Kat817

Jack is 100% right in my book. If I eat to the point of being full--I am without a doubt OVER full! I try to keep my amounts low, and I know in my house, in my life, if I find myself hungry later, I will be able to find something to eat. I do not have to eat now or do without until tomorrow! They did a piece several years ago on one of the Nightline type of programs where they looked at how people eat. They gave the group of people the same plates of food, and told them they had a set amount of time to eat it. The plates had chicken, potatoes, green Beans, a buttered roll, and a salad. The overweight eaters, ate faster, and more of them finished the entire plate than average sized people. Then they took them each and interviewed them, and found that the average sized person ate their favorite part of the meal first--where as the overweight people tended to save the favorite part for last. Which when you think about it, only prompted them to eat the entire thing to get to their favorite part! I am not saying you should choose the potatoes and ignore the rest of the meal...but if you are going to force yourself to eat all the rest just so you can eat some potatoes, you would have been better off having a few bites and NOT overeating just to get them. We DO have to learn to eat differently. If you don't change anything, nothing will change, including your weight. Change how you approach food, how you choose to eat it, and it will help a lot! I am not a person who deals well with deprivation...so I do not deprive myself, I eat everything, I just do so in moderation. It was not a lesson learned or turned into habit over night....I am still working on it every day----but it is a lesson so worth it!!!!!! Kat

Thank goodness my scale stuck to the right numbers this morning, I would have hated to get up here to all these wonderful greetings, and have to say I gained weight!!! I feel much more official now that it passed my 2 day rule! Ok, now for the stat report I told Pamela I would look up for her. Last year, I had measured and weighed in on 7/27/06, and that morning I weighed 250 pounds, I had lost a total of 39 pounds including pre-op. I was shrinking though, I was down a total of 26". My next weigh measure session was done on 8/20/06, and I had lost an additional11.5 pounds, I was down to 238.5. And had lost 5 more inches. Keep in mind I got my last fill on the 21st of July last year, right in this time period, and it gave me LOTS of restriction. It slowed from there, to 6 pounds the next month and only another 1 1/2". And that last measurements and weigh in day was the day before I began Curves, and seriously started exercising, to help speed it back up again. It has never picked up to the begining dropping of weight--where it seemed like each day held a new lower number---but when I make sure to get my water/tea in each day....avoid OD'ing on carbs (!) and exercise a bit, it continues to drop.I have had some plateaus along the way, but in my case it seemed like when the scale slowed down the inches dropped faster, like my body was playing catch up. Later today when Rick gets off, I will have him do a new picture for me. The point of all of this, is my weight loss a year ago would have fallen right into the middle range of what everyone here is doing, some have lost more, others less, but I had not lost outreageously more than average----so looking ahead, it is not unlikely that each of you will be writing about your 100 pound loss, or acheiving goal, for those of you with less than that to lose. If I can do it---anyone can! Happy Bandiversary Michelle---you are doing great! You going to celebrate? I have had a hard time finding a way to celebrate---we always ATE!!! I have done mani/pedi celebrations, new clothes, and now new boots!!! And it isn't just me---even at the ball park they give ice cream cones for home runs, and cokes for foul balls---everywhere you go they celebrate with food! We have a HUGE baseball week coming up. Our area holds the Connie Mack (High School age) World Series. Teams from all over the world, (gee world series...who woulda guessed???....duh!). They have a big parade, and lots of host families, and special things going on. It flows right into the County Fair...which is the biggest in the state....all my kiddos used to be involved in it. I am thinking of entering some pictures. For the fun of it---I love the photo exhibits. We have a restored Pioneer Village here in our little town. It has original pioneer constructed buildings ---the General store, the bank, the jail, the Dr.'s office, the livery, a school house, a church, an average home, etc.....and they are all equiped with things from the proper time period. I had taken the girls to the park one day and they wanted to go in, so we went. I sat them on the porch of the school house to get their picture when one of the workers stopped me---and she went inside, and come out, and give Lindzie a lunch pail to hold and Kinsey some books. It turned out really cute, but when I changed it over to Sepia, it looked awesome! I think I might enter it. I also think that especially Lindzie would like seeing herself up on the display wall!!! For the next 2 years we will once again host the National High School Rodeo Finals. There are 1500 kids from around the US, competing. I volunteered before, and helped register them, I think I will do it again, maybe try to get more involved. Back when we hosted it before I was at my heaviest weigtht, so avoided the volunteer positions that required me to ride---I had quit riding. Now---bring it on! I think volunteering will be lots better this time around, without the limitations. It will be back the summer of 2008 & 2009. I WILL be at goal then....I WILL....I WILL!!!!!!! Tracy--wear the shorts and enjoy---and enjoy passing them on when they fall off, or sell them in a yard sale, but ENJOY getting rid of them, by next summer they will be huge on you! Glad you are getting to use some of it though!!! If anyone hears of someone needing clothes, let me know!!!! Have Box Will Mail!!! My house is clean, laundry is done (well one load left drying), I read the newspaper....I feel so efficient! I wish Rick was off...til then I guess I'll read and play on the computer! For now I'll go check my email. TTYL-- Kat

Well Pamela I would say you ruined my make up if I hadn't already washed it off---you made me cry!!! I know exactly what you mean about the thought processes changing. My thought just before sleeping have changed as well, I don't go to bed beating myself up. I sleep differently! I roll over without thought, it is a one motion thing to roll over, it used to be a few different moves, to raise up, and heft myself over! Silly sounding but true! Like you mentioned sleeping on the air mattress---when we camp we use one, I used to be a sight getting up off of that thing!!! Not an issue now! This IS entirely possible! Last year I was right about where you guys are now---I have a weight/measurement progress wrote down but it is in the bedroom, and Rick is sleeping since he has to work tomorrow...but I will look and see where I was a year ago. I still feel just like you guys do---some days I feel like I am on top of the world---like today--I have lost 100 pounds! But looking back at others progress...makes me feel slow! One of the girls on my '06 bunch has lost 195 pounds! Of course I didn't have that much to lose, but....I still could let myself feel like a slacker---but I chose a different approach, and I have no complaints at all!!! So you guys keep at it, and work this band, but don't forget to enjoy today----you won't ever get it back. When you have an opportunity to celebrate as Pamela had tonight---GO! Of course then you have to come back and tell us what all you ate so we can be jealous!!! I do ok with pasta IF I eat something else with it...but alone it hurts me! Like if I eat a bowl of fettucine with just noodles and sauce, about 4 bites is all I can handle...and it grows to feel like 4 cups in my belly. But if I add some grilled chicken, it is not a problem, it is like it needs something to digest with. Wierd!!! Hate to disappoint everyone, I did buy new boots---but they are not the kind of boots y'all imagined!!! They are super soft leather, but they are plain old everyday Roper style boots....for riding...horses. And before long they will truly be broke in. Cows and horses tend to leave piles of recycled hay in my path....someday I'll learn to watch where I am walking!!!! Rick and I went to dinner just the 2 of us. Our friends had their grandson, and he is not real well behaved out like that, so they opted to stay home. It was kinda nice having him to myself! He is not happy with his job right now, so we discussed a change---but will likely put it off for now. With his recent health issues, we might be best off staying with our current insurance. I dunno---I hate him being unhappy. Ok I am off to bed---talk to y'all tomorrow. Thank you again for all the kind words....even the tears Pamela! sniff sniff Kat

My advice would be to slow down, chew better, and limit your quantities of food, same as you did dieting before you were banded, and plan another fill. BUT----do NOT get that fill until you can practice the small bites, and chewing necessary for eating with the fill you have now to be pain free. Take small bites----chew each one really well, then chew a few more times for good measure! Sit your fork down for a few seconds, swallow your bite, and make sure it goes down well, and then cut another small bite, and try it. Work on getting your food now with lots of protein---fish for instance, is an easy food to chew well, and good for keeping you feeling full for longer. Then after that, I'd plan another fill. Sometimes it takes several to get to the sweet spot, other times 1-2 fills does it. Good Luck, and welcome to LBT! Kat

Thanks so much girls!!! I am feeling quite pleased with myself today. Although, my boots, and yes I did buy them, are going to be a serious disappointment to you. They are not very sexy....and will be less so in a few days I can almost guarantee you. I bought new ropers....simple, everyday, cowboy riding boots!!! Within a few days they will have what ya find around cows and horses on them! They drop it, and I inevitably step in it at some point or another....known down home as "cutting" your foot. yeuch I know, but it is what it is....recycled hay! I am happy with them...boots were much easier to fit, my foot is not as wide now! Plus, I could get them on and off when I was trying them on without issue, and thinking maybe I should dial 911! The ones I ended up with are made of very supple leather, and while the would not make the greatest WORK boot, I mostly wear them to ride, and I couldn't resist!!! I went and did my blood donation finally today. I went the other day, and they were so doggone slow, I ended up leaving to make dinner out at my inlaws on time, so went and did it today. When I left there, I knew I needed to seriously rehydrate, so went to the Sonic to get some tea---and was not even tempted! Patty---hope you have a good time at your Moms, the boys will have a blast I bet! At least Lewis got this now, and not while he is on vacation! Sherry--glad your son is doing well. Kids---do we EVER relax? Mine are far from little anymore, and I still expect to hear from them and worry when I don't! Eileenie---my granddaughter is wonderful! She is at my all time favorite age for kids. Everyone complains of the terrible 2's....but I love them! The way they try to talk, and do adult things, their personality is showing more and more. Watching her figure out things around her is such fun. She talks a mile a minute---and makes up songs about EVERYTHING! I do mean Everything---yesterday one was about Granny's boobies! She elbowed me getting up or down and I told her to be careful that hurt Granny's boobies....so she made up a song! She is a happy little thing, and is always stopping in the middle of something and saying "I love you Granny"....which of course makes my day! And she knows it, if I have to get onto her she tells me "But I love you!" New Mexico just passed a law that says anyone under 18 has to have a protective helmet on if they are on wheels---be it a skateboard, bike, roller blades...whatever, including a trike! So she has a helmet....but it is of course miles too big. She rides about 6 feet, has to stop push it back up on her head and ride another 6 feet! And everytime she pushes it back she mimics us and says "this is diculous"---I said in front of her that it was ridiculous they require her to have it, and they don't manufacture them that size. Oh well it is good habit for her. I am so jealous, housework AND laundry done???? I have finished my lunch, and drank most of my tea, so my excuse is gone, I have to get up now and get mine done too. Rick is working, then we are supposed to meet friends for dinner tonight. At least when I clean the kitchen it will stay that way!!! I'll catch y'all later! Kat

I think somehow or another it works along the lines of what Jacqui (Jachut) is saying, it is kind of like they tell you with your cell phone batterty----in the begining do not charge it until it is completely dead, to charge it when it is not completely down, it oftentimes will only charge in that original charge range then. If we show our bodies we can survive on minimal calories, then it will, and anything over that gets stored. So if you are only eating 900 calories a day, and you showed you could survive at 600, then even those extra 300 calories get stored as fat. Now someone who has not dieted to those extremes, can lose fantastically at 900 calories a day. I think it is what you have done that sets your individual "starvation" mark. I know the only way I have ever been able to break a plateau, is to eat with abandon for a few days and then back off, and I get going again. Makes me think these years of failed diets, and wierd food intakes, and such, are not as far behind us as it would seem, they are still here making today that much more difficult to figure out! I agree exercise is KEY! Kat

Morning girls---make that GOOOOOOOOD Morning----do me a favor and check out this ticker under my post!!! I DID IT!!! I know I was shocked when I hopped on the scale this morning! I usually wait 2 days, make sure it is a sure change....but today I took that number and ran with it---straight to my computer!!!! 100 pounds GONE! I swear to you, I never in my wildest dreams thought this would ever be possible! I am not by nature a doom and gloom person, but the weight just seemed to be an obstacle I couldn't see myself overcoming, I mean all the failed diets, the days I woke up with motivation and went to bed full of guilt at failing yet again, to eat right for even one day---I just KNEW I couldn't do it. I love my BAND!!!! Today I am celebrating----I need new boots! I have had my riding boots for 10 + years, and they are now too big, the heel walks up and down on me as I walk. I have dealt with it, but I think I am off to Western Warehouse today and buy me new boots! Will be back later, I just HAD to share this!!!!! Yeehaw! Kat

Morning girls---make that GOOOOOOOOD Morning----do me a favor and check out this ticker under my post!!! I DID IT!!! I know I was shocked when I hopped on the scale this morning! I usually wait 2 days, make sure it is a sure change....but today I took that number and ran with it---straight to my computer!!!! 100 pounds GONE! I swear to you, I never in my widest dreams thought this would ever be possible! I am not by nature a doom and gloom person, but the weight just seemed to be an obstacle I couldn't see myself overcoming, I mean all the failed diets, the days I woke up with motivation and went to bed full of guilt at failing yet again, to eat right for even one day---I just KNEW I couldn't do it. I love my BAND!!!! Today I am celebrating----I need new boots! I have had my riding boots for 10 + years, and they are now too big, the heel walks up and down on me as I walk. I have dealt with it, but I think I am off to Western Warehouse today and buy me new boots! TracyK---I agree that I would look deep inside to think about what I would really want to do. You might also consider something with the school system, so when your little one begins, you could have a similar schedule. I mean you are doing office work now it sounds like, so you could look into that side, or as an aide, or even go back to school to teach. I opened my Day Care when my own DD was very young. I had no training at the time to speak of, and my own day care costs were eating up my paycheck. So I went to work for one where I could take Manda and cut my costs. I saw so many people being turned away, they had waiting lists, and although they were far from mean to the kids, they were almost military in their actions. I was in a room with 3 & 4 year olds, and there was story time with them all on the floor. But there was no lap time, or giggling just for the fun of it time. And it broke my heart to know down the hall, that Manda was getting the same cookie cutter care. Then one day, my neighbor called and ask if I had any pull, she needed full time day care for her 2 DD's and after school for her DS. When I got off the phone, I realized, if she paid me what she would them, it would be equal to half of what I make a month. Add into that no fuel expense, no wardrobe costs...so I took a deep breath and jumped! My Dad worked for the county, so I put flyers up at the courthouse---and within 3 days I was turning people away. Many of them had known me as I grew up, through Dad, so I did have a start. The first month out of the gate I was making more money than I was working for someone else. I eventually licensed myself, moved into a bigger building, and went full steam ahead. I don't think I would have recognized it as my passion---but it sure worked! I did it for 20 years, and retired! It was actually longer than 20 years, one little girl refused to quit coming! I first got Megan at 5 1/2 weeks old, and she came until she was 14 years! She no longer needed a babysitter, but she was part of our family...she still shows up once every week or so. Her older sister just had a new baby, so we see less of her! It was hard work...but VERY gratifying. I tried to be choosy about my parents, more so than the kids. When we did an intake interview, I watched them, not the child! Many, many of my kids come back around. Used to be Halloween was a wild day here, I'd have kids from years past, and current, all crowding in at once! Now most of them I took care of have grown up too much, but I have the grandbabies!!! Now I put them in my lap and read, and we sit around the table with a roll of scotch tape making faces---and I am still glad they are not in another setting too! Find what makes you happy, and also fits into your needs, if it WORKS for you, it goes a long way towards making you happy. Terry---I never thought you looked angry or violent in your avatar! I am going to take new pics now (wooohooo) but I will need some computer savvy help! Help posting them, and creating a new avatar, mine got really dark when they did the upgrade it seemed....dunno! Pamela---sounds exhausting, but it also sounds---dare I say it---almost finished???? Enjoy your time with Susanne! Ok, I need to go get something started drinking.....I think my weight is floating away....all I do is drink! Kat

Yes you may very well be a tad too full, but I have a question for you...are you giving your stomach time to heal and unswell (not sure that is a real word...) following one of the episodes where something does not stay down? Many times it will take a day or 2 or even longer following a serious PB where you actually throw it up, for the stomach to return to normal, and during that time you should be on strictly liquids. If it is swelling, and you attempt to eat again, it will not be able to pass, and cause yet another PB, and make the swelling even worse...it makes an evil cycle. Maybe try a few days of liquids, it sometimes helps everything settle back in, then on to mushies, and try solid Protein again after the break. If it is still a no go, then I would say that some fill needs removed. Good Luck---Keep us posted! Kat

Yes, just another pound and a half and I will have lost 100 pounds!!! However since we are all in confession mode.....it is further away than it would be if I would quit eating these stinking Reeces Pieces that Kinsey left here!!!! I WILL get there. Tonight Rick was hugging on me, and running his hands up and down my back, and with me stretching up my arms around his neck, I can feel each of my own ribs as he rub over them---so strange! I told him, and he told me yep I was getting smaller all the time....which I know better, but I love those lies!!! Kat

The deodorant is especially good to use prior to any type of exercise, it keeps the area so that it can slide, without the skin pulling, if that makes sense. I use my usual antiperspirant---which I think is Suave, nothing expensive, and it works like a charm. I have got heat rash type of thing under my breasts if I am sitting, for too long, I think it is a combo of the heat, and the latex/ elastic in my bras----OUCH! It sometimes feels like a burn. The deodorant fixes it up! Kat

I'm waiting on the bubble tea explanation too!!!! Nice to see you guys!!! Sherry---I kkep forgetting to ask, but how is your son since his wreck? Is he back to driving yet? I think about him often! Cindy, MIL kinda mellowed some last night, but the "niece" didn't show, she said no she didn't eat red meat (hamburgers don't count I guess...we were having brisket which was sooooooooo good and tender!) I told her there would be other things, she then tells me she didn't think she could stand being around all those people eating red meat! How much ya wanna bet the new guy in her life is not a red meat eater????? Not long ago she was the Great White Hunter, going to buy a cabin with one and hunt with him. I just shook my head, and was glad she didn't show up!!! Off to finish dinner---so I quit sneaking Kinseys Reeces Pieces she left on my desk!!! Kat

Just stopping by to say HI to all my buddies!!!! Miss seeing you all posting---summer has us running in all different directions! Hope to see all of you soon! Patty is Lewis ok? Kat

Yeah nicnaknut, I have taken Vitamins, and good quality vitamins all along, prior to banding, and daily since. I tried the bioten, and the zinc....nothing seemed to make a difference other than time....and allowing my body to adjust to the shock it had been through, and adjust to the new diet. I looked for any answer, and tried the nioxin shampoos, babied my hair, the whole 9 yards---it took several months then suddenly it slowed, and stopped, almost as quickly as I noticed it starting. I was cleaning the shower drain every other day---and dang near burned up my vaccuum! It had so much long hair wrapped around the beater bar! It is better now, and growing back---so just don't give up hope! Kat

Where I live the percentage of blacks is EXTREMELY low. But at the same time, white is not the race of majority either. I live bordering the Navajo Nation, the biggest Native American Reservation in the US. We deal with serious crime based racism a lot. My nephews are both biracial, so I do try to see things from that point as well. I will admit to letting Lee anger me before thinking that he too may have been raised similar to what your friend was and dealt with many a similar thing. He has made reference to a somewhat unpleasant side to his family in other posts, all the while stating his Mom raised him to be able to do the work of a lowly woman!!! j/k but....that is the way he makes it sound!!! If and when Lee wants to come back and attempt a conversation---I will not avoid him or his threads---but neither will I agree to some of his outreagous statements, without responding. Sadly the racism your friend faced as a child is still alive and well! The really shameful thing is where I live a good portion of it is caused by our government!! However while I complain about it, I don't have any answers to the problems either. We get what is referred to as reverse racism here---there are hospitals on the reservation, that we may be in a horrible accident in the parking lot, but they will not treat us. There are employment ads in our paper, they will say Equal Opportunity employer, and at the tail end of the ad, it will say Navajo hiring preference. It is racism all the same, nothing reverse about it, it is a sad fact we have to live with. On the other hand the natives get poor treatment in many stores. And due to repo laws not being able to be enforced on the reservation without approval from the tribal council, we ALL pay an outreageous amount for vehicles etc. It is horrible, we all live together...so why can't we just live together! Anyway green, I'll try to keep your thoughts on this in mind when and if I deal with Lee again. Kat

Sorry, I can't help you with a more local Dr. We travel from the Farmington area to Canon City CO for adjustment. Lucky for me I have only needed 2. My SIL has been many more times, for fills, and unfills etc. Where are you going now? Welcome to LBT by the way! Kat

I fully believe that most here at LBT are happy, and want to get along. Even in this case, we really were not blasting HIM so much as his unwillingness to discuss things, as well as a constant race theme.....but nothing that could not have been talked through if BOTH parties wanted to. Hey if your dog needs a fluffier bed, I got lotsa flab they can have!!! Welcome to LBT! Kat

Good points green. In your examples, it does indeed put the wives at a distinct disadvantage. It is a difficult situation at best, whether to award alimony/maintenance, for how long and if and when it should cease. Unfortunately my personal knowledge is involving people like gadgetlady mentioned, who are fully involved in new relationships, and refuse marriage solely on the grounds it would cost them the alimony. One couple I know, the kids are grown, and she now is living with her former attorney! The ex husband, is a foreman for an oilfield service company, he is not destitute, but neither does he roll in the dough. My guess is he makes in the 85-90K range, BUT he pays $1200.00 a month in alimony. They have literally broke him, financially, and spirit as well---they file something on him everytime he turns around...to respond costs him as well, to not respond is to agree to whatever silly thing they happen to have come up with. They even managed and succeeded in keeping him from joining a pre-paid legal service through work, amazing what you can do when you know all the tricks! I personally never received any alimony, or maintenance following my divorce, and only received a whopping total of $150.00 in child support over a 16 1/2 year period! Occasionally I think I should have nailed his butt to the wall, but for what---at least my DD did not grow up with us battling non stop. Thanks for the different perspective! I could see one of the women you mentioned doing just like the guy who works with my DH's former wife! Just when I feel sorry for her and think 'yeah she deserves help' she'll run off with the attorney!!!! j/k Kat

Laura I don't remember if I congratulated you on entering Twoterville or not---but Cool Beans Girl!!!! Sounds to me like one of 2 things---it could be your Dr. does all of his Fluoro fills on a certain day each week--mine only does them on Wed. OR it could have been a lazy, ditzy receptionist who just didn't want to go to the trouble of reworking the schedule. Wanna bet which one I think it is???!!!! LOL Kat

Just stopping in to agree with Mr. Downtown---I too am back to eating pretty much all the same things I did before, banding, I just eat them in extreme moderation now!! I do try to limit the white flour and sugars....but have not really denied myself anything. I too had the last supper syndrome-----oooh I need this, or what about that!!! Now, I relaize it was pointless, I am back to being able to eat it!! Difference is amounts! Taco Bell was mentioned---I used to go in and order one of the Value meals---and wonder if I should order an extra taco or something--it might not be enough. Now I go in and order the taco and I am done! Tacos are one of the easiest things ever for me to eat, and I love them, so it works!!! Hang in there guys, our minds play tricks on us---but you are not alone---many of us have done it, and survived it!!! Oh--and welcome to LBT guys!!! Kat

Hi Pam , welcome to LBT! We sound like we were built very similarly, I too am 5'9", and carried my weight all in the front! Big belly, big chested....but thin hips & thighs. I still love to cook, and to eat for that matter, I just eat much less. And now I find myslef willing to spend a little more for higher quality since I eat less of it. And I notice more about taste and texture than I used to, with the smaller bites, and extended chewing. Not being hungry all the time, has helped with the binges where I felt out of control, and now I make better choices, but in no way have I given up on eating! I will be 47 next month, and I have more energy than I have in the last decade and a half! I felt old before, but as the weight come off it felt like the years did too! You sound like this surgery will do great for you!!!! mkh, congrats on being banded-and welcome to you too! Now you spend the next few weeks healing. You will likely lose weight, but healing is the biggest factor. You still are dealing with internal swelling, and don't feel like eating, which is a GOOD thing! Your stomach cannot have food in it for awhile, so not wanting any makes that easy! Be sure to drink lots, and try to get some Protein in, it will give you increased energy and help you to heal. Look at a nutrition center, like GNC, and they can suggest several options. I used zero carb Isopure drinks, they are clear liquid, and full of protein. Hang out, read through some threads, and they will help guide you along. Also be sure to thoroughly read through the papers your Dr. probably gave you, they too are full of good info! Good Luck to you both!!! Kat

OMG Sara---I am so sorry to hear of Dave's accident. I know when Rick was so sick, I don't know what I would have done without all of you here, I could vent, and express my worse fears, and while you all offered support, I was then able to remain strong for him and the kids, and the parents, everyone I felt was depending on me. Please know you can do the same....we will listen, and offer a cyber shoulder anytime of the day or night. The best part is no one here judged me on my attitude, when I got angry at family or nurses, or even at Rick---even though he was the one who was ill! These girls are wonderful---we would be there helping if we could! Jenn---games, they accuse women of playing games, I swear men do it as bad or worse. Some of them EXPECT you to work and wiggle your schedule around them, and if you don't-you are not the one they want. I watched these guys try to "work" my DD's and about went ballistic! Stick to your guns girl---you ARE worth it! I am wiped out today too. We ended up out at my inlaws again, since Rick's brother and family are in town (leaving this morning) and we were up til after midnight playing Mexican Train Dominoes. I won!!!! LOL Pamela, glad things are slowly getting done. I am somewhat concerned though that you are sleeping on the couch with an open front door.....doesn't sound real safe! I mean I live in Podunk USA and I still lock up!!! Looking forward to the pics! Denise--if it were possible I would gladly share cleavage with any and all who wanted it! I have lost in band size, but not anything in cup size, it in fact went UP! I am told it didn't really change, just the discrepency between the band and the full part now is bigger so that calls for a bigger cup. Still no cute bra & panty sets in my future! I wish I had more encouragement on the hair loss thing, BUT I think Terry may be right, and I do have a history of hair loss. I lost it all---smooth as a babies butt with chemo. Then with Atkins, I lost tons! And with my jaw surgery, I lost hair. Mine lasted from about 4-5 months out from surgery to about the year mark, maybe just a bit longer. Now it is not falling out, it is regrowing with a vengeance....figure it is just in time for the TT and it to fall out again! Mine was severe, I could see the shape of my scalp through the thinning hair, my part got very wide....it was the worst side effect of banding without a doubt. Terry---I do not remember a weight loss percentage for that time period, I might be able to go back to my earlier posts and get an idea. I lost quickly in the begining. My SIL didn't, she was a slow loser in the begining, and she lost hair too. Now she is having serious issues, being unable to eat--and her hair is looking realllllllly thin again. But she is losing SUPER fast now. But she is not taking anything in and keeping it in either, so she is totally malnourished. Judy, I think we might just strap wheels on you---you are still on the go!!! Hope all your travels are safe, we look forward to having you back with us. Are you noticing more stamina --or---get up and go, on your trips with the weight loss? Gina--wow, that is horrible that insurance won't cover physical therapy. I wonder if they make any kind of home exercise video or anything that way. It is so important to be taught the proper way to move for the injury. ****WARNING FOOD PORN**** Yes I bake bacon---I refuse to fry it, it pops! I take a couple of cookie sheets, put a couple of paper towels down on them, and cover the paper towels with waxed paper. Spray it with Pam (or something like it), and just lay the raw bacon on it, bake at 375 until it is as crisp as you like. It is MUCH less greasy,plus it is more tender by far. I refuse to do it in a fry pan anymore! It makes less mess than the microwave and I can do an entire package at once. I actually do 2 pkgs. at a time, cook one, remove it, lay out the next on the same paper, and bake it. Then store it in a zip lock in the fridge. I don't have to stand over it non stop....I know we likeours crisp, so it takes about 20 minutes, Then let the pans sit for just a few minutes, and the paper toweling absorbs most of the grease, slide it off and into the trash, and the only thing to clean up is the sheets need washed, there is not grease popped all over the kitchen. If I keep it handy I can make DH his beloved BLT's in nothing flat that way! And I crumble it in my salads a lot. And like I say, my 2 yr old DGD could eat her weight in bacon! Try it, I bet you quit frying it too!!! Laura, is your tummy feeling any better? That is such a miserable feeling, you cannot "forget" about it at all! Sorry about your classes being all full---want me to go down and boot some butt??? Good Luck on the fill front. I am still cruising with mine---it is now over a year old! I never even knew they would last like this, but it sure eased my mind when I thought about maintaining...just knowing it is not something that will keep at the Dr.s' office non stop! Jennifer---you have completed your exercise challenge!!! WTG!! Thanks for the page # I would have made myself crazy looking back through for it!!! Ok, I am off to check email, and get us dressed we (Kinsey and I) are off to have lunch with Papa. He is needing some granddaughter time too! And by the time he gets home she is gone... Have a great day everyone, and Sara, prayers have and will continue to be said for your DH, and your entire family. (((HUGS)))) Kat

Just checking in to see if you heard from your Dr.? Kat

Babe, you may find yourself still going to the store and buying the same things, thinking, you are going to eat them anyway----but you will find that is not possible! Especially after the fills begin and you achieve some restriction. Soon the mood shifts, and while there are moments you really want to binge, you develop a sort of pride in yourself, that you made a choice and can no longer DO that! You see the numbers come down on the scale, and you lose the guilt that always seems to follow a binge. food is no longer the best friend/worst enemy all rolled into one. It is nourishment, and you learn to taste each bite. I find myself buying higher quality, because I eat so much less, it is not cost prohibitive. I buy more tender cuts of meat....and fresh sliced deli cheeses....things I previously just inhaled anyway, never taking enough time to fully appreciate the tastes and textures involved. Pre banding, I might have bought similar things to what you say you did...now I would buy some grapes, and nuts, and cheeses, still things I can sit and watch a movie and snack on, but I get full VERY quickly, and feel much better about my choices. I go to bed knowing I didn't ruin yet another diet. The worries you are having now are very normal, we were all afraid to "give up" our good friend food. And yet there was the other part of us who wanted to push that good friend away....and save ourselves. We recognize your fears and concerns! Kat

Just wondering if you have an exercise program in place? Have you tried keeping a journal of what exactly you are eating and taking it to the Dr, with you to discuss with him what the problem might be? Sorry you are so upset, I wish I had a magic answer!!! Kat