Dontondan

I have told pretty much everyone that I know and everyone that I don't know. I have educated a lot of people on what having a band is like and how it can be sucessful for some and not sucessful for others. I have NEVER run into anyone who has been unsupportive and have probably changed a few overweight peoples lives forever by giving them information that they didn't know. I always use it as an "ice-breaker" or to get the word out to someone that may be helped by the procedure....I guess this is my nurturing nature. I am so proud of my accomplishments (good health, exercise, weight loss and my attitude of life) since my banding date. I would yell it from the rooftops if I could stand the heights!!! I feel badly for those that don't have supportive people around them to help them through the rough times or to reinforce the positives of Lapband. I have run into a few people who just are uninformed and I use that aspect to "educate" them on the benefits. I am a walking, talking, living, breathing sucess story for the Lapband and if they "think" otherwise, I just pull out my "before" pictures and explain to them the changes in my health in 6 short months! Changes their minds really fast!

I don't really know how I feel about this article. It is not any of their business what her medical condition was, but I have not kept my banding a secret as I am very proud of my decision to take my health into my own hands. I think it really stinks that she was terminated and nothing is ever truly "confidential" in that sort of situation.

Julie, I was feeling tired too and the Dr. put me on Vitamin B 12. It seems that did the trick, so you might want to have that checked at some point if you continue to feel tired. Donna

HOpe the third fill is a charm. I had my 3rd last week and so far so good, the scale is moving again.

I eat them for convenience, mostly, when I make stuff that I can't have that the family is eating. Very handy and they are fast and easy.

I miss my bread and french fries!!!! I try them every so often, but usually end up in the bathroom! Sometimes my cravings get the best of me.

I know how you feel. It is a hard decision to make, but I ended up saving so much on food bills and drive throughs that it was substantial amount each month. I love my band and it was worth the sacrifices to get it done. My family is so supportive of it now that I have my health and energy back. I was lucky though and got some of the amount reimbursed by my husbands insurance....I wasn't expecting it, but tried anyways and got 1/2 of the money back. It was like Christmas when that check arrived.

Are you able to do the liquids okay? I got my 3rd fill done on the same day that you had yours. I have really good restriction now, but have also had a few PB-ing episodes where I haven't chewed enough or tried to eat too fast, but my liquids are staying down and I can eat mushies okay. I would definitely check in with OCC and see what they would recommend. My band is very "fickle" anyways and a lot of things set it off! I am slowly learning what will stay down and what won't. I have problems with chicken all the time, but some days I can handle it. It can be very frustrating (and embarrassing) at times. If I eat out in public I have to be very, very careful or I will have to run to the bathroom....was really bad the other day when there was a line at the ballpark! I made the mistake of grabbing 3 french fries from my hubby's order....that was my own stupidity....I was in a hurry and you guessed it, I PB'd and had a mouthful and got down to the restroom and there was a line! I was turning green and totally grossed out and ended up spitting it up in the garbage can in front of everyone waiting....that was lovely! Glad I won't ever see those people again! LOL!

No PCOS, but have been able to decrease my Metformin (for diabetes) a few months ago and may be able to discontinue that and my blood pressure medicaiton this September for good! I also was on medication for high Cholestrol, but stopped that after my surgery. My cholestrol levels are normal now. I am looking forward to being able to stop all of my medications at my next Dr. visit in September. This was an added plus from getting banded and losing weight!

Looking Good!!!!

I am over 6 months out from my banding and I do occasionally have a small amount of Diet Pepsi/Coke. I can't drink much of it, just a small amount, but it is so refreshing. The carbonation bothers me so I let the ice melt in it for a while and it is better. I only use it for an occasional treat as it makes me burp/fart too much!

Kim, I also have some problems with fruit. I have to peel everything, eat very small amounts and chew the hell out of it. Banana's get stuck, Watermelon also is a problem for me...I love it and can't stay away from it, but it makes me burp! No problems with berries thank goodness, but peaches are tough on me and I love them. My band is so fickle!

Great story, Keep up the great work!

I have to tell you, YOU LOOK GREAT !!!

I like to use the 100% Whey Protein (vanilla or chocolate flavored) stirred into my coffee instead of creamer in my coffee in the morning. That way I get some of my protein in and save on my creamer. It isn't "perfect" but it works well for me. Or I mix some of the vanilla flavored mix with flavored yogurt and it is like a creamy cheesecake flavor....use your imagination, okay? I just buy my protien at Walmart....cheaper!

Those are too beautiful, brought the tears again, especially the one about the butterflies as I always tell my babies when they die in my arms that they can go and chase the bunnies and butterfly's in heaven now..... sniff-sniff!

Can't wait to hear about the big payoff!!! What jerks, to do this, they deserve to lose their money!

Garage Sales are even cheaper if you have the time to browse. I can get anything for 25 cents! I have gotten some beautiful clothing from garage sales. I buy several sizes so I have some to shrink into! Much cheaper than Goodwill or Salvation Army stores.

Mona, those are too beautiful! I would love one, but have far too many lost loved ones to count, and it makes me cry to see the pictures.....I am still grieving several pets (I lost quite a few in the past few years). I will never get over some of them. I have to say my life was blessed with such wonderful companions.

I think every three months to get together would be a lot of fun, and with the cost of travel it would be reasonable. I am having a rough week right now......need a fill really bad, I have it scheduled for next Wednesday. YIKES!

Awwwww, Daisy is adorable. I love the fat cat too. My puppy is getting so big now.....she is in that "leggy' stage and is so clumsy and cute.

First off this is not a Diet! It is a lifestyle change that wlll help you with your food intake. There are rules and they have to be followed for the rest of your life in order for it to work. It is not for everybody, but for most it is a Godsend! I am 49 and have lost over 50 pounds since December. I am realistic and know that it will take me approx. 2 years to lose my weight. I am happy with my progress and think that this is the first time that I don't think that I will gain the weight back as I have changed what and how I eat dramatically. I have never lost this amount of weight before and I feel so good physically now that I feel that I can keep on losing. I am healthy now, as with the weight loss I have "lost" my diabetes, hypertension, GERD, and high cholestrol! There are so many benefits to having the band. I have also met a lot of other bandsters on this forum that are a wealth of information and support. I don't view this as "another diet", but a change in my physical and mental health.

Thanks Michelle, I knew you would be able to help me out! Lynzz--No we all drank our liquids before eating.....they just didn't remove the glasses! You see we also had our leftover boxes because we didn't join the "clean plate club"! LOL! My son ate the leftovers that night!

Uh-oh, didn't work, maybe someone can help me get this picture on.

http://a196.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/image...bca9e03c19e820b I hope that this works! Not a computer geek! This is a picture of Hanna, Amber, Anita, and Donna