New Hope

Good for you, get the smoking habit broken now. Then you'll be even more healthier! I know you can do it. You have a great "can do" attitude! Keep it up! You will probably be able to eat about anything you want to. But you will eat much, much less and eat healthier. You'll start noticing the fat, sodium, carbs on food items. You'll eat protein first, then vegetables, some fruit, and an occasional dessert. You'll basically be making healthy food choices that everyone should be doing -- every day. I haven't had a major problem with hair fall out. One of my first "adult" eat out meals was at a nice Mexican restaurant. I had grilled shrimp and steak, didn't eat the rice, beans, and chips. I had a great take-home box for the next day. It tasted so fantastic, after being on the soft food stage. The biggest adjustment I had was to stop drinking with meals. I still have to work on getting my water load in for the day. Best of luck to you!

Best of luck to you! If they deny, then appeal. Don't give up!

I was very fortunate in having insurance that paid, except my copays. I did have several health problems ...blood pressure, asthma, reflux, hiatal hernia, arthritis. Those have all been drastically reduced and the RXs too. At one time I was healthy as a horse, then I just became big as one.

On the Bravetti blender/chopper, it all comes apart for easy cleaning. The blades are removable (take care, very sharp!).

To save time, you can premix all of your shake ingredients the night before in your blender-- except the banana and ice. Just set the blender top with mixed ingredients in frig. overnight, then just add banana and ice. Drink and enjoy on the way to work, etc.

I bought this from HSN.com (Home Shopping Network). It's called Bravetti 400 Watt Quad Blade Maxi-Blend Combo Chopper-Blender. It's 38.30, plus 6.95 S&H. It's very simple, just a 6 cup glass jar, pair of stackable 2 blade units, safety cover/splash guard, and top with motor in it. It's just one large button control. It's super easy to clean up - just rinse it out, then add few drops of liquid soap and Water, turn on for a few seconds, rinse, and let dry. I have used this thing continuously. It's 12"H x 6" diameter. I can leave it sitting out, because it's compact. Morning shakes, crushing ice, chopping vegetable, blenderizing food when you need mushies, etc. I've been very pleased with it. Simple, large enough capacity, versatile. You can see it on their website.

Woodkd, my husband is the only person (besides the dr.) that knows I was banded. He is completely supportive, yet didn't push me to do this. I did this for me! He's also my exercise partner, so that has helped immensely. Walking, bike riding. It's time I really cherish and look forward to each evening -- weather permitting. He's a great coach and I can have a hot, steamy relationship with him, too. How much better can that get? I had a couple of other things done at the same time so that's why people think I had surgery. I chose not to tell others, because I want to see how well I do first. I won't have any trouble sharing about the band later, when people can see that it's working. I just don't want to live under a microscope in the meantime-- people wondering what's taking so long to lose weight, look how much I'm eating and what I'm eating, etc. I just feel like it's a very personal matter at this point. I've only shared with "you guys" because you've been there, and done that.

Lisa, it sounds like your husband cares an awful lot about you (LOVE). He just may not know how to show it the very best way. But I think his calling you, talking about food, following you with food, etc., is just him trying to show this life change is important to you and to him. Also, he may be having some withdrawals from all of this. I know that we enjoyed going out to eat way too much. Checking out new and different types of restaurants. At first after my banding, it was like "what do we do with ourselves now?" But we've just had to adjust our food thinking views. I know that he is so very proud of the fantastic job that you have done, despite the numerous complications that you've had to battle.

Michelle, they say you can tell an awful lot about someone by observing their family. You must be dynamite! What a SUPER supportive husband and PRECIOUS son! A child that age being so aware of your eating style and trying so hard to please. That story is one you need to write down, so you won't forget it. You live in a wonderful fairytale! I hope you continue to "live happily ever after". Can't think of anyone who deserves it more! Congratulations!

No, Lisa, I can't let that happen. Chris loves you and all of your furbabies. You couldn't handle the bitter "pet custody" battles! So just behave yourself before I have to come over there with a cast iron skillet and knock some sense into you, girl!

Janice, Have you tried the baby gas-x drops? You can get Walmart's generic , just as good. Good luck!

Please start getting all your water intake in. That took me the longest time to accomplish. You'll do great!

Whippledaddy and Michelle, have your spouses tried acupuncture for their chronic pain? It's usually not covered by insurance, but it helped my husband after open-heart surgery, horrible back muscle spasms, trigger point injections did minimal good. Might be worth a try.

Wow, Penni, what a wonderful job you've done! Thanks for the encouragement!

Yes, God does answer prayers! So glad that all is well.

Jane and Tina, Very best of luck to you! Hope your surgery is great, pain is minimal, and you'll feel like posting here soon.

Sissyfaye, does your dr. close early on Fridays? Mine does. Are you still having that awful pain?

Welcome Maureen! You have done fantastic so far! I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome, Lisa! We've all had those million ?? Ask away, one of us has probably "done that, been there". Best of luck to you!

Debra, I'm jealous! All my surgeon gave me was the bill.

Anne, what type of exercising do you do? I've been nervous about doing anything for the abdomen. But I definitely need to!

Welcome, Minda! We can certainly understand what you're going through and why you feel the way you do! When and where were you banded? How have you done so far?

Whippledaddy, aren't dogs the greatest? They love you unconditionally, are always happy to see you, never in a bad mood, always have plenty of time for you. Wow, we could learn a lot from them, couldn't we?

Lisa, please find out from your dr. how your RXs will affect you after surgery. I was advised to take Prevacid before I take the Celebrex for arthritis. Best of luck to you!

Lisa, just don't buy too many clothes! You'll continue losing weight and won't be able to wear all of them! Oh, dear, that means you'll have to buy more clothes in smaller sizes. O, the sheer torture! But I know that you'll manage to rise above the chaos!