leatha_g

Welcome!!! Glad to have you join us!! Please read up on everything so you'll know what to expect before and after your surgery. There will be a period immediately following with lots of questions. If you know ahead of time about the 'unfilled' period and possible NO weight loss early on you'll be much less anxious that first 6 weeks! There's much information shared, free for the taking! Good luck to you!

Yes, they will. Right on the left 'port' incision, which is the worst one. That's why I taped a guaze over it.

Woohoo!! Go Darcy! Go Darcy! Do Darcy!!:Bunny :Bunny

No bra here either. Although, I did put some gauze over the incision that was just under the left sister. I wore a very loose fitting dress. There's no way I could handle any sort of waist band.

Aww, Vera .. I'm glad you're gonna get fixed up, but I'm sad you may have a leak. I really hope it all gets taken care of for you... Let us know how it goes.

seems like ann marie has multiple personalitys??

I did not. It sounds like revenue generating tactics to me, whether you actually use the services or not. Do you have the option to NOT participate? If he takes your insurance, he should have some contract worked out with them for what he charges for this procedure and it's follow up. My dr's office was not allowed to charge anything for the first 90 days following my surgery. So.. I tried to get as many fills as I could in in that time to get me back to a good restriction. It might be worth a call to your insurance company to see if this acceptable practice for those who are contracted with their company for this particular procedure.

I told my co-workers and at first, I had one lady who did not have a weight problem asking me every single time I saw her, 'how much have you lost?' Finally, one day I told her .02 oz's more than the last time you asked.. ugh..lol. She never asked again..

Happy Birthday Shelley!!! Love your new avatar!

Welcome Kimberly!! Sounds like you're doing a fantastic job! Keep up the good work! Please feel free to review all the posts, there is much information for the taking!

Way to go Jonathan!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Nioxin hair care products are being suggested, also.

i didn't have one done. not every doc requires it.

Awesome news!!

Nope. I buy it in my local Tom Thumb. I find it in the 'health' food section. I highly recommend it, especially for now. The Carb Countdown could be a big blessing for you 'protein-wise'. Good luck! I'm so glad to hear you seem to be improving.

I ate it immediately. Jello was one of my best friends after surgery.

Your sutures have to be completely closed. You do not want any bacteria getting into the wounds.

I've heard nothing but really great things about Dr Ponce.

Jonathon. Have you checked with your pharmacist to see if there is a liquid form of your anti-depressant? I know I had to do that with Pamelor for a few days. It's TERRIBLE to try to swallow and may still not be do-able for you, but it's a thought. After this many days, you should be over the 'withdrawal' stage, but how is your mood? Is this possibly an opportunity to see how you do without them after awhile of being on them? Do you feel more depressed? I know the stress of this horrible experience isn't good, but we can normally tell how we 'feel' mentally as far as depression goes. Maybe it's a chance to see if you can do okay without the drug? I know I've often thought I'd like to be without that ball and chain. lol I really hope the warm liquids are helping to ease your pain and suffering. Another thing that you may literally love if you can keep the warm things down. I've been buying the Oregon brand Chai Tea. You mix it with milk. I use the Hood Carb Countdown which has lots of Protein. This may really help to sustain you and give you some protein too which will help with weakness. I LOVE the Rooibos (red). It is awesome tasting! http://www.worldpantry.com/oregonchai/ocframe.html

Amen to that! Diabetics take insulin. I have a clotting disorder which I take medication for and have an implanted filter. I have to manage the disease or it can kill me. Same with the Lupus they labeled me with. Amputees have prosthesis. Some folks have defibrillators or pacemakers. It's all the same. Except that our disease shows up on the outside - sorta like leporosy, which wasn't very popular in society either. Good post, Alex, as always.

I would definitely go easy on alcohol the night before, just because anesthesia alone could make you sick at your stomach. A hangover on top of that??? Oy.... Also, You'll be having lots of gas anyway, post op. If you stuff yourself the night before, this could only add to that. Gas will be your biggest discomfort, most commonly. Welcome and good luck with your surgery!

Great post Dream. Sounds like you're doing exactly as the band was intended. Even those of us who've had complications get hope from your story. Thank you and welcome!

It makes sense to me that an ulcer INSIDE the stomach wall could weaken the stomach tissue enough to possibly aid any erosion from the band, however, the band is OUTSIDE of the stomach. I don't think any pills will lead to any real erosion of the band itself because they will never touch it. True band erosion comes from the outside in, where the band erodes into the outer walls of the stomach, much like a wire or rope invading the bark of a tree after having been there for awhile. I would definitely think it would be a good precaution to minimize the amount of irritants to the lining of the stomach either way.

Way to go Babs!! I knew you'd get there! You've done an awesome job!!

I've met Spivak and I'd sure let him do my surgery. I've only ever heard great things about him.