Garth5555

Is anyone from Oregon? If so, where are you from. I'm in Grants Pass. G

I'm a bit confused here, why would there be a difference concerning a pre-surgery diet for a self-pay versus insurance paid???:hurray::confused::laugh: That makes no sense to me. Where I had my surgery, it did not matter if you were self-pay or not. There was a specific program to follow for pre-op diet and post-op eating instructions. I would appreciate it if you explain a bit.:smile: Thanks, G

Wanda I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with the lap-band.:eek: The one thing they strongly emphasized numerous times was the lap-band was not a magic wand, just a tool for weight loss. Everyone has to make their informed choice and do what they feel is best for them. Good luck,:thumbup: G

Yes, you now have 4.5cc's. I had 3cc placed when my doctor did the surgery and had a 1cc fill. So that puts me at 4cc. G

I sure can sympathize with you...I had the same experience the othber day after getting my first fill...Live and learn, that is what I tryto tell myself...lol Hang in there, G

I had a problem with my happy pill, so I switched it to the liquid form and that is much better. G

If you live in Oregon, why would would you go that far to get banded??? :sad_smile::confused: I live in Oregon also, and had my surgery done in Southern Oregon by a great doctor. I, personally, would look into the state that you live in for surgery, it will be alot easier on you for post-op appointments. G

Army insurance should be Tricare and yes they do approve for LAP-BAND. G

Good luck on your new life adventure into bandland..:biggrin::thumbup: It's well worth it and hope you have a speedy recovery.. G

Use a heating pad , it works wonders. :thumbup: G

This past weekend I made a 4 bean salad with kidney Beans, garbonza beans, green beans, and yellow wax beans. I used olive oil and balsalmic vinegar with some garlic salt and powder. I let it marinate overnight and boy was it good and filling . Of course, I wish I had made this before banding, but better late than never... G

Not a good idea to be picking them off this early after you had surgery.:cursing: G

A heating pad works great also. G

Hey fellow Bandsters....I have a quick question for you fine folks. In my discharge paperwork it states that my steri strips need to be on for 2 weeks and when the two weeks arrive I can remove them. So now here is my question, how many people just let them fall off naturally versus who took them off at the two week point. I'll be two weeks post-op tomorrow and I have no plan to remove them unless there is a chance of the incisions getting infected. I fiddle with the ends and trim them as they release, but other than that, I don't mess with them. You thoughts? G

Great...I appreciate the responses. G

Good morning....I am 7 days post-op and I woke up this morning with bad, bad, BAD:crying: sharp pain in my right side rib area. :laugh: I have not had any of the gas pains that people talk about, so I am not sure if that is what it is or what it may be. Anybody out there have similiar experiences?????? Thanks, G

Hi Lucy, You need to find whatever sleeping position is comfortable to you. I find that the fetal position is pretty good for me. :thumbdown: Good luck to you, G

Well put Jacqui, I agree with you 100%. G

Wow, sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me, but I would like to weigh in here. First off, I had a 36-37 BMI and I was banded on 11-4. The reason I had LBS was because I have severe sleep apnea. About 5 years ago I had surgery to remove my uvula (SP?) to help my SA. As I put on more weight, my sleep apnea got worse. :thumbup: Secondly, that is why they have a base line of 35 BMI with a co-morbidity. Just because someone doesn't have a BMI of 40+ should not excluded them from a surgery that will help extend the life or help them function more effectively. Once again, to throw out a comment like you made is very easy to interpret as sour grapes. :frown: G

Thanks Jack...I always enjoy your responses as they are very informative. G

Wow...what a post I'm with the rest of the people and their advice. Congrats to you on your major weight loss, but seriously dude, talk with the Doc about that alcohol you are consuming. You've come along way with your weight, you don't want to waste it on alcohol. Like it was mentioned earlier, it definitely looks like you have traded one addiction for another. :cheers2: Just one side note, people on here are in your corner and wishing the best for you, they are just concerned about you. Hope all works out for you, :tt1: G

Wow...that doesn't sound good. Hope that you are feeling better:smile2: The gas pains are very uncomfortable to say the least. G

Hang in there Crystal.. I found that the heating pad helped out lots... G

After being banded, I was so thirsty but had a hard time taking more than a sip. As of today I can drink almost normal. I would suggest keeping an eye on the color of your urine. If it's dark yellow, it's an indication that you need more Water. I also keep a bottle of water by me all day and continually drink. One last thing, I was banded on 11-4 and just yesterday the color of my urine was a light yellow even though I had drank at least 64 ounces of water each day. Keeping yourself hydrated is very important... Hang in there and keep a bottle by your side. G

Wow...thanks for all the responses. Actually, after I posted this morning the dreaded pain in my left shoulder started. I'm guessing that I have been hit by the nasty gas pains. It is starting to feel better, so hopefully it will only last a day or two. Thanks again for all the responses, I really appreciate it. G