AudreyZ

My name is Audrey, I currently live in the Lakes Region of NH. I am considering having this procedure done and hope to talk with other people from NH who have had this done or are considering it like myself.

Forget the fact that you have a band, and ask yourself, how would you handle this person, if say, you bought a new boat, and he acted this way? Or planned a trip to an exotic place with the family, and he couldn't afford it? People act jealous because something inside of them is lacking. It might be willpower, it might be faith in themselves, lack of courage, you get the idea. Being nice obviously isn't helping, so next time he makes a remark, tell him to stop, as his comments are harming your friendship. Tell him you no longer want this issue to come between you two- this was YOUR choice to make, to live a healthier lifestyle, and if he can't be happy for you and make positive comments, than to not say anything at all. Good luck, and I hope you can get through to your friend, instead of having to tell him to take a hike down the pike.

I had the same concerns myself a few years back, as it is genetics on both sides of the family to be overweight. I am the obese one of the family on my side, and yet, I was always the athletic one, go figure. On my husband's side, he has one sister who is obese, as well as many great aunts and uncles and his mother. The rest of his family has a weight problem, but it's minimal. On my side, half are overweight, the rest are thin, and I am, as I mentioned above, the only obese one in the family. I've learned with my kids, to limit junk food intake, and teach them about healthy eating habits. Tell them why a glass of orange juice is better for them (potassium for the heart, vitamin C for colds) than Hi C, or a side of salad instead of chips with their sandwich for lunch. I find that if they understand the importance of nutrition, and not weight gain/loss, it is less intimidating to them. If you constantly get after them for having a freeze pop on a hot day, you will only make them feel guilty for having it, then they will sneak food, to make themselves feel better. Let them have that treat- it's ok, so long as they get enough exercise and eat properly most of the time! Isn't that what we should concentrate on, instead of scaring them into eating their way into an eating disorder? I cannot emphasize enough, physical exercise. I see way too many kids, obese, heavy, and skinny, playing too many video and computer games. Kick their butts outside, give them a ball, and tell them to PLAY. For that matter, join them- you'll both benefit from the exercise and fun.

Perhaps the doctor was just trying to help his patient get this surgery, and knew the struggle she would have if she didn't report a higher number. These insurance companies can be unfair at times to people who desperately need treatment, and get refused for something that will make them healthier in the long run.

Wow, color me confused. I haven't been here for awhile. What happened, and who did this? Yeppers! If someone could fill me in, I'd appreciate it. I don't know who to trust or not now. :guess

My thoughts and prayers to you, Ryan, and your wife Patti. I am so sorry you both had to go through this hell. May the road to recovery be quick and pain free. (((((RYAN AND PATTI)))))

Would you happen to have a sinus infection? Sometimes, those can be nasty, and if you're having any mucus draining down in your stomach, that could be the reason why the Tylenol is making you sick. I hope you feel better. Put a heating pad on the area where it hurts. I had one of my co workers do this not too long ago, and she said it was the only relief she had had in days. Later on that week, she went to the doctors and found out she had a sinus infection.

Hi folks. Went to a seminar yesterday- one more to go, then I get to meet my surgeon. I have to wait until January for that meeting, but hey, its' coming along. Anyhow, I asked about soda and weight loss surgery. Strange the dietician said you can have flat soda at four months time, and eventually, fizzy soda later on in the year, providing that it is diet, of course. I asked her if it would erode the band, and she said no, it's impossible, as the band is on the outside of the stomach. So, another conflict in what others are being told, ggggggggrrrrrrrr. Anyone else's dietician tell them this? I would miss my Fresca and diet ginger ale the most, although, I don't have them often. It would be nice to know if it's a permanent no-no, or temporary. She also said many people can't eat meat for about four months after any weight loss surgery, lap band included. Glad I am having it done after the holidays, can't imagine Christmas without the beef, ham, lamb or turkey-which ever meat we'll be having this year (I haven't made up my mind yet which to serve ) I also recommended this site for some people at the seminar. Seems like a lot of them had no idea there were great support groups on the net available to them.

Thanks, Teresa, I shall enjoy the last big meal, LOL. I am glad I told these people about this place and obesity.com. They looked like they really could use the support- not to mention, people at both places know how it feels. Not saying family members or friends aren't supportive, but if they're thin or slightly over weight and can lose it by conventional means, they don't understand the frustrations and fears some of us go through daily. So, the more help, the better. You've all been great here for me, in more ways than one. La Madame, I think I worded the meat part wrong, LOL. I meant the dietician said many people can't eat meat for the first four months, as they find it difficult to chew and digest- she didn't say you couldn't have it, that just many people said they weren't able to eat it for awhile.

That is awesome, Teresa! Keep up the great work! :banana I love reading your posts and seeing your progress- it gives me hope! I have one more seminar to attend the first week in January, then I get to meet my future surgeon. Can't wait, it seems like forever til this all gets done and over with.

Oh, and I forgot to say, good for you, for putting your foot down with her. A couple of more times, and she will eventually learn that your friendship isn't all about food, but other things. Is there any way during lunch, that you can make half of your lunch break into an exercise time? Maybe walk around the building, ask her to join you, if she doesn't, get up yourself and do it. It will spare you from having to continue to watch her gorge herself, and meanwhile, you get a few minutes of exercise in the process, and a chance to clear your mind.

After reading what you wrote, I have come to the conclusion that she really equates food with friendship and socializing. When I was thinner years back, my best friend used to bring Dunkin Donuts munchkins and other junk food over. My other two best friends did the same. I was the one in the group that told them to please stop bringing it over my house, as I didn't want to gain any more weight- at the time I had about 25-30 to lose from my second pregnancy. I was successful maintaining this weight, until I had my tonsils out and another pregnancy after my tonsilectomy (sp). Of course, being tired and sick most of the time, I ate, and ate, and ate.....and here I am. Oh, and I also had a friend who owns a pizza and sub shop- you can imagine the feasts she would bring over, or have at her home for all of us to enjoy. Of course, she brought salad, too, for me. To this day, my friends are all the same, much heavier than I am. I don't see them as much, as I live further away now. However, I did have a couple of other friends who told me they thought my weight gain was on their shoulders. I said no, it was mine- I really enjoyed their friendship, and at the cost of my health, continued to maintain it, and still do, but at a distance (I don't get to see them as much anymore, live about 2 hours away). I am the one who should have put my foot down harder and made it more clearer like I did one time- I had my friend bring her boxes of goodies out to the car- and had her take them home with her. She got the hint, and didn't bring anything over for a long time, until an incident in her life happened that caused her to want junk food all the time (her husband was sick, and eventually died from cancer). I didn't have the heart to berate her at that time. However, I told her I wasn't going to eat them, as I wanted to stay healthy and lose weight. Of course, I didn't succeed, but that's on my shoulders, not hers. What I am saying is, some people really do equate food with socializing. Most of us oldies were brought up that if you visited a family member or friend's house, you brought something to eat with you as a courtesy. Get togethers with family and friends always have food.....birthday parties, retirement parties, weddings, holidays, think about it, it's always about food, and in some cases, drinks (alcohol). So, many times, people like your co-worker don't always realize that they are doing this- it's ingrained in their minds to share their food and friendship. We all know how deadly that can be, but at the same time, these friends can also be a God send to us, too, in other ways. I wouldn't have traded them back then for anything, and I feel that way now. Maybe just saw less of them for my health's sake- we got together daily, sometimes from early in the morning til later in the evenings. We had a lot of great times, too, and when we weren't eating, we were laughing and having the times of our lives, while the kids all played, LOL I hope your co-worker can eventually see the harm she is causing. Again, it may not be intentional- this may be something she is just so used to doing, she isn't aware of it. Bringing food to your office might be her way of just wanting to say hi, but she uses food as an excuse to drop by. She sounds very lonely to me as well- so food is her vehicle to conversations. Maybe a little one to one chat about this may do her and you the world of good.

giggles at Greg. Thanks for sharing that story!

I read 60-90 grams of protein a day. Thing is, I can't eat regular fish, only shellfish, which is loaded in sodium, so that cuts down my protein sources in half (though, for some reason, I can eat tunafish, go figure). I'm buying this for the pre-op and post-op diet, and wouldn't use the whole amount if I don't need it. Any protein shake will taste nasty to me- believe me, I've tried just about everyone of them out there from previous diets, and most are the same taste, different flavor, LOL. Just something to keep on hand, if I get tired of my limited food choices.

Funny, I was just looking on the net for high protein/low calorie formulas for when the time comes for me to be banded. I saw on this site a powder that has 50 grams of Protein per serving, don't know if it would be a help much to anyone, but I am planning on buying some: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/nb/lowcarb.html Sorry, I can't advise you, as I won't be banded for a couple of months, but kudos to you on your weight loss!

You'll will have to keep my excitement down a bit, LOL. I just got approved for Lap Band surgery! Finally, after 5 months of tests and waiting. Now, the hard part- the meetings. One place lets you do two of them at home, but the first one, you must attend in person. I can handle that, but why do they have them only once a month? So, I have to wait another 3 months before they schedule surgery? Oh, well, that's the breaks. I'll just have to contain my excitement and wait it out a bit longer, until I get my Lap Band. Keep your fingers crossed for me, that this goes smoothly! Thanks, Audrey

Thankyou, everyone! Yes, my insurance is covering it- as of January 1,2004, they cover this procedure! I am so excited, I am bouncing off of the walls, LOL.

Life is too short to be bothered with rude comments like this. Ask yourself, why would she even mention such a thing to you? Maybe you're a reminder to her of something she isn't- courageous and motivated. There's always a hint of jealousy and a low self esteem involved with people like this. I have yet to meet anyone like this who is happy with themselves- they often lash out at people who they envy- if you're happy or seem it, they try to bring you down.

Sounds like the Christmas effect. You wait all month for Santa to come, when it's over, you're in limbo, so to speak. Hang in there, look at all the people on here who have had great success- one day, you'll be just like them, and sharing your wisdom and advice.

Thanks, that makes sense.

May I ask, why can't you drink with your meals? Would you get sick or something?

If I ever get the chance to be banded, here are my goals: 1. To be able to play soccer and other sports with my children again, without getting winded or needing a nap shortly afterwards. 2. To be able to get up in the morning without pain from the excess weight and just to have ENERGY again! 3. Get my kennel business up and running, after we sell this house. Pray for me, packing and trying to get things in order has been very difficult, with all of this weight on me. 4. To just be myself again. Since I've gained this weight, I don't have any confidence in myself with certain things, and am constantly aware of how big I am compared to others. I want to be able to jump on my trampoline again, without fearing I will break it. So many things that my weight restricts me from doing.......

Sultana, hang in there. You might be one of those people who starts off losing slowly (I'm one of those people myself, when I diet and exercise), then BAM! suddenly, the weight will start falling off faster than you want it to. You say you only lost 30-35 pounds- I ask you, isn't it great that those pounds are gone, instead of gained? Please be proud of yourself for this accomplishment and don't get discouraged. You're doing great!

Do you have to have a referal from your doctor? Also, do you have to pay it all off at once? I just had a diabetes screening today- that lovely glucose test. My doctor also sent me to a GYN for a bunch of tests, all came back fine. I still have to have a hormone test- last month, I couldn't have it done, because Aunt Flo paid her visit on time, instead of being late as usual. :cry I just feel like I am getting the run around from my doctor- all of my tests come back fine, I knew they would, and I am sure he did as well. I am so frustrated right now, I am about to give up hope. Sorry for being a downer, but I am tired of the long wait for a damn referral number from this doctor! Thanks for your help. I gained another 10 pounds this month, and the doctor doesn't believe the Zoloft is the cause. :angry

Shame on the fools who wrote him those letters with name calling and accusations (of gaining weight in Nebraska and asking South Dakota to foot the bill for it). As if this man wanted to be this big! Good for the compassionate doctor who is helping him. Someone who cares enough to acknowledge that without help, this man would have died. Perhaps he wants the surgery as a way for him to be able to control his food intake, once he gets out of the hospital? I would imagine he would have the surgery, once he was deemed able to live back home.