tootsie_lou

Go, Pinky, go!

Wow, Cookie! That is so honest. And yes, you are right to go ahead and write it all down. It is therapeutic for you, and you never know who may be reading it and totally get inspired because they see some of your truth in their own situation. If you have read at all on here or other forums about the "5-day pouch test", the first couple of days is liquids only, and then the adding of other good foods that you can tolerate. I found that the times after I've done it, somehow it feels like some of what I thought was "lost" restriction came back. Also, it helps get the carb monster off your back a little bit so that the cravings for sweets and other junk is not so strong. All the best to you--you can do this!!

Yay! Yay! Yay for you! Congratulations on your decision(s)--and on your casino winnings!! We're all rootin' for you!!!

Hi Penelope! I love what RevYD (Debbie ) said. She said to "start your new life with the pre-op". That could not be more accurate and well said. This is the time you will prepare your mind and your body for this journey. If you have been on this forum much, you will notice that 99% of the people here would do it again, the surgery and the travel to MX, in a heartbeat. Many of us are in the "wish I'd have done it sooner" club. My teenage daughter and I both were banded in Feb '08. If I had concerns for myself, they were one thing. I prayed we were doing the right thing for our 13 year old daughter. We both had positive experiences and would not change anything. If you go to OCC for your lapband, you will not only leave with a fantastic, miraculous tool to help you with weightloss, but also a mild-to-moderate crush on your lapband surgeon .

Hey gang! My daughter, 15 now but 13 when banded, has lost 50lbs and has only had one fill--her original first fill at OCC at the 8 week mark. Just asked her, and she never gets anything "stuck". My "2-cent" theory: she is young enough that she hasn't had the opportunity to screw up her metabolism with a hundred fad diets. She doesn't have to trick her body with high-protein foods or low-carb alternatives to anything. I think that she lost enough of the internal weight, that her lapband is loose enough to comfortably eat all types of foods. I, on the other hand, had my lapband placed at the same time as she did, on a much older stomach (haha) and diet-weary metabolism. I have had 4 fills to date, have lost 65lbs, and still have foods that I won't touch for fear of an "episode".

Hey Amy! We're all excited for you! You're gonna do great!

Hey Donna! I have heard of people doing this with their blood type. I didn't know that heritage also played a part. Is it a website? How do you know what to do if your swedish/german/polish mixed?

Hey Red!! So glad to read that you are doing well and have surpassed your halfway goal (and early at that!). There is nothing like when folks start to notice the changes that losing weight produces. Wishing you a happy new year and continued success! P.S. We have the same birthdate--Happy Birthday (a little early)

Hey Carrie! I would take a look at your "before" and "after" pictures again. You have a lot to show for all of your effort, kid. Try to hang in there. I agree with the previous post--EVERYBODY, banded or not, has an issue with weight gain at this time of year with all of the goodies that are around. The new year is upon us, so make a promise that you'll get yourself through the next few days, and then hit it gangbusters starting next week. Everyone here believes in you!!

Sabrina, Congratulations on what really is a "year to remember". You are an inspiration on this board! (I am so jealous--I just caught your post that you are in the airport with MICHAEL BUBLE!! I love him!!)

Same here Kristi--really sorry to read about your loss. Prayers for your family and safe travel.

Holy sh**balls!! I didn't see that coming! Yay! Yay! Yay for you!! What a Merry Christmas!!

And Stephanie--please do not stab yourself, kid. It is not healthy.

Been there! I go to our bedroom to be away from the sights and smells of food I know I can't tolerate or shouldn't eat. I'm not strong enough to watch others enjoy it--smacking their lips, licking their fingers, talking about how delicious it is, and constantly asking, "are you sure you can't have just one bite?".

Yay! Glad all is well. You've only just begun! Congratulations!!

Great post!! Really helpful.

Oh, testify!! I never had the "stop" button before.

Great pictures! Kristi, you look awesome!! P.S. I love your glasses, too.

Sorry this is going rough on you--hang in there if you can. As was already said, many of us here were banded by Dr Ortiz, who only places your lapband at surgery. No fill until 6 to 8 weeks. This is so the band can heal into place, and you, the owner, can get used to it. Clear liquids are required for the first week, then graduate up to protein shakes, etc. after that. For the hunger pangs, many here use the chewable benefiber tablets to give your stomach something to do other than gurgle. Stay in the fight--you're gonna do awesome!!

I have never heard of anyone dying at OCC either. (You may swoon or feel light headed a little when you see how cute the doctors are, however )

This forum is an awesome place! Folks traveling to MX for surgery can get lists of what to do, bring, and expect before, during, and after. For fills (and unfills) they can get advice on whether what they are feeling or experiencing is normal and if they should wait it out or take action. For my daughter, she is terrified (literally) of needles to the point where she needed a sedative to get her first fill. Advice given on here for what to do (fill or unfill) is a big deal because of her extreme fears over that needle. I agree also that this forum is special in that as obese (or formerly obese) folks, our weight loss is so closely tied to other emotional issues, and we are a gold mine for discussing so much of that here. A little affirmation from someone who's "been there" means a great deal. Asking posters to take a second and consider the feelings of a recipient or reader of a post is not asking too much. Being honest and direct is appreciated. It does not, however, give license to be negative.

Hey Chad-- I checked my browser (internet explorer) and the version was 6.0 so I went to microsoft.com and updated to 8.0. The box now pops up right before my very eyes. Thank you!

Ok, so yeah, it seems it was indeed a personal problem--hahaha! For anyone else that seems confused like me, when you click to PM a member, the screen will go to light blue, but scroll down to the bottom, and the text window is down there waiting for you.

Has anyone had trouble using the PM feature? When I click on "PM this member" the forum background on my computer screen goes to light blue and I'm not getting the text box, etc. like before. Am I doing something wrong?

Hey Sabrina! Can't wait to here about the PS consults! I must say, I am completely in awe of you being able to jet out to the west coast this time of year. With work and all the holiday bustle, I am so freakin' busy! A two day trip out of town would be awesome. Have a blast and enjoy your getaway with your honey!