New Hope

Aye! Aye! Megan, we want pictures (in your bikini!)

I tried the self tanner stuff from Bath and Body Works last year. It turns your hands orange and looks streaked. I've heard great things about the spray-on tan. I've been wanting to do it. I'm so white, they call me Miss Ghost town! Why don't you be the guinea pig and let us know how it works? Then we'll all go do it.

Well, keep a path clear to the cellar door and plenty of good batteries with the flashlight and radio!

My port incision is the biggest one. It's a little over one inch long. My husband doesn't notice the port. The other incisions are just about a quarter of a inch. No biggies.

There's really no way to figure out how insurance companies work. Hopefully it will be in your favor. It's certainly worth the try! Best of luck to you!

Kim, I don't know about Aetna. But my insurance took 8 months after the first denial. I don't think most people have had to wait that long. Hang in there! It's certainly worth checking on. And I agree with you...the band is much safer than the bypass. Best of luck to you! P. S. What part of OK are you in? I'm from the N.E. part.

Alex, have a great time! And don't let the bed bugs bite! (or spiders or whatever)

Yeah, Alex, you show those little skinny aerobics instructors!

Roy, how are you doing today? I hope this is the fill that works for you. My dr. does blind fills also. I haven't gotten one yet. Are you able to walk some? Just start out gradual and build up. The more weight you are able to lose should also help alleviate your back pain. Can these discs be surgically corrected? I know it's very hot and humid here. I try to tell myself the sweat is just more gunk getting out of my body. Best of luck to you!

Yeah, Teresa!!! I'm so proud of you! I bought some smaller nightgowns because the old ones were falling off my shoulders. And new panties...what woman doesn't mind having a smaller butt?

Marie, I'd stick with the dog. He'll be more loyal.

Wow, Yana, the drs. want us to stay on liquids and soft foods at first so that the new band can get anchored. Scar tissue has to develop to hold it in place. Running food through too soon risks that very important healing process. When I got hungry for real food, I just ran whatever I was eating through the blender. It satisfied my craving for "real foods."

Please arm yourself with as much printed info. as you can find. Most PCPs don't know what this is. It hasn't gotten the publicity that other weight loss surgeries have. If you're going through insurance, be prepared for a long haul (not always the case). Mine first denied, then took eight months. Best of luck!

Magnolia, look at this link and see if it helps: lapbandtransformation.com/Adjustments.htm (*Used with permission.)

Best of luck to you, Kiley. I'm a new bandster. But so far I've been very, very happy with the results and the new found real energy that I now have. You are about to make an amazing journey that will only make you happier and healthier than you can probably remember being in a very long time. Best of luck!

Janice, you'll do great! Now's the time to load up on extra paper towels, toilet paper, groceries, frozen dinners for the family, a good variety of juices and teas for you. Wash up all your clothes. Just think, this will be the last time for many of them. As you become sleek and healthier, those clothes will soon be labeled for a charity donation. You'll have more room in your closet for new SMALLER clothes.

Teresa, I cried all the way to the operating room also. But it was happy tears because I felt that was the moment that my life was definitely changing for the better. And I haven't changed my mind yet.

I was walking 2 miles a day before surgery. 2 weeks after surgery, I started walking -- baby steps and gradually more. I waited to do anything else until my post-op dr. visit (1 month). I just started bike riding. Just listen to your body, if it hurts, stop.

Darcy, I agree with Sue. I felt yucky for the first couple of weeks -- not really bad, but just blah. I also started realizing how much food had played a part in my life. I didn't realize how much my life rotated around "What am I going to eat?" Where are we going to eat dinner tonight?" Once you give yourself the necessary time to heal and can start walking, bike riding, etc., that really helps. Do you have a fax machine at home? I've found that invaluable for sending and receiving various dr. reports, referrals, bloodwork, etc. I got the name of my dr.'s office manager and email address. If I have a ?, I send her an email. She responds quickly. Take care of yourself and give yourself time to heal! If you have a crying jag, it's o.k. (Just drink plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated --- just teasing!) Love your new picture!

Cindy, have you recently had any blood work done? It would't be a bad idea to have your glucose levels, thyroid, etc. run.

Cindy, you've lost 55 lbs.! That's a lot of weight! (Look at the largest bag of dog food.) That's that much less weight your joints and bones are having to lift and carry every time you move. Have you had any fills? Remember, you're not dieting now. Just try to choose healthy foods. Protein first, then vegetables. Solid foods will make you feel full longer. Like grilled meats. Have you tried fitday.com? It's a great way to keep track of what you're eating. You can still have that sweet treat. But if you eat the good stuff first, you won't want as much of it. Are you getting any exercise? I like to walk in the neighborhood with my husband after dinner. We ride bikes too. Please don't get mad or depressed. Do this for YOU! You deserve to feel and look healthier!

Alex, how is your "bite"? Did you get the blood work results back? Hope all is well.

Wow, Donali, you already feel like sitting through a show? I'm so glad that you have the surgery behind you. I'm so sorry that it was such a rough surgery. Please take it easy the next few days. It's easy to overdo it and I know you don't want to go through any more surgeries. I've been thinking that maybe we could name you the patron saint of this website. Sister Donali has a sort of angelic ring. What do you think?

Nanny, where are you having your surgery and who is your surgeon? Prayers for an uneventful surgery and recovery!

Just put in the word lapband or lapband forum and hit go or search. There are several websites pertaining to lapband information. Good Luck!