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16 #'s in two weeks?? Wow thats amazing. Did you lose any before? Are you on solid foods yet? Has it been difficult? I am to be banded Nov 8th. I want to get it over with! I have been walking 3/4 days a week for 40 minutes BUT the food habits have been good and bad.

Robyn, I am going... I am not banded yet, but it is one of the items on my check list. I am sorry I won't get to meet you! Ghost.... I guess we will get to meet! Yeah... Looking forward to it.

I loved to chat more Tired old Man... But my family wants dinner. Remember I am trying to be a better wife and mother! HA..

Just a couple short answers to some questions directly for me. ( I am feeling important today:cool: ) Tired Old Man-We could debate sources all day. How can you say over Militarized? The biggest part of budget goes to entitilments. We need military for our security especially now days. Bjean-We are over taxed. I am not sure why some Americans want this country like Europe. I DON'T! Our forefathers came here so that we could have freedom of religion and not have un-checked taxation. If people ( not you presonally) like their (Europe) way life go try it... stay awhile. I understand your frustation with the spending. It has been out of control per GW. However you have to look at the reasons which include fighting terrorism, liberating the country of Iraq from a CRUEL, RUTHLESS Dictator that praticed the extreme sort of profiling. Hopefully with the economy going so well we will continue to make gains on the deficit as we have the last 12 months! One last note...PLEASSEEEEE don't let the goverment get involved in my health care! I have friends in Canada that have to come stay with us every year or so just get simple things like in grown toe nails taken care of. No kidding! ( There is a two year waiting list for that surgery!) I also have a very close Physican in my family and you can't imagine the things these very brilliant people deal with just trying to care for people. It so very sad, our system has already declined per the gov and insurance companies. PLEASE no more. Listen to the educated people that know medcine,:clap2: (Doctors, nurses, caregivers!!!!) not the politicians or the insurance companies. Its been fun, but I can't get any work done per chatting politics:nervous the last couple days, so I need to get back to Lapband and real life!

I really just could not help pointing out some facts about taxtion. The taxtion of the American people is there. The rich pay the majority of taxes in this country. That is a fact. SEE TAXTION CHARTS @ ANY GOV WEBSITE. WE, INCLUDING GEORGE BUSH SPEND WAY TOO MUCH. Its only going to get worse. Entitlements are the main sorce. The war has been expensive, I conclude, however that will be short term in comparrsion. but ongoing per 10 year down the road someone is going to have to give up something! :omg: We as a country need to stop the politics and deal in facts, not opinions! Since the early 1960s, total inflation-adjusted government spending has increased by almost $10,000 per household.(See Chart S-3.) Over the same period, inflation-adjusted federal tax receipts have tripled but have still been outpaced by growth in federal spending.(See Chart C-1.) On its current trajectory, nominal Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security spending will double by 2050, causing total federal spending to reach stifling European levels.(See Chart P-7.) While federal spending has grown faster than personal income in the past, future federal spending growth will accelerate further as entitlements begin to dominate the federal budget. The federal government will spend more than twice what is spent today on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid as the baby boomers age over the next few decades.(See Chart P-7.)Higher spending on entitlements will squeeze out other areas of federal spending, such as defense and education. Interest on the national debt will also climb. By 2020, the federal deficit as a percent of GDP will reach twice its historical average.(See Chart P-1. In return for their tax dollars, taxpayers are saddled with a massive federal bureaucracy that distorts markets by diverting the economy’s most productive resources into expensive and wasteful programs. Past spending growth pales in comparison to projected future spending stemming from entitlements. Lawmakers must recognize that sustained long-term spending increases would eventually lead to long-term tax increases, raising taxes to an unprecedented level in this nation. Regardless of how it is financed, expanded spending on entitlements would greatly reduce economic growth and increase unemployment. The following charts show historical trends and, more importantly, the future problems that loom unless Congress and the President get a handle on federal spending.

If you think I am picking on you (or flaming, bashing, etc.) please tell me to leave you alone and I will. I am curious; what has BuSh tried to fix? Which presidents mess things up? When did things go wrong? Jack, There is nothing wrong with two adults sharing the differences in their ideoligy. You ask what has President "Cowboy" Bush done...?? Employment Increased In 47 States Over The Past 12 Months Ending In June. Real GDP Grew A Strong 3.5 Percent Over The Past 4 Quarters. Productivity Has Grown At A Strong 3.5 Percent Annual Rate Since The First Quarter Of 2001 Real After-Tax Income Has Risen By 13.5 Percent Since January 2001. Industrial Production Increased 4.5 Percent Over The Past 12 Months. Manufacturing Production Has Risen 5.7 Percent Over The Past 12 Months A few other notes are we have not had another attack on our soil since he's actually started the war on Terror rather than watching it! We also have some great legislation that has been signed and passed; Deficit Reduction Act, The Pension Plan overhaul Plan; Senior Perscription Plan (even though its too expensive for me) As far as being a 'good christian", don't you feel the term is an odd term?? I mean you can't catgorize people like that, Only God knows whats in your heart. I have posted this once but I think it explains the "Christian" term so well. by Maya Angelou When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven." When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name. Ok... I am sure you all have had enough of me today... Thanks for sharing your ideas! When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

I totally agree Jack; I really like Condi, McCain is just ok and Giuliani has too many personal problems as well as being too socialy liberal. So... ?? I am hoping for Condi !

I would love to see Condie Rice run! She's a brilliant women! I am just not sure the old school Republican Party would share in my thoughts. I wanted Elizabeth Dole a couple years ago and that didn't happen. I also think Linda Chavez would be a great female presidential candidate!!! Love her! She's hispanic..... Maybe Dick is smarter than most of us give him credit for.

I understand the frustration with some of the events that has taken place with George Bush, however some of the mistakes by previous presidents have put us in the mess were in now. He's tried to fix them, some things have worked and some have not. But I am not convinced anyone could fix the brainwashing of indiviuals. Am I better off than 8 years ago. Yes I am. I have two wonderful young adult children, a loving husband, an at least average job and nice home and I about to get a lap band to help perdict better health for my future. I a believer that you make your own happiness, its not the goverments responsiblity. Am I a good Christian? No, I am not, I am learning, I am growing, I am seaking to be a better person, a better mother, a better wife, a better person. SO I desperatly need Gods help to help me meet these goals. People get so caught up in thinking Christians should be perfect. Their NOT.. they are just forgiven.

I am a proud Republican, I like George Bush for his morals, his honesty and yes, his cowboy attitdude. I do think Ronald Regan was much better President though. However thats not say I have not ever voted democratic. I voted for the democratic Gov my state has @ the moment. (I am sad to admit I voted for Jimmy Carter also, YIKES!) With that said it saddens me that the groups like the ACLU are trying take many of the very morals and standards our goverment was founded on out of our signs, our halls and our lives. Many (not Liberman) but many Democrats support such groups. I just can not. I also always know I am a republican any time I go to get car tags, deal with IRS any of these big messes the goverment supposedly does so well. Small goverment, less taxes, more family and by the way its alright to be a christian!

Hi ALL her in KS,(Wheetin in IL too) Took some time to reveiw your before and after pictures today. AMAZING is all I can say! Robin you don't even look like the same person!!!! I hope I can be as successful as this group! Hints, obsertvations and right out "you must do's" are all welcome!

I have mine too today...Its a long way out. (My Surgeon is the local ROCK STAR when it comes to Lap Band.) Nov 8th 2006! Whew! Finally!

I have A DATE... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its a long ways out BUT I HAVE one finally! Nov 8th.2006!

Ok... this won't be a popular answer. But I prefer men that are more lean and fit. Its true... I am not lean or fit BUT thats what I prefer. Mark Whalberg in his day had a perfect bod, still not bad! My husband is about 6 ft and 170#'s. He actually looks better now than when I met him 25 years ago. He's more fit and not just so thin. I on the other hand have went from being a aerobics teacher @ a size 5 or 7 to a size 18! He would prefer as he has told me gently that I was smaller. However we do have a great marriage and friendship so we go on.......Things are not perfect BUT your size is not everything either!

Thanks, I am feeling pretty relieved. How long per the office calling with a date? I understand with Dr H its usually about 4-6 wks AFTER Dr. S approves you.

Good News. Dr S approved me for surgery this morning! Should be getting my date soon! You all were right .. patience! I still have another appointment BUT I am approved so I can get a surgery date. YEAH!

Katt, What are your feelings per Dr. Hitchcock? How long did it take once you saw him to get your surgery scheduled? I am in process with another surgerons office but very frustrated with time thing! I have been approved my INS BUT don't think the surgery is ever going to happen. MISSD~ I know your pain... I have been jumping through hoops for six months now!

Diane, That really stinks. I have been working on getting banded for about 6 mos now... 2 months investigating, 1 getting info together for insurance and the rest now jumping through hoops per my Dr.'s office. I just can't imagine going through all this, have a date and THEN the hospital. Does your Dr's office have an alternative location. I know my surgeon to be has two hospital he performes the surgery in....?? Have they taken an initative in the matter?

The US Spends More On Education Per Pupil Than Any Other Country Do we REALLY NEED to keep spending more on educaton? What were doing right NOW as a BIG spender is NOT WORKING! http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/09....ap/index.html Report: U.S. No. 1 in school spending Test scores fall in middle of the pack Tuesday, September 16, 2003 Posted: 1:31 PM EDT (1731 GMT) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States spends more public and private money on education than other major countries, but its performance doesn't measure up in areas ranging from high-school graduation rates to test scores in math, reading and science, a new report shows. "There are countries which don't get the bang for the bucks, and the U.S. is one of them," said Barry McGaw, education director for the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which produced the annual review of industrialized nations. The United States spent $10,240 per student from elementary school through college in 2000, according to the report. The average was $6,361 among more than 25 nations. The range stretched from less than $3,000 per student in Turkey, Mexico, the Slovak Republic and Poland to more than $8,000 per student in Denmark, Norway, Austria and Switzerland. The report cited Australia, Finland, Ireland, Korea and the United Kingdom as examples of OECD nations that have moderate spending on primary and lower secondary education but high levels of performance by 15-year-olds in key subject areas. As for the United States, it finished in the middle of the pack in its 15-year-olds' performance on math, reading and science in 2000, and its high-school graduation rate was below the international average in 2001 -- figures highlighted by Education Secretary Rod Paige. The country fared better in reading literacy among fourth-graders, where it finished among the top scorers in 2001. But the declining performance as students grow older served as a warning to the nation, Paige said. "These results highlight an extremely important truth about our educational system: I think we have become complacent, self-satisfied and often lacking the will to do better," Paige said. International benchmarks Appropriate spending has emerged as a key political issue this year as the nation's schools deal with federal reforms. The No Child Left Behind law demands better performance from students and teachers, particularly in low-income districts, but critics say Republican leaders in Congress have spent too little on the effort. The report, released Tuesday, sets international benchmarks and identifies areas for improvement. Based on educational level, the report says the United States spends the most on higher education for every student and is a leading spender on primary and secondary education. Paige said the nation must fill the gap between it and other countries, and bridge another between students succeeding in American public schools and those falling behind. Within that promising fourth-grade reading showing in the United States, Paige said, is a revealing number: the higher the percentage of poor students, the lower the average score. "There's no such thing as a 'typical' fourth-grader," Paige said. "We want to go to each fourth-grader. We need to see who needs the help." The new federal law requires states to chart adequate yearly progress -- not just for a school's overall population, but for groups such as minorities and students who speak little English. Sanctions grow by the year for schools receiving low-income aid that don't improve enough. Consequences range from letting students transfer to a better school within their districts to handing control of a poor-performing school to the state. "No other country is imposing such a rigorous requirement on its schools," McGaw said. But from school boards to Congress, growing numbers of leaders say the federal government isn't committing enough money to the task. States must, for example, expand their standardized testing and put a highly qualified teacher in every core class by 2005-06. Federal education spending has grown by $11 billion since President Bush took office, Paige said, but that includes spending beyond the first 12 grades. Even increased money for elementary and secondary education doesn't cover the law's sweeping expenses, said David Shreve of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Wheetin, don't you think everyone noticing is a GREAT THING? You should! You deserve it, WOW look at what you have accomplished. SMILE and say Thank you!

Thanks for everyones support! I was almost in tears last night thinking about this situation. I suppose your right in on welcoming the help.... But everything he seems to be telling me I feel like I am aware of. Its almost the South Beach Program all over again. I understand I will have to make choices, I have been working on good choices forever! I have made positive steps. You don't change a lifetime of behavior in two/4 weeks, it just does not work that way. I think will defiantly try communicating more effectively. Outline my good behavior for sure. Try harder to have perfect behavior! Not easy as we all know, thats why I am fat. I guess two more appointments, two more weeks of food logs isn't the end of the world. I do have a concern after 6 months of trying to get this accomplished. The other issue is that my employment is changing insurance at the beggining of the year. I emailed and told Billie that and have not gotten a response yet...... I really don't think they understand that if their not going to get my surgery done before the 1st of the year I need to go some where else right now. Ok, re-focus.. do your food logs, correctly, more protien, more Water.Don't resent the appointments, use them! I am trying!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS AGAIN everyone!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am really beginning to get frustrated with this process. I have been to the meeting, I have been approved by my Ins Co. I have been to the nurtrionist, I don't have any other test to do BUT the PYSC Dr ACTUALLY ADDED ANOTHER VISIT! WHAT? . I spk with Billie and she actually thinks no band until Nov! I don't understand what I am saying or doing wrong with guy. I am changing my habits, not perfect but making great changes. :angry And now more appointments, more money and no BAND until NOVEMBER. I am considering another surgeon. This is really just dragging on and on! HELP! Am I am over reacting. 4 pysc evaluations seems a bit much! I have no depression, I have quit drinking soda. I even turned down a job opportunity so I would not have insurance issues. I would think they could see the commitment is there!

Well, for me I have my 3rd pscy appointment next week.(One more after that!) I don't know what the heck he thinks is wrong with me. ( I feel quite normal) I had a nutrionist appt and will have to have a blood draw two wks prior to surgery. No other test. Its the pysc thing thats wearing on me! I want to get this done, no surgery date until I am done with the pysc Dr.!

I guess I am not like most on the board. Jr High was a complete blast, high school not bad either, lots of friends and fun. I did learn to exercise, even lift weights, run and enjoyed volleyball, basketball, softball and track. Then became a Aerobics instructor and taught 2 one hour classes a day for a couple years. Then, marriage, then kids and just completely stopped taking time for myself. By the time (now) I do have the time, I am out of the habit and substain one injury after another trying to be and feel like I used to! Its a vicious circle for all...! I hoping to get my date after my last pysc visit and END THIS CYCLE! PS I do remember the Presidents Physical Fittnes Award because I got one... I am like the old out of shape football players you see... We have been there, we know what its like... were just not there now!

I think it took about 3 weeks. UHC has been pretty good. The only thing thats made me a bit nervous since I have been approved was a letter I got a copy of that they sent to the surgeron. Talked with the Dr.'s office and they said not to worry.... It said something about more info per my visit to the Dr. I was freaked because I thought I was approved. Dr.'s office said not to worry, its just an ins co being a ins co.! :omg: