myturn0421

jogirl - I know exactly where you are. My Aunt and Uncle live in St. Albert. I lived in Red Deer when I was 1 or 2 years old! I was born in Calgary.

Thanks for this thread - I've gotten some really good ideas! I'm trying to make a "check list" of eveything. I have a lot more on the 'need to do' than the 'already done' list. I've got somewhat of a grocery list going. The biggest thing I am working on trying not to drink when I eat. DH had lapband 1 1/2 years ago and he is STILL struggling with that. We all (him, me, surgeon) agree that he would have lost more weight by now if he didn't drink so much. I love the idea about the dixie cups!

nevermind - I found it.

Hey everyone!! I'm new over here. I was approved 09/19 and didn't realize I would have a surgery date for fast - Looks like I'll be banded 10/13/2008 (they called me lastnight)!!!! I am so excited!!!

I have to say I'm kinda in the middle. I'm not sure where to cast my vote. I've never had suicidal thoughts, but I was an active cutter for several years after high school, and I had a relapse (if that's what you call it) when I was 26. I gained a lot of weight pretty quickly and I felt like I just couldn't control how much I was eating. Somehow in my depressed state, I figured out that if I cut myself when I thought about food, I could control it. It ended up just be another thing I couldn't control. When I think back - it scares me how depressed I was, and no one knew it. Either my family was blind, or chose not to see it. I am thankful everyday for my DH.

Hey everyone!!! I just have to share my good news. I called my insurance company today to check on my file (they lost it the first time) and they told me they mailed my approval letter yesterday! I am so excited. I don't get to post very often, but I just HAD to tell your guys. Woo Hoo! :thumbup::smile::smile2:

Dr Babineau did both my mother-in-law and my stepmother. I'm excited for you!

I'm having my surgery with Dr Charles Beall in Tyler, TX. He did my DH's surgery as well. I couldn't be more please with everyone in that office.

I've already emailed my surgeons office. They can't schedule the surgery until they have the approval letter, but I can scheduled my pre-op visit. Basically and last minute visit to answer any questions. I work for my PCP, so I can do my pre-op labs anytime, just can't be anymore than 10 days before surgery. My DH had lapband about 1 1/2 years ago, he's lost 80lbs so far. I'm hoping my process will help jump start him again.

I have to laugh at myself for this one - I am having surgery in October (I don't have and exact date yet) and I have already picked out what I'm going to wear. I have a sold black, cotten bathing suit cover. It's long enough, and I even feel somewhat cute in it. It's the closest thing I've got to a dress and I don't own any shorts. As for the bra part - that's the one area I didn't gain in. I can go bra-less and no one would be the wiser. I am getting so excited!!

gg's right. We look at ourselves everyday and are used to our reflection. We get used to being disappointed at what we see. Most people invision themselves completely opposite from what they are now. Sometimes looking back to where we came from helps. You'll probably be amazed.

This may have already been asked/answered, but how long does the hair have to be? I shave regularly now (sometimes :thumbup:) but I would rather wax it. Thank you.

Would anyone mind giving me some more information regarding the arnica? Thank you. Thanks for all the links - I'll have to check them out when I get home.

BBK - I really like this one. I liked the others too. I definately have decided this is something I will do for myself when I get to goal. Renewedhope - if you find anyone, let me know. We're in the same area.

Thanks for starting this thead! This is a subject I don't know a whole lot about, but would love to learn more. Neither DH or I are big pill takers, especially DH since he had surgery. He's afraid to swallow any kind of pills. My PCP likes for her pt's to try natural remedies first. She has me drinking green tea and taking omega three for my high cholesterol. I haven't gone back yet to see if it's working.

Please tell me - does the sex drive come back as you lose?? DH and I used to have a VERY active sex life. Long story short, we both got fatter, and my drive has gone awol. DH was banded a year ago, and I've noticed he's more frisky, but not me. I think it's mostly in my head because I am so uncomfortable. So - has it increased for any of you (that lost it with weight)?:biggrin:

You are too cute!!! I love your hair.

I can't really help you the the Dallas/Ft Worth doctors. I just thought I'd say hi, I'm in Tyler, TX - not too far. The surgeons we (DH and soon to be me) see are awesome!! DH had surgery just over a year ago, he didn't have his first fill until almost 4 mos PO. His issue was/is definately mass volumes of food. Their whole office is wonderful. Good Luck!

I'm still pre-band, but I have always had problems with my hair falling out. I've been taking a multi vitmain with added biotin. I got it at Drug Emporium. I've been using it for about 4 months now, I haven't noticed much hair growing back yet, but I have noticed less falling out. ALSO - my nails have been growing so fast (and stronger) that I have stopped getting my acrylic (sp?) nails done. I was needing a fill every week and a half, so thats a plus.:grouphug:

DH and I will definately be there. He's already turned down a hunting trip to go, lol.:rolleyes2:

That is so great!! Woo Hoo for Sue!

It depends... We meet once a month and talk about various topics. Last night we talked about creating a "bariatric friendly" pantry. The dietician is the one who does ours. Last month, we had a local plastic surgeon come in and talk about the different procedures that area avaliable once we get to goal.

Same thing, because if you swallow it it could get really stuck and require removal. I didn't know wbout the air in the pouch though, interesting.

I've been wanting to start tracking my journey and keeping a food journal etc. Which site do you guys recommend? I've seen several people with myfitnesspal.com and a few with sparkpeople.com For those that use sites like these, which it the most user friendly? Pro's and con's, blah blah blah. TIA