cindylouwho

I've used gallbladder attack or toothache successfully. You could also use a gastroenteritis line.

Same here. What's up? I don't remember having to "log in" before today...

I love the photos. Did you take them? If so, where are you that you have those adorable little Horned Lizards? We used to have them here in Houston when I was a little girl (we called them hornytoads). Long gone from this area now. The last time I saw one in the wild was in South Texas. Cindy

Spiegel did my surgery a little more than a year ago. I was self pay. His office was a madhouse. Too many people, not professional at all. My first fill was at his office. I had to wait for hours. It was a cattle call. My second fill was at the surgicenter. I did not have to wait long and was filled by a PA, not Dr. Spiegel (my request). The people at the surgicenter said the fills are free at their center for a year following surgery for Spiegel's patients.

My friends and most of my family don't know about my band. I had a bunch of people over a few weeks after my surgery and made a huge pot of Soup (leek and potato) and had tons of fixins for paninis (roasted veggies, grilled meats, assorted cheeses and breads, etc.). So, when it was time for dinner, people picked out what they wanted on their paninis and I made them to order on my panini grill. Everybody helped themselves to a bowl of soup, and when everyone was served, I fixed myself a big bowl of soup and skipped the panini. No one was the wiser and people raved about the party. You could do something similar with Pasta, fajitas, anything really, as long as a major part of the dinner is something you can eat. Bon appetit!

I, for one, HATE canned broths. I cook with them, but cannot stomach them straight up. When I was in the clear liquid phase, my favorite was Ramen noodles, minus the noodles. I just boiled the water and added the flavor packet. Yummy. I'm sure the sodium levels were outta site, but you gotta do what you can do to stay semi-nourished during those phases. Good luck!

Thanks friends. I followed up with an email to my doctor advising her of your findings. We'll see what she says.

Hi all... Before getting the band, I took Fosamax for Osteopenia. It's a big pill and becasue I was worried about it getting stuck, I got my doctor to agree to let me try getting off the medication altogether. Last week I had a bone density test (one year after discontinuing the drug) and the results were not good. I am now on the verge of full blown Osteoporosis having lost a lot of bone in the last 12 months. I am really tight right now and know I cannot swallow even a small pill. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you handle it? Cindy

Liquid in, liquid out. When you start on solids it should get better. You might try adding Benefiber to whatever you are eating, liquid or otherwise.

My husband and I ate sushi two or three times a week before I was banded. The first time I tried sushi after getting the band, I spent most of the evening in the ladies room. Not pleasant. I found that sashimi and things like tuna or salmon salad worked better for me. My sushi bar makes a spicy tuna salad and rolls it in very thinly sliced cucumber, then slices it. FABULOUS! And low carb without the rice. So I still enjoy the flavors and textures, just changed my choices a little.

Cris, I've been right where you are, and I know it's a scary place. My lump turned out to be breast cancer. I was pretty numb at first, then I got really anxious. Once I had a plan, it was all downhill from there. The treatment was never bad. The time passed quickly, and I'm grateful to say that five and a half years have passed since I finished my treatment. It was, as my family likes to say, another bump in the road. I think the most important part of the whole experience is to stay positive and optimistic. Lean on your family and friends for support and let them help you. Be an expert on your condition. Ask questions and write everything down. Educate yourself and be an active member of your treatment team, if it comes to that. And let me know if I can help in any way. Part of cancer recovery for me is reaching out to others. I'm available to talk or answer any questions you may have. God bless and good luck! cindylouwho

Hi Laurend - My biggest fear about the surgery was the reaction to anesthesia too. I (and my mother and sister) have horrible nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and I was scared to death that throwing up after getting my band would damage it (or me) in some way. I was not sick when I woke up... not even a little. I was very surprised. Another of my doctors told me that people who do get sick usually do so following surgery to the breast, eyes, ears, or head. Don't know why, but in my case, it's true. Hope that helps! Good luck and happy banding! cindylouwho

When I have to eat out, especially on business, I always order a salad. It's the only food that I know for (reasonably) sure will not embarass me in front of whomever I'm with. When it's just me and my DH, I stick my neck out sometimes and order something risky. About 75% of those times I will get sick. Thank God for salads!!!