*susan*

Mindy, I assumed she was referring to the prescribed post-op diet (i.e., the liquid phase, mushies, etc.) as that is what this entire thread has been about. Therefore, my comments were aimed directly towards that. Therefore, I still do believe it is inaccurate to say that everyone cheats, if we are referring to the prescribed, immediate post-op diet by our doctors. Additionally, I did not state that for everyone, private -vs- insurance plays a factor in whether someone will go against their doctors orders or not. My comments were with regards to my personal situation. I am self pay and could not afford to break the rules. Other self-payers may be in a different financial status than me, or not be as concerned about it as me, I don't know. I am just saying, for me personally, my band is my last hope, there are no second chances for me, I do not have any other financial options available to finance any additional weight loss surgeries; therefore, I was not willing to go against my doctor's advice on what he prescribed for me immediately post-op, or what he prescribes me after I have had a fill.

I too am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. Hopefully between your doctor, nutritionist and a good support system, you will do better. As for this, I do have to disagree. I am not sure if you were private pay or if insurance covered your surgery. I was private pay at $16,500.00. My dh and I are not people of means. We struggle to get by every day. So, for us, this was a huge investment. I truly could not and cannot afford to do anything to risk my band as this is my one and only final chance at obtaining a healthy weight. I don't have $16,500.00 to just throw away, so I was very careful to follow my doctors orders 100%. I knew what I was getting into before I got the band and made the commitment to it. Please understand, I am not in any way bashing you. I understand how difficult this process is. However, I disagree with making a blanket statement that "when people say they never strayed from your diet THEY ARE LYING" because that is not true for everyone. I truly do wish you the best of luck with your band. Support groups and LBT are very important in helping to keep you motivated. It is wonderful to be able to talk to others who are going through or have gone through the same process as you and can offer advice and support.

Well, I sure hope if someone "buys" him they researched the cost of the surgery first!

I thought I had heard Ann has a lapband, I remember she was smaller for a while, but it looks like she is struggling again now and gained back. So sad. Battling weight is a difficult struggle for everyone.

Um, guys, Tom isn't back, this is a thread he started back in September of 2006!!! A spammer brought the thread back up, but the spam post was deleted. Back to regularly scheduled programming.....

I just don't even know how to respond to this or what to think. :thumbup:

Lori, Thank you for your genuine apology, that was very kind of you. We look forward to getting to know you more as you continue through your lapband journey.

It has been moved to the "Frequently Asked Question Forum". Here is the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f228/two-live-lap-band-surgery-videos-58171/

Yep, I believe that was the purpose, it gave you a little added extension. I was constipated (I know, I know...TMI) for 3 weeks after my surgery so I never needed them.

Brooke used to be my favorite, but, not anymore. She seems the same every week and is just no longer interesting to me. I think my husband hit the nail on the head. He said she would be a good folk singer, but is not an American Idol. David Cook was a huge disappointment this week. I don't know if my expectations for him have gotten to high or what. I just thought his performance was not very good at all. I am still blown away with Jason Castro's performance. He was awesome. On a side note, my dh and I believe we have created another Idol fan. We noticed that for at least 45 minutes of the show Max, our chocolate lab, was laying in front of the tv with his head angled up at the tv and appeared to be very absorbed in watching the show with great interest. :thumbup:

OMG, did you guys hear Jason Castro sing "somewhere over the rainbow" just now?? It was soooooo good!

Here is a link with some very good information: Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support - FAQ: Lap-Band Surgery Frequently Asked Questions I also copied and pasted this list from another thread: LAP BAND SURGERY SHOPPING LIST NON-FOOD ITEMS: BBQ or Toilet tongs, for a good reach in the r.r. 4.98 Heating pad(12inx24in) 16.88 Flexible ice pack (hot/cold 12inx16in) 14.44 A few books or movies(your choice, I spent about 70.00us) xx.xx Squishy pillow for car ride for seatbelt (shoulder pad) 16.88 Make sure you have a good blender 19.97 Kitchen timer (first few days, sip every 15 mins)(analog) 2.88 Kitchen timer (digital – better for travelling) 3.47 Pedo-meter(depending on the one you get – don’t forget to adjust to your stride) 4.88 PHARMACEUTICALS: liquid Tylenol/Motrin (Check early in case pharmacy needs to order in advance) 4.98 Chewable or liquid gas-x(I got strips, you will pay more than shown here) 3.60 Gauze Pads 4x4 6.57 Paper/bandage tape 2.57 Wet Wipes 2.64 Pill crusher 3.89 Chewable Vitamins 8.97 Hospital Medicine cups (I got 3oz/88ml cups – 100ct) 1.48 Cough Drops(Halls big box) 6.88 Stool Softener (Dr. asked me not to get this, if needed talk to him) xx.xx Moist and nice tasting Lip Balm(got chapstick – cherry – 2for deal) 0.88 food ITEMS: Protein shakes(these vary from 22 – 55 dollars depending on quality and quantity) xx.xx Plenty of water(bottled Water for me 3cases 16oz. bottles 10.00) 10.00 broth or stuff to make broth(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.98 sugar free popsicles 2.66 Sugar free Jello 0.50 Sugar free breath mints (chewable) 1.33 Crystal Light "On the GO" assorted flavors(I don’t like CL so I got store brand/price per box) 2.50 Bouillon(several flavors but all about the same cost) 2.07 Cream of Wheat 2.92 Creamy Soups 0.66 Applesauce 1.82 FAT FREE yogurt 1.76 Soup-at-Hand - soups - for creamy stage(on sale) 1.25 pudding cups (SF/FF) - helps w/ taking meds(got instant, more flavors, price per box) 0.50 Sugar free hot cocoa 1.87 Decaf tea(got regular, decaf is a little more in cost) 2.12 CLOTHES POST-OP: Loose fitting, easily removable(one size larger than I wear, sweats, top and bottom) 15.88 Buttons downs or pullover(sale rack found $5.00 per, one size larger) 5.00 Thong shoes/slip-on so no bending and tying(make sure they are a good pair) 12.88 Sports Bra! Sutures will be hurt by under wires(I have a daughter and wife that helped here) 6.88

I have not been able to eat corn since getting banded, it gets stuck every time. I really, really miss corn-on-the-cob.

Well, I was on a prescribed liquid diet, so unfortunately there was no mixing it up for me, I had to take what they gave me. However, you may be able to find some ideas on our food and recipe forum at Cooking, Baking and Recipes - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support.

Hi Dito, and welcome to LBT! I think it is so awesome that you and your wife are getting banded at the same time. What a great support you will be for each other, I think that will make the whole process so much easier. Will she be joining us on LBT as well? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. We love to help and offer support to one another here.

Hi and welcome, Barbie! We are glad you found us and decided to join. This is an awesome place for advice and support. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to getting to know you.

Hi Sharie and welcome! You are doing great! Let us know if you have any questions.

Hi Miki, welcome to LBT from a fellow Floridian! Congratulations on getting the band, you are doing wonderfully thus far. I remember how excited I was to move on to pureed foods. I had my first "meal" planned out days in advance. :frown:

Hi, a good thing to do is attend a seminar in your area on the band. You can find one at this website: Home. Have you spoken with your primary care provider about your interest in the band? He/she may also be able to help you get the ball rolling. As far as insurance, you can either contact them yourself to find out if they cover it and what their requirements are, or you can wait until you have selected a surgeon and have them do it. Personally, I would probably contact my insurance first to find out exactly what they do and do not cover. Lastly, research, research and research some more. You have taken a great first step just by joining LBT. There is tons of information on this site. If you have any questions, please let us know.

:thumbs_up: ....................

Actually, I didn't see any results from the time I had my band until I reached proper restriction. That is normal. This is the time for healing. Many people see no weight loss, or even gain between the time they get their band, start getting fills and reach proper restriction.

Hi and welcome to LBT. I hope everything goes well with your surgery. We are always here if you have any questions.

Great news, I hope everything goes wonderfully for you. Let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel up to it.

Hi Dawn and welcome back. I agree, LBT helps keep me motivated and on track. It is definitely a great support system.

WasA, Steph and Faith, thank you so much for your support. Faith, thank you especially for your wonderful post explaining in detail what happens with digestion and why the liquid diet is so important. I am truly hoping that will help our newer bandsters understand why we are so adamant that they follow their doctors advice. I know many of our fellow bandsters on here are nurses. I also realize that every surgeon does not have the same post-op dietary guidelines. However, just because they don't and someone is a nurse, that doesn't make it ok to say sure, you can choose to go against what your doctor says because my doctor says something different and I am just fine, even though I have only been banded for a month. Because lets face it, you do not have that bandsters medical records in front of you, you do not know their medical, psychological and nutritional history. So, how can you comfortably say, "I was ok, so you should be too"? And, you may be ok, right now, but how about long term effects? I think the bottom line is we, as moderators and, like the other posters have said, older bandsters who have been on LBT for a long time and seen the heartache people who have slipped and/or eroded bands care about the newer bandsters. We want to see you succeed. And, the best way to do that is to follow your doctors orders. We are all happy to share our experiences with one another. But, for the health of yourself and your band, if you are considering doing something that specifically goes against what your surgeon has prescribed, please, PLEASE just call them and discuss it with them. They truly do know what is best for you.