Chapamar

Hi Karen and Debbie. I hope your shoulder pain passes soon Debbie and I hope your mother is doing well. Karen, I am in Potton now but, returning to US tomorrow. The concert was magical. I was still sore a bit but not too bad. I've been drinking my liquids and today was able to eat a whole bowl of french onion broth. Yumm. My biggest problem has been knowing when/what to have. I've figured out drinking a ton of water fills me up so I do make sure to do the protein shakes and the broth. I'm just now getting a little volume as my capacity has seemed to increase. The BEST news was when the barium cocktail finally wore off. Phew! I wish you both the best and look forward to keeping up with you both. Take care. Kim

Hello all. I was lucky enough to meet Kaka this week as we were banded the same day along with two other lovely women. I hope to see them on the board as well. Again, I can't express my gratitude for having this thread and the information it has provided. Thank you all.

In Mobile, Mobile Surgical Associates will do your follow-up care if you had your surgery somewhere else.

Will be banded 09/23/09 in Belgium.

I found this in the nutrition thread. It may help. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f9/lapband-food-stages-lists-suggestions-3995/

Sarah I'm so sorry for you.

My Band Date is 9/23/09. Getting all geared up.

I'm going with the 2500 mcg. That is the highest they recommend. And it should be like any other vitamin, what is not absorbed will be expelled in urine.

My surgery is in two weeks, and I also had read about Biotin. I ordered some from Amazon (great prices) and as soon as it gets here, I will start taking it. I'm sure I'll have hair loss and I want my hair to be as thick and healthy as possible if it starts thinning.

Not all BCBS are created equal. Mine makes it almost impossible. In addition to the six month medically supervised diet, you have to exhibit a 3 year history of BMI over 40. If at any time during the diet or the three years, your BMI goes below 40, you have to start all over again.

Hello all. Well, I've just scared myself silly reading the 'lap band failures' thread. I've decided I'm much cozier over here. I leave in two weeks for surgery and I'm getting quite nervous now. Same feelings it seems everyone has pre-surgery. "will it work?" "will I have problems?". Trying to remember to breathe slowly and look forward to a positive outcome.

Still over here counting down the day until September 23.

I'm looking at this from two angles. I'll be banded in three weeks, so I'm thinking of how I will handle it. But, I also went out with a guy once who was banded. He told me over dinner. And it didn't phase me. It was when he started discussing the loose flabby skin he had because of the procedure, when I got totally turned off. That was waaayyy too much information on a first (and ultimately) last date. In retrospect, he was having problems dealing with his new status. In fact, he asked another girl out when I went to the restroom. She told me when she was hugging me goodbye and I had to laugh. It was one of the more douchier moves I've seen on a date.

Stay ahead of the pain if you can.

Pattygreen, did you ever admit that the email you posted, the email that started this whole tirade, was propaganda and not a homespun tale from a couple of good 'ol friends from Montana?

Oliverdog, I sent Frederik an email when I wired the deposit. Letting him know it was on it's way because it does sometimes take a week coming from the US (where I am). I heard from him within 48 hours and he sent the email about saying he would meet me at the hotel the night before to discuss everything and get the balance. Also, he requested my arrival time from airport/Eurostar. Once I gave him that, he said a driver would be waiting for me when I got in and take me to the hotel. Also, the day of surgery a driver will take you to the hospital. Also, a return trip from hospital to hotel and hotel to airport/Eurostar. As for diet, there is a request for low fat diet two weeks prior to the procedure.

I am flying to Brussells and self paying at $6000. That is pre-consultation, transortation from/to airport and from/to hospital. If you read the Dr. De Bruyne thread, you will see many, many people who have used him and have great things to say. My surgery is September 23. (And after care will be done at a Center of Excellence locally)

OliverDog, I believe 4:00 will be fine. I am also going with the package with Frederik and he has said in all his emails that he will come by the hotel between 6:00-8:00 for the consult. My surgery is set for September 23 and I am so excited.

I don't mind your questions at all Gillian. The surgery here is costing around $12,000-$21,000 (8410-14,700 Euros) for self pay. I do have private insurance but it is not friendly at all for this procedure. A year long wait with supervised dieting and if your BMI ever goes below 35, the wait starts anew. So, the cost was a factor. But, I had also planned a holiday in Paris. Something clicked and I started researching surgeons in Europe and found this forum and others commenting on Dr. De Bruyne. I even used the info. here to contact Frederik and once I had made my mind, I extended my flight and holiday plans. I'll be spending a couple of days in England after the procedure, staying with friends. And then I will fly back home. The Surgical center here, which is a Center of Excellence, will provide aftercare. I had verified with them and all they want are the surgical notes and any test results from the procedure. They will offer fills for $150 per visit. I'm absolutely ecstatic and have now confirmed all my trip details with Frederik. Yes!

I do enjoy reading all the stories and learning from your valuable experiences. Bear with me while I am giddy with excitement. It's a little over three weeks till my surgery and I am ready to jump out of my skin with anticipation. Tonight I went and bought loose pants and blousy shirts to wear after the procedure. I got some extra compression hose (in black, I need to match), Chewable vitamins, benefiber packets, and gas-x (which will hopefully give an additional nudge to any anticipated trapped gas). Probably going overboard, but I am ready and may even pack right now! Silly me, I know, but it finally feels real.

Yes. Absolutely you helped. I am so thankful that each of you is willing to share your knowledge and experiences. You have helped me more than you know. And thank you for your patience as I sort through this.

Many thanks Gillian. That is exactly the type information I was looking for. May I ask one more question of you all? (Yes, I'm annoying even myself at this point.) In regards to laxatives and vitamins; are they easily swallowed after the procedure. I know each is vital but I'm wondering how successfully they will go down after the procedure. Please forgive my ignorance.

Thank you for the welcome. I would like to ask a question, please. Feel free to redirect me as I know you all must get tired of answering these for all the new people. However, since I will be traveling from the US, I am a little concerned about my clear liquid diet post surgery. I was thinking of gathering some incidentals to keep in my bag and came up with packets for chicken or beef broth. Since I'm not familiar with the juices/drinks in Belgium or the UK (Which is where I will the week following), what type of drinks would you recommend? Thank you SO much.

Hello everyone. My surgery is scheduled for Spetember 23, 2009 in Belgium with Dr. Chris. As imagined, I am very excited and somewhat nervous. I have read the wonderful information so many of you have provided on the thread about your experience with Dr. Chris and I thank you for sharing so others can benefit from it. I look forward to becoming a part of this community. And any tips would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

I am going to Brussells for a September 23 surgery.