JenniferNAz

I have not been around for a while and have been reading some posts to catch up a bit but did want to answer this question for you. I didn't see an answer yet, but if it has already been answered, sorry! I have nails as well, had them for many, many years, and I didn't have to take them off for the surgery. I didn't even have to take off the polish on my toes or nails, which some had said. The little thing that goes on your finger (which is what I was concerned about) actually worked great. They put it on slowly and my nail slid through the open end and then they rested it on my finger, just like if I didn't have long nails. Hope that helps! Jennifer

Hi all! i have been very busy and have not even signed on for nearly a month I think. I am doing ok, but time for another fill. I am going to be in Denver November 13th. I may be able to go there and back in the day and not stay over, but I thought if there happened to be a get together that night that I would stay over and finally be able to attend. So, is there a date for a November get together? November 12th or 13th by any chance? Jennifer

Hi all, I have been away for quite a while, as things have been crazy since my surgery. I had my surgery on July 12th in Parker. After that I had about a week and a half back home to recover before flying to my grandparents as my grandfather was in a nursing home. I went for a long weekend but the night before I was to come home he was admitted into the hospital. I ended up staying two weeks and was able to get a lot done for my grandmother and spend a lot of time with my grandfather. During this time I still must have had a lot of swelling because it didn’t take much to fill me up which was wonderful. I went back home for a couple days before I was off to Hawaii for a 2 week vacation. I wasn’t sure if I should go, but both grandparents urged me to. It was great for a few days, but the night before my birthday (about 5 days into the trip) I was out to a birthday dinner when the phone rang and it was news that my grandfather had taken a turn for the worse and was on comfort measures only. He made it only another 3 hours and passed away on my 36th birthday. I cut my trip short and am now back up at my grandparents house for about 3 weeks to take care of all the paperwork and other stuff that has to be dealt with, as well as to be here for my grandmother. I am very glad that I had my surgery when I did, because otherwise it might have gotten postponed for a while. Unfortunately, one downside of all this is that my fill that was going to happen before my Hawaii vacation couldn’t happen. The fill that was going to happen tomorrow couldn’t happen, the fill that was going to happen on the 10th isn’t going to happen (this was the only day everyone could be here to put his ashes in the niche). It might take me longer than I wanted, but I am going to be in Denver on the 18th for my first fill – finally!! I have not really been on the board for a while but this was the first thread I came to and I must say just hearing how everyone is doing helped me to get back on track with eating and excited about all this again. It is going to be a long few weeks until it happens, but it is kind of the light at the end of the tunnel for me and a start to another year of my life, one which will be great! Lap Dancer – I wanted to let you know you sharing some of your story about your fanmily dynamics really helped me. My sister is coming into town this weekend for my grandfather’s memorial and that is what I am worried about a dreading the most- more than the memorial itself!! While our situation isn’t the same, what you said really made me think about things in a different way. I appreciate your willingness to share. I know I will miss the get together on the 11th.. I really tried to make it work!! If anything changes or anyone wants another one on the 18th just let me know. I would love to meet some of your guys! It is so comforting to be able to come here and know that there are people who understand and are supportive to all.

Hi all I did it, I am offically a bandster!! I am back at the hotel and all went well. I am really tired, I didn't sleep well last night and so am going to sleep now for a bit. I was thinking of you all at Red Robin (there is one pretty close to the hotel here in Parker) at 7. I hope you had a great time and I wish I was there. I will probably be back in a month for a fill, so maybe I can meet some of you then. I am sure you are having fun now chatting and sharing. I can't wait to hear a few details. Lap Dancer - Wow, I was shocked, and that is tough to do right now with my groggyness. I am sorry, hang in there. I can understand that you would be in a coma like feeling!!! I will check in tomorrow. Night

hi all I did it, I am offically a bandster!! All went well. I amback at the hotel and very tired, so I am going to sleep for a bit. Just wanted to check in. Very little pain, it went faster than the doc expected and now I am laying on my right side, propped up, and am comfortable. The worst thing is probably the dry mouth and sore throat, but very tollerable. Thanks for the good wishes, I will check in again tomorrow. Jennifer

Lynette- I love your new picture, and the picture of Hunter!! Both were great. Thanks for sharing. Chimboree- I swear one of the calendars you put out last week had me for tomorrow, the 12th. The one you posted today shows me for the 31st, my old date. I am getting this done tomorrow, the 12th!! I had my appt with my dr today (I had to fly in from Phoenix to Denver like Marcy) and it went great. Everything has gone great here and I am heading to be soon to try to get a good nights sleep. I don't have to be there until noon for a 1pm appt time. I am very glad, as I am not a morning person! As far as the cruise it does sound like fun. I have been on one before, to Mexico. It was the one that leaves from LA. It was a lot of fun. I am up for it, but wouldn't want to do August and deal with hurricanes. Maybe wait for September or October? That will give me time to lose the weight and get through any PS I might need. Keep me updated, I typically go to Hawaii every year in August, but you never know. I am so glad that others have been doing pretty good. Oh, no pain medication??? I would not be happy!! Did the Dr tell you to take Advil? I thought we were not supposed to after being banded? I have a big bottle of vicodin ready for tomorrow if needed!! I am off to bed. I will plan on posting tomorrow night after I get back to the hotel. Jennifer

Marcy- I just checked on the TSA site and it says all liquid medications (both prescription and OTC) are allowed even if above 3 oz. I was wondering the same thing. I figured it would be ok with the pharmacy bottle, but was not so sure about the tylenol. If you can, you might want to go to TSA.gov and print out where it says you can bring it, just to have proof if anything happens. Woofay - I am so glad that you got the unfill and all is ok now. You will get back on track without a problem next week I bet. Dynamomini - I now know where you are talking about. I actually stayed right by there last night, although I didn't see the Red Robin. I even went back there today after meeting with Dr. K to stop by the Target. I probably won't get out until around 5, so I doubt I will be there, but I will in spirit. I sure wish I could, but I will be back for fills, so I am sure I will be able to hook up with you guys one of these days! My meeting with Dr. K was great. Everything was basically just like everyone had said, so nothing was really a surprise, which was good. Mary was very nice and friendly with me and remembered that I had talked with her the first time I called in. Is Marilyn the one with straight dark (with a little gray) shoulder lenght hair? She spoke with me a few times but didn't introduce herself. I didn't want to say, so, who are you? She already knew who I was. Jennifer

Just dropping in (after reading 7 pages of posts!) to say hi. I am having my surgery tomorrow in Denver. I arrived late last night (1am) and my father just landed in Phoenix and then will arrive here on the same flight tonight, around midnight. I think I have been too busy to be all that nervous, although I didn't sleep well and have been a bit on edge. I tend to be a stickler for details and I think I was on overdrive yesterday. I had lists for what I needed to bring and what I needed to do ahead of time and must have been looking over those every 10 minutes! My suitecase is so organize, my clothes are all stacked in the order I plan to wear them even!! I think my friends are as ready for me to get this done as I am! Marcy - I am so glad things seem to be going well for you... I am going to PM you! Good luck to everyone who is up today. And for those who's dates are coming up, don't worry, it will be here sooner than you know. The pre-op diet will all be worth it! I am off to chance to my next hotel and try to find the cool new Croc's flip flops. I have been eyeing them for months and have not been able to find them anywhere (and I travel a lot). Just last night I realized they are from Boulder Co, so I am on a mission to find them today. I hope everyone has a great day... I will check in tonight. Jennifer

Woofay- I am so sorry to hear about your bad night!!! I agree with Mal, this is an emergency. I am very glad that you called him. I know that he is doing surgeries today, so hopefully before he starts or between the first two he can unfill you a little. There is no reason for you to feel that bad! Get in there and get it taken care of. You are not bugging him and you had every right to call him. I bet, from what I have heard of him and feeling I have gotten, that he will agree totally. Do be careful and take care of yourself!! Jennifer

Marcy, I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well!! :clap2::clap2: I have just arrived into town and will go to my pre-op tomorrow afternoon, and banding on Thursday. I am dead tired tonight, so I should sleep, but hopefully tomorrow night I will be able to sleep. What time was your surgery? I am off to bed, be sure to give us an update tomorrow... add as many details as you want to!! Jennifer

One other thing I forgot to mention and ask about. I had my best friend come over yesterday and we took pictures and measurements for my “before” stats. I am telling you, that was the worst part of all of this so far. This is my best friend who is so great about things, understanding and has been overweight herself. She does not judge at all and has been totally supportive. None of that changed a thing. I was so tense and kind of freaking out. I took some pics in a sports bra and biker shorts. OMG!! I don’t think I realized how bad it had gotten!! :faint: Did you all take before pictures and measurements? How did you handle it? Jennifer

Hi all, I have been pretty busy this week so just reading a few posts when I can. I actually wrote one last Monday after my phone call with Dr. K and Paula that my surgery was changed from July 31 to July 12. I was so excited and even though it looked like it might not happen, I thought I had gotten everything worked out. Well, just as I was finishing up the post and going to send my friend that was supposed to go with me called to say she couldn’t. I was SO upset. After thinking about things and options that I have, I went past the second choice person to the third, my father. We are very close and he just happens to be planning to be in Phoenix the 11-19th, so he is just going to fly up the night of the 11th and fly home with me on the 14th. I think it will work out fine. Maybe not my first choice, but he is great at the whole driving around and directions thing and I think will be helpful and mellow. So, I am very excited, I am getting my band on the 12th!! I fly to Denver on the 10th and have my pre-op appt on the 11th in the afternoon. :whoo: I am sorry to say I don’t think I will be there the night of the 12th, unless I happen to feel amazingly well. I wanted to thank everyone who has been great about giving information so at this point I am really not nervous at all. Ok, time for a few other comments. Drewslou – I LOVE your new picture. I actually saw it posted on another board first and thought the picture was just great, and then looked at the name and saw it was you, which was even better! Lap Dancer and Shesha – The pictures look great. It is so much fun (and very motivating) to see the pictures and changes. Keep up the great work! Mal- I am so happy for you that you seem to have a good level of restriction. Any problems actually eating the food (well, besides the PB the other day when you were on all 4’s!)? Woofay – Good luck on your fill tomorrow, I hope you get to your “sweet spot” on this fill – You and Mal can remind each other to eat. Marcy – I am guessing you made it to Denver today. Good luck tomorrow, I will be watching for your post! I am off to bed, have a ton of things to get done tomorrow to get ready. Jennifer

Chimboree - Thanks for adding me to the calendar. My date was actually moved up on Monday from the 31st to the 12th. Good luck to everyone set for tomorrow! I am so glad to hear that a few more made it through without too many issues. Your stories are very helpful to us all.

Mymacksy – Thanks for the input on the nails. I thought I had posted the answer from Dr K, but I guess I only did that to another thread. He said that it was not necessary and that I can keep my nails on and polished and my toe nails polished – yeah!! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: He told me that they can clip that thing to your ear, so no biggie on it not working on my finger. A friend told me that they used to not allow polish so that they could tell something about the oxygen level as others mentioned, but that is kind of old school at this point. No I just need to decide by Thursday what I do want my nails to look like. I have a great nail tech that does all the art by hand and will do anything you want. Also, she has all sorts of cool colors and types of polish. One of my favs is one that changes colors depending on how the light hits it, from dark green to deep purple, just like some cars you see out there. If anyone has any great ideas, let me know! Jennifer

The reasons I am overweight – good question Chimboree. Ok, I have to come clean. When I first read this I thought that might be a good question for others, but not something I would answer or even give much thought to, and honestly I don’t know why. However, after reading everyone’s answers it actually motivated me to really start thinking about what got me here, and even more importantly how I am going to change things so that I can deal with the issues and not just find another way to cope with them. So, thank you Chimboree and everyone who answered that question!! I guess I will give my basic thoughts/answer now, although I will be looking into this much deeper over the next few weeks. I remember feeling overweight in the 5th grade. However, I know my issues with food started much younger. My mother was very controlling about food, I was not even allowed to get a drink of anything without asking first – even at 10 or 11. She would also lock the freezer and hide food from us kids. She had times where they didn’t have enough as kids, so she wanted to always be sure there was plenty, which is why I think she did those things. After my parents divorced, my father remarried the step-monster and a huge custody battle so neither would have to pay the other child support, I developed an eating disorder, first anorexia and then bulimia. I never really got the care I needed to drop those totally until about 10 years ago. I could be more normal for months at a time, but when things go stressful, I went back to the old habits. I have not done anything like this for probably 6-7 years and it actually never even crosses my mind anymore, which is such a relief. I guess I never really learned how to eat properly and have not stepped up to the plate and taught myself and been strict enough with myself in the past. I know I eat for the wrong reasons at times. I am so looking forward to having Boris/Bandolina (I just thought both of these were great!) be there to help keep me in check. Wow, I am just chatty Cathy tonight I guess. I know some of the reasons I got to this point and hope no one will think I am whining about the situation. I think we become who we are because of our past and our experiences. If there is something we don’t like, then it is up to us to make changes to fix those, blaming others won’t help. I guess it just took me this long to find what I need to help me make those changes. I am proud to be one of the Lucky 7’s, everyone who is here has made the decision to do something to change their life and I know we can all be very successful at this. It is late so I will go to bed and stop posting now! :notagree Jennifer

Chimboree – I concur with everyone else, you are beautiful! I love that you get your nails and pedicure done. I have gotten my nails done every 2 weeks for the past 7 years. I have a great nail lady and it has just been something I have always done for myself. Pedicures are now about once a month, as the polish must match my nails, or at least coordinate! Thanks for being such a cheerleader, along with the others of you who have been regularly. It really does help! Lynette – I am so glad you seem to be doing well. I was talking with a friend today about the trip and recovery and I told her all about you and how you are doing. My plan is to be the same. Your story and words of encouragement are so helpful. Ronik – I understand what you are saying about your sister. I want my father to live a long healthy life, but feel at his age he won’t be able to lose the weight he needs to without help. However, I know that no one else can decide for him, I can just be a role model and show him how great the band can be. Jennifer

I am bit on edge tonight and am here alone without anyone to talk to who would understand and who knows about what I am doing. Then I thought of all you and decided I should post. I have the opportunity to change my surgery to July 12. I found out yesterday and have been getting things in place to go – flights, hotels, nail, waxing and pedicure appts, etc. I just need to hear from my best friend (who is a nurse) who is going with me. She didn’t call me back last night and called me today to say she had picked up a shift on the 13th thinking it wouldn’t be till the end of the month. She said she should be able to get that worked out, but has to work the 11th, so would fly in that night to be with me on the 12th. Well, she called me later and it looks like she can’t come with me. I am ready for this surgery and don’t want to wait at this point. I have 2 weeks in Hawaii in mid-August, and want a month to recover rather than 2 weeks. Also, my grandfather just had a stroke and is in the hospital. If he doesn’t get much better in the next few weeks, I have a feeling he won’t be with us all that much longer. I guess I feel like I really need to do this now, get it done, so that I can move on with life and tackle the other things that are going on. So, my father already had a trip planned to stay with me for about a week from the 11th-19th. We are VERY close and he knows about the surgery. I think he is supportive, although as many men, he doesn’t always show it that well. We do travel together often and do fine, so I don’t worry about that at all. I called him just a bit ago so now it looks like he will fly into Phoenix on the 11th and then fly out to Denver to meet up with me that night! He will hang with me (while I recover very quickly!) and then fly back to Phoenix with me on the 14th, then back home on the 19th. When I asked him he said he hadn’t been to Denver for a while, so why not!? I am one who usually gets what I want (with a lot of work and determination), the only major exception has always been my weight. I am going to have this surgery and going to be successful, I know that. It did throw me for a loop with this change of who will go with me, but hey, I would love for my dad to get this procedure done also, so maybe seeing me through it will make him decide to do it. I have a ton of things to get done before going, so I think I will go get the house cleaned up and make a list of what I need to get done, as that always helps. Sorry to go on so long, but I must say I feel a little better “getting it out” and feel like it is solved and I can now move forward with getting prepared for next week. I think it will be safe to say now that I can be added to the calendar for the 12th the next time it is revised. :whoo: Jennifer

Oh, I forgot to mention that I spoke with my Dr today and he had no problem with me keeping my nails on and said toe nail polish is fine too!! Good thing, that was something I was really worried about, sounds kind of silly, but I have had them on so long my real nails are paper thin underneath and would be very painful. So, I was trying to think of what I should have my wonderfully talented nail tech put on my nails for the trip. I thought about a little lap band, but not sure how to explain that to others. She has done mickey mouse heads, hands and feet when I was going to disney, spiders and webs on halloween and all sorts of xmas decorations. So, if anyone has any great ideas, let me know. If I give her a picture of what I want, she can typically put it on my nails. Jennifer

Caolin - I am sorry to hear about your delay. I actually signed on because I am pretty sure my date has been moved up from 7/31 to 7/12!! I had my consult with the Dr and the Nutritionist today. In the middle of the call with the nut., my other phone rang and it was the office calling to tell me they had a cancellation and I could come earlier. This is actually the date that I wanted originally and as soon as I hear from my best friend who is going with me that the new date will work, then it is a go. It is kind of funny, I was not really nervous until the time came for the call with the Dr today. After that and finding out it might be sooner I am nervous but excited. It probably made it easier this past week to think I still had a month to go. So, I went and had my last supper tonight, and onto a very low carb pre-op diet starting tomorrow. It was funny we went to pizza, a place that I love and with a crust that is soft and white and that I won't ever be able to have again, but hey, I will take thin and healthy over soft and white anyday! I got home and was talking with a client on the phone who knew I had gone to dinner with a friend. They asked how my dinner was and I said it was really good. I think I almost seemed to enthusiastic, but couldn't explain why! So, now I am on pins and needles waiting to hear back from my friend and be sure she can still do those dates. I hope so, I am ready to get this done! Congrats to those who made it though today- sounds like you did a great job! Good luck to those who are set for tomorrow!! Jennifer

Forgve70X7 - Thanks for the welcome and the info on the AZ group. Is it another group on this board? I am also following the Dr. Kirshenaum thread, as he is my Dr., but I need to find a backup for fills here in Phoenix. I actually have my consult over the phone with Dr. K in just an hour, so trying to get any last minute questions thought of, typed out and organized before he calls. It is funny, this is really the first time I have felt nervous at all about all this! I guess it is finally becoming real. I hope everyone is having a great day, especially the 3 (I think) that are having their procedures done today! Jennifer

I just thought I would say hi to everyone here. I have my consult with Dr. Kirshenbaum tomorrow and also Paula. My surgery is set for July 31st... I wish it was sooner! I read through the whole thread and feel like I already know many of you. It really has been great reading about others who have the same Dr, it helps to get a good idea of what to expect. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone even more. Oh, one question that I have. I actually read something about this in another thread and have not done much looking yet but as it might be Dr. specific, thought I would ask here. I wear acrylic nails, long ones. Does anyone know if there is any problem with this? One thread said the Dr. made them take them off, or at least the polish and no toe nail polish. Anyone know Dr. K's thoughts? Why does it matter? Thanks! Jennifer

Wow, I have just finished reading all 51 pages!! After that, this surgery and weight loss will be a breeze! I wanted to introduce myself as another of the Lucky # Seven member. I will just make is as my date is July 31. I had hoped to have it sooner, as I go on my annual Hawaii vacation on August 16th. I guess that is a good motivation to do a good job of recovering. I have my consult over the phone with Dr. Kirshenbaum tommorrow. I am a self pay and so flying to Colorado is worth the $6500 in savings over having it in Phoenix where I live. I have been overweight since I was a teenager. I heard about the Lap-band last year when someone I know went to Mexico. At that point I still thought I could do this without any help. A few weeks ago, after hurting my back and having to sit around for almost 2 weeks, the scale was higher than ever before and something just clicked in me that it was time to take more serious steps to change my life. My birthday is in August and I will be 36. I really wanted to make some serious changes this year, and I have. This will be the last big thing for this year, and I can't wait. Good luck to everyone, especially those who will be getting theirs in just a few hours from now! Jennifer