AnotherMe

Hi Judy! Welcome home I'm glad you had a pleasant experience. I know you are relieved to be back at home with your family. Sounds like you're on the way to a speedy recovery. Did your Dr send you home with any pain medication? I was excited to find some Extra Strength Adult liquid Tylenol at a local grocery store - so, I'm sure this will turn out to be my life saver (to use for occasional pain like headaches, etc after my surgery next week). Keep us updated on how your healing is going. All the best,

Good Luck this month to ALL of my October buddies! Wishing you a speedy recovery All the best,

Hi Judy! I'll definitely be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers until you return. Have a safe trip and I wish you all the best. I've thought much the same thing.. am I selfish for wanting to do this? What will happen if things go wrong? Am I wrong to spend this much money on myself? .... I'm divorced and have an 8 yr old son, my parents live close and we visit every Sunday .. they are always willing to help me care for him. So, I am indeed fortunate. I've come to realize, that if I don't get control of the weight now it will continue to go up and lead to more serious health problems. So, I CHOOSE good health and a happy future! Claim what you know you deserve! Think positive thoughts! wishing you a quick recovery,

Kathy, I've often wondered the same thing. Others have brought up suggestions as to how to make it more user friendly. I have seen some people start threads with "Join us in the Chat Room at _ o'clock Central" or something similar. I usually check to see if anyone's in there, but when I see I'm alone I get out quick!! Don't want to be accused of talking to myself! I'm also in Houston, and Dr Spivak will perform my surgery on Monday 10/10 .. I'm getting excited! We'll definitely have to get a chat started up soon! What's a good time for everyone?

Wendy! Congratulations on finding this group! And your upcoming surgery on Thursday! I'm following you on Monday the 10th! Your story sounds similar to mine.. I'm 34, approx 30 lbs heavier, have had several bouts with reflux over the past year. One of the pre-op tests my doc required was for me to have a endoscopy - that was fun! With my reflux issues and a family history of esophageal cancer it was necessary .... I'm glad I did because it revealed a hiatal hernia the doc will repair during the band procedure. I'm a bit different in that all WLS (weight loss surgery) is completly excluded by my insurance, so I'll be self pay. I'm convinced it is the best thing I will ever do for myself. Please come back when you feel up to it and let you know how things went. all the best,

Candy, way to think positive!! I so totally know what you're talking about with stretching the shirt out and tucking in the opening back into the pants!! Girl, I thought I was the only silly one who did that! I know you've been thru some ups & downs lately, and I'm glad things have worked out for you! Stress does so many horrible things to our bodies, now that things are a bit more settled I'm sure you'll be seeing many more exciting NSVs coming your way. I applaud your positive outlook! The things that are most obvious to you (but hard for others to see) are truly wonderful. It's a great way to confirm you are headed down the right track. Keep up the good work,

spydr, I don't know too much about professional wrestling.... but, who in their right mind would want to walk out in front of an audience in those tight outfits, paint makeup, and weird personality? On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to let your alter ego "insert macho name here" come out and whip up on a few of those guys! Show 'em what's what. Don't be too hard on yourself, turn it into inspiration. Make yourself a personal goal, when you achieve it - attend one of their shows/order pay per view and have yourself a good laugh. All the best,

Hi to all my October buddies! I'm scheduled for Monday 10/10. Also getting a bit excited! All the best,

Good luck! I wish you all the best! It's great to have your Dad taking care of you.. I hope you're both up & around and feeling good real soon. Take a pillow with you for the ride home, I hear it helps a lot.. especially to "cushion" the bumpy ride home. I'll be joining you on Monday 10/10, I'm also getting excited/anxious. Keep us updated!

Lisa, you crack me up! This thread is what we need to stop taking ourselves so serriously! Kare, I loved your story about the pointers you gave your sons! My one and only is 8 years old, but I'll definitely have to remember that technique. I've been divorced for 5 years now, and have had two very short encounters since It's hard to feel good about yourself when all you see in the mirror is the things you want to change. You all have given me lots to think about! I'll be banded 10/10, and I'm looking forward to the future NSVs and improved self esteem I plan to spout! take care,

Hi msfrosh! Congratulations on setting the date for your surgery! I will be banded on Monday 10/10. The closer it gets, the more excited/anxious I get! How wonderful that your husband is supporting you in this journey! Lean on him, talk-talk-talk to him about your concerns and feelings. I'm sorry that the rest of your family is not coming around to seeing your side of this great tool.... is it because they don't understand the way it will improve your life/health? Do they realize it is not as dangerous as the bypass? I'm divorced, and I have to say that if it was not for my Mom (and this wonderful group at LBT!) I'm not sure if I would be as excited to go thru with this procedure. I've done 7 months of research, been to several seminars - and took my Mom with me too! She's my rock! I have to say, I was cautious to explain this to her in the beginning.. she's a retired dietician and I was not entirely sure she wouldn't tell me to just diet and excercise. But, she's seen my struggle with weight over the years. We both know the success of the band will depend on how well I chose to work with it. I've decided not to tell any of my close friends yet, or anyone at work either. I want to do this at my pace, and not have others scrutinizing my behavior! I hope you realize that the wonderful friends on this board are just like brothers & sisters... adopt us and we'll be the supportive family you need during this journey. ALL THE BEST,

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for Oct 10th! Can't wait. Good luck to all!

Wouldn't it be ironic if we all fled to Dallas this weekend? I'm seeing a possible mini Bash in our future?! ... Keri, what band friendly restaurants can you recommend?

Hi SusieQ! Wow, what an inspiring story. Looks like you had the right idea, taking things slowly. I'm so glad you were able to triumph over your first operation, sounds like it was a very difficult ordeal. Keep up the good work.

Hi friends! I live in Houston. Over the past day or so I've been listening to the forecast, but I have to say today I started worrying and wondering about what will happen. It's so hard to imagine what to expect. At the least it will be a lot of wind and rain. I hope the electricity lines don't get knocked down all over the city, it will be miserably hot. Galveston and Clear Lake have already started to voluntary evacuate, and as of tomorrow at 5pm it will be mandatory. I've been trying to gather up some belongings in case we need to leave for a few days.. medicine, clothes, etc. All indications look like it will make landfall somewhere along the TX coast and the closer we get to Friday the more we'll know. thanks for the nice words, I too would like to hear from my neighbors to see how they are preparing and to hear their words of wisdom. take care,

Hi, if you click on the "search" icon you can enter the Dr's name and will see mentioned on a few threads. Welcome and keep up the good work. 18lbs is nothing to sneeze at!

Well said DeeDee! You are very eloquent with your praise! If I had the opportunity I too would read the posts throughout the day, but alas my employer is very strict and we are only allowed to use the internet for work related business. So, most evenings after my son is asleep I try to catch up with the latest news. You are completely right about the wealth of wonderful people who subscribe to this site. If not for the band, more than likely none of us would be able to experience the support that is needed very much for people that are overweight. It's great to have friends. keep up the enthusiasm!

Hi Jamie! 66 lbs in 6 months is terrific! Keep up the great work! Happiness that makes you cry is the best. I found this site 6 months ago when I began looking into the Lap Band, and I'm so glad I did. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 10 and I'm not sure I would have been convinced it is the right thing for me without reading and listening to all of the stories that the wonderful members of LBT have shared! I can honestly say I've done enough research to make the decision and am more convinced than ever! But, back to your wonderful news.... you deserve to do something special for yourself to mark this milestone.

Absolutely! Talk to your Dr and let him know you feel 2cc is too much. Just because he's decided to put in 2cc doesn't mean it's correct for YOU. In my opintion, it makes more sense to be conservative..... you want to slowly introduce your body to this restriction and I personally would only want 1cc. Do this and then analyze how it's working for you --- you can always go back in for another fill. Of course I'm pre-band (sched for Oct 10) so long term bandsters opinons my be of more help to you, but I'd rather be safe than sorry! Let us know how it goes.

Jack2109, how are you holding up with the liquid diet? I'm starting low carb this week so I can try to lose as much as possible before my surgery on Oct 10. I am a diet soda drinker, but have faithfully committed to consuming as much Water as I can on a daily basis. I have heard of many bandsters that have luck with letting the soda sit for a while before consuming, to lose the carbonation. Try to re-introduce all things (foods, drinks, etc) slowly, one item a day. This way you'll be able to pinpoint which things are an issue for you. For instance, if you try Beans and rice on the same day and have trouble - you won't necessarily know which one is causing the problem. All the best with your surgery, keep us updated.

I'm pre-band (scheduled for Oct 10) and purchased the Magic Bullet a few months ago. I love it and consider it easier to use than any other gadget in my kitchen. I'm pretty sure it was DeLarla who found a neat, less expensive version (Hamilton Beach maybe?) at Walmart for less than $15, I remember because I made a mental note to myself to look for it the next time I'm shopping there so I can pick up one to keep at work. I think either one would be worth the investment. As I understand it, after each fill you go on 2 or more days of liquids followed by a couple of days on mushies ... and this makes life much more convenient. I have an 8 yr old who loves fruit smoothies, and it's one way I can help him get in all of the necessary daily servings. We love to try different combinations banana with strawberries, or peaches, or applesauce, etc with splash of milk and OJ. Can't go wrong!

Hi, congratulations on your decision and success! I thought most docs installed the band without any saline. To give the stomach time to adjust to the band alone. Then 1st fill might be 6 weeks post op? I've tricked myself into thinking the same thing about excercise, I'd like to lose more weight before I start an excercise routine. But, for me it's more of a problem with my self concious. I don't want people to judge me on how big I am, and 30 more lbs or so and I'd have a better opinion/outlook on myself. I'm also hoping the additional loss of weight would give me more energy, and make excercising that much easier. My only piece of advice is, since you mentioned it in your post it sounds like it is something you are concerned about. If you can, invite a friend to start excercising with you - you'll be able to help and encourage each other. At the very least, take walks at night and slowly increase the distance you are going. I believe there is currently a "Fall Weight Loss Challenge" thread, and I know there's a "Exercise Challenge" thread... read some of those postings to see if anything clicks. All the best,

two heaping scoops of ice cream. Only to discover...

Hello HappyK, I was in the same boat.... I went to a seminar with Dr Spiegel on 3/19 and two months later was still waiting to hear ANY word. The first time I called, they said there would be no news for another month. I called again and they said they would contact me when/if a letter arrived from the insurance co. They NEVER asked my name or volunteered to look at my file. I called the insurance co directly and found out they NEVER RECEIVED THE REQUEST. I already knew it would probably not be covered, but they certainly did not care that I was willing to self pay. It's now six months later and they have not bothered to follow up with me. Are they overworked, overbooked, etc? Well, maybe he should stop running commercials and pay attention to every interested person who attends his seminar!!! Anyhow, in early May I went to Dr Spivak's seminar at the Surgery Center and scheduled an office visit for the end of May. His office staff is wonderful! It's like night and day! I had all of the necessary tests done by the 2nd week of June, but have been trying to get my finances in order. I am now prepared and have scheduled my surgery for Oct 10. I can't wait!! I wish you all the best, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Hi Becky, I applaud your courage. I can understand your hesitation, but I think your friend it right. Girl, shout those numbers -- 87 lbs in 3 months?! Whew, you're well on your way. Keep up the good work. The thing I love about this site, is that you'll get more support than you ever thought and if you feel more comfortable telling your LBT friends than your co-workers you should just do it! All the best!