nataliec

Since he is your ex, I think that disqualifies him from getting a vote. Do what you need to do to make yourself happy and healthy and leave behind those who would have you settle for otherwise. Learn this at 20, and save yourself a lot of distress in your life.:hug:

I was just banded on 2-14 and did experience the same thing. I just kept on trying to breathe as deep as I could (even though it was very hard) and eventually it became easier. But if it does continue to get worse, see your PCP re: possible fluid in your lungs.

As I have written to you before, I am in Gwinnett. I will banded on Wed 2-14 at Emory Johns Creek (in Suwanee) by Dr. Hart. BTW, I asked his office what the self-pay is for lap band at this hospital and they said $18,475 for hospital, anesthesia, and Dr fees. This does not include preop testing or post op fills.:ermm

TracyinKS, How in the world are you not having a nervous breakdown??? I would be driving them nuts until I got a surgery date!!

My date has changed from 2/15 to 2/14. Won't be hard to remember my bandiversary. My husband thinks this is the best Valentines Day ever!:whoo:

You have't taken anything from anyone or hurt anyone. No reason to feel guilty. Our paths are all different in this world and, in this case, your path just happened to be a little less obstructed for this particular event in your life. The best way I know to deal with those types of feelings is to live in a way to be "band worthy" (no band abuse).

Excellent reporting, Sleepyjean!:spy:

Well when you sort through all the mumbo jumbo, the end result is that it is not really a bad thing. It can sometimes, though rarely, mean that your body isn't capable of metabolizing protein adequately and it spills out into your urine. This is the case sometimes with athletes who really up their protein load to train, or with people with lots of muscle mass and low body fat,(like my hot DH). His clothes smell like ammonia every time he comes home from the GYM. I assumed he did not pee in them, so that is when I started doing a little research. Every time he goes to get a physical, there is some mention of protein metabolism but all his bloodwork ends up fine. So, I guess your ammonia smell puts you right there in the categories as the finely tuned athletes. So, don't worry. Just keep up with regular physicals and any (rare ) problem will show up there. Good for you for working out so hard!!!

Ammonia smell in the sweat IS NOT ketosis. Ketosis results when the body begins to break down fat to use as energy as a result of a low carb load. The result is a sweet, fruity smell (like juicy fruit gum). Ammonia smell is a result of the imbalance in catabolic and anabolic processes at work during physical exertion. This results in an overload of Nitrogen that the kidneys are unable to excrete completely in the urine. Hence the nitrogen is excreted into the urea in the sweat resulting in the ammonia smell. Just Google "sweat ammonia". It's all right there.:frusty:

Ellie, I have no idea what the self pay is. I have UHC which is covering it 80%, so I haven't inquired about that. But I would think an estimate of at least $15,000 would be accurate. Sounds like the way you have it figured, the cost would be about the same. Also in regard to HJTx, she's right! the gas pains should get better (not worse) and should feel like a soreness (can even be severe soreness) but not a sharp persistent pain. Thanks, HJTx.

I will be banded on 2-15 at the new Emory Johns Creek Hospital. My surgeon is Dr. William Johnson with Johns Creek Surgery / Atlanta Bariatrics (Dr. Christopher Hart) They are located in Johns Creek, between Suwanee, Duluth, and Alpharetta. If you live up 75, the Woodstock Dr. would probably be closer. Good Luck in Mexico.

Ellie, Are you in ATL? I live in Gwinnett County.

Actually,Nella337, that's exactly what happened. When you have a laparoscopic procedure, the abdominal cavity is inflated with a "gas" which allows free movement of the instruments, camera, and organs. When the procedure is finished , the abdomen is emptied of the gas, but some of it remains and diffuses through the tissues in the body and especially in the abdomen or trunk area. This is different from the intestinal gas from the digestive process which expels in the form of a burp or passing gas. The Gas X will help the intestinal gas some which is normal after surgery of any kind, but the best thing for working out the gas that is diffused into the tissues is movement. That is why you should be up and walking the day of surgery and keep moving. (Within reason of course.)

I have a DATE! February 15 - Dr. Johnson's 1st surgery of the day! Already packing my bags for the hospital. Might camp out in the parking lot just to be sure I'm not late.

If your arm is getting worse, not better, upon starting the antibiotics, I would let the dr take a look at it. Some infections have become resistant to certain antibiotics, so if your arm gets any worse at all, don't just call, go in to see the Dr and have him actually see it.

After the surgery, have any of you ladies felt an increase in your libido? I'm thinking my husband wants to have his cake and eat it too.

What a gem you are!

And we'll be here to listen.

Do you know that many people who have had lap band surgery and are trying to discourage you???

Very Clever

I am using Dr. William Johnson in Dr. Christopher Hart's office with Atlanta Bariatrics/ Johns Creek Surgery. They are a bariatric surgery center of excellence and operate both at Northside and soon at the new Emory Johns Creek. Dr. Johnson did his bariatric fellowship at Duke University.... I think you have to have a big brain to go there, and he seems very thorough, smart, and professional. I am only in the pre-op stage. Call their office for an initial consultation, and they'll get you on the road. 770-232-9252

LapBandit, Did you get an answer to your ammonia smell yet? Just Google "sweat ammonia" and you'll get your answer. Too complicated for me to explain here, but any of those Google results should answer your question.

Here's my list. A little bit different, so I won't have to share. 1. Tiger Woods 2. Jason Dohring (bad boy Logan on Veronica Mars) 3. Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin (This is fantasy, after all.)

Who says you have to eat anything? Margaritas.......

When I've had this trouble with other types of medical bills (contradiction between insurance company and medical office) I have opened a file with the state insurance commisioner's office. That is what they are there for, paid with tax $, to look into situations just like this. I have always gotten quick resolution when I have used this resource.