TexasTerry

Wow! You had a BB in your gallbladder! Yikes. Do you give your brother a bad time about that! lol I think Smith is awesome too. I did my homework before choosing a band doc. I'm very pleased with my choice. Keep up the great job with your exercise. I'm "just" doing some walking as of now. I need to kick it up a step and add some other activities. Geesh! who wants to in the heat! (it's a good excuse anyway - lol) terry

Steve - welcome to the site. Sounds like your off to a great start. Let us know how your path to Ironman 2008 progresses. That is an awesome goal! Terry

Hmmmmm. Christy, I'm no expert (at exercise! lol), but it just sounds like some muscle soreness from the exercise. Also, do you wear a REALLY GOOD support bra while you exercise? Maybe keeing the "gals" in place will help with soreness and tenderness. Terry

Josette - you BET. The wedge - really the rage back then. The things we do for "beauty". lol Terry

I too have had bouts with leg cramps. I was already on a potassium pill along with my lasix. So I added calcium and the doc recommended drinking the Tonic water. I wouldn't say they immediately stopped, but the severity and number of bouts did subside. Interestingly, as preparation for my band surgery, the surgeon had me quite most of my meds (and do the pre-op diet). Now, post-band, I have not had any leg cramps and I also have not had the ankle swelling that I was taking the lasix for either. I hope it lasts. I realize too that being a school teacher, I'm off my feet for the summer. We'll see what happens when school starts up again. Seem the leg cramps can be an imbalance of several minerals/components. Hope you find relief. They can be extremly painful. Terry

Margo - HOOOOOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm just starting my journey. It is posts like yours that give me hope that I can do this too!!!! Thanks for posting Terry

Telly, you are awsome-ly gorgeous and Tricia, you are too! I always said if I looked like any celeb - I would want it to be Linda Carter. Well Cristy Brinkly wouldn't be bad either, if I wanted to be blonde.lol O.K. I don't have any pictures of me - I really avoid the camera, maybe when I get some weight off! In my college days ( and on diet pills ALL the time!) I was told I looked like Dorothy Hamill. Now that really dates me - she was the Olympic Ice Skater back in the late ice age (lol) of the '70's - 80's. Fun thread ladies. Terry

Oh gosh, do you mean your port, or your sutures to close your skin or do you mean the stitches taken in the "pars flaccida" technique where the stomach is sewn back over the band? I can't imagine the last one would be any good at all! Please clarify. I'm a little dense on these things. Terry :eek:

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: A round of applause for CLOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good job and well done. Terry :biggrin1:

I am a new bandster and was self pay - but had it done here in the US. However, I've heard some very good reports about the Mexico docs. Keep doing your research and checking here. I bet some of those Mexico bandsters will help you out. Terry :eek:

Life is a journey and too many of us are camping! It's insanity to do something the same way over and over and expect a different result. (maybe A.Einstein?) This confirms for me that the band was the way to go. I didn't need another try at diets, pills, ww groups, etc WITHOUT the proper TOOL! Terry :eek:

Welcome aboard Rose! I was self pay. My insurance would not cover anything about obesity. From what I've heard, it can be a real mixed bag with insurance companies. I hope your approval is one of those that goes quickly and painlessly. Let us hear from you. Terry :eek:

Marc, HELLO and WELCOME !!! This is a great place. So many people here are great at expressing themselves - I'm not one of 'em. lol But, please visit us often and let us know how you are doing. I was also self pay and worried that I might just be throwing money away. Even tho' I'm a new bandster, this is the best thing I have done for me. Take a big deep breath and know that you have lots of friends here. ((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))) Terry :eek:

I hope your sister can find a doc that suits her. There are a LOT of good ones in Texas that do both surgeries and don't run one procedure down over the other. I would tell her to do some more shopping around, even if it means looking at other financing options. Don't get in too big of a rush and then be really disappointed with the surgery and/or after care. Terry :eek:

Hey, I'm a June bandster too. Welcome to all you July bandsters!!! I agree with Poodles - don't egg us. Make it something sweet - maybe drizzle us with chocolate syrup!!! lol Best to all of you Terry :eek:

I signed on to Sparkpeople. Looks really great. You can do as little or as much as you want to do there. I think I will like the food tracking guide. Terry :eek:

I tried Meridia several years ago. It did nothing for me either. I kept waiting for it to kick in and it never did. Terry :eek:

I think many band doc's feel that capsules might get stuck in the small stoma that the band makes. That's what I have been told. Terry

Avilla, I know how you feel. I was banded on 6/20 and I don't believe I have much restriction right now. Just really trying to watch what I eat. I can't wait until my fill date on Aug 1. Just can't get here fast enough!!!! Hmmm. A friendly egging for the July crew sounds like it might be in order. Terry

Gosh Tracy - I've been ravenous since the second week out from surgery. I was also banded on 6/20. I think I've lost 4 pounds since surgery. Can't wait for that first fill - Aug 1st. I hope this is not because your sick. Maybe you just got really good restriction right from the start. If you don't think your getting enough calories, don't hesitate to call your doc. Don't get run down, but seems your doing really great with your weight loss!!! Terry :eek:

Welcome Cassandra. Many of us have underlying issues with food, etc. Look for a surgeon that has a counselor session as part of the package. For example, my band surgeon (and many others) have you meet with a nutritionist and also a counselor/therapist. If multiple session are in order, then they are available to you. There are support group meetings also. Continue your research and have your questions ready as you seek out the best band surgeon for you. Of course, you have this board here with lots of fantastic people for support!!! Terry :eek:

You have lots of support here! I'm glad you are strong enough and smart enough to go through with this. Yes, they will see a better you. Come here and let us know how you are doing. We will cheer you on!!!!!!! Terry :eek:

I am a newbie and have not had a fill. But, I have heard that for some of us it may take 3 to 5 fills to get to restriction. I know my surgeon tends to be conservative in his approach, so I'm telling myself it may take awhile. Make sure your not taking in high calorie liquid foods - shakes, creamy Soups, ice cream, etc.- they slip right past the band and pack the weight on. Let us know how you do. It's a different journey for everyone - but we all have the same goal - a new healthy, slimmer us! Terry :eek:

AWWWWSOME weight loss. Wow, you are an inspiration! Oh, yeah and welcome :eek: Terry :confused:

My first fill is coming up and I hope it goes this easy. Terry :eek: