New Hope

Yeah, Tina! Are you returning to Dr. Ortiz for your follow-ups? Or do you have aftercare lined up here in the states? If here, see about getting your medical records transferred to your follow-up dr. in English. You probably will have to sign and date a release w/ Dr. Ortiz.

Jenni, for way longer than I needed to, I dissolved my meds in a tablespoon w/ water. I'd just let it rest across the mouth of a drinking glass (to balance it). By the time I'd brush my teeth, the meds were dissolved. Then one yucky swallow, followed by lots of water sips. Capsules you can take apart and dissolve. Check w/ your dr. or pharmacist if you have any time-release capsules before taking them apart. It will get better! Best of luck to you!

On another bandster site, the bandster tells of calling about a banding newspaper article. The operator is apparently reading from a script in a monotonous voice. She can hear other operators talking in the background. The operator can't answer any specific ??, just the script. So we'll probably be seeing a late night "infomercial" on banding in the very near future. Guess they gotta make those big bucks while the "getting's good".

Terry, have you been checked for gastric reflux? Is your headboard perfectly flat? You might try getting someone to elevate it on blocks. This should help w/any reflux. Unfortunately, just sleeping on several pillows will only bend your stomach. But the head elevation should help. How close to bedtime are you eating? You don't want this problem to damage your esophagus!

It really helps when bandsters post their weights and height.

I think the real secret could be because you are such an extraordinary cook. You can make our average tuna taste like caviar. Since everything's so yummy, a little causes great satisfaction.

Please make sure you find out how long any surgeon you're researching has been doing lapbands, do they specialize in laproscopic surgery in general (ex. hiatal hernia, gall bladder, gastric reflux repair, etc.), # of bands they've actually put in, follow up care. Does this dr. have experience in fills, how hard is it to get a fill appt. scheduled (wait time), cost per fill (if covered by ins., your co-pay amt.). See if he/she has a website (gen. info. about surgeon (licensing, # yrs. practicing, etc.), patients testimonials. I'm sure you'll think of other ?? Write them down before you see a dr. Please choose a dr. that you have full confidence in -- confidence for the surgery and for the after-care. Best of luck!

Blossom, are you a self-pay or insurance? If insurance, do you know if they pay on the band? Best of luck to you in everything!

Hey, give him a try. If he doesn't work, change to anothe one. It's your $$, you should be satisfied w/ what you're paying for/

I think you're living an excellent example of "banding". You're a very caring friend. But he'll have to be ready "emotionally" to make a lifestyle change for himself. Each of us has had to reach a certain point (for numerous different reasons) to become bandsters.

Yes, the dark colors! Don't you feel like you're going to a never-ending funeral? And I really don't know if dark colors "minimize" that much anyway.

Maureen, I know this doesn't sound very sympathetic right now. But just think that 5 lbs. you've lost on the liquid is 5 lbs. permanently added to your "Gone forever" pile! Hang in there. I know the liquid part is tough. But remember it's temporary.

Terry, aren't your kids a riot? My oldest son (23) lives at home. He hasn't "noticed" my weight loss. I told him I'd had to buy some new nightgowns and smaller underwear. He said that was way more info. than he wanted to know. My youngest son (20) lives nearby. He's commented each time on how good I look and how much weight I've lost. Kids, you gotta love 'um!

I was always carrying a big glass of ice water around. But, now, I realize that I wasn't drinking as much water as I thought I was. I'm really having to push to get my water quota in -- drinking between meals. Swampspy, Great Job so far!!!!

Yeah, Kimberly!!!!! Start getting used to drinking lots of water NOW! and trying not to drink w/ your meals or 30 min. to an hr. after. It will really help you to already be in that habit BEFORE surgery. I'm so excited for you!

Penni, what does John think of the new, improved Penni?

You are absolutely amazing! You just keep trudging along and don't call any special attention to yourself. And lo and behold, we find you've a whole little person in weight loss. And you're continuing to lose weight dispite the fact that you are a chef! When are you going to post some more great recipes on our recipe thread? Yummy!

You are absolutely amazing! You just keep trudging along and don't call any special attention to yourself. And lo and behold, we find you've a whole little person in weight loss. And you're continuing to lose weight dispite the fact that you are a chef! When are you going to post some more great recipes on our recipe thread? Yummy!

Michelle, what a horrible thing for your uncle to be living through! We can only pray that things will get better!

Michelle, what a horrible thing for your uncle to be living through! We can only pray that things will get better!

Dearest Leathal Woman, please redo your avitar! We don't want you looking like a two-headed monster. Especially, now that we know how pretty you are. I just always thought that avitar was a picture of a niece/nephew standing with Auntie Leatha.

Paula, it's probably all that talk about tomatoes and corn. It kind of messes up your brain. But, yeah, I see a little one in the pic. w/ Leatha. I previously posted that Leatha looks like a kid, because she looks so young. (I wasn't referring to the little one.) Oh, Paula, you've got me laughing so hard about your drugs!

What kind of people are you, talking about home-grown tomatoes and corn at this time of night! How cruel! Now, my mouth's watering!

Penni, Well, I had to learn the HARD way. And honestly, I thought I was doing such a great job!

Leatha, please change your avitar! You're just a kid!