michellyoh

Mary. . for the ticker. . you can just click on mine, and it will take you to tickerfactory.com. It will allow you to choose the table and icon that you want, then you just provide your info. You can just copy and paste it into your signature. everytime you update the website (with your new weight), it will automatically update your signature here. Hope that's a good enough explanation. Thanks!

I am so thankful for this site!! Ya'll really put my mind at ease!! Thank you so much!! :myscared:

thanks everyone!! I love this site! everyone is just so helpful!!

I was banded on the 31st. I have been doing fine, but I don't think I am getting in enough liquids. This morning when I woke up, I could tell I was hungry, so I got some sugar free Jello. After the 4th small bite, I felt like I was going to throw up. I didn't throw up, however I knew I wasn't going to be eating anymore of that jello. I poured out my crystal lite, in exchange for Water, and pulled out a sugar free popsicle. That seems to be going down just fine. I have eaten jello since I've been home, and have not experienced that before?!? What could that be from? Second question is about the pre-op diet. I am on a clear liquid diet for 2 weeks post op. How am I supposed to get my Protein?

thanks for the info!! I hadn't seen any previous posts about this so I was getting a little concerned!! I will follow your tips and see how that works!! Thanks again!

Bamalama~ maybe your son could use some perspective. Like the fact that you are doing this to prolong what life you have left. You can miss this birthday, but be around for many more. Regardless, do this for you!! Sometimes, we just have to make it about ourselves.

My surgery was yesterday, and so far so good!! I feel fine, just a little sore. The dr. gave me codein for pain. I took it last night (every 4 hours), but when I got up this morning, I just took liquid tylenol, and it's worked great. I have to laugh at my stomach though because it is making some VERY interesting noises! I now have a talking stomach! I decided to name it Elliot; affectionately named after that Pasamaquady resident and best friend to Pete (from "Pete's Dragon" for those of you that don't know the movie)!! Also. . I'd like to give a shout out to the makers of GAS-X! Thanks for making the dissovable tongue strips!! They don't taste bad (unlike the liquid Centrum Silver Muti-vitamin) and they work really well!!! Rock on Gas-X people!! Rock on! :rockon:

Edie, gotta ask what you did to reach your goal in less than a year! Congratulations!!!!! That is very inspiring!!

I need to change my ticker. . .the 16 lb weight loss was from the 2 week pre-op diet! I haven't weighed myself since surgery. I need a new scale at home. . don't trust the one I have.

I LOVE this recipe!! I found it online a couple of years ago, and it is GREAT!!!!!! My husband loves it more than my homemade cheesecakes and peach cobbler.

Hopefull Loser, you will do great! Don't worry!! Just listen to YOUR surgeon!! This forum is a wonderful source of inspiration, and LOTS of opinions, but ultimately, you have to do what is best for you. As for the OMG. . I have to go on a pre-op diet. . what will I do?? That sounds all too familiar!! The night before I started my pre-op diet (May 16th), I told my husband and my best friend how nervous I was! I know myself, and I'm a cheater!! Well, it's been two weeks now, and I haven't cheated once!! PLUS, I've lost 16.9 lbs in just two weeks!!! Verbalizing my fears made me more aware of what I was doing! It was a big decision to even have the surgery. If you can make that decision, you can handle the diet! Give yourself credit, and don't listen to the little white lies you tell yourself (otherwise known as your subconscience). Believe in yourself! You can do it!

Yup. . it reduces the fat around the liver. During the surgery, the dr. has to lift the liver "out of the way" so that he can put in the band. It's VERY important to follow the pre-op diet. My surgeon says that if they can't get around the liver, then they will stitch me up and send me on my merry way! I surely didn't want that!! I started my pre-op diet on May 16th, and 13 days later, I am down 16.9 lbs. My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday (the 31st). Woo Hoo!!!!! Stick with the diet! It's totally worth it!!

Welcome!!!! I am from TX too!! Austin to be exact! I go in for my surgery on Thursday! I am so excited!! This site is VERY helpful!! Not just for hints before and after surgery, but everyone is so supportive! You will absolutely love it! Good luck with everything!

I first talked to my primary care physician (PCP). He was very supportive, and even referred me to a surgeon (that he knew took my insurance). One of the requirements my insurance company had was a documented weight loss plan for the past 6 months. I told my PCP about this, and he wrote a letter to the surgeon, and included all of the dates I had been in to see him in the past 2 years. Because no matter what my reason for going to see him was, he always asked me how I was doing with my weight. My insurance company accepted this and I was approved! I know that BC/BS is a little more strict than others, but you can always appeal their decision. Whatever surgeon you choose should have a patient advocate that can help with all of the insurance mess. I would move forward with your plans. Good luck! And we're always here if you need us!!

My decision to get banded came about a little differently (as it is for most people). I knew that I was depressed, and had no control over my life (thus,the weight issues). I decided to start seeing a therapist! I have been going for almost 2 years (twice a month for the first year and a 1/2, once a month more recently). There are usually underlying issues that we are dealing with that control our sub-conscience in ways that seem impossible. It took a year and 1/2 of therapy, a confrontation or two, and being totally honest with myself just to make the decision to do this. But now, there is not ONE doubt in my mind that I have made the right choice! I would recommend therapy to everyone!! But it's important to invest the time and effort to work through whatever issues you may uncover. Look deep within yourself. You'll find the answer that is right for you! Good Luck!!

Bless your heart!!!! How unfortunate that, while making the biggest decision of your life, the person that holds the key is the same person putting doubts in your mind!! If your Dr. made the bypass suggestion because he's concerned about your health, therefore he thinks it's medically necessary to have the bypass, that's one thing. But to make the decision based soley on his preference, is to me, unethical. Knowledge is key! Do a lot of research. Compare the band vs bypass (not only the surgical procedure, but the long lasting results as well). After you have exhausted yourself with message boards, websites, books, and possibly more seminars (hey. . they're free. . take advantage), you should be able to make a decision based on your needs, and which surgery fits those needs the best. No one (even the Dr.) knows your mind and body better than you do. It's your choice, and you have to be comfortable with it. If your Dr. has made you feel uncomfortable with your decision, try getting a second opinion from a Dr. that is not associated with your current Dr. Luckily, the seminar I went to (with Southwest Bariatrics in Austin, TX) was very informative. They were very neutral in comparing the surgeries. They offered facts only; no opinions. They answered questions openly and honestly, without bias. This is, after all, YOUR decision!! Good luck, and keep the faith!! You will find what is best for you!

Woo Hoo!! I'm so excited!!! I scheduled my surgery this morning!! I started my pre-op diet last Wednesday (16th) and I'm already down 12 lbs!! I can't weight!!! (oops. . totally didn't mean to spell it that way, but funny that I did, so I'm leaving it!!) :clap2:

The pre-op diet has been pretty easy so far!! I was very nervous, but talking about being nervous really helped!!! I am even more pumped about it since I saw the 12 lbs weight loss this morning!! Woo! Hoo!! Congrats on your upcoming surgery as well!!

Thanks Musicalmomma!!! Sounds like you and I went on the same shopping spree (sans the bike)!! LOL! This is a very personal decision, and those that would ask such a question do not require an answer. And trust me, there are those that it makes no difference what you say, they'll still give you "the look"! I live by two motos!! 1) It is what it is! 2) You can't depend on someone, or anything else for your happiness; that's an inside job!! If we stay true to ourselves, and have faith, we can all accomplish what we're here to do!! Much luck to you!! We're all here if you need anything!!

When the patient advocate called to schedule the appt, she asked which surgeon I wanted to use, and I told her that I didn't have a preference. I did a lot of research on the organization as a whole and felt confident with any of the doctors available. He is VERY nice!!! Since you are self-pay, you might be able to get in a little sooner. Just remember that there are still other appointments to go to. You'll have a fitness consult at St. David's. Then you'll have an appointment with Jerry, the nutritionist at Southwest Bariatrics. Then, you'll have to have your blood work done (cbc and cmp) as well as and EKG. Luckily, all of those appointments can be done on the same day. You will also need a mental evaluation (they will help you schedule this if you are not already seeing a therapist). At that point, the hospital will have called you and scheduled you a time to come in for your pre-op. Then you will have one more appt scheduled with yoru surgeon, and at that time you will schedule your surgery. He will go over all of your test results with you at that time and point out any concerns, and answer any questions you might have. There is a bit of a waiting game, even for self pays, but it's all worth it in the end. I have not had any problems with the pre-op diet. I eat out often with friends, so I make a point to go to the restaurants website beforehand, check out the menu, and know what I'm going to eat before I even get there. This keeps me from looking at the menu while I'm there, and being tempted to order something I shouldn't. It takes me a lot longer to go shopping. I read every label before putting it in my cart! If there are more than 6 grams of carbs per serving, then I don't buy it (unless it's something for my husband). I was in label shock at first! I had no idea how many carbs I was digesting per day! But really, it's not that hard to cut them out. Just keep your eye on the ball!!! Anytime you feel like eating a piece of bread, just say, nah. . not worth it!! Now, last night, I bought my husband these Reeses on the Go Peanut Butter balls. There were 40 grams of carbs in the entire package. I figured that one would be okay to eat. He gave it to me, and I dropped it! I believe in signs and that was a clear one! I threw it in the trash and didn't even think about it again!!! Good luck with everything! This board is GREAT!! Full of info, as well as supportive people!! The important thing to do is listen to your doctor, listen to Jerry (the nutrionist), but more importantly, listen to yourself!! I was very nervous before starting my pre-op diet because I know me!! I'm a cheater!! I can rationalize ANYTHING when it comes to cheating on a diet!! But I realize that those are just the little white lies I tell myself!! Be aware of what you're thinking and doing!! Verbalize it! Like I said, I was very nervous about it, but talking about being nervous, helped me through it!! Good luck!! And keep us updated on how things progress!!

Hi grayneon!! The first appt was 2 1/2 weeks after the seminar (due to his schedule). My first appt with him was on April 16th. It took a couple of weeks to hear back from my insurance company, but once they approved me, I've been on the go since. So it took right at 8 weeks. I went to the seminar on March 27th, and my surgery will be May 31st.

Hey there!! I just scheduled my surgery today with Dr. Steven Clark with Southwest Bariatrics. I will be having my surgery on the 31st!!! Woo! Hoo!! I am so excited!! I have been on my pre-op diet since this past Wednesday (16th) and so far, I have lost 12 lbs (I accredit that to cutting out sodas). If you need a snack, grab some peanuts! It will all be worth it in the end!! If you have a sweet tooth, I found something really great at the grocery store yesterday! Breyers ice cream has some Carb Smart chocolate bars!! They are delicious!!!! 9 grams of carbs!!! They taste like chocolate soft serve on a stick!! Yummy!!

Everything that people have been saying here is true. One of the most important things to remember is that this is a tool to help you lose weight. It is not a magic wand. You still have to make dramatic changes in your life. This is by no means a "quick fix". Most naturally thin people would say, "well if you're going to make those changes anyway, then why do the surgery?". When I was asked this question, my reply was simple. "How long do you watch your friend limp with a bad knee before giving him a cane to assist with his walking? How long do you allow your child to cough before giving him medicine to help him sleep?" This is really no different. How long are you going to struggle with your weight before you give yourself the tools to help you really be successful in losing it? Do this for you, and no one else.

My insurance company approved me (90/10)!!!! Sugery will be scheduled before 6/1. I am so excited I'm about to jump right outta my skin!!! Woo! Hoo!!!!! Had the fitness consult last Friday. Started excercising already!! Ready to get 'er done!!!!

Hey everyone! I'm new to this board, but I have a feeling I'll be around for a while! It has been fun (as well as educational) reading all of your posts! I can't wait until I can have my own BMI/Weight Loss thermometer!!! I have my first appointment with my surgeon on Monday! I'm so excited I can barely stand it! I have already gone through the required seminar, and the pre-screening for my insurance. I'm just ready to get this done!!! Congrats to all of those that have lost, good luck to all of those that are beginning their journey! Looking forward to sharing my adventures with you!!