Dontondan

I am feeling so confident now that I can handle "food functions" that are coming up fast. First Thanksgiving, then Christmas with all the parties and I am going on a cruise in a few weeks and feeling very confident that I can handle it without going "overboard" with all the foods. We will be sailing on my first Bandiversary....how fitting is that! I am so looking forward to the "fine dining" experience and trying new things, and knowing that I can just eat one bite and leave the rest and pass on the bread basket without having to join in the "clean-the-plate" club. For the first time ever I will check out the fitness rooms, and also take advantage of on-board activities that require physical effort and enjoy it. Last year I was on a cruise for my pre-op diet and that one was a challenge....but I lost weight on my cruise, this year I will be the hot chick working on her tan next to the pool! Donna

You always hear the "bad things" that happen, but there is good presence of the police all around TJ and you will see them riding around in trucks at all hours. Just be SAFE and SANE and use your common sense that God has given you....don't travel alone, or after dark....stay in populated areas....don't flash money or expensive jewelry.....the usual stuff. I have traveled all over the world and you hear this stuff from everywhere, but you will be safe at the Lucerna and you will be safe at the clinic and should have no need to leave those facilities unless you want to. Relax and enjoy your mini-vacation and don't worry so much. Donna

Stormy-girl! You certainly have your probs! Hopefully you are feeling better now and changing meds is not always the answer, I am also on a lot of medications and was all excited to stop my meds as I am healthier, but after seeing the Dr. on Monday they want me to continue on all my medications regardless of not being diabetic any longer and no longer having hypertension! Oh well, I will do what they tell me and see another Dr. for another opinion. I used to take my medications in the morning, but found I couldn't keep them down then and had to switch the times that I take them and now all is well, but my Dr. wants me to take my Diabetes medication when I eat.....well, I will try, but it is a big-ass pill! Can't promise it will stay in! LOL! I would not be able to handle things if they stopped or reduced my Prozac....I don't care how much weight I lose, I still fight with depression at times and my family likes it better when I am on the happy stuff! You can also check with the pharmacist to see what they can recommend if you have difficulty taking your medications...they may have a smaller tablet, or a different way to take it. I never had a problem until after my second fill and then I could keep the pills down some days, but other days would be throwing them back up. Donna

Amen, Cara!!!

Whoo-Hoo! Nice to get into something that hasn't fit in ages......let's you know just how much you have lost. Donna

Great job Mindy!!! I have been sitting so close for a long time now and need to get to the Onederland Post!!! I am so ENVIOUS!!! Donna

This will be my "first" Thanksgiving as a Banded-Babe!!! I am not planning on cooking a thing....going out and sharing a dinner with the hubby. To the rest of my family....they will have to go elsewhere for their pig-out day cause it ain't happening at my house!!! Donna

Shana, You are NEVER, ever alone as long as you are on this forum!!! I am coming up on my 1 year Bandaversary and have never looked back or regretted anything that I have done. I have met many wonderful people through this forum and will continue posting and cheering those that have made the decision to join us. Everyone has their opinions and fears of things that they know absolutely nothing about, you can't change that, but Dr. Ortiz is the best and you are in very good hands....don't lose sight of that! I have never been treated with so much respect and compassion as I have with my surgery in Mexico. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Good luck to you and your hubby and RELAX! Donna

You look great! Congratulations on your efforts and success.

I would take that persian in a heartbeat!!!, but already have 4 kitties here. I volunteer for a rescue group here and we would have that kitten in an adoptive home in a matter of hours. We would have a waiting list for him as persians are so popular here. Of course, we foster, make them healthy and then spay/neuter them first..... Donna

Stormy, We should have talked more this weekend. I too have a Golden Retriever who is 7 mos. old right now, but a girl. I have had several of these wonderful animals and this one is a challenge. Your dog is still a puppy! You are going through a puppy stage (like a teen-ager). I came home today and found my "baby" had eaten part of my couch! My fault, she wasn't in her kennel. Goldens are not "high strung" and are generally great family oriented dogs, however they don't get that way overnight and it takes a lot of training. The nipping at the ankles I think is because she sees you more as a playmate and not an alpha figure in her pack. She really needs to get into some training and I would advise you to be the one responsible for the training. I wouldn't wait very long to do it though as it is much more difficult to get a 100 pound dog under control than a smaller one. Retrievers are working animals and need to be stimulated mentally by training or playing games with him. I think the regression in the potty training is very common in the Northwest. Just keep at it and keep letting him outside to "do the business" even if you have to do it on the leash. Mine does the same thing with my little pomeranian.....but that also is just because she is a puppy and wants to play all the time. Sometimes I sit with her in the house with her leash on so she can't bother the other dog or the cats.....they do outgrow this eventually. Hang in there! Hope this helps some. Let me know if you have any questions that are specific. Donna

Thanks for posting the pictures! Can't wait to do this all again. Donna

Thanks for the Pics Pammie, I was too shocked to pull out my camera! My hubby will DIE when he sees them! Heck I bring back what happened in Portland!!!! Great Memories, for sure! Donna

Pammie and I went out last evening and saw a show called Darcelle XV......it was a "drag queen" revue and it was a total hoot!!! We were seated in the very front row and were able to look up the "ladies" dresses........my only question is....."where do they put their package??????" This was my very first time at something like this and I want to go back and do it again, I laughed all evening. Thanks Pammie for the great experience and it was so nice to meet your hubby and brother, also you have to send me some of your pictures of the girls! Well, I am ready to check out of my hotel and go and do some shopping on the way home. I had such a nice, RELAXING, weekend....Thank you all and I can't wait to meet again. Donna

Stormy---It was great meeting you! I am relaxing in my hotel room this evening and will be going out with Pammie tonight to some Drag Queen Show, should be fun!!!! Donna

I just love hearing the NSV's!!! We missed you today at the get-together, it was a pretty good turnout. Donna

Thanks for the info Julie......Needed it all. See you tomorrow! Donna

You are one hot mama!!!!

Not everyone loses fast....I am an example. I lost pretty well for the first few months and have been really struggling now for the past 5 months. Only down about 5-10 pounds in that amount of time, but the important thing is that I am DOWN!!! I get discouraged sometimes, but I knew that this would be no cake-walk from the get-go. I am healthier now than I have been in years and I feel good for a change when I look in the mirror. I try not to weigh on the scale very often (this is hard). Count your many blessings...... Donna

I feel so badly for you. To have to go through this. Sometimes it is best to cut the strings and start fresh.....I have been through one bad marriage and one that is 26 years strong. I thought my world was over after being so hurt with my first marriage and vowed to never rely on a man again! I found the love of my life 6 mos. after my divorce and have never looked back. We remarried for our 25th year anniversary and will probably do it again for our 50th!!! Stay strong and keep your friends and family close.

So sorry to hear that you were Bamboozeled! Well, now you will be in good hands! I hope that you can get your money back.....and get your lapband done soon. Good Luck

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and swapping stories! Will be a great get-away! Donna

I don't have a problem with iceberg or Romaine lettuce, but can't handle leaf and the "good" lettuce blends. I also have to cut the lettuce in tiny pieces or it won't stay down. I can only eat a small amount of it though, otherwise I PB or regurgitate the salad.

I submitted to my insurance and got reimbursed for about 1/2 of the cost. They didn't cover the lapband itself, but covered the surgical part, labs, and surgeons fees. You have to check with your insurance carrier as they are all different and coverages can vary. Well worth investigating. I just figured insurance wouldn't pay so I wasn't expecting anything, but what a windfall when I got that check! Just figured it wouldn't hurt to try anyways. Donna

Congratulations! What a great milestone!