Pinkylee

Barbara4 - We did get our price, and considering the new construction, our comps seemed pretty good. Must have been meant to be. Can't wait to be in your neck of the woods! We're gonna have fun! Congrats on the PS. I'm not so tight this afternoon, and I'm going to quit complaining about being too tight. I'm tempted to eat, eat, eat today. And I'm really hungry. Don't want to put back those pounds I lost while tight!

Pb's are a combination of allergies and stress. If I eat slowly and choose wisely, I'm ok and my energy level is ok. If this continues, I'll go for a partial unfill Cathy. Lisa, you look happy and beautiful. Congrats on attending an important family function much slimmer.

<p>I can eat quite a bit if I eat slow enough (graze is more like it)</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm going to work within the rules as best I can and make a decision on Monday. Last time I was in they told me according to barium swallow, I could get more fill put in, not less.</p> <p> </p> <p>I haven't mentioned it because I whined so about selling our Michigan house, but we've also sold our Pearland house and don't like anything we see well enough to purchase. DS has some room since breaking up with gf (sad - but necessary), so we may crash with him so we don't have to commit to a lease. We're looking for that "final home" to retire in, so we're being really picky. Needless to say it's stressing me out! We have lots of stuff to store or move.</p> Cathy - I have 3.0 in a 4 band and I'll never get more put in.

Junebies: I thought twice about posting this but I wanted to share a milestone in my journey. DH and I were in the car together and a bad pb episode came on. Unfortunately, he was a first time captive audience. The pb's have continued the past few days. He's been stressed over it. Last night for the first time he told me he thought I should go get totally unfilled. Not that I should quit trying to lose, but that I might be more successful without the fill since pb's lead me to junk food. For the first time I felt like someone in my family really understood the challenges I face.

This is a pic from early September. How can I cut this down to size? <p></p>

How about that Biggest Loser? I love the 3 team process and I wish I could vote on who got sent home! DH and I discussed a total unfill for me. We were watching The Biggest Loser last night and he noticed that a lot of the healthy food they were eating is difficult for me to eat. Difficult but not impossible. I'm gonna work on that one. September allergies and some added stress are bringing lots of PB's my way. It's been a while since I've struggled like this. Socalgal looks fantastic in the pics she sent me. Her band diary theme has to be determination.

Socalgal - You're on. I partied at a ballgame last night. Frozen lemonaide and peanuts - cost me a pound! We did have fun so I'm going to say it was worth it. I've done really well today. I'm setting my goal at 185.5 - five pounds from Friday. Pics coming! Leece - Your son and you will have a few chuckles over b-day 5 some day. Good luck on your studies.

You know, you guys are correct. The pics probably won't "prove" much, but it will be fun. By the way - I've been so open today after struggling the last few days. Sigh, I've been munching - protein and small bites of fruit, but still grazing. Tomorrow I will really try hard!

Socalgal - No way are your updates annoying. We need to hear from bandsters that are on the right track. It's inspiring and a positive. I wouldn't dare challenge you to goal, but I would be interested in a five pound challenge. If any Junebie is interested in a five pound challenge - please post. The only rule would be that each person joining the challenge will have to post a before and after photo - same pose, same clothing. Come on Junebies - we've gotten this far. Challenge begins Saturday a.m. Take an early morning weight Take a before picture and post it on the Junebie thread Tickers are optional Who's in?

Socalgal - I'd say a SUCCESSFUL believer! Look at your ticker! You've quietly moved that baby along! Yeah for you! Barbara12, Barbara4 and I had lunch together yesterday. Man was it good to "brainstorm" our band issues. Accepting the forever concept of small portions, eaten slowly and chewed to smitherines hasn't been on my radar in quite some time. My restriction is never constant. I've been unwilling to accept that a meal is sometimes over after one or two bites. Last year I did accept that fact. I saved the meal for "later". I wasn't afraid of a growling stomach. This is a day by day process!

Nana - I'm in Pearland until we move. We sold our house and will close on Nov 4. I've been banded since 06/06 and have lost over 50 pounds. I'm struggling right now, so I wouldn't be too "inspirational" - not gaining, but haven't lost anything since 01/07. I'm just kinda fooling around. Why don't we meet for coffee at a central location? I live near 288 in Southgate (off CR59)

Poodles, a crystal ball sure would come in handy. Trust your instincts. As you say, the band isn't permanent. Would your insurance allow removal and reinsertion at a later date? Cathy - living with depression is bad enough. I can't imagine coming home to more depression. You are a strong cooikie! I'm more than ready to change my forever goal from 159 to 175. Heck, I'd take my old stand by 187 if it came with a guarantee! Happy bday tomorrow Barbaras.

Both Barbara's have a birthday tomorrow. Have a great day gals! Socalgal - you are leading the pack in workin the band. I have one good day and one not so good day. At least it isn't "I'm totally out of control". That was me a few weeks ago.

Restriction for me changes each day. It also has little to do with how well I eat or how much I lose. <p>Each Monday I find myself "turning over a new leaf". I'm still enjoying my Leslie Sansone walking dvd's and the scale is kinder. My ticker is actually accurate this a.m. Socalgal. </p> <p> </p> <p>The key for weight loss for me must be longer less intense workouts. My 20 minute elipticals got me sweating and my heart pounding, but it sure didn't give me results on the scale.</p> <p> </p> <p>Yeah for beautiful fall days!!!</p>

Poodles I am relieved you are finally getting some answers. Aimee's adivce to take a fresh look at all options is very wise. We are going to support you in any decision.

For those of you who have purchased a Body Bugg, Would you buy one all over again?

I can't wait to hear how well your Buggs work. I wonder if it's possible to get one with medical reimbursement money? I'm gonna check! I've had 2 fairly good days in a row, but I can do better. Cathgr8 - I'm going to plan for some healthy snacks today. (raw veggies - I have 3 I can usually eat, tomatoes, radishes and seedless cucumbers and single serve fruit - I can't seem to eat fresh fruit unless it's really ripe) and of course my old standby that I completely quit using - a v8! Yesterday it was dry cereal and of course I had at least 200 calories in cereal before I knew it!

Were those Bodybuggs the contestants had on their arms? WTG Socalgal - keep fishin'.

Dr. Oz will have a special aired on PBS on the role food plays in our health. The show was really great - and with the exception of 4 times a week fish (eww - I like fish, but 4 x a wk?) it was mostly about a healthy south beach type of diet promoting everything from weight loss to longevity. Tomatoes was another biggy in anti-oxident factors. He had some gal eating tomatoe paste every day. Yikes!!! Tonight is the Biggest Loser and it's almost time for me to "zone in". By the end of the season, I feel like I know the contestants personally.

Glad to hear you gals had such fun in SF. Regarding anxiety - according to Dr. Oz on the Oprah show yesterday, eating Omega 3 rich fish (salmon, tuna and other high fat fish) is a big help. He's been doing studies on food myths. 3 London cabbies tried the fish 4 times a week and greatly reduced their stress/anxiety levels. Flax seed is also rich in Omega 3. Suppliments don't do the trick like the real thing though. I have to say that my vitamin chews at night sometimes save me from a snack attack. I eat a multi and a calcium. Not calorie free, but they do the trick. I don't know if the house closing has finally set in, but I had a really nice day. The first in quite some time (depression free). It could be that I've returned to my walking dvd's. Something about a prolonged walk (even inside) must be helpful. Congrats to Cathy and Leece on your recent loss. Your success is inspiring!

<p>Couldn't agree with you more Julie. I've been having sweet cravings and finally went back to my chocolate protein shake in the a.m. It seems to help start the day off ok.</p> <p> </p> <p>I read something in a post on lapband failures. It seems we all fall into one of 3 categories.</p> <p> </p> <p>l/3 of us succeed and get to goal</p> <p>l/3 of us lose about 60% of our excess weight</p> <p>l/3 of us don't lose enough to make the band "worth it" or regain most of what we lost</p> <p> </p> <p>This is definitely my paraphrase. </p> <p> </p> <p>How we fall into the percentages is a combination of our own effort, band complications, metabolism and/or a combination of all 3.</p> <p> </p> <p>Reality bites!</p> I found the quote. Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">RESULTS: Between June 1997 and June 2003, LGB was performed in 317 patients, 43 men and 274 women. Mean age was 38 years (19-69), mean weight was 119 kg (79-179), and mean BMI was 43.5 kg/m(2) (34-78). 97.8% of the patients were available for follow-up after 3 years, 88.2% after 5 years, and 81.5% after 7 years. Overall, 105 (33.1%) of the patients developed late complications, including band erosion in 9.5%, pouch dilatation/slippage in 6.3%, and catheter- or port-related problems in 7.6%. Major reoperation was required in 21.7% of the patients. The mean EWL at 5 years was 58.5% in patients with the band still in place. The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Cindy: I got on eBay to check "used" prices. They are still in the high 200's for used - so that must mean they actually work. Hope your bday wish comes true! The weekend pounds were gone this a.m. That's a relief. Now - for the real ones!

Congrats, Cindy. I didn't have such a great weekend eating wise. I've done better today. I'm trying to get back to my old patterns when I was losing a little. My walking DVD and a more Southbeach kind of diet. So far so good. I'm going to Google BodyBugg. Haven't heard of it.

Thanks for the congrats. DH and I went to Johnny Carino's. Still a little frazzled - first "surprise" pb at a restaurant. I had to kinda duck my head under the table. Not too many near us, so I think I got away with it. I got a salad and after a few deep breaths enjoyed the rest of the meal Socalgal, congrats on those losses!

REgina, Actually we live in Texas full time. The Michigan house was one we have not been able to sell. We had it rented for part of that time, but it was a real money pit. Sandra