GR8

Thanks Suzanne -- I will try to be there at the support group meeting, look forward to seeing you there! Keep up the good work! I had sugery yesterday -- and I was so sore -- but after getting sleep last night I am doing better today -- thank goodness! G

Congrat's!!! That is wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JA4602 Feel free to call your doctor and espress your concerns and questions. They really don't mind at all -- they want us to be successful!!!!! My doctor's recommendation was: 2 week after - liquids then next 2 weeks - pureed food is introduced and tried next 2 weeks - soft food is introduced and tried next 2 weeks - solids food is introduced and tried Good luck!

Hi Mema -- Welcome! Good luck on reaching your goal!!!!!!!!!!!! Gina

Congrat's to all who had their procedures today! I went for my preop doctor appt -- I am good to go for 4-9. During our conversation today he told me the following: 1. He would never turn my surgery into Open procedure. 2. He has never had an issue of not being able to place the band on an patient. 3. He uses the larger band 10cc on most patients - has better results and it can be restricted to the same size as the smaller 4cc band. 4. I will be able to go back to taking Alieve and other medicines I take/took the day after surgery. ( I thought I would not ever be able to take Advil and Alieve ever again - with the band.) 5. For the day before and after the surgery when I am on clear liquids -- I can take the "IDS Sports Whey Liquid" -- it has 42 grams of protein in 3 oz of liquid. This will be especially helpful in getting my protein in after surgery. I tried the grape flavor - it is like liquid jello -- and the taste is like the smarties candy. Here they are... Lots of love to all of you!!!!!!! Good night all! Gina

If you check out the Lapband Patient Book at this site: http://www.lapbandsolutions.com/94829E_LB_Patient_Book.pdf It has a revision date of 10/17/01 (Study is outdated) It does say: How much weight will I lose with the LAP-BAND System? The average weight loss in the United States clinical study was approximately 36-38% of excess weight, 2 and 3 years after surgery. A few people lost up to 100% of their excess weight, some did not lose any weight, and a few got heavier. My doctor gave me the 50% of excess weight stat. But it all depends on what WE put into it -- can be 100% of excess weight -

opps - sorry about that misread. I have felt like you and even recently. I am drinking these shakes and losing weight - so why pay 17k for surgery - I can lose it. But the truth is that I have and can lose -- I just can't maintain. That is what the band will help me do lose and MAINTAIN-- so I am standing strong now -- that I will be successful and that I have to do this -- it is LIFE or DEATH. It will add many many days to my life and without issues of stroke, heart attack, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, or not being able to walk.... Good luck at the consult -- and as I did -- ask the doctor -- am I a good canidate? Tell him you are scared about being successful -- they will understand - and can give you the facts and advise. Keep in touch! G

Great --- we are the same day! Good luck! G

Alisson: Have you checked the other area doctors - mine only required 1 support group and they were able to schedule as early as 3 weeks out -- just a thought. The Hampton Collisum is not far from you -- that is where WLSC of Hampton Roads does their surgeries. 757-591-9572. Good Luck!

Thanks! When is your surgery?

Ditto here.

You can and WILL DO it! Take good care of yourself - and remember you are #1.

I am felling for you -- that is the worst thing in the world -- to get a bad taste in your mouth that won't leave. Hope you feel better SOON!

Hi DreamDreamer! I am scheduled for surgery on April 9th! (there are a few of us -- see http://www.lapbandtalk.com/april-2007-head-t29472.html) What a wonderful decision we have made for ourselves. Good Luck!

I would definetly throw that stuff out. See if you can find the brand you loved on the internet and find out what other flavors they have and who carries them. Good Luck!

Welcome! You will find lot's of good information here -- you can start by looking at those having their surgery scheduled in April the link is: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/april-2007-head-t29472.html Then once you have a date - I am sure there will be a group open up for that month as well. Good Luck!

I am paying $17,250. Includes everything for 1 year. $11,000 to the Hospital $ 5,500 to the Doctor's Office $ 750 to the Anesthesia's Office There was information in the doctor's office for financing the LapBand procedure. If you like I can call and have them send you the brochure regarding that option. G

Recordkeeping. 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PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD></TR><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 7"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt">7. <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD></TR><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 8"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt">8. <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD></TR><TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt">9. <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt"> <o:p></o:p> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"> <o:p></o:p> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing the following. <o:p></o:p> · What medical care was received.<o:p></o:p> · Who received the care.<o:p></o:p> · The nature and purpose of any other medical expenses.<o:p></o:p> · Who the other medical expenses were for.<o:p></o:p> · The amount of the other medical expenses and the date of payment.<o:p></o:p> Do not send these records with your return. <o:p></o:p> Hope this helps you!

I have a friend that lost majority of her weight 3 yrs ago with Gastric Bypass -- and now she is almost back to where she use to weight. She has started weight watchers. She has stretched her pouch/stomach. Have you thought about doing the Protein shakes for a 2 week period to jump start your weight loss and try to take control back over? Maybe weight watchers or some similiar group - that can address overeating issues? Are you scared of something if you lose your weight? Keep a journal -- of your feelings and things that are happening when you feel the need to eat to determine -- what is the reason. Then you can determine how to attach the issue. GOOD LUCK -- I do sympathis --I am scared that I to -- will have issues once I have had the surgery. Keep in touch. Gina

Hi Ana -- I bought the Smart Forme that was suggested and referenced in the book the doctor's office gave me -comes in Chocolate; Strawberry; and Vanilla. The nice thing about these - they are premeasured servings in envelopes. I travel alot - so easy to pack and use. They have 35grams of protein and 250 calories. I have heard of alot people using Champion Nutrition that I believe has 55grams in 2 scoops. Keep in touch!

In regards to Pre-Op testing: The hospital that did my tests said that the Blood Test must be done no more than 14 days in advance of the surgery, and the EKG and Chest Xrays are good for 6 months. Hope that helps those of you waiting -- anxiously --

Taurus the Bull here!!!! Although I have a little Gemini in me -- I am on the cusp.

In my Pre-Op education class they gave us this list: DON'T FORGET your CHAPSTICK -- our lips will be dry from the surgery! Also maybe consider: *Robe, Socks, Slippers, Pj's, gown, or extra big t-shirt (my favorite) *Personal toiletries (Toothbrush/paste, make-up, lotions, etc.) *Personal comfort items (music, pillow, quilt, etc.) You will do great!!

Hi All -- I am scheduled for 4-9. I completed my pre-op tests today at the hospital -- that consisted of Bloodwork, EKG, and Chest Xray's. I have started my liquid diet -- it is quite filling -- I am unsure how I am going to get all 3 shakes down after being banded, as full as they leave me now. I look forward to hearing about everyone's experiences! Best Wishes Everyone! Gina

I am scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks -- I have told my immediate family and 3 close friends. I am having the battle as well -- do I tell, or not? Everyone has the misconception that it is the easy way out --that just is not true!