Elisabethsew

It's natural for things to "heat up" as election day approaches but let's remember to keep the focus on the debate and not make it personal.

Lanakila, Thank you for posting your positive experiences with your surgeon. I'm sure this will be helpful to others who are considering using the same one.

A lot of changes occur when the body is healing from surgery. People recover at different rates and men AND women both have hormonal responses.

I hope the surgery went well.

Just the vets who are doing another pre or post-op diet. LOL.

There are some medications that can be prescribed if the problem is gall crystal or sludge. When you eat unhealthy for a long period of time (high fats), you're body is used to producing a lot of bile. Bile is released from the gallbladder when an excess amount of fat is consumed to help digest it. When you begin to eat healthy, more bile is stored than is released and that's when stones form. Consequently, it's common for people to have gallbladder problems when they lose large amounts of weight. In the medical world we look for the "FIVE F's" which are fair, female, fertile, forty, and fat.

My posting is addressed to the following people: those who are thinking about being banded, those who are about to be banded, and those who are newly banded. While everyone has the right to post questions, concerns, and experiences, PLEASE realize that it is the position of Lapbandtalk that you follow the directions given to you by your health care team of professionals. If you find it too hard to stick to any of the pre-op or post-op instructions, CALL YOUR SURGEON'S OFFICE and ask to speak someone. Frequently, they have heard your complaint before and have ways of dealing with it. Thank you.

If you're having a hard time on the puree diet, call your surgeon's office and ask to speak with the PA, NP, or dietician. Often, they will allow you eat 2-3 additional foods to get your through the hard times. Because every surgeon is different, it's best to call and follow the advice they give you.

It's nice to see this thread is trying to get back on topic. As for me, I believe self-esteem is tied to many variables and one might me how long the person has been obese. I was fat as a child and adult and never knew myself as a normal weight person. Consequently, my self-esteem has always been fairly high. I would say my confidence level seems to increase the less I weigh.

When you go for a fill you can ask for a local anesthetic before they give you a fill. If the surgeon can't find the port, ask for a more experienced person or ask if they have the ability to do the fill under x-ray. I would not allow a person to stick me more than twice and the PA's or NP's do more fills than the surgeons do.

Heart burn and acid reflux (GERD) don't necessarily occur together but either of these symptoms should trigger a call to the surgeon's office for a check. They are most commonly caused by pouch dilation due to overeating. The treatment is a complete unfill, acid blockers for some people (nexium, aciphex, etc), and clear liquids progressing to soft and then regular. Diagnosis is made via an esophagram. You drink a small amount of barium (2 ounces or so) and stand in front of a screen. The "virtual" x-ray visualizes the barium as it travels down the digestive tract.

There is a new feature available to LBT members... be a buddy/need a buddy. This section buddies experienced, successful, bandsters with members needing support to meet their goals. Check it out!

Bumped up for those looking for a buddy.

I'm glad you posted and updated us. You're definitely a success story and I hope your health continues to improve.

I had a catheter that was put in after I was under anesthesia and taken out about 6 hours after surgery... no antibiotics, no problems.

Don't be surprised if you go to that meeting and find out that you're one of the lightest ones there. You won't be judged so go for it!

Here is the link: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f260/

Ask for a Rx for Zofran PO. You put the pill under your tongue and it instantly dissolves.... expensive!

Look under the commonly asked questions for new people.

Either you no longer have hypertension or you were dehydrated. Dizzziness can also be caused by low blood glucose. It's best to call your MD. You might also want to buy a wrist B/P monitor to trend your B/P.

What you're going through is normal. You'll do great on Monday so make sure you post and let us know how you're doing once you feel better.

Welcome and congratulations on your success. I hope you continue to post and share your experiences.

Welcome and congratulations on getting a date. Keep reading and ask lots of questions. We're here to support you.

Welcome and congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Look for the thread on Mexican surgeons to learn more.

Welcome and congratulations on your success!