Woodys

Mine is just under my right breast. Carol

My oldest stepson moved with us from Mississauga to Fenelon Falls (2 hours n/e of Toronto, small village in the country). He wanted to finish his last 3 years of highschool in a small town environment. He had a learning disability and while in the big city his Mom had him enrolled in special ed....he hated it. We were confident enough that he would survive quite well taking regular courses and went to bat for him to be enrolled in those courses here. 2 years later he met a girl that was one grade ahead of him. Up until that point he was coping very well with the regular courses and getting above average grades. Then....once he started to hang out with the g-friend that all changed. She graduated one year before him and decided that she was going back to the big city to live with her Mom. Ben decided that he was going to follow her and not finish high school....they were going to get an apt, he was getting a job, etc, etc. It didn't matter what his Dad and I said to him, he just wouldn't listen. He became very disrespectful and it got to the point that he disrupted our entire household...I didn't really want him around any longer....he took away what ever harmony and order we had in our family, he was horrible to his Dad which I would not accept at all....and his attitude towards me changed dramatically. His Dad and I decided that he had no sense of reality and that maybe he needed to hit rock bottom to realize that it isn't all that easy out there in the real world. So...off he went to the big city, followed the girlfriend.....it lasted 2 months....he hated that she had other friends and some of her time was spent with them, he hated that she worked full time to help pay the bills while he worked 2 days a week and sat on the computer for the other 5.....blah blah blah. He ended up in a rooming house for men that he hated even more.......roaches, loud music, alcoholics.....and more....he begged to come home! At first we said no....we didn't want to make it that easy for him....then he would get the sense that anytime he was in a bind we would quickly bail him out. We told him to go get a better job.....the more money, the better the place he would be able to rent. He hated us for a while.....but now....5 years later he has a full time job as a security guard, has taken part time courses to get his HS diploma, and is now enrolled part time in Culinary School to get his Chef Training Certificate like his Dad. He knows the meaning of responsibility and reality now. Carol

I tried quite a few from very expensive to inexpensive. And.........the least expensive was my choice...not because of price but because of flavour. I drink "Our Compliments" which is Sobeys house brand. Green Tea makes excellant Ice Tea and the lemon compliments the green tea perfectly. Carol

I was really bad for drinking while eating in the beginning but for me too, it caused PBing. I find that if seat myself for my meal with no beverages nearby then I will make it through the meal without drinking. This is a very strange practice for me because I'm so use to always having Water, wine, milk, or whatever with a meal. But.....for the good of the band and losing this horrible mess of wobbly bits around my middle and on my ass, I will do (or won't do) it. Carol

The only time mine has ever bothered me is when I have eaten too much. I was banded June 8th and have had a few instances when it has been sensitive and the only thing I can attribute it to is that I had eaten too much. At no other time has it bothered me, I wouldn't even know it was there except now that I have lost 70 lbs I can feel it when bathing. Carol

I am with Drewslou, I don't understand why you are having your first fill before being introduced to solid foods. Re: decaffeinated coffee....try Nabob Espresso fine grind decaffeinated in the can....it is excellent.....brew it the same as you would any drip coffee...the fact that it was designed as espresso really helps the flavour when processed through a drip coffee maker. I serve it here in my restaurant and the decaffeinated coffee drinkers rave about it. Sounds like you are eating okay except I would watch the prepackaged prepared foods....even Weight Watchers. Some are high in sodium and the preservatives won't do you any favours either. Carol

The following is a direct quote from Dr.Weill. "I don' t believe that most diseases are related to toxic buildups in the liver or that cleansing the liver is a worthwhile health practice. Some health conditions may follow compromised liver function, but these are due to liver damage. Serious liver disease can result from alcoholism or infection with hepatitis viruses B and C. It can also be caused by an autoimmune disease or be the result of cancer. An important function of the liver is to deal with toxins that enter the body. If you are in good health and not overloading your systems with toxic substances (such as alcohol), the liver will cleanse itself very well" From what I have learned through relative courses over the past few years, the liver does not need anymore than healthy food and lots of Water. Try to refrain from fast food, preprepared-prepacked foods, artificial sweeteners, and high fatty foods. The liver has the uncanny ability to rebuild and repair itself so if you start treating it right through a healthy lifestyle then it will detox and cleanse itself. Carol

Thanks Alexandra: I'm so confused...it changes daily...one day I can eat the kitchen clean, the next day I struggle with a few bites and then it changes again. Monday will be one week from the last fill and I really hope that soon I can recognize some consistency with the restriction level so that I know where I'm at. Carol

On my 4th fill the nurse said that my port had turned sideways....she had to go at the fill on an angle...she wasn't too concerned and said that sometimes it corrects itself....and sure enough, when I went for my last fill the port was back in its proper position. I guess I was lucky. Good luck with your corrective surgery. Carol

I did see her before picture....she was featured in a health magazine that they have in their reception room. Carol

Hey Yoda! I went to TO this past Monday for another fill. I'm not sure I'm at my sweet spot yet, I think I ate a bit too much yesterday, however.....this morning I'm having trouble getting a cup of tea down. Anyhow, when I arrived at TLBC and checked in for my fill with Nancy, I asked if I could speak with Kathy. The receptionist seemed to behave a bit strange and then said she wasn't in. So, asked to speak to Nisrine and she said the Nisrine doesn't come in on Monday's unless she has consultation appointments. So, I mentioned the TLBC message board to her but she was so unfamiliar with "message boards" in general and couldn't help me....so, even after a face -to- face we are no further ahead. PS....forgot to tell you....on my second last visit to TO hubby and I was at the bar in the Four Seasons Yorkville...it was during the film festival. We saw Nisrine and Dr. Joffe in a cozy corner....(they weren't up to anything that I could see).....however, it was approx 10:30 pm......Hmmmmmm! Nisrine is very beautiful....I never realized until I saw her that night. Carol

I am a big fan of sushi...because of what I've read on other threads I haven't attempted nori but I can manage the fish, rice, pickled seaweed, and the ginger. Carol

Hi Edie: I have read articles from reliable sources about hanging skin and exercise. Apparently when the muscles tone and build up it helps to reduce the appearance amount of hanging skin. Keep up the great work. Carol

I don't have too many regrets.....but, that doesn't mean that I didn't screw up here and there. I think it would go against human nature to expect that we would not have done some of the things that we feel regretful for......I really don't believe that there is such a thing as a pefect person...not in my world anyhow. I think to screw up is all a part of life and given the opportunity to go back and change what we did wrong would take away our learning process for living life. I married the wrong man and stayed married to him for 21 years. He was good to me and a very nice man but we were best friends and never shared an intimate "man/woman" relationship.....we didn't desire each other in that way. Between the two of us the thought of parting was there the entire 21 years, we just never did anything about it. Now that I have remarried and have experienced what it feels like to have a truly wonderful, affectionate, and intimate relationship with a man....I can't help but feel that most of those 21 years was wasted. But.....I will not make the mistake of reflecting on the past and moaning about what was lost....I will cherish and make the most of the time I have now with my new life. Carol

No Luck at all Yoda. I have a difficult time phoning because I have no privacy during the daytime hours so I email.....I have been waiting for almost 3 weeks now to get an answer from Kathy about a fill appt for this coming Monday....I'm so anxious because I have to travel from out of town and its not easy to find the time when I can do this. Finally....yesterday I emailed Nisrine....for a second time....typed in all caps and said "Please, answer me!" Today I got an email from Nisrine and from Nancy (the fill nurse) that my appt is set for the date and time I requested.....not one word about Kathy. Unless they have a very good explanation I'm going to raise shit....because, $16,000 later I would expect a reply with a lot less agravation and in a timlier fashion. I'll keep you posted. Carol

I own (and am the server) of a fine dining restaurant. It is true that your server was being intrusive and a nuisance, innocently enough, she probably thought she was giving you good service. If this ever happens again be right up front with him/her......you can say this "I acknowledge your efforts to offer me and the others at this table excellent service, however....I order only what I know I can handle for a meal, it takes me much longer to work my way through my meal than others. In order not to draw unwanted attention I would appreciate it if you would service this table only when necessary, thank you." This is what I would hope my customers would express to me if I was being a nuisance or drawing unwanted attention to them. Carol

I have a very different opinion on this Kim and I hope I don't offend you. These surgeons are professionals who deserve what they charge. Just like an artist who produces a beautiful piece of work and charges based on his talent.......to negotiate, barter, bargain with individuals like this I think is insulting. Carol

Thanks Yoda: I have been trying to reach Kathy via email for 1-1/2 weeks now to make a fill appt for Oct 23. I hesitate to contact by phone because at either business I have no privacy and don't want to risk anyone overhearing the nature of my phone call. Kathy has yet to answer me, If don't hear from her by noon today I will have to attempt a phone call....if I do call her I will ask about the message board. Carol

Yoda: I have registered at TLBC message board and activated my account, but I'm unable to post messages or start threads? Have you tried? Carol

Good girl re the ice cream! I think you need another fill. Carol

Yasmina: I live in Fenelon Falls, 2 hours n/e of Toronto. I had a meeting with Nisrine to discuss the price, process etc but I didn't make a special trip to TO for that, I was there on other business. As far as the Dr's consult.....we did it by phone....didn't take long at all. He asked questions mainly about my current health, a bit about family health history, and there was the odd question or two that I'm sure was to test my mental readiness for the surgery. When I met with Nisrine I got a lab requisition for blood work, an exray, and an ECG. It was up to me where I got this work done, the clinic in Lindsay faxed the results to TLBC. They do their best to make it easy for us. Carol

Without a doubt, there is no question that I would do this again, and again. There are 10,502 members of Lapbandtalk.com.......I think the ratio of listed complications is pretty normal considering there are risks with any surgery.....its all relative. Carol

We went away to a resort for Thanksgiving.....I didn't feel like turkey and had beef tenderloin instead. The serving sizes were small...thank goodness....these days I feel overwhelmed when handed a huge plate of food and compelled to eat it all...which, of course, I can't. I only got half way through the appetizer and the entree which was perferct, but I know for sure that if we had company of family or friends at the table with us I sure would have heard about what was left uneaten on my plate. My M-I-L is okay as a m-i-l in general....but she is very very very frugal....and it is not acceptable to her,no matter what the circumstance, that food goes uneaten, especially when dining out....she has also never had to diet in her life! I am also so greatful that my husband never comments on what is left on my plate.....he simply asks me if I'm enjoying my meal. I think we did the right thing this year by dining alone for the first BIG dinner I have had to face. Carol

Lila.....don't ever forget how you felt and still feel about this incident. Remember...the entire ordeal was not worth your "piggly wiggly" rendezvou with food. Carol

Congratulations Laura....I too am only 5'......and last week I weighed in at 149.6.....YOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! I haven't weighed myself yet this week because I was away for 2 days at a hotel for Canadian Thanksgiving. Some of the places that we ended up at to eat did not have the greatest choices on their menus. Even though I don't eat much, I wasn't exactly eating the right stuff either....and I had the odd Scotch, or two....or three or four. Carol