Bea1128

I don't know that much about the sleeve; however I did just read an article in Nursing 2009 about several different weight loss surgeries and that was one. I think there is a thread on LBT regarding the sleeve. From what I hear you don't need as many follow-up appts because there is no further maintenance like with the band. I'm sure just like all WLS there are pros and cons. Good luck to you on Wed! I'll be thinking of you.

Carol, I'm so happy for you and I'm glad you feel better. I'm sitting here dumbfounded that they didn't unfill you immediately to at least relieve the pressure and discomfort. I had just assumed they had done that. That's crazy! I'm so glad you found a doc you like and can trust. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers this week.

It's going okay. It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be. This is day two. I'm starting to get tired of liquids. Protein shakes have a tendency to bother my stomach so having several a day is really bothering me. I didn't have any meds with me today at school and I felt so bloated after 6 hours of sitting. Ready for a little soft protein tomorrow. However, I do feel better already. I think I was retaining water and not getting enough fluids in, so this is certainly helping. How are you doing? I haven't been on a scale in weeks. I'm waiting until the end of next week. TOM is due any time and I always gain water weight. So I'm saving myself the anguish and waiting. :thumbup: Carol - Good luck with the new doc tomorrow. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh Carol, I'm so sorry! You will be in my thoughts and prayers for sure. What about the ulceration? Will that heal on it's own if the band is replaced in the proper position? My doc said that the majority of the time they can't pinpoint the reason for a slip, it just happens sometimes. Please keep us posted.

Mom - I'm sorry to hear of your troubles as well. It's really scary out there right now. I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your fill is successful and will help you get back on track as well. I'm also glad you are talking to someone. I don't know about you, but exercise is a great stress reliever for me. Of course, I need to listen to my own advice about that. I haven't run or anything since starting nursing school. I feel like if I'm not studying, I'm getting behind. The course load is so heavy. I just need to relax and do the necessary things that are healthy for me like exercise. Need to also practice what I preach! LOL! Today we're home because of the icy conditions, so it's a good day for me to start. Good luck to you and hope to hear from you again soon!

Leslie - I'm so sorry to hear about your issues at home. I agree with everyone else that I can not tell you what to do. Of course my first reaction was to tell you to "kick his ass to the curb", but of course that is not good advice. You have children to think about first of all and besides he has to have some good qualities because you wouldn't have married him if he didn't. I will pray that you are able to take care of yourself the way you need to and of course those little girls. You really do have to think of yourself first in this situation because if you don't take care of your girls' mother, you can't take care of them. I will say, and I hope you don't mind, but your DH is a huge ass!! However, we all make mistakes and even though his one that you might not ever get over, you have to do what is right for you. I can't tell you I know how you feel, because I don't. I can only imagine. I've always said adultry was a "deal breaker", but now that I have kids I don't know. The good news is that the situation is in your hands, IMHO. When he cheated, he gave up his right to any control over how you feel or how long you need to grieve and get over it or deal with it, if you ever can- again, just my opinion. If he loves you and wants to make it right, he'll understand that and let you run the show. I also agree that you should probably talk to someone just to help you sort out how you really feel about the whole situation - what he did, reconciliation and what that means, etc. My heart goes out to you. My advice to you now - Reclaim your power and use it! And I'm not talking about your DH, I'm talking about you doing what you need to do to not only feel better about yourself, but to get back on track. We all hit walls, but we have to pull ourselves back out again. You can do it!! I know you can! You are a beautiful, smart, sassy woman who knows what she needs to do. Go ahead and do it, others be damned!! Good luck to you and please don't leave this site. I agree that it is a great place to feel a connection and a sense of belonging since everyone knows what you are going through with respect to your band. Have a great day!! P.S. I'm on the 5 day pouch test, starting today. I've been catching myself eating not only crap, but stress eating again. I feel out of control at the moment, so that is my first step in getting it back and then we'll see if I need a fill.

Thanks so much! I'm really excited about finally getting started. Right now I'm just trying to figure out how to stay awake so I can read! LOL! I'd love to chat sometime about nurse-y stuff. As soon as I get done with nursing school, I'll do the bridge to my BSN. I have a ton of hours and quite a few classes already done for that. Then, if I'm not dead from exhaustion, I'll get my MSN or NP. *sigh, looking longingly into the future* Good luck with classes. Talk to you soon!

Amen Sister!! I'm so much happier this year, I can hardly stand myself! LOL! I'm not going to make 100 lbs lost by April either, but I don't even care anymore! I'm just happy with the journey. Way to go Brandy! YOu are doing so great! Hope everyone else is doing well. I've been lurking here and there. I haven't had a chance to catch up. I have one week of nursing school under my belt and am a little overwhelmed. It will get better when I get a good routine going. With all the reading, I hardly have time for anything else. Hope you all have a great week!!

Thanks! :w00t:

Vodka will have less sugar than say rum or most wines. Rum has a ton of carbs. Red wine is good for antioxidants and a dry wine has less sugar than a sweet wine. I prefer vodka and a lite mixer such as crystal light or light juice. Have a great time!!!

Excellent! Keep up the great work and you'll be there before you know it!! Way to go!!

Hey! Don't know if all of you guys have a Target store near you, but yesterday I bought several outfits for around $50. They were having an amazing sale. I bought the nicest dress for $7!! Granted it doesn't fit yet, but it will and for $7 it's worth it. Kohl's was also having a great sale this past weekend. It's rare to come across nice clothes at that much of a discount, so I took advantage. Especially since I could buy clothes that don't quite fit yet really cheap. I am also struggling to stay adequately hydrated. I noticed yesterday that my skin looks dry and wrinkly. I know it's from not drinking enough water. I've got to do better. I'm also loosing so slow now, probably doesn't help not drinking enough. Congrats Colorado! It feels great doesn't it? Have a great week everyone. I start nursing school tomorrow. YIKES! So, ready to get going!

9 Months and 57 pounds gone!!

Since starting this journey I have always loved this thread. I couldn't wait to post. I thought I would do it at 6 months, then I decided I would do it when I lost 50 lbs, then I thought I'd do it when I hit 60 lbs down. I finally realized I might not ever feel like the time was exactly right. Everyone's "during" pics have been so motivational. So, here I am 9 months after banding and -57 pounds. I can't believe I'm posting "befores", but I supposed everyone has them. Before pics: 3/08 Start of pre-op diet During pics: Today

Our really good friend lives just outside Detroit and just got laid off again, for the 3rd time in 8 years. He's coming to Texas next week for a job interview. He has two mortgages (the one he lives in and the one he has to rent out). His houses are worth more than $5K, but he can't get rid of them. If the job offer is good, we're hoping he will live with us for a while and get everything straightened out. It's bad in Detroit, really bad. I taped TBL and finally got to watch it tonight. If I were in her shoes I would have taken the money and gotten the band! That money might have made the difference in her life. I feel so bad for the orange guys. I know how horrible they feel and how hard it is to kick the habit of eating so bad. What was his family thinking, going to a place where all he could get was hot dogs and fries?!! I just hope Dan does well. He's so young and he needs to be there.