Devana

My mother calls the thrift store "the boutique". It gives these wonderful bargains a little extra cachet.

I didn't say she had a lap band, just that she was banded, as it wasn't done laparoscopically back then. However she does indeed have a horizontal placement like the newer bands and her band rules (and problems) are the same. She underwent fluoroscopy a few months ago, while having reflux problems, and said she was pleased to see that it is still in it's proper place. She had the procedure done in Vancouver. I find it encouraging that the early version is still working for some people. She said that her life would be very different without it.

Welcome!!! This site is indeed wonderful. Congratulations on your banding and good luck with your fill.

I'm not much into candles and bath stuff, however, I do like rocks. Sounds weird I guess, but I like different minerals and crystals and unusual shapes. I also like different fibre textures and colours. I read. I'm actually pretty easily pleased.

I'm sorry to hear about your Mom's friend. Do a search on the Gerson clinic. I personally know several people who have been in long term remission after following their protocol.

Welcome Jackie, I'm glad you found us. I think the best thing you can do is to read everything you can here, and ask lots of questions. I think almost all of us went through a nervous phase before we were banded. You'll find lots of people with similar experiences and lots of support. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Hi, Mel and welcome to LBT. If you go to "LBT Forum Suggestions, Feedback and Questions" you'll find threads that will tell you how to do all that.

Holy smokes, Chloe, what on ordeal. A kidney infection can be dangerous so I'm glad you're getting proper care. About your first trip to the hospital, however, I'm still reeling from that one. What the hell kind of diagnosis is "back pain"???? That's not a diagnosis. Are they all idiots in there? It's like having a nail in your head and getting a diagnosis of "headache". I see this kind of thing all the time and it drives me ballistic. (Can you tell?) Anyway, take good care of yourself and get well quickly.

It's beautiful, nice work! It appeals to my love of fibres and textures.

Way to go Gayle!!!!!!!!!!! You are all my heroes and inspiration.

Hi Suzie, welcome to LBT. There are a couple of drs in the lower mainland who band. Dr. Leung in Surrey - 604 581 2515 and Dr. Woodhead in Ladner - 604 946 6500 I think they both use Surrey Memorial. I was banded in Mexico and Dr. Woodhead does my fills. Good luck with your investigating.

Congratulations Doriana, I'm glad all went well.

:welcome2: Hi Yvonne, I'm glad you've got your date at last. I had one of the wildest nights in my life in Glasgow many years ago. You guys really know how to party. You might want to hook up with the November bandster thread as well, you can share experiences with people banded around the same time. Good luck with your surgery!

Hi Kim, welcome to LBT. This is indeed a supportive group we have here. I think the best thing to do is to read everything you can on this site and join up with the November bandsters thread and you'll find people around the same stage that you're at. The veteran bandsters are all very generous with their support and advice as well. For me, I had to kind of relearn how to identify when I was satiated, because I formerly ate all the time regardless of whether I was full or empty. So I've been sticking to band rules, only eating about 3/4 of a cup of food and no drinking with the meals. Keep posting, we're glad you're here.

Cindy, welcome, I'm glad you found us. Good luck on getting your date.

Hi angelburch, scroll down the forum to CherylB, "Need HELP with ticker" and you'll get help. I haven't bothered myself, feels like it takes too much effort to do! (Just an indication of my intrinsic laziness.)

I have really enjoyed all the Harry Potter books. I bought and read The Philosopher's Stone when my son was three, but waited until he was almost eight to read it to him. And I think I've read it to him at least two more times. I've read all the subsequent books to him two times each until the last one. That I only read once. He's 14 now and totally uninterested. He says he would rather not read anything with wizards in it ever again. Bear in mind the multiple readings of the books have been at his request. Speaking of reading to him, he tells us he doesn't want us reading to him anymore. I can understand that well, however it doesn't stop me from mourning the passing of a wonderful family activity. My husband and I still read aloud to each other, so maybe he'll come to appreciate it again in the future. Right now he says he feels like we're treating him like a baby when we read. I tell him it's just like sharing a movie, only we happen to be in his room, and as well we only read books that all three of us like.

Hi Kim and welcome. LBT is indeed a good place for support. A "fluffy" band. That's a new term for me. Do you know what he means by that exactly? Good luck with your fill tomorrow.

Congratulations Cyndi!! How are you doing now, just over a month out?

I love it!!!!!

1. 20 minutes of solitude in the morning before anyone else gets up. 2. Taking the long way to work. It takes me 8 minutes rather than 5, but I get to go through farms and vineyards. Beautiful. 3. The angel that looks after me at work so I can do what I have to do. She runs interference when needed, screens my calls, cuts through any bureaucracy that befuddles me, respectfully and gently bullies me to get my paperwork done and makes me tea when I'm tired. 4. A few minutes each day to listen to music alone. My tastes are sometimes quite alarming to others. 5. Anticipation of the evening home with my family and pets.

You have my good luck wishes, Stephanie. It sounds like the process is humming along. My band buddy Jane and I were self pay in Mexico at the same time. For me it's a chunk of money that I plan to pay off in a year. For her, being a single mom on a low income, it's huge. However, just last night we were talking and she said that it's the best investment she ever made, the financial sacrifice was well worth it, etc. So I guess what I'm saying is, all this hoop jumping will be worth it. Hang in there.

Ahem.........I check in on the latest postings on this thread about addictive personality disorders and what do I read but stuff about abusing sheep. You guys are sick sick sick. (What makes me think you already know that! LOL). I may just have to pack up my identity and become an American! In a huff, I may add.

Good idea for a thread, Booty. Here are some things that usually work for me: 1. A large glass of cold Water with lemon that I drink fairly quickly. 2. A cup of tea. Herb tea's ok for me but I really love a good, well made cup of Darjeeling. 3. A walk or some other activity like calling a friend or checking my email. Anything distracting. 4. A Werther's sugar free butterscotch candy. They're yummy and have not aspartame. 5. I almost forgot about blueberries. A small handful out of the freezer and allowed to thaw for a few minutes. I love them as much as anything and they will take my mind off any "bad" stuff I'm craving. That's pretty well all I do.

Credo, glad you found the site, too. Congratulations on your banding.