*susan*

Hi and welcome to LBT! That is awesome that you have insurance to cover your surgery. Keep us updated on your progress and let us know if you have any questions.

I am a former diet coke addict as well. But, since getting my band I have not had any soda. The one time I took a small sip, like others, I thought it tasted really nasty!

The receptionist sounds very unprofessional and rude. Personally, I would have called her out on it. Definitely let the doctor know about her lack of professionalism.

Personally, I would never recommend doing your own fill or unfill. Does your doctor do fills by flouroscopy? That is the best way to ensure that when you get a fill, you are not overfilled.

Hi JaxFab, When I decided I wanted the band, I researched all the various physicians in our area that did the lapband surgery. Then, I went to all of their seminars. I went with Dr. Herrera as he seemed to genuinely care about his patients. He has continued to prove this to me time and time again. He is so wonderful and caring when it comes to his patients. His staff are awesome too. And, if you ever have a problem, he is always available to you. One thing that also set him apart from everyone is when I was doing my pre-op with him we discussed issues like being over-filled or getting stuck. He said if I were ever in a situation where I am stuck and in severe pain, no matter where I was, if need be either he or his partner, Dr. Chappano, would come to me. He said they understand the pain and know that if you are stuck, you need release fast, but may be in too much pain to travel. Fortunately, that has never happened to me, but it is reassuring to know if it did and I couldn't make it to him, he would come to me.

Unfortunately, once again my NYR is to lose weight. I thought last year would be the last time, but I had so many problems with my band last year that it just didn't happen. But, things seem to be going fine now, so this year's resolution will be to take the remaining weight off.

So true, parenting is definitely not an easy job. But, I have seen what bad parenting can do and how it can ruin a childs life (i.e., my stepdaughter) and promised myself I would do everything in my power to not allow that to happen to my kids.

I think that the whole situation is sad. I personally think Nick should use this as an opportunity to educate kids. My stepdaughter lived with us until she was 12. However, when she turned 12 she decided she wanted to live with her mother, who was able to gain custody of her simply because the judge thought a girl of that age should be with her mother. Never mind the mother has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and frequent calls to her home for domestic violence. Basically, his daughter didn't want to live with us because we have rules. We are parents first, friends second. Her mother is friends only. She immediately allowed her to start smoking and would purchase cigs for her. She went from being an all A student to dropping out. Her mother allowed her 19 year old boyfrind to move in with them when she was 14. By the time she was 15, big surprise, she was pregnant. She is now 20 and already has 3 kids, no education and no money. My son is 17 and my daughter turned 15 today. I make a point of having a very open relationship with them. I think that is key to parenting. Don't be naive and do educate and talk to your children. My husband and I have made a point of openly talking to them about sex, drugs and alcohol since they were small children. I am not dumb, I had sex for the first time when I was 16. We encourage our kids to not have sex, to wait until they are older, more mature and ready. However, we also know that their hormones are raging. Therefore, they understand that if they do decide to have sex, they are encouraged to come to us first so we can make sure they are protected against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. They know I won't condem them because they will do it whether or not I offer my blessing. Therefore, if they are going to be sexually active, I want them protected!!

Ahhh, isn't it wonderful to be able to take a bubble bath and actually be able to have your entire body submerged in water instead of having the ol' belly sticking up and freezing?! That was an awesome feeling.

What you are feeling is absolutely normal. Remember, right after you got your band, you weren't able to eat as much because your tummy was still swollen from the surgery. It kind of felt like you had restriction. Now, you are healing and the swelling has gone down. It is almost like you don't have a band right now. Remember, the band is meant to work with fills. Until you start getting fills and reach proper restriction, you may not lose any weight, or may even see a small gain. But remember and be patient, once you get restriction, your band will really start working for you and the weight will start coming off.

Oh my, is it starting again? Let me go grab some low-calorie popcorn! :popcorn:

SueSue, I know what you mean. Our dogs are like members of our family. We have a chocolate lab and a doxy. They are just as spoiled as the kids. I can't imagine life without them. I truly don't understand why dogs have such short lifespans, especially compared to so many other animals. I hope your baby gets better!

Awww, what a beautiful family you have! You definitely look like the proud daddy, and with good reason! Your wife is lovely and your sons are adorable.

That is my sign to stop eating. I make a very loud, obnoxious sound sort of like a hiccough when I have had enough to eat. It is quite embarassing when eating out. But, my family feels for me, so when I do, they all do it too. That way we all look like fools together!

Kat, I never knew! You go girl, with your active sex life. I am thinking we may have to try one of these swings too. When hubby and I met, I was just coming off a bad divorce. I was very thin when I got married the first time, and weighed about 240 when we divorced. That was how much I weighed whne my now dh and I got together. The sex with him was awesome right from the start. I was fat and he, an incredibly well built, sexy, handsome man wanted to be with me anyways. His wanting me made me feel sexy. Then, I went and gained about another 43 pounds and really felt lousy. I definitely could not be on top because a) I would get too tired and I was afraid of squishing the poor man! As my self-confidence dropped, so did the sex. He was always ready, willing and able, but I had no energy and felt too bad about the way I looked. Along comes the band and after about 65 pounds down, the sex life is picking back up to where it used to be. I am loving it and looking forward to it all the time again. I don't get winded and feel so much better about myself now. I haven't had him pick me up or throw me around yet though, lol. Maybe after another 60 pounds!

I don't believe the pre-op diet will have any effect on how you lose weight post-op. The pre-op diet is generally to reduce the size of your liver so there is fewer chances of complications during surgery. As others have said, not all doctors require this of their patients, so I would not worry about it. The post-op diet is what is most important for you now. I am sure you will do well.

I chew gum fairly often and with no side effects. It helps satisfy that urge to chew.

Hi Joyce, and welcome to LBT. Remember, the first few weeks after you have your surgery are meant for healing, not weight loss. So don't worry if you are seeing no significant loss at this point, or if you even see a bit of a gain. Once you start getting fills, then the weight loss will truly start.

Wow, you are probably still a bit swollen from your surgery. It sounds almost like you are on a full diet already. Normally, this soon after surgery people are still only on liquids. I am thinking that may be why you are having some discomfort when eating. Have you discussed this with your doctor?

Hi Tracey, and welcome to LBT! Wow, your date is getting close. Does your doctor have you on a liquid diet? Let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help and support one another.

Hi and welcome to LBT. I can't answer your question, but maybe try posting under your local state as well, you might have a better response there.

Hi and welcome to LBT! The countdown is on!

Hi Julie, and welcome to LBT! Wow, sounds like you had quite an experience there with the hiatal hernia. I hope you are feeling much better soon. It sounds like you have a supportive husband, which is wonderful.

My husband actually loves it when I am on top. I was not comfortable doing that for years because of my weight, I was afraid I would crush him. But, men being the visual beasts that they are, he loves it because of the view and easy access to my breasts, etc.

:funnypost: Sorry, I couldn't resist. Personally, I like Wasa and find her posts to be very informative. I just found the namecalling that I remember from grade school to be hysterical!