PhotoNut

Yup, its all very normal. Welcome to Bandland Try some Gas-X and a heating pad for relief of gas. Walking does wonders for this as well. The diahrrea is also typical while on the liquid phase of the post-op diet. You might try a bit of liquid Imodium A-D. Each day gets better. Hang in there! *hugs*

Hello all you wonderful losers! I'm glad to see I was missed (at least by HeatherGurl). *laughs* I'm here, I just had company. Dawg and I are getting ready to have our house painted, so my friend and I were driving around the neighborhood with paint samples looking at everyone else's house. I finally got up the courage to go talk to the owner of the house I liked the best and she's getting her color scheme info for me tomorrow. I'm so excited! And her name was Susan! Anyway... Good grief, look at all of you! So many pounds are just melting away! So many wonderful goals being accomplished! I'm very happy for everyone. And I must say, I love your all's bright and cheerful attitudes. Even in a funk, this group rocks! And yes, Amy... my unmodest sis, I'll keep the "betting pool" going for you! *laughs* Do you want me to limit this to the GFG Club, or post it for the whole of LBT? *snickers* Here's my weigh-in for today. I want to thank all of you who are using the correct format for reporting. It sure makes my job easier! C 241.5 (-65.5 lbs total, -2.5 this week)

I went through this as well. My emotions ranged from pure fear to a mournful depression. I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to my comfort... my friends... my food. Once on the "other side", I was pleasantly surprised to find that I don't feel deprived or at a loss at all. I can eat a wide variety of foods. There are some that I thought I couldn't live without, that I really couldn't care less about now. There are some that I just plain lost the taste for. And there are some that I do still think about, but I choose not to have them. I am in control now. Noone took away anything from me. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I have been given freedom and a new lease on life! Your journey starts now. What are you waiting for?? *hugs*

This thread has been my happy thread! Thank you all for your very kind words and thank you for sharing some of your own realizations that make this journey so very special. I have a story to share with you. Today, my 2 1/2 year old grandson was playing in my bedroom closet. On the floor, leaning against the wall was one of those picture collages - the kind that has matting for several pictures of different sizes and shapes within the one frame. There are very old pictures in that frame. My grandson was looking at faces he could not possibly recognize. His great uncle as a teen, his mother and uncles as small children, his great grandmother as a young mother. Everyone's faces are now so much older. As he sat in front of the frame, looking at all the different pictures (about 15 all together) and I heard him say, "Meemaw" (thats me *proud smile*). I thought he was seeing pictures of my mother and said, "Where's Meemaw?" And to my complete surprise, that sweet little boy pointed his chubby finger right at my face - a face that was only 17 years old at the time. It was a picture of my mother and me at my highschool graduation. It literally took my breath away. He saw that young woman, and he knew it was me. I never dreamed anyone could still see that pretty girl that I thought was lost to 30 years of obesity. I guess, perhaps, she's still in there afterall.

Dawn, my prayers are being said for you and your family and I trust that God has heard all the voices of his children on your behalf today. I remember your post about your mom's sudden passing from surgery complications and the decision you had to make about going forward with your own surgery. And now, here you are. God must be holding you in His palm to have carried you this far. I pray that he surrounds you and your loved ones with peace, and I pray that He guides the surgeon's hands. I pray for a speedy recovery and a long and healthy life for you and your family. God bless. Doris, I'm praying the same thing for you and your family hun. My husband was far more nervous than I was. I'll be praying for an extra measure of peace for your man. *hugs to you both* Dawn, I'm so jealous that you're in that beautiful city! I hope you get some time to sightsee before you come home. Let us hear from you soon!

Wow, I missed this yesterday, Regina! Congrats on a huge step in the right direction! Any idea when your date for surgery is? OMG! I'm so happy for you!!

Happy birthday, sweet lady! I hope it's the best so far! *hugs*

Happy 6 month anniversary, Heather! Watching you over the last five months has been such an inspiration. Your excitement about this is so infectious! I can hardly wait to see what the next 76 pounds is going to do for you! Wow! Life just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?! I'm so excited for our club members. We ARE proof that the band works, if you work your band! Look at the success all around us! We are oozing with excitement and determination. Why? Because we have a force that's strong and together we will conquer!! Charge on madly!! DianeChef hit Onederland today! I'm so very proud of her! And.. we have a Birthday girl in our club today, who happens to be at her lowest weight in a long long time! Happy Birthday to The best me! You rock, Kathy! This train's a movin' on! Come on everyone... jump onboard and let's enjoy the ride! w00t! w00t!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful lady who deserves all the best in life. I hope your day is extra special and that all your birthday wishes come true! Love ya, Kathy! *big birthday hugs*

:clap2:w00t! There it is!!:clap2: Yahoo!! Yipee!! Yehaw!! Yowsers!! Diane Did It!! Congratulations, girlfriend! Welcome to Onederland!

Funny - All the money in the world won't do ya much good if you're no longer around. YOU are important and don't you dare minimize your needs! I'm sure that Rob and the kids will be much happier with a healthy wife and mommy, than with more money in the bank. There will be time for that. Take care of you right now, sis. Take the kids to a morning pre-school activity thingie if you can. Even just three days a week. I can't imagine working at home with two little ones under foot. Give yourself a break. I'm sure they would love it! *hugs* Diane - Woah.. the big 2-0-0! I am so looking forward to seeing your tootsies!! I'm happy for ya! Tricia - Have I told you what a dear person you are? Well, I am now. You are such a kind hearted soul. I'm always so touched by the care and attention you give to your fellow man/woman. You really do rock, girlie friend! Everyone - I realized today that even though we are all hitting mental slumps and seemingly low times along our band journeys, that we are all still moving forward. Even in the slow times, we are hanging in there together, arms linked, chins up, facing forward, taking another step together. And you know what? We WILL be victorious! All of us! *hugs everyone*

I was almost denied because of depression. I failed my first psych evaluation. I had started taking Effexor, an anti-depressant, about 4 weeks prior to that evaluation. Typically, it takes 6 weeks before the Effexor is stabalized in the bloodstream enough to see the full effects. So the psychologist told me I could re-take the test after two more weeks. My test showed that I was still depressed but it was under control now. Severe depression, in remission was his notation on my approval. I think that many of us have weight related complications, both physically and mentally, which need to be under control in order for the surgery and following journey to be a success. Giving up food and the extreme lifestyle change that happens with weightloss can be overwhelming. And if we are already teetering on the edge, well... they don't want to push us over. Talk to your doctor about getting some medical help with the depression and find out if you can be evaluated after you've had time for it to really begin working in your body. Best of luck to you in your journey. Sincerely,

Actually there is such a thread. Check out the Lap-Band FAQs and References forum. In there you'll find explanations for abbreviations and terminology used here at LBT. You'll also find threads on how to post pictures, how to set up a ticker, and loads of information on the band.

Hey, Terri! It's good to hear from you. I'm really sorry to hear about your mom and brother. I'll be praying for a full and speedy recovery for them both. Don't forget to take care of YOU during times like these. It's very easy to overlook our own needs when others need us so much. I hope you get to spend more time with us soon. We have missed ya! *hugs*

Bermy, I relate so well with your mindset. I heard every word you said and I really understood. I haven't even reached my half way mark yet, but I know that the benefits I've seen from cutting sugar and flour out of my diet have been so enormous that I really have no desire to want them back. Like you, I really love the smells of certain foods and what I've done is re-train my brain to accept the wonderful aromas as the pleasure and not as a trigger to eat. The pleasure of smelling baking goodies is enough for me now. I can close my eyes and take in a deep breath and marvel at the wonderful sensations that the aromas give me, rather than salivating at the mouth and stuffing myself until I'm miserable and depressed and embarassed for being such a pig. That in itself has been a HUGE victory for me. Will I ever eat the stuff again? At this point, I couldn't say. I did enjoy the taste of the creamy icecream with various fruits mixed in, but I also know that I am not a person who can control my quantities. I am so afraid of letting in one bite of something that can easily be abused and defeat me, that it's just not worth giving too much thought to "trying" it. Thanks for you post Bermy. It was deep and it was so important. I hope everyone at some point really truly understands what you were trying to tell us. *hugs*

St Al's support group meets tomorrow night! Who's coming?? Hippos Hope and Dasharoo, if either of you make it to the meeting, let me know who you are, ok? Shackdog, I hope to see you there. Haven't heard much from you lately and I'm beginning to wonder what's up. Veritas, will you be able to join us? We missed you last time. I'm sure Jackie, Carla, Linda, Dawg and I will all be there. I hope to get to meet some of the newer folks too! Be there, or be square! *chuckles* If anyone has any questions about the locations or anything, PM me.

Woohooo!! Great news!! I'm so happy for you! *doing the happy dance*

Tidge, from what I've read by those who have had infections around the port, if there is a infection, the incision scar becomes inflamed and opens up again. The infection isnt containted down under the skin out of sight.

Telly girl, you rock. From everything you listed I'd say you are living a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle and, honey, if you can drop 18 pounds a month doing that, then hell yeah, go for it!! I wish I were as dedicated and driven as you! I'm really really proud of you!! *hugs*

Maybe you're pregnant? *snickers* Yes, yes... there are some of us here with a warped sense of humor. I hope they find out what's causing the dry heaves and that it's not band related so you can keep on your journey. How long have you been banded, and have you had much success? Has your Dr given you anything for the depression? *hugs*

DianeChef and I decided we were the Funk Sisters. *laughs* You know how I finally got out of that funk? EXERCISE! I didn't want to go, but Dawg and our son guilted me into going on Friday and since then I have been feeling better every day! w00t w00t!! Ok, geeze... now I need a nap. ZZZzzzzz.....

Yay Kathy!! And Lianna, don't you dare hide away from us. Now's the time you NEED us. I just went through a stall and a slump and everyone here got me through it. Stay plugged in, girl!

If you think there's any chance of you getting air/motion sick on the flight home, take some liquid dramamine before you take off. You definitely don't want to throw up that early into the game. Best of luck on your surgery and your trip home. Keep us posted on your progress! Oh, and welcome to LBT!

Kellie, there is this really amazing bandster on here who has really been an inspiration to me and so many others. She has this quote in her signature line that has helped me so often, I wanted to share it with you. It goes like this: During times of stress, troubles and trials a thing good to remember is to take one day at a time. We don't need to worry about the past. It's already done. We don't need to worry about the future, it's not here yet. JUST TODAY. If we can learn to make the best of each day and in really difficult times just make it through this day.. one day at a time.. we will make it. Do not let tomorrow steal today, my friend. You are upset and worried about something that may not be a long-term issue. Since you are eating larger amounts of food now, perhaps you need to re-evaluate what youre eating. Go for lean meats with steamed or raw veggies for now, until you get that fill. Give your body time to heal and trust that everything is going to be fine. I think it will be fine. And I think you're going to be a beautiful bride. *hugs*

NOTHING is impossible. I'm certain that a person with as much determination as you have, Telly, will be able to accomplish such a goal. I have to confess that I am a little concerned by the rate of speed with which you'll lose. A healthy loss, that is more apt to remain permanent, is between 2 and 3 pounds a week. While your goal is certainly achievable, please think of your health and how you will look when you reach that goal. Rapid weight loss can be hard on your vital organs and can leave you looking tired and malnourished. Please don't take this as discouragement. Please take it as a friend who wants to see you enjoy full success, not just fast success. *big hugs*