Barb

Yes, you are correct. You will need to check the specifics of you plan, but all I have to do is fax a copy of the paid receipt showing what procedure or medication was purchased and I get reimbursed. When I don't use the debit card they reimburse me electronically by depositing it directly into my designated bank account.

You all are very nice, I can't wait until I can post "in progress" and "after" pictures. The date just can't get here fast enough for me. I love seeing everyone's pictures. Please post more! I want to see new pictures everyday....please.

Cindy a/k/a Mousecrazy, Hit Post Reply (not quick reply). Go to the bottom of the page - additional options - then attach files - manage attachments - then select browse and locate the picture you want to upload - then hit upload - then close - you should be back on the post reply screen then just select submit reply. I think if you attach more than one picture at a time you get links so try one at a time. I hope this helps.

For those of us who are preparing to be banded I found this information (Living with the Lap-Band) helpful and it answered some of my questions/concerns. Living with the Lap-Band.pdf

I found out about the Protein drops from this thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7996&highlight=Protein+drops Yes, you can add them to tea and other stuff to get in your protein. I thought I would make sure to pick some up so I could make sure I get the required protein each day.

While I am at it I am going to post the list I have for "mushies" because those already banded will tell me what else I could add or if I have something on there I shouldn't. I am one of those people who wants to be prepared ahead of time. :rolleyes Mushies Malt O Meal or Cream of Wheat oatmeal eggs Mashed Potatoes Peanut Butter sugar free pudding Applesauce Refried Beans Low carb Yogurt smoothie drinks Yogurt Semi Solids Deli cuts of meat cheese (+ string cheese) Canned Tuna and chicken

Hi Mandy, I have been making a shopping list to prepare ahead of time too. I added the things from your list that I was missing. Here are a few things I have on my list that you don't. Protein drops that state "contains all essential amino acids" Crystal Light juice (100% fruit juice, sugar free, or low sugar) Mederma or scar strips Tums (have calcium) Baby prunes or unsweetened prune juice (to help with constipation following surgery) I ordered some samples from unjury for Protein drinks. They let you get up to five samples. The samples arrived in 2 days and they sent a packet of recipes. I got the information about Unjury from others here at LBT, many told me it was the best. www.UNJURY.com

Cyndel, Congratulations on your banding. Glad to here that you are feeling good this quickly.

Vera, Glad you are home and recovering. Remember to take it slow and easy for a while.

Vines, That is great. Congratulations.

Vines, Ok, I think you are probably thinking of the EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. EEOC is federal and some cases are handled at the state level by the Human Rights Commssion although the name of the state agency may be different depending on the state. EEOC handles discrimination cases based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, primarily that would be age, ethnicity, race, sex/gender, religion, etc. this list is not all inclusive. Also claims under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act.

I had to reschedule from July to August now August 6th.

Wow, you March bandsters are doing well. Congrats on all your LOSES! I'm not getting the band until August but can I join you March bandsters, my birthday is in March. Well, on second thought I had better not you all are doing so good you would put me to shame!

Vines, You are correct it is not OSHA. OSHA is Occupational Safety and Health and only applies to on-the-job safety and health issues. However the issue could be one of the following. HIPPA - Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act which deals primarily with privacy related to employee health; or FMLA - Family Medical Leave Act** - which allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for a qualified event. WLS should qualify when considered medically necessary and not cosmetic; or In some situations it could fall under ADA - the Americans with Disabilities Act but in most situations this is probably the least likely. **FMLA may or may not apply it depends on several factors such as the size of the company, the length of employment, etc.

Thanks Kare and everyone, You'll have given me some good advice and I am going to take it. I am coming home with no fill. Thanks, Barbara P.S. That is why I hang around here, for the advice and the laughs!

Bobalooey, As I would tell my husband. You can get yourself in trouble without trying. :-)

This is funny timing with this thread because about two months ago I bought some different deodorant because the Secret was getting clumpy on me as the day went on. Three weeks ago I was on San Diego with several co-workers and one night we were just hanging out in one of the hotel rooms watching TV and the subject of deodorant came up, it was Secret they were talking about. I think they have made some changes at least to some of the formulas, I have worn Secret for years and never had this problem until recently. While you’re trying different thing you might try Mitchum. They make an anti-bacterial deodorant and anti-perspirant. At least that is what the sticker on the lid says.

Pattyann, Will watch to see how you do. I hope you don't have any trouble. Have a great time.

Hit Post Reply (not quick reply). Go to the bottom of the page - additional options - then attach files - manage attachments - then select browse and locate the picture you want to upload - then hit upload - then close - you should be back on the post reply screen then just select submit reply. I think if you attach more than one picture at a time you get links so try one at a time. I hope this helps.

Cool, thanks for sharing.

Hi Pattyann, Yes, I think I had better keep it that way to. I had ask if I could have at least a small fill before I left Mexico and was told that "it was possible." I asked because I haven't been able to find a after care or fill Dr. locally so it looks like I will either have to go to Dallas or back to Mexico. However, I think I will just leave it empty since that is how it is suppose to be and not take any chances. I can manage to get somewhere for a fill in 4-6 weeks. Enjoy Scotland!

It is part of our flexible spending account offered through your employer. There are several different types of plans such as Medical Spending Accounts, Childcare Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts. The primary benefit is that the money is tax free and can be used when you need it. For example if you put 3,000.00 a year into you MSA and your tax rate is 25% you save $750. The other benefit is that you get your full amount on the first day of your plan year. So say your plan year starts January 1st and you have signed up for $2,500 for the year and you are paid twice a month your employer deducts $104.17 (pretax) out of each of your paychecks but you can spend the money $2,500 whenever you need it (somewhat of an interest free loan). The drawback to a MSA is that you have to use it (on medical expenses) or you loose it. Some years I have a hard time using it all; I pay all my copays with it, RX and even OTC Meds. But a couple of years ago I used it all up at once by having laser surgery on my eyes. I can see clearly now . This year I haven't spent much so I want to use it for my lap-band surgery. Before I decided to have this surgery I was going to get braces with it. If you don't have a flexible spending account at work ask your employer to look into it. We were one of the very first companies to go to the Visa/Mastercard debit cards and our employees love it. It is a very good benefit employers can offer their employees and the cost is minimal to the employer. There is even new regualtions (legislation) coming down that is going to make these plans even better.

Thanks beaufultina. I was really ready to do it in July but, it is nobody's fault but my own for having to wait until August because I drug my feet figuring the date wouldn't get booked. I thought I could wait until closer to the last minute to decide on the surgeon! I just seem to think I haven't done enough research on the differetn surgeons. When the fact is I have asked questions of people, and wore out my computer the last two months and I have for sure gotten my money's worth out of unlimited Internet usage.

Michelle, It is very inspiting to see your success.

Hmm, I was planning on flying home after my surgery.