TexasTerry

Hello from another Texan. I had BCBS and had to self-pay also. GEEEZZZZZZ, you think they would want you to do something that makes you healthier. I know...that discussion could take a whole nuther message board to explore! lol Keep in touch. Terry

Back Rubs! Back Rubs! My DH would rub my back - I had those nasty pains from the gas they blow you up with. That and my heating pad were what I wanted most! Terry

Welcome JDru, I use to live along the Wasatch Range a bit to your south some years ago. It certainly is beautiful. I moved back to (west) Texas, but I do miss the beautiful scenery from there. Hope you the best in your band journey! Terry

I'm old enough to remember my mom making pop corn in a pot with a lid. Thats how I learned to make it. However, now I just usually buy the microwave stuff - unless I make popcorn balls for Halloween. (Wow haven't done that in a while either! lol) Terry

I was off for two days also. I thought it was my computer, but noticed that the posting times were "old". Terry

Love handles to hold onto! Terry :mad:

The VG band is short for VanGuard Band. Its the larger Inamed band and is made with little pillow looking sections on the inside instead of one smooth innertube.Thats not a very scientific way to describe it, but if you Google it, you can find some websites with pictures. It has greater adjustability and is theoritically supposed to be better at not causing stomach erosion. I guess time will tell. My surgeon called it the "Very Good" band. lol Terry

Restriction is an elusive thing in my experience also. But I'm also a new bandster with one fill in my VG band. What I have experienced is the night craving munchie monsters have gone into hiding. I eat somewhat smaller portions also during the day. So, for now I'm waiting on my next fill in a week and trying to work my tool! Terry

Wow! way to go. If I could get "Down Under" I'd love to join ya! Terry

Mert, I'm a fairly new bandster myself. I didn't feel any restriction after surgery either. Remember, you are in healing phase, not weight loss phase. I had to keep telling myself that because I really wanted to get the show on the road and start losing. I've had one fill in my VG band. My surgeon is very conservative in his fill approach, but I trust his skill and judgement. I would say I still don't have restriction, but I don't have the food craving, especially at night that used to plague me. I'm losing slowly. I have another fill scheduled for next week and as much as I would like him to cinch it up tight, I know he won't. Dr. Smith does his fills under Fluro. It was very interesting to watch. He started with 3.5 cc in my band and had me swallow some barium. I could see that nothing was going thru and he said he needed to take a little out. He made sure the barium was slowly flowing out my pouch. I think this is better - I've not had any PB issues. Yes, I would like to lose faster, but I do think I'm taking the healthier route. Hang in there! It is a waiting game. I have to tell myself all the time to be patient. The weight is not going to fall off over night and I have to make good choices and work with this tool! Terry

Dr. C, My surgeon provides the full version of this for his patients. I think it is great! We were given a "secret password" to access it after our Initial visits. I also liked how the full version gives the patient an opportunity to write down questions that come up while viewing. My thanks to you and all surgeons that provide information and support. Terry:)

I had a similar problem, but found it was more from the antibiotics that my surgeon had his patients take after the surgery. I talked to his nurse and she said that "thats not doing you any good, so stop taking them." But yes, I still have the Olympic issue myself now and again. I think our bodies are wondering whats gonig on and how do we adjust to all this. You post was a good laugh (the way you put it). My kind of humor. Terry

Picardy, I feel your pain. My last two years at school were not real pleasant due to the Assistant Principle. She really had no people skills. Our staff got an e-mail just before school that she had transfered to another campus. I did a "Happy Snoopy Dance" in the house! Her replacement is a calm, respectful and pleasant man. I think this year will be better already! P.S. - I am also a Music Teacher

Very interesting. I notice that most of my scars on the left side of my abdomen. These pictures indicate the right side. I wonder what the difference in technique is? I have no reason to doubt my surgeon and feel he is extremly competent. Just curious as to the differences. Anyone know? Terry:)

Very interesting. Terry

I've had one fill and I was really anxious over it. I was sooooooo silly. There was nothing to it. My band doc uses fluro and he just stuck me one time. Mosquito bites have hurt more. Terry

New construction does bring in all the critters as they have been displaced out of their former habitat. Still, it doesn't make it any more pleasant! Weatherford area is nice. We lived in FW when I was in Jr. High (this is ancient history). It probably isn't still there, but Weatherford had a great Farmers Market at that time. It used to be like going out into the country.I am amazed at how much the Parker county area has boomed. Now when we drive to FW, it's just heavy traffic once you hit Weatherford area on I20 all the way to FW. Keep your trees, I would like my privacy and the trees too! Good luck on keeping the BW at bay!!! Terry

I wondered about this too. Some of us teachers at my school are starting a fitness walk. We can log our walking time and weight with the school nurse. More to support each other and keep track of our progress. I'm willing, I need to do something. I commute an hour each way to work and it is a Magnet campus program, so I end up having 11 hour work days. The coach measured a trip around the hallway and its 3 trips makes a mile. I need to get a good pair of walking shoes now. Terry

Cream of Tomato soup and a grilled cheese is my and DH all time favorite comfort food choice. Great anytime, but really good on a chilly night when were too tired to fix anything more complicated. Terry

Wooooooohooooooooo. It makes it all worth it! Keep going Josette! Terry

Honey, that's just life in Texas - (if it doesnt stick or sting, it bites). I don't like those critters either. The tarantulas really freak me out, even though I know they are harmless. I'm ALWAYS on rattler lookout when I go out to our horse pasture. Yes, my husband has killed 2 of 'em out there. Still, I like living here. Terry

Go get a fill gal. Thye don't really hurt. At least not from my band surgeon. I've had mosquito bites that stung more. Terry

I vote for get away as fast as you can. Sounds like he could be a control freak in the long run. Your not the only one that can handle his life crisis situations. He needs to learn to handle those himself. That's what growing up is about. Just my .02 Terry

Mert! Welcome to the banded side of life. Keep walking and sipping Water. I'm a fairly new bandster myself - also in Texas. I think were fortunate to have several really great band docs in Texas! I wouldn't trade Dr. Smith for anything. Terry

Several teachers at my school decided to do something like this for this school year. Were doing sort of a walk to heath. I told the coach, who is keeping tabs on the stats, that I would participate, but NOT take any prize. Yea, I told her why and she was cool with it. Most of the other teachers don't know. Terry