PhotoNut

Hey Mo, I wish it were the wine. Problem with that theory is that I started having hives long before the wine. Ive been dealing with the hives for hm.. almost 3 months now.

So, I've been quiet for a month or more. I have saved up a lot so be prepared to hear a lot from me now. *laughs* Here's my update: I have hives all over me. Anywhere you can imagine having one and even in places you wouldn't imagine, I have em. The doctors cant figure out why. I'm on three different types of antihistamines at once trying to get them under control.. so far *scratch, scratch, scratch* no success. The one I take at bedtime has a sedative in it so I can sleep. It kind of works, I still wake up. The good news is, I haven't had any wine since umm.. Monday? And the weight is falling off again. I saw 218 this morning. (then 219, then 220 again, but shhh! hehe) Dawg and I are going on a cruise in Feb with Monte Zucker, a world renowned portrait photographer. A class of about 15 students will be getting one on one instruction from Monte on board and in ports of call such as Barbados, Aurba, Dominica, and St. Thomas. Ask me if I'm excited about that.. go on, ask me! *laughs* I was walking around in my size 12 granny panties and my size 20 shorts today, when both damn near fell off. I love swimming in clothes. It's such a wonderful change from being cut in half by them. *scratch, scratch* Stupid hives. They're all over my face, in my hair. *sighs* These pills make me loopy. So yea, I'm probably more dangerous on here now than I was on the wine. *laughs* The work on the outside of our house is finished. We got the house painted (changed from ugly pale yellow to darkish gray/tan (clay?) with cream trim), new fencing, new sprinklers, extended our patio, brought in sod for around the patio, modified the existing covered patio so I now have a hanging porch swing - yes, that's been a life long dream of mine! - and I even managed to plant some flowers in pots while I was drunk. *laughs* Next year, we start on landscaping, and I'm dragging DeAnn over here for guidance! Have you seen pics of her home/yard? Beautiful. I wanted to thank all of you who have let me know, in posts on this and other threads as well as in PMs, that you've missed me and I just have to tell you guys that you're the best bunch of losers I've ever had the privilidge of knowing. Thanks for all the love. It means tons to me. I'm homesick. I miss Wyoming. I miss Jackson Hole. I miss Yellowstone. I miss Cody. I think it's time for a trip home soon. *smiles slowly* Wow, my friends are going to be in for a shock. They don't even know I've had surgery or lost any weight. Fun. *grins* Ok, thats enough rambling from me. Love you all. Seriously.

Joyce!! ROFL!! I just watched that video and I'm dying over here! That's excellent! For those who missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI Wow.. this has given me an idea *grins* .... stay tuned.

I was having these kinds of pains as well. No reflux tho. My left side, about belly button level, was hurting like a sore muscle and I was feeling a constant pressure under the breastplate, right at the bottom. Oh, and the area around my port was always sore like muscle pain as well. I told my surgeon about this when I went in for my monthly follow-up appt two weeks ago. He said those were classic symptoms of being over filled so he removed my fill completely. That same day the pains were gone. I felt a twinge of the side pain once since then, but that was it. He wants to slowly re-introduce a fill, but honestly I think I'm going to hold off on that. I'm not sure if it's swelling or what, but I have plenty of restriction as I am now.

Yeppers, grats on your banding and may your recovery be speedy and with no complications! Were you aware of the post op diet prior to your surgery? What I'm asking is.. was this a surprise to you or were you prepared for what your Dr. expected? Hopefully you were. And assuming you were I guess you're just sharing what your Dr. requires and not asking others to excuse your wavering from the required... right? *peers at you with a grin* It amazes me that people trust their Dr. enough to allow them cut them open and install a device into their bodies, but they question the dietary guidelines the Dr outlines for them to ensure (what the Dr feels) is the best recovery and results for the patient. Dont get me wrong, I'm not implying that youre doing that, okie? I'm just saying that I've seen many who have. Yup, youre diet is strict, but I have seen others on 1 month of liquids. The low sugar thing makes sense for optimal weight loss. Many soft and liquid foods are very high in calories. Just be sure to get enough Protein and be sure the suppliment is a good one. Thats going to be very important for you during this time. Keep us posted on how youre doing. And if youre interested in learning more about the protein supliments, I can direct you to a thread that has some good info. Cheers!

Um.. its surgery, and while statistics show that there is a very low % of fatalities because of lapband surgery, there is always a chance that you could be part of that small percentage. There is also a chance that you will encounter complications after surgery. Infections, erosion, slipping.. all are part of the risks taken when we choose to get banded. The question is.. have you done your research, seriously considered the risks involved, found a Dr that you have confidence in, made a decision that this surgery is for you based on all the facts, and found peace about it? If so, then you walk forward like the rest of us have and take your chances. The good news is, the chances of success are good.. as you can tell by the number of people here on LBT who are finding new lives because of their band. However, if you answered no to any of those questions, then I'd say you aren't prepared yet. Check out this list of questions to present to your Dr. Knowledge is power and power is comforting. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 Best wishes!

Darn'it DeAnn, I keep meaning to write back! LOL! (I'm so bad about that sometimes!) Swing by and pick me up would ya?

:wave: Hiyas Heather! :wave: Long time no see gurlfriend. How's our resident hot chick doing?

A man slips his arms around his new bride's waist and whispers lustily in her ear, 'Come on honey, let's f*ck!' The wife, clearly alarmed by her husband's approach, pulls from his arms and asks, 'Do you have to call it -that-??' The husband pauses, looking a little confused by her reaction, and asks, 'Well.. what would you rather I call it?' Being new to this whole sex thing and feeling rather shy about it, the wife decides to choose a word that might help her not be so embarassed. Looking up at her husband she says, 'I don't know.. um.. how about washing machine?' The husband, taken aback by the choice of terms, decides quickly that it doesn't matter what she calls it as long as he gets some. So, with a big grin, he pulls her back to him and says in a deep lusty voice, 'Alright baby, let's washing machine.' With a sigh, the wife pulls away again declaring, 'Not tonight honey. I have a headache.' Much to the husband's dismay, this continues for several weeks. His every advance being spurned. Finally, after a month goes by, the wife decides she's ready. Slipping into the bed, she snuggles up to her husband's side and begins to caress his stomach. In a seductive voice she whispers, 'Honey.. let's washing machine.' The husband sighs as he turns over onto his side, his back to his wife. Getting comfortable on his pillow he mutters, 'MMm.. not tonight dear. I had a small load, so I just did it by hand.'

I had planned to, but found it wasnt necessary. Here's what I ate during the mushies stage: Breakfast choices Cottage cheese w/Canned peaches oatmeal w/1 pat of real butter and Splenda One egg, scrambled (keep it moist, some ppl stick on eggs, use caution) Choices for other meals Canned tuna w/2 tablespoons of fat free 1,000 island dressing Bean with bacon Soup (very good, warm, savory and filling!) Gorton's frozen (unbreaded) fish fillets ... MM still a favorite of mine Frozen peas n carrots (cooked of course) Canned green Beans Applesauce These choices will give you a good supply of Protein and all are easy to make too! Open a can, heat on the stove or toss in the microwave for a few minutes.

Oh Mary! I am so so happy for you! Congrats to you and your hubby! Wow, another band baby. I think it's in the Water ya know. :eek: *big happy hugs*

Desi, you are doing so well! My goodness! Keep up the great work girl! I snuck a peek today and I'm at 220.. omg.. Im going to be in the teens soon! The 100 pound mark and Onderland are so close I can taste them! Woohoo!! I'll tell you what, no more wine has re-started my weight loss with a bang! I'm dropping about a pound a day! Yeehaw!

Ok, all you seasoned cruisers. I need advice, tips, and help with preparation! I've never been on a cruise before so I have no clue what to plan for. Here are the details. The cruise is in February 07. The cruise starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico and will stop in St. Thomas, Dominica Islands, Barbados, and Aruba. We will be going with world renowned portrait photographer Monte Zucker and a class of about 15 students for a week of one on one instruction but on and off ship. I am so excited! Ok, so here's what I'm already stressing about. In six months I hope to be - scratch that - I WILL be 60 pounds lighter! Where am I going to be able to shop for summer closes in January?? I'm assuming I'll need shorts, summer tops, cotton pants, sandals, etc. What about a formal gown?? I've NEVER had a formal gown. It will need to be appropriate for the weather. Ack! I'm so stressed already! What about money exchange? What's the best way to keep from being screwed over? What about tipping on the ship? How much cash should we take? Should we take cash at all? Is there a book entitled "Cruising for Dummies"?? *laughs* Come on y'all. I know there are some experienced cruisers here. Toss me all the ideas you have. You have six months to get me ready for my "coming out" cruise! *laughs*

Wow I'm glad I saw this thread! Mandy, sweetie, I tell you what... Over this past year, you have come thru some of the most stressful times a mother could ever imagine. Thru it all, you remained a friend and encouragement for others.. AND you continued to stay focused on your goals. And look at you now! Your pics from the last trip to the Magic Kingdom showed us a healthy, vibrant, happy, and beautiful woman. A true testimony to your character and determination. I'm very proud of you and extremely happy for ya! Happy Bandiversary! *big hugs*

Skye! M'girl! :wave: So good to see you alive and well. How's the fam? MO!! *gasp* I LOVE the do!! *whistles* Wow!

TEASE!! *laughing* No, really.. TEASE!!

Thanks for all the great advice Carlene! When you say arrange transfers in advance, what do you mean exactly?

Just thought I'd pop in on my adopted family and wish Angie a very happy Birthday *sings* Happy Birthday to yoooooo, Happy Birthday to yooooooo, Happy Birthday dear Angie girrrrrrl.. Happy Birthday to yoooooooOOOOoooOOO!

Wow! I can always count on my LBT pals to pull thru for me! Steve, thanks for the tips on tipping. *grins* I've been learning from Monte on his message board for over a year now and have been searching for just the right time to attend one of his workshops. Never dreamed it would be on a cruise, getting one-on-one teaching from the master in such ports of call! I'm almost overwhelmed by the entire opportunity! Are you and your wife going on Carnival? Maybe we'll meet up! Our cruise is from Feb 4-11th. Ali, I'm not sure if I have an odd body shape or what, but I've never been able to buy clothes online. I might like the style, the color, etc and it might even fit when I get it, but so many things look down right stupid on me. LOL Barb, you gave me some great advice there.. thank you! Travelgirl - I just might take you up on that offer. I'll PM you as things progress and I come up with more specific questions. Thank you! Margo! You too!? Sweet! Where are you going? Yup, yup, we'll learn together and share tips about the clothes. :)

The wine is gone! I still have no fill, was scheduled to have it put back in yesterday but I was really sick. But I'm going fine without it, so I might just wait a while and see how it goes. I'm back down to my low, and from here it's all downhill! No more yo-yo'ing for this girl. BMI 51.0 - 36.9/ C 222 (-85 lbs total, -2 this week) Funny girl, thanks for the great job you did with last moth's GFG Club! CS, I hope you have a blast this month with the thread. Let us know if you need any help.

My daughter is currently working with one of our State Senators to get direct to consumer drug advertising banned. You've seen all of the commercials promising a beautiful life, followed by someone talking in a soothing voice about all of the side affects. Most of the time, we aren't even told what the drug is for.. just contact your doctor and ask about <insert drug name here>. Cigarette commercials and billboard ads were stopped years ago. Why not food commercials. Fifty percent of America is now overweight, and I think I read that 30% is obese. Yet try to watch tv without being bombarded by fast food commercials, or Betty Crocker and Pop-n-Fresh tempting you with images of your family loving you for feeding them this crap. Anyway, that's my gripe for the day. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Scroll up to vote.

Emmie.. Im so proud of you. Youre a beautiful woman and you've worked very hard and hung in there to make this happen for you. Sincere congrats my friend. You rock!

Woohoo! Im all up for a new challenge. Something fresh and exciting. Cant wait to see who takes on the club this month. This could be fun passing it around to members who want a shot at being the head Cheer person! That's what this club is all about. It's OURS! Yipee!! I see two willing folks so far. Mo, you came up with a challenge idea first. You want first shot? Then Canadian Sunshine could give it a go next month? Speak up woman! Now's your chance.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Wowzers Emmie! I'm so very very happy for you! I know how long you've waited and worked for this! :rockon: Rock on to goal, sister sunshine! :rockon: Love ya!

Paula, I don't have any advice or experience with this but I did want to send you a big hug and to let you know I'm concerned about you. You'll be in my prayers, girl. *hugs*