New Hope

It takes a while to get used to drinking all that liquid, doesn't it? Hang in there!

Sue, it sounds like you got the "time released" quit smoking program! And I can see that you've always been a rebel!

They'll still need to check with their particular policy. Our B/C has a specific exclusion for all WLS. Best of luck!

Betty, does your dr. have a website? It should be posted on that.

Anne, best of luck to you for a smooth surgery, painless recovery, and RESTRICTION! Please take care of yourself and take time to heal.

Whipple, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have 4 small holes. The largest (where port is) is about 1" long. The other 3 are about 1/2 to 3/4" long. They use internal, dissolvable stitches and external surgical glue. (No stitches to remove.) They might spot-shave you (like for the EKG monitors on men with hairy chests). But it grows back fine. When my husband had his open heart surgery, they sheared him like a lamb -- his chest, both arms, and both legs (where they harvested one vein for rerouting the heart). It all grew back.

I think they're just concerned that our stomachs are pretty swollen from the band installation and they don't want anything getting "stuck". If Whipple gets waxed, will they arch his eyebrows also?

I agree w/ you about not wanting to be observed over your eating habits. Do you go out to eat at a restaurant? Do you know a co-worker well enough to split something with him/her? You get some of the meat and healthy vegs. and they get the rest w/ the rice, potatoes, Beans. Or order an appetizer. The other day I ordered just the bacon wrapped shrimp. It was plenty for my meal and didn't come w/ any starches (rice, potatoes, etc.) Some places will let you order off of the kids' menu. (Might check that out in advance to avoid embarrassment.) If you're ordering from somewhere for pick up, you can order off of the kids' menu. How about asking for a "to go" box as soon as you get your meal? Then divide it in half. It will be out of sight (temptation) and you'll have lunch for the next day. Remember, you're also saving $$ on eating out now. So you can afford to order that $12 appetizer. It's your whole meal! Just try to stay calm and enjoy your meal, no matter what solution you use. Tension can lead to pbing and you want to be able to relax and eat your choice leisurely.

Ellen, I don't know anything to help you. But just wanted to offer you encouragement.

Sal, I had a dog named Chewbacca. Do we call you "Chewie" for short? :rolleyes:

O.k., Whippledaddy, you won't need the support bra or have to shave your legs. And you don't have to wear a Mexican Wedding Dress, either. However, if you're like my husband, you may want to shave the Patches on your chest for your EKG stickers. Ouch! P. S. Your post made my day! :rolleyes:

Neicy, I'd like to know how to reach your supplier. My mother-in-law suffers with really horrible arthritis and tried everything - RX and over the counter. Thanks for the names of those two anti-inflams. Rica, so glad that you're doing better. Hope it continues (and your husband feels better too).

Doesn't ice/snow mixed with dust = mud? :rolleyes:

Best of luck to you, Zoe! I agree, the less time to worry -- the better! You'll do fine.

Mine told me to take it easy the rest of the day. But to eat regular foods the next to see how it was working. He doesn't do fluro. and been doing it for years. He had no problem getting it in on first try, no deadening shot. It didn't hurt. Hope I'll continue to be that lucky!

Please research some old posts. Patients have their experiences, various drs. websites (w/lodging info., costs, etc.) posted. Just be sure that you have a U.S. based after care dr. lined up before your surgery. Best of luck to you!

Well, we all have to "cut corners" and save time some where. I guess that's as good a place as any. :eek: :eek:

Zoe, best of luck to you! Just research, research, research. And have a U.S. follow-up surgeon lined up before your surgery (regardless of where you have your band placed.) Daniel, 180 lbs.!!! Wow That is a whole other adult! Amazing! If you don't mind me asking, what was your begin. weight and height? What are some of your successful hints?

Oh, and we waited 8 very long years for the first, 3 more for our second son. We've been truly blessed!

Jen, what a wonderful website! We adopted both our sons from birth (independent adoptions). They weren't born in my womb, but in my heart. They're now 23 1/2 and 20 1/2. I was at the hospital during our oldest son's birth and brought him home from the hospital. We've always been very open about their adoptions. They know they were wanted for years before they even existed! I told them that I would do everything possible to try and find their birth parents when they reached 18 years old. Neither has ever been interested, but that may change later. Any parents who go through the rigors of adoption know they're having children because they WANT them. Adopted children are not "accidents". We were thoroughly researched ... our income, health insurance, our physical home, our marriage relationship, our church and community involvement, personal references, etc. I've always felt birth parents should have to go through similiar routines. I think child abuse would sharply decrease. Well, sorry, I guess you can tell that I love my boys! :cheeky :cheeky :cheeky P. S. I also loved your "Cats' Advice"! That had to be written by a true animal lover! The only thing missing was patterns... laying out paper patterns on fabric and cats running thorough, tearing them before you can get them pinned down.

O. K., Jen, you know you probably won't be drinking Diet Coke or any carbonated beverage after you get your band, don't you? If you do drink it, you need to let it set and go flat first. Then it will probably taste so yucky, you won't want it. You might want to start weaning yourself off now, and get those withdrawal headaches over with.

What does snow look like? I've lived in nothing but drawstring shorts and tees since my surgery. Sure has cut down on the laundry load. I know I've lost a "couple of pounds" in pure sweat! I haven't owned a real coat in years.

My doc. had me eat off a low glycemic foods list before surgery. Basically stay off things high in sugar. This was supposed to help shrink the liver for the surgery. I don't know if that's true, but surgery went off without a hitch. Best of luck to you!

Ginny, those are 25 pounds that are gone forever! Congratulations! I try to keep some tuna salad already mixed up in the frig. so if I get the munchies, I'll be eating protein and filling. Also, I keep a large chilled container of water/Lite cranberry juice in the frig. The flavor satisfies my cravings and helps me get my water load in.

Hi, Audrey, I'm "not close physically" but just a click away on this forum. Best of luck to you on your Banding Journey!