New Hope

That's wonderful! Can't think of a better "band buddy"! Best of luck to you.

Yes, but I'd first try something that's pretty bland just to see how your tummy handles it. Make sure it's really smooth (mushy).

Lyle, I know Bandstock will be a HUGE success! I know Greg, Nancy, and you have put a lot of work into it and it truly is appreciated! Great website! Here's the website: www.bandstock.net . This is scheduled for June 25, 2005 in Sterling Heights, Michigan at the huge UAW Local 228 Hall. Cost is $25 per person.

Isn't that the funniest thing? Thanks for sharing this, Bright!

That's wonderful!

Audrey, I know what you mean! I'm doing the same thing. I think it's this cold, rainy weather. You're cooped up, bored, restless, so it's easy to go back to our old prebanded habits....comfort foods. But Spring is just around the corner! You have done such an amazing job! I know that you'll get back on track. (Then you can tell me the secrets. LOL)

Grammi, it's going to depend on what particular contract your employer has w/United, and what exclusions do they have. Your best bet is to check w/your benefits coordinator. They should be able to give you specifics. You need to specify what type of WLS you're interested in. Good luck!

Mike, sorry can't answer you?? about the punches. I would think that would hurt, hitting the port area. Best of luck on your banding. Like others have said, please be sure that you have a local surgeon as back-up, before you are banded. Please call and talk with his/her office direct to confirm they will accept you. Please come back and let us know how you're doing.

I picked this up at my band surgeon's office yesterday. Thought I'd share: Plastic Surgery - Surgery performed by a Plastic Surgeon to modify and change the appearance of an individual. The emphasis is on the change of one's appearance and no actual plastic is used for most of the operations. Brachioplasty - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of one's upper arms. Excess arm skin is removed after weight loss. This operation is usually performed after all the weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans. Mastopexy - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of the breasts. This is an operation that lifts the breasts, changes the size and location of the nipple and aureola, and gives a firmer and more youthful breast. This operation is performed after weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans. Breast Reduction - This operation is performed to reduce the size and weight of one's breasts and to improve the shape of the breasts as well. In this operation there is a reduction both of breast tissue and skin of the breasts. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is covered by many insurance plans but does have a minimum amount of breast tissue that must be removed. For this reason, one may have this operation performed before all of the weight loss to assure qualification for insurance coverage. Consult a plastic surgeon about this operation if needed soon after weight loss surgery. Abdominoplasty - This operation, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is performed to remove excess skin and fat from one's abdomen. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This operation is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance companies. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete. Panniculectomy - This operation is performed to remove the excess skin one has on their abdomen that hangs over one's pubis after significant weight loss. This is a medically indicated operation to improve the health of the skin on the abdomen that is frequently infected under the skin. This operation is performed under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis in most circumstances. This is a medically indicated operation and is covered by most insurance plans. This operation would be considered after your weight loss is complete.

Congratulations!! Please come back and let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. You will lose that weight now and it won't come back! Yeah! Best of luck to you for a smooth surgery and recovery time.

Lisa, congratulations! Yes, it's a little like a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? Highs and lows. But what a ride it will be for you! We have bandsters all over...most are in the U.S., but we have others in Ireland, France, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada ( to name a few). It's wonderful that we can all encourage and support each other, if we're right next door or on the other side of the world...connected by the internet.

Rachel, you in twosville! That's wonderful! And 21 pounds already gone! Keep up the great job!

Anything you fix your family, you can run it through the blender before you eat it. You want to eat foods that are soft, fairly smooth (no large chunks), easy to digest.

Candy, how long have you been eating solid foods?

I was afraid I'd be the first one to fail w/the band. Glad I was wrong!

If you're eating a thick soup as a meal, the drink will wash it through your band, and you'll be hungry faster than if you didn't have a drink. If you're hungry faster, then you're going to want to eat again sooner. If you're on a liquid diet, I don't think it would matter. But you'd be getting less nutrition from the soup because the drink would water it down and fill you up faster. Probably best to just get in the habit of no drinks with any meals.

Welcome Rebecca, it's hard to say. Some people are out shopping the next day..have it done mid-week, back on Monday. Others take a week or two to recoup. Also depends on what type of work you do. If you have a sitting job, you can probably go back sooner. If you do a lot of walking, standing...it may take a little longer. You need to avoid lifting anything heavy for several days. Hope this helps.

Greg and Kathy, I'm so sorry for both of your losses. I know that they are free from pain now. Hope you have many wonderful memories. (((Hugs)))

Wow, that's a tough one! I'd be leery about sending them $$. If you feel compelled to do something, how about a Walmart gift card (in an amount that's comfortable for your budget)? They can use it for necessities...like groceries and gas.

Doing good, Babs.

Bright, what great pics! Love the one of the sun rays across the snow! And the kids...how cute. We don't get much snow either so it's a real treat for us. The azaleas and crepe myrtle are blooming. Robins are bouncing around every where.

Corgi, that is wonderful! Just think by the time you reach your 5 years cancer-free point how much healthier (and thinner) you'll be!

That's o.k. because you'll find yourself wanting to wear different styles and colors now. And pretty soon you'll be giving away all your "too big for me" clothes. Yeah!!

Kim, that is wonderful! 34 pounds since November! Wow! Now get in there and check that closet out before you bypass a bunch of things that you have forgotten were in there.

Vera, please know that your friends here will be thinking about you, and praying that all goes well. May God guide the surgeon's hands and your recovery be easy. (((Hugs)))