Trav

Keep in mind, you don't gain it all over night...(though it may seem like it), you're not going to lose it overnight either.

I on the other hand had eggdrop soup...that I actually liked...a lot.

Do be truthful, if I could stand the thought of sticking myself, I'd do my fills myself haha. (true story coming) I was sick real bad one year, and my father has a farm, so I went to his place, measured out some anti-biotic by weight, and gave myself a shot of cow anti-biotic haha. I'm not saying I'm cheap, but I have a hard time justifying a trip to the doctor when I already know what's wrong with me. (the main difference between that stuff and people stuff, is the buffer solution is different. The animal kind is an alcohol suspension and burns like hell, but is effective.) Or the time I took some tribrissen for horses when I had bronchitis. (also works for strep) My cousin's wife is a vet haha.

took me about a week before I could eat my broth without feeling like I was in gastro-intestinal distress.

unknown border crossing? This wouldn't have happened to have been a hole in the fence would it? lol.

...but if you get one that needs to be kickstarted or run on on 220v, it may be time to admit you have a problem. *smirk*

mine gas pains settled in my teeth.

Something else to consider, if you've got a 14cc band, and you're at 14cc, it may be time to consider a revision. By revision, I mean getting a smaller band. I'm sure you don't want to have to put yourself thru that again, but it's something that you might want to discuss with Dr. O.

nothing over 25lbs for 3mos, but some heal faster than others...don't push yourself.

if you have meds that are extended release, you cannot crush them. If they're small enough, you can take them slowly, however, if they're huge..(like I know prescription motrine is), you'll either have to go to a compounding pharmacy if it's not offered in liquid at a regular pharmacy, or get the children's version and take a double dose. (that's what I do with ibuprofen, and it comes in lost of flavors haha.)

I hate articles like this, because the way they're worded, they make it seem like the band was at fault. It wasn't the band, it was the cleanliness of the facility. That's also why I refer anyone who asks me about my band to the OCC, because some caregivers in the US, simply don't care...from the orderlies all the way up to the doctors.

This last week I've been slipping on taking my vitamins. I have a computer consulting business on the side, and did some work for a chiropractor friend of mine. The place I had to work at had no heat and were I had to work was up against a brick wall. Bricks, stone, and concrete will leech body heat, (just for future reference). Now, that being said, one of the functions of red blood cells is carrying oxygen, but if you're iron is low, it can also make you feel colder. (Also why old people always complain that "it's cold in here") If your hematocrit count is too low, it means that your blood doesn't have a very high red blood cell count (37-49% is normal), and low grade anemia will cause you to feel the effects of cold more readily.... Needless to say, normally that room wouldn't have bothered me, but my hematocrit count must've gotten pretty low, because after only a couple hours I had uncontrollable shivering, teeth chattering, and my temperature got down to 94%...(my normal temperature is around 96.5-97.4....)..while two degrees doesn't sound like alot, that's a sign that your body is having a hard time keeping up with the elements. So it can be concluded that your iron is low, because you're body is does not have enough nutrients to perform their metabolic processes to generate body heat. Afterwards, I ran a low grade fever for 2 days, (almost flu-like symptoms...but trust me, it wasn't flu)...and had to drink copious amounts of fluids..(I was sweating like crazy, once I got my body back up to temperature.)...you can really knock your internal thermostat out of whack and it's not fun. So the lesson here....TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!!!!

I'll post some 6 week scar pictures here in a bit. They're not that bad for 6 weeks, and will fade in time. They're really great at the OCC, they use medical superglue for the external bits so they leave very small scars...(myself personally, I've used regular super-glue on some cuts and had no scars haha.).

I have an I.T. and Medical background, so I'll give you my take. Carmalita has a better "stick" than I do...(and I used 16ga and 18g needles on people so if she can stick better than me, that's sayin' something.) All the females there were very sweet to everyone that was there the day I had my surgery. All the males were very patient and attentive. The doctors and nurses were all concerned about their patients, and were more than happy to answer questions, or ease people's concerns. Now, I've been in a few hospitals, (not as a patient), but I have seen the care some people receive, and I will tell you that beyond the shadow of a doubt, the OCC centre is a top notch facility. I received better care there than I would have in the states. That being said, they have things set up as an assembly in process only...but the process doesn't feel like you're part of an assembly line. It's fast, efficient, yet attends to the patient's needs. On a scale of 1-10 by US standards, I'd give it an 11.

The common advice while you're banded is to switch to liquids, and this seems sound....liquids are easier to throw up anyway.

lol, I didn't say we were, I didn't say we weren't. ;-)

Keep in mind, Dr. Gaby wants to make sure that you're healthy, after all, it's her job. However, it's important to set an easily reachable goal, and then if you feel like it, set another goal. Remember she's trying to get you healthy, and a loss of 100lbs is definitely a healthy goal to achieve, and reduces your risk for co-morbidity associated with obesity. (Obesity is such an ugly word in my book.) That being said, shoot for that goal, then if you get there and you're happy fine. If you still want to get that "*barf* am I pretty yet?" look, then feel free to adjust that goal. When I set my goal, I didn't need any help, I said 180-190, I got no argument...even though I've weighed as little as 159, 180-190 is realistic, and though I'll be a little on the chunky side, it's a healthy weight for me.

in regards to getting a fill, while according to the 'schedule' I'm due, but I'm not going until January. I've got just enough restriction to keep from eating like crazy, actually I'm eating less than 1/3 my 'normal' consumption, which Gaby said to use that as a guideline one when's a good time to go. Still though, as it stands, I'm happy...instead of eating enough for 3 people, I'm eating a sensible meal for one, and I'm pleased with that. I'm going to enjoy it. For so long, I just wanted to eat like normal people, instead of "that guy that can eat a whole pizza and a half."..(I hold a pizza eating record that has been unbroken for 20 years....if that gives you any clue). ...I appreciate you guys tryin' to play match-maker...but how do you know we're not already talking? ;-)

oh, and there've been many times that I've whipped up my shirt and shown people the scars haha. "Yup that's all there is to it" "Oh that's not so bad." It really puts people at ease.

what works for me, is to hold the food in my cheek and gnaw at it only swallowing a little bit at a time. It's not pretty, but it's a good tactic for me. I have a problem not taking big bites, (I have a big mouth haha)...so that's how I cope.

I've found that people are generally accepting and supportive. I've been working in an auto parts store till I found something better, and even the customers are curious. I've had about 9 people that wanted more information, and a couple that have opened a savings account to start saving to have theirs done by Dr. O. Also, that's a pretty reasonable time to go back to work. I could've went back the day I got home.

all things being equal, I'd agree with you, but when you "meet all the expectations" save the one unknown...yeah, trust me, it was the weight. Funny thing is, she wasn't even the type of girl I usually go after, she was cute, but in that un-prom queen kinda way. Most of the girls I date are usually pretty striking in some regard or another, (not that I plan it that way, it just happens that way.)..but she was really cool and funny, and to me a personality is much more important. It's just really depressing when you lower the bar a lil' and you still get shut down haha. Apparently when you lower the bar, you also lower everything else. I stick by my original evaluation, she's a shallow jerk. Funny thing is, I know someone who does groove on me for me, the downside is, she's married haha. (that's a whole other can o' worms)

no problem, I'll keep you updated in case I lose some more. I'm in 38's now, but my 40's are kinda junky and wouldn't feel right about those. luckily my dad lost a bunch when he had back surgery, so I'll be able to wear his old stuff.

sorry I haven't been on very much lately. I only wore 'em a week before I got too small to wear 'em. So I'd take $10+ actual shipping for 'em I think one pair is levi's and the other is like a wranger painter's type jeans, I can take pictures if you'd like.

Weight loss/gain always presents problems... I had my first date since my surgery, and it kinda pissed me off. We got along really well over the phone, but I got that "I'm sorry there was just no chemistry" bs answer, (translation: you're just too fat to be attracted to)..."but you're a really fun guy"...that's really the only thing it could be, because we talked until they kicked us out of the restaurant...but yeah...that really stung. Someone you go out with once, and then don't know you..."sorry, but no." Maybe I'm just bitter, but I really don't have room in my life for vain people who would date me, but would be ashamed to have me around people they know. But then at work today, a girl i went to gradeschool with was like, "Wow, you really are losing weight." and I go "Why? Am I gettin' kinda hot now?" and chuckled, "Well, yeah.."...so that made me feel a lil' better.