Wheetsin

Normally she (and dad) get a trip to Vegas or a chunk of cash to take a trip of their choice. They happened to already be on a trip this year, so it's TBD.

Hmm, I'm confused. But I'll help if I can! "Then you'd mix it with mayo and waalahhhhh, instant ham salad." makes me think it's some kind of frozen ham in little balls. But "eggs that were deviled eggs but made with this stuff instead" makes it sound more like mustard/mayo combo, and not ham. But then "lettuce salad with this stuff on top" makes me think it's cheese? Ack! What was it?

I don't know a whole lot about this, but if you're applying, I don't think his credit would factor in. Is he co-applying? If so tell him to stop. (Sorry just now read other responses and saw this was mentioned)

1. Was your procedure outpatient or did you stay overnight? Outpatient. And a very short one at that. 2. Did you have complications related to surgery? Not a thing. I didn't even have the post-op gas. 3. What you were given for at home pain? How many days did you take it? I was given liquid Lortab. I probably needed it for 2 days, but took it for 4. I wanted to be safe - better to need it and already have it in me, than not need it and have to wait for it to kick in, eh? 4. Pain after surgery for how many days? Pain was minor, and really only while in the process of standing or sitting down. No pain at all once in sitting or laying. Pain for about half a day while walking, until I realized that supporting my stomach with my arm ("holding" it, keeping the weight of it from pulling on my port area) made life so much better. 5. Degree of pain...10 being your arm was cut off and 1 being a paper cut? When asked at the hospital I rated myself, "a half." The most painful thing was probably sitting down, and that may have been a 2 or so. 6. Doctor and state where surgery was done? Dr. Stanley Hoehn, Kansas.

Just thought of something. Check with your local (or even not so local, if that's the case) Goodwill or other assistance agencies. They usually run a free or very low cost work habilitation center (I used to direct one). There you can go and learn business skills: typing, computer skills, interviewing skills, business communication, etc. Some places even offer job assistance once you've graduated. Have you gone to a headhunter/placement agency? What are your marketable skills? *Everyone* has them, you just may not see the value in them, but capitalizing on them will be your fastest route to gainful employment. Assuming your wife works, could she help you get on wherever she's at? Have you looked into anywork-from-home opportunities? Usually they're in the "too good to be true" category, but there are some that are legitimate.

No programs that pay for it, as BB said - you're on your own there. Perhaps we can help you think outside the box though. You say there's no where local to work, other than places you've already applied. Does your wife work? If so, does she do something that could be done in another city? Many people find that in life they have to move to where the work is, if they want to work. Perhaps it's time to relocate? (And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that's the answer, but if you need a job and don't have any jobs where you live, living where there are jobs certainly becomes something to consider). Another idea - don't assume that your inability to get a job is directly related to your weight. "Think outside the box" here too. I see a LOT of people a LOT larger than you working all over the place, so you may be doing yourself and potential jobs a disservice by saying that they see you as nothing more than a walking heart attack. Anything else that might be causing the expression on their face, e.g. are you preseting yourself well, are you prepared for the interviews, etc.? So while there aren't any programs to pay for the band, there are programs to make education affordable. There are some kickass grant programs out there. Someone I know is going this route - grants - AA - job - saving for band. It's going to take her a while, but she knows she will get there.

You'll probably not find an insurance company that would accept Weight Watchers as a supervised diet. And that applies to any subscription type programs, and would definitely not include a gym membership. 99% of the time they're wanting a medically supervised diet, which means you going to the doctor's office with the specific intention of getting weighed and receiving feedback on your progress. Even if you go for other things, and get weighed, it's not a part of a medically supervised diet. Your visits have to be specifically coded under a weightloss listing (probably morbid obesity). I see that you were approved yesterday, the same day you posted this. Pure curiosity, or are you anticipating your insurance company will change something?

I dont think it harms the family, but I have to say "no thanks!" Don't get me wrong. I have gone to clubs with my husband, and I enjoy watching erotic movies or shows with him. But I would not want him to go out on his own, get worked up on his own over other women, and then come home and use me as an outlet. He can do that on his own, and then come and get me when he's ready for it to be a two person sport. It doesn't even have to be actively about me. Not at all. I'm more than happy to just do things for him (because I get enjoyment from making him feel good). It's the principle.

I have 3 weddings to attend in the next 6 weeks. Fortunately they're all for unrelated people so I can get away with the same dress! Score! So anyway. I can post a pic later, but description will have to do for now. The fabric is kind of champagne in color. Flowy. Very matte. I have no idea what the fabric is, but it hangs smooth and has some swing to it. The top is a sleeveless (but with thick "straps") cross top, and the fabric is kind of gathered making "pleats". The cross is sort of plungy so there's more than normal chest showing, but it's still classy. There are tiny champagney-gold beads that give it a sort shimmer - it doesn't really look beaded. It has an empire waist, also gathered (horizontally, not vertically like the cross top), with a few more of the beads. The skirt is the same fabric, minus the beads, and nothing fancy - just straight fabric. There's also a silky champagne layer underneath, like a slip. If you go to this site and hover over the "5", it's very similar in shape (NOT fabric) to the bottom right dress - the one that's brown/peach flowered. (BTW, I also bought the one on the top left - the cream and black flowered print - it's cute!!) I tried to find a pair of gold strappy heels, but no luck. So I went with a dyeable strappy heels that are being dyed to match the champagne color. No frills or decorations on the shoes at all, they're very simple. So I have some "fashion consultants" at work who are telling me to go over the top with the jewelry. Stick with either gold, pearls, or come combination of the two. But go with big drop pearl earrings (and an up-do - kind og a given on that one) and a tiered necklace, or oversized gold hoops with a gold/cubic necklace. A few small gold bangles with a pearl and/or cubic bracelet. Etc. I'm *very* understated when it comes to jewelry. I get by on diamond studs, plain gold hoops, and my rings (all 2 of them). I RARELY do a bracelet, virtually never wear necklaces. So I can pick complimentary styles, but don't know the first thing about the quantity. Does the dress sound like it needs "overboard" accessories? Keep in mind these are slightly younger girls in their 20s. And I don't want to look like I'm trying to bring "hoochy" back in style!

Sorry for all the typos above but I'm not going to bother editing. In a pinch you can always bring some baby food. It's the right portion for post-op, doesn't need to be refrigerated, and it creates very little trash OR you could reuse the bottles for something else on your trip.

This would have been helpful to know. Refried beans!!! They're still one of my staples. The Rosarita "Chili and lime" (or smtg like that) are delicious. You can eat them right out of the can if need be... but of course they're better heated up. Bring some hot sauce from Taco Bell or smtg if you want to spice it up, or a can of cheese sauce/soup to thin them down. If you want to try tuna salad again, try before the trip so if it doesn't work, you're at least someplace comfortable. Just make it REALLY wet, take VERY small bites, and chew chwe. It should (did for my, anyway) count as a semi-solid. Tip: the LIGHT (not WHITE) is a moister meat, and has higher Protein... and just so happens to be cheaper. Bring some tofu. I don't think the cryo packs have to be refrigerated. Cook them in a skillet with some seasonings. Be sure not to get "silken" tofu though. Soft, easy to eat, and good numbers. I have tofu 2 - 3 x per week. If you can get Blue Bunny where you live, they make a low carb yogurt smoothie that's VERY good, and would be great for breakfast. Or find some kind of instant breakfast that can be mixed with Water, and bring a shaker cup. Bring some cans of Protein Drink. They aren't the best, but will keep you going. THey won't be good warm though - will there be water nearby? If so just float them (tied to a rope or in a fishing net) in the water to chill. Hmm... Hormel beanless chili. I would think the meat in it would be ground up well enough to constitute semi solid but you might want to check with your surgeon to be sure.

The long term average is still something like 0.5% chance of complications. I'm guessing most of your research comes from messageboards/internet. Remember that most of the resources out there are for people with problems who are looking for help, therefore the percentage of complications will seem exaggerated.

Green, just for you -- I will keep my eyes out for you and if I ever happen upon said elusive t-shirt, I will buy you one of every mentioned color that they happen to have. To be sure we're talking about the same thing, "boat neck" (to me) refers to a wide but high opening, similar to a regular neck, only cut farther out toward the shoulders. Kind of like the first pic below. N'est pas? BTW, you sure you don't like a nice chocolate brown? I know for a fact that (somewhere) I have a boat neck 3/4 sleeve in a chocolate brown. And I'm pretty sure it's the equivalent of a 3x. I ALSO have boat neck-ish full sleeve lightweight sweaters (somewhere) and (not sure of size, but can check). The neck is wide like a boat, though lower, but then there are two pieces coming around each shoulder that sort of cut it off at a boat neck length except for a tiny bit that shows under. Kind of like a faux wrap. My BAD 4 second redition is below. Like said I would have to check sizes, but if you like, I have black, a deep beautiful turquoise, cream, and a sort of cranberry. I used to love wearing these, but anymore they hang too low and my bra shows even when I'm upright.

Check for threads on travel foods or similar, I know these issues have come up several times. I have no clue how long you've banded, and that may change a lot of my answers. But you should pretty much be able to eat the same things as anyone else. For avoiding dehydration, just bring plenty of Water. You don't want to rely on the foods you'll eat to keep you hydrated! Here are some suggs that should fit within your limitations: Boiled - boil an egg or two. You can eat it as-is or make egg salad (if you use condiment packs they don't have to be refridgerated). Boil some fat free hotdogs (or regular, I just pref. fat free). If you can boil, you can steam, right? Will you be fishing on your trip? Bring some oatmeal or other "add hot water" type dishes. Target Archer Farms has some really good selections, especially of the Asian dishes. Bring some veggies and make veggie soup. Bring some canned Soups and use your pot to warm the soup vs. boil the water. Non-refrigerated: Jerky, trail mix, pretzels/chips. Buy the pouches of tuna and use your condiment mayo from above to make tuna salad. If you pre-pack a little vinegar in a disposable cup, and bring along a can of northern/white Beans to add in, this makes a great dish and has lots of Protein. Any kind of nut, particularly raw almonds. Protein Bars, Cereal bars. One of my fav. travel foods - microwave ssome turkey pepperoni ahead of time. You nuke it until it's crunchy. They will store in a baggy just like chips. They're great alone, and awesome with cottage cheese or garden veggie cream cheese. Some refrigerated ideas: Make some "hobo" packs before you leave, maybe to have the first night while you will still have ice. Just throw some chicken (we usually use quarters), veggies (small red potatoes, onions, carrots, whatever), and butter on to some foil. Wrap several times to make sure it won't leak. Then just throw them on top of the fire or portable grill when you get there. If you can refrigerate through the morning, just throw a bunch of eggs, sausage or bacon, cheese, etc. into a skillet and there's Breakfast.

I had 200 lbs to lose when I got banded. I've not always been obese, so I've also been at the point where I had maybe 50 or 60 lbs to lose. I can tell you hands-down, undoubtedly, they are NOT the same "journey" (or whatever the right phrase is). Even now that I'm "one of those" with "only 60 lbs" to lose, if I got banded today, it would not be the same event that it was 140 lbs ago. And I'm not talking about easier or harder. That's all in the eye of the beholder. I'm talking about things like psychological impact and growth, physical changes, coping with life before and after the weightloss, etc. Some of the issues we've talked about are - straight up - not issues that someone "with just 60 lbs" or even 100 lbs to lose will ever have to deal with, at least not because of their weight. I know - I've been both theres. Then how do you feel about the state/regional sections of the board? Or having threads designated for "newbies"? It really is no different. In fact, there are probably fewer things that a 400+ bandster will have in common with a 180+ bandster will have in common, than a bandster in California and one in Arizona.

My husband could have written this. Strip clubs make him very uncomfortable. There's a bit of a boys' club at work, and their vendor meetings usually end up at a strip club. And sometimes the boys at work get lap dances from their boss for their birthdays. Hubby has spent many nights in the parking lot on the cell phone with me because he can't even stand to be in the club. It sickens him that people don't respect themselves any more than that.

Good, then what's the problem? Abortions were illegal for about 100 years. Then someone got smart. Now they are not illegal. Seems pretty clear, I agree!

Search for "pregnancy," "pregnant," etc. It has come up a few times and I think we've had some fairly long threads of people's experiences. I hope to be pregnant sooner than later and my surgeons indications are that, iof your restriction is such that you need an unfil to get enough calories in, then he will give a slight unfill but a complete unfill isn't needed unless you have morning sickness, and even then a fill can be given once it has passed. I've heard very mixed messages about weightloss/nowightloss while pregnant. A lot say it's a big no-no, but I know a won of women, overweight and heathyl weight, who weighed quite a bit less after delivery than before getting pregnant.

What?

We used to have no abortion, abortion used to be against the law? That's really flawed. MANY things, including abortion, used to be against the law. This doesn't mean we didn't have them. BTW, the first recorded abortion (~2600 BC) was around way before the first recorded law (~2350 BC). So yeah, I guess we used to have no abortion, more than what, 4600 years ago? But law has nothing to do with it. Don't tell me you'd also blame liberals for abortions 4600 years ago?

This is getting personal. I'm locking the thread for now.

Just a thought, but if we start a voting process on the "prettiest" (or most transformed, or most well-liked, or whatever slant is has) bandster - well, I'm imagining how those who submit and aren't chosen will feel. Look at how much "rep" stirred the emotional pot, for the very few days it was around. It had a BIG impact on users. And now we're going to be looking at someone's physical appearance and collectively saying "so and so is better looking than you" -- rating appearance instead of just thoughts and opinions. I can see it getting... well... not great. I would vote for something neutral. Either a generic model (this doesn't bother me, but I understand it does bother some), or a generic image - like our old lap-band, or something new that represents the transofrmation most of us will go through (I know this is cliche, but just as an example - a butterfly, a flower, a tree, etc.) Or perhaps instead of a "model" contest, what if you open it up to the resident artists and have a "logo design" contest?

I'm not one where a piece of paper matters. If our situation had been different, DH and I may still not be married. Having the piece of paper had nothing to do with how we felt about each other, whether or not we were dedicated, etc. I truly saw it as just a formality and PITA, really.

The feeling of stuck food varies. Some explain it as in their throat, some as in their chest, some get headaches, etc. For me, it's either pressure right where my band is, or pain in my abdomen.

Full article here: Army Regulation 530--1: Operations Security (OPSEC) (.pdf) restricts more than just blogs, however. Previous editions of the rules asked Army personnel to "consult with their immediate supervisor" before posting a document "that might contain sensitive and/or critical information in a public forum." The new version, in contrast, requires "an OPSEC review prior to publishing" anything -- from "web log (blog) postings" to comments on internet message boards, from resumes to letters home. This is an interesting issue. It is common practice that what an employee does using its employers resources belongs to the employer. In other words, emails written while you're at work, logged into your company's computer, in your company's internet access, etc. belong to the company. Most places make you sign a consent form agreeing to this, but people understand that, generally, it's not enforced (unless there's need to enforce it). But I don't know if ppl in the military have to sign such consent forms or receive such notifications. However, reviewing personal post letters? Is this going too far? Let's say the letter is written on paper the soldier bought, written with a pen they bought, and postage paid by them. Does the military have a right to intercept and read the letter? Does the concern that a soldier might inadvertently leak some information about where they are or what they're doing supersede the soldier's privacy with his own belongings? Is this rule of intellectual property?