JamieNP

Good luck and keep us posted!

I have a month of liquids! I have 13 days left. And I cheated 3 times. I ate things that I figured I would never eat again (like Dirty rice, loaded pizza, and some macaroni and cheese). Otherwise, I have stuck to it. Been pretty creative with my shakes. Sugar free puddings and jellos are good, and crystal lights and soups have been my staples.

Way to go!!! Congratulations on becoming healthier!:thumbup:

My employer has an exclusion written so it doesn't pay for me.

Welcome and good luck..I am just south of you in Nashville. Some insurances pay for lap band. You can get a loan through various programs. I think carecredit.com is one place. There are docs throughout the country and in Mexico that do it cheaper. Since you have been there with your daughter, you know what to expect. You will find all kinds of info here and everyone will help you with your questions or issues.

Where your pj's ...they will strap you to all kinds of wires. You will sleep in a big cozy bed. It is a piece of cake. You may not sleep well because of all of the wires, so if you take something to help you sleep, you may be able to take it that night. Your doc can call you in a one time script for ambien.

I found this from a website and it pretty much sums things up: http://http://conservativeprincipals.blogspot.com/2008/06/10-differences-between-democrats-and.html 1) Democrats want someone to take someone else's money and feed the poor. Republicans want to take their own money and feed the poor themselves. 2) Democrats want to fight corporations and hug terrorists. Republicans want to work for or run corporations and fight terrorists. 3) Democrats want the right to legislate equality. Republicans want to the right to earn equality. 4) Democrats want to save the earth despite the presence of people. Republicans want to save the earth because of the presence of people. 5) Democrats select stances that will enhance their positions with special interest groups. Republicans select stances they believe are correct. 6) Democrats will use any means, including legislating from the bench, to achieve their goals. Republicans will surrender an issue rather than rape the U.S. Constitution. 7) Democrats will stab their own friends in the back (Hillary Clinton) as soon as someone seemingly better comes along (Obama). Republicans still honor their fallen political heroes and even adopt fallen Democrats (see Dick Morris and Bernie Goldberg). 8) Democrats will march around and throw blood on people wearing fur and protest the harsh living conditions of chickens. Republicans are against abortion. 9) Thanks to a few conservative radio shows and a single unbiased news channel, Democrats don't feel like the Fairness Doctrine would hurt the first amendment. Republicans haven't changed their stance on freedom of speech despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of the media are liberal. 10) Democrats rejoice when someone they disagree with dies. Republicans, as usual, cherish and respect life.

We own a gun smithing business, my husband is a 28 year veteran of the army special Ops, and my son and daughter are in the army. Why am I voting for McCain? Because Obama wants strict gun control. Because McCain has Military experience, because I believe McCain and Palin's views are closer to mine. We are small business owners. I am in healthcare. We believe in "little governement, big people" where as democrats believe in "Big government, little people". Here is a site listing the differences between a republican and a democrat. Difference Between Republicans and Democrats My question: How can you vote for Obama??

One of the lap band books that I bought has the Meat tenderizer trick in it. I think it was the Weight loss surgery for Dummies. Mix it in small amount of warm water and drink. Just from personal experience with the gas pain, since I have had 7 laproscopic procedures done, it is more comfortable to have your head elevated when lying down. The past couple of surgeries I have not even noticed. Getting banded on the 30th too, so we will see how this goes.

No one measured my wrists. The number that Tricare gave me on my initial denial letter was the medium frame, lower number. According to my surgeon's office, I needed to have all of the tests complete that tricare required. According to them, it was a referral from your primary,an EGD, EKG, Labs, Gallbladder scan (although I believe this was just my surgeon's request), and a Psy eval. You can self refer for the Psy exam, so find a Tricare Psy to give you an ok. You should have a sleep study done. Good Luck!!

I got denied...gained 6.5 lbs and then got approved! Surgery is Sept 30th. Good luck to ya!!

I have known patients and coworkers that have had Gastric bypass and they have not be successful or have had trouble. I chose Lapband because of the flexibility, the slow steady weight loss, and the lower risk of vitamin deficiency. Also, if I have problems, it can be reversed.

Woo hoo! We are band sisters! I am getting mine done on the 30th. When do you start your preop diet, if you have one?

I have voted for you several times..the site is a little tricky..is has the name, then the check circle and a picture...make sure you check the correct circle and not the one right after the name.

You can go to any support group. My surgeon's office/ hospital sponsors one, and there are people there from other surgeon's office. The surgeon usually isn't there, unless he is a guest speaker. I could go to any support group in Nashville if I wanted.

Get involved in support groups now..and go get a Psy eval, if you haven't already. I can relate to your addiction to fast food. When I was in school, it was much easier to get a quarter pounder with cheese and eat it while driving, than a salad. Put down that cheeseburger.IT'S MINE!!!!

So basically, calcium citrate will be absorbed better that carbonate.

well, the chart didn't copy correctly..here is the site:http://http://www.dssurgery.com/ourprogram/faq.php#Postq17

Here is what I found..if it cuts and pastes properly: Types of Calcium Calcium Citrate Calcium Carbonate Coral Calcium Example of Brand names Citracal Viactiv, Tums or Caltrate Is primarily Calcium Carbonate. Its absorption, bioavailability, risk and benefits have been poorly studied. In the scientific literature, there is a great deal of skepticism regarding the health benefits of Coral Calcium Absorption Calcium is best absorbed in an acidic environment, hence calcium citrate is the best absorbed supplemental form of calcium. It does not require extra stomach acid for absorption, hence we may take it anytime in a day, even on an empty stomach Calcium Carbonate is alkaline based, it requires extra stomach acid for better absorption, hence it is best taken right after meals or with a glass of acidic juice such as orange juice. Average Absorption rate 38% 27% Absorbed Better Can be taken with meal or seperatly When taken with meals Dosing As prescribed by your surgeon. It is however important not to take more than 500mg at once, and allow 30-60 minutes between doses Calcium content Calcium Citrate usually provides less elemental calcium per pill than Calcium Carbonate, therefore one may need to take a relatively more numbers of pills per day to meet the needs. Calcium Carbonate is the most prevalent calcium supplements in the market . It provides more elemental calcium than Calcium Citrate hence you may not need take as many pills. Elemental Calcium Content 21% 40% The summary of the above table is that, Calcium Citrate is absorbed easier, but more of it needs to be takes to get the same amount of elemental calcium. Less of Calcium Carbonate is needed to get the same amount of elemental calcium, however the absorption is less efficient. A search of the medical literature will provide supporting data for recommending one or another type. I believe that most people at least in the beginning could take either type. The decision of which one to take should be based of which is tolerated better. Later on recommendations for changes will be made. Back to Top

:embaressed_smile: I can't believe I at the whoooole thing!

Brina, I read somewhere (can't remember if it was a book, my surgeon's office, or here) that there needs to be special consideration when intubating the patient with a lapband. As with any patient, an incorrect placement of the tube into the esophagus can cause air to enter the stomach. Usually it is verified immediately by Xray anyway, or a CO2 detector. I am considering getting a bracelet just in case I ever need to have an emergent NG tube placement. I don't want someone puncturing my stomach trying to get it past the band. As far as tube feedings, I would hope they would have gotten an abdominal xray for placement, or my family would have notified them of my lapband before starting them. BTW, we love our Vet! One of my cocker spaniels has been up all night bugging me...must be a rabbit or deer outside (or a skunk!).

Noela, Thanks for posting. This process is very physical AND mental. My surgery is on the 30th and I am trying to get in the right frame of mind. I just hope I don't sabotage this like I have every other diet I have been on. Here is to a healthier better life. :cursing: You look great by the way!!

Good luck Sept 15th Bandsters! I am going to be one of the last, as I will be done on the 30th. Getting so excited and nervous.

Oops...I see it!

When is your surgery date?