my_friend_amber

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe it IS a southern thing...I told pretty much everyone I know (and some strangers), too! Mostly it has been a good experience and a friend of my moms is now considering the surgery because of having a "real person" who she knows to talk to about it. Of course, some days I get tired of having to answer to how many pounds I've lost so far, but whether it's being curious, supportive, gossipy, whatever, I don't care the askers motivation. I just didn't want to have to walk around with the psychological weight of a secret because, for my personality, that is a very difficult thing to do.

I think this is a fantastic idea and wish the FDA would make it a nation-wide law. Of course restaurants and other places (like Starbucks, etc.) are going to try to fight it tooth-and-nail - I'll bet sells would drastically change if people were faced with the exact calorie count before purchasing!

I was going to say the same thing- "free home-made tequila shots for you" and "free backrubs" - LOL!!!

What a difference!!

Great questions and answers here. For me, I went years of having no periods at all, then would switch to having a month-long period every other month. I'm right at 2 months out from surgery, am on no meds what-so-ever, and have had two normal lenght, normal flow periods. It's too early to celebrate a return to regularity yet, but I'm hopeful!!

Yay Julie! How exciting for you! Is your GF getting to go w/ you this time? Enjoy your trip!

I am so proud for you Michelle! You have worked that band, girl!!!!

In my experience as well the issue has not been that I was banded by another doctor, but that it was in Mexico. Any doctor or fill center can eaisly draw up a liability waiver that states that the patient understands the inherent risks and that they understand all possible side effects and that you can not sue. They can make each patient sign and date that and it is legally binding. It's not that these doctors "can't" do the fill, or don't want to be legally responsible, it's that they want to get the word out that there are repercussions for not paying to get it done by them. Like was said earlier in this post, the docs don't want our few hundred for the fill, they want our $18,000 for the surgery. It's a "punishment" of sorts for going out of country, IMHO. Absolutely, if you have not had surgery yet, call around and find out ahead of time who can/will do your fill. A good resource is www.obesityhelp.com - then click on "find a bariatric surgeon" in the upper left hand corner - click the "Lapband" link and then you can choose a state to search in. Like Paula said, with the price of an airline ticket these days, you want to be sure you know you options ahead of time!

Think about all the places on your body you've gained weight. If you're like me, my toes are fat, my legs, butt, tummy, back, arms, and face gained weight. That 21 lbs is coming off of your entire body, not just your waist, so it will take a bit to really notice it for yourself as you see yourself every day. Before long, you'll have an epiphany that your shoes have to be tied tighter or that your collared shirt buttons easier around the neck and you'll know you're getting there!

Way to go, Julie!!

Look at your legs and belly girl - you are losing!!

I've been hanging on to a pair of levi's for almost 10 years now! They're button fly-straightd leg, classic fitting jeans with the most adorable back pockets and when they used to fit, man did I get some looks! Cannot WAIT to get back into them again!!

I'm with you Mona - I'm too fat to feel mine yet!!

Wow indeed!! This is such an eye-opener!! Thanks Michelle!

Great idea!

A-MAZ-ING!! And the great thing is that you're as kind as you are cute!!

Oh yay!! Good for you!! The day I'm back in 10's and 12's, watch out!!!!!!!!

Holy moly chick, you loom amazing!! YAY!!

My email is my_friend_amber@yahoo.com - any one of you on this forum is welcome to email me at any time!

*Amber blushes while laughing and ends up making a stupid snorting noise that causes co-workers to ask if she's okay. She is, but just barely.*

Great info Mona, thanks!

I had the same exact problem - some Prilosec OTC once a night helps 100%!

Yay Neeters!! Those prices for fills are great and it sounds like they are super accommodating too, NICE!! I'm so happy for you!!

So...I was feeling so good and restricted to such a great level after surgery that I thought I wouldn't need a fill at the 6 week mark. Even at 5.5 weeks out I was like, "I don't think I'll need a fill!" Stupid girl!!! Now, I have no restriction at all. I should have gone ahead and scheduled a fill, then canceled if I didn't need it! Now, the earliest my fill center can get me in is July 31st!! Boo! So anyway - learn from me - make that appointment!!