Randi

I hate HUNGRY. Here are some ideas: Keep in mind that many of the "lean cuisine" type meals are high in carbohydrates, specifically pasta, which may be contributing to you feeling hungry sooner. Follow the bandster rule of drinking no calorie liquids only up 'til the time you eat, then not drinking for at least one hour after the meal ends to help what you've eaten stay in your stomach long enough to signal the nerves for satiety. Eat a big ALL vegetable salad with or between meals; mix some rice vinegar and a package of splenda (if you like your dressing sweet) together to bulk up you meals without adding calories. Steam frozen veggies, such as broccoli florets, cauliflower, or another favorite frozen vegetable mix (NOT corn or potatoes) and add them to your lean cusine meals.

Hey, does anyone own a Magic Bullet? I've seen it on TV and in Walgreens and was wondering if it was worth the money. Also, if you happen to already own this item, do you take it to work?

I don't really have any favorites yet. Does anyone have a favorite blender/food processor recipe to post?

No I haven't. But, I'll definitely check it out.

I wore the compression waist garment day and night after the surgery for the first week and then only at work and at bedtime for the next week. I found it gave me the extra support I needed to lift and lower myself to the couch; it also offered an extra layer of protection between my skin and clothing the week I returned to work.

My surgeon group is now performing the Vertical Gastrectomy as well. If I ever have to convert, this procedure may be an option for me because I like the idea of no intestinal rerouting. I think that the sugery comparison chart would be useful for those trying to decide between available surgeries.

I live in a neighboring town near Randolph Air Force Base.

My surgeon prescribed Ursodiol to prevent the formation of gallstones after banding. Within the past three weeks, I've developed several patches of itchy skin on my stomach (not near incision sites) and under my breasts. Has anyone been prescribed Ursodiol and later developed an allergic reaction to the medication?

Details, details?

Page 13 of the Inamed Patient Handbook (http://www.allerganandinamed.com/pdf/health/94829-12_LB_Patient_Book.pdf) says . . . Common Problem Foods Some foods have difficulty passing through the opening of the stoma and may cause blockage. These include foods such as: ° dry meat ° shrimp ° untoasted or doughy bread ° Pasta ° rice ° Peanut Butter ° dried fruit ° fibrous vegetables like corn, asparagus and celery ° nuts ° coconut ° popcorn ° greasy or fried food ° seeds and skins of fruits and vegetables ° membrane of citrus fruits Introduce these foods slowly and individually to see if they are tolerated. Always be careful, chew well, and follow your surgeon’s or dietitian’s advice.

I recalculated my BMI today and guess what! I'm no longer eligible for lapband surgery!

Great money maker, Betsy!

Thanks, Carlene. The Magic Bullet is probably not a cost effective purchase. I have an Oster blender, but it seems like such a hassle to pull it out. Maybe I'll look into that Hamilton Beach personal blender.

I requested the low-profile port because of I'm short-waisted and to avoid the port being seen as I lose the weight. I can find the port if I feel around for it, but I can't discern the top from the side. The jury is still out on whether I will eventually have to have the port relocated. Maybe I'll have a better idea once I'm about 50lbs down.

Marjon, My surgeon keeps up with the latest research, which basically says that it's okay to do the first fill at two weeks post-op and then try to get the band tuned to individual weight loss by doing small fills every week thereafter until optimum weight loss is being achieved. However, the majority of surgeons will not do a fill until at least four to six weeks post-op or later. However, don't get too excited about my fill schedule because it requires SIX FULL WEEKS of liquids, which is no small feat. You'll note by the date of my surgery that I've had to endure both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays on liquids, while my fellow bandsters banded during the same timeframe have moved on to mushies and solids. Additionally, my surgeon doesn't do blind fills; all fills are done under fluoroscope using barium solution to ensure no reflux occurs during the adjustment. Oh, BTW, I paid dearly for this band and the accompanying low-profile port. So, I have no plans to give it back and you can't have it. It's mine and I'm keeping it. Thank you very much! Merry Christmas!

Joe, My husband attended the initial seminar with me, but still didn't quite understand the lapband procedure. You know how they say a picture speaks a thousand words? Well, I've got one better . . . A video of the actual procedure speaks volumes . . . http://www.or-live.com/distributors/NLM/rnh.cfm?id=194

My surgeon's office uses X-ray (flouroscope) to do fills. So the port is visible on the X-ray before the fill is initiated. I've had three fills and only one needle stick per fill. I haven't needed lidocaine though.

Becka, Talk to your surgeon about a low-profile port. It costs a little bit extra, but it may be an option that may decrease the visibility of the port as you lose and once you've lost the weight.

Becca, How long is the flight? My only concern would be whether I could get enough walking in after the surgery to prevent the possibility of a pulmonary embolism. It's rare, but it can happen. Other than that, I would say go for it. You'll more than likely be on clear, calorie-free liquids, or Protein shakes anyway. So, food won't be an issue. Heck, I had my surgery as an outpatient and did a little shopping the same day I was released. That same week, I cooked the entire Thanksgiving meal (My Dad did all the lifting and bending though), and that Friday, I walked the neighborhood for an hour.

Jess, I was scared to get a fill at first because I didn't know what to expect. But, as you can see below my signature, I'm three fills in since banding. I know everyone keeps saying it's virtually painless, and they're right. To me, it feels like getting a shot less the pain of the medicine being injected into the muscle. Instead, the needle enters the port and you can't feel the saline being injected because there's no muscle involved.

Betsyjane, I sure hope 14 = Vacation Money. LOL.

Yep. But not necessarily in this order . . . 1. Since it's Christmas and the stores are closed, I would go out to www.webmd.com to see if there are any other home remedies you can try. 2. Do a search for threads on this site for "Advil" and "NSAID" to see what you come up with. It's possible that someone else has had a similar situation arise prior to surgery and you can get their take on it. Here's a link someone posted on Advil: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/advil-t19091.html 3. Go out to www.obesityhelp.com and see what information you can come up with. 4. Call your surgeon's office to see if there's an answering service that can get your question to him/her. The surgeon will possibly return your call.

Arcael, Are there reasons why you don't want to do the commercial? On the surface, it looks like a great idea. However, I'm interested know why you have reservations.

My Doctor took me completely off of NSAIDS completely prior to surgery. So, I would stick with the adult liquid or chewable Tylenol just to be on the safe side.

Hmmmm, I don't understand why she just doesn't have the band unfilled, try it her way (or Dr. Phil's way), and see if she can do it. I just wonder what's going to happen when she regains the weight, which appears to be inevitable based on her current mindset. Oh, silly me, that's the makings of the next book!