New Hope

Wonderful weight loss! Glad your dr. is on top of things and helping you learn to live w/your band. There is no need to rush to get that first fill. You're learning to do your part and that's the most important thing. Congratulations!

Apple, I know you're frustrated. Please be thankful that you have such a thorough doctor. But you really do not want to have surgery while you are sick. You do not want surgery if you have an infection. Your heart is probably fine and a nuclear stress test is no big deal. It will be good to have a heart baseline report in your file. I hope you meet your deadline, but you want to know that you are in the best of health before banding. You've already been approved, and if you have to wait a few more days, you will get your band (and know that you're healthy too). Hang in there!

Vera, I asked my surgeon to give me a written excuse...no laundry or vacuuming for six months. It didn't work, but you might have better luck. LOL Seriously, girl, give yourself some time to heal!

Sounds like you already got 2 great gifts for your birthday! Happy Birthday!

Jenna, you've been given some excellent advice. How about taking the $$ you normally spend on cigarettes and putting it back for a nice little weekend getaway for you and your DH - after you get your band? With your band and no more smoking, just think how much better you're going to feel...better energy, food tastes better, better sleep, calmer, easier breathing, fresher breath and hair. You can do this! And it's just one more way for you to regain your health. Best of luck!

The folded sheet is easily to pack and carry. It's good to hold against your sore tummy. I can't wait to hear about your trip and banding experience! May God guide the surgeon's hands and your recovery be noneventful. (((Hugs)))

Hi, Lisa, you wanted it changed to L J, correct? I will contact Mr. Alex again. He's been backlogged. Thanks for letting us know.

It's a lot like baby spitup. Yucky.

Karen, if there's not a liquid alternative, you can dissolve most meds. in a large spoonful of water, then wash it down very well afterwards. Or just breaking them in half might be sufficient.

Deby, I bumped the "D/FW area" thread for you...lots of drs. listed in it.

bumping for Deby

Deby, I'm not in Dallas, but I wanted to welcome you and wish you the best of luck! We have several Dallas/Ft. Worth Bandsters. They'll be here shortly. Have you tried doing a search for "Dallas"

Good for you!

Cutz, I drink w/o sipping also. Sounds like you're doing great! Just keep working on getting in enough liquids each day.

Miss Scotty, please whip up some of those delicous soup recipes you have. Anything that will tempt you to eat. Congratulations on the weight loss, but please concentrate on healing right now. You have your band and it's waiting for you. Meanwhile, work on getting enough fluids in.

Crystal, you'll feel good getting rid of that stuff!! Really!

Teresa, that's sweet that you have so many people calling to wish you "Happy Birthday"...maybe you can sleep in this weekend. Hope you had a wonderful day and a great year ahead of you.

Denise, if he had this problem before getting an adjustment, weren't you concerned a fill would make things worse? You've both been bandsters a lot longer than most of us have. Please contact your band dr. asap! Continually sliming, throwing up, and not keeping anything down is a recipe for disaster. Please let us know how things go.

Are your stats right? You've lost 33 lbs. since January? That is wonderful! Your upper body exercises sound really good.

Whether you decide to go w/ Dr. McCarty or not...those seminars are so helpful in your research! Each band dr. has a different price, so you should contact them direct or see if they have a website for accurate information.

It is wonderful! You will start really enjoying shopping for the first time in a long time. And someone is always having a sale. Just don't buy too many of one size because you won't be wearing them that long and soon they'll be too big also.

Poor Alex! You just got out of the hospital and they did a lot of burrowing around inside there. Keep drinking often, to avoid dehydrations. If you can only take little sips, that's fine...they add up. Take your pain meds as needed and try to rest as much as you can. Walk around. Use a heating pad. Drink something warm and soothing, like tea and honey. Each day really will get better and better. (((Hugs))) and please keep us posted.

I'm in Houston and trying to think. I know we have others in your area. They should pop in here pretty soon with some ideas. Just take your time and keep researching. There is so much to learn - before and after getting your band. Best of luck to you!

So glad you're healing well. What are some of the upper body exercises that you're doing?

Sounds like a great plan! And remember, we didn't gain this weight overnight, so a few more days/weeks aren't going to hurt us. So glad everything is moving forward for you.