paula

Since Im tanned, the Laser hair Removal system is (temporary) out for me. Now Im considering electrolysis for the summer. I wanna hear the good and bad of these treatments. Most importantly, anyone scared from it?

I *H A T E* searching for things on the web - toooooooo many choices. Could you please explain to the weak ones (me!) what cortisol levels mean to the body? Seems like it would be easy for the 'skilled' to find a brain tumor?? You know Crys., Im sorry that YOU are going though this, but it makes me wonder HOW many others are dealing with similear symptoms and have NO idea what is really going on in their body.

Another bit of information that we may want to include is the name of our surgeon. For some reason Im thinking the surgeons TECHNIQUE has something to do with it.

Ive had SEVERAL Laser hair removal treatments at $100 - $200 a session. Thats serious cash around my house. It kills the hairs that are present - so Im hair free for about 2 months?? Then bam! The growth cycle starts again and its time for more treatments. I waited 9 months between treatments (due to sunning) and became SO upset at the amount of facial hair that had re-surfaced. Yes, there was a small reduction from my initial visit - but all the money/time Ive spent on this project, I feel like the info surrounding the Laser treatments are a little misleading... its NOT permanent. So???? Now Im interested in electrolysis. If all of this malarky is only temporary, then I need to save my $$ and go with a treatment thats more cost efficient. Am I making sense? Questions I have (along with Penni's): Can you have this done with a suntan (unlike the lasering)? Has anyone been seriously scarred from it? How many treatments are usually needed to maintain a hair-free area?

Eileen, YES! I remember that poll. Did a mod. move it? Ive noticed that the majority of us that suffer with reflux seem to develope it after a couple of fills - thats why I thought a 6 month vetern bandster would be "experienced" enough to re-vote. It may even be a good idea for us to re-do this poll periodically.... ??? just a thought.

Seppi, I still have my *3* cups of morning coffee - daily. Im not giving up my coffee Some nights I have reflux, some I dont. For me - it depends on what i eat for supper (or very late in the evening). I avoid anything tomato based in the afternoon - and also alcohol. These 2 things cause me to have reflux - Along with other things, but these come to mind. Also, about the water... sometimes Ill drink a glass of milk at night and it HELPS - SOMETIMES! The thickness of the milk seems to wash any undigested food through.

:usa: Happy 4th of July everyone!:usa: Telly, youre amazing Girl! 12 miles???? We're going to my parents later - celebrating my sister's B-day. Mom is cooking a FEAST (brisquit, rice dressing & more). Swimming, fireworks, food and Family! What better way is there to spend this day? (just hope the sun stays out - theyre predicting R A I N ) God bless all of you. Have a safe day!

Hey Amber, WELCOME to LBT. You are ahead of the game by finding LBT before your surgery. Everything you ever wanted to know about Lapbanding (short and long term questions) can be found here. Hope you visit often. Good luck!

Jacqui, you crack me up!!! I know what you mean - Ive noticed it too. But I havent noticed it on banders as much as other wls patients, although I dont come in contact with other banders very often. Interesting though.

Hi Laura, Your NOT a big baby - that shoulder pain is rough at times. Try putting the heating pad on your shoulder, maybe the back area. Also, walk walk walk. The shoulder pain is usually caused from trapped gas, so when you feel your shoulder starting to ache - take walk down the street. This should dislodge the gas and help you expell it.

Hi Jen and Ken! I LOVE hearing about banded couples. Its easier to climb a mountain when you have help... Nothing like being in it together! Good luck to both of you.

Hope you have an AWESOME day! God Bless you.

Trizzy, What a humbling experience (((hugs))). My heart broke for you when I read this. Hang in there Baby, next summer you're going to be a NEW person and there'll be NO stopping you on ANY ride!

Seppi (and Donna), Reflux is the big bad wolf of bandsters! YUCK! Ive often had reflux since banding. The ONLY thing that works for me is OTC Prilosec - Nexium seemed to make is worst. From what my pharmacist told me, these drugs do basically the same thing. Some work for some, and some work for others. Kinda like advil and naproxin - both anti-inflammotory drugs, but work differently in different people. ?? Dont just stick with the Nexium and think this is it! Let your doc know - they (or talk to your pharmacist) may recommend something else. And one other thing, I *absolutely* can NOT have anything in my band when I go to bed. Sometimes this means a forced pb is necessary. Good luck. ((I just remembered Best_Me (Kathy's) aloe vera juice! You can find it at Walmart. This may help as well))

Donna, This is a couple of weeks old. Im JUST NOW reading this (yikes). What did Dr C suggest?

Yep - its fill time! Things should be better once you get a little restriction - should be. :nervous There are some doctors that recommend diet pills during this short phase (before getting a fill) Im not sure if this is an option for you or not. Remember to get in at least 64 oz's of Water. Try adding a little lemon juice to help with the flavor. This may help with the appetite too. Hang in there (you too K@t).

Hi Heather, and WELCOME! Youve just finished a MONTH of liquids?? Wow - I bet textured food feels (and taste) SO good. :biggrin1: If you need anything just ask! Good luck.

Hi Clady and WELCOME! I havent used Lopez, but MANY others around here have. If you look on the top of this page, you will see a "search" feature. Try digging around there for info we have stored in the archives about Lopez. He's a popular one, so you should find lots of readings. Good luck day after tomorrow (the 8th)!

Hey Jeannine - WELCOME to LapBandTalk AND to the Band wagon (wow - thats a mouthful ). I havent heard much about the Wish Center. Sounds like you had a great experience. Thank God! If you need anything just ask. WELCOME!

Heather, that is adorable! I admire you -so much- for have all of this talent!

pleazzze tell me that you can buy this in a store?!

Mert, At the time of my surgery (July 04), I had First Health/MHBP insurance. They were awesome to deal with (easy approval and paid something like 90% of everything) - but they didnt have dental insurance! ~~with 3 kids, dental insurance is MORE important then Moms LapBand~~ So, in Jan 05 we switched to BC/BS La.:biggrin1: :biggrin1:

Hi txgal, and WELCOME to LBT! Here's a thread that has reflux/gerd info. http://lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4154 Good luck.

Its NOT BC/BS's fault... most insurances exclude LapBand (AGB) because of the on-going expense related to this surgery (or lack of knowledge). RnY is -most of the time- just ONE surgery, thats why insurances push this procedure. As you can read around here, in MANY patients - they require more then one surgery with the LaBand. Port problems, slips, erosion, leaks in tubing, etc. It could get expensive!!! So? Ins. Comp's simply choose to NOT cover this form of WLS. Has NOTHING to do with IF it works or not. I have BC/BS of Louisiana (Fed) and I would LOVE for them to cover LapBand. But I completely understand WHY they (and so many others) do not. Its still aggravating though!

Never heard of eating buffalo... is it better for you then beef? So glad it doesnt taste like chicken.