New Hope

T, if you're having to take pills this soon after surgery, perhaps you should let them dissolve in a large spoon of water. Then flush them through with plenty of water afterwards. This would eliminate the chance of a pill getting stuck. Glad to hear you're feeling better. Congratulations on becoming an official Bandster!

You have an awfully tight fill. You will probably always need to be careful. It's funny how you'll find yourself scoping the bathroom out before you sit down (just in case). I've only slimed once and that was enough for me. Had a few small pbs though..usually from eating too fast and/or swallowing too big a bite. Be sure that you don't eat anything 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Drink some Water to flush your pouch out. Hope all is well and you get a good night's rest.

Tammy, maybe you can just draw one on there. LOL

Welcome, Susan! Sounds like you're a grown-up Bandster now, already had a sliming/pb. Isn't that the pits? You need to stay on liquids for a day or two and let your esophagus rest. Just try to remember to eat slowly, little pencil-eraser size bites, and chew the smithereens out of it before swallowing. Wow, you've already had 5 fills! What is your current fill at? Congratulations on the 10 pound loss!

I had an awful lot of astigmatism and used to not even be a candidate for the surgery. So I think that's most of my problem. Also, I'm having an awful lot of trouble w/dry eyes. I'm currently taking some cyclosporin RX eye drops and have the tear duct plugs in. They have told me the dry eyes is affecting the vision more than anything. Hopefully, you don't have those problems.

So they are just correcting the right eye, correct?

Vicky, you're making great sense!! What an excellent way to describe the opportunity of being banded! I love your analogy.

I'm sorry that you have those health problems, but that may be what tips the scale in your favor w/the insurance company. And those will be so much better w/your weight loss. Best of luck to you!

Michelle, I saw the French Vanilla flavored Mini Wheats and wondered about them today. They are good?

O.K., Bright, I'm looking at my trusty Benefiber bottle now. I have the unflavored dissolvable powder. It is tasteless and mixes into anything..food or drink, hot or cold. It says...Benefiber Fiber Supplement (from ex-lax corp.). Use 1 1/2 to 3 tablespoons per day. It is a plant fiber (derived from guar gum)..a natural fiber. It is manufactured by Novartis. They even have a website www.benefiber.com and 800# 1-800-452-0051 So now you can order you a case of it. LOL

Monovision is actually 2 different correction surgeries. A correction on one eye for nearsightedness....(being unable to see things faraway). This is what you get when you're young. And a correction for the other eye for farsightedness (being unable to see things up close.. (like reading). This is what your eyes do as they age. With the monovision correction, you have to learn to use one eye for distance, the other for close ups. It takes getting used to. Younger people usually just have correction done for nearsightedness. Of course the ideal thing is to have perfect vision and no correction is needed!!

Just a little south of you in Texas. But wanted to say "hi".

Good luck, Penni. I had the monovision done right before Christmas. It does take some getting used to. My reading vision was great right off the bat. My distance vision is still adjusting and I'll probably need an adjustment done on it.

My gastrologist recommends Benefiber. Have you seen what Metamucil or Citricel does in a glass - gunks up. We don't need that! Also eating a handful of mini shredded wheat is a great source of fiber.

Hi, Debbie, have you contacted your benefits coordinator to know that Weightloss surgery is covered under your insurance plan? They should be able to give you facts. Specifically, adjustable gastric lapband, not gastric bypass? (A big difference!) Where are you wanting to have your surgery done? Band dr.? Best of luck to you on your journey for better health!

Christina, we're pulling for you, girl! And if they deny, appeal. I did and I won!

Emmy, are you keeping track of what types and how much foods you're eating? Exercising regularly? Drinking your daily water (but not w/meals)? If you're doing all of those and still not losing, perhaps you do need another fill. I think you should go buy yourself something new and in your smaller size right now...maybe nothing fancy. But something to celebrate your current weight loss. 22 pounds is wonderful!

Wow, I can't believe you weren't hurt even more, being hit that hard! Plus you've had to be out the expense of buying another more expensive car. I would get your attorney's advice. You do need to think about any future or long-term health problems. Best of luck to you!

Isn't this band a fickle little thing? Hope you get good restriction again, without having to get another fill.

Hope you're feeling better today. Please get a prescription for phenegran suppositories and keep on hand for real vomiting (not pbs). When that hits, you don't feel like going to the pharmacy for something.

Have them buy you your own bed and breakfast! How's your back, Teresa?

Mine doesn't use fluro. No problems at all.

Hey, girl, you leave for Belgium this Friday, 3/11, and get your band on 3/15! Just wanted to wish you the very, very best and can't wait to hear about your banding journey and your European vacation, all in one. That is so cool! May God guide the surgeon's hands and your recovery be quick and as painfree as absolutely possible. Please let us know how you're doing when you can.(((Hugs)))

Well, Mike, only you can make the final decision. If you don't have any co-morbidities, it's doubtful your insurance company will approve you. And there is the possibility of having to wait while you jump through all their hoops. But if you think you have a chance, then perhaps you could check w/a local band dr. (covered by your ins. co.) and get some facts. It would definitely save you $$ and be more convenient if it was doable. If you go to Mexico, you've chosen a good band dr. w/ a solid reputation. Do you have your aftercare lined up? A local band dr. in the event of an emergency (that you've double-checked about accepting you) or for fills? If you're returning to Mexico for your fills, are you budgeting for the trip...time off work, hotel, food, travel, fill costs (if any). There's a lot to think about. Best of luck to you! Please let us know what you decide. P. S. Did you ever find out about "taking a punch" to the port area?

I'm with Bigmom, anything you fix the family can be well blended and enjoyed.