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In the case of that I have a legal obligation to step in and report to child welfare services because I am a mandatory reporter. Hopefully this will be my last year as a teacher. I really don't like the job. It is thankless and I am noticing that I just don't have the patience that I used to. I don't want a job where I have 5-6 hours of "homework" after I am finished at my job. I would like to come home, workout (of course) and then just spend the rest of the evening with my BF doing whatever we want. I have had to give up our season tickets to the symphony and the theater because I just don't have time to go. Plus we just moved to the central oregon area in June and I DON'T LIKE IT HERE. The people are rude and the landscape looks like nothing can live over here. We are trying to find jobs so that we can move to Western Washington (even though right now they are under 8 feet of water!) because that is where my family lives. Only problem is this lap-band bill that I pay every month makes the income that I need very high. Oh well...it is worth it. Even if the dang scale isn't moving. Good NSV though...the last three shirts that I had in my closet this morning are all too big. The scale has not moved but I am losing size like there is no tomorrow. I will take that over the scale not moving any day! Have a good day. My kids are state testing today so it is nice and easy for me!

Hi 7s :wave: I haven't been on since before Christmas and thought I'd come back because I "need" this group. You all help keep me in check and I've been lacking lately. Some of it is self pity, some of it not, but I'm tired of finding excuses so I'm here to get back on track again. Just before Christmas I was having some pain problems with my left breast. As you know I had a lift and implants in November. Well in early December one of the incisions under the breast opened a little. My surgeon stitched it up and put me on a week worth of antibiotics. Two days after that script ran out I was feeling some pain in my breast again. When I went to clean the area, I noticed there was a milky white discharge. The stitches were still in place but it was oozing from behind them. I didn't want to do anything wrong so I called my surgeon spoke with him about it. He asked if I was running a fever or if there was swelling or redness in my breasts, to which I said "no". So he told me to meet him at his office the following morning and not to eat anything after midnight just in case he needed to go in and take a look around to see what was happening. So Christmas Eve at 8am I'm in my surgeons office and he has his emergency team with him. He tells me he'll need to go in and take a look around and if he finds anything out of the ordinary, he'll have to remove the implant. This news upset me as I'd waited such a long time for them. Not only that, my mind was already tallying up how much this surgery was going to cost and how much it would cost me in the future to have it replaced. He told me if he did have to remove it, he'd only be removing the one and leaving the other there. The implant would still be under warranty so I wouldn't have to worry about the cost of that. At that point I was almost in tears because I was still worried about the addition costs; bringing him and his team out on a public holiday, the anesthesia, the post-op drugs, the follow-up surgery; everything was mounting up in my head. Then he told me the best news ever. It would all be done at no extra cost to me. I could have kissed him right then and there. After all the drama I've had to go through with the insurance company for my lap band surgery, (oh and I'm still having drama with that, but that's another story for another day) I couldn't believe what he was telling me. But I digress..... So he went in to see what was going on and it turns out I'd developed an infection. There was good news and bad news. The good news was he caught it early and there was minimal damage to my natural breast tissue. The bad news was he had to remove the implant and clean out a protein build-up that was causing the infection. So now I have 2 different sized breasts. It's been emotionally draining and if I'm honest, a lot harder to deal with physically than my lap band surgery. I've been very moody. I've had to keep in constant contact with my surgeon and visit him sometimes twice a week. He's been very protective, and while I certainly appreciate that, it's tiring have to visit him so often on top of trying to heal, trying to enjoy the holidays, trying to keep my eating in check, trying not to be a total biatch!!!! It's been a battle I've lost more often than I've won. My weight has been up and down. Thankfully it's not gone back into the 200's yet *touch wood*. I've been down to 194 and up to 198 and it's hard trying to keep out of the fridge and pantry when I haven't been able to head off to the gym and walk those thoughts off on the treadmill. But I got the all clear to exercise again yesterday and I've been able to get my gym fix (albeit a little more slowly) the past two days. I never ever thought I'd miss exercise! :confused: I guess that's a very unexpected NSV that I'm proud of. Anyway ladies, it's good to be back again and be able to get all my frustrations out. Thank you all. You're the best. :kiss2:

Oh I guess my post went to cyber land too.. I got off the computer about 7:45 last night Candice - You did very well on your holiday !!! CONGRATS ON YOUR 2.5 LBS WTG GIRL Yea on the exercise and gum or altoids will take care of the breath issues:wink: That was a great nsv :ohmy: Karla - how did you cut your finger I missed that one. Breakfast - yogurt - fruit - granola - lunch meat & cheese - eggbeaters on the weekend (omeletts) - hard boiled eggs - I have even had 4 oz of fish, chicken or meat for bf Lunch - one pot wonders - left overs from the night before usually just protein and veggies sometimes a litte carbs Dinner fish fish fish ( you will learn I have eaten cat fish for the last 21 months - still not sick of it) but do change it up to steak - chicken - turky meatload - one pot wonders - and 1/2 c rice and veggies. Snacks - choc fix - jello sf dark choc pudding cups - WW fudgecicles - hand to mouth feeding 100 c snack pack popcorn. - SB ceral bars or Fiberbone bars I still use regular dressing - but my salads are smaller and I do try to stick to the 2 tablespoon serviing - I had the top of a cobb salad for lunch on friday ... Try diff kinds of food you will find what works for you I hate it when my angel gets me up at 4 - to go out - when I get up at 5 !!! Ok back to work - TTYL

Linda - don't know - when i find out i will let you know - it use to be just counted as a veggie (all six muffin) back in the exchange days - You are too kind - I will be needing these pep talks in 6 months - just warning you all - this is how i am all gun ho and then slowly the motivation wanes.... MsPris - is your doctor going to do the surgery for free since she injuried you... I would be real pissed off - has she done anything to make this up to you?? Jackie - Thanks for the fyi on the bugg - so if i burn 2500 c a day and only eat 1000 - thats 1500 thats truely getting burned so that would equate to almost a 3 lbs loss in 6 days. Yes I would like to see biggest lossers #'s too - I would DIE if i had to work out 5-6 hrs a day at the intensety that they seem to - but this is all t.v. too - those guys (producers whomever - cut that stuff up so much to make you go wow) Brandy Congrats on the 4lbs Ok Sunny - NO MORE ICE CREAM !!!! I am glad your infection is clearing up - NO MORE ICE CREAM !!!!! Janet the dreaded food cop is on the prowl.... Will try and call later in the week - This is going to be short i gotta go watch Dancing with the Stars... Linda Congrats on the nsv - i am off 1 bp med but still on the antenoal sp Ruby - I MISS THIS TOO - I think i need to call for another fill I am back to eating 1 -2 cup food - and do you all want to know my wiggle room was this weekend - 2 lite beers & 1/2 of a slice of cheese cake... Bet the scales don't move on thrus day... Lynette - CONGRATs on getting back in the 100's - that is just too friggin fantastic..... Jeannie - Shout out to you - we haven't seen you in a while. Appleblossom- I don't count point - I count calories and Protein only - i just use the WW balance food groups way of eating I also weight & measure my food 90% of the time - veggies i don't worry about...- I am not into this low carb stuff - I gotta have a little carbs - rice - potatoes - Pasta - bread - can do whole grain etc - but gotta have those carbs - I just limit myself - I only did the point system once on line - I think i would get like 29 pts a day for the weight i am right now (215) - Truely - I take a litte from WW - Dr OZ - Bob Green - really anything on weight loss issues and digest it and keep what i want and get rid of the rest - just like everything else "EVERYONE IS AN EXPERT" Ssankofa - My exercise buddy Great on the walking - i know how those periods are - back when i had mine the first 3 days i bled to death.. Glad those days are gone for me. I walked 3.5 miles in 1 hr today... OK gang - this will be quick - I just wanted to ck in real fast - had to pay bills tonight UGH and stopped by for a sec to see how everyone is - since i wasn't here this weekend - Saturday (my wiggle room day :0) not cheated did you all get that - but my wiggle room ) I was at a charity bowling thingie - that included lunch - my 1st game w/no beers 25 score - 2nd game with 1 1/2 beers - 95... did ok at lunch little salad w/dressing - about 7 penne pasta w/red sauce not the white and about 3 oz chicken.. Sunday felt like i was getting a cold (Phyl glad you didn't) so made ck Soup... Well its 8:42 gotta go watch my danceing w/the Stars... Will talk to ya'll later OK Food Police going off duty :speechles- fooled you - i am on your shoulder watching you.... Remember healthy choices !!! xoxox Sweet Dreams

Ok GF the 1st thing you do is go buy a stupid scale - then you weight 1st thing in the morning after you have peed & pooped (i know tmi) and weight totally naked !!!! If you aren't weighing in the same clothes then there is no way to tell.. Just keep on keeping on - what the carbs and drink your water - how's your restriction doing - it's not going to come off over night - some weeks I only lost 1/2 a pound - but all those 1/2 adds up each week and each month... I think it's the full moon !!!! Kari - Wii Fit & EA are my new transfer addiction - spent 6 hours yesterday playing the diff exercise games - alot better than sitting 6 hrs in front of the computer on my butt.... Yes I went today and ck'd my crops - see I have lost ALOT - well it's just a stupid computer game - so no biggie - I am loving my Wii - and have been too busy at work to play there since Karri is coming to visit on Friday - So no can't say I have quit forever - just not my main priority right now.. Since you aren't going to the gym you should invest in one ... It can become your new transfer addiction too... And it's alot more healthier for you... You will reap real benefits not imaginary ones :0) Have you gotten your passport yet !!! OK girls - run to my house !!! We can swim - plant flower- play Wii and all eat healthy together - it's not really about losing 5 lbs in 2 weeks - that's a big big amount in 2 weeks - it's about staying on track or getting back on track if you have fallen off.. That's all - who care if you only lose 1 lbs - its a loss and that's what truly matters... Phyl - sorry that Earl's being a butthead - wish I had some advice there - but alas I'm single for that very reason don't want to put up with the 3 days of bad - even for the 4 days of good - I can do that all by myself Weigh in isn't till Friday anyway - and I don't think I will make the 5 either and I hiked on Saturday - played 6 hrs of wii yesterday and 1 hr today and have been eating well.. So don't sweat the 5 lbs - just keep on track - we all know that some weeks the scales aren't our freinds no matter how hard we work.. Hugs - Tomorrow will be a better day !!!! Ok 23 months out and I get to report a NSV !!! Today was legs w/trainer - he had us do walking lunges - Well guess what - I can touch my back knee on the floor !!!! it's taken 15 months of working out - but I can do it - I can do it !!! Well it's 9 I haven't eaten - my spinach is draining and so I am off to eat... Keep up the good work girls - you are worth it - the scales might not show it today - but in the long run they will... Hugs & Sweet Dreams

Good that you took some time for yourself! And, celebrate those NSV's! We'll all have to work on the "fat girl thinking"!! We went to the Navy support facility today... I had my heart set on these shoes I saw two weeks ago and didn't buy! DH intimidates me about buying shoes... he thinks all anyone needs is two pairs of shoes! So we go back today to do some grocery shopping and now the smallest size they have is 7 1/2... way too big for me. AND, I wanted to look at clothes. First couldn't find anyone to help me, then only a guy. He says "how can I help you?" I say, " Do you have any clothes that aren't size 2 teeny bopper clothes???" He says they don't have any plus sizes anymore. I'd already figured that out so I had an attitude!! So I told him he also didn't have anything that anyone over 30 would wear!! So I went home frustrated, and with nothing but cauliflower, lettuce, etc.!! I did get some Tostito Queso in a jar.. only 40 calories for 2 Tbsp. Figured I can use 1 TBSP in my eggbeater omelet in the morning. I found something called "Coromega" Orange Flavor Omega 3 Supplements.. about the consistency of yogurt or pudding, in squeeze tubes that you can either squeeze directly in to your mouth, or onto a spoon, or into something else like yogurt, etc. Only 20 calories, once a day, no sugar or artificial sweetner, colored with beta carotene, no dairy, yeast, wheat or gluten, tastes decent. I found it at Costco.. but Janet & I were told about it at a support group meeting we attended at her dr's office. All these body image issues you gals are dealing with are getting scary!!

So...just got back from Anchorage...I didn't have good access to the internet and I don't have the time/patience to read everything that I've missed...I hope nothing BIG, but if there was something big I expect that someone will fill me in. So I had my second fill on Wed. afternoon. Put another 1.0 cc in = 2.5cc. I didn't feel any restriction and that afternoon I was able to eat a baked potato and small salad (Wendy's has internet access so I was there for a few minutes checking some email.) :huytsaoI called him and said that I'd like more so I went back in on Fri. and got another .5 cc put in. he did a check and pulled it all out to make sure there wasn't a leak and it all looked good. :)So now I HAVE RESTRICTION! And GOOD restriction at that! I was getting a little jealous that everyone was only eating a little bit and I could eat...well, more than that. So now I've been cut off! Now, I just have to get over the "head hunger"! :hungry:I had lunch with a friend the other day and we had chicken legs and salad. I got through the salad, had two bites of chicken and got stopped up! I had a real hard time with having food still on my plate and I hadn't eaten that much! I even picked at it for about 15 minutes, but just got more and more uncomfortable so finally I stopped. Carbonation doesn't bother me though (tried a diet Coke yesterday and was fine, but I didn't drink it fast either). So, maybe I'm on my way? We'll see. I head off for my cruise in a few weeks and I definitely won't feel all sexy, but definitely better about myself.:biggrin1: OH.....NSV! I went to get some jeans (mine are FALLING off of me) and I had to go down TWO sizes! It was AMAZING! I felt good having to go back to the racks for a SMALLER size!:clap2::whoo:

Linda - You are such a wonderful person for all the community work you do.. How's the mentoring of that girl?? How's the spanish going? Congrats on the NSV (and yes it was) that's pretty cool and nice that DH asked you - don't know if he gives you props often - but that was one imho -------------------------------------------------------------- Good Morning Gang I got my packing done last night - do you know that this whole liquid crap in a QUART size bag - OMG - I don't know how the expect a WOMAN to get all her makeup (face mascara lipsticks eyeliner)- hairspray - gel - lotions - wrinkle creams - eye cream - deodorant - toothpaste - shampoo - perfume all in that little bag. (Yes gang I am a makeup junkie - beauty junkie) Yes I know that this rule is only for carryon - but I am just going for the weekend have a small bad no need to check - this is just a dumb rule imho.. My quart bag is stuffed - I hope they don't make me throw stuff away.. Well, plan on going to the gym in a bit - since I won't get to exercise tomorrow - but I am not as addicted to it as our darling Karri - I am sorta tired this morning - went to bed around 11:30 last nite up at 6 so hopefully this coffee kicks in. Sorta getting nervous about this weekend - I really don't know anyone and we have a whole group who knows each other coming from KS - I will do fine I know it - but you guys would never ever believe this I am a little on the shy side.. I know that I don't come across that way - but that's my cover up - I play like I am the confident women - but really inside I am a 2 yr old.. Also here is another interesting fact about me that you wouldn't know - I am an introvert - yes me - after all this play like a grown up - I am going to be wiped out.. And again - it's the whole thing about still being a fat chick in my head - But I will plug forward and over come these issues - I do practice what I preach - Fake it til you Make it :w00t: Well - it's 7 need to get my butt in gear - well maybe another cup of coffee - I have to leave here around 10:30 -11 to get to airport by 11:30 - plane leaves at 1 - this whole thing about getting to airport to sit around for 2 hrs - again stupid... P S airport isn't big and this time of yr shouldn't be busy - but this was the first place that made me take my thong sandals off - ya right like I had a bomb in them OMG I am turning the news off - stock market tumbles - gas $7 - this is the reason that everything is such a mess - if the news would report positive stuff then maybe things would be at least a little more positive and not so negative ... OK - going to get dressed - will cbl:tongue: If I don't - I love you all - will miss you guys (will go thru withdrawls 2 day without lbt)

:tongue2:Karla, YOUR quilting retreat sounds like HEAVEN to me!!! I chuckled when I read about the skinny dipping - sounds like something I'd do. OHHH the food sounds wonderful too... this year you won't be able to eat 1/4 of it... what a NSV that will be eh? Someday, I would love to visit Montana it sounds lovely.. I love rugged out of doors.. guess that makes me a natural born Canuck hey!!! Back from my bike ride with DH, I thought we were gone 45 mins. but DH tells me no, it was more like 1/2 an hour:frown:

It's been awhile and I'm sorry that I've not been on here more, I love reading the motivated posts that people put here on a daily basis.....and right now, I need it. I know my eating is no where near where I once was, but it's been getting harder and harder to stick to it. Even with one fill, I got little to NO restriction and find that meal time can be larger than I want. I don't snack most days, between meals, and I don't eat sweets at all, but when it comes to food....and sometimes not all the good kinds of food, I find I can eat more than when my stomach says, "OK, you are full, you can stop now!!" I hate going down that road again. I want to feel the motivation and excitement once again......my only saving grace is that tomorrow I go for me second fill and pray that the restriction is more noticable this time!! I thank God for this band every day, because knowing my past history, I would have sabotaged this "life change" once again. Now when I fall off the wagon....I at least have the band to rein me in. I admire all of my fellow bandsters and their stories and personal successes and feel your pain when somedays are not as good as others. I enjoy all the NSV's that each of you are experiencing more and more!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I knew with my second fill that my eating would dramatically change, so I ate good all day until dinner and then went to Red Robin for my "usual" and it was good.....but my stomach is saying, "Was it really?" I'm feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. Why don't I know how to say, "No more?"....ughhhhhhhhhhh Anyway, I will quit whining and get back to my Quantitative Methods book......take care!!

I AM SOOOOO JEALOUS!!! I want one now!!!! I've been wanting one for a while, but I have others things I have to buy first...you lucky duck!!! Marcy, first, congrats on reaching 238!!! That is wonderful! As for what you mentioned above, I think you're talking about sliming and not PBing. Neither one is fun, though. Appleblossom, I am loving the fall colors/theme you've got going on w/your posts! Citygirl, I'm sorry about your fill drama. I go tomorrow for my first fill and I hope it is pretty uneventful. I'll let ya'll know how it goes. Chris, YAY!! You got your fill. My first is tomorrow. And look at all those NSVs!!! Congratulations. Sorry about the bill. That bites, but I'm sure you'll be able to appeal it and win.

I'm so glad Natalie called you! She's the best! She's the best part of going to Dr. K's office! I do love teaching! I taught a class at the hospital last week and I loved it. I always love it! I went to Haiti as a Missionary when I was 19 years old and taught 1st thru 3rd grade and English as a Second Language. I loved it! I would love to go to a foreign country and teach again. When I graduated in 1985 from college, I was offered a job in Pusan Korea to direct a language school. Instead, I got married and worked as a Juvenile Probation officer. Can you imagine me, as a JPO? Where do you live Mini? I know the hospital where I work has a good scholarship program too, but I'm not sure how much they'd pay for me to get my masters. Tonight, we went to the mall. It was nice to just walk around. I used to never like the mall because my knees and feet hurt so bad. Now, I love it. I think that's a nice NSV - being able to enjoy the mall.

Hi Back from Red Robin. We had a small group tonight - John, Dee and myself. Woofay thanks for letting us know. We had them save a large table and enjoyed it for the three of us. John has almost lost 100 pounds since last August. I am flabbergasted (I think that is how you spell it) - just amazed. Dee is well on the way to recovery and doing really well in the weight loss department. Way to go Banditos! We all took a box home with us, man, times have changed. The three of us sign a Dr. K card that I brought, then Dee is going to include our picture from tonight in it. Thanks Dee! That's it from Red Robin. I love the NSV's and want to add - Looking good in a belted outfit Having plenty of seat room in an airplane Feel confident being me when I enter a room and instead of wanting to hide I think there are lots more, but those come to mind. Hugs all, hope more of you can make it to RR next month. Michelle

Hi Everyone! I've been Traveling with the Band. I drove to ABQ on Easter for a Dentist appt. on Monday. Yes, I travel over 400 miles to see a Dentist. Insane! NO! I have had the same dentist since I was 10 years old! I have only seen 1 other dentist in the last 34 years. I'm never nervous! He is a good friend of mine! AND I was the Lap Band Marketing Queen! I had some of Dr K's cards from my previous appts. You know the ones they give you with your time on the back - well I passed them out like candy! Everyone noticed my weight loss! It was such a pat on the back! Everyone knows someone who needs the surgery, so I would give them a card and my speech and then I would remind them that is has to be a very personal decison. And if someone had asked me last year at this time if I would have WLS, I would have told them absolutely not. They need to be patient and loving with their friend or family who is overweight. Give them the information and allow them to do the research and make the choice. The funny thing about seeing my friends and family was that everyone said I look like I've lost more than I have. I think when a person is my size, they wear very baggy clothes so they appear much bigger. Yes, I am huge, but I think with the baggy clothes I looked larger than that! This weekend I wore more form fitting shirts (my same huge and now very baggy pants - I only own one pair of 3xl - so I have to wear my suspenders.) and people were shocked! Someone at work said, "Hey you have boobs!" I replied, "I have always had boobs, but my tummy is now smaller - making my boobs look bigger." I guess you can call that a NSV! Okay Friends: Tina - we do need to see some recent pics! You my dear need to see some recent pics! It's such a pat on the back to see yourself in pics after you've lost weight, even if it's just 10 lbs, it's good to see the change. You're not a bad bandster! You're human and I think you're doing very well! I think I was like you before surgery. I never really ate poorly, I ate whole grains, lean proteins and a lot of veggies and fruits, but I was a bulk eater. Now I'm thrilled to be able to be satiated on a small amount. I think that is why I force myself to get a take-out container when I'm out and separate the food out before ever taking my first bite. Then I close the container and put it on an empty chair. What is on my plate is for me to enjoy and savor and what is in my take-out container is for tomorrow or later. It keeps me on track. Because I know my weakness! Amieru - Dr. K told me I could start riding my recumbent bike at 3 weeks and I could start swimming after I saw him at my 4 week appt. I think it's fine to start exercising, BUT I'd just send a quick email to Natalie and clear it with her. (how's that for a response from a former Telephone Triage Nurse?)

Shelbi, I love you too Sweetpea! "A drive by post" that made me laugh! When I worked in the Ped's clinic doing triage, I used to have the parents bring their rash covered kids to the parking lot and I'd run out and check to see if they had anything contagious! We had a kid walk into a very busy clinic and play in the waiting room and he had the measles! After that we called it "Drive By Rashes" Fun huh? I'm glad you moved that appt up and they figured out what was wrong with hubby! I am sorry to hear it was an MI and there is a block! But I'm glad you have a Cardiac Cath scheduled! Things will get better now and you can get him on the road to being a healthy guy! I hope you enjoy the beach! I'm jealous! Brandy, I'll take you up on that plan -- visit a male stripper at his place of employment AND then we'll find me a man! I hope I didn't offend anyone with my post! I was actually asked out on a blind date for tonight, BUT I got really scared! He's someone I met online! I actually come off pretty well online and on the phone... it's the in person meeting that causes men to suddenly forget their wallets and have to go and get them -- then strangely enough, they never return! It's funny how men can get a picture of me in their minds, even if I've told them that I am overweight. They get this fantasy imagine in their heads from my voice. I've been told I have a nice phone voice. One of my parent's Moms has a 1-900 number and she makes a lot of money... she called the NICU once to see how her grandbaby was doing and I answered. She told me, I could make more money working her 1-900 number than I made working as a nurse. She said, I just had one of those voices. (I have other stories, but it's best not to share them online.):wink2: Mini, I'm going to get a sports car after I'm smaller! Another NSV is that I can now get behind the wheel of my daughter's car EVEN when she has the seat pulled way up for her short little stature! She's 5-3, I'm 5-10. Big difference and previously, if I didn't put the seat back before getting behind the wheel, I'd be stuck and not in a good way! Eek! See ya! dee~

Hey! Does anyone think those pink peeps are Band Friendly? I just wondered! I actually hate those things, but I called you all "Peeps" so I wondered if you are all Band Friendly! Finally, the end of my long day! An extra shift is a BIG NSV for me! Previously, I would never work 3 - 12's in a row and if we were extra busy and I had to go in on call, I made sure it was not backed up against my long stretch on! I would have died! WELL, I just finished working my 3rd - 12 and I'm going back on Saturday to do a 4th this week. It may not sound like much, but last night I was there til 9pm and tonight til 8pm. I get there at 620am. After work tonight, I went to Lane Bryant to get some new undies! A smaller size! Yeah BABY! Hi Fatwidow! I remember you really well! Nice to see you're back. I remember we talked previously about having the Band when your BMI is high? Mine was over 60 when I had my surgery. I have done very well and haven't regretted my choice once. The thing that made me choose the band is because there is no cutting of the stomach. RNY aka Gastric Bypass and the Vertical Gastric Sleeve both have to cut the stomach. IF my band failed, I would try to do it without another surgery. IF I found I couldn't make it on my own, I'd get the sleeve. BUT I would be very afraid of it because of the cutting of the stomach. The risks are higher when your stomach is cut. That is just my opinion. My insurance insisted that the Band wouldn't be a good choice because the weight loss is too slow and I have so much to lose. I have had several friends get RNY. One is totally disabled in a nursing home due to problems related to her surgery. She's 38 years old. Another weighed almost 500lbs and she had her surgery last June. Almost a year ago and she's only lost 90lbs. I can't say that's bad, but it's not necessarily quick! The band is slower, that is usually true, but it's not the case with everyone. Every person is different, regardless of the surgery they choose. It has to be your decision. Go to Obesity Help and read some of the posts on each forum. Ask them questions about their surgery... read about each procedure and the pros and cons. Good Luck! Mini! I think my fill is good. I'll be ready by the 19th of June for my next one, but for now, this one is doing it's job! I don't like to be too tight, I try to listen carefully to my body and stop when I get my runny nose (my soft sign). Mini, did you call and get a good rate at the Holiday Inn Select? Deb! I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Select in Parker several times. I stayed there 3 nights in a row during a blizzard 12/06. I work at the hospital in Parker and they couldn't get nurses in and we couldn't get home, so the hospital paid for us to stay there for 3 nights. They drove us there each evening and picked us up each morning. The beds are ultra comfy and the rooms are lovely and very clean. I then stayed there again during a spring storm and things were just as comfy and nice. I read on here where someone, I am sorry, I can't remember who, stayed at the hotel and they went out of their way to treat her nice. She had lost her pre and post-op meds and needed the enema for the night before surgery and her pain meds for after the surgery. She didn't have a car since she flew in and came by taxi. Someone from the hotel went to Walgreens and got the meds for her. I thought that was so nice! Mal! How's it going Sweety? Anita! Are you going to be at Red Robin's next week? Michelle! Lovegirl! How's life? Don't forget Peeps, Red Robin June 11th, Wednesday @ 7pm at the Red Robin's at Arapahoe and I-25. Hugs to all! dee~