fat&thrifty

Hi all, I had the same problem with the red itchy rash. My doctor also told me I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the initial bandages then the steri-strips. He recommended over the counter Hydrocortisone cream 1%. It has really helped. Especially since I removed the steri-strips. I had tried benedryl twice a day, and benedryl cream too. Didn't help. The hydrocortisone is just a few dollars and truly worth it. almost 2 weeks post op, and the rash is almost gone, and just a few itcy patches left.

Kcintx, Good luck to you, sounds like you are on the right track already with your weight loss. The liquids are getting rather boring, but if you have a blender, you can vary your intake. Today I added an egg to the chicken broth and lipton chicken noodle soup. Blended it til it was so liquidy. But tasted good. Not the best Sunday dinner, but we're doing it together, which makes it easier. Never lose sight of your goals and you will achieve them!

Hi everyone, We just got back from Monterrey last night. All went well. Both my husband's surgery and mine were uneventful. We did have to have hiatal hernias repaired, so the lifting part is not going to be easy, since neither one of us can lift over 30 lbs. The whole staff of Dr. Rumbaut is wonderful, and the hospital is absolutely first rate. Couldn't complain about a thing. What amazed me was on Thursday, we had 3 doctors visit us at the hotel, including Dr. Rubaut himself. Where in the USA would that ever happen? Everything was well coordinated, now on to the losing phase.

Hi everyone, Thanks for all the well wishes! We're back from Mexico, and all is well. I developed a rash on my abdomen, probably from the latex bandages. They knew not to use iodine on me since I am allergic, but I guess I'm allergic to something else too, probably the latex. I sent off photos to our Dr. so he can diagnosis. Other than that, Dr. Rumbaut was great. His whole staff is really on the ball. Thursday morning Dr. Adriana came by the hotel to check on us, and go over all the things we need to remember about the band. Later that afternoon, we were taking a walk, and Joe (my husband) started belching violently and continually. We were both scared, so we walked back to the hotel, and called the Dr's office. Within 20 minutes, Dr. Richard was there to check him out. By that time, the belching had subsided, and he was passing gas. I was so impressed with their prompt response. Later in the evening, the surgeon, Dr. Rumbaut, stopped by to check on us. Where in the USA would that ever happen? 3 Dr. visits to our hotel in one day. I would not hesitate to recommend their services. BTW it helps if you know a little Spanish as I did.

After many years of trying new bras, makes and styles, I found Wacol. What a great bra. They are expensive, but on Ebay, they are affordable. Best fit I've ever had. I have a drawer full of every imaginable size. After surgery, I should be able to find some that fit. Will wait to splurge on new, sexy ones when I've lost a bunch.

Hi "CallMeJim" Just starting it today, surgery is on the 8th. So, so far so good. By Monday night, I'll be ready to bite someone, I think! Good luck to you on the 7th.

Hi everyone, Great thread, Citigirl. My situation was different. I was originally the selfish, jealous one, unsupportive of my husbands decision to get the band. We are both overweight, he has a long list of co-morbidities, and I just have physical problems with my legs and feet. I would go to the gym, work out regularly, and couldn't get enough lost to justify the effort. Very frustrating. He doesn't do exercize, pretty darn sedentary, and doesn't have a steady income (self employed). His medical bills and medication have all been taken care of by me. For years he justified all the medications as a way to not have to lose weight. Saying he'd rather take more meds that give up all the foods he loved, or have to work at losing weight. So when he brought up the subject of going to a foreign country for the surgery, I was floored! Who's going to pay for it? What about me, I need it too. I'm the one that pays the bills, that goes out to work 60 hours a week, that is in pain most days. I was going through a lot of selfish thoughts. After much discussion, and cold shoulder non-discussions, we decided we'd do it together, and what did we need to do to afford the cost. What can we give up that is less important than our future together in good health. So, we leave tomorrow for Mexico, and our surgery is on the 8th. I think eventually my insurance might have authorized the surgery for my husband, but never for me. This way, we are in it together, through the liquid phase, through the pain, through all the good and not so good stuff. But never without love and support for each other. Stay positive, and do it for yourself. You deserve to feel better, and look better too, if that is your desire. Good Luck!

Hi South Floridians, Happy New Year! I'm from Hollywood, and will be looking for a fill Dr. in the area. We're self pay (both my husband and I are being banded on Jan. 8th.) and having it done in Mexico, so some Dr's won't fill us! I believe we will be using Dr. Gomez in Coral Gables or Fill Center USA. For now, the LBT is my support group. Great forum to have.

Hi everyone, especially PrincessTracey, hope you are well after your recent surgery. I have hardly told anyone. My employer for the time off, my son and daughter. My husband and I are getting banded the same day, and he has broadcast it to everyone he knows. He's so proud of it. Different strokes for different folks. I'm just more cautious and private than him, and would rather people learned later, as the weight was coming off. Throughout the years, I've always had some negative remarks to deal with as I've lost and re-gained weight. So perhaps thats the reason. It's my personal quest with my husband, not for public knowledge. Except of course, every here at LBT! Happy 2008, and may we all realize true happiness.

Hi Prival 66, Happy New Year! My husband and I are both being banded by Dr. Rumbaut on Jan. 8th. Thanks for all the info about sightseeing. Not sure if we'll be as adventurous as you, but I hope we have the energy. We're hoping this won't be our "Mexican Fiasco" Thanks again for the laugh!

Hi All, Happy New Year! I have always been the photographer, so there are very few photos of me. In the past, the ones I've seen I'd rather burn. Harsh reality is not pretty. There are days when I don't feel fat, so I think I sabotage myself. I am planning on having before photos taken next week, before my surgery date. Every little victory needs to be celebrated, and embraced in a positive reinforcing way, not with food as in the old days.

Hi everyone, Happy New Year! All of you are inspirational, and thanks for all the kind works written. I just turned 56 yesterday, and my husband is 57. On Jan. 8th we are both having the lap band done in Mexico because insurance wants to waste too much precious time, and then still say no. We figured what ever it took to do this, it will be worth it. There is nothing more precious than our lives, so it will be the best investment we could make. So looking forward to this next chapter in our lives. Happy new year to all

Merry Christmas one and all! I like the thread, thanks! Hope all is jolly in your lives today! Jan. 8 here I come, Viva Mexico