lovecats85

Ok, this is bothering me so much I had to start a new thread! WHY is lapband over twice the price of boob jobs, facelifts, nose jobs, etc. It's so much less invasive! Heck, a tummy tuck is cheaper than lapband and it's like an 8 hour surgery!

I've had some people tell me that they know people who have had the band, got skinny, and then gained it ALL back. Has this happened to anyone? I'm am scared of that!

Hey Self-Payers: I am from Dallas, TX and I am willing to travel to another state to get my band, but I am too big of a chicken to go to Mexico. I will have to self-pay, so I was wondering if anyone who got thier band in the US for under 15k can tell me where you are and the name of your doctor. The best deal I have found so far in Dallas is 15k - includes all surgery stuff, and one year of follow up and fills. Thanks everyone! PS - I got the idea of traveling to another state since my mom has a group of freinds that all went and got facelifts in Oklahoma for 1/2 the price of Dallas doctors. PSS - also, can anyone tell me why the band is twice the price of say a boob job or a nose job?!?!?!

when i had bloodwork they said a little bit of water is ok

I use one ALL the time! I got it at walmart for like 3 dollars!

Ok, so I know everyone days they can no longer eat bread. Is this true? I never eat hunks of bread but will I no longer be able to have a sandwich or a hamburger? Also, does anyone know if hummus is high protein? I was thinking how great it would be for the mushie stage.

my computer won't let me see the previw - does anyone know what i need to be able to see it?

Ok, maybe I should get banded by Dr. Powell! I was going to get banded by Dr. Bryce at the Surgery Center of Richardson, but noone here has ever been done by him and lots of people have Dr. Powell, What do you guys think?

Hey ladies! I live in The Colony and I am really looking for a band buddy to go thru the surgery with. I would like to get my band this summer. I would love to meet all of you in person. We should really start a club of North Dallas Bandsters!

Why does it matter if you get all your protein from a shake vs. meat or "real" food?

I'm am pre-band but have pretty much 100% made up my mind to get banded. My problem is I am getting very stressed dealing with family members who are being very (in my mind) unsupportive. I know they are just trying to help me by telling me about so and so that lost 30 pounds by exersizing, suggesting I go to fat camp or hypnosis, lecturing me about how dangerous surgery is, etc. It makes me feel so bad when people say why don't I exersize, eat better, etc. etc. etc. Nobody understands that food is a drug and I can diet but I can't follow thru, I can exersize by my knees start hurting so bad b/c I'm fat that I can't follow thru. Even my husband who is normally THE BEST says he thinks I won't follow thru w/ any of the "normal" weight loss regimens b/c I have the band in the back of my head. I have to wonder if that is true. Of course, I tell him the band is no quick fix and it's just an aid to change my life and if I had the willpower I wouldn't need the band, etc. But then I wonder if I'm kidding myself and I wake up feeling bad like I should try to power diet and run around teh neighborhood but all I can do is sit here and be sad eating froster mini wheats. I'm sorry to go off like this, I just need to know if anyone else has dealt with this, and how. I understand why people don't beleive me when I say "I just can't" keep to a diet and exersize routine, and I realize I have no good answer. I guess I'd just like some words of encouragement from people who do understand, rather than people who have been skinny thier whole lives and eat whatever they want, and have no idea what it's like to be trapped in a fat body w/ a mind of it's own!

I dont have a band yet, but I have acid reflux. Some people say the band makes it worse and some say it makes it better. What's the truth? Also, does anyone have any tips for relieving reflux cuz ive had it bad for a few days and I feel like my chest is on fire and I have a golf ball in my throat!

Im sorry - this is TOO funny!!!!! you guys all rock!

I just try to tell myself that when I get banded I probably won't hit up the 25 dollar buffets in Vegas (our favorite place to vacation) but if I do go on an all-inclusive or cruise, hopefully I'll "get my money's worth" b/c instead of focusing on the food - I'll try to focus on the fact that hopefully I can use the gym, and the spa, and the pool, etc alot more than I would right now! I would trade being in the pool in a bathing suit AND feeling ok about that for the fact that I couldn't eat as much on the buffet line. Just try to remember that a 4 day vacation is only 4 out of 365 days. If you cook at home alot, etc - the price of the meals should balance out in the long run.

way too go - I hope I get my band soon and can eat normally on Xmas!

Sue, thanks for sharing your story. Although the DS is new and poses risks (like any WLS) I have read that it has a good sucess rate. Please let us know how it works for you. Thanks.

I have told him that and he has seemed supportive until last night when we were talking and the truth came out about he really felt. And it's not just him - it's my whole family and some freinds. I guess I told people about the surgery hoping they would be proud of me for finally standing up to my problems and wanting to make a change but instead everyone just thinks I'm pathetic b/c I can't run a mile a day or whatever. Thanks for your kind words. I know things will get better, it just sucks right now.

Sue, I would love to hear your story. I am pre-band and everyone tells me how great it is, but I would like to get an opinion from someone who does not think it works.

where did you have your surgery b/c I am shopping for a surgeon and I don't want someone like that. You should demand answers from your dr. I hope everything gets better for you!

thanks SO much for the info - you guys are the best!

I haven't had surgery yet, but I went to a Dr seminar last night and asked about NSAIDs and meds b/c my family all has rhuematoid arthitis and i wanted to be prepared if i have to take those drugs someday,,,, well, he said it was fine as long as you crushed them up b/c the denger of erosion is when big peices of medicine get caught by the band and sit by the stomach wall, but apparently if you crush them they pass through. hope this helps!

thanks so much

for us newbies, can someone please tell us what all these abbrevaitions are for. i've seen PB, NVS, DH, and so many more! what does it mean??

I'm in Dallas and I want to get banded. I am trying to find a "band buddy"!

I am going on Thursday night to the seminar for Surgery Center of richardson. can you tell me what the process is after you go to the seminar, and how long after that do you get banded?