Band_Groupie

LOL...nope, don't remember that one! DD's fav was 'Pat the Bunny' though (she's 21). Thanks!

Slap received...OOOOW! Thanks for the warning!

Fingers and toes crossed doodlebug! Sherry-that is too cute! What a poet! Oh, and I'm in that no-date-yet 'hopeful' group, thanks for keeping us in order (wild little bunnies that we are)!

Thanks Lena...you always know just what to say...so true.

Ben- Maybe I'm naive, but I'd guess MOST of us had to make this decision in our own mind before we really involved the others in our lives. It is a huge deal for us and a last resort...I think we had to get to the point in looking at this where WE were OK with doing this. I know I had already made up my mind before I broached the subject with DH and I wanted to have enough information to give him before telling him. I did try to involve him (since he's the only one I'm telling) by taking him to several seminars and my surgeon's consult, mainly because I need him to know what's involved after. I can't say he truly 'gets' it...at 6'3" 190# he's always been thin. He still thinks it's a bit extreme, and he's seen me diet down to very normal weights before (I have been able to be a success dieting), but he's also seen me gain it all back plus more many times. After living through six months of seeing me prepare for this I do think he's coming around...it's not that he hasn't been supportive the whole time, but at least now he sees how important this is to me. I know he doesn't get the blogging thing at all, but like you I just started off trying it and found it suprisingly cathartic for me (especially because I'm not telling others). I tend to vent all my issues here and just writing it helps me, even if no one listens. Is that self-indulgent...probably, but it's about time I started taking care of me for a change and that includes the head stuff as well as the LB (can't believe I can finally just say that). I don't think I'll be successful without working on both pieces at the same time. I know the hardest part of my deciding this was the 'selfish' part...I had to decide that it was OK for me to be at the top of the list for once, it was OK for me to spend the money (although most is ins.), set aside time to exercise, time to track food, and time to blog and get my head stuff out and support from others who understand. No one is perfect, and I'd do some things on this journey differently too. Keep on your path, you know you're doing what you need to for you. Have I felt guilty along the way for taking time and money just for me...sure, but like you said, I know in the long run of life this will make me a happier healthier and longer-lived person and that will benefit everyone around me. When you're happy with yourself then others will be happier with you. Sorry for the novel, but just know you're doing the best you can and stay the course. As I tell my kids all the time -Life is about choices and the results or consequences. You never know where those choices are going to take you. -BG

DD is now down to her last 6 weeks of college and the stress is reaching an all time high. I’m getting calls from her several times a day…usually just to ‘unload’. She’s getting a double major and taking her hardest classes ever, she waitresses most evenings until late at night (and they have a new, mean, manager) and she’s been sending her resume out to everyone (and their brother) and is getting mostly rejections (like everyone graduating this Spring) but a few replies (but not anything close to what she’d like to be doing), and she’s trying to set up a few interviews and she doesn’t know yet if she’ll be moving or living at home until she’s settled on a job…so I get the stress, and we're both emotional women. Short pause… I’m kidding…Actually, I do love that she still calls me when she needs support. I’m learning that you’re a Mom forever. My Mom is certainly a person I still call for advice and support all the time. I’m glad DD still needs me. Just one thing…I’m less than 6 weeks from surgery (which she has no clue about, since I'm only telling DH) and I’m at an all time stress level too…just ask DH…Short pause… Actually I no longer use tampons…hysterectomy, but the visual is fitting for what follows. Yesterday DH had been bugging me (nicely, but I know things are already bad at his work/new job duties and he doesn’t need this) because I can’t get a date yet for my surgery (can’t schedule until my 6 mo. is done April 1) and he had to make excuses twice yesterday for trips they wanted him to schedule the end of April (he already has 2 trips planned the beginning of April, so I asked him not to schedule anything the last 2 weeks until we get my date)…then family members were calling me about the two graduation parties...then DD called me for the third time that day to unload that no one will work for her Friday night...you would have thought it was the end of the world…she has an interview in Pittsburgh Monday morning, so I’ll pick her up Sat. instead, but apparently that’s not what DD was freaking about…she’s worked extra hours for everyone else several times over and…yada-yada-yada, you get the picture….DS1 came home and unloaded about his big Senior Project that is due for his HS graduation...then we were eating dinner and DH realized he forgot to go to DS2’s mandatory track parent meeting last night…DS2 freaked out on me because he instantly thought he wouldn’t be able to be on track…well, you can guess…DH unloaded on me and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back/the perfect storm…I blew...WHY IS EVERYTHING MY PROBLEM/FAULT...oh, yeah, I'm the Mom (didn’t even see it coming, but I suddenly became aware that I'm more stressed out than I thought I was)…even DS1 came in to see what I was yelling about…yikes, apologies all around…I hate yelling…there’s a make-up track parent meeting tonight, crisis avoided…everyone is happy...good thing poor DH is traveling the rest of this week, he needs a break from all this...I need a chill pill. Short pause... If you've made it this far, thanks, and I apologize for the vent...I'm sure you have enough stress in your own life..who needs to read about anyone elses. It just pointed out to me that although I'm so sure about this LB decision, I'm unconciously more stressed about all this (and everything else coming together all at once) than I thought. Today's mantra...

Apparently, after reading up on this a bit, I'm officially a 'Scale Whore'. I get on the scale every morning...always have...skinny, fat, dieting, not...It doesn't matter, it's part of my morning ritual. I'm not obsessed with it, and I get that your weight fluctuates, but I find it to be motivational, both losing and gaining. I don't get all the posts about only weighing yourself once a week. There are even whole 'movements' to throw out your scale completely (not on any WLS site I'm sure)...but that's like saying 'I give up'...or at least it's like throwing away all your mirrors (Oh, the horror!!!)!! It's like finances...if you aren't watching, if you're not paying attention, things can get away from you quickly. There are even whole groups online who pledge to each other to only weigh once a week like it’s an addiction and you need a 12 step program…Hello, I’m BG, and I’m a Scale Whore. I'm really not making fun; whatever works for you is what you should do...absolutely. I'm just saying I don't get it. Is it really a big deal…it must be for some, but I don’t get how? Why do I need to wait a week to tell me if my week of binging made me gain two pounds or 10 (yea, I get it doesn't always show up right away)? Why do I need to wait a week to tell me if my extreme workouts are helping me to lose or gain (because I'm putting on muscle)? To me it's like that smile you give yourself in the mirror every morning after brushing. You’re just checking your teeth after you brush them. Does this one day of brushing really change your overall dental health, nope. Does it change anything big to look at that smile every day, nope. But it reassures you to see that smile every day...and if your gums are bleeding today, maybe you'll brush longer tomorrow.

I was just wondering this (skins/casings) last night as I ate a chicken/herb sausage for dinner...I figured it would be a 'get stuck' item, but I hadn't seen anyone mention it yet...Thanks. -BG

Hey there. Pre-band here, but I wanted to comment on the complications (I groaned when I read "googled..." because I've been there). I don't think it's a bad thing to be informed about all the possible complications so you can be aware, but you can't help but be scared reading them too...ie. I am planning to ask my doc for an anti-nausea medication in case I get a stomach bug during the healing period so I don't loosen anything by vomiting. Just remember this is a pretty safe surgery and you can find people who have had terrible complications with just about any procedure. I'd rather have to wear powders/creams under possible future skin folds the rest of my life than be fat for the rest of it. Regurgitating (PBing) should only happen if you don't follow the rules or if you eat something that get's stuck...you may have some of this initially until you learn what you can/can't eat. Those people who keep there bands so tight that they're vomiting daily aren't following the rules either and many cause their own complications because of it. Many people have said they've never PB'ed. I guess you have to weigh the possibilities against your desire to be thinner...judging from you last list I'd guess you're willing, like I am, to risk complications and a few PB's to get healthy and live longer. -BG

SWA to the rescue...poor Julie Ann! We really do need members in every city! WOW, that's some great pre-planning Lena!!!! I was going to say ask at the desk (some of the higher priced rooms may have scales), and I'm sure you already thought to see if the hotel has an exercise room (if anyone else you're with is staying/convention'ing' at a different hotel you can check there too). If you're REALLY desperate every hotel has the name of a local doctor to give sick travelers...I'm sure if you call ahead they'll let you walk in a check your weight...they might think your crazy, but just flash them your SWA card. You can do this! Making good food choices is second nature to you now (remember your rules) and if the menu is already pre-set, ask each day what is for dinner, if you can't eat it fill up on your supplies you brought before dinner then just have something to drink at dinnertime and make an excuse for pushing your food around your plate...I'm not much help am I...sorry, newbie here. Hang in there JA! And Lena's pre-planning ideas will help with your next trips. -BG

I think this is a good idea too. I got confused because I started in the April '09 forum (asking for names) and then I found this thread under pre-op (there are other people over there). Hope this is OK (and not to stop this wonderful thread, just continue it there), I started an April MASTER THREAD in our April '09 Forum like the other monthly groups have so we can get everyone on one thread in the right place (since we won't be pre-op much longer). ***Sherry/Sissy- Will you please post the date schedule you so nicely made for us there in the master thread so the other people can add their dates? Thanks so much for taking the lead! OK Bunnies follow me to the MASTER THREAD and start posting. Click...HERE

Excellent! Thanks for letting us know...hope you feel better soon! -BG

Glad you're healing well Sherry. Hang in there and have a peaceful week. -BG

hannah- Here's an old answer I gave to this question. I believe the new Realize C should be out widespread soon (honestly, even given that choice I still would have picked the LB). AP Lap Band vs. Realize Band If you do a search there have been lots of posts comparing the two. I did my research and ended up picking the LB, but I know the end results for both as far as weight loss are almost identical. The new Realize C is supposed to make them more equal, but I didn't have access to the new one and only a few surgeons have it right now since it's in the trial stage. Here's another recent thread on LBT http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/pics-...-c-band-83453/ And Here Is a Post- Question and Answer to it from Dr. C (same doc), from the OH site Post Date: 1/2/09 7:50 am On January 1, 2009 at 12:20 AM Pacific Time, Spoken4 wrote: Hi Dr. C, I am scheduled for my banding next week and my doc offers both the lap band and the realize band. I'm having a hard time finding differences between the two and was curious as to your opinion. Of course I would want to chose the one that would offer the best results with the least rate for complications! Thanks in advance for your expertise! - - - - - - - - - Currently I'd probably recommend the Lap Band, I like it about 55%/45% over the 1st gen Realize band. There is a new Realize-C band coming out soon, we have already put it about 20. I think it makes them both equal in my mind as there are some improvements to the C. Your surgeon probably does not yet have access to the C however. Trace W. Curry, M.D. -- Lap Band, Realize Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy - - - - - - - - - - - Pic/Difference between (Dr. Curry site) http://www.thebanddoctor.com/messageboard_BB/viewtopic.php?p=1501#1501 Differences between Realize-C and Realize: -new pre-curved circular design as compared to previous model which is a straight piece of silicone with a balloon on it, which results in almond shape when locked -larger band accommodates wider variety of BMI's -wider adjustment range, from 0-11cc (roughly 4cc in Realize-C equivalent to 0cc in Realize) -band extender for ease of passage behind stomach (this is tab protruding from the end of the Realize-C, which gets snipped off and doesn't stay in) -unlockable design for easier revisional surgery -radio opaque tubing can be seen better on Xray -one way valve at end of tubing makes testing and preparing band easier for surgical tech I did my own research and decided on the LB (I had a choice of LB or the old Realize that most surgeons still offer, I did not have an option of the new Realize C). Do your research and pick whatever is right for you, obviously they all can work well.

The Irish say Everyone has a wee bit of Irish in them on St. Patrick’s Day. So being a wee bit Irish today I set off to find out about everything Irish. Even the Obama’s are Irish today. Michelle and her leprechauns dyed the White House fountains green today. Pittsburgh's own Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) was named Ambassador to Ireland today. It’s all about this guy… If you don’t wear green you’ll get pinched by everyone but your boss (sexual harassment and all that). I sent both of my boys off to school without reminding them…no green….BWhaahaahaahaaha (evil laugh). Hey, teenage boys getting pinched by the girls…I think I did them a favor. If you tell people you're Irish they have to kiss you...keep breathmints on hand. Of course, they eat potatoes and corned beef, but they also eat some of this today…I don’t even want to know…haggis… They drink a LOT of this today. This pic is of Guiness beer, but it looks the same as Irish coffee with clotted cream on top…to the Irish, it really doesn’t matter as long as it has alcohol in it…and after awhile the pub bartenders can serve either and no one knows the difference…it’s all good… After a few drinks they run around looking for their Pot-O-Gold… …or if the line at the Port-O-Pot-O-Gold is too long they use this one… Then they dance the Irish jig…and apparently if done fast enough you'll eventually levitate through the air… Then they fall down into the grass and look for these… And if they're really lucky, they'll catch one of these guys...probably passed out right next to them... A toast to you on St. Patty's Day.... For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness For each and every day. Slainté! (health)

I tried my hand at making a Bunny Bandsters glitter name below. If anyone wants it click HERE and then copy the actual picture including the bunny peep (not the codes) and paste it into your signature (need to go to your 'user cp', then 'edit signature' and paste it in there). I hope it's the right size. -BG :-)

Hi all! I'll be in April also...woot! I get my date April 1st when we submit for approval (they respond within 3 days). FYI- since someone asked...I have a choice and after researching I selected the Lap Band (surgeon will decide which size during surgery). I also had a choice of where to put my port. It's been a long year but it's finally coming to an end...yea!

Wow you're doing great! Your about at my goal weight (I'm 5' 8.5") LOL! Hope to join you in a few weeks! -BG

Just curious...do you know how many calories the Nectar has (it doesn't say on the website). Thanks! -BG

Congratulations! And WELCOME to LBT! I'm hoping to join you in April! -BG

Thank you for this post! -BG

I'm pre-band, but as a 'professional dieter' I already know that this is a good decision for me. I've lost major weight on diets like WW before, but keeping it off is another story. It's normal to be nervous before surgery (and starving). You'll find that many people who do well with the band no longer post on LBT because they're out enjoying life...and those with problems do come here, so the percentages of what you see here is not really what is happening. I'm sure you saw at your seminar the statistics of how well people do with the band. Only you can say if you're ready for this or not. As they say, 'the band is only a tool' and it won't work without your hard work (many that are having a hard time is because they thought the band would do it for them). For me I wish I'd done this many years ago. Good luck! -BG

-shirts with sleeves that turn my arms into tight sausage casings - no energy - trying on everything in your closet for an important event and still not feeling pretty - crossing your legs is suddenly painful Good list!

The Irish say Everyone has a wee bit of Irish in them on St. Patrick’s Day. So being a wee bit Irish today I set off to find out about everything Irish. Even the Obama’s are Irish today. Michelle and her leprechauns dyed the White House fountains green today. Pittsburgh's own Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) was named Ambassador to Ireland today. It’s all about this guy… If you don’t wear green you’ll get pinched by everyone but your boss (sexual harassment and all that). I sent both of my boys off to school without reminding them…no green….BWhaahaahaahaaha (evil laugh). Hey, teenage boys getting pinched by the girls…I think I did them a favor. If you tell people you're Irish they have to kiss you...keep breathmints on hand. Of course, they eat potatoes and corned beef, but they also eat some of this today…I don’t even want to know…haggis… They drink a LOT of this today. This pic is of Guiness beer, but it looks the same as Irish coffee with clotted cream on top…to the Irish, it really doesn’t matter as long as it has alcohol in it…and after awhile the pub bartenders can serve either and no one knows the difference…it’s all good… After a few drinks they run around looking for their Pot-O-Gold… …or if the line at the Port-O-Pot-O-Gold is too long they use this one… Then they dance the Irish jig…and apparently if done fast enough you'll eventually levitate through the air… Then they fall down into the grass and look for these… And if they're really lucky, they'll catch one of these guys...probably passed out right next to them... A toast to you on St. Patty's Day.... For each petal on the shamrock This brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness For each and every day. Slainté! (health)