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I'm kind of embarrassed that I don't know the answer to this already, considering I am having surgery on 9/20.:embarassed: How exactly does the band work to make you feel full? I understand that we feel (or I will feel) full sooner due to the restricted stomach size, but how does it make one feel full longer? And does the band somehow affect hormone levels that allow one to feel full? Thanks in advance!

That's fantastic! Congratulations!!!!:clap2:

Hedwig please let us know how things go re: the colonoscopy. I hope you are able to get one soon. My thoughts are with you. :hug:

I can totally understand the desire to go to the country where your family came from, esp if you had never been allowed to go there before. I really enjoyed visiting my Irish relatives, and it was something I had been looking forward to for years - seeing where my family lived, visting long-lost cousins. If I had been forbidden by Ireland from ever visiting or living there, I can see how that might fuel a desire to do so when the ban was lifted. It would be almost in way to "reclaim" what had been taken from my family. I'm not Cuban and I know very little of Cuban history, so I can't speak about that. But I can understand the desire to return to the place where one's ancestors are from, and I find nothing anti-American about it.

When I first started using the CPAP I'd wake up dry and sneezing and felt like I had a cold. For me, it was b/c I didn't have a humidifier attachment to the CPAP, which has now made all the difference. So...it might be that you don't actually have a cold, but have a reaction to the dry air in the CPAP. Maybe use a little Vicks Vapo-Rub on your nose tonight and try sleeping with a humidifier?

Cognratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're an inspiration! And I just want to say I love your quote: Change is inevitable, progress is optional. Love it!

Hi James! I'm getting banded on September 20th by Dr. Geiss at Syosset Hospital in NY. I too was a husky or "big" girl all my life. Not overweight, but big. Then as I got older, the pounds just kept piling on. Every year I seemed to gain 20 lbs. Also like you, I could lose, but kept putting it back on. And on. And then some.:phanvan The band is a huge decision, and I'm nervous and excited at the same time. But most of all, I am really looking forward to having energy again. I wish you the best of luck!

Hey James! I didn't see your thread! Sherry, I need to look at my information and see when liquids start. I think I'm in denial about it.:straight

I recently started trying out different protein shakes b/c I am lactose intolerant. Even soy products can contain some milk. Maybe try switching to a lactose-free drink? (I don't think there is one that is 100% lactose-free, but you can get them at 98-99%).

Got my insurance approval letter in the mail yesterday! So relieved that went smoothly.

Wow, sorry to hear about your illness. But congratulations on the medical clearance!

That is awesome! Congratulations!!! And thanks to your son!

The time away is fine (our dog is alone from 7:30 - 5) but housetraining might be difficult. I suggest reading a few books before deciding on a puppy (I think one of the Dummies books helped us when our dog was a puppy) because the first year can be very difficult if you work, difficult for you and the dog. I think it's a wonderful idea though! Dogs are just wonderful and bring so much joy. Best wishes to you in this new stage of your life.

My mom is an ER nurse, and has been for abut 30 years. She started out as an LPN, and just 4 years ago earned her RN license. I am so proud of her. That is one tough job.

I'm an admissions counselor and alumni affairs coordinator for a Mathemtaics department. I love working at a university. The pay isn't great, but the students and faculty are wonderful. Still, I am debating a career change to nursing.

Wow this is great! :clap2: Hi you guys!!! I am taking some time off in August to go operation shopping - getting a heating pad, liquid Vitamins, etc., using the pre and post-op lists on the boards. I wish you the best and look forward to talking more as the day comes closer!:huggie:

Anyone get a September date beside me?

At my current MO weight, I always get comments on how I look so much younger than my age (I'm 35, people tend to think I am 27ish). I am sure when the weight comes off so will the padding that keeps my face looking youthful. I am dreading the loose skin and wrinkles, but cannot wait for renewed energy.

I'm reading the nutrition panels for various protein shakes and seeing that there is not much fiber. Did anyone add metamucil or something else?

I never knew there were so many Protein drink formulas! My doc recommends Medifast, but I want to use other formulas as well b/c I tried Medifast once and didn't love it. The guidelines are about 100 calories, 12 grams protein, and less than 3 grams of fat per 8 ounces. I prefer lactose-free. Any suggestions? Thank you!

My date is September 20th. Oddly, it WAS August 18th, then I received a call that it would be August 30th, and when I said I had been given a date, the 18th, I was told Dr. Geiss was on vacation. I had to move it to September b/c work begins to get very busy for me at the end of August (I work at a university). I'm actually happy about the date change, b/c it won't be so humid in late September and I can sit in my yard for longer periods of time. It's great to hear more positive feedback about Dr. Geiss. I really am impressed with him and feel confident I made a good decision.

I haven't been banded yet (September 20th, Dr. Geiss, NY) but already I am finding myself more optimistic about the future, and thinking about doing things I wouldn't have considered before. For example, I am considering furthering my education, and maybe making a career change. On a smaller scale, I'm thinking about re-doing my basement, first by removing some linoleum tiles and painting the walls. I still have the same low-energy, but I know I will be feeling better soon. And I can imagine doing things that should I continue to be fatigued and out of shape I would never imagine doing, b/c I'd know I wouldn't have the energy for it. Has anyone else used their new energy levels and/or good feelings to make other positive changes in their lives?

So when you have an appropriate fill, does the hungry-feeling go away?

Hey Elisabeth! We have the same surgeon! I think I will get some of the RTD Medifast, for convenience.

Ooooh Leona that sounds yummy! Question about the Protein powders though - aren't some made with milk? I don't mean mixed with milk, but some powders themselves are not lactose-free, are they? This is where I get confused.:eek: