GoddessNar

Let me know if you do find out. I miss pork rinds too! I can't get them here and was planning on having some when I get back to the States!

I've taken birth control pills for 15 years. Without the pills, I don't get a cycle, generally. I got my period a couple of times on my own when menstruation first started, then they stopped for almost a year. That's the way it usully goes for me. No pills = no period. However, this morning I got up, went to the bathroom, and discovered my period had started on its own! I'm still amazed. I had a period back in January because I started a pack of pills, then I went off them again because I don't know how to go about getting them here. Maybe after I have the surgery it will become more regular. Not having a period doesn't really bother me, but I do want to have a baby one of these days.

It doesn't look like there are any other Buddhists so far. I'm a Pagan girl, originally from the US but now living abroad. Meditation would probably also help with any pain or discomfort too, I imagine. Good idea!

My surgery is scheduled for April 4.

My own mother, bless her, asked me if I could just drink Protein shakes and eat Jell-O and lose weight that way, without having the surgery. She's just worried about me. I explained to her that I had thought of that and if I could do that and not starve, I wouldn't need to have the surgery to begin with. I know some people are misinformed and make really moronic comments, but some people are probably just concerned.Or excited for you, as you said. But, I agree that not telling too many people would help. Just tell those closest to you, and gently tell your hubs and mom that you want to keep it quiet for now. Tell them it's a surprise or something. Some of my work friends know, and I have a sneaking suspicion that more people at work know because of those people. They've been very supportive and have offered to help me with whatever I need, though.

Pre-op and Pagan here.

This is a Turkish Soup. It's simple and very tasty. I am going to make and freeze some to have once I move from the liquids-only stage. Ezogelin Corbasi (Ezo the Bride Soup) - red lentil soup with mint 1 cup red lentils 1/3 cup rice or bulgur (optional) 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 onion 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 tbsp dry mint leaves 1/4 tsp black pepper salt to taste Water (or half water, half broth) Cook the onion and garlic in a tablespoon or two or oil. Add everything else and cook until it's mush. Puree the mixture in a blender until it's completely smooth.

It's perfectly normal to get nervous before surgery or any other life-changing event. Tell your husband that. I am getting a bit nervous as well, but again, it's normal. Just try to be positive and believe that everything will turn out fine. You will be fine! I had a dream earlier this week, but I don't remember it being very frightening. Try to relax and remember why are you having this done in the first place. Try to focus on how much better you are going to feel. :tongue_smilie:

I have my pre-op tests on April 3 and the surgery is scheduled for April 4, if all goes well with the tests. I keep reading about people's pre-op diets and everything and I wonder why it's so different here. My doctor wants me to be on liquids for two days before surgery, but he didn't put me on any other kind of diet. I think I might go on liquids for 5 days or so before the surgery. I'm a little worried that things won't go well. Hopefully this guy knows what he's doing. I'm starting to get a bit nervous, mostly about hair loss, though. That and I'm alone here and don't have anyone to go to the hospital with me or help me while I'm recovering. My family is in the US. Well, we'll see!

I'm trying not to go nuts, but I let myself have Saturday or Sunday as a "free" day. If I want pide or chicken doner, I have it. I just try not to eat too much crap the rest of the week. Except I did have some regular Coke and a pudding cup tonight, but that's all right

The only thing my surgeon told me is I have to be on liquids only for two days before surgery, but I feel that I should start some kind of plan on my own, and soon! I'm worried that my liver will be too big.

Is it too late to vote against the bunny thing? *L*

If I pass the pre-op tests, I will be getting banded on April 4. *crosses fingers* Much luck to us all!

That sounds soooo good! I just made a breakfast smoothie/protein shake with a banana and a spoonful of peanut butter and it's rather tasty as well. I could only find the unflavored whey protein powder in the smaller canisters. The chocolate flavor came in the big VAT.

Hello, all. I'm fairly new to the site. My surgery is scheduled to be done here in Istanbul by Dr. Alp. Bozbora, at Hizmet Hastanesi. I seriously doubt I will find anyone else on here who has had the surgery done here, but I thought I'd post and see. Anyone?

My doctor told me that I need to be on a liquid-only diet for just two days prior to surgery. My surgery is scheduled for next month. I am going to have an EKG, chest x-ray, and I think a test for liver function a couple of days before the surgery. I wanted to schedule everything for my spring break so I can go back to work on April 13. I am on my way to the mall today to get a blender or hand mixer and some whey Protein powder. I plan to start replacing one meal a day with the Protein shake, but only for a few days before the liquids only stage. I've also asked my mom to send me sugar free Jell-O and some plain oatmeal from the States because I haven't been able to find those things here. There are lots of Soup options, though, and really great yogurt.

My insurance company will not pay for any part of my lap band surgery for any reason. They call it a "preventive" measure and claim that obesity is not an illness or disease. What an absolute crock. I was also told that the risks of the surgery far outweigh the risks of being heavy. $&*@#$&!! Have any of you run into such problems? I'm sure someone has. I'm still going to have the surgery. I'll just have to pay for it myself. Well, my parents are going to help me as much as they can. Fortunately the surgery is much cheaper here in Turkey than it is back in the US. I'm planning to have the surgery next month, during my spring break. I hope all goes well with the liver function tests and everything else the surgeon wants to do beforehand.

The quote that I received for surgery (not counting pre-op appointments and testing), was around 11,900 Turkish Lira. That's around $7500 USD, I believe, or maybe a little more. The current exchange rate is either 1.6 or 1.7.

I smoke and I want to quit as soon as possible, especially since I am planning on having surgery in a month. I'm trying to cut down and wean myself off of them soon. I smoke when I'm bored or anxious, and sometimes when I drink, but I rarely drink.

Greetings, all. I just joined this site a few minutes ago. After researching the procedure for a while and thinking about it for a few years, I finally made an appointment for consultation with a doctor. My appointment is this Wednesday. I doubt my insurance will cover any part of it, but the doctors and I are going to try to convince them that the procedure is medically necessary. I've struggled with my weight my entire life, as have most people who undergo the lap band. When I was 14 I was diagnosed with PCOS and a few years later another doctor confirmed that I also have insulin resistance. The doctors I have been in contact with (through a third party thus far) agree that those factors are relevant and that I am most likely a very good candidate for the surgery. I am keeping my fingers crossed. Insurance coverage or no, I am going to have it done! It is much cheaper to have it done here in Turkey than back in the States, and as I currently live here, I might as well get it done if I can. I joined this forum to find out as much as I can about recovery, people's experiences, and how much people lose on average. I'm glad this forum exists.