Tricia K.

PCOS is <!--StartFragment -->Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Here's a link that explains the syndrome and its various symptons, which include weight gain. http://www.webmd.com/hw/womens_conditions/tw9104.asp?src=Inktomi&condition=Healthwise

I noticed that too! Of course, I want Suzy to win as well. She's so cute! Our luck, they showed us that little clip and it has nothing to do with the winner. Argh...but, we'll soon find out.

I didn't get much exercise this week but I also noticed that my pants are fitting much looser than they were last week. Tomorrow is the start of another week. It's time for me to get cracking!! Woo hoo!!

I'm not going to get into an argument with someone on a message board. I simply stated that you shouldn't assume anything yet you're doing it again. Read up a bit on PCOS and you might learn something. PCOS is typically treated with diabetic medications, such as Glucophage. However, because one of the symptoms of PCOS is weight gain, many women (like myself) have failed to lose weight even with proper dieting and exercise. I'm not, nor have I ever been, obsessed with food. Prior to getting my band, I didn't over eat. I may not have always made the right food choices, but I was not one to over eat. Please read my post on the following thread about why I am fat. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5223&page=8&pp=15 Please refer to my answer above to seehawksimms.

Do not assume that just because someone had weight loss surgery that they have an addiction to food. Many people, like myself, have PCOS and NO addiction to food.

Here's a typical day for me... Breakfast: 16 oz. protein shake Lunch: small salad with turkey breast OR just plain turkey breast Snack: Sugar-free Jello Pudding OR granola bar Dinner: Taco Bell Pintos & Cheese OR 1/2 sandwich with crab salad & american cheese on toasted 12-grain bread (I can never finish 1/2 of a sandwich though) I'm averaging about 950-1000 calories per day with the following mix of fat, carbs and protein: Fat: 32% Carbs: 32% Protein: 36%

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051123/ap_on_he_me/obesity_surgery

Although I'm still a relatively new bandster (banded 9/16/05), I'm EXTREMELY happy and wouldn't have done anything differently.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051123/ap_on_he_me/obesity_surgery

Maese, Fred MD - Band New Life Address: 210 W 6th St, Ferris, TX 75125 Phone:(972) 842-3911

Rather than having to explain the procedure over and over, why not send them to this website? http://www.lap-band.com/about.html

How much are they?

I don't know what the heck is going on with me because, last Friday, I was down 5 lbs. from having my fill the Tuesday prior. But, now I'm back up 4 lbs. I don't get it. Below are my daily calorie totals from Friday until yesterday. I just don't understand why I'm back up 4 lbs. UGH! Friday 11/18 - 1027 Saturday 11/19 - 1096 Sunday 11/20 - 822 Monday 11/21 - 683 Any ideas/suggestions??

Here are a few more suggestions: liquid Adult Tylenol Liquid Immodium Milk of Magnesia Hibiclens Antiseptic, Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser - for cleaning your incisions

You're welcome

I would definitely call your doctor first thing Monday morning. My post-operative instructions stated the following: When to call your physician: New onset of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - EMERGENCY New onset of chest pain - dull or shart, front or back - EMERGENCY Bleeding - from incision(s) or in vomit or stool Pain and/or "hot feeling" in calf muscle(s) Signs of infection - temp above 101 degrees, redness or swelling at incision site(s), pus-like or foul smelling drainage Separating or opening of healed incisions Nausea or vomiting that is not relieved by medication Pain that is not relieved by medication

5kg converts to 11.02 lbs. http://education.yahoo.com/reference/weights_and_measures/index?p=weight_and_mass Both of you are doing great!

Walgreens actually carries a similar product called Optisource, which is designed for bariatric surgery. http://www.walgreens.com/search/search_results.jsp?term=optisource&section=A&x=0&y=0

I was banded 9/16/05 and was down 28 lbs. but in the last 2 days have put on 4 lbs. I don't understand how but we'll see what happens in a few days. 1st fill was on 11/3/05 - 1cc 2nd fill was on 11/15/05 - 1cc

I've never heard of it but did a google search for it and found this... http://www.celluliteexpert.com/english/endermologie.html "<!--StartFragment -->Since its introduction to the USA, Endermologie® was the first to be FDA approved for temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite." If it's only temporary, I wonder if it's worth it.

1) My fills are done by the nurse practitioner at my surgeon's office. She doesn't use flouro or an x-ray but rather does them by touch. She injects lidocane to numb the area and then does the fill. I don't feel either of the needles. Kathy's correct. They do not leave an open spot to access your port. It's under the skin and you can feel it when you push a bit on your tummy. 2) So, no my fills don't hurt, during or after. Your fills are performed on an individual needs basis. I've had 2 fills in the span of 2 weeks because the 1st fill wasn't enough. I'm scheduled for another one on Dec. 6th but will push it back if I don't feel it's necessary at the time. 3) If I remember correctly, once you've reached your desired weight, they may loosen it a bit so that you are just maintaining. 4) I was allowed normal foods 2 weeks after surgery. Every doctor and everyone is different. Your band will tell you what you can and cannot eat. My doctor just suggests that after you've had the band placed, try one new thing at a time (i.e. don't try 2 new things during the same meal). 5) I was only on liquids the day before surgery. It was a bit difficult but it was manageable. Prior to that, I wasn't put on a pre-surgery diet but was advised to lose a few lbs. because it's good for removing any extra fat around your liver. I lost 2 lbs. prior to surgery. As far as post-surgery, the only times I've truly been hungry was when I waited too long to eat. And, it was nothing like the pre-surgery hunger. Believe me, you get full very quickly with the band. Just don't overeat, or you'll PB or throw up......throwing up is a big NO NO. 6) I'm self-employed so I work at home. But, I was able to get back to work 3 days after surgery. I think a week would be sufficient. Just make sure you tell your employer ahead of time that you're having surgery and that, although you'll be back after Spring Break, you might not be up to your full potential because you're still healing. Better safe than sorry, you know. 7) Refer to number 4

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a hard time with this. If I were you, I would suck it up and go to the doctor and discuss your concerns/express your desires and see if he/she will work with you to provide the insurance company with enough evidence that this procedure is medically necessary. I do believe that high blood pressure is considered a co-morbitity. Good luck!

My doc says 1 day of liquids and 1 day of mushies then back to normal food.

Good luck on your journey. Getting the band was one of the best decisions I've made. Your best bet for checking for insurance coverage would be to look at your policy handbook for their list of exclusions. If they don't cover bariatric surgery, they will specifically list it as an exclusion, which would read something like this: "Services, surgery, supplies, treatment or expenses related to obesity or morbid obesity, regardless of Medical Necessity"

Good to know