wootsie73

I asked my PCP and my psychiatrist, and neither one of them knew of anyone! Amarillo is a lot smaller than San Antonio, so the choices of any kind of psychologist is very limited. I haven't had a chance to contact the 1 I found yet, but all they can tell me is no. Thanks for all of your help on all of the threads we have talked on. Joan

It sounds like the drain was ready to come out whether or not the doc thought it was or not. LOL You got lucky with the drain coming out on it's own. It doesn't feel great when they take them out. I'm glad you are doing well! It's definitely wonderful that you are seeing curves. Whoo Hoo! Joan

Hi Sue, I'm and RN, so I may be able to give you an answer to your questions, but your doc is ultimately the person to find out from. First, you didn't say how long it had been since you had the surgery. That makes a big difference on whether or not he will take the drain out. Second, 25cc in 8 hours is still a significant amount of drainage, so IMHO, the drain isn't ready to come out just yet. It is VITAL for the bulb to be deflated for it to work. If the bulb is inflated and round, it will not work. So, if you notice that the bulb is inflated, open it and make sure to get it as deflated as you possibly can, then re close it. Hope this helps. Joan

ridethewave, This a very understandable question to ask, especially when you are learning about the band. After they place the band around the top portion of your stomach, they stitch a flap of your stomach up over the band to help prevent slippage. When they 1st started doing the lap-band, they didn't stitch the flap over it, and there were a large number of slippages. This procedure has drastically decreased the slippage complication post-op. There is a video of the actual surgery being performed on the internet and I think on U-Tube as well. You should be able to google it and find the website. If it doesn't bother you to watch that kind of thing, I would suggest anyone with questions about what is actually done during the surgery to watch it. I'm an RN, so it didn't bother me at all, but it may be difficult for some people to watch. I found it very interesting. Joan

I read a post on another website I go to that asked if anyone knew about a 1 incision lap-band surgery. I googled it, and Dr. Scott at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas did the 1st 1 in the US. Apparently they are having a lot of positive results with it, since other docs have started doing it in other parts of the country. My surgeon used to be at UTSW, so maybe he does them to. Since I'm not banded yet, I think I will ask about it. Joan

They put the fizz in it to make it taste like "Sprite"! What a joke. It's nasty tasting stuff, but I would rather drink it than Golyetly. Has anyone ever had to take that? You have to drink a GALLON of the crap. GROSS! Joan

Believe me, I know how you feel. My surgery has been postponed for over 2 years now. I'm waiting on the hospital to get their Center of Excellence certification now. It's been a very long journey thus far, but I know it's all going to be worth it when I do finally get my band. Good luck! Hopefully everything will work out for you. Joan

Believe me, I know what it's like to be an x-smoker. I've quit and started back several times. I've even quit for as long as a year and started back. I know I can quit, that's not the issue. It's staying off of the stupid things that's the problem for me. I have a lot of stress going on in my personal life right now that is making it very difficult to quit. I'm going to give it a try though. Hopefully I will kick the habit forever this time. I'm glad you changed doctors. Hopefully you will be much happier. Joan

No, I do not have a question for the pastor. The statement about intelligence and faith was simply that; a statement. Personally, I've never had a near death experience, so I am not going to say what people do or do not experience. However, just because an area in the brain can be stimulated to do the same thing, doesn't make these individuals wrong. None of us knows the answer to that question. There is a possibility of it being electrical activity in the brain at the time, but we just don't know. Also, science will most likely never be able to answer all of these questions, no matter how long they are studied. As far as defending what I said about us having a brain and us changing God's plan for us due to the decisions we make for ourselves, that is something I can't prove anymore than you can prove the purple monkey thing. I choose to believe that to be true, and there is no way to prove it. However, you can't prove it isn't true either. It's just my opinion along with tons of other people in this world. We are each entitled to our own thoughts and opinions. I will reiterate the 1 thing I did say that you didn't comment on. If I'm wrong about the way I feel, I have lost nothing at the end of my life, but if I'm right, I have everything to gain.

Quote: Originally Posted by wootsie73 I also never said that all educated people are non-believers. Some are and some aren't. You kinda did, here is what you wrote: Quote: Why is that people with a lot of higher education turn into atheists? Is that they are so intelligent their brains have no room left for common sense and faith? Sorry, that was a type o on my part. I intended to say SOME PEOPLE WITH A LOT OF HIGHER EDUCATION. My bad. Notice, you didn't say some or a few, you wrote people with a lot of higher education turn atheist. Quote: However, it has been my observation throughout my life that many highly educated people have lots of book smarts, but no common sense. That means common sense in general, not just about religion. Are you under the assumption that it requires common sense to believe in the impossible such as talking snakes, virgin births, a little bitty ark that holds 30,000,000 species (x2) and food for a year, etc.? Are you really serious? I think you and I have very different thoughts on what common sense is. Not at all. It has been my observation throughout my life that some people who are very intelligent, by that I mean people with high IQ’s and lots of book smarts, don’t have enough common sense to come in out of the rain. That has nothing to do with their religious beliefs at all. Quote: As far as me giving the OP a question for her pastor, I think there have been plenty of those already posted, and I already have my own personal opinions as to what the pastor's answer would be if he were actually asked to answer them. Trippy, so it was just a general slam to atheists. Thank you for clearing that up. I'm quite sure your God is pleased with your behaviors. Again, I will explain myself. This statement was not a slam to atheists. My brother is a pastor, and we have spent many hours discussing these exact same topics. I’m sure most pastors would probably agree with him in general. There have been plenty of questions asked. I don’t need to add to the list. Quote: The Roman Catholic statement was an observation made directly from this thread. The fact is many of the atheists that have posted were raised Catholic. Their words, not mine. I agree with you. While I can't say most atheists I know were raised RC, many were and I think RC does tend to produce quite a few atheists. But then, so does reading the bible. One we can agree on. LOL I disagree with the part about reading the Bible, but that is my own personal choice. I don’t try to force my beliefs on anyone. In my original post, I said God had given us all brains to think with and we are capable of making our own choices. The response to that was “kewl Beans. Prove it.” In response to that I will say, prove I’m wrong. I'm definitely not trying to make any enemies here. But, I have as much right to my opinion as everyone else does. What you do as far as religion or lack of religion is your own business. I'm not trying to convert anyone.

My surgeon did not mention a nicotine test. I sure hope they don't do that, since I am a smoker. Maybe I should try to quit. I don't have a surgery date yet.

Wow, that's pretty rude. The OP was quite clear about WHY she was starting this thread. She bloody well spelled it out for you. Was there a portion of the explanation that is difficult for you? Have you noticed that she's not debating anyone? I did not say the OP was debating with anyone. The other people who have posted are the ones debating each other. I never said the OP was. I also never said that all educated people are non-believers. Some are and some aren't. However, it has been my observation throughout my life that many highly educated people have lots of book smarts, but no common sense. That means common sense in general, not just about religion. I am educated myself, plus I am a Christian who also believes the earth is millions of years old. There are lots of Christians who believe in science and creation at the same time. There are also many scientists who believe in both as well. As far as me giving the OP a question for her pastor, I think there have been plenty of those already posted, and I already have my own personal opinions as to what the pastor's answer would be if he were actually asked to answer them. The Roman Catholic statement was an observation made directly from this thread. The fact is many of the atheists that have posted were raised Catholic. Their words, not mine.

I have read this entire thread, and am always amused by the so called "lack of debate" the person w ho starts the thread says they do not want. It always seems to turn into a debate no matter what. I also find it interesting that many of the non-believers were raised Roman Catholic. Interesting indeed. So, here is my question for your pastor, and I hope someone does ask him this. Why is that people with a lot of higher education turn into atheists? Is that they are so intelligent their brains have no room left for common sense and faith? The original question was very good. I have to say though, many of the responses have been very debatable and on the fringe of ridiculous. God does have a plan for us all, but he also gave us a brain to think with. Therefore, we are able to make our own choices. When God created each of us, he had a plan for us. It is us that change the plan by the choices we make as individuals.

Fanny, I don't think you should feel weird about offering to be mentor/buddy. There are lots of us out there who are just looking for emotional support when they get stressed. I think you would be a great mentor. Joan

Well, it's easy for me to say now that I am going to follow the diet to the letter, but I'm not in the situation yet. I don't think my dr has an all liquid pre-op diet. I think he lets you eat basically like the Atkins diet. So, I won't know until I get there. All I can say is I'm going to try. I think all of us are trying to follow dr's orders. I'm sure I will have just as many problems as everyone else on this board has. In a few months when I'm the 1 having a hard time, then you guys can laugh at me and tell me I told you so. LOL Joan

I don't mind telling you why I'm not banded yet at all. I saw my surgeon, Dr. David Provost in Dallas, 2 1/2 years ago. I was all excited and didn't think I would have any problems going through the approval process. He told me he wanted cardiac clearance,because I have several stents in my arteries. So, the cardiologist did a test called a PET test, which showed I had blockage in 1 of my coronary arteries. The cardiologist did a heart cath and put 2 stents in 1 of my coronary arteries. Well, he used medicated stents, which meant that I could not be off of my blood thinners for a year. To get my lap-band, the surgeon wanted me off of the blood thinners for a week prior to surgery. So, the surgery was postponed for a year. I waited the year and talked to my cardiologist about clearance, and he said I was good to go. I called the surgeon's office to try to set a surgery date, and was told Medicare had started requiring a 6 month dr supervised diet before they would pay for the surgery. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! So, I talk to my PCP and she didn't want to get involved and told me to talk to my cardiologist. He told me he didn't do it either, so I was in limbo. Finally, last May I got my PCP to do it for me. I did the 6 months and put off going to see the surgeon, because I was extremely ill with pneumonia, etc the last couple of month of 2008. When I called in Janruary, I was told my doctor was no longer with that practice and had moved to another city north of Dallas. So, I called his office and saw him February 2, 2009. We discussed the lap-band again and everything for surgery is a go. There's only 1 problem. Medicare requires the surgery be done at a Center of Excellence, and the hospital where he has his new practice doesn't have that certification yet. He told me it would be 3 to 6 months before they get it, but they have applied for it. He offered to send me to another surgeon, but he has done thousands of surgeries and I want him to do mine. So, that's what I'm waiting on now. I called last week and they still don't have it. That puts me back in limbo until they get their certification. What a mess, huh? Joan

Oh yes, I've definitely decided to get the band. My journey has been very long, over 2 years, but I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I have my surgeon, and am just waiting for the hospital where he practices to get their Center of Excellence certification that Medicare requires. He has done thousands of surgeries, but he moved to a different town. I have posted a lot, but I still need emotional support. I am looking for a local psychologist that specializes in weight loss to help me deal with the issues that caused me to gain so much weight to begin with. My surgeon is 300 miles away, so I definitely need to find someone local. Thanks so much for being willing to be a buddy. I think we all need 1. Joan

I'm so sorry to hear you are having so many problems. I'm not banded yet, so you guys are kinda scaring me. I'm an RN, so I will kinda tell you what the blood tests are for. Anyway, the Metab PNL is to check all of your electrolytes, including your Potassium, sodium, Calcium, etc. The CBC is to check you blood count levels such as white blood cells, which will tell them if you have an infection, your red blood cells, and all of the other types of blood cells. They will find out if you are anemic and if you are malnutritioned, and stuff like that from these tests. This is definitely what you need to have done. If you aren't getting enough nutrition, they will find that out from these tests. As far as the Reglan is concerned, I take it myself and have had no side effects from it. I only take it when I need it, but it helps tremendously with nausea. I hope this helps you some. Good luck and keep us informed. Joan

Welcome! I can relate to your concerns, because I'm in the same place. I'm not banded yet either, and don't even have a date, but I know I can do this. You can do this to. The people on the board are so helpful and encouraging. Just keep reading and learning here. Everyone is here to support you. Joan

Hello Everyone, This is my first post in the Christian thread. I am not banded yet, but I feel God has sent my surgeon, the band, and all involved to me. I am in the same boat as ldeere2005 financially. I am disabled and live on a very limited income, so coming up with the $1000 I have to pay down has been a huge concern for me. Well, I had a financial source I never expected send me the money. I feel that was a God send. Right now I'm waiting on the hospital where my surgeon practices to get their Center of Excellence certification, but I am sure it will be very soon. Yes, I know God loves me right now while I'm fat, but I know He will also love me when I'm thin again. I have almost every co morbidity, including hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. I am looking forward to being healthy again. I don't think I'm wrong in believing that God has sent this to me. Joan

KatW, I can't tell what date you posted this message, but I live in Amarillo and am using Dr. Provost to. I saw him 2 years ago in Dallas, then in February in Denton. I would like to get to know you. Joan

Welcome to both of you! I am not new here, but I'm not banded yet. I've been waiting a couple of years, but that's a long story in itself. This is a great site to learn about the band. I just recommend you do lots of research and reading here to help you get through this. Good luck to both of you! Joan

I'm not banded yet, but I am an RN, and I can definitely see both sides of this issue. If your surgeon put in an inferior band, then he should be held accountable for that. I'm sure the new doc must have read in your records that you have the VG band or he wouldn't have brought up the issue. But, I can also see the point that your new doc may be trying to sell you a new band, which would include him placing it. In that situation, he would be getting paid for your surgery for the AP band and the fills. Now he's only getting paid for the fills. So, if it were me, I would do some research on the issue before you make up your mind about whether to go after your 1st surgeon. Those medical records belong to you, so you can make them give you a copy of them. I would read those records thoroughly and it should say in his notes prior to surgery which band you were supposed to get. That way if you develop a problem, then you can go after him. That's just my opinion though. Joan

I'm not banded yet, so this may sound out of line to those of you who are, but I have a question. If you can't make it through the pre-op diet without cheating, how do you think you are going to follow the post-op diet without cheating? My surgeon has a pre-op diet, and I plan to follow it to the letter. Joan

I have considered my self a cokeaholic for years! I did quit drinking regular Cokes and started drinking Coke Zero, but my doc says none after surgery. I'm drinking a few regular Cokes again, since I can't have them post-op. Here is an article I copied and pasted from his website about it. Everyone should make up their own mind about it. Weight Loss Surgery Success: Life After Soda Pop Your weight loss surgery is over, and the most challenging part of this whole journey is behind you…right? Well, not exactly. After surgery, your next step in recovering from obesity is to lose weight and maintain a healthy BMI – and that means saying goodbye to the fizz and caffeine of soda pop. Although it’s tough to quit soda, there are good reasons why weight loss surgery and soft drinks don’t mix. The first is related to your new, smaller stomach size. For example, if you’ve had Lap-Band® surgery, the inflation of your stomach pouch caused by drinking even a sip of carbonated beverage can cause your pouch to strain uncomfortably against the band. Gastric bypass patients and sleeve gastrectomy also report feeling uncomfortable from the gas produced by even a mouthful of soda. Why? In short: The gas in the drink comes out and expands your stomach like a balloon. Your new stomach pouch can be stretched out over time if you drink carbonated beverages after your surgery. What’s more, carbonated beverages – like soda pop, ginger ale, sparkling cider and even tonic water – increase hunger and contribute to weight regain. In general, any drink that lists carbonated water as an ingredient – with or without added flavoring – is on the forbidden list. But this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to tap water and coffee. Zero-calorie, zero-fizz fruit-flavored waters, such as Fruit2O, are great alternatives for weight-loss surgery patients. You can also try fruit-based “ades”, like lemonade and orangeade. And powdered, sugarless soft drink mixes, like Crystal Light, Wyler’s Light Drink Powders, and Sugar Free Kool-Aid, are all fine as well. Sadly, it’s not just soda that’s off the menu. Despite its high vitamin content, fruit juice is a no-go for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy patients as well. The high sugar content in juice may lead to dumping (and no fruit smoothie is worth that!). And, for anyone who has had weight loss surgery, the fact that most fruit juices are high in calories can cause a major setback when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. As an alternative, consider beverages flavored with artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda or TruVia, which is made from stevia plant extract. Green tea is not only refreshing, but also good for your health, and there’s not a calorie in sight. The same goes for herbal tea. In the end, however, it’s always going to be better for you to drink plenty of pure water, and to avoid drinking fluids for 30 minutes before or after a meal so you don’t flush food through your stomach pouch. By follow these few simple tips you can help keep your pouch happy, your body hydrated, and your weight right where you want it!