New Hope

Nora, only you can answer if the band is right for you. There is plenty of research, old posts, and bandsters that can answer most of your ?? Do your research and get your husband involved. The more informed both of you are, the better decisions you can make. My only regret is I didn't get my band sooner. My husband had recently changed jobs, and I was fortunate to have health insurance covering this. I had high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, gastric reflux, and a hiatal hernia (and that's not counting family history of colin cancer, heart attacks, and diabetes). I was wearing out fast and so depressed and unhappy w/myself. Since banding, my RXs are cut in half, health problems greatly reduced, and I have energy (for the first time in years)! I'm not sitting on the sidelines anymore, I'm out there enjoying life, and I love it!

Kim, remember this is only a temporary stage that you're going through - in preparation for a livechanging Band. It is definitely worth it!! You will still be able to eat - just about anything that you desire. You'll just eat a whole lot less and feel satisfied when you do eat. Your whole world is about to open up and you are going to find so many wonderful things out there to do that you never even considered. Things that are NOT food related. Since my banding, I've discovered I love bicyling. I also just got back from 4 and 5 hour hikes in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park. I would have never even thought about these things, let alone take part in them. Please try to take this one day, one meal at a time. That's how it's given to us. Our weight problems and poor eating habits didn't happen overnight. But we can retrain ourselves, with the aid of our band to a healthier and happier lifestyle. We all mess up, but the good news is that we don't have to give up and we get a fresh start "tomorrow". Hang in there! You can do this!

Veronica, you've done great so far! And now you'll do even better!

Wow, Joanne, hang onto that guy! I'm "across the pond" getting "mushy" just hearing about him. How long have you been married? Any kids?

Wow, Nancy, another Masters! Now, that's an NSV to brag about! I'm so glad that everything is going so well for you! Congratulations on the regular clothes sizes, too! Super job!

Michelle, praying for wonderful, clear reports for your son! Has his thyroid been checked recently? It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job trying to feed him and letting him eat whatever and whenever he wants.

Kathy, how about joining the weekly weigh-in challenge? It really does help to stay off of that scale. It can drive you crazy!

Carmen, beautiful picture! I hope things are getting better at home.

Audrey, I have missed your posts! Glad all is going well for you. Congratulations on the FANTASTIC weight loss! You are a poster child!

My skinny husband says he's going to get a band and his computer, just so he can "talk" to me.

Wow, an amazing and encouraging story!!! How tall are you? What is an average day's menu (food types and quantities)? Did you have any pre-existing health issues? Thanks so much for all of your advice!

Oh, and guess what the dr. recommends .... WATER (and exercise). Is there anything water doesn't help? Also, he advised wearing 10 - 20 mmhg compression hose as great preventatives - every day.

Queen, my veins weren't that bad before surgery. I did have one bruised vein area on top of foot (about 50 cent piece size) where it joins the ankle that had previously given me a lot of pain. It hurt a lot, and would feel like it was going to pop open when I first started walking and hurt so bad. But it doesn't hurt at all now. It's since reduced to about a 10 cent size piece and is much, much lighter in color. I'm exercising (bicyling) pretty regularly and previously did nil.

Mine asked a lot of questions about fire. "I'm fascinated by fire." "I like fire." "I enjoy burning things." (I guess they decline you if you're an arsonist.) LOL

You've taken the first step (which is probably the hardest), realizing that you need to do something to be healthier. Your banding journey has begun! Best of luck to you!

Nora, I'm not in your area, but I wanted to welcome you and wish you the best of luck on your Banding journey. Look forward to getting to know you!

Magnolia, don't mean to throw a scare at you, but are you using any form of birth control? Those "change of life" babies do happen.

Welcome to Bandland, Betty! Take it easy, walk, and drink that water! We look forward to hearing from you as soon as you feel like sitting at the computer. How's DH been taking care of you? Missed talking to you.

Well, Kelly Ann, you should be a Bandster by now! Take care of yourself, don't overdo, walk, and drink that water! Look forward to hearing from you! Congratulations!

Joanne, Congratulations on being banded! Those little aches and pains will get better every day. Walk, walk, walk and drink that water! So glad all is well!

Blossom, I still would schedule an in-office consult w/ your surgeon before your surgery. You really need to know what to expect from him and his staff, not only for the surgery, but maybe even more importantly for your aftercare. This is a huge investment in your health and you have every right to expect and receive quality care - every time you need them. You will definitely not regret getting your band! But we want you to have a wonderful surgeon and staff that will be there for you for a very long time. I bet he isn't aware of this woman's attitude and he needs to know so it can be corrected ASAP. Best of luck to you!

Hi, I used Dr. Spivak (and there are a couple of others here - Lisa Green, and Clara Luz). I absolutely adore him! He's very competent, sweet, easily accessible, and has a great staff. I have United Health Care PPO. But the best thing to do is check directly w/ your Benefits Coordinator to find out exactly what your insurance does and doesn't cover. His website has an excellent pre-surg. questionnaire that asks you about the different types of weight loss that you've tried. Any and all that you can think of will help you w/ your case for the insurance co. Hope it works out for you! Best of luck to you on your search for better health!

But Lisa G., shouldn't you spend your anniversary with your husband? Hmmmm.

I thought it was just me. I've cancelled my fill before, too. Too funny!

Vera, have you tried Balsamic vinegars? (about 10 cal. tbl.) You can mix them w/ oil and spices for a marinade also. But I think it's the creaminess we're craving. Hidden Valley has a Ranch Lite w/ 40 cal. tbl.) I love stews, Soups, or a pot of Beans any time of the year. I think it's wonderful comfort food. And aren't we getting our vegetables in that way? (Any excuse to try to make it right. LOL)