New Hope

We have a small air filter in our bedroom. It not only cleans the air, but makes a constant soft sound that drowns out my tinnitis (constant ringing in the ears).

Alex, you're right! Exercise will definitely help you sleep. My husband and I have been walking 2 miles each evening after dinner. By the time I take my shower and get my jammies on, my bed is calling me. I've slept sounder than I have in years. (This from a person whose biggest daily event used to be walking across the house to get a glass of ice water from the kitchen.)

I agree with Lisa. I don't think it's good to take pain meds. every day. Won't your body build up a resistance to them after a while, where you'll need to take more and more for the same results?

Teresa, Have you tried taking the herbal supplement, Melatonin? I get it at Sam's (our wholesale warehouse) for $6, for #300 3mg. small tablets. I've had insomnia for years. Melatonin is what our bodies are supposed to create for sleep. These have helped me. Tylenol p.m. is just acetaminophen plus benadryl. Benadryl is the only decongestant my husband (transplant patient) is okeyed to take. Liquid benadryl is what the hospital gives a patient before a heart catherization to make them groggy.

Donali, your list is fantastic. As usual, you've given all of us "food for thought". We can all live by your list. In your profession, are you a teacher and/or counselor, because you really have a knack for guiding others? You are terrific!

"Dan" is full of baloney. Hopefully that doesn't cause band erosion.that

Lori, here's to a painless and successful surgery! You'll be up and at 'em before you know it. Best of luck!

My original name was 4x4x4 because that's how I really felt about myself. (Fatty, fatty, 2x4, can't get through the bathroom door...) But I changed it to New Hope, because I feel hopeful about getting healthier. I haven't had any reason to feel that way in years. I'm so thankful for my band and for the encouragement and support that I've found on this site!

Donali, you are 100% CLASS! As usual, you're thinking about what you can teach us out of this fiasco. You're the best!

Hi, Keith, guess you're trying to exercise in these hot Texas evenings, also. Well, maybe we'll lose a few extra lbs. by sweating in this humidity. Where were you banded? Best of luck!

Lisa, my gastrologist recommends "Benefiber". It doesn't gel up like the other two. It's also good for colon polyps. You can mix it into anything -- no taste.

Those creeps! When your incision gets healed to the point that you don't worry about getting anything inside, crush some vitamin E capsules and rub on it. Those are great for scars.

Lisa, I've been breaking my pills up and letting them dissolve in a tablespoon full of water. They go down fine that way. Or have you tried breaking them up and mixing in applesauce? Your hubby is probably right about the bandage. Can you get your incision wet? If so, you can stand in the shower to loosen the bandage before you remove it.

Donali, we're here for you, just as you have been here numerous times for us. Let us carry the load for a while and give your shoulders some rest. We know a band erosion is not a good thing. We know that it has to be removed. Your body will heal and then you can be rebanded. You don't want to leave that band in where it can get entangled and cause even more complications. Even temporarily without your band, you have such a wonderful set routine in your eating habits. You are so conscientous of your meals, vitamins, portion control. You will gain little, if no weight gain, during this down time. You've worked to hard to get where you are today. I look to see you continuing losing weight, maybe just on a little different plain. We're here for you! Take care and try to "destress".

Lisa, probably no go on the insurance repaying you. But maybe you can collect "frequent flyer miles" to San Diego.

Rica, what a great description! A magic stop button! Love it!

Jacqui, it doesn't sound like you need to go back to the shrink! It sounds like your dr. makes more $$ off of bypass, so he's pushing that. Just keep doing your homework. Makes you wonder how many other patients he's pushed into bypass. Best of luck!

Lisa, please don't beat yourself up, thinking, "I should have done..." You did what you thought was right at the time. You did have some set backs, but hopefully that's fixed, and it's "clear sailing ahead". You've also already lost a big chunk of weight. You wouldn't have done that if you were waiting and fighting with your insurance company. I did fight out my insurance company. It took eight months! I keep thinking how much better I'd be doing at exercising if this had been done back in October, 2003. (It is so hot and humid here. I know I've lost a couple of pounds just in sweat.) But it wasn't. So hopefully, I'll be doing much better come this time in October, 2004. Now that you have a fill, you'll really take off! You're doing great!

Lisa, I'm not trying to be a party pooper. But I know you want to get this done once and for all. Your homecare nurses are right there to keep an eye on you. Tell your husband that he'd be bored married to anyone else. I can't wait until I'm cold. My thermostat has been stuck on high for years!

You are a DOLL! Great job!

Wow, what an experience! I'm so glad that you're doing so well. Please don't overdo it because you feel so good. I think that you should post a picture of your "new" portless incision, wearing the purple bra AND red glove. Liven up the board for us PLEASE!

Donali, have you thought about being the liason for Dr. Lopez and American patients? You have an immense amount of knowledge that is vital for new bandsters. I think you'd be great!

Pamie, I chose to be banded so I could be healthier, also. This is the first time I've successfully lost weight. You'll find lots of support and answers here. Best of luck!

Hi Lois, You've found a wonderful and supportive website of caring people who are in the same boat that you are. Just about any ?? you have, someone will have answers for. I was banded by Dr. Spivak on 5/26/04. He's the greatest! He's very caring, explains things so well, and never rushes you. He is also an excellent laproscopic surgeon. I ended up having my gallbladder, some adhesions (internal scar tissue), and a tumor from the esophagus --- all removed during the same surgery that he installed the band. He's the best! To date, I've lost 24 lbs. and feel so much better (more energy, better self esteem). His seminars are very, very informative and he answers all ?? Best of luck on your decision. Please keep us updated.

Oops, sorry, I live in Houston, Texas, USA, have 3 dogs and 4 cats. (Always been a sucker for a stray.)