cymbalom

Hey, y'all, My surgery is scheduled for Feb 19, and I'm so excited I can hardly see straight! I'm starting liquids on Tuesday, and then on Thursday, I have to travel on a plane and be gone for a week. I have to travel again 10 days after the surgery. Does anybody know if there will be a problem with air travel during the liquid diet phase or right after surgery? I'm not looking forward to it, but it's a family committment. I'm mostly worrying about seatbelts and having a tender tummy. THANKS! :eek: Angie in Texas, US

Hi, y'all, when you take a big pill, and it gets "stuck," is that painful? Does it mean you are going to throw up? I have read that throwing up is a good way to get your band slipped. This is one thing I'm worrying about. TIA! Angie in Texas, US

An increasing number of surgeons are asking people to take blood thinners for a couple of weeks before surgery, just as a precaution, so I don't think you'll have any trouble there. Welcome to the community! Angie in Texas, US

I had a little set-to with Dr. Gonzales. We were so upset that we just pulled out of the whole deal. I have to say, I'm amazed that they haven't said anything about having to pay them for the stuff they did. I'm sure Gonzales will hit us for the consult, but we haven't heard anything about this so far. Anyhow, farewell for a while, and I hope all of you have the BEST of luck! Angie in Texas, US

Road King (you must have a Harley, LOL!) good for you, getting this all done. I can't wait. I got my doc changed from Dr. Veninga to Dr. Gonzales, and my surgery is now 2/18. What! Me? Excited????? Angie

Oh, boy, that sounds kind of scary! I can easily see it happening, too. Well, just another thing to deal with, I guess --- thanks so much for the honest information! Angie in Texas, US

How cool for you folks who actually get your insurance to pay some or all of the cost of the band --- ours wouldn't even discuss it. Is there any truth to the rumor that Medicare will pay for lap band surgery? Angie in Texas, US

Hey, Cindy! I'll know more after Monday, when i'm seeing the dietition. Today was my shrink visit (LOL, I passed!). I'm excited, but also nervous. I can't figure out where excited ends and nervous begins! :party: Angie in Texas, US

I thought I'd make a separate thread for this, since we all have concerns here. I'm glad i found a group of folks with dodge knees, like me. A doctor recommended to me an exercise machine called a Gazelle, because it gives you a good aerobic workout without stressing joints. Bad knees and back are real issues for me. I hope I've managed to include a picture. If you are interested in this, get the cheapest one you can find, preferably a used one. I bought mine as a floor model in a sporting goods store and it was a little over $80, but that was some years back. I guess I should say that I'm not connected in any way with the company that makes this or any companies that sell it (and I'm not selling mine! :wink2:) Angie in Texas, US

Hi, illion, I'm sorry you're still having "discomfort." I guess that's not unusual for less than a week out, but I'm sure you're looking forward to putting the pain behind you. Are you forcing yourself to drink a bunch of Water? It's really hard to believe that two of those Optifast shakes is too much, but I'm glad to hear you are being able to get down some sustenance, at least! Please keep in touch! My doc is Veninga, too. Angie in Forney, Texas, US Surgery 2/19/08 309/287/???

Oh, if it hurts you then maybe it's not the thing for you! I found that I had to be careful to lean my body slightly forward, or it would bother my back, so it can make a big difference how you do it, as well. One thing I know is that with everything else, we don't need exercise to hurt! :rolleyes2:

Thanks for these; I think they are going to be a great help! How do you folks get these little ticker things? Thanks! Angie in Texas, US Surgery 2/29/08 TLC Edge, Dallas 309/289/???/???

Phyl, you look GREAT! I also have to say you are obviously a woman of taste as displayed by your elegant footware. (Crocs rule!) Angie in Texas, US

Hi, tweenwaters, thanks for your concern. I am SOOOO excited! I start the Optifast February 5. They told me at TLC that I would have two days of Clear liquids only after the surgery, but then I have to stick to the Optifast only for a couple of more weeks...sigh... Another Q if anybody knows it; my daughter is asking me to fly to KC one week after the surgery. I figure people who go to Mexico must fly within a couple of days, but airline seats are a tight fit for me, and I'm wondering if the sore tummy won't really bother me flying. If anybody knows anything about this, I'd sure appreciate it.... Angie, doing the Happy Dance in Texas, US

It's very sad about this lady with the flipped band --- violent vomiting can do that to you, and the hospital ER should have treated it much more aggressively. You can't really blame Dr. Ortiz for this, as you have discovered --- this is an unrelated event and could happen to anybody. But I feel awfully sorry for this lady. Imagine how terrifying that must have been! Angie in Texas, US

Tweenwater, are you able to get up and about yet? I know some doctors want you to get up, like, the very day you have the procedure. I hope it gets easier for you to get your shakes down. I just can't imagine it now! Mostly, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Angie in Texas, US (surgery date 2/19)

My Dallas doctor is charging $10K for the band (includes everything except the shrink and required Optifast before and after surgery). This is just an introductory offer, since the clinic is new, but I'm wondering if stuff like this might generate some downward pressure on prices in the US. Looking at what doctors charge for other similar surgery, it seems to me that lap-band surgeons are really taking advantage, getting the bucks while they can. Angie in Texas, US

Well, that's great to hear. Man, I can't wait --- I've been trying to get this surgery for five years! Angie from beautiful Forney, TX

Thanks for joining the group! We'd be anxious to help with/come to any Bandster gathering, too! Would East Dallas or Mesquite be a good place to get together? Angie in beautiful downtown Forney, TX

The Yahoo group called DFWBandsters is a huge, very active group. It is no longer local, but nationwide, and there are a huge number of posts daily --- so many, in fact, that I can't keep up with it! I thought there was a place for a new group that was local --- could be wrong, since nobody has signed up yet! :rose: :prrr: Angie in Texas, US

Hi, everybody, I've started a group for people who have had or are considering lap band surgery and who live in North Texas. If you want to check it out, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NorthTexasBandsters ...and join up! I've just started the group, so so far, I'm the only member, But we should be able to get the group going pretty quickly! thanks! Angie in North Texas, US

Have you had your surgery at that clinic? What was your impression? TIA Angie