New Hope

Melanie, have you thought to appeal your insurance co. decision? Why will they cover bypass and not the band? You may be pleasantly surprised. Are you saying it would cost you yourself $6500 to get your band locally? And the insurance would pay to have your gallbladder removed? That's 2 separate surgeries you're going to have to go through, if you get your band done elsewhere. Comparing your costs, wouldn't it be cheaper and more convenient to have your band placed locally and receive your aftercare locally? Best of luck to you as you research all your options!

Lauri, how is your grandfather doing? Hope all is well.

What type of band do you have? Inamed or Swedish Lapband? There are patients w/ both types here. The Inamed is the only one currently approved by the FDA here in the U.S. Drs. in Mexico use both and fill both types. Good Luck!

You won't pull it out, but it will probably be too uncomfortable to lie on for a few days. Every day gets better. So glad that all is going well. Take it easy and keep drinking that water! Congratulations, you're a "Bandster"!

Wow, Theresa Marie, you are doing great on your "Bandster Habits'! You can drink right up until you eat, but wait at least 1 hour after meals. But you're right, it does take some doing. Best of luck to you!

Please be kind to yourself! You've lost 40 pounds! Have you looked at something that weighs that much? That is a lot of weight! I agree with Megan, please check into seeing a therapist. If you can find out what's going on, I bet you'll be a successful bandster. I think the head hunger is the hardest part to work on. I'm continually working on it. Try to have good band foods available so you'll grab them instead of the cheetos. It's o.k. to have them occasionally. You sound like you have a wonderful, supportive husband. Can you get him to walk or ride bikes with you regularly? Does he try to eat healthy foods when he's around you? Have you been checked to see that your band is properly positioned, no slippage or pouch stuffing? If your band is fine and you can get the emotional part answered, I bet you'll start losing again. Best of luck to you!

Yeah, Betty!!

Becky, I love this!! Betty certainly has earned it! Harleynana, that is TOO cruel about that fudge! LOL

It's amazing what a little hope can do for us! Losing weight has helped us focus on other things and get on with living life. Congratulations to all of us "Bunch of Losers"!

Nancy (Clara Luz) described it perfectly in another post..."I wasn't lazy, just tired all the time." It's amazing what dropping weight can do for us - physically and emotionally! Don't we live in an amazing time when we have this band available to us!

Megan described it perfectly! Pb is a lot like baby spit-up. If you're doing this frequently, you really need to see your band dr.! How long have you been banded? If you're a new bandster, please follow your surgeon's post-op rules and don't try to eat foods too soon. Are you eating solid foods yet? If so, are you chewing, chewing, chewing? The opening is about the size of a pencil eraser, so anything larger is going to get stuck and cause problems. Best of luck to you!

Don't even go there!

Wow, Becky, 69 pounds! That is amazing! Canning is a lot of work and definitely counts as exercise! I'm with you on that "shrinking violet" thing. (Take a zero, instead of giving an oral report.) But this forum is bringing me out of it. Kind of scary, isn't it?

Betty, you have to win the award for "Best Bandster of the Week!" You are being so GOOD!

Lauri, sending (((hugs))) and prayers to you and your family for good results with your grandfather. Was he by himself when he got sick? Has he had previous heart problems? Where are they taking him? We live in a wonderful time with so many medical options available to us. Your Mom will be fine. God gives us unimaginable strength when we need it the most!

That's a great habit to get into! Watch the milk consumption. One cup of fat-free milk has 80 calories, and 125 mg. of sodium (salt). The flavored waters are good for variety. Also, Crystal Light and decaffeinated tea. One of my favorites is Ocean Spray Cranberry juice Lite cut 50/50 w/water. I keep a big chilled jug in the frig. all the time. And yes, find some type of exercise that you enjoy and will stick to. Best of luck to you on your approval!

Bdtty, "Get away from that beer!"

Wow, Kyleigh, you are a doll! That is so cool and something you can really be proud of. On top of that, you lost 70 lbs. out of the deal! I bet that dr's phone is ringing off the wall! Congratulations!

Calia and Selecia, It sounds like you both are having a normal band recovery. Every day gets a little better. Take it easy w/ ab. exercises, try to do some form of exercise regularly (walking, etc.), drink your water quota, and follow your surgeon's post-op orders. We want you to heal properly and be successful bandsters! Best of luck to you!

O.K., Betty, deep breaths! You can do this! Just a few more hours for a lifetime of change. Now, where's that dr.'s # and I'll straighten him out for you. LOL

Rica, serious illness can pull a family together in time of need. But sometimes it can isolate others. Hopefully your sister will do some "soul searching" and reconcile with your Dad. But she's got to do that on her own free will. Just let her know that you're there for her. Perhaps you have someone (outside the family) that she can confide in (like a minister, or family friend). Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers.

Which part, the rocks in the head?

OOPS, I need to moderate my own post! I was only talking about flabby upper arms and what type of exercise will tone them! I promise, no sexual innuendos! And the only rocks I have are in my head!

Ryan, thanks for explaining so well! We live in a wonderful age where so many things are now possible. I certainly hope the steps being taken will help your wife regain her life. Sending healing thoughts to you and her!

Why didn't I think of that one? It's so much more interesting!