Jazzywoman

I have the realize band. The port anchors to the muscle wall with some type of a clamping system instead of stitching. I can feel the port through my skin, but it isn't overly noticable. My dr. said that he would use either band based on the patients anatomy. He chose Realize for me. Honestly, I havne't noticed any different symptoms with my band, than with other bands. I have the same gas.. same pains and same tummy noises! I'm excited to see some results. I'm just 3 weeks out of surgery, and I've really not had any changes in weight. I lost 20 pounds pre-surgery, but nothing since.

I found a great site recommended by my dr. Chef Dave :: Home (or is it .com) try both. Anyway.. Chef Dave Fouts is the first bariatric chef. He had gastric bypass, but has recipes that are healthy, easy and good for ya! :smile:

Cinci is burried under snow! Ha ha.. I wish, cuz then I would be able to stay home!! WAKE UP CINCINnATI!!!

DITTO... *sniff, sniff* Do I smell popcorn?

Afraid of being a quack was the reason I didn't tell anyone but my family. A few have mentioned that my face looks slimmer, but that's about it. Now, if only my body would cooperate and drop some weight.. that would be divine!!! It so nice to know that I'm not alone.. Huggles :smile:

Frosted Mini Wheats... amazing fiber with amazing results. I used to eat them as a snack (just 1 week out of surgery, so I can't eat them yet..) Drink lots of water and you won't have any trouble doing what needs to be done.. *giggle*

Another Big Medicine lover!!! I try to catch it every time it's on, and I get sooo emotionally involved with the patients. I think the father is hot! I just think it's his accent... *giggle*

Oky.. I'm just a bit peeved.. Everytime it snows, or gets slippery on our street, someone hits our mailbox and destroys it beyone belief! I've lived here for 15 yrs, and in those 15 yrs, I've had to buy at least 1 mailbox every winter. NO ONE EVER COMES TO CONFESS!!!! I have to pay for the mailbox, post, put it in.. paint it.. etc. (our community has special rules regarding mailboxes. This is the second snow we have had this year.. and THE SECOND DARNED MAILBOX DESTROYED!!! (in 2 months) It's getting expensive when I have to buy the stuff, usually $150.00 each time, and I DON'T GET REPAYed because no one sees "them" do it.. and no one is HONEST ENOUGH TO CONFESS. WHY WOULD SOMEONE THINK IT'S OK TO DESTROY MY PROPERTY AND NOT HAVE TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE??? WHAT IS THE DEAL????????????:angry

Do you think they have a 12 step program for LBT??? OH, and I think I remember a post about "Transfer Addiction" mmm.. LBT or food.. mmm ??? I started really getting on here when I was going through the 2 week pre-op liquid. My computer is upstairs, and just getting me away from the kitchen and TV helped soooo much. Besides.. I've "met" some totally awesome people on here. (not in real life.. but ins't this real life?) I really also have to say that I've gotton so much support and encouragement on here.. (and into some trouble on the Rant and Rave side) I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! *sniffle, sniffle* Hi, I'm Mary.. and I'm a LBT addict..:help: (everyone answers:) Hello Mary!

Post office box might not be a bad idea.. I really like the "steel post" idea.. *evil giggle*

I'm blind.. I don't see a calendar!

So.. how does 2008 look?

Oky.. guys.. it still hurts to laugh.. and I'm dying here!! Now you made me cough.. and that hurts a lot too! I just wish I had that problem... *sigh*

The only thing you need to watch on pre-made dinners is the sodium content. They usually have lots of "fillers" in them too, like modified sugars and food starch (which turns to sugar if not used). Always look at the first 5 ingredients. If they aren't real food, then pass on them. It's often easier to cook a real meal, then get those plastic freezer containers and make your own pre-made dinners. Less salt, less money and better quality food. I'm still recovering from surgery, but I will have frozen dinner or 2 in my freezer in case I need one.

Would I do it again. Today? 3 days after surgery? NO.. I wouldn't, but then I'm in pain!!! Ask me that same question about a month from now, and I will more than likely tell you YES.. I would do it all over again. Right now is not a good time. Last minute advice? Gas-x strips, and follow your dr.'s instructions to the letter!!!!!!! The gas comes from being under anesthesia. Your body sort of stops for a while and when it gets going again, gas happens in your intestinal tract.

maybe it's time for a NEW lower BMI thread. I find reading 151 pages very difficult.

If you are a tummy sleeper, Princesstracey, try getting onto your tummy. It might hurt a bit at first, but last night was the first full night of sleep I've had, and it was on my tummy. I think the pressure of laying on tummy also relieved LOTS of gas. I was a little round "tuba" this morning!

I had some Gas=X strips that I took last night. They helped me to get some sleep. Send Hubby out for some. Walking, they say seems to be the best. I'm in incredible gas pain too!

Childbirth (2 c-sections) was easier than this!!!! At least I had some cute little kids afterward to keep my mind off the pain. maybe I need a puppy! ARGH I'm in such incredible pain that I considered drinking the entire bottle of liquid pain med! But.. it wouldn't help because that stupid med doesn't work!!! I've just been able to sleep about 1 - 3 hrs at a time, gas pain is incredible, tried to eat, NOT a good idea. My surgery was Dec 27th.. yesterday was the worst, today the gas is starting to go away. I still hurt! oh.. STAY SECLUDED FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN, BUT DRINK LOTS OF WATER!

Ellisa.. I suppose him being out of network will be because he will have opened his own surgery center. Golly... I hope not. I would hate to have to find someone new. Oh.. and Ellisa.. how are you feeling?

You all have been a blessing! I've had many questions and fears. After reading all of my fellow December Merry Loosers posts, I really felt ready and calm. I guess you don't really know how much you mean to someone when you post a reply.. but you really do! Thank you all so much!! I was banded yesterday morning. Surgery was a bit longer since dr. found a hiatal hernia and repaired that. My pain was so bad at the hopital that I wasn't able to leave until 5 hrs after surgery. Today, I have very little pain, no gas and I've been able to drink diluted juices, Water and sf popsicles. The only problem I had was that I wasn't able to urinate until almost 13 hrs. after surgery. But the hospital said that wasn't a requirement to go home. Knowing what surgery and recovery was like for all of you, made it so much easier for me. Thank you all! Mary:)

Dr. Curry's staff is the best. You actually talk to a human when you call. There are no "press 1 if you wish to talk to.." It's a REAL human! I had my seminar on 27th of September. My family dr. was away for vacation the first part of October, so I couldn't get my records released until the end of October. Then from the time my paperwork was in, and I paid the fee to dr. c's office it took just about 1 week from the time dr.c's office sent in the request to get approval from Anthem. My nutrition class was on Dec. 7th, so were my pre-admission tests, and then it was just hurry up and wait. I could have had my surgery in early December, but I opted for Dec. 27th because I'm a teacher and didn't want to take off time from school. I'm keeping it to myself, and not letting anyone know at work. Call your insurance company and see what their requirements are to have surgery. Some require a supervised 6 month diet, others just require certain BMI's or lower BMI's with comobidities. I made sure that I knew exactly what my insurance required before I went to the seminar. I even asked for the person's name from the insurance company, and kept it in a little notebook, every time I called. Even dated the entry. Also remember, there are fees that might not be covered by insurance. My nutritionist, wasn't covered, but everything else is. If you haven't reached you out of pocket requirements for your insurance, then you might have more fees. Anyway.. good luck with your plans. Even right now, 1 day later, I don't regret doing this. I'm in a little discomfort, but I know that it will pass. Hope this helps. Mary

Mary, The waiting is the hardest part. When you get to the hospital, ask for meds to calm you. I think I'm a little jelous.. You are in Texas where it's probably a lovely warm day, and I'm in OHIO with freezing temps!! If you don't mind, I'll add you to my prayer list! And just know that there are lots of poeple out here in computer land who care about you, and want to help. Huggles, Another Mary!

Surprisingly I'm feeling pretty good. Just some slight discomfort in my upper abdomen because dr. fixed a hiatal hernia. My lower tummy where are the punctures are, doesn't hurt at all. The first night of sleeping was rough, but I stayed in a big comfy chair in the living room. YOU will do well... Just make sure you have lots of sugar free popsicles! After taking the liquid pain meds last night, I had a popsicle to get rid of the taste.. ick! Where are you being banded? I'm in Ohio. Genea, if you just wanna talk, and vent, pm me! It's always great to have a buddy to talk to.

Yesterday was my surgery, and overall I was pretty calm. Just keep asking questions, and reading. Huggles! Mary