Doddie63

Hi: Someone told me that bandsters are a family because we all are so alike but yet so different. That we have a closeness that outsiders can't understand, no do I think they want to. We have to tell the ones living with us, but anyone else.......no way. You all know the old adage "if you want to keep a secret, don't tell anyone". I did and it hurt big time. If I had a SIL like yours, I too would be shaking with anger. Just don't head for the frig. Doddie

very wise susan: I wish I had your wisdom when I made my decision to tell my sister. The signs were there, I just didn't want to see the "green eyes of jealousy" as I was seeking support. Just like everyone else, I wanted the band but went thru the gaunlet of emotions. Anyway, one learns life lessons in many ways and after coming to the conclusion (with help from the bandsters) that the decision was best for me I have moved on. But I will continue to caution other potential bandsters of the need for careful thought as to whom to reveal your decision to. Doddie

Hi: Thanks JLB. Life is full of surprises, but this is your time and exciting time at that. Keep us posted. Best of results. Doddie

HI: I wish all of you the easiest of times with your banding. You may experience a bit of pain for a short period of time but that will pass. Just have Gas x on hand. Comments of keeping your banding to yourself is a wise decision. Make good and sure who you tell, will support you. Most unfortuantely, I told my sister and she shocked me with her reaction of anger. She said I took the easy way out and that she would have nothing more to do with me. With the support of fellow bandsters on the web I have managed to get myself back into control. I lost it for a few days by grazing everything in sight but I am OK now. Making the decision to have the band "is not the easy way out". The band is a tool to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, but all the old demons still have to be fought. So not meaning to put a damper on your exciting day, just point out some of the down side, I wish you the best of success. Doddie

Hi Maggiec. What you have said you are going thru is what most of us have gone thru but unless one experiences the emotions all the assurances in the world doesn't seem to put them at rest. I liked you comment about worrying "I can never eat the foods I love". Very real worry, but if eaten in very small bites and chewed really well most foods can be eaten. There are some problem foods such as fresh breads, stringy meat or veggies, but if well cooked in stews you can have those as well. No matter what, even if you can't eat your favorite foods, you are going to love your new image and have the tools to fight the little food devil thoughts that pop up now and again. I know yo will do well. Who is going to be your doctor? Doddie

Thanks for the insite. I like greens and have no problem with them nor have I had any trouble with bread. Haven't had my first fill yet but in the meantime, I try to eat healthy. Doddie

Jac: Prior to my surgery, I went to my local GP and told him what I was doing. After talking with me and finding out I was going ahead with or without him, he told me he was not familiar with the band, just gastric bypass but he would support me in my fills, etc. My worry is, I never discussed his criteria for the fills/defills. I intend to go to TLBC for my first fill to find out the process. I will then be able to discuss with my GP who calls the shots. Him or me. Doddie

Hi: DebLPN: I find it interesting about the lettuce. By mixing the greens, this was one of the ways I was getting nutrients that green produce. However, if your doc says it will stretch my pouch, I am very concerned. Anyone else hear about stretching the pouch with lettuce. I always thought it was the amount food that was eaten. Hope to be corrected. Doddie.

Hi: There are pros and cons to "where to go for the banding". For instance, if you have serious health problems you might not be able to get travel insurance outside Canada. That can prove expensive. The other thing is to consider "fills". A lot of doctors/clinics will not fill anyone other than their patients. You will have to find a fill clinic/nurse close by. As for the decision of the band, you say you can loose weight on your own, so can all of us, but the question is "do you put it back on again". If the answer is yes, you need the band as an aid to help you stay slim. Even with the band you can put the weight back on, but, the band is your conscience. There are clinics in Alberta, and I believe the AB health insurance helps out. Not like most provinces. Will have to be checked out though. Doddie

I found the protein drink I purchased was gross. So I went to the pharmeusuitical (sp?) department and purchased a complete meal replacement called "Glucerna". I purchased the chocolate and it is yummie. It is 250 calories and has all the nutrients for one meal. Just a reminder though, I would stick to the "clear fluids" as ordered, then "full fluids". Glucerna is made specifically for diabetics. Might be worth a try rather than mixing powdered drink. Doddie

Congratulations and good luck. Don't worry if you go through the whole gauntlet of emotions. Right up to the time I had my booties put on and put myself on the operation table I was excited, nervous, scared doubtful. Now, I wonder what the heck was I worried about. Wouldn't change a thing. I know the right decision was made and I love my band as a tool to helping me to a healther weight and lifestyle. Best wishes. Doddie

I keep saying "must exercise". Unfortuantely I am not an exercise person and so far I haven't found anything I enjoy except maybe aquasizes. Even then, I have to go to the gym so I procrastinate. Have recently injured my leg (not seriously) so that is another excuse. What does everyone else out there do. Astrotoes, I sure can relate to measuring becoming old hat. Thank goodness my band is my conscience if I take huge bites or quantities. Doddie

Good luck Dave it is a decision I am sure you won't regret. Doddie

Hi Dame J: I guess we are learning what some of the people who have had the band for a long time has found out. Even with the band, we are subject to our bad habits and have to work at loosing weight. It is one thing to think of the band as a tool and another is to use it as a tool. One hard lesson I am just learning. From the post, I read that Dr. Coburn is a very good support doctor. The only time I met mine was just prior to the operation and then only for a second. Support on the internet is the only means I have just as many others that have been banded far from their homes. Good luck and keep posting. Maybe we can help each other. Doddie

Well I am on full solids now and the swelling has gone down inside. I am now able to eat anything and everything. Just have to remember to chew, chew, chew. However, the downside is I am not loosing weight. I was supposed to have myfirst fill March 20, but have to wait until April 24 due to financial restrains (have to fly to the clinic). Another factor is I haven't beein exercising due to an injury to my leg. Just a heads up to everyone who is nearing the solids stage. It is very easy to regress back to old habits. Doddie

Try poached eggs. Poaching in water grosses me out, so I use a pan made just for poaching eggs. They are soft and good. Doddie

I am sorry to disagree with you. The other threads are not exclusionary. Argon is trying to set up an exclusionary thread simply by the words "your are in". I have been overweight all my life and I have experienced ostracizing by others and you and Argon of all people should understand what it feels like to be excluded . The old timers and the new timers all have something to give. I know I simply just have to avoid this thread, but not before stating how I react to this "special" thread. I don't know how many others have felt the sting and just turned away, I will never know. Doddie

I am sorry to disagree with you. The other threads are not exclusionary. Argon is trying to set up an exclusionary thread simply by the words "your are in". I have been overweight all my life and I have experienced ostracizing by others and you and Argon of all people should understand what it feels like to be excluded . The old timers and the new timers all have something to give. I know I simply just have to avoid this thread, but not before stating how I react to this "special" thread. I don't know how many others have felt the sting and just turned away, I will never know. Doddie

Wheezey: I don't see any exercise in your post. Maybe you are eating the correct amounts but not exercising could be the problem. I have stayed the same this week as I am also in love with cheese but the added factor was I am not exerecising. I took two terrible falls and my legs are very sore. I have arthritis in both knees and hips so exercising is not my favorite thing to do although I know I must. As soon as the incisiions are healed, I will be going to aqua sizes where I won't hurt my joints. So if you are eating the correct calories, then look elsewhere such as exercise. Doddie

Hi too bad about excluding other bandsters. I wonder what the moderators think. New bandsters have a lot to offer including the desire which I am sure some older bandsters have lost. I would have thought that those that wanted could email each other privately as this website is supposed to be for all bandsters. Doddie

I think operations can be scheduled within four weeks. At least that was what I was told when I called and asked how long would I have to wait. I had the consult date just before Christmas and made my decision at the end of the year. Had my date Feb. 01/07. I could have had a date in January, but I was afraid of the TO weather. Seems I got my band before the cold winter blast came. No question the less waiting time the better. Doddie

Hi: I was referred to this site so I guess word of mouth has made it popular. I like the ease in which I can post and I like the website with it's graphics that are allowed to be shown. There was a bit of a dustup on another website and some left it for this site. Whatever, it is a fun site and I am enjoying it. Doddie

congratulations Dave. The pre op diet is a challenge but it will be well worth the effort. Doddie

congratulations and many years of healthy living for your family especially your children. It will be worth it. Doddie

how old is old. I am a baby in bandster time but an old geezer in age Doddie