pearlygirl

I'm not a smoker but my surgeon stated at his seminar that he would NOT band smokers. He requires a blood test before surgery to verify that you have not been smoking and will cancel your surgery if it comes back positive. In addition to the above reasons he listed high incidence of stomach ulcers with the band. He said that you aren't ready for the surgery if you're not willing to make the sacrifice.

Amazing! Keep up the good work.

Just a little info to help ease your mind... 70-99 indicates a normal result 100-125 indicates PROBABLE(further testing required) impaired fasting glucose or prediabetes 126 and higher indicates PROBABLE diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association you must have 2 separate tests to indicate an actual diagnosis of diabetes. There is also a glucose challenge test which requires fasting then consumption of a glucose drink with blood testing 2 hours later(like they do when you're pregnant). As far as cholesterol triglycerides can be falsely elevated even if you have eaten fatty/fried etc foods during the couple of days prior or if you weren't fasting at the time of the test. Your liver(if you aren't a drinker or have a history of hepatitis etc) is probably fatty. I know all of this is alarming, and it should be. However, you are being proactive in your health and the testing was done BECAUSE you are making good and healthy changes in your life. By losing weight and making healthier choices in food and exercise you are changing your fate. This certainly is an eye opener but at this point, it is reversible. I wish you the best on your journey!

I didn't exactly have one either but I have a huge fear of my daughter remembering me as her "fat mommy". She's only 16 months and I am confident that I can change that idea in her head before she is ever old enough for it to last...

To feel as if I am in control of my life once again

I managed to get myself on the spreadsheet(big accomplishment for me :biggrin: ) but I'm not with the other 4/16/2008 bandsters...can someone fix??

I'll have to do 10 days of liquids only. I ordered 3 weeks worth of New Lifestyle system(much like medifast). I picked this one because a friend of mine said that she thought it tasted much better, she's tried several of the liquid diets.

Hi. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jamie, I'm a 31 y/o mom of one(so far!) and having surgery on the 16th. I was supposed to be a March bandster but there were some delays with my insurance company. At any rate, I am excited and counting down the days!!

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I underestood it to be not so much of a funnel but that the water helps liquify the food you're eating making it go through the band faster and easier thus not not allowing you to keep the full feeling.

Hello....HOT!

My FAVORITE flavor is Target's brand of orange...it's much better than the Crystal light version. I bought it when they were out of CL and have never gone back!

It would be sad to lose that feeling...I'm glasd it doesn't change it.

Hi. I am going to be in San Diego with my husband and daughter in April. I was wondering about swimming, how long before your incisions were healed over enough for a swim. I will either be 2 weeks or 3 weeks post surgery and was hoping I'd be able to take my 16 month old in the pool while my husband was in some meetings. I'll ask my surgeon when I see him but was wondering about some of your experiences. Thanks!!

I'm laughing because I'm like woohoo!! I wonder if I can tell him 6 weeks like when we had our daughter?!?

Ohhh, RATS!!! We are staying at this amazing hotel with 2 large(and heated) swimming pools right on the bay in San Diego.....I was really hoping to take my daughter swimming with a bay view! I wonder if I could cover them with tegaderm or something?? I'll have to talk to my surgeon and see what he says. Thanks!!

How awful!! I am so glad you went in and it was caught before you became very ill...people can die from blood clots!! I would also be a little disturbed that your doc never called you back, I'd let them know what is going on for sure. Well, you're in a good place now...get better!!

My doc requires that you stay one night.

You can get plastic studs to use for your nose and nipples, they're just clear plastic bars. I had to use them once when I had an MRI.

Totally off the subject here but for those with the Realize band - How many fills or what fill level did you reach before feeling a decent amount of restriction. I am leaning more toward this band but haven't decided for sure yet. My surgeon seems happy with both.

Thanks Wendy!! It will be at least 2 weeks...hopefully 3.

No, it isn't a bowel prep. For me, it is a 10 day liquid diet to help shrink the liver and make it softer so it is easier to work around during the surgery.

I'm here too. I think the 19th is my most probable date. There is a possibility that I'll get in on the 12th though.

That's great Harley girl. I too have become more regular at the gym and I'm down to one can of diet coke a day. That'll be tough but I'm very ready. I have four left...then I'm done too!!!

Hey! We'll likely be banded on the same day!! I have to do 10 days of full liquids. Broth, strained cream soups, sugar free jello - popsicles - pudding, crystal light, and milk. I also ordered some protein shakes from New Lifestyle.