mscarly

I read an article last night on Kirstie Alley in the recent issue of People magazine. I feel sorry for her. She may be rich and famous, but why-oh-why she just doesn't get a lap band and be done with the chronic yo-yo dieting thing is beyond me. Now she's creating her own diet and writing a book about it. It might make her some $$, but it doesn't take a crystal ball to see she'll be right back where she is a couple of years from now ... There is peace in knowing you're moving past "just one more diet" - "just one more book" - "just one more gym membership" and that you're getting a tool that can help you permanently.

Cardiologist at Northwestern knows of Galvani, too - sounds like he has a great reputation in Chicago.

Cardiologist at Northwestern knows of Galvani, too - sounds like he has a great reputation in Chicago.

Congrats, Pete - you must be really happy you made this decision. When you see these silly weight loss commercials on TV, you can see it's almost impossible to lose this kind of weight "the old fashioned way." Good for you - keep posting! - mscarly

My internist strongly advised a couple other things today: 1) GET LOTS OF SLEEP in the next few weeks before band surgery [Jun-3]. It's one of the things that will boost your immune system and stave off getting sick so close to the date. Avoid people as much as you can (trains, etc); and wash your hands a lot / use hand sanitizer. 2) USE YOUR CPAP MACHINE and TAKE IT WITH YOU TO SURGERY OVERNIGHT. I quit using my cpap machine a few weeks ago, thinking tra-la-la it's just a little while before surgery and not having to use the darned thing at all anymore. But she said that's incorrect thinking. I'm staying at a hotel downtown Chicago after outpatient surgery, and engaging the services of a nurse to stay with me overnight. Again, my doctor said to BE SURE TO BRING THE CPAP along, because additional drugs in the body with surgery can really effect your sleep. 3) Check your meds. Some are crushable, some are not. Some have liquid forms, some not. If you have a lot of pain issues like me, you need to plan for your pain management ahead of time. Also, she advised to wean off of Lexapro (antidepressant) before the surgery. I really don't need it that much, just take it as a hormone therapy substitute instead of estrogen - but she looked it up and it's not the greatest thing to be on if you're having surgery. Also, Celebrex isn't that great to be on before surgery, either. Of course, consult your own physician - but these are a few things I learned today that are worth asking questions about. - mscarly

My internist strongly advised a couple other things today: 1) GET LOTS OF SLEEP in the next few weeks before band surgery [Jun-3]. It's one of the things that will boost your immune system and stave off getting sick so close to the date. Avoid people as much as you can (trains, etc); and wash your hands a lot / use hand sanitizer. 2) USE YOUR CPAP MACHINE and TAKE IT WITH YOU TO SURGERY OVERNIGHT. I quit using my cpap machine a few weeks ago, thinking tra-la-la it's just a little while before surgery and not having to use the darned thing at all anymore. But she said that's incorrect thinking. I'm staying at a hotel downtown Chicago after outpatient surgery, and engaging the services of a nurse to stay with me overnight. Again, my doctor said to BE SURE TO BRING THE CPAP along, because additional drugs in the body with surgery can really effect your sleep. 3) Check your meds. Some are crushable, some are not. Some have liquid forms, some not. If you have a lot of pain issues like me, you need to plan for your pain management ahead of time. Also, she advised to wean off of Lexapro (antidepressant) before the surgery. I really don't need it that much, just take it as a hormone therapy substitute instead of estrogen - but she looked it up and it's not the greatest thing to be on if you're having surgery. Also, Celebrex isn't that great to be on before surgery, either. Of course, consult your own physician - but these are a few things I learned today that are worth asking questions about. - mscarly

Great story re skinny relatives. True, nobody can relate if they haven't walked in our "sensible shoes." I love the declaration of war - the visual of chains that keep you down. Well said. Keep your head up! - mscarly

Went for my pre-op testing today with my internist (standard questions and tests such as blood pressure, blood work, EKG, chest xray, etc). She said typically an INTERNIST can give cardiac clearance before surgery; but she looked closely at the order and called to make sure - my surgery center requires a CARDIOLOGIST to give the clearance. This is usually even more the case when you're having ELECTIVE surgery, she commented. They are being very sure to have complete due diligence on you ... Word to the wise - it would be a heck of a note to not have that correct on surgery day. When in doubt - CALL! :ohmy:

Went for my pre-op testing today with my internist (standard questions and tests such as blood pressure, blood work, EKG, chest xray, etc). She said typically an INTERNIST can give cardiac clearance before surgery; but she looked closely at the order and called to make sure - my surgery center requires a CARDIOLOGIST to give the clearance. This is usually even more the case when you're having ELECTIVE surgery, she commented. They are being very sure to have complete due diligence on you ... Word to the wise - it would be a heck of a note to not have that correct on surgery day. When in doubt - CALL!

I'm taking a few minutes to think about being a Mom and my dearly deceased Mom ... and food and Moms ... and work and exercise and Moms ... and getting older as a Mom ... and why the sam heck didn't I do this earlier as a Mom ... (because it wasn't there in the US 10 years ago, Mom!) ... and how lucky the younger people are on this site who are going to have many better years of feeling great as MOMs and WIVES and DAUGHTERS and SISTERS and the GUYS that will *be there* for their MOMs and WIVES because they got a Lap Band that saved their lives. [whew!] Next year, I know I'll feel lots better and will be able to go out and see the lilacs and tulips in bloom at Lilacia Park on foot, without a wheelchair or a cane. That's a good thought to hold on to.:biggrin: God bless all the wonderful nurturing energy in the people on this site who share and care and make a difference in each other's lives every day. - mscarly :crying:

Dear Band Groupie - Your Mother's Day pics made me smile today. Keep your head up! Happy Mothers Day -mscarly )

I'm taking a few minutes to think about being a Mom and my dearly deceased Mom ... and food and Moms ... and work and exercise and Moms ... and getting older as a Mom ... and why the sam heck didn't I do this earlier as a Mom ... (because it wasn't there in the US 10 years ago, Mom!) ... and how lucky the younger people are on this site who are going to have many better years of feeling great as MOMs and WIVES and DAUGHTERS and SISTERS and the GUYS that will *be there* for their MOMs and WIVES because they got a Lap Band that saved their lives. [whew!] Next year, I know I'll feel lots better and will be able to go out and see the lilacs and tulips in bloom at Lilacia Park on foot, without a wheelchair or a cane. That's a good thought to hold on to. God bless all the wonderful nurturing energy in the people on this site who share and care and make a difference in each other's lives every day. - mscarly :thumbdown:

I received a *glowing* reference today from one of my physicians regarding Dr. Carlos Galvani at Day One in Chicago, who is going to perform my lap band surgery. She was kind enough to ask around, so I take that as very comforting info as my Jun-3 2009 surgery date approaches. Also, one of my colleagues, who is very knowledgeable about the healthcare industry, reviewed his CV and was very impressed with his qualifications. :thumbup:

The wait IS very long! I saw a great comment the other nite - it's like "emotional open heart surgery." Too true! Good luck, looking forward to reports of great results! -mscarly

I received a *glowing* reference today from one of my physicians regarding Dr. Carlos Galvani at Day One in Chicago, who is going to perform my lap band surgery. She was kind enough to ask around, so I take that as very comforting info as my Jun-3 2009 surgery date approaches. Also, one of my colleagues, who is very knowledgeable about the healthcare industry, reviewed his CV and was very impressed with his qualifications.

450 calories a day?! Might be the right amount if you're laying in bed in a coma! Thanks for sharing your story - good to speak up and ask questions at the drs office, rather than suffer. Keep your head up ) -mscarly (Jun-3 band date)

My mistake - Dr. Carlos *Galvani* @ Day One. Also, got a great endorsement on him from another trusted physician here in Chicago today.

Hey June 2009 bandsters! I'm on for Jun-3 here in Chicago. Trying not to catch the swine flu between now and then - eek!

Hey June bandsters! I'm scheduled for Jun-3 with Dr. Giovanni @ Day One here in Chicago. Good luck, keep in touch - mscarly

Dear Band Groupie - Love your blog. I've been keeping up with your progress. The hardest part is over, I'm sure :wink:) -mscarly