Heldie

Mine is on its side too... doesn't bother me really. What bothers me more is that it is right at my waist and bothers me a bit when I'm wearing pants with a bit tighter waist band.

Thanks Donna... I may have a chat with Dr. Yau too. I think that I need mine moved as well... though its only really bothersome when I where a belt or pants with a snug waistline (I just can't seem to get to charged up about those low waisted pants - too much of a muffin top still, I guess!)

Thanks Susan - I am struggling along with my addiction to sweets (and salty and fatty and.... But I feel really good! You're doing great too way to go!

Nah... nuthin' to worry 'bout us women!

Yes Yes Yes - things will definitely get better for you! It takes a few days but the best thing is keep drinking and move around.

I can see a slight indentation where my port is and I can feel it too. Mine was placed at my waistband (stupid place for it actually) and sometimes I feel it when I wear my belt.

Heldie was a nickname given to me by a mentallly challenged client of mine. At the time I worked with him he challenged my patience and made me smile at the same time.

jetlagjane... I keep telling myself that the band is a very helpful tool in the process of becoming a healthier me! This forum has helped me a lot - reading the successes, the tips and suggestions and the support everyone gives, having a chance to "talk" about my challenges, and so on. Fortunately my DH has been great too! Since I was banded in March, I have made some really positive changes in my eating habits and I also exercise more regularly! So hang in there!

Rosiejan, Welcome... I feel your pain about the cottage cheese... hated it tooo, but I put a tiny spoonful of no sugar added jam in it and it was slightly more palatable. (I know - jam is not on the menu but I figured if I could have yogurt with fruit... I also thought that having a bit of no-sugar jam is a heckuva lot better than pigging out on a steak!!!)

Juls: I also had my gall bladder removed laparoscopically and had no problems. If you are in the Toronto area and chose TLBC for your surgery, depending on any conditions that you might, they may schedule you for the surgery at Scarborough Grace Hospital.

I was lucky - I have a bit of restriction without a fill yet. I seem to feel full more quickly and don't get too many hunger pangs though a couple of times my DH mentioned he could hear my stomach rumbling a bit. Its an unusual feeling those hunger pangs... didn't hear them much before. But when I feel them I have some applesauce or something small.

Yoda - you look FAB!

I would say frozen yogurt is a good option especially if its the lowfat version. Its also a source of calcium which (according to the TV commercials) helps with losing weight. We picked up some low fat low calorie yogurt bars from Costco which I love (unusual for me since I am not a fan of yogurt, particularly after the pre-op diet.)

Welcome to the other side Susan, hope to hear from you soon!

Yippeeeee congrats Donna D. Keep drinking your fluids and walk around as much as you can!

Susansilver, i remember going through the same thing too! I was sick of yoghurt and cottage cheese to the point that I too did not want to eat it. I was nervous and excited. Time seemed to slow down those last few days but pretty soon you will be "on the other side" too!! You and all the others preparing for the procedure will be just fine! Mr. Yoda: please let us know how your recipe of yoghurt and Jello works out!

Like the others seem to be saying, I appreciate all the support and valuable advise that all of the other bandsters can provide me as I travel this new road (to a healthier me!) but I too have to admit that I find it a bit frustrating when I receive information specific to another country (such as products and services we can't get in Canada.) So I would say to our friends in other countries please continue to "surf" the Canadian thread! Hopefully we can help you along your journey too!

I am also using a scar treatment and it does seem to be working. The one I bought only needs to be applied 2x per day. They are fading a bit and they seem smaller - wishful thinking maybe but perception is reality, they say!!

I saw the article in the Star too. I wonder what the government considers "more successful" when comparing banding over bypass? If they are looking a pure weightloss there may be a point (but I am not convinced of this yet,) but have they calculated the cost of treating some of the long-term complications/side effects of the bypass? Flawed reasoning if you ask me - seems to me the band is much more cost effective long term solution. We have seen some added financial benefits that we did not anticipate when I got my band. My husband and I go out for restaurant meals less and I have been bringing my lunch instead of buying my lunches.

Donna D. I know what you mean about Mandarin - before I started on the pre-op diet I made the rounds to have all the fast food places (except Mandarin) that I had frequented routinely. But this time it was different because I was practising eating slowly and with smaller bites and when I actually took the time to chew the fast foods more slowly I found that it didn't really taste all the good to me anymore!! While I can't say that I don't crave fast food anymore (DQ Blizzards may not be totally out off of my menu) I just don't want it such a big part of my meals anymore. Hang in there and good luck - we'll be here for you when you "get to the other side!" Heldie.

Sorry - the message above was for Anitya (sorry Rosi...) I must be more tired than I though!!

Rosi, I attended an info session and we also received a detailed explanation of how the surgery would be performed. Then I attended a pre-op consult. I was asked my weight, given the length of time that I had to follow the pre-op diet and I paid my deposit. I had to wait about 4 weeks for the next available slot. I also met with one of the doctors and he asked some more details about my health, medications and what other diets I had tried in the past. I asked a couple of questions. I then attended another seminar which provided info about the post-op diets and care, some nutritional information and we had a tour of the operating room and the recovery rooms. My suggestion is that you write down some questions to ask - I wish I had because I forgot to ask some things that were on my mind because I was nervous and excited!

Jojo - I don't see my withholding information about being banded as deceitful. You are entitled to your privacy and if and when people ask how you lost weight, you can truthfully say that you are limiting your portions, making some healthier choices and going out for a walk on a nice day a bit more. (which is what I say!)

Oh this is such sad news LeslieLee, I am so sorry to hear of it. The fact that he was loved meant he was a good man.

Boo Boo Kitty - I have dreaded the muffin top for far too long... in fact most of my parts are 2 sizes too big (and getting bigger yay) because of it.