SherryW

Hello Susie and WELCOME to LBT. You're going to love your band and you've come to the right place for support. Take a peek around, read, explore and enjoy. You're with the best of the best Take what you need and leave behind what you don't is the best philosphy while roaming the boards. Good luck with your banding journey and I wish you the best! Sherry

Hmmm so what would the insurance have done if you parents didn't file until April 15th? You would of already had the surgery. Hopefully when your dad talks to the company rep..the rep will call the insurance carrier and find out what applies. That might be a question they want to ask though...would the insurance take the payment back had they found out after your surgery that you weren't claimed on your parents taxes. Odd stipulation that's for sure. Good luck!

Hi Marie, I was banded 2/13 but, in 2006 so naturally I'm feeling great and have never regretted it. I wanted to pipe in and say sounds like you're doing great and congrats on your banding

Well I would think if you go to your doctor now for a physical and he/she doesn't see a weight loss since your last visit that that's still a history of care. UHC is probably making sure you've tried every option in dieting or at least tried and failed prior to paying for the surgery. You can always call your UHC rep to find out the specifics as well. You're choice in surgeons/bariatric center also could help you with this in that they probably already know what it is UHC is looking for and can help you obtain it. Give them a call first and then UHC to double check. I wish you the best!

Oh yea...did a little email tag with Cindy...she's doing well just busy busy. Retirement I think has her busier than when she was working hahaha. Sorry if I missed anyone else.....I wish Darcy was here..I miss her and Bean too. Anyone hear from either of them? I lost Darcy's phone number otherwise I'd be calling to see how she is Everyone I missed...I love ya and hope you're doing well too

Kat - Your turn hee hee. Woman....you really inspire me do you know that? You say seem busy but, geesh girl doesn't look like you slow down either hahaha. If ya ever want to visit Massachusetts come on up :thumbup: I'd love to have ya and your family. Sorry you haven't been feeling up to par...but you know around here the flu has been crazy. Even people who have received the flu shot, my DH included, have gotten the flu. Apparently the shot didn't include this flu that's going around. People start with that sick feeling in their tummy or a slight cold and bingo..out for 3 full days. I hope you're not getting all that. Are you throwing up? Ya know I don't think the thought of a band slip ever goe away mainly because we want to keep this tool as long as we can. I know I worry about it...sometimes still wonder if something is wrong with mine. I really wish it was manditory for them to check for slippage and stomach erosion say once a year or at least ever two. Some days my band seems tight...others I can eat practically anything and too much of it yet the stomach acid still wakes me up just about ever night I really need a fill but, too afraid to have another one. Between the stress at work and the ability too eat more than I should....I'm now back over 200 again. It really hurt the first time I saw it...but now I'm used to it but, I haven't changed my signature. I guess I figured if I still see it I'll keep sending out the positive vibes for it and it will happen again. I'm only 5'5'' so the 8 pounds I have on really is making a difference. dang nabbit! Anyway...You really have so awesome and thank you for being so supportive all the time no matter what you're going through. I hope your hubby is feeling better after his fall too...bruises gone? I think I missed it...is your tooth all set now? Had mine glued back in last week....thank God because I don't look good as a Hockey Player lol Mandy - Sounds like you're really happy with your new car. That's great! What color is it? I have a goldish Honda CR-V and it's the best dang car I've ever had. Its not fancy...just a basic model but, I love it and hope to keep it for a long long time. I hope you love yours just as much. How's Abi doing today? Is she nervous about the 28th? I can't say I blame her poor kid. Hopefully this will fix it once and for all for her. I can't believe you're still sick too. Is it still your sinuses? Have you been tested for allergies to see if that's whats really getting to you? just curious. Just wondering if you're allergic to any meds your taking or soap etc. Crazy that you've suffered this long and they can't figure it out huh? I'm hoping for the best for both of you. Signgirl - Ohhh migraines stink don't they? When I get bad ones I'm out of commission for a good three days. Sometimes I can catch them in time and take something but, other times all I can do is lay down in a totally dark room and sleep. Just hate that. Oh yes I've read lots of quick success stories here as well.....I'm with you. Food issues are hard to loose and stress added to that just does me in. :laugh: I do well when I practice my reiki and meditate but, the stress has been so bad that I haven't even been able to do that..nuts huh? I hope you're doing well :laugh: GR8 - So you've been sick? Glad to hear you're feeling better...sorry if I missed the post that mentioned you weren't feeling well but, very glad you are now. Eileenie - Where is ya girlfriend? How are you doing? Have you kicked up the band eating yet? Ohhh I know how hard that is for sure! I keep saying ok on Monday I really need to kick this in again and get off my duff and walk or exercise etc. How the heck can I expect to stay under 200 if I eat ice cream and cookies and other crapola.......but....do I do what I'm suppose to nope. I've had to cut myself some slack with that so I don't keep feeling bad and of course then that makes me continue the pattern...so by cutting the slack I'm backing off the stuff. Doesn't really make sense huh? hahaha. I've been making these home made soups to eat during the week for lunch to try to cut back on calories for the day. Its working a bit...not to just stop eating the chocolate. Stress grrrrrrrrrr. I have to say it's been better this past week though because the reasons I told you about weren't there last week and most of this week coming. Well my beer bread timer just went off....I really BURNED the first one this morning because I forgot I broiled something last night and errrrr forgot to turn the dial back to bake. BOO HOOO. The birdies got that one hahaha. This one should be perfect and my soup is ready :w00t: Have a wonderful day my friends!

:laugh:Hello my friends...well...I sadly didn't end up going to the Extreme Home Makeover in Warwick, RI boo hooo. I freaking woke up this morning and felt like my head wasn't sitting right on my neck and my spine feels like I was in a crash My head/neck has felt off a bit and I did go see a chiro last week but, I'm scheduled to go again tomorrow. The stress at work has taken a toll on my spine and I guess working on the computer, learning my chin on my hand didn't help. So many damn emails at work and working through them and looking through reports, that's what I did and I've thrown my neck out a bit. If you're sensitive to your spine...you definately know what I mean. Just having your head off just a bit or your neck...your body tried to compensate somewhere else along your spine to balance you so Now I'm paying the price for it. My hips and knees really ache. I suppose TOM being around the corner isn't helping either. So knowing I have to go to work tomorrow I felt it best to stay home today instead of being out in the cold, on the cold ground standing for hours I really would love to meet that group someday and I hope I'll be able to help out with a house sometime. DH and I want to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity sometime too. We'll get there for now I need to heal up this spine of mine. I have to say it's so much better with 75 pounds off of it but, if I got my rear in gear and lost the last 40 or so I'd be even better off. Insentive I suppose.....so why doesn't that alone get me to watch was I eat? DUH So right now there is a Pork tenderloin in the crockpot with potatoes and carrots for dinner....Pasta e'fagioli on the stove for lunches during the week and a beer bread in the oven. Prepared all that in about an hour so not too bad. Chrispy gave me an awesome recipe for the Pasta e'fagioli if anyone wants it. I also have an awesome recipe for Taco soup..the guys just love that one. I make the taco soup in the crockpot and use low sodium stuff so it's not bad. The Pasta e' Fagioli soup isn't bad for ya either...those Cannilli beans have 7g of protein in 1/2 cup of beans not too shappy. What is everyone making for dinner tonight? Make me hungry lol Pat - Cold sore huh? Those can be a pain for sure, my son gets them sometimes I never have though. I heard Lemon Balm helps and also pressing an ice cube against it when you first feel it come on helps reduce it. The ice doesn't allow the bacteria to spread and make a larger cold sore. My son has a prescription though that he uses because having had chicken pox when he was little he's know prone to herpes on his face...weird huh? When he's stressed he'll start to have smaller than pimple dots that cluster..kinda like a cold sore starting but, for him it can appear anywhere...under his eye, near the nostril, near his ear and it's extremely painful because the nerve endings are really sensitive. Other than the Lemon Balm and Ice I don't know of other home remedies for that. How are you feeling by the way? Back up to par now...healing going well? I hear the swelling from the TT lasts quite a while huh? Hows that feeling? Betty - Do you wanna sweap/vacuum out my car too? I just HATE that chore and sooooo I don't ever do that lol My DH washes my car if it gets washed at all. Right now there is so much salt out on our roads that it just seems like a waste of time to bother. I really do have to do those things though but, I'm going to have to wait for better weather. It's cold up here...beautiful and sunny today but, it's suppose to be no higher than the 20s next week. burrrr. You are a cleaning machine today by the sound of it. I picked up yesterday but, I have to say.....between my DH having a huge mess in our office and my son's room I'm very discouraged. I get stuck in the office alot because DH watches shows (or is snoring during shows) I don't like watching...only so much FISHING I can watch or War killing type shows ya know? Anyway...I've been trying to get both to clean up and it hasn't worked so I'm guessing I'm stuck living with it. I tell ya I don't dare go in my kids room and I HATE having to walk around computer parts, boxes and man stuff in the office lol. One of these days I'm going to move mystuff downstairs and he can have this pig stye to himself lol. Hope you get a chance to be in the great outdoors today Ok I'm going to let this post post so I don't loose it and I'll do some more hahaha :w00t::laugh::laugh::tt1::wub::thumbup::tt2::w00t: Just love these newer smilies hee hee

ssdown...its easier to follow those rules when you're banded. I found that I can drink liquids before my meal just not during or right after. The liquid for me flows right down prior so it's not sitting there hogging room where the food needs to be. If liquid sits there...the food you eat will expand when absorbing the food so you'll eat less but, more than likely not enough so that's why they suggest don't drink for 30 min before. Drinking while you eat will do the same thing and take up precious space in your upper stomach portion that belongs to Protein. With the band in place the upper portion of your stomach is about the size of an egg for most so if you hog up that space with liquid and try to eat you're not going to get in enough protein for the day. Not drinking for 30-60 after (depends on your doc) reason for this.....the liquid could 1 expand the food still there or 2, wash the food down and you're hungry again much sooner than if you had waited. So you're either hurting because the food expanded depending on what you ate or your hungry and will eat more than you should because you washed it down. Hope that helped.

Gold brick for me lol. This is cute. Thanks for posting it.

Hello Joe...let me see if I can help a bit... With the band you'll lose quite a bit in the beginning but, normally will lose anywhere from 1-2 pounds a week. That's what my surgeon wanted for me and said was the norm so that's what I have to base this on. Since the weightloss will be gradual you'll become quite used to getting smaller and feeling smaller a little at a time so I think you won't have so much anxiety about it as you're moving along. Just switch that thought of the "non a fat person" to you'll now be a healthier person. I saw no comfort for myself in being that fat person or the fattest person in the room so the losing process has been very positive for me and I believe it will be for you as well. Some people have a difficult time with certain liquid drinks. Sounds like you might have a lactose intolerance or perhaps your sensitive to the sugar substitues used in some of these slim fast drinks. I don't have a problem with slim fast but, I do have friends who have. You should check for a lactose free one or switch to a different liquid Protein drink. Some folks can't have whey or Soy so you might want to check around for others to try. You really shouldn't have the runs...it's your body trying to tell you "this isn't for me". In regard to fills, if you read around posts on this website you're going to find everyone's doctors has their own specific schedule. So the best thing for you to do is ASK YOUR bariatric center/surgeon. For me I didn't receive my first fill until 8 weeks after surgery. Reason for waiting.....the first 8 weeks are ALL about healing. Its going to take 8 weeks for your band to "set" in place and the stitches inside to heal. If you eat solids too fast or get a fill too fast it puts too much pressure on your stomach and that can cause the stitches to not heal properly and those hold the band in place. You don't want that band to slip because that brings a whole different set of problems. So listen to your doc, follow the stages of eating (usually Clear liquids, full liquids, mushies then solids) and of when to get fills and how much in each fill and you'll do great. Hope this helps. Sherry

Hello Bandme, there is no harm in asking your bariatric center/surgeon that question. It's a reasonable question really. I know my doc asked me to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery because they wanted the liver in the best possible shape so it would be smaller and easier to get out of the way of placing the band. Has your insurance carrier already approved the surgery? I ask because I know I wasn't weighed the day of surgery so how would they know that day? Preop I was weigh but that was a week before surgery. Anyway...good question to ask so ask it of your surgeon or at least the staff that works with him. I wouldn't think they'd cancel it though. Good luck with everything

Betty ya sure you don't want any of this white stuff? I'm sure I can ship some down to ya, I have lots I can spare hahaha Mandy - So sorry to hear everything you and abi are going through.....I'm thinking of ya and I hope you're both up to par soon getting ready to hit the sack....Going to help out at the Extreme Home Makeover tomorrow I'm excited....I hope I can meet Ty and the gang...maybe I'll even get to prepare their lunch for them. We're helping my DH's customer who is doing the catering for the show. Have a wonderful night everyone and hope to catch up soon. Hugs

Hello Aggiegal, Welcome and congratulations on the start of your journey. Best suggestion I can offer regarding questions to ask....EVERYTHING you're asking here can and should also be asked of your doctor/surgeon/bariatric center and nutrionist. Whoever you're considering doing your surgery should be able to answer all of those questions and answer them without hesitation. If they stall or skirt around any question.....really give that thought too because they shouldn't. Questions I asked? ....I went online and researched this band to pieces, found out how it was put in, what type of candidates, results, complications, places to have it done...everything and anything I could find. Then I wrote down any questions I had and litterally carried those questions with me. The docs I saw had no problem answering all of them. A really good bariatric center/provider will send you through several steps to make sure you're ready for the surgery including an interview or session with a psychiologist or psychiatrist and they will check and ask questions to make sure you're doing this for the right reasons. For the bariatric center I went through...before you're given the ok for the surgery the group all meets and discusses if you're a candidate. For me that was the physician, surgeon, nutrionist, psychiatrist and nurse with all my exam results. I got the call from the nurse and booked my appt to consult with my surgeon and get a date for surgery. You should be well taken care of and have all your questions answered before that point. Never be afraid to ask! As far as what you can do to minimize uncomfortableness....follow your surgeons/nurses advice. I wasn't in alot of pain at all...just one spot was more sore than the rest so I called the bariatric center, spoke to the nurse and she explained the incision that hurt the most was because that was the one used most. Mine was done laposcopically so only one area of the 6 was sore. After knowing why.....it wasn't so sore because I understood what it was so it helps to ask :thumbup: Good luck!

Hello QuincyGirl, A lot of insurances require at least proof of 6 months of trying to diet but, I'm wondering if your insurance company would also approve it if you had tried dieting before. Maybe double checking to see if it's a "specific" program they want you to try or does the history of diets and dieting count. You might want to clarify that with them because my insurance was fine with a history and since I've been with the same PCP for about 15 years her letter stating I've struggled with my weight since I've been with her was enough. She knows I've tried just about every diet plan out there...silly, sensible you name it I tried it. This step might get you closer to actually getting your band so it's worth a shot right? Welcome to LBT and good luck with your band journey :thumbup: Sherry

:w00t::woot::grouphug::thumbup: Happy Birthday Chrispy!!!!!

Saturday? What the heck is happening Saturday hee hee Ohhh I know SNOW SNOW SNOW here in New England. Probably means no one will show up...well...then again not that I'd notice huh? hee hee my bad Lets see stayed home Wed. because of lots of appointments and I kept them organized, suprise suprise (said like Gomer Pyle). Dentist to have my tooth glued back in, went grocery shopping, got my nails done, back home, took son to lunch, then to barber for a hair cut (oh he was loving me NOT), back home, out the chiro for both of us, back home, out to get hair done...then back home for the night. WHEW. Back to work today and all heck had broken loose geesh! Had to call the HR block because I had booked an appointment with them but, I have class...so ended up there tonight after work. Glad that's freaking done! Tomorrow is class, Sat is the support group and Sunday we're going to RI to work at the Extreme Home Makeover they are doing. DH's client is donating the food for the weekend and asked us to give them a hand. They're cooking and feeding the entire build team. I'm so excited to be able to help this family in RI and have the chance to meet Ty...I just love that show! Pat nice picture you had there. Was the guy on stilts?...amazing...I have a hard time in heals hahaha hello everyone else it's 11:19 and I'm so pooped. gotta get up extra early to pick up my friend...driving her into work tomorrow. HUGS everyone!

Diane - So sorry for your loss ...very excited about your trip :Banane34: I hope you're doing well and I'm thinking of ya. Pat - Zoiks...I don't know what I would have done although I can SO picture myself doing it because I do some beauts like...putting something in a safe place so I'll remember where it is - then forget what the heck I did with it Like...not remembering that I withdrew $160 from my checking account at an ATM and this is the FIRST time I don't have my receipt so now I'm stuck and basically have to believe it. DH says I went to the bank but, honestly can't remember that I did. I think I'd know where I spent $160 in two days but, I'm clueless. (can ya tell that was like today I found this out grrrrrr) Booking appointments on days and times I already have appointments...Friday I have a class yet I booked my taxes to be done AND a Chiro appt both for 5..you know the time I leave for class grrrrrr. Yeap gotta redo that one UGH. Lets see...oh I'm sure I can come up with a zillion more to make ya feel better hahaha. Oh yea...I planned a get together at my house for LBT members to support one another and Chrispy asked me if I was all set for saturday..my response was FOR WHAT? I have no plans grrrrrrrrr. And I have calendars with all this stuff!!! DUHHHHH Are ya smilin? At least you fixed your booboo hee hee Well it's 10:32pm I better hit the sack because 5am comes quickly. Love you folks :Banane45:

Hello Everyone! Just putting up a reminder for the SouthShore folks that we're putting together a gathering at my place in Taunton, MA on Saturday, February 23rd at 1pm. Some have PMd me for the address already and we're looking forward to meeting you! If you'd like to attend please PM me for the address. No need to bring anything with you, we'll supply the water, coffee, tea, and cocoa. We're hoping we can get a local self support group going and perhaps discuss different topics each week. Just seeing if we can help each other out a bit and at the same time put faces to the screen names we chat with here Hope you can make it!

Hello Everyone! Just putting up a reminder for the SouthShore folks that we're putting together a gathering at my place in Taunton, MA on Saturday, February 23rd at 1pm. Some have PMd me for the address already and we're looking forward to meeting you! If you'd like to attend please PM me for the address. No need to bring anything with you, we'll supply the Water, coffee, tea, and cocoa. We're hoping we can get a local self support group going and perhaps discuss different topics each week. Just seeing if we can help each other out a bit and at the same time put faces to the screen names we chat with here Hope you can make it!

Now getting on a plane would certainly be fun Weather here is cold but, sunny today. Sunday, yesterday was rainy and very windy but, warm :laugh: Our weather patterns here in the New England part of the US is very fickle. One day we can have freezing temperatures and the next sunny and warm. I love it though....we have great seasons. My favorite is the fall with all the lovely, autum colors in the leaves.

Thanks Pat....I'm kinda wingin it lol. Hopefully I can help out more as I learn more on what to do. Yawn I'm pooped...this long weekend sure went by fast though Work tomorrow UGH Nighters everyone

Kat - Sorry to hear you're not feeling well and about your tooth. Hopefully you'll be able to get that fixed sooner. I'm still waiting for my dentist to call me back and I'm guess there is NO emergency service with them. I'm just praying they aren't off all week because the kids are on school vacation. Saturday night, my front tooth crown came off and I look like a hockey player!!!!! I of course shoved it back on but I have to be extremely careful while eating because it pops right off. I've lost it several times already THANKFULLY I noticed right away and didn't bite it and break it. It's just an aweful feeling and taste because of the cement they use in there. Yuck! So I feel your pain girl well actually if your's is painful I don't feel that because mine had a root canal on it...it's more a pain in my neck and embarrassing! I'm poking around trying to find moderator tools so I can help LBT out a bit more. I asked our friend Betty for some pointers in the right direction. :wub: I only hope I can do as good a job as she does :tt2: I love helping out where I can so I was happy Alex asked me. Looks like LBT has a bunch new moderators so that's a great thing. Anywho...gotta get going. Just got done cleaning up after a big lunch/dinner....what is a 3pm meal called lol now I need to change the laundry over Had the day off due to the President's Day Holiday but, haven't had much relaxation time that's for sure. It's more catch up on stuff time hee hee Love yas

Xrayboy...Welcome to LBT :wub: Hmmm the hardest part of the journey for me is fighting the head hunger. You know when you're not really hungry but your head is telling you you want a cookie or something other junk food that you're used to just grabbing pre-band. That's about it....it's a battle sometimes but, you can win it you just need to have some tricks up your sleeve to know the difference and go walk it off or drink some water (for me anyway) to get rid of the head hungry horrors. Best wishes with your band journey :tt2:

Hello Ladybugg, I've just spotted this post and looks like you may of had your surgery already since you posted it on 2/4. I hope all went well with your surgery :wub: Best wishes

Hello Terri, I have to say I've never once regretted having my band. Is yours going to be done lapiscopically? If so you'll heal up really quickly. You'll be sore for a bit but, its not so bad. I stayed home for a week and was fine to work the next. Having the band has it's ups and downs of course but, only because we need to learn how to eat all over again. It's simple really.....eat slowly, chew it very well and stop when you feel full. Your surgeon and nutrionist should tell you how much you can have at a sitting, mine told me no more than 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of food and no drinking liquids for 30 min before or an hour after. Everyone is different and every surgeon is different. Just follow the rules they give you and you'll do just fine :wub: Best wishes on your surgery.