piercedqt78

You can also get a list of band doctors at www.lapband.com that is the band manufactures site. ~Mandy

Can you guys do me a huge favor? Vote for my friend, dizzy-girl.net at this site http://2006.weblogawards.org/2006/12/best_diarist.php You are allowed one vote per computer per day. Thanks Mandy

Thanks for the offer of the cat. I have 2 totally useless, bags of kitty fur myself. My DH's cat saw the mouse and ran to hide, I think he might be part chicken. I think I might have the mouse situation under control. I haven't seen a mouse for several days. It's funny that I spend thousands of dollars to see a 6 foot tall mouse in Orlando but am will to spend that much or more to kill the little rodents when they come to me. Funny huh? Abi is feeling better too, the rash is still there but the new meds have stopped the itching, and she seems to be almost back to normal. My shopping is done except, I still need a huge plastic bowl. I bought a neighbor a big assortment of junk food goodies, (she is a football nut) and I also got her a gift card, it is like a movie gift basket, popcorn, chips, chex mix, pretzels, pop and candy bars. She is the lady that we bought our home from, and she lives across the street. (it was an investment property for her) We love her to death, she is the best neighbor ever. I made DH shovel her driveway when it snowed last week, he was glad to do it, he loves her too. What is everyone doing for this week? I am going to give up my late night snacking. I need to lose these last 20 pounds. ~Mandy

I did the pre-op diet, but it seems to be a 50/50 thing. There are lots of doctors that do not require any kind of pre-op diets. ~Mandy

Dianne, your problems are just as real as everyone else's. Don't think for a minute that you and your feelings are not important. We are here for you, remember that. My wash machine broke today and they can't fix it until Thursday, I will have laundry to the sky by then, think I can talk the repair man into helping me get caught up? I am going to brave Walmart tomorrow. I need fish and cat food, and I could use some new winter socks. DD also needs a pair of tights for the Christmas program next week. I hate having to go out in the cold and also having to deal with the crowds. I made a huge lunch for a friend of DH and his wife. I have never cared much for her, but she was almost pleasent today. I made fried chicken, homemade mashed potatos,green beans, and deviled eggs. I also baked a cake, and now it is calling me from the kitchen, I really don't want any of it, but it is just calling my name. I am getting ready for bed, I feel like my grandma, it's 9:20 and I am yawning my head off. I'll check back in tomorrow. ~Mandy

A cup of warm tea with fat free cream and some splenda. The cream makes it rich and the warmth gives me the feeling of eating. Works for me, ~Mandy

If I drink, I have a glass of wine, after dinner. Or I will have a mixed drink that is not carbonated. I make sure someone else is driving, as one drink and I am altered. I never drink and drive, not even one drink. Before banding I could have several drinks and still be ok, now one drink and I am tipsy. ~Mandy

You aren't looking in the right places, did you check Ebay? It is on there, I looked before I sent this message. The prices are up there but will come down after Christmas. ~Mandy

There is a member here that lost her band a year ago and has not gained any weight back. It is possible to lose a band and maintain the weight lost. ~Mandy

Most people also come off insulin after banding. I know that there are several members here that have and feel great. I would start a new post about diabetes and get some feedback from the bandsters here. ~Mandy

Most places with a bar will gladly puree soup if you ask. Just say you are healing from stomach surgery and need your items to be blended. But if the doc gave you the go ahead to start mushies, I would try the soup just mashed with the back of a spoon or with your fork like others have suggested. ~Mandy

I would try, either mashed potatos, or creamed soup. ~Mandy

Make sure you are using the code for v bulletin ~Mandy

I was denied 3 times by BCBS in 6 months. ~Mandy

The first few days are the hardest. I had to do 10 days of the following 1 protien shake 1 sugar free yogurt (6 oz) all the sugar free and caffine Clear liquids I wanted I called on day 6 and ask if I could have egg drop Soup without the eggs and I was told that I could have 1 cup in place of the yogurt, I ordered it with no eggs so I didn't have to strain them out. A few tricks to get through, have your broth in a bowl, with a spoon, makes the body think you are eating. If you are hungry drink, I lived on Propel. Take a walk everyday, even at the mall if you have to. It does get better, I promise. By day 4 I wasn't even hungry anymore. I actually went to a formal lunch 2 days pre-op. I had a cup of hot decaf tea, and some chicken broth. The food didn't appeal to me at all. I think the reason for doing it is also to shrink the stomach and to help get past the hunger pains. After banding I didn't suffer the hunger that so many newly banded do. I was totally full on 3 bites (baby bites) of mashed potatos when I started mushies. It does shrink the liver but it also prepares you mentally for the adjustment. ~Mandy

The previous band that doctors no longer do is the non adjustable gastric band. It is also called verticle banded gastroplasty. There are down sides to the RNY also. Make sure to do all the research for yourself, don't just rely on the seminar. There are a ton of doctors that are pro RNY, they have less work to do, no adjustments, and there is no band to pay for, but the surgery cost the same. You do the math. ~Mandy

I love this outfit, but you also looked fab in the Christmas picture. If I were you I would wear what you feel more comfortable in. Who wants to go to a party and be uncomfortable??? Have a blast at the party, in whatever you decide to wear. ~Mandy

My daughter has a viral rash and her cream was $290, for the generic. I am lucky to have insurance, and it cost me $5, but if I didn't have insurance we would have had to seriously cut Christmas back. I know that the system is totally messed up, I for one and glad that Wal-mart is finally doing something to give back instead of take, take, take. ~Mandy

The Mucinex does come in iquid for adults, my Walgreens has it. It was like $13 a bottle but it worked. ~Mandy

I am in the western Chicago burbs, 16 months post-op. I would be glad to be a support person for you. ~Mandy

Beautiful puppies. I love doggies, mine had to go to the vet yesterday. She has flea allergies and her hair is falling out. We found a total of 3 fleas on her but she had a really bad reaction. She is on allergy meds and antibiotics now, I will take some Christmas pictures as soon as her hair is back. ~Mandy

They put Abi on Mucinex, it is over the counter, and works like a charm. They just started making a kids strength and the doctor says it's the best stuff on the market, for kids and adults. It's expensive but works really really well. I think there is a generic for the adult strenght but the kids only comes in brand name. I would gladly pay the full price again for the way it worked. Also some zinc couch drops will help you get better faster. ~Mandy

That sounds good, is it s free service? ~Mandy

Renebean, also answers to Beanie....~Mandy

Eileen, I am so sorry for your friend's loss. I am sure that you will be a wonderful friend to her. Sometimes just being there means more than you know. Instead of flowers, way not get household stuff to help out, paper plates, cups, napkins and toilet paper. You will be surprised how much that is appreciated. When I lost my grandfather the people that brought useful stuff really meant alot. My grandma wasn't up to going to the store and there were so many people and so much food, that the disposable stuff really came in handy. Flowers die and that is even more death to have to deal with. We are here to support you, and I know you are there to support your friend. (((hugs))). ~Mandy