New Hope

Carmen, how is your husband doing now? Sometimes it's hard being the caregiver and everyone is depending on you. Do you have anyone that can give you a little bit of "me time"? Just being able to take a soaking bath without someone banging on the door, climbing in bed and reading a good book until you can peacefully sleep, or perhaps the kids staying overnight so you can "sleep in" on a Saturday, someone else cooking a meal and cleaning up the kitchen, etc. can help "recharge your batteries". Have to admit, I'd love to hear some gossip about the ole mother-in-law, though! LOL Sending (((hugs))), encouragement, and prayers your way! :cool:

Michelle, I know that you have seen both sides of how cancer can turn out. Sending prayers, encouragement, renewed strength, and (((hugs))) to you, your son, and family for positive news and a quick recovery. I'm so glad that you got that "time out" in Vegas. You needed and deserved that. Please take care! :cool:

Hi, R, are you banded? If so, what stage are you in? Are you able to eat regular foods now? Broccoli is pretty fiberous (stringy) and could cause a problem. How about just the flowerets, finely chopped and not the stalks. Have you tried cauliflower? Green Giant makes a good cauliflower and cheese (in frozen vegetable dept.) -- just microwave. Those taco salad and no-tortilla enchilada dishes sound yummy! We have a Recipe thread going under "Foods". There are some great recipes there. Just try out different things. It sounds like you prefer salty over sweet. How about some dry mini shredded wheat (for fiber) over the corn checks? What is an average day's menu for you? (Ex. breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Are you getting your all your water in daily? It's a constant juggling act that we all work on every day. Please keep in touch! :cool:

And yet another "mature" bandster joining the ranks! Congratulations! I think once you get past the liquid stage (which definitely isn't the end of the world!), you'll be pleasantly surprised by your band and yourself. I can honestly say this is the only thing that has worked for me. It really hasn't been hard. Sure, you'll have days that you don't eat the right things. But then you'll get back on track. Unlike earlier attempts, once I slipped, I just gave up and "pigged out". Please give us some info. about you, starting weight, height. Best of luck to you! :cool:

Hi, Adoreme, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Are you banded? If so when and how are you doing? Glad to see another "mature" one here. LOL :cool:

Another Texan! Greetings from Houston! My band has been one of the best things I've ever done for myself and my family! It's helped me get off the couch and get out there and take part in life. Banded 4 -1/2 months, 47 lbs. gone, since then rode in a 20 mi. and a 25 mi. bike benefits, climbed Colorado mts. 4 -5 hrs. daily. All this from the former Queen of Couch Potatoes! I love my band! :cool:

Janie, what type of band do you have and where is your Banding dr.? Is he convenient for you to get to for follow-ups? Have you been fighting depression? Do you get regular exercise? What does an average day's meals consist of? Have you tried tracking your meals and exercise on Fitday.com? Sometimes this gives you some insight. Please don't get discouraged! You've lost 35 lbs.! Would you have lost that without your band? Best of luck to you! :cool:

So it sounds like those skinny, little friends of yours don't stand a chance against the new, improved you that's just waiting to be revealed! Best of luck to you! Please let us know how you're doing as soon as you feel like it. :cool:

Miss Betty, no whiskey baths! We don't want to hear on the news that you're responsible for "leveling" the hospital! You are well, you will have a noneventul surgery, you will get your band, you will recovery w/ minimim pain, you will remain well. Now, listen to your Mama here and enjoy this beautiful weekend! Oh, dare I say it... Your last weekend as an "Unbanded Woman"!

Blossom, do you have any existing health problems? Have you had recent ekg, stress test, etc.? It could be that these are on your record and you won't have to redo. If you have no health problems, then less tests will need to be run. Perhaps you need to schedule a office visit next week and go in and talk directly to your surgeon. Explain your concerns and fears about now, the surgery, and your aftercare. They do need to work according to your insurance company's policies - on precertification for surgery, hospitalization, etc. so you don't get any unexpected "surprises". I know my dr. office closes on noon on Fridays. Giving this woman the benefit of the doubt, maybe she was just in a rush to get out the door and less than professional w/ you. Why don't you try to relax this weekend (you can't find out anything anyway) and give them another chance on Monday? Also, you're probably running on sheer nerve right now. You've had a lot of personal stress going on with your puppy being sick. Why don't you try to relax this weekend and give them another chance on Monday? Realistically, you can't find out anything until then anyway. Hey, it will work out (whether w/ him or another surgeon)! Hang in there, girl! :cool:

Have you "talked" w/ Betty (Iloveharleys)? She's using Dr. Provost. She's self-pay, getting banded Monday in your area and loves her dr. She probably also has info. on other drs. in your area. Not sure about the payment plan. A lot of them have financing going through Capitol One and other credit card companies. Best of luck to you! :cool:

O.K., Zoe, so I don't have to drag out my dictionary....what is an idiot savant? I understand the first word. :cool:

No problem. PM means "Private Message." (Sorry, I forget that I had to learn that too!) It should just pop up on your screen when you're on this forum. But sometimes it doesn't. To check it manually, go to the top and click on "User CP", then click on "Private Messages." It will tell you if you have any unread PM. Then just click on it and read.:cool:

Hi again, Jodie! What types of food are you eating now? I've found it very interesting to see what others eat ,whether from another country or just across the United States. (Guess I'm still obsessed by Foods, aren't I? ha ha) There's always an interesting variety. We have a "Recipes" thread going under "Foods". Would love to see some of yours posted there.:cool:

O.K., I have pm'd my dr. website to you. I'm not advertising for him. But he has an excellent pre-op questionnaire that asks you all about previous attempts at weight loss. I'm sure there are things on there that you have done and have forgotten. Have you pm'd Betty (Iluvharleys) and asked her for info.? She is great at collecting info. Best of luck to you!:cool:

But, Lainie, any thing good is worth waiting for! You can't imagine what a wonderful, healthy life is out there waiting for you! Can't wait to hear when your "Banding" is! Yeah!!!:cool:

Betty is using Dr. Provost in your area. I'm sure she can tell you of different drs. there that she checked on.:cool:

Hey, girl, have you checked w/ Betty (Iluvharleys)? She's getting banded on Monday w/ a great dr. in your area. She's going as a self-pay and can answer a lot of your ?? My dr. has a very informative website (and it also discusses self-pays). I love him and his staff. I have United Health Care (PPO). But everyone's health insurance is different. You have to check out your specific policy and it's specific exclusions. I was first denied, appealed, then 8 months later got my band. (Most don't take that long. Not sure what the hold up was.) Are you absolutely sure that you don't meet insurance criteria for the band? You might want to double check. If you're planning on self-pay, that should really speed things up, no matter who you decide to use. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted!:cool:

Wow, Karen, so that's what -90 lbs. looks like? That is wonderful! I know you are really enjoying life w/ your handsome son and that beautiful granddaughter (who shares that great smile w/ you)! I think you look "at goal" right now! Fantastic!:cool:

I was banded locally by a dr. who doesn't accept other patients. But I wanted to wish you best of luck on your journey. Please research, research, research. There is so much to learn. Please keep us posted.:cool:

Penni, I don't think you'll be high. More like comatose from the benadryl. Especially if you're not used to taking any. Glad to hear this wasn't more serious. Best of luck to you!:cool: P. S. Did you wear your "drool bucket" to see your lucious dr. today? I think you were just looking for an excuse to see him. LOL

O.K., Betty, Mind over Matter!! Sending healthy thoughts and (((hugs)))). Stop thinking about "sick". It's not going to happen, O.K.? Now, don't you feel better? :cool:

Rose, glad to hear that all seems "normal" and you're healing. Hang in there! Remember it's temporary.:cool:

Good one, Zoe!!! You know, actually since I've lost some weight, I'm getting chilled at times (for the first time in YEARS)! A nice change! :cool:

Absolutely beautiful fall weather! 7 1/2 miles bicycling. P. S. Lisa Green, I need much more than a Mary Kay makeover! LOL :cool: