Woodys

All series (90's, 80's, 70's, etc) are worked the same. When you choose 88 for instance...add the two...is 16, subtract the 16 from 88 and the answer is 72....87....add the two is 15, subtract is 72...all the 80's answers will be 72....all the 90's will be 81, etc, etc....if you look up those results on the chart the symbols are all the same. Carol

I have to disagree.....surely the professionals have a reason for designing a post-op diet the way they did.....otherwise, what would be the point? We have no idea the real condition of the new and old stomach after the surgery and just what it can handle during the healing process. I would suggest you listen to the professionals and follow their post-op instructions.

My Post op diet is as follows: 1 wk clear fluids, 2 wks full fluids, 2 wks pureed, 6th week we graduate to solids....that is the only phase where actual chewing is finally involved....so, to me.....no matter what plan you are on....the difference from 2nd wk to the 6th wk to be allowed to have food that requires chewing is definately for a reason and the fact that you entered into solids in phase 2 may be harmful. I would check with your Dr before you proceed to eat this way. Carol

I'm not so sure if you would call it cheating, however....according to my post-op eating instructions for phase 2 is full liquids, cream Soups are allowed but must be strained. To me, that means that anything that requires chewing is still not allowed at this point. I believe it has to do with the stomach still being in healing mode. Hope this helps. Carol

Hi: Maybe he needs to be educated on the lapband so that there is no misconceptions of what its purpose, success, and worth is. Try and get him to read relative information and maybe watch the video of the surgery. He may be percieving this as just another "weight loss gimmick"....find info that will dispell that. More importantly....find information that will drive it home to him just what will happen to you if you don't have this procedure........what your life, and his, will be like in the future if you remain obese. Sorry I can't help.....one of the keys to success with this in addition to using the band properly is surrounding yourself with positive support. Hope all works out well. Carol

Congrats on being banded. I was banded June 8th. My understanding of the clear Fluid diet is that it was to reduce the risk of damaging your new, smaller stomach pouch. The full fluid diet I believe is for the same reason. Your stomach is still in healing mode.....not so sure about the chili? Did you hurt your stomach?.......I think that's a question for your Doctor. Good Luck Carol

Buffie: My ride in the car was only a few blocks. My nausea only hit when I stood and tried to balance myself.....I was very groggy trying to wake up. It hit again before I got in the truck and when I got out of the truck. I heaved about 6 times each instance but nothing came up and it didn't hurt. I didn't want gravol.....I don't like taking anything so it was big deal that I was even on demerol. Once I got back to the hotel it never hit again. Also, the recovery nurse gave me wads of paper towels and a stack of barf bags just in case. I'm sure that the clinic will honour your request for your nausea meds.....email Kathy Palermo, Post-op patient care coordinator, kpalermo@tlbc.ca and tell her that you insist on having the med you want administered. Kathy will also have a face to face chat with you when you arrive to sign your consent form so mention it again at that point. The clinic is upscale as far as the entrance and waiting area, Yorkville is the trendiest, wealthiest shopping district in Toronto, that area is the equivalent to Rodeo Drive in Hollywood. The staff are GREAT! Very friendly and compasionate.....Drs too. The clinic area is just like a hospital ward. For sterilization purposes it is bare, all tile, paint, and steel. The OR is small which I found comforting. It is absolutely spotless. The room they put you in to change and wait for the OR nurse and Dr is comfortable with a LCD tv, phone, etc. I don't remember the recovery room much. I remember being in a 3 bed room, just like a hospital room, I was the only one there in a bed in the corner....hell, didn't matter, I was so out of it, I could have been on the moon for all I knew. The Recovery nurse is very sweet, she gently came several times to try and wake me up, rubbed my arms and checked everything she had to check on a regular basis. I know one thing for sure......for what I am going to get out of this long term.....it would definately be worth the vomiting and nausea that will last for just a few short moments. I wouldn't worry about throwing up in the cab.....at least you have a justfyable excuse....I'm sure the cabbies have seen many many many drunks throw up in their cabs.....without barf bags!....especially since they pick up in downtown Toronto. Do you have to stay so far from the clinic? The Howard Johnsons hotel is 2 blocks away and $129.00 / night....is that an option for you? I am here for you if need any other info. Carol

Hi Buffie: Don't worry honey, it really isn't that bad! I was feeling just like you this time last week. I was banded at the same clinic by Dr. Yau on Jun 8th. I had to come in from out of town (2 hours north) so I came in with my husband the day before and booked 2 nights at HoJo's in Yorkville. I didn't check my messages before going to the centre, Kathy was trying to reach me because someone had postponed their surgery due to tonsilitis so she was re-arranging appointments a bit. I ended up waiting a bit longer to "take my turn" but it wasn't really a problem. I can tell you exactly what happens: Carol or Nisrine will greet you, you will be put in the waiting room that you were in when you had your consultation. Kathy will eventually come and get you and you will go to her office...you will sign the form you received during your consultation. She will then take you to a small dressing room, you will be given a locker, a gown, slippers and a terry robe. You will change then an OR nurse will come in and take your blood pressure and ask you a few simple questions about allergies, etc. You will be left in this small room and then the surgeon will come to see you......he will cover the band he will be installing in you....very briefly and quickly so if you have any questions get them out at that point because its pretty much your last chance.....at that point you will sign a release form for the surgery. If you have to tinkle, now is the time to do it. In a few minutes the OR nurse will come and get you and lead you to the OR. Believe me.....it all goes very very very fast from then on. You don't have a moment to think about anything. Within a few seconds your IV will be in while another nurse is giving you oxygen and then "snap" you are asleep. It was absolutely fabulous, there was no time at all to get nervous at that point. I didn't feel a thing until hours later when the Recovery nurse woke me up. She tried a few times with me to wake me up and then when Al arrived she got me to my feet, helped me get dressed, and ushered me out to the car....I went back to the hotel the same day of surgery, didn't have to stay overnight. I did feel nauseated when she got me to my feet and when I was getting into and out of the truck. I heaved a few times each instance but nothing came up....this is to be expected...it wasn't that bad. When I got back to the hotel all I wanted to do was sleep and did so until the next morning. The demoral keep the pain at bay and for 48 hours I was fine. The gas started to set in and it is painful but I hear that this affects everyone differently. I was on my feet and back to work (somewhat) on the Fri night......I don't like taking meds so I cut out my pain meds early and have had some discomfort but that is my fault. All I can manage right now as far as eating is just was they suggest on phase one....I can only get 1/2 cup of tea down but boy does it taste and feel good. Only 1/4 cup of Jello 1/2 of a popsicle. But, that's the name of the game. If there is anything else you need to know just email me..... woodys@sympatico.ca Good luck and congrats! Carol :clap2:

??????????......who is fighting.....I thought this thread was going great.....I also don't detect a debate....let people give what the original question asked. I find it interesting and because its the differences in opinions that help make the world go around......I want to read what people have to say....not debate it....just interested in reading it.

I wanted to do the same thing but insurance regarded it as WLS as well. It was either the band or the apron so I went with the band (June 8). I'll take care of the apron later now.....I found a cosmetic surgery place in Toronto that will do a tummy tuck (small apron removal included) starting at $5,000....by the time I reach goal I should be able to afford this....However, I would really like to have my turkey neck removed first....LOL.....which will it be? gobble, gobble, gobble :canada: Carol

This response is sooooooooooooo biased: my law.......EXERCISE RESPECT! 1) never go into a fine dining restaurant and start making suggestions on what should be on the menu, or what should be changed on the menu......WHY......the menu is what it is depending on the size of the establishment, its demographics and the environment...i.e. seasonal....there are alot of factors involved. Usually there is an experieced, seasoned, certified chef in the kitchen who designed this menu just for his customers using his experience, knowledge, and credentials......don't INSULT that person. It just isn't right to say "so and so restaurant has "whatever" on their menu, why don't you put it on yours" first answer....BECAUSE ITS ON THEIR MENU. Don't forget...this is his profession.....you wouldn't like it if this happened at your workplace. Don't completely redesign a dish on the menu just for the hell of it...you can't go into Idomo and order them to ship you Queen Anne furniture. 2) don't assume the server is a second class citizen just because of the job they are doing. Most are on their way to receiving education, have been educated but this was the only employment available, or they just love what they do. I am a certified accountant and had my own accounting practice in downtown Toronto for years. My husband saw an opportunity to own/operate his own business while living in cottage country, it would be our stepping stone to retiring up here....I had my hay day......so why shouldn't he. Now, I'm a server. I can't tell you how awful I get treated until the customer finds out I'm one of the owners. I get talked to like I have jelly between my two ears.....like I couldn't possibly have a thought of my own. I get waved away from tables by the brush of a hand on the table top without eye contact ever being made, I get whistled to the table, fingers snapped at me, and some men think its cool to slober kisses all over me when they leave. 3) remember, we are running a business. This is our livelyhood...we have to live too....we have bills to pay too....we also like to have some sort of a reasonable lifestyle like a mediocre vacation once a year. So....don't come in and try to get whatever you can for nothing. You have entered a business so be prepared to pay for it. I am so sick and tired of the freeloaders who buy a bowl of Soup, ask for a bottomless bread basket.....want the "tallest" glass of FREE ice Water and lemon, and bring on extra lemon because you need it, and the sugar, to make your own version of lemonade. By the time you have left you just cost me loads of money.....I have to pay the same wages to serve all that free stuff to you.....I have to clean the linen, I have to pay for the hot soapy water to clean your dishes, I had to pay for the lemon, sugar, and ice for the FREE tall glass of water I had to pay someone to keep constantly refilled. And NOOOOOO, the free stuff isn't automatically built into the price of the menu items.....that would be totally unfair to those who actually choose to pay for stuff. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU GAVE SOMETHING AWAY FOR FREE AT YOUR BUSINESS? 4) Children....they learn by doing, I love having them in my restaurant. However, I am not a babysitter. Do NOT compromise your child's safety and the safety of the wait staff by allowing your children to roam the restaurant unsupervised. Would you appreciate a youngster you don't know or own, sniffing back snot, standing at your tableside staring at you while you were trying to eat your dinner?....no, you wouldn't! Respect.....show a little! Carol

I find the juice has a musty odor and flavour, on its own I don't find it pleasant at all. It does suggest that you could dilute in your bottle of drinking Water or juice. Today I put 4 oz of aloe vera in 24 oz water bottle, you can taste it a bit but much more bearable...been sipping it all day. Carol

The aloe vera juice sounds like a brilliant idea.....I just went for some and trying it now. Carol

I was banded on Thursday and the gas is horrible. I've been using Gas X but its not helping much....its very hard to take a good breath. How long does this last. Carol

Can't wait..........being banded by Dr. Joffe on Thursday. I will be leaving Fenelon Falls tomorrow morning and staying overnight in Yorkville. Not nervous about the procedure at all but nervous about recovery. We have two businesses to run in Fenelon which are very public....the gas thing bothers me. Any one else banded at TLBC? Please share your experience with me. Counting the hours now.....2 more sleeps....do I sound anxious?:bounce: Carol

Cripes.....having a chef for a husband can either work for you or against you....so far, against...........but now that I'm more accepting of his help for healthier food he is a great asset....can make nothing really taste like something. Carol

Karen: I have seen a lot of posting...........A LOT OF POSTING.....about pb'ing on this board. I must say........your's is the absolute best. It is specific and most helpful......when us inexperienced bandsters or bandsters to be ask questions, this is they type of response that we are looking for. Thank you Carol

I can beat every last one of you........LOL. My husband and I own / operate a fine dining restaurant. He is a professional chef. All day, all night, I see, serve, smell, clean up after, ......his excellent cooking! The smells that get to me the most are sauteed onions and grilled baguette. It is not easy.........one of my biggest obstacles is not to succumb to the aromas of the kitchen. It will be a lot easier when I can once again taste some regular food....but for now I'm on the last leg of the pre-op fast and I haven't faltered yet....but almost! So people...........if I can resist.........anyone can. Carol

I have been on the pre op fast for 1-1/2 weeks now. My breath is horrible.....extremely BAD. Mouthwash, brushing, flossing, and gum....nothing seems to help....the gum does just for a few minutes when its fresh. Has anyone else experienced this and what do you do about it. Thanks, Carol

Yep......we do have a sense of humour Pnut.......no doot aboot it....its not so funny though when the igloo melts or the hockey stick breaks. Carol :canada:

Vinesqueen.....don't be so hard on yourself. Its okay to want....it would go against human nature if we didn't! Not everything has to come from nor be a result of how we regard or practice religion or spirituality. Carol

Good for you...........good luck! Carol

Hmmmmmmm......I never interpreted this phrase "the better the follower, the richer the rewards" as meaning rewards that come from money. I always thought the rewards received were rich in love, happiness, harmony, etc. Carol

"All hell would break loose"...?????.....stand up for yourself.....you have the right to work in a safe and comfortable environment.

This needs to be reported to HR. The report should be in writing with very specific accurate facts like dates, time, and brief but accurate description of each incidence. If possible provide supporting evidence such as another employee's account of the situation. If your department has personnel and company policies that this employee is directly violating then that needs to be noted. Once you have submitted your report be sure to continue to document everything.....you may have to rely on this information at a future date. The HR department should treat and handle this with upmost diplomacy without implicating anyone. Good Luck Carol