Stesti

LOLOLOL He so deserves it. Thanks for all your support everyone. I hesitated to put it in writing but why not tell the truth and get it out there. He's the insensitive fool, not me. Love the sassiness Michelle. It sparks things up around here! I've lost 38 pounds and told myself that I would consider dating again at 50 pounds. Dating again?....sooo scary.

Answers to questions: 1. Absolutely not!!!! I am very protective of that number and only my doctor knows how much I weigh. 2. My most embarrassing fat moment is when I was laying naked on a blanket with my boyfriend (candles, music...) and he told me that he liked me alot but would really like it if there was less of me. He felt that our intimacy would be better if I was smaller. I was beyond mortified and cried my heart out. He backtracked and took everything back but it was out there. In retrospect, I should have kicked his not skinny ass out the door but I didn't. In April I finally broke up with this man. I packed up the things he had at my place, threw them in 2 Hefty bags and left them at his door. Needless to say he was quite shocked and I refuse to look back!!!

Hi everyone: I have to second BigGirlPantiez thread about shopping!!!! We had the best time trying on clothes. Not so happy about the shrinking boobs though! Even if you don't buy anything, just try things on see how how much progress you've made. BGP made me try on this adorable green jacket in a 1X. I was shocked to see that it fit. I almost cried. I feel motivated and ready to hit the gym tomorrow. Hope you're all doing well and would love to hear some of your success stories. Stefani

Hi Leona: I was banded in July as well and have gone through some bumps. I think it's normal and it hits us all at different times. I freaked out at having a foreign thing in my body and felt like "what have I done and get it out of me now!" That's totally better now. As for the social thing...I do understand about loosing your confidence. Maybe you were comfortable in who you were and now that your body as well as lifestyle is changing, it's a liitle unsettling. I hate change as well and going out without alcohol as liquid courage is kind of scary. Everyone around you is having a great time and you have to socialize stone sober. Maybe that's OK though. You're a smart, funny and lovely girl who can stand on her own and prove to yourself that you can have a great time without the aid of alcohol I went out with a group of friends Thursday night. It was my 1st time out after surgery and I was a nervous wreck. So I piled on the makeup and wore the sassiest thing I could find.....and I had a great time. I think talking to a counselor is such a wise thing in times of major change. It helps keep you grounded and makes this transitional time not so scary. LOL Who knew that shedding all this weight could be so complicated???? Best of luck to you....I think that once you work through the kinks you'll enjoy your banded life much more! Stefani

Hi Everyone: I saw that Chris posted that he was concerned about hair loss. So am I. I've read that it happens at about the 3rd month. I had my hair cut and colored last night and my stylist surprised me with a starter set of Nioxin. The scalp treatment looks great and there's shampoo and conditioner as well. I know you can't buy it over the counter but your stylist could get it for you. Has anyone else heard of some things that ward against hair loss? I know that there's a possible link due to lack of protein. I'm glad to hear you're all doing pretty well. I was shocked when I saw that I lost a quick 5 pounds after my fill last week. What a relief!!!!

Hi BigGirlPantiez: Hey....you need to help me do the Ticker thing again! I need your help! Your computer illiterate friend: Stesti

I am very close to my nearly 6 year old niece who was adopted. She was 10 months old when she came to us from China. It has been the most amazing experience for my entire family. My brother loves to tell me that they had to go all the way to China to bring me my "soul mate". When she's older, we have very few answers for her. She'll know what province she's from but never a clue to her birth parents. (She was abandoned at 3 days old) She loves to tell people she was born in China and that her Chinese name is Fiji. Best of luck to you. Our experience has been so happy....I hope the same for you!

I am a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown at Neiman Marcus St Louis. I have been with NM and Bobbi for 11 years and am also the Business Manager. LOL I am growing old with Bobbi....thank goodness for eye cream!

Hey, where's FunnyDuddies???? She used to be on here all the time.

Hi everyone: I had my 1st fill this morning. It was painless and I think the anxiety of the needle was so much worse than the fill. My doctor had me lay back and raise my head. He then felt around for my port (which is much lower than I thought it was) and filled me up. I couldn't watch the needle part. After I drank a bottle of water, I was released and will be back for my next fill in a month. He gave me 4cc's. The only downside is that I have to be on clear liquids for 2 days and a day of mushies before returning to a modified diet. Tha's nothing in the big scheme of things. Hope all your fills go as smoothly!!! Best of luck to you all. Ohh, and I'm down 25 pounds. Stefani

I was off work for 2 weeks. I work in Retail on marble floors so I thought I would need that much time. To be honest, I wish I would have taken another week. If you're on your feet at school, don't rush back unless you must. I went back to work 2 weeks ago and still get pretty tired in the afternoon. Congratulations on your band!

Hi there: I have recently ended a 2 1/2 relationship and am faced with dating again. I think I will definately be a "Rules Girl" when I'm ready to date. NEVER or very rarely call a man. I might return a phone call but I won't be doing the calling. Remember, you are the prize and he must be worthy and earn it!!!! Best of luck to you!

Hi Gina: I'm not aware of any support groups in our area. Sorry. What area of the city are you staying in and what kinds of places do you enjoy? I'll try and make a few suggestions for you.

Hi everyone: I was banded on July 14th and will not have my first fill until August 17th. I haven't pushed the limits but am finding that I can eat more than I thought I would be able. I'm sticking to the diet plan and trying to get enough protein and have started exercizing. My frustration level is staring to rise because I've only lost 1-2 pounds since surgery. (3 weeks ago!) I wonder if anyone else is having the same struggle. I'm hoping that the weight will start to come off once my band is filled. EEEK, all this pain and change for nothing?????

Hi Gina: I was banded July 14th by Dr Wagner. I live in St Louis.

Thanks KMO: I had no idea that we needed 60 grams. I'll buy protein powder tomorrow! The nutritionist that I met with was a joke. Just one more reason why BigGirlPantiz and I switched surgeons. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Hi Everyone: Just curious to know how much Protein you are all eating or drinking in a day. Are you shooting for a particular number? I'm trying to get enough Protein, but how much is enough? Any paticular Protein rich foods you're enjoying? Stefani

Baylor Mom (Beth): Please don't get discouraged. You are only 3 weeks out and haven't had a fill yet. I understand how you feel. I called the doctor yesterday because I haven't lost anything in 1 1/2 weeks. It appears that I haven't been getting enough protein. Have you been working out? I went to the gym yesterday and today and feel much better. Remember, your body is healing and I was told that we won't start loosing alot until the band is filled. Stefani

Congratulations Emilee!!!!!! What an amazing accomplishment! You should be so proud. It's inspiration to us all!

Thanks Leona and NatesMommy. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one having weird dreams. I slept great last night and hope that tonight will be good as well. I go back to work tomorrow. I'm a little concerned....I have a National Makeup Artist in and have 110 appointments the next 2 days. eeek That's alot of faces! Good luck to you all in your recovery!

I was banded on July 14th and have been experiencing bad dreams and 1 night of terrible nightmares. This is very unusual for me and was wondering if anyone else has been having similar experiences. Could it be from anesthesia or the trauma to my body? I'm totally perplexed and would like to have a peaceful night's sleep.

This is a fantastic question...one that I've given much thought to. I work for Neiman Marcus and have always felt cheated because the few items of lingerie that fit me were boring at best. I am going to buy the laciest, sexiest, plunging bras, camis and delicate panties that I can find. I am going to torch those big girl undies....never to be seen again!!!:flame:

Hi July Bandsters: Have survived the power outages and heat wave in St Louis. Can I say how scary that was. Colleen's (Big Girl Pantiez) husband came and rescued me from the 100 degree heat in my apartment. My car was at their house and I was stranded. My Mom found me a hotel room in Springfield, Il. so I hightailed it their for 2 1/2 days (lol w my 15 pnd cat!). My power's back on and arrived home last night. I'm feeling pretty good. A little port pain. I go back to work on Friday so I'm going to rest and try to start walking more. I'm so happy to be home! Hope you're all doing well. Stefani

My friend and I are scheduled for surgery on July 6th. We are both self pay and the hospital keeps adding expenses that we were not anticipating. We've heard that you can negotiate fees when scheduling surgery. Has anyone out there had any luck negotiating reduced prices with the hospital? :phanvan

My friend and I are thrilled with our surgeon, Dr Van Wagner. He's very upfront about pricing and very experienced at this surgery. He has a great web sight" Heart of America Bariatrics, LLC" You can ask questions on the web sight and usually get a speedy reply. As for pre testing, our insurance covered it. Our former doctor had the tests coded so that insurance would pay for them. Our surgery date has changed because we switch doctors. I'm very happy with Dr Wagner and we'll be banded next Friday! Today was out first day of liquids and I have a raging headache. This was something that I was anticipating though. Godd luck and let me know if we can be of any help.