leatha_g

It's that time of year again and since I've been home sick, I've been taking advantage of the time to try to get my things together regarding medical expenses and possible deductions. I recall Marie posted a url in the past regarding those deductions but couldn't find it on a search, so here is the IRS one: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html Things are so much easier these days. All I have to do is go online to get anything I want. All my medication copays are right there ready to be printed off at Walgreens.com, my online banking is downloaded into MS Money, so I could just pull up reports for the 'healthcare' category or go through each payee and pull up reports for all that I had paid them. Wonderful! I had 2 (count them)TWO surgeries in 2004 for which I paid $250 deductible each. UGH... And I had Lasik surgery (which I have to have redone on Monday) (which I also wished I had been smart enough to have saved the cash in a Flexible Spending Account instead of Financing) which I did on impulse. Stupid move.. I only have one question for those that may know. The IRS information does not tell me. For that Lasik surgery that I financed, do I deduct the total amount of the surgery financed? Or do I only deduct those payments made towards that in 2004? This could go both ways, so I'm just wondering if there is a tax guru out there who knows the real answer?? Thanks for your help and happy receipt hunting to you!

Just think where I might be without it, Theresa Marie?? It might have been hopeless. I think you pulled me back from my deathbed. lol.

Welcome!! Hope you have a good response at the docs!

Thanks Paula! You're so good to me! I do think I'm gonna live. I've still got a low grade fever, but the sinus problem has eased some. I'm now moving into that miserable stage of having the scratchy throat where you cough your head off. I've always heard that meant you're getting better. I finally slept some last night but that's a whole nuther thread.. lol. I am very fortunate that I have a job I could stay home this week from without penalty and I have the insurance I do. So many people don't have these luxuries. I often wonder how they manage to survive, but I know it's because they're survivors, I came from them. By Monday, I hope to be new again. Thanks for caring.. (((Paula)))

You go Bobby! Take the bull by the horns!!

Welcome Trina. I think you'll get more responses if you first begin by introducing yourself in the Introductions thread of this form. Tell us a bit about who you are and how you came to find us, etc. There are many longer term bandsters, of course, the band is relatively new in the US, but it's been in place for about 10 years in other parts of the world. I do know some people here in the states who have had theirs up to 6 yrs. I've only been banded since May 2003 and was re-banded in July, 2004, so I'm not a great case study, but I'd do it again once a year if my body and my insurance would go for it and that's what it took. I wish you much success!

Hahahaha! Donali.. Wow, Lisa, that's not looking bad at all. Girl, I'm gonna be sending up extra prayers that this time is a charm for you. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than you!

Congratulations Tanya!! My goodness you HAVE been waiting a long time. Patience does finally pay off, good for you!

Just wanted to let ya'll in on this Carb Countdown Milk stuff. IT'S GOOD!! I have bought soymilk for the past 2-3yrs and basically weaned off milk for the most part unless I had Cereal, for which I used soymilk. But this Carb Countdown drink is very good tasting and it has great nutritional values as well. Here's how it compares to whole milk: 8 oz serving Carb Countdown Total Carb 3g Protein 12g Fat 4.5g Calories 100 Calcium 350mg Whole Milk Total Carb 12g Protein 8g Fat 8g Calories 150 Calcium 300mg I mixed this with Carnation Instant Breakfast earlier and it was quite filling and satisfying. I got quite a shot of protein to boot! Just FYI - something other than watered down milk flavor that is good for us.

Yea, I found it very good compared to soymilk which kinda leaves you wishing for something more substantial. lol.

You're not alone Lisa, it's that way for most of us.

Thanks Betty, but the real reward is that in most everything I write I am really talking to myself as much as anyone. I don't know where I would be without just the ability to process some of these things verbally. My weight loss is slow and goodness knows I am no perfect bandster - not even sure I'd want to be one, but I have been around long enough to learn the basics. Karen in Las Vegas referred to it as 'paying it forward'. AA/AlAnon refers to it as 12 Stepping, either way it's giving something back. Now, what I REALLY need is a LIFE.. lol

I used Capital One Vision Fee Plan which is a loan, not really a credit card, but from what you are saying, the DR was paid in full, so that's what really matters? If that is the case. I might just get enough back to pay the darn thing off.

Yea, that was my thinking too, Betty, but I did read where there were things that must be in THAT year, so I didn't want to do the wrong thing. Then, again, I don't want them to come back at me next year saying I had the sugery in 2004.. ack.... That makes sense to me too, Marie. Hmm.. My thinking is that I'll just deduct what I've paid this year and see how it goes. It is stated in the rules that if you miss deductions one year you can add them the next, so maybe I'll be safer this way. Thanks gals!

Babs, You have done a magnificent job. What is 16lbs, compared to 148? You've done the hard work. You're not gaining. There is nothing to say that you won't still lose that last 16, eventually. It's hanging on for dear life because by now, you're body knows you are serious. It's okay to take a breather, maintain awhile and if you still want to pursuit that 16lbs go at it from some other direction at a later date. Who knows, if you forget to check the scale for a week or two, you may go back and find it starting to move without your watching it so closely. Have you moved from walking to running or riding a bike? I know you exercise pretty aggressively already but a possible change up in routine could eek that last little push that you need if attaining this goal weight is really what you seek? You've mentioned plastics. Maybe that's your answer. I keep looking at my belly apron thinking this is something that just isn't going to go away. I could probably get at least half of what's left on my plate hacked off, but I'm not sure any amount of exercise or dieting will get rid of it. I think these are definitely gifts left to me by the trans fatty acid fairy. lol. I've said it before on here, but one thing is for sure. I am not getting back the body I gave up at 19. I think that's just a fact of life that I'll have to deal with. My bone structure has changed. My skin has changed. And well, I have changed too. For today, I'm okay with that. At least I'm still alive and that is something to celebrate! I think you've done a fantastic job with what you've done so far, but I understand wanting to achieve that ultimate goal so whichever way you choose to handle it, I definitely applaud your efforts!

Thank you Betty, but I would say if there is anyone who IS taking it, it would be you! You're doing a fantastic job and right in the beginning where it really counts! Maybe I should just bring those clothes in my trunk on over to your house, now that I think about it.

1). How much solid food should one be able to eat? The pouch is designed for around 4 oz. Being that you're chewing your food and it's not all going to just sit in the pouch. You can probably eat anywhere from 2oz to 1 cup of food, depending on restriction. I try to only eat out of dessert plates and cups. I've even resorted to buying 1 cup containers so I know I don't go over that, EVEN if I can logistically. 2). How long should food stay in the pouch before you feel it sliding down? As long as you can get it to stay there. In other words, the more solid Proteins you eat, the longer it will stay. If you eat Soup, it won't stay long. If you eat lean meat, chicken or fish, it'll stay much longer.

Julie, Do you have any medication for anxiety? Were you prone to these attacks before banding? Did your doctor know? Of ALL the things you have to do when banded, your liquid diet at the beginning is probably the very most important. It is not a test of your character or your willpower or even to gradual make you tolerant of ever increasing textures. The liquids is so that your tummy does not have to churn and grind to digest foods. It is of the UTMOST importance for you to stick with this liquids thing so that your band can heal properly into scar tissue which will anchor your band in place. This scar tissue will not form correctly if you put your tummy to work too quickly grinding and churning to digest improper foods. If the band is not anchored well your band will be more susceptible to slippage later which means your band could be taken out completely. You had this surgery because you want to lose weight and you want to do it safely. You need to take some deep breathes and try to focus on the long haul of this thing. Yes, you are perfectly capable of taking in ONLY liquids for the short amount of time required. Once you get into the mushy phase, you will find that you can satisfy your hunger much better and it will be no time before you are back to eating solids that you are accustomed to. Please do not do anything that will jeopardize your success this early on. We have all gone through this process and not one of us starved or became terribly under-nourished. (We all have plenty on board already, even if we didn't eat for months.) All your body really truly needs at this point is hydration. Simple Water would be fine, but you are allowed popsicles, Jello, warm broths, iced tea, hot tea... if you are on full liquids you can have a party! You can have pudding, cream Soups, even ice cream (in moderation) anything you can get through a straw. (Although, some docs say don't actually USE the straw - gas, ya know.) You're going to be perfectly fine. And you'll be able to see the weight loss in no time, too! That is the goal, after all, isn't it? Please be kind to yourself and your band, just for today, one day at a time.

Way to go Suzie! Sounds like you're doing everything right!! Keep up the good work! Welcome!!

I have seen this too, Chris. I believe on Yahoo Smartbandsters. I recall Jessie Ahroni saying it is possible to put a bit more in the 4cc bladder, but it would need to be someone who was very well acquainted with the band. If you are a member of that board, you might 'pm' her or ask on the board. I am sitting on 2.9ccs myself. Good luck! PS. The 9.75cm band holds 4cc saline. I think that is what you are trying to get across, right?

I take 4 pills each night. 2 capsules and 2 tablets. Unless I am TOO restricted, I have had no problem. I was once too restricted, so I had to resort to opening capsules and breaking tablets where I could, but it's best to verify this is okay. Some 'time release' capsules may give you too much of a dose at one time if opened and taken all at once. Some meds can be made up into a liquid formula too. Your pharmacist could tell you what's available.

Sorry to hear you're having a tough time, Wade. I have been sitting on 67 lbs lost for months now, myself. I think it's easy to get in a rut and lose focus. And darnit, you just get tired of having pay attention to what you put in your mouth. That just doesn't seem fair to me. Not when I see skinny folks who can eat Snickers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But, well, no one ever said life is fair, did they? The cool thing is that with the lapband you can wake up to a new day and start over. Maybe if you just change ONE thing. Promise yourself you will walk 15 minutes for a week. Move up to 30 minutes the next, you know? Sort of just ease your way back into regular exercise. Maybe not even everyday? Try every other day? It's do-able. This, from me, the girl who's had clots in her legs and her lungs. It IS do-able. So, you get the exercise thing back under control. Start paying attention to your water intake. We need at least 64oz of water a day. Did you know that if you keep an 8oz cup by the sink or fridge and you drink a cup EVERY time you walk by you'll probably get that much in without even having to do anything extra? Does you doc do flouro when you get a fill? To me, after this length of time. I'd say it would be a good idea just routinely look at your band. Make sure there is no pouch dilation so that any fill he might give actually doesn't do more harm than good. Sometimes, if there is pouch dilation due to overstuffing the pouch (anything more than 4oz, consistently) and you get a tight fill on top of that it can cause complications. Just a word from someone who has been there. :cool: I have to think of my band like this. There are so many people, both on this board and so many others who are out there begging to get themselves a band. They are begging insurance companies, or their spouses or their parents or their loan companies to help them get a band so that they might have some chance at a better quality of life. Those of us who have been lucky enough to go before them are so so lucky. We have been given that opportunity already. We don't have to do alot really. We just have to meet our bands halfway, making good food choices (MOST of the time), doing a bit of exercise on a consistent basis and drinking water, water, water. For that, we get to breathe better, we get to sit in airplane seats with no extenders, we get to cross our legs, we get to squat when we need to, we get to ride bikes when we couldn't before, we get to DANCE, we get to smile when we used to just feel bad, we get to LIVE when others are still fighting for their lives. You've been given a chance, Wade. :cool: Take it...

My daughter is in Denton, but I've only just told her this past 15 minutes that I've been sick. I'm a bad girl. She's a busy little thing. I've made it through the roughest part. I think I might live now.

Exactly!!!

Funny you should ask. I've just resorted to the 'odd couple' way of doing things. I currently have a large stock pot full of salt water boiling on my stove. lol. I've been in there with a towel over my head, breathing in and breathing out, trying to break some of this loose. One problem.. with the blood thinners and us not really knowing how the shot may interact with it. I don't want to get any bleeding going... It's never easy...