Pattman

Biggest problem we have experienced on the road is being able to ping an IP address; but people not being able to bring up websites. There are a few different fixes for this issue, but it's dependencies are related to different factors of the PC.

At home I primarily use Firefox 3.03. At clients homes I mostly use IE 6 or 7 depending on what they have installed on their Windows based systems. Safari if on MAC's However, if I am having troubles getting anything else to work I keep a copy of Opera on my thumb drive as well :thumbup:

Rob, Honestly I have not been to see "Iragau & Company" in probably close to 2 years. Since the last time they changed there insurance policies, now my Primary Insurer considers them "out of network" and it would cost close to $250 / visit - I'm not financing their new Hummer, when I had to give up my second vehicle myself, and still not making ends meet. As for my weight loss and current fill, I believe I am at 50% fill on the VG band. I've gained weight since the last time I was there. I was down to 215 (original surgery weight was 285 July 28, 2004). I am probably at least 225 now (we don't have a scale in the house because we both are worried we'd obsess about it). I am not aware of any local support groups, but I also have not been looking. My job has me doing weird hours and shifts. However, if you'd like to get together sometime, let me know. I think it'd be great to have a few friends out of work and home {tough socializing much these days).

Iragau, Wynn and compay for myself and my wife as well. My wife was banded in January of 04 and mine was July.

I'm in a similar but reversed boat then you. Wife does not like smoked fish in ANY form. I miss smoked salmon and smoked whiting :smile2:

I have to agree with you Jack. I no longer have my card (and with my insurance no longer in Iragau's list of approved / accepted insurances I have not been to them in probably 2 years or so. {my wife is still on their approved list and - in fact is on her way home from them right now}. I also either order form the appetizers, plan on 'take home' or split with my wife (when we can agree on an entree to share)

Wilmington - Prices Corner area

Hi Caelyn and Debbie, I haven't been involved with the forums in a while, but I am trying to get more active in it. I live in Wilmington (near Prices Corner actually). Feel free to say hi.

Been 'out of the loop' from this forum for a long time. I really should get more involved, and going to try to. Have you seen me in my Geek Squad bug, or at your house? LMAO. Be checkin in more often, just need to figure out my ICQ ID now ... <grin>

If youur chicken breasts are dry, then there is something in the way you preparing it (I would think). I'm no chef, but I have done Chicken breasts on the stove, in the oven, on the rotisserie (can't beat that!) and even on the grill without dryness? Have you tried marinading them in like Paul Newman's dried tomato dressing (at least an hour before cooking?) or any light but flavorful dressing? Just a thought, you're welcome to contact for recipes. My wife loves it when I cook!!:crying:

Not too far from my own personal recipe. I don't do the buns myself, but my wife still does. I've made Sloppy Joe's with almost everything under the sun - ground beef/pork/chicken/veal/turkey ... haven't tried it with buffalo yet, but I do know where I can get some. Sorry, I NEVER measure my ingredients, just do it to taste (nver failed yet). A little Olive oil in the pan (enough to keep the meat from sticking while browning) as the meat is browning I add a pinch of salt (always worried about my salt intake), some ground pepper, and about 2 tablespoons of Hickory barbecue sauce. Gently stir while browning. Drain well. Put back in pan, add a little Water as your cooking this to keep the meat moist and to have 'some' gravy. Add mustard (I use yellow, but have fun), Ketchup, a 'little' vinegar, brown sugar, white and black pepper. This is a 'tasting' dish, so add small amounts as you go until you reach your own taste.

I'd be interested. I love to cook (although I don't have as much free time as I used to) and I am sure my wife would love me to cook more often (especially if it were more band friendly). To be blunt, my job doesn't help my extended weight loss, neither does my Dr. changing his insurance plan requirements. I know I need a fill, but not going to be almost $300.00 just to get it!

Puddin, I am sorry to hear you are having troubles. I know where you are at with things. I was banded in July of 04. My pre-surgery weight was 285. My weight day of surgery was 265. I have the Vanguard Band (14cc?) with (last time I was at the Dr's) 7cc filled. The lowest I got was 215. At that time I was 7.5cc fill; but I was having troubles with constant indigestion. I pulled back to 7cc (current) and gained a little of the weight back. Last time I checked (I don't keep a scale in the house, I know I'd be compulsive about it) I was 215. I don't check anymore. My Dr. has since changed his Insurance Policies and my current provider would end up costing me $225/visit - so I have not been to see him in over 1.5 years. I am telling you all this to kind of let you know I know where you are at {long winded way around, I am sorry}. The band is supposed to be a TOOL to assist us in gaining the upper hand on weight control. However, I have some pretty good control (that's been improved since getting banded) but as you can see self control for me is not the total answer .... As was already noted, you should stress to you Dr. that you haven't yet reached YOUR perfect fill - that point where the band IS helping you as the tool it was intended to be. Suggest that he fill you some more, and that you and he monitor your progress. I can only hope this helps, good luck with your journey. I am struggling with my own right now, and with the other struggles going on in my life (personal, house, work). I am glad I am getting back involved with this forum. I am hoping it will help me with my weight, and maybe even some further insight to the rest of my troubles. Remember you are beautiful, each part of this journey begins daily with a single step. Good luck on your journey!

As already mentioned, it should qualify you, there are other factors that may make you "more easily qualified" {see your primary and your beriatric for further information} edema in the legs, High Blood Pressure, sleep Apnea, diabetes ..... but it sounds like you 'should' qualify. Good luck on your journey.