins the competition this year. He has mass appeal and is very talented. It's a shame that Mandisa thinks she was voted off due to her weight. I think she lost a huge fan base with her bad choice of songs this week and the week prior. Even though a large population of the country is religious, I don't think people like to have it forced down their throats during an American Idol competition. Just my .02, of course. I also believe that men aren't looked upon so negatively when they're overweight so that might be part of the reason that Reuben was still able to win a few years ago. Granted, he's talented too. I hope you don't keep your opinions to yourself, Dody. That's part of the reason I enjoy coming to this forum. I like the fact that we're all different, albeit (most) of us are banded, so we do have that in common. Now, when it concerns that girl that was begging for money....you may have been smoking crack that day!! LOL...j/k. *hugs*

Thank you!

I know it's only Sunday, but I wanted to update everyone....I am down 70 pounds as of yesterday!!

Great job, lianna! I also track my measurements, but on fitday.com instead. Below is a comparison from November to March. I neglected to start in September, which is when I had my surgery. 11/24/05 Measurements Neck: 14" Upper Arm: 15" Forearm: 10.5" Wrist: 6.5" Waist: 42" Hips: 52" Thigh: 28.5" Calf: 18.75" Ankle: 10" 3/24/06 Measurements Neck: 13.75" Upper Arm: 13" Forearm: 9.5" Wrist: 6" Waist: 37.75" Hips: 47.75" Thigh: 24.75" Calf: 16.5" Ankle: 9.5"

LOL....I've seen that before but it's still funny. :scared:

No offense, Dody, but you need to put down the crack pipe. Kelly has an ok voice, but is no where near the best female vocalist. On the other hand, I'm also a HUGE country music fan and (somewhat) agree with you that she might be able to land a country album deal. But, best female vocalist? No way.

I agree with piper. Mandisa is extremely talented and I don't believe her weight had anything to do with why she was voted off. I firmly believe that her choice of songs this and last week is what sealed her fate. I don't think this will be the last we've seen or heard of her though.