nanaviv

Hi All, I am so excited. I just got a call from Beth Israel. I have an appointment to see Dr. Jones. There is no one here to tell, so you are the first ones to know. I am seeing him Jan. 10th. I still don't know what June is going to come up with for me to drink after (I am allergic to what is in most protein drinks:phanvan ). But, I have an appt. Except for insurance, is there any other reason he could refuse me?????? Now, I am nervous. Wish me luck. I would get together but I am chicken to drive into Boston. My husband still drives me. I will wait to see what you girls come up with for a place. I am available most times. I am retired. Nana

Sherry, You look wonderful!!! I wish I knew how to do some things with the computer to make it fancy but I am not computer savvy. What a great outlook for the Holidays!! How is everyone else? I am going back to the hematologist tomorrow. I don't get the blood test results for a couple of days and I am still waiting for the stress test results, but the colonoscopy was fine. So, we will see what they say. I hope everyone is set for the Holidays. I am except for baking and the last minute cooking. I will post when I know something. Happy Holidays to all!!! Nana

Hi all, It sounds like everyone is doing wonderful!! Congrats Sherry. Go girl!!! I had my stress test yesterday. I don't have results yet. Tomorrow I have a colonoscopy, so we will see if they have learned anything. Then next week I go back to the hematologist. I feel soooooooo far behind everyone else. If they find the anemia is better next week - maybe I could see Dr. Jones?? Keep up the good work everyone. Nana

Hi all, I was in RI visiting family again for a week, so I haven't posted or had tests. I don't know if I mentioned the last test, stress test, didn't "go". They wanted to get my heart rate up to 132, but because of a drug I take, it wouldn't do it, soooooo, I have to go again, minus taking the drug. The schedule is, another stress test Dec. 13, colonoscopy Dec 15, hematologist again Dec. 19. As of now, feeling a little better with iron pills, but they want to know why I became anemic in the first place????? I do too, but if my blood count improves in Dec., I wonder if I get to see Dr. Jones. Maybe get on with the process. Everyone sounds like you are doing great!!! That keeps my spirit up. Talk to you soon. Nana

Hi all, I hate to say I am not ready for get together right now. Went to hematologist and while I was waiting to get in to see him, my count went down more. I am feeling very tired and therefore a little down. He gave me iron to start helping but they still don't know what is causing it so besides still having to go for stress test, they want another colonoscopy. I will really be dragged out!! But, I guess I want them to find the reason. But the surgery seems to be soooo in the distance. I have been keeping track of the digestion problems, and I'm very interested in how you solve it. For my future knowledge, keep us informed. On Dec. 2, I plan on visiting my cousin in RI again. I haven't been there in a long time because of appts. and not feeling up to it so I think I will pass on this get together, and look forward to the next one hopefully AFTER surgery. Looking forward to reading how you all are doing. Nana

Hi all, Sounds like everyone is doing well except dez. Definitely call and see if you need an unfill. I hate to think what you are feeling is normal. Also, I have a question. The diet seems to include so much protien. Do you girls not have cereal in the AM? You seem to have protien. I have an appt. finally with a hematologist Nov. 14th., and for a stress test on Nov. 10th, in the meantime I am feeling tired and haven't done much. It seems like it took forever to get appts., so I am just waiting. That is all from me. I hope you feel better dez, and everyone else keep up the good work. Oh, by the way, I am going to be dog sitting (2 dogs, my grandpuppies) starting next Monday. I am excited, but they will wear me out!! Nana

Sherry - Thank you soooooo much, and you look wonderful!!! Keep it up and keep the rest of us going in the right direction. Chris - I will have to wait until we get together to follow those directions for the charts, that is too much info for me, but thanks anyway. Keep in mind I am older than all of you. But, Boy, will I enjoy going through those pics. That will keep my spirits up until my time comes. Thank you both for answering. Nana

HELP-I CAN'T FIND PICS HOW DO I GET INTO THEM. I am dying to see them. I am not very computer savvy. I wouldn't know how to put the charts on the bottom like you have, that is sooo cool. Anxious Nana

Hi all, I wanted to tell you I went to my Psych visit on Thurs. She was 1/2 hr. late! She was so apologetic for being late that she was very nice. She could tell I was depressed because of the anemia thing. She said I am doing so good, though, by quitting smoking and coming all the way from the the Cape, that I think she will OK me for the surgery. But my primary care office has yet to get me any appt. with a hematologist. So Michelle says if they don't soon, I will have to go to BI for my tests, treatment, for that, so I hope to get help sooooooon. Otherwise, how is everyone else doing? I am so glad the Psych visit if over. Have a good weekend. Nana

Hi all, Congrats Dez on the jean size. I wish the Psych visit was over with. I was thinking when I changed to winter clothes, that must be a problem changing sizes all the time. I don't work any more, but those of you who do, what a challenge. Fun if you can afford to just buy what you need but who can do that!!! I'l let you know how the Psych visit goes Thurs. I haven't even heard about a hematologist visit yet. My pcp was supposed to contact someone who would contact me. Good to talk to you. Nana

To aaamom - I am nana, I am waiting to be banded, running into some snags but I keep in touch with these girls and their progress. Congrats., you are doing wonderful. Anyway, what I wanted to say is what did you think of the tummy tuck. I had one many years ago, not thinking that I would then gain another 50 lbs. I can't say I wasn't warned, but it was something else. But after losing all that weight, it must look great. Now, if I finally get banded, I am in the program at Beth Israel, I wonder if it will show that I had it done. Good luck and welcome. Nana

Hi all, Chris, I am sorry you are having a problem. I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. Dez - I go to the Psych Oct. 19th. I dread it from all I have heard and I am having a set back with anemia (waiting to get in to see a hematologist) so I don't know if there will be anything after that until I get better blood counts. Because I am feeling down about the anemia (I have a bad history with it) I am afraid the Psych will get me to cry, which I really DON'T want to do with her of all people. Is it a short appt.? Everyone else sounds good. Some days you all keep my spirits up. Thanks!!! I will let you know how I do with the Psych and the hematologist. Nana

Hi everyone, I haven't been joining in because I had nothing to contribute. I am waiting to see a hematologist. But, you bring up something I have wondered about. When you get to "normal" eating ,whatever that is, Sherry, since you have been banded the longest you should be able to answer this -- what amount should you be able to eat at one meal. At my first meeting a man who had the bariatric said that he had lost 100 lbs and all he could eat at one meal was the equivalent of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Is that what you think, Sherry? Any one else have an opinion? I am just curious. I am willing to take whatever it is. I thought I would be banded by the coming holidays, so it made me think. Nana

P. S. from Nanaviv I guess I didn't see a post by Pink, but "hello" and welcome to our Lapband Talks. Out of our group I am the only left to be banded at Beth Israel.

Hi all, Everyone sounds so good. Congrats Sherry. And Chris, the worst is over I think. Just try to get rid of gas and take pain meds, and take it easy. Yes, I am taking multi-vitamin and calcium, so the question is bleeding from somewhere which has me worried. Also a past serious anemia means I shouldn't take iron which is what they wanted to put me on. So, June was going to check with Dr. H to see next step. I think I am paranoid about "not being a candidate" or insurance not paying that I will worry every step of the way. Wish I was at any of your stages. But I will have to go in steps. I will wait to see what Dr. H says. If you want to get together I will, but I had wanted to wait until banded. I am puppy sitting Nov. 7 - 15th. Nanaviv

Hi All, Good to hear Chris is doing OK. Keep us posted. I went to see the nutritionist today and she also gave me the result of the blood work I had done last week and much to my surprise I am badly anemic. Dr. H is going to have to see why this is happening and how to treat it which will put everything on hold for a little bit. I came home very discouraged. I am ready to go forward but I can't. I'll check in on the progress I am making. Nanaviv

To Chris, Just a quick Good Luck Girl. You will do just fine. Just think it is finally here. We will all be thinking about you. Write when you feel up to it. A big Nana hug from Nanaviv

Hi all, Boy dez do you sound great. What was in that fill???? Just keep doing what you are doing. The exercise part is what I haven't been good at. I went to the meeting last night. Dr. Jones gave it again. He is great, but he gave it last time I went, so I wish someone else gave it so may have learned something new. But 3 or 4 people were there who have already been banded. They looked great and said it was the best thing they ever did. So, there you go Chrispygal, keep that in mind. It was good to hear, but I am ready. I just have to worry about being accepted by them and insurance?? So, I get a little down every time I go for a meeting, test, etc. One young girl last night said she had her surgery date and did that mean her insurance ok'd her and Dr. Jones said to check with them to make sure. Do you really not know until the last minute?? It seems like I will worry until I am in the OR. Well, do well everyone. Nanaviv

Hi Everyone, I am going to my second meeting tomorrow night and then I have an appointment with the nutritionist on Oct. 3rd and th psych. (good luck) on Oct. 19th. I can see your concern chrispygal. I think you are going to have to think beyond what is happening to your mother. I hope she gets well soon. I heard about 2 possible gas relief products but I never saw them in a store, so I don't know how hard they are to find. First is a syrup, sabsimplex, and the next from a health food store and I don't know if the spelling is correct, acidoldolyfs probiotic - 2 tbls. in morn. and eve. I saw these on the other lapband forum. I hope you can find them and they work. I plan on looking for them when my time comes. Glad everyone is OK and time is moving along. Nanaviv

Hi All, Yes, I saw Michelle. She was very, very nice. So was Dr. H. Sherry, I am nervous about fills. I don't know what to tell you. Let Dr. Jones know how you are feeling. And Chrissy don't lose it now!! Just think of the end result. It is what you have waited for all this time. And don't judge by what you see your mother go through. It is tooooo close to yours. Just remember that is over quickly. I have had a couple of surgeries so I know it passes before you know it and you are much younger than me so you will be doing so much better. I wish I was closer to my time. Glad your partner is doing well rainbow. Nanaviv

Hi everyone, I am back from my visit in RI. It sounds like everyone is doing OK. Do I have a story for you. My cousin was taking me in to Boston for a meeting on the 14. We had used mapquest and checked with AAA and off we went. We arrived BUT it was at the original Beth Israel Hosp. in Needhan. What a disappointment!!!!My request to mapquest and AAA stated Brookline Ave, Boston. They said Shapiro was difficult to get to from there, tried to give us directions. After stopping about 6 more times for directions, we never made it. Well, good news, on Tues. I went in with my husband for blood work and talked to Dr. H, and I have appts with nutritionist and psych. on Oct 3 and 19, so I am moving along. I will have to make up the meeting. 2 steps forward, 1 back - whew! chrissygal, your date is coming. I am excited for you. Talk to you all later. Nanaviv

Hi everyone, I just wanted to tell you that I am going to be visiting family in RI from Fri thru Fri so don't be surprised not to hear from me. I will check up on your chats when I get back. Good luck to all on losing those lbs. Talk to you later. Nanaviv

Hi everyone, It sounds like everyone is doing well. Dezadoo, like Sherry says, you are adjusting to a new stage. She sounds like she is well informed. Plus, there is usually a plateau in any diet, then you start losing again. On the liquid shakes, they are usually skim milk or soy milk based aren't they? I ask because I am allergic to both. I figure I will have to talk to the dietician about that. That is the protein so I don't know how I will get the protein. But I will see what they have to say. I have a lot of problems with being allergic to foods. Sherry, as long as you don't live in Boston, I will give it a try. Are you off of Rt. 495? Do you intend to wait a while so I will be banded? Whatever? Nanaviv

Hi rainbow, what a great story!! It brought tears to my eyes. A great way to start the weekend. Your partner will be OK, my aunt has same, has to really watch what she eats. I haven't had anyone go overseas so I can only imagine what it feels like. SherryW, I am very timid about driving. That is why my husband is driving back and forth to Boston for now. Plus I would want to wait until I am banded and on my way to losing. Where did you say you live? Can't wait to go to next appt. Nanaviv

Hi everyone, I forgot to add to the above, getting into Boston seemed like a zoo. After going up Ma 3 this is what we have to do (without giving lefts and rights) - Frontage, Mass Ave, Melnea Cass Blvd, Ma 28/Tremont St., Ruggles, Huntington, Ma 9, Longwood, Brookline - Hosp., and when you don't know when your turn is coming and you aren't in the right lane, no one around you is happy. So, I am trying to write down streets before our turns so we can get into the right lane. And getting out we got lost twice trying to backtrack. Fun, fun. That is why I don't look forward to it. I even thought of taking the T but my son said it is a little bit of a walk. OK, I thought I would get that off my chest. At least I am on my way. I will listen to you all of your good news for a while. Nanaviv