New Hope

A co-worker of my husband's recently got his American citizenship. He worked for years to pay for his wife and daughter, also. He had to pay for one at a time -- it took him 14 years. They had to hire a lawyer, various other expenses. The Citizenship Ceremony is something everyone should witness! People from all different countries, customs, languages, and walks of life. It really makes you appreciate what we so often take for granted.

Sorry...http://lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm

Where is Dubai? Thanks!

C, it's easy to sit on the side lines and give advice. No one knows what you're really going thru. I hope your husband will "wake up". It sounds like you love the guy and don't want to give up on your marriage. Do what it takes for you and your kids to be happy and safe.

There is a lot of anger going back and forth between you two. Since this has gotten physical, I'm very concerned that some one can get hurt. This could be one of your children. Could you or your husband live with that? Will you and your husband go to some marriage counseling? Unfortunately, the in-laws interference is compounding the problem.

Donali, as your surgery date nears, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a wonderful and encouraging person! If there is ANYTHING that I can do, please let me know. You are such a success story! You are a "work in progress" and will only continue to get better. I hope I can do half as well as you have. Please take care of yourself!

These are wonderful! Best laughs I've had all day!

Terry, I think you get "top billing".

Best of luck to you and your Mother. Hope you have lots of help, not only in the move, but in the long days ahead. You're wise to get your surgery done. The insurance co. could have revised their plan before you could rescedule. Take care and try to get plenty of rest.

I do not know anything about Dr. Spiegel. I researched Dr. Hadar Spivak quite thoroughly. His website is www.lapsurgery-net. He's been doing many different laproscopic surgeries since 1990. Has put in over 700 lapbands. He's published several articles about it and does seminars to teach other drs. I wanted someone who had been doing this for a while and knew their stuff. He has two free support groups -- meet in Park Plaza Hospital and also in San Jacinto Hospital in Baytown. He took his time answering all my ?? His staff is great. He operates out of Park Plaza Hospital in Houston. Patients stay over one night. Most patients do NOT have the additional problems that I had. It took 8 months for my insurance to approve. During my surgery, he also removed a bad gallbladder, several adhesions (internal scar tissue from previous open method kidney removal), found a tumor located right above where the band is located -- on the esophagus/stomach juncture and removed it. Fortunately the gallbladder and tumor were benign. He said the tumor would have definitely become cancerous and much larger if remained. And put in my Lapband. Even though he tunnelled all across my abdomen, this was done laproscopically. It really makes a difference in your healing time. I was sent home with an abdominal drain for one week (this is not the normal for just a lapband surgery.) I had no complications. He knows your internal anatomy. I honestly feel that God, he, and doing this surgery could have saved my life. This tumor would not have been found unless someone were looking specifically in that area. Wow, sorry, this is more info. than you probably wanted or needed. Feel free to PM me if you have any other ??? Best of luck!

Post #58787 (@ the other website) by Jessie: "Forget the 1/2 cup of food at a time rule. The consensus is that's pretty much of a BAD guideline. The amount you can eat at one sitting varies depending on what you are eating." Donali and Lisa, your postings were not in vain! Someone (over there) agrees with you! SHOCK! SHOCK!

Kelly, don't waste your time! That board depressed me big time. I can't say that I learned anything from reading the posts either.

Lisa, I've wondered that, too. Penni can get a list of California (probably San Diego) lapband drs. My surgeon's speciality is laproscopic surgery. He did multiple surgeries on me at time of band placement. There HAS to be a California dr. with plenty of experience. That would certainly help you financially (and maybe long term.)

Lisa, "LOVE CONNECTION"??? You mean we have a t.v. star in our midst? And just how did you meet your husband? Hmmm...

Carmen, what type of exercises were you doing? Have you done any abdominal? Thanks.

Lisa and Donali, don't waste your valuable time on that other website. It's like a "Members Only" club and they're not accepting new members. I would be terrified to post on it. They're just waiting to jump someone. Donali, we know you didn't "do" anything to damage your band. That's like saying someone that unexpectedly dropped dead from a heart attack was "asking for it" despite living a perfect life style. (Keep that bunch away from his grieving widow!) Some things we just don't have any control over.

Lisa, that is so true!!! I haven't even stepped on the treadmill yet. I loved your "donkey in the well" story. A lesson of inspiration for all of us.

She's absolutely beautiful! Where does your other grandchild live?

I love protein drinks for breakfast! Keep some frozen fruit on hand (peaches, berries, etc.), and fresh bananas. Throw that in a blender with some fat-free milk and protein powder. Toss in a few ice cubes to thicken it. The fruit also helps with your fiber intake. Yummy!! You can also add your liquid vitamins (flax oil, etc.)

I had surgery when you did. By the 3rd week, my husband and I started taking 2 mile walks after dinner each evening (weather permitting). I really look forward to it. I went back for my post-op visit today. I also had a benign tumor removed at the esophagus/upper stomach juncture (right above the band placement). He didn't give me a fill because I'm losing well and he felt the area where the tumor was removed needed some more healing time. But he said I was free to exercise. Now the ? is will I really use that Yoga dvd I bought?

CathyFalb, Sorry, I misunderstood your post. I thought you were looking for a band dr. But you've already had your surgery and seem to be doing great! So you already know how great Dr. Spivak is.

CatheyFalb, Hi, I was banded by Dr. Spivak on 5/26. He's the greatest! He knows his stuff! I had United Healthcare Ins. He uses Park Plaza Hospital. Patients stay one night. I had other "problems" that he took care of during my surgery. He removed my gallbladder, some previous surgical adhesions (internal scar tissue), and found and removed a benign tumor on my esophagus (that I didn't even know I had, but would have become cancerous if remained). Because of these, I ended up staying an extra night. I went in to see him for my post-op today. I've lost 24 1/2 lbs. I didn't get a fill today because I'm losing well. I'm walking 2 miles a day (in our humidity!) Before, I was basically a couch potato.

Donali, And you sing too? Will you ever cease to amaze us?

Just a couple of more downsizes and you can buy clothes anywhere you want to!! Congratulations on your great weight loss!

I have to try clothes on for a true fit. Being short affects the way pants fit too. Have you ever tried Catherine's Women's Clothing? They have beautiful clothes and really good sales. We have their stores here. But their website is www.catherines.com