New Hope

Sorry, Betty, it's 42* here with wind chill of 35*. I'll be wearing BOTH my new hats today!!!! Glad I bought some sweat pants and sweat shirts @ Walmart yesterday.

Dalra, this is a support forum for people that have received the gastric band for weight loss. Ridicule, sarcasm, and ignorance are not support. We are not supported by any doctors. Patients can safely come here and honestly tell of their experiences - good and bad. We help each other through encouragement and the sharing of facts. Unfortunately, serious health problems can arise -anywhere, anytime, regardless of who your dr. is or how much $$ you paid. Perhaps you were looking for another forum?

Hey, girl, December 15th is almost here! So you better enjoy your wanton, eat anything you want days while you can. LOL But I know that you are more than ready to get on with "Living Your Life"! Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers that God guides the surgeon's hands and that you have a minimum pain recovery period. I know that you'll be a good bandster and follow your surgeon's post-op care. Best of luck to you!

That really is the key...other people striving for the same thing you are and encouraging each other along the way. Friends that you can share a little NSV with, or ask for a boost because you've had a bad day. If an ache or pain is bothering you, you can compare it to others and get some advice how to handle it. Our little cyberfamily! I know my DH isn't able to appreciate the little accomplishments like ya'll do. And Lauri, you help others on here just as much. It's a two-way street - of giving and taking.

Teresa, you certainly wouldn't be normal if you weren't nervous! I cried as I was being wheeled into the operating room. But they were "happy tears" because I was so ready to get my life back! Also, a real feeling of relief that I'd chosen the band, when I saw an O.R. nurse in the holding area (just prior to my surgery). She'd had RNY surgery 3 years ago and gained most of her weight back. Just kind of reconfirmed that I'd made the right decision.

It's really important that you research, research, research before you do anything. There is so much to learn and you need to have realisitic expectations. How much weight are you wanting to lose? Do you have any co-morbidities (weight-related health problems)? The band will help you to lose weight much slower (but healthier) than the RNY does. The band is a tool that will help you, but you have to be able to do your part. If you make healthy food choices, drink lots of water (but not with meals or 1 hour after), and do some form of exercise consistently - you will lose weight. Everyone that's gotten a band felt that they were the one the band would fail on. We've all tried numerous diets, only to gain more back than we started with. Diets don't work! The band helps you because you are eating less and feeling satisfied. It is easy to eat out of boredom, but once you're aware of it, you'll try to avoid those situations more. As you lose weight, and your energy level picks up, you'll find things that you really enjoy doing - that don't revolve around food. There is a lot of "headwork" to do, along with the physical work. But one thing is that when you start losing weight, you start feeling better - physically and emotionally. You start losing that "whipped down" feeling that you've had for so long and realize that you are a valuable individual. I can honestly say that I feel better now, medical problems seriously improved, meds. reduced, than I have in YEARS. I've discovered that I now enjoy bike riding and mountain hikes - something I never even considered doing for so long. Best of luck to you on your search for better health!

Lauri, you're doing such a good job on the "head hunger". That is the hardest part to learn. I still struggle with that one. And who knows, you might just be able to handle your weight problems on your own - without a band! Boy, wouldn't that save you a lot of stress (fighting w/ insurance co. and $$). You've done a fantastic job so far. You're already learning and using things that I didn't learn until after I got my band. You're just that far ahead of the game. Good for you!

Rita, I'm so sorry about your band erosion. But I'm glad that you had the band removed before you had more problems. Please take care of yourself and get well. Have you tried pm'ing Donali? She is a Lopez patient, who also had her band removed due to erosion. She is very sweet and might be able to give you some pointers on living without your band. She's done very well since then. Best of luck to you! (((Hugs)))

What type of band did you receive? www.inamed.com is the website for the Lapband. You can go to their website and pull up a list of fill drs. But call the drs. direct to confirm if they accept patients banded by other drs. Currently this is the only type of band that you can find a U.S. dr. to fill. Any other type bands will have to be filled in Mexico (as they install and fill different types.) Good luck in your search.

Congrats Jenn! My surgeon took my bad gallbladder out when I was banded, too. You should start feeling better right away, just getting that nasty thing out of your body. And you got your band! Hope you continue to recover smoothly.

Could your dietician be referring to RNY (bypass) in regards to meat? I know they have a very hard time digesting meats (especially beef). I've personally had no problems with any types - beef, chicken, pork, fish, etc. Just be sure they are very moist, and have a sauce handy if needed - so they go down easy. Chew very tiny pieces very, very well before swallowing. I had a really gross sliming episode with a too-dry chicken strip once. As far as carbonated drinks, I've tried a few sips of Diet Coke since banding. It gave me a reflux-type feeling inside- not pleasant at all. And who wants a flat coke? Yuke! So I definitely don't miss those now.

Do not crush any extended time-released pills before taking. You will not get the dosage consistently the way it is intended. Those need to be exchanged for a non-time released med. There are tons of different meds available. And, again, your improved health should enable you to reduce or eliminate many. Just take your actual pills and show Dr. Spivak what size they are. Write down what you take - name, dosage, reason for each medicine - including any vitamins and/or herbal supplements you take. He recommends - before eating -drink 4 ounces of water, then take correct size pill, then immediately drink 4 more ounces of water (to flush pill through the stoma). Then you can eat, if needed. He adjusted (reduced) my blood pressures, asthmas, hiatal hernia/reflux meds. before I left the hospital with my band. What type ailments are you taking prescription meds. for?

Hi, Dawn! Congratulations on being banded and the great weight loss! I look forward to getting to know you better on LBT.

Absolutely amazing! And she just got her first fill. What a woman!

Sultana, I've heard that allergies and congestion can affect you. Can you take anything like Allegra? I had an unfill 2 weeks ago for reflux, supposed to wait 2 months, then go back to dr. I've gained back 3 pounds. Do you sleep with your headboard elevated about 4"? That will help w/night time reflux. Hope you get to feeling better soon! Please don't get discouraged! You've done great!

Please tell Patty that you're our "banded brother".

Teresa, that is so sweet! I'm glad you work for such a thoughtful person. Sounds like you two make a good team! At least you know you got one Christmas present you'll like!

Please be sure you get answers! We changed homeowners/auto insurance this summer. They gave me a complimentary credit report. Surprise! Surprise! On my husband's was a charge-off for a $500 medical bill. At the time, we were on an HMO, and just assumed it was paid. The medical facility never bothered to contact us, never sent us a bill - just gave us a bad rating.

Double check it, if you're not sure about having something, question it. This and that, here and there, can add up very quickly.

Can your bosses regulate when and where people are eating in the office? Like lunch time in the break room?

Please be sure that you get an itemized statement on everything. I have a friend charged for a pregnancy test (before surgery) and she'd had a hysterectomy 20 years before.

Teresa, did you realize how versatile your hat is, with that brim? Too much fun! I think I'm going to start wearing hats all the time - just like Princess Diana did. (Now if I could just get her body! LOL)

The figure may have changed, but it was $7500 in unreimbursed medical expenses. I'm not sure if elective surgery can be claimed. Please check with a CPA to be sure.

Does Erin know that you've had weight loss surgery?

Is Erin overweight? Maybe you can get her to start going to a soup and salad bar with you for lunch. You can influence her eating habits, but in a positive, healthy-foods way. How about if you brought a vegetable/dip tray to the office? Otherwise, I agree, avoid eating with her. That's too tempting.