xavier

This might sound crazy and I havent even been banded yet but if you read a great blog by a guy called Cingulus you'll hear how a preop grilled cheese for his son was driving him crazy because it smelled so good! The post is called something like bloodhound blues...he's a great writer! Anyway he put some Vicks vapor rub under his nose like they do on CSI when something smells bad to block it and he said it worked! Good luck, Cali

Terel, Congrats on getting started! I know what you mean about really wanting to be focused on this and I think thats what is so great about this website...its just packed with people who are as excited as you are! Good job on the ticker...it took me a few attempts to get mine to show up! Mlat, Congrats you locky soul! Getting approved and a date is such a big deal...its like you are holding your breath...I am hoping t get a clue on thursday. Now you should do your ticker, they're fun! Cali

If I was having a hysterectomy (no shame in that right?) I still wouldnt tell people. Maybe I would say I was having some minor surg. People know and ask too much about people it seems. I can't tell you how many people have asked me why I have only one child and I can hear the judgement in their voices! Dear Abby once said when someone asks you something you dont want to answer you should say. "Oh, I'm SURE you dont want me to answer something SO personal!" It really puts the shame back on them where it belongs for asking!!! But for those who are telling all , go for it I respect that too! Cali

Welcome! Our tickers are similar!! Cali

No one ever asks diabetic patients (type 2 or adult onset) why are you using insulin and inject yourself everyday when you could (95% of patients) control it with diet!!People should stay out of other peoples medical issues!! Cali

"BUt how do you cover up that you finally are loseing this weight after so long of a battle???" Dear fit, You DONT cover it up...just tell the truth...you are eating less and exercising more! That IS the truth...the rest is no one's biz!! Cali

I think I like the Mini Mays too!

Dear Navy, Your comorbidities look like the ones they call minor. The majors are hypertension and diabetes and are a lot of times required if your BMI is less than 40! If you get rejected, like me, you have two choices, gain up to the 40 BMI or self pay!We are the same size but I had Aetna...I am lucky to be able to self pay but I dont think its fair! Cali

Having a weight that starts with one...under two hundred!

I think one of the reasons I havent told anyone but immediate fam (just DH and DD) is not that anyone would tell me not to (most people who know me know I cant really be talked out of or into anything!) but that I will be the only person to fail and even get fatter! I know its stupid but once I have a real sense that this is working for me long term then I think I wouldnt have any problem telling. I am absolutely sure that I want to do this but I think you're right that fear of the naysayers is in part fear of our own inner naysayer! Mine isnt saying dont do it but just dont blow it! I have a friend who calls her own mean inner voice Stan! LOL! Shell be trying on some clothes and looking at herself and say, "Shut up, Stan!" because that inner voice must have said the outfit didnt look good! Well we all have a Stan but you're right you can use him to get stronger! Good blog! Cali

I have heard than anything carbonated can stretch you out. I feel bad for you. Good luck. Cali

Well good luck to you, you look beautiful right now! I am also a 14/16 and I know there are so many on this site who are hoping to get down to this size but I'm not very tall (5'4") and I feel like a walrus! The thing is I carry it all in the middle so I am not looking good! I will let you know as soon as I get a date and I hope you will do the same!! You look young too and its good to do this before you get health problems...I am 45 and no health issues (thats why I have to self pay!) but I know they are coming! Take care and good luck! Cali

I love your blog and always look forward to it because I am preband (no date yet) and it really helps to see how you're doing and especially the details of what you are experiencing. I have a question for you...what's the deal about the shaving? Is it just the fine hair on the abdomen or are they putting one of the trochars way down in the downtown zone?! I need to know what to shave. I have been in on a few surgeries and seen how they do it if you dont...dry cheap disposable razor...not good!I dont want to take a chance!! Thanks and keep on going you're doing great!!! Cali

I am trying to see if I pasted the ticker correctly. Cali

I think I will be in May but I dont know for sure yet. I had heard if you were self pay it goes really fast so I was dreaming of getting it in April but who knows. I have been fighting the battle and losing it for twenty years and I finally admit I cant do it without some kind of intervention. I want to lose about 70 or 80 pounds and my BMI is 36 so that's why I have to self pay. I didnt have any comorbid conditions so insurance said no way! So I could gain myself up to a BMI of 40 (way too psychologically damaging for me) in order to qualify but I'm lucky I can afford to self pay. I think it will be worth it. When I get a date I'll let you all know. Cali

Dear Cubsgirl17, Go Cubbies! Yes, I'm originally from Joliet Il and a Cubs fan! I think you are wise to realize this is personal and really no one's business except the very few whom you KNOW will support you unconditionally! PS: I hope to BE you in a year. I am around 215 and hope to get banded soon...you're an inspiration!!! Cali

I remember being pregnant with wicked morning sickness all day and I was on bedrest with nothing to do but watch TV. (way pre-TiVO!) I couldnt stand the sight of food so I really couldnt watch TV...it was a constnt barrage of images. I would sometimes cover my face and want to cry! Lately one night I was watching the first episode of Biggest loser and a commercial during it for McDonalds came on for a promo where for a price you would get two Bigmacs or two breakfast sandwiches. The tag line was "give one to a friend or keep them both for yourself, we wont tell!" What a sick idea especially during that show! Cali

Dear Muiri, I have done some research for the LA area and probably will have it with Dr. Oliak. Everything I have learned about him and his staff is good. I think Dr. Davtyan would be good too ( I love the fact that he has had the procedure himself!) but his staff is alittle tricky in their handling of the English language! I gave up on him because he is outside of my HMO but then now I realize it prob doesnt matter because I am "not fat enough" so I have to self pay. Dr Oliak's website even posts his complications rates and compares them to the worldwide numbers because they are better. Definitely give him a look, his website is good. On this site you can type in the different LA docs names for a search and see what people are saying! Good luck! Cali

Dear Knewme, I prob willl only be telling my husband and daughter and I think I have arrived at why. 1. It is truly no ones' business unless I was a celebrity who lives in a multimilliondollar mansion at the expense of my curious fans. 2. What if I fail? Either way, do whatever you're comfortable with and there will be tons of people like me to support and encourage and never judge you!!!! Good luck, Cali

Hi! I'm considering lap band probably in LA would be the closest. I will probably self pay because insurance co's are the devil! My BMI is ONLY (ha! ha!) 36! I have been looking at web sites for Dr. Oliak in Orange and he seems really good. I am inspired and encouraged by all of your posts...thanks!

Dear Cleo's mom, Thanks for some really good info. I guess I should have known we would lose less and less quickly because that's true without LB. Its always good for me to kind of reign in my expectations. There are so many posts you see where people have lost so much, but then they started much higher. As long as the numbers are going down, its al l good!

Venus, I think you're doing great...I don't know about the band, but for regular weight loss slower is better because its more of a lifestyle change and you're more likely to keep it off! At this point I'd give just about anything to have your ticker...going to the seminar and doc appt. next thursday. Its funny but I really cant wait! Cali