ThePoolGirl

Thanks so much for all the posts on this thread!! I'm sitting here feeling sort of the same way. I feel positive about the band. I'm just trying to wrap my head around eating a small amount and not being hungry. Does it work???? Honest???? Thanks from The Pool Girl

I have been on DepoProvera for more than 10 years. I have had no side effects. If there is weight gain, it is minimal and mostly Water. I also don't have to suffer with having periods. In the beginning there were some spotting and breakthrough bleeding issues but they went away fairly quickly. I have had no depression or anything else...mostly bliss since I have no periods and don't even have to go to the dr's office for shots. My niece is an RN and gives them to me. Whatever you decide, good luck! Happy Banding, The Pool Girl

I just downloaded some paperwork from my surgeon's website and was surprised. There were lists of pre-op stuff and one talks about having a stress test before surgery. Did any of you who were self-pay have to do this? I attended this doc's seminar last night and he went over costs and what tests were included in the fee but didn't mention the stress test. I'm not concerned about it - just curious. I'm wondering if it is an insurance requirement. Thanks! ThePoolGirl

Thanks everyone! I am relatively young and have no heart probs. My surgeon didn't mention the stress test during the seminar he gave. I only saw it when I looked at paperwork from his office. I was curious because no one on the forum had mentioned having a stress test. I've had EKGs and have had no issues. I exercise daily so I'm not concerned if I have to have the test but I'd sure hate having to pay for it . Thanks again to the forum. You all are so helpful!

Dear Paige, First, here is a hug because you really need one. Second, if you are feeling this badly, maybe you should contact your doctor tomorrow. It sounds like you're heading for some serious depression and that isn't going to help anything. Obesity is a disease. Know that and believe it. But changes can be made. It won't happen overnight and right now you are totally overwhelmed. And that's okay. What a good thing you have done to have guts to put your story down in words for so many people to read. That shows that you do care about yourself or you wouldn't have bothered. I'm not speaking to you as one who has a lap band. I don't yet. But I do know about being overweight, being in pain, being sad and being at a loss for what to do next. You've taken a big step. It's just my opinion, but I think a visit with the doctor is the place to start. Getting a handle on the negative feelings is a great place to start - it's a weight off your shoulders so to speak . Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like. I can't talk "band" with you yet, but I am a good listener. Please hang in there. This forum is a great place to find friends and get answers and the support that you deserve. ThePoolGirl (Laura)

I'm looking for a good-tasting ready-to-drink shake. I found Believe online and they sound okay. Just hoping maybe someone will have tried them and can give feedback. :lol:Funny: I called the surgeon's office this morning to set up appt. In the background I could hear the office staff collecting lunch orders. They were having pizza and wings and garlic bread. The woman I was talking to even put me on hold while she placed her order for extra wing sauce. I'm thinking these gals weren't bandsters :wub:. Good news - hearing about pizza didn't make me want any. Could have been that it was only about 11 am and I hadn't even had Breakfast yet but who knows... Any suggestions on Protein shakes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ThePoolGirl

Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a tasty treat!

I know this sounds stupid...but....I'm very nervous about attending my 1st WLS seminar tonight. And I don't know why. I finally mentioned this to my sister who will also be attending. She said she's nervous and uptight. What the heck is wrong with us? I do know what's wrong sort of...what if there's some reason I can't have this band surgery? What if I get answers I don't like? What if I have set myself up for more failure?? Did anyone else feel this way before (just a little old) seminar? Arggh :thumbdown:. Thanks. The Pool Girl

Thanks Jason! Once I was there, it was just fine.

I know everyone heals differently and your doctor has the final say on things....but.... I AM The Pool Girl and I'm wondering how soon after surgery I'll be able to get in the pool. Did any of your doctors restrict you from showering/bathing and you had to sponge? I have a heated pool and try to spend as much time there as possible. I want to change my life badly enough to give up some pool time though. I walk/run in there for an hour every day and don't want to give that up for too long. The treadmill just isn't as fun as time in the sun. Again, I know the surgeon makes the decision about Water. But I would appreciate hearing about how quickly some of you healed or "healed over". Thanks! ThePoolGirl

Thanks Christine!

Thanks, Diana. I'm sure the seminar will be fine. I just can't believe I would be nervous about it. Feels like a 1st date or something.:thumbdown: I appreciate the support. ThePoolGirl

Thanks to all of you! Boy, I hope I am a fast healer!

I've been reading thru this post (and some others) and have not seen any mention of fruit...Well, I did see something about avoiding pineapple altogether due to too much stringy-ness. So, what about fruit? Skin or no skin? Please tell me watermelon will be okay :thumbdown: or I may cry :biggrin: I'm going to my first seminar tomorrow and I'm sure I'll get some answers but it is great to hear from those folks who have actually gone thru with banding and are doing great. Thanks to all of you who post. It's really helpful. ThePoolGirl

My sister had gall bladder removal more than 20 yrs. ago. It was the old, awful kind...10 days in hospital, etc. She's concerned that this may cause problems with lap band surgery. Of course she'll be talking to her surgeon about it but thought maybe someone on here might have had some experience. Thanks!

Debbie, You are right - the nurse was rude and her behavior was uncalled for and unprofessional. I'm so sorry that happened to you and made you dig up old feelings. My sister works for a facility that empowers people with disabilities. It was started by a man who was in a wheelchair, spent forever in hospitals and rehabs and wanted to live on his own. He realized his dream and went on to help countless people with many different disabilities. I wish "your" nurse could spend a day there, watching the hearing impaired on the phone, the girl with CP using her scooter to get to the bus stop or the young lady with her assist dog. Hopefully, she'd realized that people are people and just want to get by in this world. She has no excuse for her rudeness and should have behaved in a professional manner. My other thought is for you to get a big assist dog, find the nurse, and sic the dog on her! Just kidding. Again, I'm sorry you had to go thru that. Sometimes, there's just no cure for stupid. Hang in there and good luck with your band. ThePoolGirl

Thanks everyone! My sister was worried about scar tissue. Her incision is 10-12 inches long and she had a really rough time after the surgery. This was over 25 years ago though. I told her if she'd been born later like I was :frown: she wouldn't have had to go thru the old way. We're 15 yrs. apart. We're going to a seminar on Tues and are trying to think of things we want to find out about or get answered. Thanks much, ThePoolGirl

Hi. I'm new and have not been banded. Haven't seen the dr. yet but attending seminar on Tues. I'll also be a self-pay...urghh. I know that I have a fatty liver thru blood tests and have had an ultrasound. Since I know the fat layer can cause surgery issues I'd like to get started on a plan that will help shrink it. What is the pre-op diet? I have seen Optifast listed on many threads. I'm looking for something I can purchase from a store. Currently, I drink SlimFast shakes for Breakfast. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.:tongue_smilie:

Thanks for the info! I'm sure I'll get my answers after the seminar.