dolphin_dreams

Well said and I agree!

Donna B, I'm ROTFL. You description was hilarious but fortunately it was nothing like that. My test was done on a REEVUE Indirect Calorimeter. You sit for ten minutes and breathe into a mouthpiece and tube that look a lot like the ones used for breathing treatments. The one drawback, as Steve mentioned, is that you have to wear a nose clamp. You also do salivate some due to the nose clamp so my doctor has a recliner for you to sit in which helped. NewSho, I was surprised at the amount of calories that I can eat and still lose weight. Here are my results: I'm 5ft 5in with a BMI of 32.5 My metabolism is 11% above normal. That was a shock but a good one. I guess being overweight I had developed the mindset that I had probably was on the slow side. The number of calories I burn at 3 different stages: At a moderate exercise level for 30 minutes +188 Lifestyle & Activity(daily activities like working, eating etc) +543 a day Resting Energy Expenditure or REE(what I burn a day at rest) 1814 The number of calories I can eat: Maintenance zone 1814 to 2357 Weight loss zone 1452 to 1814 Medically supervized zone(Lapband patients) 0 to 1492 There are a few other things that you learn as well like your respiratory rate(mine is 9.8 breaths a minute) and your Total Energy Expenditure. This is your REE + Lifestyle + Exercise. In other words, if I rest, have, a normal day, and excercise like a should(doesn't always happen), I'll burn 2357 calories a day. This is new at Dr. Veninga's office. Looking at the copyright on the bottom of the page though, it has been around since 2003. www.korr.com

Now that my heart is beating again-Congratulations!

Poodles, I'm glad the surgery is still on and that you are feeling much better. By the way, I love the comment about pain for the person who invented TAKS! I teach first grade and I still have to give the test. I'm giving it all three days next week. There is no escaping the thing.

Welcome to Bandland. I'm glad you're doing well after surgery. I see that we share the same doctor. He and his staff are wonderful. Don't hesitate to call Barbara if you have any questions. This board is also a great source of information. We're glad that you've joined us. Take it easy and let your body heal. Hopefully by the time your recovered, the right job will come along. Good luck!

Here are some things that I remember eating during that oh so long lunch break. Tuna to go packs--don't eat the crackers chicken salad Atkins Protein shakes-vanilla Cream is my favorite pudding sugar free Jello applesauce cream of chicken and chicken noodle Soups soft cheese sticks by Precious-I like these better than string cheese Hope this helps. Good luck! Kendra

Today was a wonderful day! I stepped on the scales and I'm under 200 pounds or as I've seen other people say, "I'm in Onederland." I weigh 198 and still have a ways to go but I have to say I was absolutely thrilled. I feel a little silly sharing this but I felt that all of you would understand. I LOVE MY BAND! Kendra

Thanks gang. Ya'll are such a wonderful support group!

What a wonderful adventure. I hope all is well and the adjustment has gone smoothly. Please keep us posted. We homebodies can live vicariously through you!

We're glad to have you here. Best Wishes!

Good for you. It will be here before you know it. Good luck!

Congratulations. It sounds like you've done a lot of soul searching and are ready to join the banded. Remember to take it easy and give your body time to heal. Follow your doctors orders and stick with the liquids as long as you should. We'll be thinking of you. Please let us know how things go. Best of luck!

You Rock Vines. Hang in there and thank you for your courage!

89% Texan. God Bless TEXAS!!! Texas born and bred.

Hi Tina. We're really glad you're here. It always nice to welcome another Texan. As you've already discovered, this is an awesome place for information and support. If you will look under the section on foods, you will find information of protein drinks. You can also do a search and come up with some good results. Good luck and happy reading!

For my fills so far (2 of them), I have only had to pay the $35 copay. My doctor does mine using echography and ultra sound and not floro so I'm not sure if you would have to pay any extra for that. I go in every 6 weeks for a checkup and they cover all of that except for the copay. Hope this helps. Kendra

Audra, For my fills so far (2 of them), I have only had to pay the $35 copay. My doctor does mine using sonograms and not floro so I'm not sure if you would have to pay any extra for that. I go in every 6 weeks for a checkup and they cover all of that except for the copay. Good luck! Kendra

Congratulations on setting a date! I agree with Alexandra on the preexisting clause if you change jobs. As far as your current insurance, aren't you on TRS BC/BS ? I am on plan two and they have covered my aftercare so far. Let me know if you have any questions.

You're in my thoughts and prayers. God bless your family!

Aside from foods like tuna, ground meat, etc., I drink a shake everyday. I am tight in the mornings and my doctor says that a shake is a good source of protein. Atkins Advantage shakes have 170 calories and 20 grams of protein. I also drink low calorie orange juice with a scoop of protein powder. Hope this helps.

Good for you. You've taken that first step and hopefully things will move along quickly for you. Let us know how things go.

Great news! I'm crossing my fingers, sending prayers, and anything else that I think of to do. I hope that everything goes well and the unfill fixes the problem.

Steel Magnolias has given me many good lines. It could just be a Southern "thang."

Keep up the great work!

Come out Come out Wherever you are!!!!!!!!