SeaBreeze

My addiction has always been books, and snacking while reading them. I've made a new rule; no eating and doing ANYTHING else. Books are still my favorite addiction, but I now enjoy them without food. I'm trying out other hobbies...photography, scuba, sailing lessons, and next.... kayaking (if I fit in one that is! LOL). I'm sure I'll find something because fortunately (or unfortunately?!) it take tons of alcohol to affect me in the least..always been like that. As for music and exercize...I've always worked out or walked with my music, until I discovered something new. My new iPod has video capability...I've downloaded 2 seasons of Monk and have suddenly found myself working out for an hour without even NOTICING! I now look forward to the treadmill so I can see the show, 'cause I don't allow myself to watch it any other time.

Sammee, first, I read your stats and YOU'RE MY HERO! I'm banding Aug 9th and am excited and ready to go to work, but somewhere in the back of my brain is the doubt that against all stats and research, somehow this won't work for me. It's not rational or reasonable, but it's that part of the brain that says rediculous things like "don't get your hopes up and you'll avoid disappointment" Well my hopes are up and stats like yours keep me going! Second, about your troll, I think Jack put it most elequently. There are those people out there who's only happiness is to point to others and say 'hey, at least I'm not as bad off as that person is". At what point in your life; at what stage in your health, do you say,"OK, this is the only life I've got. Time to get out the big guns and do everything I can to make it the life I've always wanted" I say that time is 'just as soon an humanly possible.' Hopefully your troll will reach that realization soon. 'Cause life is more fun in the sun, and we all know what happens to trolls in the sun!

If someone called the doc "Rude", that would be easier for me to gloss over than "I spent 3 weeks in the ICU with a perforated fill in the blank" Good point Morsaille. I also did a lot of research, and while cost was a factor in my decision, the skill of the doctor is the primary concern. I picked the docs that I was most interested in and did a quick little survey including total number of Lap-Band surgeries; erosions; removals and added in feedbacks on bedside manner... The ratio between number of surgeries and number of erosions/removals was they key for me.

Volumetric Incentive Spirometer - Has anyone used this pre-op? What does it do and what is its purpose as it relates to this particular surgery? I wasn't sure if this was something I really need to go buy, but my pre-op directions say it is "highly recommended".

Thanks Terry, I just looked it up online...my pre-op instructions 'recommend' it and that we use it 7 days pre-op...Maybe just to exercise the lungs?? I don't really know, so I suppose I'll call and ask the nutritionist. Favorite reqired hospital item: the $28 dollar footies! LOL

Experienced Frequent Flyers...Would it help to not eat anything before a flight? I do a lot of international flying and am scheduled to be banded 8/9, so am concerned.

My Band Day (Aug 9 *yeah*) is fast approaching and I'm still on the road and far from home. My DH and I live in a hotel room with a tiny fridge and a contraband microwave. I've been researching post-op diets and the liquid phases look do-able, but the mushies are giving me pause. We eat out...a lot...and while I can see buying a blender for the room, I can't see that working in a restaurant (insert mental pic here! LOL). Any ideas for 'mushies in public'?:hungry:

Great ideas Wheetsin! I had no idea you could ask for that in a restaurant, but I guess it makes sense. Thanks. Since I'm in the South buffets are do-able...they're everwhere! So what kinds of food are best for blenders?

Hey Koala, My hubby and I will be flying in the 8th, so yeah, we should meet! I've been working on my packing list; liquid tylenol was hard 2 find. I've been trying to cut down in general for the upcoming diet, and have been using Slimfast Optima for 2 meal replacement...so far zip! This makes me a bit nervous, so I'm planning to call the nutritionist early and get started on that diet 10 or 12 days pre-op instead of 7. Wish me luck. I think I have the world's slowest metabolism. :faint:

Hi all, I have been ghosting this forum for a couple of months while I researched the band. I just wanted to thank everyone for their comments and frank discussions. You have all been a great help to me (is that called band-aid? - sorry; couldn't resist) in making this decision. I will be joining the TJ bandsters on August 9th, with the aid of Dr. Ortiz and his crew. If there is anyone else who will be in Tijuana between the 8th and 12th of August, shout out. I'd love to hear from you. I'm excited, nervous and determined at this stage, and of course, can't wait 'til the day.