TangerineDreams

I'm set for surgery 1/29 ... and for the most part I have been good with preparing myself for the surgery and life after. But I do seem to be eating many 'last meals'; overindulging with burgers, chocolates and carbs. Anyone else go thru the same pre-opt craziness?

Okay, what's the scoop? Can I color my hair after the surgery? I am premature gray and really cannot go too long without coloring the roots. But the information packet the doctors office gave me said that there should be no treatment of hair for 6 months after surgery

Yeah, I don't understand why I couldn't have my hair colored after the surgery either ... I'll ask the surgeon next time I see him, which will be on my big day!

Wonderful! Congrats on your victory. Keep it up!

LMAO, I had not heard that one before ... funny!

LMAO ... the visuals!!!!!!!!

I recommend strength resistance training. 10 lb weights for each arm et al. It's really the only natural way the tighten up the skin. Although I have not have my LB placed in yet, I have lost (and gained) 50 lbs on Atkins ... and the weight training was the only saving grace with tightening up the skin. Good luck to you!

Thank you jfran ... you're personal success is an inspiration!

So I just got my date yesterday. And I am a bit scared ... will I make it? Will I lose the weight? Will I stick to the plan? Am I doing the right thing? Will I miss food? I've only told my immediate family (parents, siblings) and 2 close friends. I hope this works, I hope I can do it. I hope I start losing and get back my life which was absorbed by the weight 8 years ago. My doc has no pre-opt diet ... says he's not that religious about the process. He doesn't even forbid diet sodas, just to keep it in moderation. I so hope this tool works for me. I read all your stories, the good and the bad ... and I pray that I have made the right decision. I have a wedding to attend at the end of May ... hoping I will have some level of success by then ... for myself!

are you PMSing? Retaining water? Hang in there!

Jeez ... my surgery date is set for a Tuesday .. I plan on being back at my desk the following Monday ... I hope I make it. But I guess it really does depend on the type of work you do.

I am scheduled for my seminar and doc's appt this week ... but the doc's office made it very clear that all the visits and testing was included in the cost, which is fully covered by the insurance company, with the exception of a one time $300 co-pay. My insurance company is Oxford, which I understand to be a bansters best friend. I wish you luck ... just keep your eye on the prize!

Laura: I plan on asking my doctor about this ... why my point is why promote this as a reversable process if they are not open to reversing it. Either way, first things first, lose the weight and maintain the lower weight.

Pizzaman: I completely understand what you are asking. I too am hoping I can remove the band once I have reached my regular weight. My plan is to slowly unfill and then see if I can sustain my weight without any restriction. If I can do that for a period of time, I plan on removing the band completely. The first priority is losing the weight ... then unrestricting, and then finally removal. Good luck! Tang

One of the things I am looking forward to with the LB is fitting into my collection of shoes, that have been sitting lonely in my closet for a long time.

UES here ... I was wondering where all the city folks are ... I would love to get a support group started. My seminar & consult is set for the second week of January @ Lenox Hill Hospital with Dr. Roslin.

Hello Vicky: Do you ever consider removing the band? Tang

I've made the decision to go ahead with the Lap Band ... but have decided to only tell my immediate family ... (parents, brothers, and sister-in-law).<br /> Who have you told or planning on telling?

Such a loaded question. I had what amounts to a nervous breakdown in my late 20's and gained 110 lbs in one year! I've managed to get over the depression but the weight has just not come off. I've tried everything, or at least I thought I had. The main reason for my excess weight is emotional eating. Happy, sad, whatever the mood, food was/is my best friend. I know the LB is only a tool, and that I will need to make additional changes in order for this step to work.

Michelle: I just turned 37 in November and have set up my seminar and consult for the 2nd week of January ... because like you, I refuse to be fat and 40! Although I am not married and have no children, I just couldn't find any more excuses .. I'm going to change my life, change my body and change my future. Good luck to you ... Tang

I'm scheduled for the seminar 1/8/08 and consultation with the doctor on 1/10/08. I've also contacted my insurance company (Oxford Liberty) to get their guidelines and parameters. Just wondering if anyone can let me know how long it took for them from the consultation date to surgery date? I'm very excited, a bit nervous and really hopeful this procedure will be the tool I need to make the kind of change I have been seeking.