SherryW

Merry Christmas to you as well. I'm not banded yet but will be meeting my surgeon Jan 4th to discuss the whole process and to get a date for banding. I wouldn't be so ready and excited to get this if it weren't for my husband. He's behind me 100% like you are for your wife. If you only knew how much that means. Good luck on Wednesday and I'll keep your wife in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Take care and keep up the great work!

I don't see a link in the middle of the banner...maybe they took it away?

Umm so I thought. I can't find it hahaha. Where to you find the link to get to the chat room? I mixed this website up with another one that has a chat for lap-band. No one is ever in that one either they all chat in the regular room with mostly RNY folks. Frustrating when you want info on lap-band and they all think RNY is a better choice. Anyone know where I can find the link to the chatroom in here?

I've checked it a few times and no one is ever in there. I'm going there now 7:03pm Eastern Time if anyone would like to join me

Hello Everyone! I'm on my way to getting banded and being on the losing side. I completed my survey/paperwork, was approved for the Bariatric Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. 12/6 I had my fasting blood labs and met with my nurse Melissa who explained the program, took my BP, and did an EKG, went over my bariatric packet and gave me a check list of all the things I needed to get done before I could meet a surgeon. I then met with the Medical Director, Dr. Hatchigian (Dr. H) who explained the different procedures, good, bad, risks, healing time etc and gave me a physical and went over my medical history. He also answered all my questions and encouraged me to call if I had any more after I left. He told me I needed to have an ultrasound to check for gallstones. On my way out from my appointment I stopped and spoke with the receptionist again and booked my appointments. Wahooo I was able to get most done this same week. They had a 2pm appointment with the Nutritionist that day so instead of driving the hour home we stayed. The nutrionist explained all the different ways to get protein, showed us examples and provided a nice packet to read. She also encouraged me to call with any questions. I was also able to make an appointment for my ultrasound and to meet with the psychologist. 12/7 I had my ultrasound done. It took a while to do....happens when you have extra weight UGH..they checked my gallbladder, kidneys and liver. 12/8 I met with Ronna Casper M.Ed., LCSW...she was nice. Quite the questionnaire you have to complete for that visit. Next I have to attend two different group information nights..one at BIDMC and one at a local hospital near me would be good per Ronna. I'll be attending one at BIDMC this week. So far so good....BIDMC seems to be a great place and they are very professional and friendly. Dr. H says I may be able to have my lap-band surgery in January...now wouldn't that be a great thing! I'll finally be able to keep a New Year's resolution hahaha. Not sure what else I'm suppose to put here...hmm...I'm 41, Married July 2, 2005 to John and I have one son Greg who is 15.6. Thankfully they are behind me 100% Good luck and Best wishes to all of you!

Finally got an appointment with a surgeon. waaahoooo. Going to meet with Dr. Jones on Jan 4th. Hopefully things will go well and I'll be able to schedule a january date for surgery. It would be awesome to finally keep a New Years Resolution

When you have surgery you're told eat your Proteins first, then fruit & veggie then carbs. I have found anytime anyone is on a portein based diet has stinky breath. Happened to me when I was doing the Atkins diet and same with my friends on that diet. Keeping gum and/or mints with you helps. It just hides it a bit anyway because the bad breath is coming from what's sitting in your stomach. Alot of people make the mistake of thinking it's all in your teeth in gums...that's part of it but, it's more of whats in your tummy. Fortunately there are plenty of very strong sugar free mints and gums out there to give us a hand with this. When i'm finally banded I'm going to give the yogurt a shot too. Thanks for that tip!

just make sure you're not going thru any metal detectors hahahaha

Way to go! I'm glad you didn't give up. I've got my fingers crossed for you and I'm sending an angel your way. Have a wonderful Holiday!

Hello Everyone, I had mentioned in another thread somewhere that a friend of mine mentioned to me a liquid concentrate drink mix that came in individual packets. Quite a few people wrote back saying when I found out what it was to let them know. Here it is: Liquid Concentrate Drink Mix by ProtiDiet it comes in Grape, FruitPunch (which is my friends favorite) and Orange. She says there is no aftertaste and since it's liquid it mixes evenly and quickly. The website you can buy if from gives free S&H for first time buyers and after that it's Free if you spend $50 or more. If you spend $20 or more you can pick 3 product samples you'd like to try. (There is a nice way to try different Protein products without wasting your money!) This liquid concentrate's nutritional info per serving is: 70 calories, 0 Fat, 15mg Sodium (Great compared to some I've seen!), 25mg Potassium, 2 carbs, 1 sugars, 15 Proteins. Wow...15 pretty nice! The website is: www.i-shophere.biz/prpr.html that's the exact page (if it works right) for these mixes. Take a peek around though because looks like they have other products worth researching. Nice site...and you can get the nutritional value of each item by clicking the item name. Pretty neat. I placed my order today. Good luck everyone and I hope this information is helpful to you. Hugsssssss

Just letting you know I received my order and this liquid Protein concentrate is AWESOME. There is no after taste and the tropical fruit tastes just like Hawaiin punch just not as sweet, which to me is a great thing. This is great for 15g protein and 1 g of sugar and only 15 mg of sodium. The directions say to mix it with 5oz Water but I put one packet in a 1pt, 8 fl oz bottle and it tastes great. I think it would be too strong mixed the way they say. Also, this way I"m getting more water in with the protein. Definately worth a try folks! The company also sent the samples I requested along with 3 more they picked. Not a bad deal. Good luck!

sounds very yummy but I was told I shouldn't use a straw after being banded. The nutrionist said it allows too much air to get into your smaller tummy. Anyone have trouble with that?

welcome

DeLarla I'm sorry you're going through so much. You definately have people on these boards that love ya and are praying you get the surgery you need and heal up quick. Because of what I was reading here on the boards about the erosion it was definately a question I brought up in my information night meeting with a surgeon of the bariatric group and future patients. The surgeon explained that bands are made differently now where the edges of it are no longer rough but rounded and the buckle corners were also softened with an edge. He stated that none of the patients they have banded have had erosion problems but that they've had a technique of their own they've been doing. He said when they place them they place that so there is extra skin (per say) between the band and your stomach. NO clue how that is accomplished. I plan on asking that when I meet with him for a one of one visit on Jan 4th. good luck with everything and God Bless Sherry

I agree with Alex. Start searching around in here, get those appeal letters, have your doc's office direct you to information they have regarding the successes of the surgery and the benefits of that over RNY healthwise and risk wise etc. Especially if they approve RNY that means their not totally against WLS like some insurances out there. Don't give up...this is for you..you've taken the first step in wanting to have the Lap-band surgery to take better care of yourself for yourself so keep doing the research and work to get it. YOU'RE WORTH IT!

1. What does your handle mean? My name and last initial 2. What book are you currently reading, or did you last read? not reading one at the moment 3. What do you do for a living? Medical Billing Supervisor 4. For what in your life are you most grateful? My Husband, son and mom 5. What's one thing about you that you think would surprise other people? That I have 3 tattoos 6. One word to describe yourself? Honest 7. One word others use to describe you? Loving 8. Would you rather play a game with someone better or worse at it than you? doesn't matter...don't really care to play board games 9. Favorite movie? Favorite show? Movie - Pretty Woman & Officer and a Gentleman Show - Biggest Loser, American Idol, Medium 10. Something unusual about yourself? hmmmm, was a wild woman between marriages? shhh don't tell hahaha

Hey I still think 18s are awesome. I can't wait to get there! Way to go!

I'll never look at a tator tot the same way again hahaha Thank you for that Jack and I truly mean that. They weren't that appealing in the first place but, now I know I won't even bother Won't have to worry about those when I'm finally banded. When someone has PB'd does it take long to recover normally? Do you go around with a lump in your throat for days?

Oh to be 16 again...size that is Awesome job Keri! Congratulations...waaahoooo!!!!

Way to go! Thank you so much for posting this as it's certainly encouraging for the rest of us! Not banded yet but, postings like this make me want it even faster. Under 200 oh lordy it's been years since I've seen that! Congratulations!

I haven't gotten my band yet but as much as I have read around here broccoli is out! hahaha Not sure I'm going to even want to try it again after surgery. Something soooo good for you seems to cause alot of trouble. Do you think it's the Fiber in the broccoli? Asparagus do the same thing? How about Califlower? Just curious Glad your feeling better!

Hello everyone, I thought I'd join in on this one Today is a busy day for sure with Christmas one week away . OHHHH MY! Where does the time go? Hmm time only flies slowly when you're waiting for a surgery date huh? Weird how that works. Anyway...I need to finish up shopping like stocking stuffers, special cards and wrap my son's gifts before he gets too nosey heh heh. Then I'm hoping to make some cookies because that just seems to get me in the spirit of things While shopping I'm going to look for some more sources of protein drinks, mixes or powders. My friend told me of one liquid form fruit flavored drink mix that comes in little packets you can mix into a bottle of water? She got them online somewhere and can't remember the name of the company..dang nabbit. I tried searching and couldn't find liquid form in travel packetts...anyone out there know where I can? She has orange and fruit punch and loves them. She's going to send me the name of the company but in the meantime I'm curious hahaha. Ummm I think that's a busy enough day although....I just bought an exercise bike last night (ho, ho, ho Merry Christmas hmmmmm) and really need to use it as of day one, today so I'll get that in as well. Hope you all have a great day!

Congratulations You look great!

I can't blame you for being upset and she definately broke HIPAA rules with your medical information. She needs to be put through HIPAA compliance training. If you can't get ahold of her supervisor shoot for talking to the president of the company. Believe me, I do medical billing, if I found out one of my employees did this to a patient they would be written up and I'd make them go through training again. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act in case some don't know what that means) has strict guidelines and rules that all of us in the healthcare must follow...no IFs, ANDs or BUTs. Stick up for yourself my friend. Definately don't let this slide because she'll do it to someone else as well. For her not to apologize either...I think shes praying you don't know what you're talking about or she's looking to leave her job anyway. What a heartless human being. ( Umm can ya tell this got me heated? hahaha)

Congratulations and glad to hear you're feel well. Hopefully I'll be joining the club soon