leatha_g

Watch her, she's dangerous.. lol.

You can. Jessie Ahroni never advocates Protein drinks. She says you can definitely get the protein you need by having one cup of lowfat milk and 2 meals with adequate hard Proteins. This is all a very individual journey. I have not pulled the blender out once since I started this. I did buy ready to drink cans of protein drinks. Then, I bought the big container of the nectar Protein, but I try to get my protein through hard proteins most often. It's all up to you and what you like or are willing to do on a daily basis.

I bought a big container of the nectar whey Protein mix. I just throw a scoop of it in my 32oz mug of water and move on. It's about 23g of Protein and I'm drinking my water too. They have different flavors and it's one good way for me to make sure I get my protein. You can also buy Isopure which some folks rave about. I think they all taste pretty nasty myself, but I can stomach it to get the protein I need.

Take some Carmex or something for your dry lips. Also, a 'cough' pillow is your best friend. The best one I've ever had was made for me by folding a flat sheet into a small compact square then taping it across so that it doesn't come loose. You'll be needing this when you cough, sneeze or need to pull yourself up from a sitting position.

As long as you are losing, you do not need a fill(unless you're white knuckle dieting). Lately, there are some docs that are coming out with 'fill schedules'. This scares me, personally, because I've already seen new patients who only knew they wanted fills (they're such a mystical thing) so they let these docs fill them every 2 weeks only to become totally closed up and in the ER from dehydration and of course it's always on a weekend after their Friday fill. YIKES! It's very obvious some of these guys have no experience whatsoever, but they're making money on those fills! All is good in their world! Before my re-banding. I had 3 fills in the period of a year. My second fill was plenty tight enough and I should have never had the 3rd. There is no way on earth that I could have stood a fill every 2 or 3 weeks like I'm hearing some of these people are suggesting. Unless they are putting in only miniscule amounts at a time. ??

This particular article refers to a liver injury in banding surgery abuot 3 paragraphs down. it was too long to post here. sorry. http://www.obesitysurgery.com/ARTICLES/391.html

Lookin Good!!

Well OMG!! They worked my a$$ off!! lol That was so much fun, but I haven't worked that hard in forever. (since I was a little thang) Before I left, my hair was wringing wet and my face was beet red (which I hate btw) but it was fun! Next time, cooler clothes! For less than 3 weeks out of surgery, I think I did pretty darn good! Anyway, I learned the basics of the 'Progressive' 2 step. It was interesting to say the least. But, I enjoyed it and I already paid to go to an all day seminar/dance party on the 25th. This is a great way to get out and meet some people, which I definitely need! Lethal update #1.

Just to add to everyone else's info. In addition, some facilities just do not have the instrumentation that is required for the larger BMI. It takes longer trocars for those with a high level of tissue/fat to go through to get to the place where they need to insert the band. Some facilities have it readily, some do not. You will hear of some physicians saying they will not do anyone over a certain BMI. I definitely think it's a good question to ask up front as you may need to be seeking another physician or another facility to have your surgery in. Just my 2 cents.. Leatha

I had Cigna PPO when I was banded and I live in Texas, however, each company's coverage is different. Just because my company chose to cover weight loss surgery does not mean yours did. I change to Cigna HMO/EPP after one year and they too, paid for my rebanding one year later. It's all in how the policy is written, inclusions and exclusions. It should say in your handbook or you could call and ask if they cover (if you had the ICD-9 code that is used.) Good luck!

3 as often as I can. No less than 2. and I usually have a snack before bedtime to take my medications.

LOL, I'm a big Ted fan. Can't even tell you how many times I've seen him. He was even both of my kids first concerts. lol. Hope you get better soon!

Penni: 4/6/04 -- 47 lbs Lisa: 5/5/04 -- 51 lbs Becky 6/03/04 -- 53 lbs Denice: 8/12/04--20 lbs Leatha 05/29/03 - 67lbs Total Loss: 238 pounds

Many women have been both banded and pregnant successfully. The most that I know of use mostly Yahoo Groups Smartbandsters. I'm sure there are others. I think they take most of the fill out for the duration of the pregnancy then refill after the birth, but I have heard of no complications whatsoever with the pregnancy or delivery itself. I wish you luck!

The band is meant for life because as with any weight loss regime, that is really only the beginning. Just because we lose our weight does not mean that we will be able to maintain it alone. Once goal is met some people let a bit of saline out to see if they can maintain on their new eating habits and some do. Some gain and ask for their fill to be put back in. I have heard some discuss having it removed, but like with any other weight loss, I would be terrified because it is so easy to revert right back to old behaviors. Thank goodness we have the choice!

Welcome Lindsey. I hope you'll find what you need to help get you on the road to better health!! Please feel free to browse all the sections of this forum. There is some great information and shared wisdom here! Leatha

Thank you Neicy! I'm gonna try. Where you been? Long time no see.

You might try www.inamed.com for a doctor locator. There are also Yahoo Groups in your area for bandsters who might be able to help you. Please, whatever you do, make sure you have a follow up doc lined up and confirmed before you have surgery. Many people are experiencing no follow up/emergency care after being banded. Good luck to you!

Actually. Perception is everything. There are some real nice panties out these days that are lycra with a reinforced tummy. I absolutely love them and won't wear anything else. I feel like they keep me 'together'. I have only worn this type of panty for at least the past 10 yrs. Regular nylon or cotton panties leave me feeling as if everything is loose and jiggling. It may be that she was trying to share something with you that she has found to make her feel better? By some, these panties are percieved as a panty girdle type thing, but they're really just a panty with more control. They're a bit more expensive but well worth the price in how you feel in your clothes, and look. Even if her intent wasn't the best, maybe you could re-frame the situation and try some for yourself. You might actually love them. Then you both win! Just my 2 cents.. Leatha

I haven't, but I sure hate mine. They look awful and affect the type of clothes I can wear/buy too. :think

You could always come, go with..

lol. I've been asking myself the same thing. For now, probably just jeans, etc. Later on, who knows?

I used Dr. Veninga in Carrollton. Great guy! Dr Cribbins in Plano is very good, but I think has a waiting list pretty long. I'm not sure of anyone's rates. Dr. Benavides is well sought after, but the place he actually does surgery isn't contracted with any insurance. No real hospital facilities in the event something went wrong. Dr. Hamn is good, I hear. Dr. Provost at UTSW is excellent - another long waiting list, I think. There are bunches in the area.

Welcome Tina! We're practically neighbors! As for cost, depending on where you go and who you choose. I've heard anywhere from $7000 to $30000. Will you have insurance coverage or be self-pay? We have both types of bandsters here. Some banded right here in the USA and some banded in Mexico and abroad. We're glad to have ya! Please be our guest and browse the sections in this forum. There is lots of information on every one of these pages! Again, Welcome! Leatha

I know you're very busy this month, Janie, but I haven't forgotten you. We need to get our heads together and decide when would be a good time to get together. Everyone in agreement, say Ay.. Leatha