susansilver

Thanks guys - I think I paid a good price as well - $40.00 Susan

I just bought one of these blender/mixer things (as seen on TV), in preparation for mushies. :hungry: Does anyone have one? Does it work? Susan

Oh Dame, That sounds like an awful experience. From reading the threads it seems like everyone has to go through these moments to find out what works for them and what doesn't. Good luck. Susan

That's great Angel Bear! You must feel so accomplished. Any tips for us just starting out? Susan

I was told that last week when I met Dr. Yau. It didn't bother me, but I do wonder why he left. Susan

Good points Janice - I didn't see the show but it certainly sounds slanted against WLS (most news items are of course). Good for you for taking those steps to deal with your addiction apart from the band. I started researching that here in Toronto. Interesting that if I had Anorexia or Bulimia I could get treatment covered under Ontario health plan, but all treatment options for Binge eating, food addiction etc is private and expensive ($150/hr). I have a small amount for psycho services in my health plan from work, so I am considering doing a couple of sessions to get me started. Definitely would be nice to be addicted to exercise or sex (my husband would LOVE that one) but I don't see my self becoming addicted to any other substance because I am not crazy about alcohol and don't touch drugs. Too broke after this surgery to gamble:) ! It is great to have this forum to not only talk about the band - but to talk about these underlying issues that are so common to most of us. Thanks for that. Susan

Yeah CanMac! Good luck and a speedy recovery. Will look forward to your journal. Susan

Port Baby! I love it. Susan

Lately I have been watching that television show "Intervention". It is about a person who is addicted to something and their lives have become unbearable. Their family/friends get together and bring in an interventionist who facilitates a session where the family/friends tell the addict that they must get help immediately. The interventionist then whisks them off to a pre-arranged treatment centre. Some are healed, some not. I have often felt that I needed an intervention for my addiction to food. Obviously it is not as if we can kickthe habit cold turkey - after all we have to eat in order to survive. But this band - this feels like my intervention. It scares me sometimes to think that I won't be able to use food...hmmm...maybe I should take up drinking or drugs??? :heh: Just kidding of course. Comments??? Susan

Doddie - sorry to hear about your sister's reaction. I have told one of my two sisters - and she was very suppportive. I will not tell the other - or my dad either. I agree you have to pick and choose carefully who you trust with information. Susan

That's exciting! Another milestone. How long have you been feeling hungry? Susan

:heh: Tell t hem you'll go to TLBC instead if they don't take your card!

Hey count me in too! Maggie what you wrote is like a mirror image of what I feel. JLB - I have told very few people as well. I finally got up the courage to tell my 9 year old last night! I will be banded May 2 by Dr. Yau at Scarborough Grace hospital. YIKES! Susan

Hi Maggie, I would put up a fuss because for many people they are financing the procedure on their CC. How do they expect everyone to just hand over a large check like that - we can't all do that. Especially that they told you you could - I can understand if they feel they have to change their policy, but not for people who contracted with them before the change - not fair! Susan

I have been sick at home since Friday and when I got to my voice mail at work this morning I had a message from Nisrine that they had a cancellation and I have a new date for my procedure. Drum roll please....May 2nd!!!! Woohoo!! I can't wait. I had my appt with Dr. Yau last week and the clinic was really busy so I got to chat with so many nice people. I think I have a realistic view of this - I know it won't be a piece of cake (pun intended) but I am ready to fight the good fight. Susan

Congrats and good luck! Susan

Sounds like you both are doing well and that is great. Erin, I have my surgery on June 6th and am meeting with the doc today as a matter of fact. I have been practicing chewing slowly! Susan

My condolences Mandi. You are right, she is no longer suffering. You can also call a CCRA hotline for answers to your questions. I am sure that you can ask them anonymously if you prefer. Susan

I read this thread last night and decided to "pretend" I was already banded and chew chew chew. My goodness, eating my pork chop was getting boring! hehehe. I can't wait for food to become a little more boring for me. It is the not drinking while eating that will definitely be the major challenge, but hey whatever it takes - right? Susan

There are anwers to your questions on the CRA website. I would go there first to look up carrying forward education expenses. It may be that they are not able to be carried over, but some other type of expenses that you have can (i.e. medical can be carried over 1 year). I would not want to show my return to a busy body at work! Susan

How are those (like Heldie) that have been recently banded doing? Where are you on the liquid, mushies diet and how are you healing? Have you noticed any weight loss yet? Are you finding it difficult? Even if you have not been recently banded - how are you doing today? Inquiring minds want to know!!! Susan

I had an incident a couple of summers ago that was memorable. I was with my husband, daughter and daughter's friend going to have sushi for dinner. I had been to this particular restaurant before. They have these wooden booths as well as traditional tables and chairs. We walked in and I was the last person in our line. The waitress took us to a booth and then looked up to see me. She immediatley said - "oh, you sit here at table instead. Booth not very strong - you too big" I just looked at her, sat down in the booth and told her we were just fine thank you. If it wasn't for the kids there, I would have made a fuss, but they were young (only 7, and did not hear what she said). I never went back there again. It is amazing to me the cruel things that people will say to your face. I admit that I am no angel and I have had mean thoughts about other people's clothes etc., but I would NEVER say anything to someone that would humiliate and embarass them. Susan

Hi berry, My surgery is scheduled for June 6th. I had to wait because I need to have the procedure done in hospital (due to insulin dependant diabetes) rather than in the clinic. I can't wait. I find coming here and reading what everyone else is going through really helps. Good luck with your banding! Next week - are you on a preop diet? Susan

It definitely could be the gallstones. I have them as well and also decided not to have them out. They are not dangerous unless one blocks a duct. You would know that by intense pain, horrible vomiting and fever and janudice. Then you would have to go to emerg. But don't worry that rarely happens. Good luck Susan

Yippee!!!!!:clap2: I now have a date and it is June 6th!! I feel that I have something to work towards now. (Maybe it will help with the bingeing). I can't wait to join all you bandsters on what I think will be a life changing journey. Hugs for Heldie who is getting banded today! Susan