Linda23585

Good for you Chelley!!! I think you're finally on the right track!! If you keep up at this pace, you'll be under 200 in no time! Rose, I am hopeful that you have the right amount of restriction this time.

You go Chelley!!!! I'm at 213 now, so I'm sure you'll beat me to "Onederland"!

Chelley, I don't think it's a fluke...I think you're finally on track!!!!! Keep us posted. Linda

I have a large paraesophageal hernia which is an atypical type of hiatal hernia. Some hiatal hernias can be repaired at the time of surgery. I was told by two surgeons that mine cannot be. It took me months to make the decision to actually have the surgery. I was quite bummed out about it initially, but I've decided that I am going to lose this weight anyway.... So many here are so supportive! I keep coming back to read how everyone is doing!

Hi Devo, Every place seems to do the screening a little differently. I had to meet with my personal physician first to get a referral. Then, I had to meet with the dietician. I was not required to meet with the psychologist. However, I did have to write out my whole life's history (well most of it anyway) and include why I thought I was a good candidate for the surgery. (They must have liked my essay because my girlfriend had to meet with the psychologist for several sessions before she could get approval for the surgery.) After what seemed like weeks of waiting, I got to meet with the surgeon. Then, I was scheduled for an endoscopy....another two or three weeks of waiting. It was at that point that I found out that I am not a candidate for the surgery. ( Since then, I've joined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time and I've lost 20 pounds so far. I am determined to be the best Weight Watcher member that I can be...it's either this or the gastric bypass and I just can't get excited about having my anatomy rerouted!!! I wish you the very best of luck!! Bandster at heart, Linda

Hi Cyndi, I can't give you any advice, but I can tell you that I'll be thinking of you on the 17th and wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted, OK? Bandster at heart, Linda

You will find a way that works for you Chelley! I have the utmost confidence in you!

Congratulations on making your first goal!

The film said that even the salads were laden with sugar. I'm not sure if the sugar comes from the dressing, some of the toppings or if they actually add something to it to make it more palatable. I must say that I am in love with McDonald's Asian salad. I plan to check the nutritional content before I order another one!

Hi, My son brought me the DVD Super Size It. Has anyone seen it? It is about a guy who ate only McDonald's food every day for thirty days and the impact that it had on his health. It also addresses food that is served in schools and what we are doing to our youth and ourselves. I'm not sure I'll ever eat at a fast food restaurant again after seeing that film. It made my resolve to lose weight and improve my health stronger than ever!! Linda

I am so sorry for your loss. You sound as if you have done well keeping on the program throughout an emotional week. Take care of yourself....let others think whatever they will. You're doing a great job!

Congratulations! Please keep us posted on your progress! Linda

Chelley, It's so great to have you back on the board posting again! You have so much to offer all of us in our weight loss journeys. Even though your weight loss has been minimal so far, you have been an inspiration to me and I want to be sure that you know it. I truly hope that you can get everything straightened out with the band soon and that you can begin to lose weight again. It must be especially difficult for you to compare your weight loss with that of your sister. Was it you whose mother was banded the same day as well? Linda

You are not being stupid, you are being "normal". Having second thoughts about any big decision is reasonable! I did have to laugh about the lies you told as to your absence from work.....This is a true story....I live in rural Minnesota and work at a hospital. When I was in the Tampa airport waiting for a flight, I met a gal from work who took vacation time so she and her husband could go to Florida. Anyway, that's what she told us at work. However, the man she was with on the flight to Jamaica was NOT her husband. My girlfriend was her neighbor - small world. (She had told her husband that she had a meeting for work in Florida.) To this day, I am unable to look her in the eye...perhaps because she turns her head whenever she sees me. Hope you don't meet anyone you know in Tijuana or at Dr. Ortiz's office!!! Linda

Hi Jennifer, I can't have the Lap Band either. What a bummer to do all of the research and then have your own anatomy be the cause!! What is your plan now? I was told that I can have the roux-en-y, but I have an aversion to having my anatomy re-routed. For now, I've joined Weight Watchers - again. I decided that I will give myself six months and if my resolve to lose the weight and keep it off is waning, I'll rethink the roux-en-y. Best of luck to you! Linda