hagerteresa

You can go to the makers of the lap band (Inamed) and learn more about it too. I had my band done 10 1/2 weeks ago and am down 46 lbs and haven't had any real problems. It has come off rather easily. I think the surgery is by far less invasive than the RNY and people have been very good at achieving weight loss and meeting goals with the band. I find living the band life and being successful is a LOT easier than dieting preband BUT the weight doesn't just fall right off like the bypass people either. It does take a little effort and tenacity. You will learn a lot about the process and our daily post band lives too at this sight. I am glad to see your giving every option consideration and researching it. Please come back here frequently. It was very nice to meet you. Teresa

I just tried this one today and we all loved it. Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless pork roast or sirloin cut into 1/2 inch cubes (I think you can use beef or chicken too) 1 T. cooking oil 1/2 onion chopped 1 14.5 oz. can of chopped tomatoes 1/2 C. raisins 1/2 t. Oregano 1/2 t. ground cinnamon Hot cooked rice 1. Trim fat from meat and cube. In large skillet brown 1/2 the meat in hot oil, remove and brown the other 1/2 meat and onions. Drain off fat. Return all meat and onion to skillet. 2. Sir in undrained tomatoes, raisins, oregano, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered 20 to 25 minutes and when meat is tender. Put over hot rice. This was really easy and tasted yummy. It is actually in the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook on page 314. Calories and all that weren't too bad. I've been in the mood to try new recipes so I did this one and then made home made lasagna noodles and made a big pan of lasagna with sausage and spinach (lunch for tomorrow). We have been having a guest (a co-worker of my husbands) for the last few nights and he might be moving in with us for a couple of months. I got tired of the fend for yourself boring foods attitude and suddenly started getting creative and cooking again. Another all time favorite of mine is zuchinni-banana-mango bread. I did a ton of this last summer. I am sure it isn't very good diet material and haven't made it yet this year but everybody loved it so much last year that I am going to make another 1/2 dozen loaves in the next day or two. I kind of made up the recipe after reading and comparing other recipes. My boss at the bed and Breakfast liked it so much she decided to serve it to guests and it was an instant hit. Like all bandster foods, it probably isn't SO bad if we stick to the smaller quantities. I just make a bunch at a time to pass out to friends and family and freeze some for later. I am one of those crazy people that do canning and pass them out in gift baskets. Teresa

Done deal New Hope, I was in the process of typing it out when you responded. Teresa

Sure, anything and everything... It looks like your past your liquids and mushies, are you having problems eating other foods besides chicken and tuna? I eat anything I would have eaten in the past but smaller quantities, more Protein emphasis, etc. I've eaten steak (well done does not work), pork in any way, shape or form, salmon, any type of vegetables. I have a recipe I could post for a fabulous garden fritatta (basically an italian crustless quiche), I made a greek pork recipe with rice yesterday, lasagna today, etc, etc. Just eat VERY slowly and learn what you can handle. Usually after the first 2 or 3 bites I have to take a little pause and let everything settle. If all is well try a few more little bites. I personally can eat some bread products (tortillas and biscuits) but RARELY have them. An actual sandwich wouldn't work for me. I find cheese and saltine crackers is another favorite light meal or snack and Peanut Butter and saltines. I got real sick of chicken too. Good luck, Teresa OOPS!!! I just noticed you recently had a fill. That garden frittata would go down nice and easy but be careful about my other suggestions. Just eat slow and small bites.

YOU POOR THING!!! And shame on those doctors for not telling you anything. I can't help you since I haven't even had my first fill yet but I sure do sypathize with you and hope things change drastically for the better soon. Teresa

I really wanted a hard copy of the book and ordered it on amazon.com. It was only $13.95 so thats not too bad. I just WISH it would get here. I keep hearing such nice things about it and want to read my own!!! Teresa;) P.S. WAY TO GO JEANIE!!! 77 lbs is a LOT of weight and I am really impressed. Keep up the good work. When did you get banded?

Its not THAT bad. LOL... I definitely did have to have my brother help pull me out of bed the first couple of days and while in the hospital. I was able to manage the bathroom, dressing and showering on my own though. My brother would have died of mortification if he would have had to help me with those tasks. He has O.C.D. and he is pretty germ phobic. Just boost yourself off the bathroom counter or something. Slip on shoes are a must because of the bend over factor. You won't need to worry about pain killers while your in the hospital, though your companion might need some tylenol. LOL again... Just don't take too much stuff, you won't want to haul it all home again after surgery. Hand held games might be nice. I got pretty bored while I was in there and got sick of the television. Meet other patients if there are any. You will possibly have a nice person to bond with later on. I email my fellow band patient friend weekly and its fun to keep in touch. Best of luck and well wishes, Teresa

Hello, What part of Oregon do you live in? I have found fill doctors all over the state who will take me (I also live in Oregon) but since I haven't had a fill yet, I haven't actually tried or met any of them. I am thinking of using Tom U-Bank at Portland Surgical Specialists when I do need one. I have already spoken with them and they will take me. Without flouro a fill runs $150 for the first one and $75 for the rest. Prices really varied all over the state. I am hoping his office has flouro as an option if they think they need it or am hoping to pay for flouro every so often. Donali mentioned budgeting a lot of extra money which I wasn't able to do but I did call my insurance on two seperate occassions and they said they WOULD cover emergencies with the band even though they wouldn't pay for the band to be put in. My local family practitioner is also familiar with the band and I consider him to be my closest safety net should I need help with anything. COVER YOUR REAR!!! Living in Oregon, I knew I wasn't going to make it to Mexico again. Set your safety nets up before you have the surgery. I know another girl on this forum, Penni (Oops just noticed she replied right before me) says her insurance will cover things related to the band as well, but wouldn't cover the initial surgery so check it all out and call your company. Best wishes and hope to see you again. Teresa Dr. Lopez 5/8/04 362/316/??? Down 46 lbs, no fills yet.

Thanks Donali, maybe I'll have to try that out. I wonder if it has ever worked for anyone? I know it works for horses that have thin poor hooves. Here is my theory on my thin hair. Please feel free to correct me if my theory is way off base. If somebody were to put a ton of little black marker dots on a balloon and then blow it up the dots would be spatially further apart than when we initially put the dots on the balloon. I am under the assumption that we are born with a certain number of hair follicles and I am really hoping that as my head gets smaller and less fat and round those dots will start to come back together again therefore making my hair look thicker... My hubby and mom cracked up when I contemplated this theory to them but I am hoping it might work. LOL. Teresa

Hey Miss JLHoogland, Glad to see you've come back to say hello and very happy for you that the apartment from hell finally sold. Good deal... New beginings in a new house. I wish I could come and help you move. Long ways a way though. Maybe there will be closer volunteers. I just wanted to say hello and send you the very best wishes. CHEERS to new beginings. I sypathize with the schooling part. I thought I would never be done with my bachelors and now I'm signed up for a summer class too. YUCK... Teresa

WOW That is an amazing letter Alex. I kind of wish I had chosen to try to fight my insurance company after reading it. How could they have argued? Unfortunately my company wouldn't cover any variety of weight loss surgery so I doubt I would have gotten far. Good luck Brando. Teresa

I love those pictures!!! You are such an inspiration!!! AND in less than a year! WOW I am amazed!! Your amazing and keep up the good work. Teresa

Those are all good names. I loved the Les Orpeebee. It took me a second to catch on but once I did I thought it was hysterical. I'll have to think on a name for mine. Teresa

My hair is already kind of thin naturally. I am dreading the day I notice I am losing it. I know jelatin is supposed to help hair and nails. What do you have to do with the jelatin is the question. Do you eat it, or soak your nails in it? Teresa

Hi Blossom, Nice to meet you and welcome to the group. I love to garden as well so hopefully we can chat more about it sometime. Keep in touch, Teresa

Thanks Penni, love ya too. Hope they pass, I am driving everyone crazy. Starting to wonder about medication for it. Teresa

Thanks Lisa, It seems I am suddenly a pro at ruffling feathers. I am so emotional lately too. Cry at the drop of a hat. Must be the hormones released from weight loss. At least I hope that is the cause. I've never been so touchy in the past. It has been a crazy day. Hope all is well with you. Teresa

You are right Lisa, and I am wrong. My apologies for offending you. It was all only in half jest and good fun. I wish you the very best. Teresa

Congratulations Donali! I am proud of you!!! Keep up the good work! Teresa

Yes Donali girl, we can let sleeping dogs lie. Meat now grows in the peruvian jungles on long quiet branches deep in the jungles, harvested only on occassion in a method passed down by the ancient grandfathers. And then shipped to the big hungry US of A. LOL.... I am not a killer either and have gone out of my way to save bugs and things. Never hunted in my life except for the rare fishing trip. I loved that cold mountain show. I was shocked when she killed that poor little goat but can not only understand how she lived but am almost envious too. I love people and socializing but I hate having to depend on the rest of the world for my produce and sustenance. Acres and acres of prime forest land is being cleared every day in africa and south america so we can have our coffee beans and this that and the other. My brother in law who lives on the big island of hawaii had the coolest house when we went back there several years ago. Much of the big island is "off the grid" not hooked up to water and power. He had catchment tanks for catching rainfall to shower with, a generator that ran the stove, the water heater, and the fridge, and lights. I LOVED it there. He even had bananas growing in his yard. We always say if we ever have to go homeless that wouldn't be too bad of a place since wild fruits and coconut grow there year around and temperatures are almost always mild. Many of these off the grid housed didn't even have glass in the windows, just shutters because they NEVER get below a certain temperature. Sorry all for the critter references, Teresa

Me neither Alex, I healed up pretty easily too and haven't seemed to have any further problems. Hopefully Lisa and Penni's aren't going to be very serious either. Learning how to eat with the band has been my greatest challenge and MOST times eating isn't a problem at all. Alex you have done a good job and are an excellent representative of how banding SHOULD go. Best wishes, Teresa Dr. Lopez 5/8/04 362/319.5/??? Down 43 lbs, no fills yet.

What did a failing gall bladder feel like? I don't think I have had any problems with mine but was curious. Thanks Teresa

Hello, I am not experienced about the fills yet but wanted to give my two cents for what its worth. It seems like 2 cc's is a lot. What size of band do you have? Are you following band eating habits (Protein first, vegis, Water, etc)? I know it is VERY individual for everyone so maybe you haven't hit your perfect spot yet. Is your doctor able to remove the same amount of liquid he put in? Hopefully this next one will be the one you need. Best wishes to you and keep us posted. I am sure others will respond for you. Teresa

Lisa, Perhaps you should get an edoscopy thing just to relieve your troubled mind. Those wounds you got from the port and revision are very deep wounds and will be prone to infection. The week after I got back from my surgery I went straight to my family practitioner to have him look at everything and though he didn't see anything wrong he immediately prescribed another 15 days of antibiotics. He said the wound was so deep and felt so hard still that he didn't even want to risk any infections. You may be worrying for nothing. I think your body has been thru a lot with two surgery in the past 3 months. Go to your family practitioner in the U.S. and get his help with your infection, get the scope. It is not healthy worrying all the time. Just like you told Penni, chances are it is NOTHING! I worry too, trust me. I check my incisions dozens of times thru the day and contemplate any new sensation. I know we are all on pins and needles and I can't blame you but you have been kind of stressed sounding on the boards the last couple of days and I think you do need to do something to relieve yourself or confirm your fears. Teresa

Lisa, I am from a long line of hunters. I don't hunt, I'm a gatherer. LOL. I know, I love cute sweet nice old cows too. I even loved my pigs. The nice thing is that wonderful local butcher drives right up to your driveway, loads them up LIVING and you pick up your dear old friend wrapped in nice white packaging. I know it is awful isn't it... I never even saw this cow alive so I don't feel too bad eating him but I do feel bad for critters I get attached too. I used to raise bummer (orphan) lambs for a high school teacher and I fell in love with the first one I raised. Unfortunately poor Bunky had the bad fate of being born a boy and was destined for packaging. In the farm animal world it is a blessing to be born a girl. The next two lambs I had were twin girls, I am sure they had nice long full lives. So was that an official PB? LOL... Besides miss wholesome don't I recall something about you fishing and crabbing? I would have felt terribly guilty having to kill a crab last weekend. What about the poor worm you put on that old fishing hook? Don't he have feelings too? :Bunny Yours truly, Teresa