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Both. I wanted it very much and knew that if I didn't do it I might not be around for many more years. I have grandchildren that I want to watch grow up and there is still a lot in life that I want to do. I was to the point that I couldn't do those things anymore. That's why I got the band. Because nothing else worked and I've been dieting my entire life.

I don't have a problem with race for the most part. My son is Puerto Rican. But the one thing that does bother me is when people try to be something they aren't. Be yourself and be happy with it, then you don't have to worry about other people being offended. Why does everyone think that to be cool, you have to be like someone else? Cultural diversity is what this country is all about. Accept people for who and what they are. There is good and bad in all of us. But to the internet point...I think you are right. It doesn't seem to make any difference who we are talking to, I don't think I've ever even wondered what race or color anyone is when I meet them online.

Often it is your companies choice whether they allow bariatric surgery in their contract with the insurance company. Have your husband check with his HR department about coverage.Good Luck.

Welcome to bandland! Congratulations on your surgery and happy birthday.

Congratulations and welcome. You've made the first step, much success to you.

Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir does bands at St. Vincent Charity in Cleveland. I don't know if he has done any teens, but it would be worth a call to the Cleveland Center for Bariatrics.

bread fresh fruit chicken is difficult

Carol, congratulations. I'm sure you will hear from all of us that we have spent lifetimes trying to be "normal" size and failed. If I thought I could have done it any other way (less going with a bypass) I wouldn't have done even this. I am not one of the biggest or fastest losers, but I am happy with the dedision. I am steadily losing a little at a time and that is so much better than seeing the scales go higher and higher over and over again. I think you will find that you have made a good decision and like most of us here will be thrilled with your results.

I remember band surgeries many years ago. But I don't think they were the same thing as the lap band we know today. As a matter of fact, I remember news stories about all sorts of complications and horror stories about them. There was no such thing as adjustable at that time. But I don't remember whether those news stories were from the US or not.

Happy Birthday Jack:happybday:

Congratulations:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

How exciting, wish I were losing that quickly. But I'm grateful for what I've got. You have done an exceptional job and should be so proud. Best to you.

Wow, now where are they supposed to be? Can't wait to find mine. Congrats.

I've never had the fear of the chair at the hairdresser, but my office chair is another story. I'm constantly having to set it up higher because it slowly sinks after I've been sitting in it. And it squeeks when I have to roll it away from my desk. All I think of is everyone knows I'm moving around my desk again. Also, I don't like being in front of any mirrors for anything.

I have no problem with salads or vegetables. I eat chicken, fish and red meat. Fresh fruit is a problem, so I eat the canned variety in juice only. Bread is a real problem for me, but I don't really miss it. I haven't had any of the problems that you have mentioned. I do have first bite syndrome occassionally, but then I'm fine. I feel healthier than I have in years. Maybe some of the things you have been experiencing aren't really band related.

Congratulations, what a beautiful family. She is absolutely adorable.

Congrats!!!! Wow only obese, what an accomplishment. Good for you.

I don't count anything either. I eat my 3 meals a day and stop when I'm full. That's it. Counting calories never worked for me before, so why start now?

I was on Optifast for 2 weeks prior to surgery. It's tough, but you can do it.

I thought your port was stitched in place. How can it go wandering?

I was told no Advil, Alleve, Exedrin or anything containing Aspirin and no Nsaids. All having to do with the stomach irritation that can lead to erosion. I get horrible headaches and Exedrin Migraine was the only thing that helped. I agree Tylonol doesn't work. I do get prescription pain killers from my PCP that are allowed according to my surgeon, so check with him/her as to what they list as an allowed med.

I didn't have to go through this, but I would think that I would feel flattered, but I would never date one of them. If I wasn't good enough for them before, then they can eat dirt now. My husband accepted me for the person I was, not for what I looked like. Now he is very supportive of my decision, but doesn't think it was necessary as far as what I looked like. He does understand however, that my health and my grandchildren were and are my primary decision maker. Oh, and I forgot to mention, my husband knew me for many years and we dated when I was younger and smaller. He didn't care how much I changed over the years. He loved me for me. That's what you want.

What she chose to do 10 years ago has nothing to do with it. The band wasn't an option then, it is now. You still probably have the same opinion of the bypass as you did then or you would have taken that option. You just explain to her that you have made this decision for yourself now that there is a safer and less invasive option available to you. If she is your best friend, she will support your decision.

The day I got approval, I thought OMG what am I doing. I was OK till just before the surgery. Then when I was in the hospital, I was fine with it. We all go on a roller coaster ride of emotions but we all knew it was what we wanted and I don't hear of too many people that regret it later. It is a much slower process than the bypass, but I'm happy with it and believe it to me a much safer and better solution. Don't think you are alone. We've all been there and we are all here for you now.

I've been on a CPAP for about 5 years. Sleep study was a requirement of my insurance and it was covered, but since I was already on a CPAP, I didn't have to have another one for my surgery. Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition and can lead to a lot of other problems. It is one of the main co morbidities considered for bariatric surgery.