AnotherMe

Who's READY to go cruising?!!! We've only got a little over 9 months to go :eek: This summer for the 1st time in many, many years I spent some time at our neighborhood pool.... so, by next June I'll be ready with a new swimsuit anxious to go! Is everyone getting their passport ready? I ordered my birth certificate from New Orleans and it came this past week!!! I was pleasantly suprised it only took about 4 weeks to arrive, I'm glad to see the State government is still hard at work. I had only a small 3x5 copy from many years ago.. but this is usually not acceptable, you'll probably need a certified copy (long form) birth certifcate with a raised embossed seal. http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html Let's get to crack 'a lacking on the paperwork so we can get onto the F-U-N!!!

Hi Cyndy, I used Dr Hadar Spivak, but my closest friend used Dr Wilson and LOVES him! She says he's super nice and the staff is great too. She goes every 6 weeks for fill/adjustment, I think perhaps it's played a large role in her success (she's lost 90 lbs since Nov 2005)... that and working out at Curves M-F. I'm attending the support group meeting tomorrow night at Memorial Hermann too! I think the seminar starts at 6:00, the "Bariatric Buddies" support group begins at 6:30 PM and it's for anyone interested who's had or considering bariatric surgery... there's always a mixture of band and bypass patients. I enjoy connecting with others and not feeling so alone. Last month a few people from the seminar same to sit in for a while. And, some of the people who've already had the surgery will go out to chat with seminar visitors. All the best, Karla

April, You're right, sounds like the liquid pre-op diet has you a little loopy! Truthfully, I believe it's something we all begin to worry about as the date draws near. I was flip-flopping between the money argument (I was self pay) and trying to convince myself I could try again on my own. Who was I kidding? The most success I've ever had alone was 25 lbs or so, and like they say - I got it back and then some! Best advice I can give you is - YOU deserve to do this for your own health. For this one instance, think of yourself! You have some wicked comorbidities added to the fraternal history of health problems. But, you're on the right path to doing something about it now. The next few weeks will be a nervous, anxious time... I spent it connecting with the great people here and learned I wasn't all alone. I hope you find something useful here too! I had an endoscopy a couple of months prior to Lapband surgery, where they did find a small hernia. It didn't require repair, but that didn't keep me from using it as my excuse anyway!! And, it's handy because I can still use it as my excuse why I can't eat as much as before.. "hernia didn't heal properly and I still get bad heartburn" - will keep everyone from trying to get me to eat more!! by then, they usually want to give me a remedy :eek: My Mom & Dad, brother, and one close friend know... I would say tell your mom -- you'll need her support. If she can't offer that, then she doesn't deserve to share in your success with the band. She's your mom, I hope she'll be real happy when she see's the improvement in your health. All the best, Karla

Hi J, I thought it was just me :eek:... a couple of months prior to my Lapband surgery I had to have an endoscopy, since then I'm real sensitive to smells. So much so, that my desk at work is very near a kitchen area where everyone uses the refrigerators to store their lunches... if anyone forgets what they stored and it sits for more than a few days I have to ask coworkers to help clean it. It gives me a headache to smell the fumes everytime the refrig is opened, and makes my stomach ill. Even really strong coffee brewing will make me nauseous. In my case it's hard to say whether it was the endoscopy or a result of the Lapband. It's probably some of both, I usually try to keep a couple of sugarfree mints handy - sometimes this will help calm my stomach down and replace the gruesome smell. Give it a bit more time, you've still got quite a bit of swelling and you should feel a bit "loose" in the next few weeks... to where this might no longer be a problem for you. All the best, Karla

Me too! And after missing last Tuesday's episode I was so glad to go to the CBS website and find I could watch the entire thing (sans comercials). I'm still amazed how Will and Mike have been able to get rid of most of the house, without looking like the bad guys. Even Janelle's not mad at them for getting rid of her allies? It's all in the editing, I suppose. I can't wait to see what happens, does anyone know when the finale is?

Sherri, Welcome to LBT! I'm in Houston and had surgery 10/10/05 with Dr Hadar Spivak.. http://www.lap-surgery.net/ In my opinion, he's a great Doctor. Best advice I can give is to attend a seminar, schedule an office visit, and ask specific questions relating to the anesthesia. Honestly, I didn't know when they put me under. Prior to leaving the pre-op area they gave me something thru the IV in my hand, and I was out. Next thing I knew, I was awake and groggy - definitely knew something had happened because I could feel the soreness in my abdomen. I was self pay, I hope your insurance covers the procedure for you. Make sure you ask any doc you see if they are in network for Atena. Otherwise, your portion will be more and you want to be prepared for that. I have a friend who was banded by Dr EriK Wilson http://utsurg.uth.tmc.edu/faculty/wilson.htm and she's had great success. I've also heard great things about Dr Matthew St Laurent http://www.lapbandsolutions.com/aboutdoc.html We're lucky in that we have many skilled, qualified surgeons to choose from. Continue to do your research and keep coming back to LBT for support! All the best, Karla

JMO, Count me in! It's been ages since I had a penpal (not that I expect her to write back). It reminds me of how excited I was to receive my own mail! Oh, to be young & hopeful again! I'll be happy to send a postcard/short letter, everyone needs a little friendly support during Basic Training! ugh! Karla

Mr D, congratulations on your surgery this afternoon! I hope you'll be home and recovering very soon! 503-250, you're killing me!! 'breathing toy thing"; cool ball game ? THAT was the name of the torture device I was fortunate enough to bring home??! I didn't develop pneumonia, so I guess I won the prize! While it's a necessary evil, on the plus side it helps you forget about the pain you're in - because you're too exhausted to breathe! Mr D, make sure you let us know how you got along with the nurses... that is, when you're feeling up to it. All the best, Karla

Hi T! I believe a large portion of favorable attention has do with confidence... my experience is that I'm not "hiding" behind BIG clothes any longer. For the 1st time in my life, I feel comfortable with my body (even though I'm 45 lbs or so from goal).... and, I'm certainly more willing to look people in the eye. What happened to you will be a memory no one can ever take away, we all hope to one day "stop traffic" or something similar! It's nice to be noticed! WTG on the weight loss!! And, congratulations on your up-coming 1 year bandiversary!! Karla

Pugmaster, Welcome to LBT! It sounds like you have an incredible Dr and staff.. Sometimes we (as patients) are so excited to learn about this procedure, that we don't think past how soon we can get it, how to qualify, and what surgery will be like. The aftercare IS so important because you need to have the ability to call with any questions or concerns, or just to be able to get in for routine fill appointments. I had surgery 10 months ago, WLS was not covered by insurance so I decided to self pay and the main reason why I chose a local doc ($15k) over a going to Mexico ($7-9k) was because I felt I needed the ability to make a appt for an office visit, a fill, or any sickness/illness etc related to my band. It sure sounds like you're on the right track, and after a few more tests you'll have a date. congratulations! Keep us posted. I wish you all the best, Karla

Hi Jeannie! I'm in Copperfield, Hwy 6/West Rd. Like SallyJo said, there is a small group that meets every Tuesday evening form 5:30 pm - 7ish in the Starbucks at Target on 290 & Barker Cypress. Anyone is welcome. I've had good intentions of going myself, but I usually can't get there until 6:15... but they seem like a good group and it's not a formal meeting. You should drop by sometime. LBT is wonderful! But it's also nice to hear from local people, so I joined Yahoo group Houston Area Bandsters http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HoustonAreaBandsters/ It's nice to meet new friends in the area! PM me if you need to talk or have more questions. All the best, Karla

Like a few others, my doc has no restriction on drinking before meals. One thing I do at home occasionally, during and aftermeals, is lick or take one small bite of a popsicle. It helps to cool down my mouth if I've eaten something hot, and it takes away my urge to drink during. Another thing you might try is to swish a teeny tiny bit of water around in your mouth and spit out - make sure you don't swallow any. After time, you'll learn to go without. It's not really an issue for me now, at 10 months since surgery. I just make sure I get enough to drink beforehand. All the best, Karla

It's normal to feel nervous/anxious... it probably has to do with "fear of the unknown"... the little details about post surgery that worry you. My surgery was 10 months ago, and I remember the feelings... what kept me going was reading the supportive posts on LBT. I asked questions like "what did you wear" on the day of surgery, I made sure I had purchased everything on my Dr's list for liquid phase. I was probably more worried that I would feel starved! After my surgery, I was sore for about a week and I did ask myself "what did I do?" - It was more discomfort than anything. What suprised me is that I was not "hungry"... instead, I had to remember to sip broth every few hours. Your appetite will probably not return for 2-3 weeks after, about that time my tummy below the band began to growl nightly because it was trying to get used to the idea of no food. That passed too after a short while. Remember, we're all here for support.... I took it for granted for a few busy months, but I'm convinced that I get more information and ideas than I could find out elsewhere - so I've made a commitment to myself to come to LBT each day and learn something new that will help me with my journey. And hopefully the next 50 lbs will not be so difficult! All the best, Karla

Hi guys... I'm glad you survived your first fills!! Everyone's usually a bit anxious, it's the "unknown" we tend to fear the most. I was banded 10 months ago, and today went in for my 5th fill. So many factors will depend on how many fills it takes for YOU to reach optimum restriction, and every single person is different. I'm here to tell you, if I had to do it all over again, I would go back every 2 months for a tiny adjustment. I think the more you have constant restriction, the better you progress. HI MICHELLE!! and welcome in I have a 10 cm band and had my 1st fill of 1.5 at 6 weeks post op.... I've always been able to feel restriction after each one. You need another 3 weeks to heal properly, for the swelling to completely go away. Don't beat yourself up, I actually ate a 6 in Subway sandwich (with no problem) the week before my 1st fill. I've not done it since.. I'm not willing to test the effects. Suprisingly, bread has been the single easiset thing for me to give up. From time to time I will toast a piece of bread, spread a small bit of cream cheese and take my time between bites. Are you on mushies, or solid food? Get out all of the info you're doc gave about the post surgery diet.. make sure you're getting in enough Protein and plenty of liquids everyday. Sounds like you're progressing on track, I remember getting my appetite back... I just constantly referred to the list of post op diet foods my doc provided. I stayed out of the refrig/kitchen by coming to LBT and connecting with people. And even now, when I get the urge for a snack, I grab a popsicle and come right back. I'm sure that's hard to do with 4 kiddos at home, but try to find a way to keep yourself occupied. All the best, Karla

Hello! 10 cm is the size of your band. Like both of you, I too have this size. The maximum fill level of this size band is 4.0 Today, I went for my 5th fill and am at 3.5 So far, I've never experienced any problems with fills... they've all been under Fluro (xray machine). But, my doc only has us swallow the barium after they've put in the saline. They leave the needle in the port, you sit up and move to the Fluro machine and they watch how long it takes the barium to flow thru the pouch... if it's too slow they still have access to the port and can take some out. Or, vice versa. My first fill was 1.5 and I go back for another .5 every time I feel I can eat too much. Try to keep all of your info written down in a notebook, you'll appreciate having it down the road. I still kick myself that I never took measurements of hips, thighs, arms, etc. I would love to know how many inches I've lost (instead of just lbs). Karla

Hi T! I think I'm in the same rut... I play it safe and usually order soft-type foods I know I won't have trouble with. Shrimp is my mainstay, low calories and no carbs... but you're right about the sauces - you just never know how many extra calories the sauces add. Since you've been banded have you ever wanted something so bad that you get emotional because you know you can't eat like before? We visit my parents every Sunday and not long ago my Mom cooked a pork roast with rice and au jus gravy. Oh, I wanted some so bad and all I could do was put a small slice of pork on my tiny plate. My Mom's so sweet, she steamed some spinach for me too... but, boy did I want some rice and gravy! And, if my brother comes for dinner I have to leave the table. It makes me ill watching him eat 2-3 heaping plates. I've asked him to attend a seminar with me, but I know he's not ready to put the commitment into it. Can't help those that don't want to be helped! Karla

Sherri, It is standard procedure for the docs to "back out" the fill already in your band, and they judge based on what they see (all of prev fill still in band, or some leaked) along with how much you've been able to consume to determine how much more to fill you. I just went for my 5th fill today, and when she backed it out I asked if it was the 3.0 fill level from my last appt. You should feel comfortable in asking them any questions you have, don't be shy! It's YOUR health, and they're not violating any privacy rules... you deserve to know ALL! I've had all my fills under Fluro, it's cool to see the barium as it passes thru. Definitely ask for it if will ease your mind. There may be an additional fee. Hope tomorrow is better, Karla

I want to play! Cool idea for a thread Yoda! I did the - leaving school early - thing too.. called Distributive Education back then. Actually got my job referral from the program.. prospective employers knew where they could find cheap help and the only way to get a good grade in the class was to be a good employee. The week after I turned 16, I started working as a "mail sorter" for a small independent company... we had drivers who would pick up mail from businesses who contracted with us (electric co, insurance co, etc) and bring the mail back to be "pre-sorted" by zip codes; bundled up, placed in trays, and taken to the Downtown post office by 9 PM deadline. In the beginning, the operation was in an old un-airconditioned house!! WHEW ~ in Houston TX!! We finally moved to a regular office complex, I ended up staying 3 years!! I love all the different jobs you guys!! Leona & Diane, it's awesome that you were able to put your talent to use! Karla

KUDOS! to y'all as we say here in Texas !! I'm bumping for others, because each of you are a wonderful inspiration. What are your latest achievements? Have you met your goal? Are you happy to be where you're at? All the best, Karla

Stella, TWO more days! I know you're excited.. I remember being a bit anxious (nervous) the last day or so as well! It's all those small pesky questions you think about... Did I buy the right things for liquid phase?, what should I wear to the surgicenter?, etc.. Dr Spivak performed my band surgery in Oct last year... Just today I went in for another fill, I've lost a total of 50lbs over the past 10 months. I'm happy about that, it's great to "find" so many clothes in my closet I haven't been able to wear the past couple of years and I steadily outgrew them! want2lose, I wish you all the best on your upcoming surgery also! Keep us updated, Karla

Just my opinion, but another small fill of .5 would be appropriate. I'm not sure what size band you have... but, if you're able to eat everything it sight - it can't be good for your pouch. I don't want to cause you any alarm, but some of the saline may have leaked out... I'd be interested to see how much of the 1.5 is left from the original fill when you go in Tuesday. Also, ask if they can use Omnipaque solution.. it's a bit thicker and holds the fill. All the best, Karla

Something else I hope will cheer you up... If you re-arrange the letters in "Mother-In-Law" you get WOMAN HITLER ! If it helps, think of this when she starts annoying you! It will be your little pet name for her, your secret. I hope I'm not offending anyone. I just wanted to lighten your load. Karla

Oh Boy! I feel for you. By chance, is there any drain cleaner around?! just kidding Is there any way, when your DH gets home, that YOU can take off to visit a favorite relative for a week -- and leave HIM with his grandmother? Maybe he can see how it feels. I truly feel for you, I hope it gets better SOON! Karla

Was it a seminar or support group? Seminars, the docs put on their "show" and are supposed to give you a description of both surgeries. Support group (in my mind), is for those connecting after surgery to discuss issues important to them. I attend a support group meeting every month that's available for any WLS patient.. there are usually 1-2 people there who attend that are interested in bariatric surgery and they come with a friend who's had it. It's not mandatory though. They're a great group, both bypass and banded... as expected, they bypass patients have lost way more than I. But, I'm happy with my decision and feel it was the right one for me. I would schedule an appointment to see the Dr in his office. Ask him what he considers the pros and cons for both procedures. I'm not sure how much you're expecting to lose, but ask specific questions: for the --# of lbs I need to lose, which surgery do you think would benefit me most & why? Keep researching, and armed with a bunch of knowledge - you'll be able to make a decision you can live with. Adjustable, reversible, etc is what sold me on the band. That, and not having my inards re-routed. Once I had my heart set on the Lapband, you could not have changed my mind. If you feel as though you're being pressured to chose bypass... RUN to another experienced doc, maybe this one is not to comfortable doing the band. And, if that's the case you don't want him "practicing" on you. All the best, Karla

Good luck with the job! Since it's your first, you'll always remember it! We don't have that chain here in Houston, so I'm not sure what type of fast food they serve.. but, I recommed staying away from anything FRIED! It's not worth the extreme pain it's guaranteed to cause. The only fast food I can eat these days is Taco Bell pintos and cheese, and a small nachos. But that will all change tomorrow, when I go in for my 5th fill. HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Thursday :happybday: . Hope all goes well on your first day, and they don't make you clean restrooms! That would suck! Karla