Fish

I was just wondering if bad breath is an issue after banding. I was reading one of the posts and they stated that bad breath was common. If so....what do you do about this? Any input would be much appricaited. Mike (Fish)

Hello all, I wanted to ask what were your fears post-op? How did you deal with the post-op worries. Were the fear/worries a reality after being banned? I.E. Not being able to deal with the head hunger.....Amount of food..can I live on 1200 cal. a day? How would I feel...sick...good...PBing? Any info is good info......I am on my last stage and will be submitted for approval this week. I am just corious what your experience was like. Thanks for taking the time to read/respond. Be well, Michael (Fish)

WOW! I wish you the best of luck. You CAN do this. I only wrote that about my Dad because I was on the other end of the coin. It was a wake up call for everyone in my family. It sounds like you are on the right track. This board has many people whom can assist you. I am new to the band world and am only starting to prep for post-op as soon as I get the green light from the health ins co. I feel for you and know that others are saying the same. I say this because I care. Best regards, Michael

Hello, I don't want to sound harsh or come accross as a jerk. Listen to what happened to me just before Christmas. OK....so my Dad (60 yrs. old) is a type 2 diabetic with hight BP and colesterol. He is not a walking example of health by far. Either way I love the man to death. You say that no one is supportive of the band. (remember that as I explain further) So....I am getting ready to go to work on Friday before Christmas. I am just finishing feeding my daughter of six months. A call comes in via my cell phone.....did not answer....then it is my home phone. (mmmmmm????) I picked it up. My mother was on the other end telling me that my Dad was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. My whole world came to a stand still........I was now in a spin and had to get to the hospital ASAP. I called my work and let them know that I would not be in. I grabbed my daughter and wife. Off to the hospital I went. As I took this trip I asked myself what lead my father to this event. How is he going to fair after many years of just shelving overeating and lack of good health. At about 40 he ate his way to a type 2 diabetic and has been on a downward spiral since then. Some diets...some restriction....but has always been a volume eater. Long story short......my Dad has two Cypher stents....one 70% and one 90% artery clogged. I was a mess and witnessed my Dad having a heart attack right in front of me. Lucky to be in the hosipital when this was happening.....he would have been DEAD. Good note....my Dad was the best Christmas gift that anyone could give me this year. He was not on board with me getting banded...neither my Mom. Now they are pushing me out the door.....! I don't mean to scare you....but I do. If it will give you the push to make things happen. Then it was woth the time to share my experience. As for me....I am just about to be submitted for approval. I am set in getting a new lease on life. Your choice is the right one. As stated in this thread....many people have offered assistance. Do it...Do it.....I can't stress this enough. I hope I did not offend you in any way. I hope I did not scare you....but I am here for you if you need so. I am not banded yet....but I will be. You have the power to make anything happen. Be well.....keep your head up.....and never give up. Regards, Michael

Guys......Yes...so I am a little rattled or lets just say I was. I understand that this is a good thing and I must funnel my fear and make it positive. It is nice to hear the sucsess and how much you stand behind your choice...the band. I WILL be saying those words shortly, I just have to keep my head in the game. Thanks for the words of encouragement.....it wacked me back on track. Mike (Fish)

I woke this morning and I was in a panic....thought I was banded. I have some hand-ups about getting the surgery. I am moving along with the pre-op regimen and am doing well with completing what the doc wants me to do. Here is what I have done so far...... sleep apnea test....positive Blood work....nine tubes...would help if they can find the vein...darn nurse PT....one more session Throat scope....next week Nutritionist....next week I am looking at a mid January surgery date....that is if insurance is not a hump about giving me the all clear. Concerns: *food and what I can eat. *Getting sick...I know I have asked this before (PBing) I looked at how I eat now….I just chew a few times and then swallow. *Social citations... *coffee........now that is a topic I have read a great deal about on this board *Booze....yeah...I like to drink a few on the weekends...I know empty cal's *What is down the road when you have the band....2...5...10...20 years What is my life going to be like? *Teeth....yeah...I laughed about this one.....what happens if I have tooth problems and can't chew as one should with the band? Are you up the creek....???? I know this is a commitment and I am willing to take my best shot at making the journey of my life.....for my life. I can't go on being a bucket of crap and have to make a change. I just get a little bent about the changes that will happen and if I will be able to handle them. Your thoughts........ BTW.....Anybody from NJ that would be willing to mentor me that has been banded? Be well, Mike (Fish)

Hey guys, Are you able to drink when you have the band. I know that beer looks like it is out. If you do drink, what are you drinking? How much compaired to pre-banding. Some people say that they can drink, but not as much. Not that I am looking to drink a handle of JD, but would like to have some drinks at a party or on a Friday/Saturday night. I know that drinking is not good for weight loss....but you know....game time...BBQ's.....I like to tilt a few. Your thoughts........

Hello all! I just found some info about the new JNJ band. Here you go....... www.ethiconendo.com

Gayle,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks for the response. I am currently 300lbs and 5' 10". The doc says he would like to see me drop 100lbs. I have a few health problems as a result of being overweight. Fatty Liver, high BP, Cholesterol is also high, and I am only 37. Not good at all. I know that my lifestyle now is not the right way to live. I am a volume eater...no doubt. I can eat a 16 oz. steak in a snap. That has to change if I want to see my daughter get married. My wife and I just had a baby girl whom is only three months old. Don't get me wrong....I like my food, and probably will always. It is the amount and how I eat. The band will be a tool to help me. I need a good swift kick in the rear. As for my social life, I like to go out with friends and enjoy a good bottle of wine. Eat some dinner and relax. I know I do not have to eat like a football team in order to do that. I can also handle not drinking during a meal. (so I think) I guess it is something I would have to get used to.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I want my health to turn around and to have a new lease on life. Life now is surrounded around food. What am I going to eat. Diet...eat...diet..eat.....up a pant size....eat....diet..eat You get the point. It is time for a change.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks for your response. I wish you all the best with your loss and your new lease on life. It is great to hear all of the people who make the choice for LIFE. It also is a tremendous step not having the meds....that is GREAT! <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Regards,<o:p></o:p> Mike (fish)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

Hello all!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> I have a few fears and concerns that you can help me with. I am almost positive about getting the band and have attended a consultation last week. If you can answer some of my questions and concerns it would be great. I just don't know of anyone whom was banded and would like to hear the answers first hand from someone who has the band.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> What is your social life like and how did it change with your band?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Are you able to drink...I have an Irish wife. I know beer is out...but wine..some mixed drinks. I think you can have when banded. I know...empty calories. But you have to live also...right.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> PB's and feeling sick.....what is the deal. I hate getting sick and do have a fear of getting sick. (phobia)<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Would I ever be able to enjoy myself without the fear of having a band? I don't want to overeat, but would like to go to a BBQ and have some choices. (clams, corn, Burger, Tomato salad) I know the mentioned things might not be feasable, but are they?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Many people describe the band either as the best experience they have had, or the worst. I know that if you don't follow the rules you get sick.....cut and dry.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> My main concern is the....will life be some what normal. Eat less...think smart about what I eat. Get rid of the hunger that makes me overeat.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Can you help me answer some of these concerns please?<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Thanks,<o:p></o:p> Mike (Fish)<o:p></o:p>

Hello all! I am a steak and chicken person as of now (not banded). I have a fear that I will never eat steak or chicken due to the band. I am also a big pizza person, but I know that has to change. My question to you all is....After you switch to the solid food stage, are you able to eat some what normal, or can you not tolerate certain foods. Some state that they can NEVER have meat or chicken...or both. some say fish (tuna, sushi) they can't eat. I would just eat the raw fish and no rice...or very little rice if possible. I guess I am just normal having a concern as to the diet...way of life that will happen once I am banned. I don't want to be that, "special" diet man the rest of my life. I would like to eat normal foods with limitation. Have a drink or three (lol) after dinner (a half our that is) Go to a BBQ and have some alternatives and not bring my food. You know what I mean...it is a concern of mine, but I am sure you have more experience than me....I am not banned yet. Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mike (Fish)

Hello all, I have my first appointment today and it just hit me that I am finally going to take my first step. What should I ask my doctor? I know many of you have already asked some qeustions before you had your band. I just wanted to learn from you and see what you thing I should ask upon my first visit. Any help would be a big help. Nervous to say the least....but determined to go tonight 6pm. EST Thanks, Fish