New Hope

I have ins. through United Healthcare. I really don't know why it took 8 months. They sent the initial denial in 10/2003. I appealed it. Then 05/2004 my lap. dr. office called and said I'd been approved and when did I want to schedule the surgery. So the usual "hurry up and wait" routine, or in my case..."wait, now hurry up!" That certainly is NOT the case for everyone! They all seem to have their own little protocol. I'll certainly hope that yours will be faster. In the meantime, look up Alexander's appeal letter on this forum. It is excellent! Don't give up, just get determined! Now's the time to start working on walking regularly, drinking tons of Water, and not drinking with meals. These are all great habits to get into whether someone is banded or not.

Wow! 15 and 18 years old! You have a lot of memories!

The important thing, Darcy, is that you DO send a complaint letter to your surgeon. Your letter is long, but it is also very detailed. You have names, dates, and times that you spoke with someone in his office. That's good! Sometimes, it's easy to "let something slide" after we cool down. This problem does need to be addressed and corrected as soon as possible. You do have the right to proper aftercare with qualified, professional, competent, and courteous staff. I also believe it's just as important to send a letter of commendation where and when it's deserved. P. S. How are you feeling today? Regardless of if you do get feeling better, please follow through with the scope. You need to know what's going on. (Plus you know what a hassle it would be trying to get another one later on.)

Rica, bagels were on the "no-no" high glycemic list. Our bands are certainly teaching us some wise things!

I had my first fill, without fluoro. He told me I could come back as needed. I'm going to remember the "applesauce test" next time. I think that will give a truer sense than the water does.

Wow, Kyleigh, what an inspiration! How about an updated picture of the "new, improved you"? We'll even let you wear your pink boa.

Bright, you're such a tease!

"That's my biggest beauty tip -- take photo with flash off.":laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh (I've been dodging cameras for years. If I'd only known that little hint!)

I don't know about the iron. I thought most women needed it because we tend to be anemic and usually don't get enough in our diet.

Would a heating pad help a little with the pain? Or a massaging shower?

If you have an appointment scheduled with your surgeon tomorrow and you're able to wait, I'd go to the surgeon as opposed to the ER. A lot of times, interns are running the ER and have very little helpful knowledge, plus you have to sit there an eternity, and it costs a fortune. Does your surgeon do general abdominal laproscopic surgeries (not just the band)? If so, he should have a broad knowledge of what's going on internally with you. Try to take some slow, cleansing breaths and avoid any unneeded stress. Tension doesn't help things. Please do follow this up with your dr. You need to know what's going on! Best of luck to you!

I'm at the age where I'm more into comfort than pretty. Shoes or whatever.

Rica, have you tried compression hose (or long length socks)? They come in various lengths and colors. You can get them at the medical supply store. They're a little pricey, but they might help. My husband's anke swells terribly when he's on his feet a lot. (He had a vein removed from the entire length of his leg for heart bypass surgery 7 years ago.) He wears the knee-high compression socks on both legs every day to work. It has really helped with the swelling. They're supposed to be good for the prevention of varicose veins also. Hope you're hurting a lot less today!

Bright, you're gorgeous! How old are you (if you don't mind a nosey person asking)? You have great skin! Is there any way to lighten up your avitar? It really doesn't do you justice.

p_momma, are you on solid foods yet? If so, you might try little nibbles on a low-salt ritz cracker to help w/ the hot and spicy. But do it easily. You don't want to pb! You really need to avoid drinking anything w/ your foods.

My stomach already hangs. I'm sure it will get worse. I have flabby upper arms. But I don't know if repair surgeries for those will be "in the budget" when the time comes. Right now, I'm just so happy to be on the "losing side", having more energy, feeling better, less depressed, and getting out living life (which I let pass me by for way too long.) If I have to wear sleeves and untucked shirts the rest of my life, I can do that. P.S. I went bike riding with my family yesterday evening. We saw a spotted baby fawn with her mother, and about 15 others. This is something I haven't felt like or even wanted to get out and do for years. My family is really enjoying the new, calmer, happier, more energetic me. I am so thankful for my band and my improved health!

My gastrologist recommends Benefiber. It's the only one that doesn't clump up inside you. It's a powder that you can sprinkle on foods or mix into your drink. It's tasteless.

Oh, Darcy, a word of advice on the make ready for your upper g.i. I'd start doing the laxative, sparkling beverage, enema routine (or how ever your dr. advises) about noon or earlier the day before your test. Otherwise, you won't get any sleep that night because you'll be running back and forth to the bathroom. Not painful, just exhausting. I learned to start early, stay on Clear liquids, and then be able to get some rest that night. Plus they always want you there way before daylight. The test itself is no biggy. They'll give you something to relax. It usually knocks me out. You may or may not remember them spraying the back of your throat to numb it. Then you don't remember anything else. Your throat will probably be a little sore for a day or two. You'll probably want to eat fairly light, not too spicey foods the day after the test. You'll do fine and you should know what's going on before you leave there. Keeping my fingers, toes, and eyes crossed for good luck!! :eek:

My surgeon's only presurgical requirement was to be on a low glycemic diet. You can find a list of those foods on the internet. I just thought it was to help shrink my liver before surgery. It didn't register about the sugar content until I just now read this. Thanks for this article, Donali. And thanks, Bright, for your info. about artificial sweetners. Sarah, I'm wishing clear skys and rainbows for you!

For me, it was the depression first. I never ate a lot at any one meal. But it seemed I was continually eating (grazing). It certainly wasn't wise foods either. First, it seemed like the sweets craze. Then, the last several years, it's been more salty foods. Eating definitely was a way to avoid having to deal with problems. I thought it was a nonjudmental, always available, comforting, never too tired for me "friend". Oh, yeah, that's my dogs!!! And they always offer to eat my leftovers so I don't overdo now.

Makes you wonder, which came first -- depression or being overweight.

I had a Boxer named Mitzi. Not that I'm calling you a dog!:laugh P. S. I loved her dearly.

Yeah, standing would aggravate it. Will they let you sit on a stool at the front of the classroom? But the coaching I know would require a lot of moving around. I know the super weight loss you've had so far has to be helping! The liquid gluc. is about $17 at Sams. Best of luck to you! It's no fun to hurt.

I found it at Sams. That's our wholesale club (like Costco) here. Celebrex (RX) is an anti-inflammatory. But I was told to take a Prevacid (RX) to protect my stomach before taking the Celebrex. Celebrex is actually supposed to be one of the better, more gentler anti-inflam. to take. Have you tried bike riding for exercise? It seems to work better for me than walking. Less weight on the joints. Water aerobics are excellent and almost no weight on joints. I just can't get up the nerve to buy and wear a swimsuit, especially in front of other people!

Congratulations! Hope your surgery is uneventful and your recovery quick and easy!