Vicki Loichinger

Thanks everyone for thier reviews. I am getting one tomorrow, at least I am going to go to a few Walgreens till I find one. Around here we have a walgreens every mile it seems. The one closest to me was out of them, but they had a tag on the shelf. I don't think it comes with the blender or juicer. But that is okay. I also ordered on line yesterday the Smart SPin, don't know if anyone has it. It is the turny thing that holds a bunch of storage containers with lids that fit all of them. I am so tired of hunting lids and knocking glad containers on the floor. i think the web site was smartspin.com. or do a google for them, I have been waiting for walgreens to have it, but I haven't seen it there yet. When it comes I am cleaning out the pantry in a big way and getting rid of all those odds and end containers.

Hi for those of you that have bought or been given one of these (magic bullet) is it worth it. I want one, and I think I am going to get one today but I really wanted to know how much someone uses it. I am kinda going from the mushy stage to the solid. But I can think that some meats would still be better chopped a bit before trying to chew them to death. Also when I get a fill, each time won't liquids and mushies for a couple of days be the norm. Also it could just come in handy for any meal prep. But before I buy yet another gadget (i am so the gadget queen) I really wanted to hear from some that have it. Is it better then a plain blender? Thanks so much Hugs and wishes to all for a wonderful Thursday. Vicki In Indy (cold Indy)

It seems that although LAP Banders don't have to be on the Protein SHakes for nearly as long as RNYer's, they are still fairly important pre and post op. So maybe a protein tasting night. Not sure how you could do that. Maybe see if you could get samples from some of the different makers and tell them what you are doing. Also a clothing exchange I beleive is done by some, where people bring in things and share with others when they are out of a size. Just trying to keep a meeting benefital for all is quite a task. There just aren't as many Banders and things always seem to go towards the RNYers. At least that has been my experience in the two different ones I have went to. I am hoping that if I continue to go that eventually more banders will come and the group might even out or become two. I am so glad for this board. Such great info and support. Thanks everyone.

Mine is about an inch under my breast bone, three inches up from belly button, just to the right of center. DID I say how happy I am that I have one? Well I am. Wasn't too long ago that I wondered if it would ever happen. Sometimes I just reach down and touch my port and feel so blessed that it really happened.

I was 167 this morning, down from a starting weight 10 days before surgery of 189 (this is my scale's reading, not the doctors) I am with those above who mentioned the prune juice need. Heck I would probably lose five pounds if you know what would happen. Also need to start the exercising. I am sitting on my stability ball as I type, does that count? Congrats to all

SO happy and excited for those with surgeries comming up. I tell you this past month and a few days went a lot faster then the month leading up to surgery. I thought it would never get here. It was worse then a kid waiting for Christmas. The only anticipation I can relate it to, was probably being pregnant and waiting for the time for the birth. I know it isn't the same thing, but as adults there just aren't that many things that we "can't wait" to have happen in our lives. So this band surgery was a very big deal to me and I feel like it was like being giving a new life. or at least a new chance at life. Am I making any sense this morning?

Prayers and good thoughts comming Nolan's way. He will bring such joy to your lives. God has a plan. We may not know or understand why, but God has a plan. I have a step son with Cebral Palsey and after being a Mom to four healthy, athletic, intelligent sons, this has been a new world for me. But Daniel, is the light of my life. We have full custody of him and I tell you I can't imagine a day without him. My son's aunt has DS and she has been such a loving part of their family. She is nearly forty now. I pray that Nolan gains the strength he needs for his heart surgery. I pray for you sister. Hugs Vicki in Indy

Yesterday I saw the "Bullet" at my local Walgreens. I think it was the one with the mugs. The price was 59.99. I want one. I figure it will pay for itself this summer making iced coffee drinks.

And it is mighty scary too. Has sent me into an asthma attack in the past, pre banding, and you think you will never breath right again. Nothing to play with or try to tough out. I think all of us on here are very protective of our bands. And everyone seems to know not to abuse it, by being too tight ect. Wishing you the best

I think this is a wonderful Idea. I hope you find a place. I didn't leave the country for my surgery but a few days before my Lap Band I had my hair trimmed at one place. Had my eyebrows and stash waxed at another. Finally used a year and a half old gift card for a 30 minute massage at a posh salon I don't normally go to. And of course had a mani and pedi at my usual place. Passed the time a bit and made me feel very special. SO I think it would be sublime to be able to do it all in one place right before surgery. Be pampered. This is your time. May God Bless you and be with you.

Renee and Jamie, The 18th is going to be a day to celebrate for sure. Corgi thanks be to God for your healing. My prayers are with both of you for your upcomming surgery. I think the last 24 days have went a lot faster for me then the 24 before banding. I was so excited. Now I have to pinch myself so I know it isn't a dream. It really did happen. God allowed me to have a tool to use to get healthy. HOPE, that is what I felt when I was given a surgery date. HOPE. I pray I never take this gift for granted. I pray for each person on this board and their families. Live, Laugh, Love

Alex, what a wonderful NSV. So precious and real. I too have goosebumbs. It is like something came full circle for you, the ring, the picture, the house and now it fits your hand. May God bless you real good.

Joanie, I had surgery Feb 3. My port incision is still a bit red. The others are hardly visible. I had two, the port and one to the left that seemed to take longer to heal. No pus, though. You might want to call your doctor. I don't think there should be any pus. Do you have staples? I just had steristips and maybe dissolvable stiches or glue. But I didn't have anything that required the Doctor to remove them. I just left the steri strips on till they fell off themselves. I have some surgery soap, that I had from a previous hospital stay and that is what I washed prior to surgery with and have washed my stomach with since surgery and I think that has helped keep it disinfected. Other then that I haven't had to do anything. But I did worry a bit for a few days due to the redness. SO if you are concerned, call the doctor. Everybody is different. And you sure don't want an infection. Hope otherwise you are doing well.

I am right there with prebanding Diet Pepsi running through my veins. Hubby thinks that the stock in Pepsi surely has gone down. I drank my last Diet Pepsi day before surgery and Haven't even thought of having one yet. I have drank Diet Pepsi everyday of my adult life and regular Pepsi prior to that. I think that is one of the most amazing things that has happened to me so far with this surgery, is that I can live without a Diet Pepsi and I don't miss it a bit.

I just googled a couple of screen names I use on different forums. Yep I was there. Kinda weird. But I guess it is the nature of the beast. Just kinda shocked me a bit to see so many places it shows I have used the names. I probably found this site the same way. And I am sure thankful for all of you. But we should be careful about personal info, like last names ect... Hugs and Happy Saturday to all

So Very Happy For you. I was very lucky in the "gas" department. Very little pain. I did use Chewable Gas X a few times before things got out of hand. Walking helps too. Wow a 2 fer, now that your GB is out too, that is one less thing to worry about down the road. Wishing you a Speedy Recovery

Thanks everyone, I think I am doing pretty good. Every day is better. Jamie it sure is a small world. Nancy I have one son and daughter in law who graduated from IU and are teachers and I still have a son in his fifth year at IU. Thanks for all of your support

Good Morning, I can't believe that I haven't posted here yet. I read everyday and just realized that I haven't told everyone that I was Banded Feb 3, 2005. Everything went really well. A bit of trouble getting the breathing tube in, but I was made aware that it might be a problem so I didn't freak out to much, and it was over very quickly and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. I live in Indianapolis and traveled to Cincinnati to have surgery with a really great surgeon Dr. Trace Curry. I was walking to the Bathroom the night of Surgery and walking down the hall the next morning. I did spend two nights in the hosptial due to the distance from home and the bit of trouble with the breathing tube. Doctor being extra careful is fine by me. I wanted to stay the extra night also because I didn't want to travel two hours the day after surgery. Came home and have been doing pretty well ever since. There have been times when I have felt a bit "baby blueish" and sometimes a little uncomfortable then others. But not bad. Nothing too bad at all. And every day is better then the one before. I am 10 days out I think. I have lost 16 pounds or so. Healing nicely. Not too hungry. Still on mostly liquids with some thicker things added slowly. You guys are such a wealth of information. I truly appreciate all of you. I have been reading here since I first heard of Lap Banding and have gained so much knowledge. I know it has made the journey thus far so much easier. And I know I will continue to need you. And I hope to be able to give back to others. thanks to everyone. Hugs Vicki in Indy

Way to Go. You did it. I am so happy for you. I am slowly comming up behind you. I survived my full liquid pre op diet first day yesterday. Actuallly lost 3.5 pounds. Maybe I will have lost all my weight by the time I get banded and then the band can just help me keep it off, just kidding. But maybe this liver is shrinking, sure hope so. Back to you. SIp SIp SIp, walk, walk, walk. rest, rest, rest and then start the process all over again. That is going to be my mantra. Hugs and Bunches of Good Thoughts Vicki in Indy

Wishing you the best of a speedy recovery and new found health. I am right behind you. You will do great. Hugs

Leatha, Very well done. You are an inspiration to all of us. Hugs and Best Wishes

Leatha, Hope you are feeling better today. You sounded so miserable. That is some nasty bug. Take good care.

Thinking of you today and praying for a speedy recovery.

Marie, Thanks for the response. Yes I do have GERD and I take Previcid for it daily. Kathy Hope you are feeling better today.

If you are still having trouble tomorrow. Call the surgeons service and see who is taking his calls. Someone should be able to help you. Don't wait until Monday if you don't have to. Are you keeping any fluids down? YOu don't want to get dehydrated. I hope you get relief soon. LIKE NOW.....that is my hope for you. Vicki in Indy