JulyBandster

The lawyer I used has the band himself - I only dealt with him online! Never met him face to face. I can't remember his name, but his website was bandedlawyer.com..........that's how I got in touch with him to begin with. Good luck!

I did call my doctor - said that if the itching/hives only appeared once, and went away quickly it is ok to continue taking it. She said that is a side effect some people experience on the med. I confirmed this with the pharmacist. Thanks for all the ideas/suggestions!

Anyone else on this drug? What side effects have you experienced? I've been on for a month now - had everything from jittery feelings, lack of appetite (that one is ok!), shaky hands, racing heart, even hives and welts which went away quickly during the third week........ Has this drug worked for you? How could you tell? Thanks for your responses.

Hi Gina - just wanted to let you know that I also was denied for investigational purposes - by Anthem Blue Cross/Shield of CT. They are very known for doing that the first time out.......I hired a lawyer for under $500 and he did an appeal in about 3 weeks - and I was approved! So all is not lost. The lawyer that helped me was steve kalman and he has the band himself. He doesn't live near me - lives in PA, I think - but I learned of him from another bandster who had been in my situation. I emailed him my info then we went back and forth - he decided if he had a chance or not...then got on it! I'm thrilled - anyway - his email/website is bandedlawyer.com.............good luck!

I posted earlier in the summer about how my husband left me, deciding that after 20 years he no longer wishes to be married....well, I'm trying to move forward, and would love to have a dog! Problem: I'm a teacher, leaving around 7:30 each morning, returning around 3:45ish. Is that too long to leave a dog? I would LOVE to get a golden retriever puppy, but am thinking that wouldn't work. I am looking at rescue shelters, but not sure of a breed - mutts work too. I'm looking for people's suggestions! I am more than willing to do a big walk each day and each afternoon when I get home........I have no children, so this would be a "doted" on dog, lol...what do you think? Can I try a puppy? I have read about crating, and training and all that - what do you think? I have a large yard, but it is not fenced - dog would be an inside dog most of the time, unless on a leash.

A second vote for Easy Spirit shoes! I have to have shoes that are not flat - no birkies for me, that's for sure - I have to have high arches and strong soles - rubber if possible......I literally buy easy spirit sandals in bulk - I go in and buy all colors each season, and buy them AGAIN when they go on sale end of summertime..........THAT's how much I love Easy Spriit! Lots of old lady shoes, but some "younger" ones too - I swear by them!

Hi Melissa - yes, the recliner was my best friend for far too long, lol! I was sleeping in it until the 5th or 6th day - then, I could head into the bedroom, and with considerable assistance, could lay on my back. (Only lasted a few hours in this position, needed help to get back to my recliner to finish sleeping!) Yep, it stinks, but it was normal for me! I kept taking my pain pills so I slept in that recliner too - don't stop the pills, if you can help it. I wasn't sleeping on my side and in the bed for about 10 days! Good luck -

My doctor is in Dr. Fiallo's office - I use Dr. Haag. I really like him a lot. He is fairly easy to get into for fill appts too, which is good!

That was a cute song - I enjoyed it! Thanks for sending the link. I'll have to remember those words, eh?

My husband walked out 3 weeks ago with no warning. Well, I guess I'd have to say I had no idea, but there might have been warning signs. He said he is no longer in love with me and wants another chance since we are both 40......I turn 40 on Monday, actually.........anyway, I am devastated. I am seeing a marriage counselor to help me through this, but can't stop crying......I am not going out because it is so hard to say to people what has happened. My husband was a popular guy that others always ask about. I can't seem to say "He's moved out" or something to that effect without starting to cry. I am in such shock. If you have been through this, how did you make it through? I guess we're lucky not to have children, but we've been together for 20 years. This is just so awful. We have a family cruise to Hawaii in a month, and he is not going. I will. But it will be difficult to be alone. When does it get easier? Thanks, Amy

I get these shoulder pains too - my doctor has no idea why I get them - he says only one other patient complains of it - lucky us, huh? A few things I've noticed: it gets especially bad if I wait to eat. Meaning, I start feeling hungry around 11:30, but don't eat right away. I will definitely get the shoulder pain if I don't eat quickly! Same thing if I overeat - definite pain. Sometimes I believe it is gas pain, and this is something my husband noticed first: I bent over to pick something off the floor while in the middle of the pain and I burped - which instantly made me feel much better. Makes no sense, but there it is! Also, when especially bad, I lie on my left side and feel some relief. Again, no explanations as to why it works, but it seems to. Good luck!

I had my period for my surgery too. I considered wearing a tampon, figuring who would know or care, since they don't use catheters for such a short surgery..........well, the night before my surgery I was online and someone asked this same question - and she shared a story I have never forgotten.........she wore a tampon into surgery and didn't tell anyone. Hours later, in the recovery room, she realized she was wearing the mesh panties with the lovely GInormous pad - where the heck was the tampon? They TOOK IT OUT! OMG...........:omg: That's all I needed to hear, and I decided not to chance it! The morning of the surgery, I told the nurse - she walked over to a shelf and grabbed the panties and the pad and told me to suit up in the bathroom! That was it. It happens all the time. Don't sweat it.

Wow - thanks for the replies everyone! I do not want children, so that's not an issue. Sarah, I think my doctor was referring to the Mirena, which DOES have hormones, from what little I understand, lol. I am such a weenie about pain. Didn't stop me from getting the band, knowing I'd have a needle in the belly on a regular basis - but I'm terrified of that "female" kind of pain. Just had an endometrial biopsy - that was NOT fun. Just a little curious about the pain with the insertion of the IUD. Thanks, all. Your replies are much appreciated. Amy