New Hope

What area are you looking for a dr.? Several drs. have their own websites with their cash-prices posted. Good luck!

Wow, Sharon, you're back in the saddle awfully quick! So glad all is going so well.

Yes, Karen, for a day or two. Protein shakes are fine. Sushi seems to be bad about that. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Yeah, Jamie! Did the surgeon just put a zipper at your incision sites so he could get in easier? LOL

Nice to get your independence back, isn't it? So glad that you're doing so well!

I cleaned my closet out and had one pair of pants and 2 shirts left. My DH came home and saw all those clothes on our bed. He asked if I thought I'd ever need any of them. No!!! I donated them all to a rehab facility. It felt freeing to get rid of them. I did keep one dress, one shirt, and one pair of pants -- hanging in plastic - where I can see them and appreciate how far I've come. I also found my tastes in clothes changing. It's wonderful to wear other things besides black all the time! Get to checking out what you have. I came across really nice things that I forgot I had and were too big by the time I found them. (Boo-hoo ....NOT)

(((Hugs))) to all!

Francesca, I have to use celebrex (a powerful NSAID) for arthritis. My surgeon instructed me to drink a glass of water and take a Prevacid first, then drink more water after taking the Celebrex to wash it through. There are times that we have to use these meds. for various serious problems. But please check w/your dr. and follow his/her advice.

O.K., this is a silly NSV, but my DH and I were in Walmart (where else?) getting dog food. We couldn't reach some on the top shelf. So I climbed in the bottom shelf far enough to push them forward enough to reach. I was laughing and said I couldn't have done that 56 pounds ago. Right there in the middle of Aisle 18, my DH just smiled and gave me the biggest old hug. Have I told you I love this guy!

And what a wonderful ride it will be, girl!!

Deby, have you contacted your Benefits Coordinator to see if WLS is covered? You need to specify "gastric adjustable band", not "gastric bypass". That should be your first step. Then, if it is covered, the more info. you have the better. My surgeon has an excellent pre-op questionnaire on his website. It is pretty thorough and lists things that you might not have thought of. Here's a brief summary of the things he lists: your surgical history, social history, family history, current medications (and dosages), numerous symptoms, and dietary history. I'm including his website so you can check those. He lists several weight loss attempts that you might not remember or would have considered. www.lap-surgery.net . Best of luck to you on your search for better health. Please let us know how things are going.

Best of luck to you! How much weight would you like to lose?

Yeah, you're going to be a Bandster!! Now you and your girlfriend can be "band buddies". So happy for you!!

Trish, that's wonderful! You'll probably be on a rollercoaster of emotions now...realising that it's actually going to happen. We're so excited for you, girl!!

Gone with the Wind

Congratulations! Hope the rest of your recovery is so smooth. Keep sipping that water.

LOL They keep you grounded, don't they? Congratulations, you lean, mean woman!

Hope the rest of your recovery goes as smoothly. Congratulations on becoming a Bandster!

Michelle's advice is right on the money. And look at what's she's accomplished!! Are you having problems now with vomiting? Or concerned about future possibilities? You do want to avoid it. It's usually caused from eating too fast and/or taking too big a bite. food should be cut into very, very tiny pieces and then chewed to a pulp before swallowing. (Think pencil eraser size.)

Bright, you will "knock their socks off"! What color is it? And it will feel so good too! And you have gorgeous hair, so just relax and enjoy. Plus you get to stay the night. How much fun! I love T & S. They give such great advice, and their attitudes are a hoot.

This is a good idea. I'll ask Alex if it can be done. Bright, he gets busy sometimes. I'll let you know what I find out. What other countries do we have represented here?

Trish, good for you! If they deny it, appeal. I did. Whatever it takes, it will definitely be worth it. Hang in there, girl!!

bumping for Sallykotz

Sometimes just the placement of the band alleviates the problems caused by the hiatal hernia...especially if it's not that bad. Had you been noticing any problems with reflux? There is a sticky here about things to do to live easier w/that problem. I'll bump it for you.

I am ashamed of my actions these last few days. I allowed myself to be hurt and angry. I've said harsh things that should have never been said. I have let these problems take me away from my family and friends. I know that the past can't be changed. But I can make a difference in today. I clearly say what I mean, and there is nothing to "read between the lines". Each and every one that has been affected by this, please accept my sincere apologies. This apology is directed to specific individuals and to the board as a whole. Can we please get back to sharing our triumphs and trials as individuals that are regaining control of our lives? Respectfully,