omamilam

Nope, never heard of it. Interesting. I quit once before for over a year using the patch and a fake cig to hold. Holding the fake one and drawing on it satisfied my physical habit to smoke while the patch curved the nicotine cravings. I was so stupid to take a drag one day from my hubby's cig and was hooked all over again. Still kicking my butt over that. Thanks I will look into it. I tried hypnosis once. Didn't work for me tho.

I am also looking at March maybe April as a surgery date. I have to quit the old :ballchain: too. I found that Target has the best buy on their store brand nicotine patches. Sooooo not looking forward to suffering thru that. :banghead: I know its best for my health all the way around. But, I (cough) just enjoy it so much (cough)(cough).

Cannibus anything makes me nauseated! I'll pass.

Here is a video of a Doctor that may convince you. http://www.youtube.com/user/Endobariatric#p/c/DCC7DC6C03E9469B/14/5rTcnv40efE , I too had reservations about the Lap Band. So I DUG DEEP into the research between the Band and the Sleeve. Australia just posted their stats of a ten year study on the Lap Band. They stated that the Lap Band fills and unfills COSTS MORE than the surgery itself over a ten year period. It also said with all the complications that many had to have the band removed due to so much scar tissue from the band. The United States has not had the Band as long as Australia therefore; the U.S. does not have the data Australia has on the LB. Many had to get the vertical sleeve procedure or a gastric bypass when their band failed. I have decided to get the sleeve (VSG-vertical sleeve gastric) it just makes your stomach the size it should be before you stretched it out by over eating for so long. There is no foreign objects in your body, no fills or unfills and no constant trips back and forth to the doctor at $150 a pop which adds up to more than the surgery over time. No food getting stuck, you don’t have to chew your food to mush just to swallow it. Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking Protein powder the rest of my life 2 or 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. The sleeve is more natural and is more like having a “normal stomach “after it heals. You can eat whatever you want without any restrictions except maybe carbonated soda everyday. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) After doing a lot of research monitoring the LB chat room for 4 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me.Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. It’s a personal decision, do your homework and research. Continue to talk to Bandsters and VSG patients before you make your final decision. GOOD LUCK !

You must be getting prepped by now. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I won't be in your shoes until March or April. I hope your recovery is easy and quick. Keep us posted. We are all behind you. Vicki

http://www.howmuchprotein.com/foods/

http://www.howmuchprotein.com/foods/

Read your insurance policy bulletin. There are specific guidelines you must meet or they will not pay. Things like recorded visits stating specific things. You may need to see a dietician or have behavior modification or get on an exercise program. Find out what you insurance has to know to pay the claim. Good Luck

Find out how many calories you are supposed to eat if you don't already know. Then install this website http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ it is the best and easiest way to keep track of what you eat. I just love it. Good Luck.

I am excited for you. I can hardly wait to have mine. I have chosen to not tell anyone but my hubby and children because of that very issue. Its no one else's business. I plan on telling people I'm taking some time off for myself and doing some things I haven't had time to do. Then if they ask how I lost all the weight I will tell them with lots of hard work and dedication and that won't be a lie. I would suggest trying a few protein shakes or get recipes from others on the forum before your surgery so you will not be experimenting with stuff and you will know what you like and can tolerate. There are even fruit based proteins. One called Nector but I haven't tried it yet. Hang in there and Good Luck!

Try putting a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil on a wet wash cloth. Lay it in the corner of the tub and take a hot steamy shower. The warm wet steam will activate the oil and It will open up your sinuses so you can expel all the mucous. You can do this as many times as you want because it is all natural and homeopathic. You can get it at the pharmacy, Wal-Mart, or Whole Foods. It is very inexpensive and works great. You will think you are at the spa. I used this method when I was pregnant years ago and still do today. OR You can purchase a Neti Pot but I prefer the Neil Med Sinus Rinse. It just works better than the Neti Pot. http://www.neilmed.com/usa/sinusrinse.php . I hope you feel better.

I concur on it being PRIVATE. If anyone asks me how I lost weight, I will just tell them with lots of hard work and dedication and I won't be telling a lie. It isn't their business and it is personal and private. Only my immediate family knows. Hubby, Kids and Mom because they deserve to know and I will need their support.

You will find a lot of nice people here. I haven't had my surgery yet either. I just now going thru the surgery pre-D phase. I have to do the 90 day thing before I can have surgery. You don't have to be post op to belong to the site. You can get a lot of pre op advice and support along your journey. Especially when the date draws nearer and you start getting excited and worried at the same time. Good Luck and Welcome

Try to get in the proteins Saint. I hear if you don't you could have issues with hair loss and nail problems.

Hang in there. Things will get better. You may need to exercise more.

That was the closest I could get to your question on this website. I do not recall seeing anything on what to eat or buy for the first month from the Dr. I know its not exactly what you were looking for, so I hope you find it.

It was posted by LittleMissDiva called The Official What You Will Need For Your Gastric Sleeve Surgery Thread! She made a word doc. Hospital Stay Checklist HOSPITAL STAY CHECKLIST Clothes Comfy Pajamas / Nightgowns Robe Loose under clothes Warm socks House slippers Loose fitting clothes to wear on the way home. Personal Items A supportive loved one!!! Small firm pillow Laptop Computer w/Skype Cell Phone Chargers / Cords Reading materials Reading glasses Stuffed Animals ( ;o) ) Crafts Spanish Dictionary (For MX) Eye mask / ear plugs Camera Check w/Hospital on TV Charges Pen / Pad of Paper Pharmaceuticals Lotion / Deodorant Toothbrush / Paste Shampoo / Conditioner Blow Dryer Snacks / Water Throat Lozenges (Check with your Surgeon) Lip Balm Gas Relief Chewable or Strips Breath Strips Body Wipes Tweezers <a name="Check31"> Heating Pad for pain relief

Hi, I sent you an email on your LB account.

I haven't had mine yet but I feel your anxiety. You will be fine. Just be sure you tell me the same thing when its my turn LOL You couldn't have found a better group of folks for support. We got your back. Be brave...you can do this.

Mine will cos $25k because my insurance requires a "Center of Excellence" to do the procedure due to the extensive pre-op classes, training, nutritional education and elaborate post-op care. So the article is not that far off of $30k.

Hi, This is MY OPINION and is not intended to step on any bandsters toes and is a result of my personal research............... I am also making the decision between LB or VSG and doing a lot of research. After being in the LB chat room for 3 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me. Yes, it is more invasive, recovery is longer but leaks are rare and you do not have a foreign object in your body that you have to continually adjust. Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? I have noticed that after you heal with VSG you are more normal and can eat whatever you want with no food restrictions to speak of with the band you can not have many of the foods you love EVER. I like the fact that your pouch is larger than with the band. You can actually go to a restaurant and eat a kids size meal, senior meal, or order off of the appetizer menu. With the band, one or two bites is all you can tolerate so you should just share a meal with someone else. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that stretches is removed so you will not have any significant stretching and the part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) Did I mention every fill with the LB is $150? Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking protein powder the rest of my life 2 or 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. Its a personal decision, do your homework and research. Continue to talk to Bandsters and VSG patients before you make your final decision. Good Luck

So excited for you! Think hard on the brow lift. I've seen too many people with that constant look of surprise on their face because of a brow lift, one being a very close relative. She had a high forehead also as I do. Good Luck! Keep us posted.

Does anybody out there regret getting the VSG and Why? Thanks, Oma

Hi, I'm just starting the supervised thing. I went to my PCP doctor today and told him what the insurance company expects in order for the procedure to be covered by Aetna. He replied that he had never had to do that criteria before and the insurance companies know they are better off if you have the surgery so they don't get that technical. I told him I had just spoken an hour ago to the Bariatric Team coordinator and wrote down what I needed to do. He said the Bariatric office will do the 6 visits and I said they told me you would do them. All he told me was to cut down to 1500 calories a day and to exercise. The Bariatric team said the diet had to come from a nutritionist and exercise had to be documented. I am so confused right now. Did anyone have problems like this? What happened? How do I get my doctor to comply? Who did your visits the PCP or the Surgeon? I am so frustrated! Vicki (Oma Milam)

Hi, NOPE, but you sound like a younger mirror image of me LOL. I also have high blood pressure,diabetes, bad knees & a bad back. Im 54 and 5'5" and 256 lbs. I would like to read about your journey. Oma