tootsie_lou

Yeah, I know what you mean. My husband used to refer to the store "Avenue" as my "crack addiction". I used to joke with the girls that waited on me that if my hubby calls, you haven't seen me--haha! Recemtly they sent me a customer satisfaction survey because I paid my card off months ago and haven't used it in over a year. There was a place to free text comments where I stated that I loved the store, clothes, and staff, but I'm not big enough to wear their clothes anymore. (The deals on their costume jewelry are still great, however!!) Congratulations Janet!! Have a blast on your cruise!!

I like to think of it as I need my coffee in the a.m to get my eyes open -- and my stomach to wake up, too!

YAY you!!!

I think it is harder at the outset to decide who will be told and who will not. If you were a seasoned weight loss/gain pro (ie, lost and gained weight on every diet, program, pill, etc) like I was, I know that I was really concerned that I could make the band work for me. I'm not a real "out there" person anyway, so I really didn't want to put myself in a position of having every one know I have the lapband and watching with me while it was another weight loss program at which I failed. I haven't lost weight all that quickly either, so having not told very many folks, I'm not bugged about why I am not at goal a year and half out. My teenage daughter also got the lapband the same time that I got mine. That raised a whole set of issues on its own, because she really didn't want a lot of folks to know she had it. We are grappling with the issue these days because my daughter's best friend is a beautiful girl but is seriously overweight. My daughter (who has lost 50 pounds and is at goal) is considering telling her friend as a means of it being a potential tool for her, too. You are wise to seriously consider who you would like to know, and who you know will protect that information as private once they are told.

Hey Lindsay! When you posted about whey protein being too "fast acting", can you explain that a little more? Does it mean that whey protein is metabolized faster than other protein types? Thanks!

Happy 3-year Bandversary, Pammie! Can't say it any better than it has already been put by other posters here. You help many here more than you will ever know -- a true blessing to us all! Congratulations!!

We stayed at the Lucerna both times we went to OCC. Could not have had a more comfortable stay. Alonzo is amazing (he remembered us from our first stay there) and is super nice. He called cabs for us and directed us wherever we wanted to go. He did everything but walk with me to the Farmacia for pain medication for my daughter. Good luck, whatever you decide!

Ditto on that smile!! You are 67 lbs down--and look 20 years younger!! Way to go!

Hey Jen! Have a blast--they know how to treat you like you are the only patient they have! Are you going by yourself?

Hey Angie! Good luck with your fill! Thanks for posting--I hadn't seen you on in a while and I was wondering how you were doing. Have you read on here (or other forums) about the 5-day pouch test? It is designed to help you get off of the carb rollercoaster. Here's the link, if you're interested: 5-day Pouch Test I hope all is well with you, little lady.

Ditto!! I had to look a couple of times--Wow!! You look beautiful, lady! Could I ask you, do you feel fully "recovered" from your tummy tuck? (I had a consult this past Monday with my PS regarding a tummy tuck, and he stated that I should plan on 2 weeks off from work, six weeks for full recovery.)

Oh Lisa--Great post!! Very well put!

Is there an estimated date that the recovery wing will be opened?

Hi Thinkin'! Only a couple people know we (myself and teenage daughter) have the lapband. I didn't need to hear what folks had to say either way to know I wanted the lapband for myself, and surely wasn't going to listen to someone tell me that we were doing the wrong thing for our daughter. The positive changes we have seen in her far outway any argument anyone could have made for us not doing this for her. I don't necessarily feel the need to tell folks I have the lapband, anymore than I would be interested in knowing someone else had some other type of personal surgery. I don't brag about losing weight (I haven't lost as much as many people on this forum have, or as fast), and when someone mentions that I look like I've lost weight, I thank them for noticing and for mentioning it to me. Please don't let any "stigma" worries keep this amazing tool from helping you reach your goals. If someone implies that you "cheated" by getting the lapband, flash them your (soon to be) hot abs, and let it roll off your back! Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

Hey Chloe! So glad all is well. I had a dream similar to yours, but I hadn't been banded yet. I was fasting for Lent, the whole 40 days straight, and I dreamt that I was eating a (delicious) ice cream sandwich. I remember feeling in my dream upset that I had broken the fast, but when I woke up I was so relieved, but real curious about dreaming about eating. One thing I noticed not only during that time, but also during the 21-day post-op liquid phase, was how many food commercials are on TV! I swear, it is like subliminal messaging. And do they make the food look juicier, richer, cheesier, and more chocolatey (sp?) on TV than it is in real life? It sure seems like it when you are only doing liquids. Anywho--so happy that you are on the other side of the decision part of this, and now are in the "action" phase. Take care, kid!

Hey Robbyn!! We were wondering where you were! Glad you're back!

Oh Kristi--I hope your scale gives you happy news when you get home. There is nothing like trying on something (especially pants) and finding that they fit well, where they were tight before. I still get a thrill when I put on this pair of jeans that, prior to banding, I couldn't get up past my knees, and now I'm getting ready to send to Goodwill because they are baggy everywhere. Keep up the good work!

YAY!!!! :good2:

I agree with Lisa--lose the dungarees! I love how you stay completely in character, like the camera isn't even there. And like WOW you are flexible! Go, girl!!

I agree with the comment on bread a number of posts up--it is seriously just not worth the effort.

Your pictures make it look like it was a total blast! I especially like the hiked up pony tails--freakin' hilarious. Does Dr Nyte have you do all the pre-op and post-op vitamins and Arnica regimen that a lot of other surgeons want their patients to do? I hope you heal in record time, 'cause we can't wait for the "bandages off" update photos. Be well little lady!

Hi Vickie -- you sound like a very good nurse. Great post!!

Hey guys! Double check to make sure that whatever you are taking is alright to crush up. Some meds are time-release and could become too strong too fast if not taken in the form in which they are dispensed. Just puttin' it out there.

Hey Shy! Tell your mom "Congratulations!" from all of us. She is an inspiration!

Oh Nicole--what an ordeal!! So glad you are OK. Here is the 21-day post op, in case you haven't gotten it yet. My copy is a little dicey, so I'm typing it in this post. First week: (Day1-7) Only clear liquids Fruit juices (no fruit nectars) apple juice, orange and grapefruit juice (no pulp) Water Tea (herbal) Clear broth Popsicles Coffee (w/non-dairy creamer) NO CARBONATED DRINKS FOR 6 MONTHS Drink no more than half a cup each time, take small sips. Drink only what you can. Do not force feed, Second and third week: (Days 8-21) Day 8. Begin with nonfat yogurt 1/2 cup servings. Liquid form. No pieces of fruit in it. Day 10: Add liquid protein to the regimen. At least 30g of protein/day. (Examples of protein drinks than can be used: Met Mrx and Isopure (both at GNC), Carb Solutions, EAS, Designer Whey Protein, Body for Life Protein (can be obtained at www.bodyforlife.com), Glucerna, Slim Fast Optima, Optifast. I hope this helps you. Please take care!! Diana