hagerteresa

Hi Again Babs, I just got a chance to read what you wrote and wanted to comment. I am only 6 1/2 weeks post op, and you are exactly where I hope to be next year at my anniversary. You are phenomenal! I still haven't gotten a fill and am just waiting till I plateau. I thought for sure it would happen this week, but I went in and weighed today and I had dropped another 4 lbs. Now at a 32 lb total loss. I don't feel deprived and only eat what I dish up for myself. Never seconds or pre-meal nibbles. Anyway congratulations!!! You are an inspiration. Teresa Banded 5/8/04 Dr. Lopez 362/ 330/ ?

Great Job Babs! I would love some tips and pictures as well. Best wishes, Teresa Oops, we were trying to write and post at the same time:)

I agree with quakergirl!!! Donali, I haven't known you too long but you have already become a daily inspiration to me. Please don't stop communicating with us post band, let us help support you for awhile. You have been a huge part of the support system on this forum by always providing consistent educated advise and information to people (us newbee's:)) Thanks again for all of the past advice you've given me and helping me find this link again when our computer died (it is now resurected). Maintain the band principles even after the band and you'll do fine. Teresa

Thanks for all of the helpful information. I think I'll try both of those ideas. When I was a baby my mom said she used to get me to sleep by vacuuming or running the blow dryer:) Best wishes, Teresa

Alex, you explained that absolutely accurately. It is a very difficult path. I knew my insurance company woundn't cover it and never really tried to fight it. Just seemed like a lot of work for an iffy result. I briefly sought out other companies for private insurance but a lot of those plans specifically refused to cover obesity problems as well. I simply called individual companies and they sent me pamphlets and books about their coverage for a private policy. I live in Oregon, not Texas so maybe things might be different there. Best of luck to your search, Teresa

Hi everybody, My local doctor is aware that I take this daily and I also told Lopez's staff. Nobody (the drs.) has ever really said anything negative about it but they just wondered why I did it. I have taken Melatonin in the past but had no clue what it was supposed to do. Just knew it was supposed to be good. I'll start on that again and work on natural sleep. This last December I did the sleep study and have mild/moderate sleep apnea but never got on the CPAP or anything. I just like that feeling of "not being able to keep my eyes open" just before I drift off. I think I am kind of a light sleeper so I just like the deep sleep it gives me but I'll try weaning off of it. There have been times where I haven't had it and slept just fine. Thanks again for all the wise insight, Teresa

Hello, You are quick! It always seems like I have some ache or pain whether it is stiff joints, a sore muscle, a tweeked something, who knows? I never really thought about why I take that specific one. I guess mainly because it works good and it comes cheap in a bulk amount (Costco). I did hear something on the news about acetaminophen recently but don't recall what it was exactly about. Wasn't a positive thing though if I recall. I am not sure if I really need them to sleep or not so I'll either cut back or lay off them for a while and see what happens. Thanks for your response, Teresa

Hi again Lisa, My wound leaked amazing amounts the first couple of days but it was only out a couple of small spots. Just keep an eye on it and keep it cleaned. My husband kept suggesting I put a Kotex on mine at the time:) I was curious what Kuri charged you to do that removal and putting in another one later? Sorry if I am being to forward but wanted to know if I ever run into similar circumstances with Lopez and any problem I might have. Best to keep my options open. Weirdly enough there is a girl in Portland Oregon who is being trained by Ann Marie (from belighter) and she seemed to know all about your case from their perspective. She was amazed I knew all about it and had my own opinions. Guess she hadn't found out about this lap band board yet. Well I sure wish I could meet you sometime, you always crack me up. Take care, Teresa

Hi Lisa, You sound like you are on the mend. You got your fun sense of humor back too:) How does the fill feel? Are you able to eat? I have questions about NSAIDS too. I like to get a good night sleep and have taken Costcos brand Kirkland Signature's Extra Strength Non-Aspirin PM (Pain Reliever/ night time sleep aid) every night for years. I have never had any reflux or stomach ailments. I have no idea if this is a bad product for my band. The main ingredients are acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine HCl. If anyone can answer my question about this I would love to know. If it is bad for the band what are some products that are less harmfull for sleep? Thanks, Teresa

Lucky Devil! A two hour pedicure!!!! Sweet. I wish I could get my hubby to do something so nice. I just got a professional pedicure last week but boy I would love another. They forgot to really sand at my callouses. Hope you are doing better lisa. I know after my surgery it seemed I dropped everything all the time. UGh! Well best wishes, Teresa

Hi Tina, I also never knew what it was like to be thin. I haven't had any major problems regarding my weight but definitely experienced soreness, tiredness and poor balance (resulted in a broken ankle 5 years ago). I also researched it all thoroughly and decided the lap band was the way to go. I have been banded for exactly six weeks, down 27 lbs and am feeling a little better already. I do worry about the problems Donali and DeLarla are having and it does scare me. Like prior people have said, the risks for the band are still far less than the by-pass. Good luck, Teresa

Hi Donali, Like everyone else, you have been a mega inspiration to me. I can't believe that this is happening to you. Out of all the people in this board you have been the open book of knowledge in band care and a wealth of information on living with the band. I hope the 1-3% erosion statistic is an accurate one. I still am just totally shocked about this. Do not give up though, maintain your eating habits. I called my insurance twice before I was banded to see if they would pay for any emergency type of situation regarding the band. They would not pay for the band to be placed but both times I called they said they would cover ANY emergencies. I would try to have the removal done in the U.S. and paid for by the insurance. Save your money towards the possibility of future banding. Best wishes, Teresa

WOW!!!! Fabulous job, I want all your secrets! Teresa

That is funny, Latham Flanagan is the renowned bypass surgeon in the Eugene area. I have met with him a couple of times. Interesting fellow. He is retiring this year from what I understand.

Hi Jaine, That wasn't a book. I liked your story and could relate in a lot of ways. I have been heavy since very early childhood and have never been "normal" either. I also experienced a flash of rebellion about the weight this spring and immediately took action as soon as I was able to get the money. I thank God every day that my father-in-law felt compelled to loan me the money for it. I never even had to ask. I am very close to all of my family too. I adore my mom, younger brother, uncle, in-laws, step siblings, the list goes on forever. All of our parents are desperately craving a grandchild but I am not quite ready for a child yet. My brother is 6 years younger and isn't nearly close to having children. I am going to school to be a school teacher. Just got my bachelor's last weekend. Now a year for a masters. Your children sound very successful and you were obviously very good parents. Pat yourself on the back. Unlike you my weight was further out of control and I started this adventure at 362 lbs. I am only 30 though and it hadn't had any drastic affects on my overall health yet. No high blood pressure or high colesterol, no diabetes either, I just was getting tired too easily, general stiffness and mild sleep apnea. I knew it would it only get worse so I made my stand. Now I am banded and doing great. Sorry for my novel:) Teresa

Hi Again Pam, Hope you are doing well. My feeling of fullness is fairly similar to yours. I rarely get an actual full/stuffed type of sensation but I also don't feel particularly hungry anymore after a small amount. I have gotten the really full feeling a few times but they were ussually in big family dinners settings where we have a several course dinner. I probably do eat a little more than normal at those functions but I don't think I ever really over do it. I tend to eat much more gently and cautiously at those functions. Have never PB'd in public. Funny... I tend to try new things at those gatherings too. Since I seem to be a little safer with other people, I am more confident about trying new things in their presence. I eat all three meals but definitely do get hungry as the time for the next meal approaches. Pre-band I would always skip Breakfast and then be so starving by lunch I would feel the need to stop for fast food. I knew that was dumb and don't know why I did it, but I had for years. Now I always try to eat something for breakfast. For some reason I don't really like breakfast foods in the morning, but I am getting better about it now. I have also been able to eat small pieces of certain bread products but really just try to avoid them for the most part. Biscuits and gravy is about my most favorite bread splurge and that is very occassional. I had a 1/2 bagel with a small bit of cream cheese, scrambled egg, sauteed mushrooms and onions in it for breakfast today and that tasted really good. Doubt I'll be able to manage anything like that after a good fill though. Typically I'll try an egg and a sausage or a banana or ? Kind of prefer grab and go. I did get the new hot pocket breakfast turnovers. I know they aren't the healthiest things in the world but they do only have about 150 calories when you only eat 1. They have a little scrambled egg, sausage and cheese inside. Those are for the times when I really need to grab and go at a meal time. At my graduation party I tried a hamburger patty (no bun) with a slice of onion, tomato, cheese and a little mayo. I also had a tablespoon of potato salad and a 1/2 of a deviled egg. The patty thing tasted wonderful and I did get a nice full feeling after that meal. Do you think it sounds too excessive? Tonight I had a tiny baked potato and 4 oz of wild salmon. Had a cup of salad with chicken breast at lunch. I just kind of try different things and hope for the best. Both of those meals went down really well. What kind of meals do you eat? Do they sound about the same size? Sorry this got so long. I really try to keep within my parameters and tend to analyze a lot:) LOL. When are you getting your fill? Teresa

Hi Lisa, Can't wait to hear how you are doing. Like everyone else I have been thinking about you a lot the last few days and am hoping you are ship-shape now. Best wishes and a good recovery, Teresa

Hi Lois, My BMI was 62.2 when I was banded 5/8/04, now it is already down to 57% and am down about 28 lbs. I would not have chosen this method if I wasn't pretty certain it would work. My insurance was uncooperative and I didn't bother to fight them about it. I managed to do the self pay in Mexico. Hope you have more success with the insurance than I did. Best of luck, Teresa

By the way, that is the cutest picture of you. I am a lagger and still haven't gotten one for my name:( Teresa

Hi Pam, I am so glad to see you here! I can look at different posts and chat for hours here. You will find a wonderful group of people who have heard and seen it all. Many of them live in southern california. I think you will enjoy all the new people you meet. Check out the mock danish recipe in the foods section. I haven't made it yet but I want to. It sounds good. If you need a fill, go get one as soon as you can. We need to use the tool as directed. Best wishes:) Teresa

SLIP ON SHOES!!! Teresa

I am 30 years old, married almost 5 years (been together 10 years) have 2 dogs, 3 cats, a hedgehog, and a 125 gallon salt Water tank. No kids yet but maybe in a few years. I live in the Willamette Valley of Oregon in the Eugene/Springfield area. I just finished my Bachelor of General Science at the U of O last weekend. Going on to do the masters for teaching middle and high school science and math. I was banded 5/8/04 by Dr. Lopez and am down 27 lbs as of day 33 (last wednesday). After all the graduation get togethers I'll be curious if I have a loss this week. I would love to do as well as you two ladies. Best wishes, Teresa 362/335/?

Hi Lisa and Penni, I really, really hope they get this all taken for you both and don't think they should charge you a cent. I would be having an absolute fit with them. Weirdly enough I saw someone post in the mexicanbandsters page and her sister had to have her port removed in April for the same reasons and guess who her doctor was... you guessed it Dr. Lopez. I know you all don't think this is a doctor related problem but I thought two so close together was coincidental but three I think it more serious. I, like Kathy keep checking my wounds frequently. They all seem fine though. I had a question... A couple of people have mentioned their wounds were glued. Nora told me mine was glued when she was picking my brother and i up from the hospital but once I got home I discovered what look like stitch string type material coming out of the ends of each wound, so I decided from there on out that they had actually been stitched. Can anyone clarify what they had done or if they did both stitches and glue? I am thinking of you both Penni and Lisa and want an update as soon as it is possible. Best wishes, Teresa

There was another 5.3 magnitude earthquake off of San Diego/ Tijuana early this morning. I just heard it on the radio news. I don't think it caused any damage but thought I would post it. T

My thoughts are with you. Let me know how everything goes. Best wishes, Teresa