Good Afternoon Everyone,

Sorry I didn't post this AM.   I had to take my 6 yr. old great nephew to his swimming lesson and then life got in the way.   LOL   We ALL have so very much in our lives to be grateful for everyday.    Today I am SO grateful that God placed my 26 yr. old son in our lives when he was a newborn.    He is the product of drug addict parents who gave him up.    At age 12 he started smoking pot and then went on to harder things.....11 months ago he decided he wanted to meet his birth Mom.    I arranged it and they met.   it was NOT a good thing....but God turned that bad thing into a "good thing".   10 months ago he entered into Teen Challenge and has been drug free ever since.     He has been out almost 30 days due to health issues which could be caused by his long term drug use ( He was IV heron user for over 5 yrs. ).     He was told if he doesn't go back by wednesday he will have to begin his 12 month period over.    He doesn't really want to go back.    Today I am grateful to God and for him being in my life.....that he is DRUG FREE and said he will never return to drugs.    I am grateful for him turning his life over to God and not running from him anymore.    I am grateful that he is now engaged to a beautiful young lady who supports his decisions.   Whether he goes back or not....he is a winner in MY eyes.    SO grateful to be his Momma.    Please share with us if you will what you are grateful for today and please if you believe in prayer....Keep him in your prayers.   Thanks and have a blessed day !!!

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

  Good Morning Everyone,

Today is a rainy day in Fort Worth, Texas.    I love listening to the rain fall.    Today as I sit here listening to the morning news......I am grateful for my success with keeping the weight off since my WLS almost 7 yrs. ago.   Now let me be honest with you....I am NOT perfect.   I have had a re-gain ( not a huge one ) but still enough of a one that I feel like a failure at times.   Here I am a OH Support Group Leader....I am suppose to be a role model for others and yet,....I gain some weight.   Mind you I've not gained any in quite sometime though.    I've been the same weight for over 2 yrs.    But still I am my worse enemy when it comes to my weight.    But all in all....I am SO very grateful for my WLS and all the choices of WLS that there are today.    When I had my surgery there were 2 choices....lap band or RNY.    I am so grateful for my surgery and maintenance.    PLEASE share with us if you will what you are grateful for today and have a amazing weekend !!!

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

  Good Morning Everyone,

Grateful is something that we all should be everyday.    Today I am grateful for everyone and everything in my life.    God has been SO good to me and my family.    I am grateful for my husband of 35 yrs....grateful for all 3 of my sons and grateful that they are ALL good even though my middle son is having some issues with his heart and kidney's now due to long term drug use.    Grateful that he is now 10 months drug free.    Grateul for OH and all the wonderful people that I have met and talk to everyday through this website.    Grateful for life in general right now.    PLEASE share with us if you will what you are grateful for today.    Have a blessed day !!!

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

This is one of the most common issues with both the Realize and Allergan bands and really isn't fixable that I know of. Most folks end up having to revize to something else. I had that problem myself but emptying the band has fixed mine and I can finally eat healthy food for all mesls not just occasionally. Are you completely empty? Sometimes leaving it empty for awhile will help, but in the long run it usually comes back and continues to be a problem. Wish I could have more encouraging new for you, but I've been banded and a regular here for over 4 yrs. and this is a constant problem. Work with your doc, however not if he wants to keep filling you when you are already tight, and see if you can figure it out. Part of the problem is the longer you are banded the more scar tissue builds up under the band which causes tightness and that can't be fixed or stopped. Good luck I hope it settles down for you.

 Are they doing your surgery laproscopicly (sp?) I went in for mine as an out patient at 7am and they booted me out by noon. so I didn't really need to bring anything to the hospital except comfortable clothes. as far as for home, just liquid and soft things to eat. remember to get up and walk as much as is comfortable so you don't risk getting a blood clot. I'm not sure what the gas x is for. since you won't have much in your stomach for awhile you shouldn't have much gas :) congratulations on your surgery date. Its not gonna be easy, but its so worth it!!