New Hope

Lisa, Please hang in there and get some answers! And get your health insurance to pay for as much as you possibly can. We certainly pay through the nose to have insurance! Didn't you say one time that you had an immune deficiency? Would this affect your healing? No matter what, you have been one of the top "LOSERS" in the amount of time that you've been banded! Best of luck to you!

O.K., Betty! And you've already lost 20 lbs. Then you should be at goal in about 2 months, right? Really, I can't think of a nicer "Band Sister" to have!

Welcome and congratulations on your upcoming Banding! You are taking a positive step to reclaiming your life. You will be amazed at how your health problems decrease or go completely away. You will be able to get out there and take part in life, instead of sitting on the sidelines. Best of luck to you!

You are a doll! And your husband "ain't too bad" either! You're only 5 months older than my oldest son. Great job on your pics. You can already see the difference in your beautiful face.

Blossom, best of luck to you on your upcoming Banding! I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy! 18 years! Wow, you must be doing something right! I know he's lived a happy, healthy, and very much loved life. You have a lot of stress hitting you right now. Please give that puppy a big hug for me. Take care!

I had my first glass of wine last night (since banding). No effects. But I found that I really don't like it as much now. Plus the new me was thinking about those "empty calories". LOL:)

Wow, girl, you look beautiful AND happy! It looks like our Cinderella has found her Prince Charming! I hope he knows how lucky of a guy he is. And that's pretty cool, that he's a RNY patient. He can really understand "weight issues". Best of luck to you always!

Ryan, so happy to hear that your ulcer problems are fixable and won't interfere with your Banding! I know it's hard, but try to take it one day at a time. We forget that's how we are going to live it. I'm the world's worst about worrying. Then nine times out of ten, those worrys don't even materialize. They just result in a loss of good sleep. You will have someone with you on the day of surgery, right? I think the marking for the Band on your tummy might not be such a bad idea. When my husband had his dialysis catheter (shunt) put in, we were in preop, talking w/the anesthesiologist. I noticed the paper taped on his gurney showed a different first name, different date of birth, and then I saw "brain shunt" listed as the procedure! The anesth. quickly ripped that paper off. I have to hope they would have found out before they got in the O.R. But it just reinforced my thoughts that someone doesn't go into surgery alone! Sorry, not trying to scare you, but just take care of yourself!

Zoe, when I first started walking, I bought some 2-pound wrist weights. I was surprised how heavy they were after walking for a while! (So I was wimpier than you!) But I liked that they left my hands free. (They're like a gel-type substance, soft.) I can even use them when I bike, vacuum the house, etc. I've been looking for a second set, to increase the weight amount now.

Bobby, who's cornering you? Who's holding you back? Both of them? I'm so sorry that you're wanting to bolt away. It has to be very tough to be pulled by your daughter one way and another directon by your wife. Yes, you have to maintain a relationship with your daughter - always! Where has she gone to? Is she in a safe place and is she continuing her schooling? The band is the tool that helps us regain our health. But it still takes a LOT of work on our part to lose that weight and keep it off. People don't realize that this is "not an easy fix." Congratulations on your amazing weight loss! I hope that you can repair your emotional life. Do you think Family Counselling would help you, your wife, and your daughter? Please really think about those "offers from other women". That will surely just compound your problems. Best of luck to you!

Oops, thread hijacker! I believe Lisa's port is described in old posts quite extensively.

Good for you Sharon! You certainly make 62 look GOOD! I know I feel so much younger than my 50 now. I'm able to get out and enjoy life that passed me by way too much for way too long. I'm so proud of you!

Katie, I like milk too, and drink a glass every day (fat-free). I wouldn't eat the potato peeling, apple peeling, peach peeling, etc. They're pretty bad about getting "stuck" and you don't need that. Best of luck to you!

Frank, I think I accidentally pm'd you some info. about cpap machines and diabetes. Sorry, that was to another "Frank".

Maureen, how did you do during your surgery? Hope you're home and recovering comfortably!

Wow, Sharon, you're already gorgeous! What's the "new you" going to reveal?

Tricia, I have the Inamed band. My second fill went from 1.0 to 1.3 cc. But by the second week, I was pbing on water. I didn't want to take and chances and had them remove .2cc. That is such a small amount! But it's been fine since then. That's a horrible feeling and I'm sure it's not good for your band either. Please take care and hopefully you won't have any problems.

Girl, you are going to be able to ski down those slopes again -- with your family! This surgery is just a minor downtime to open a wonderful, healthy life up for you. Sending you (((hugs))) and prayers for an easy surgery and recovery. You've already started on the road to a happier, healthier life for you AND your family. Best of luck!

How about something warm --- hot cup of tea w/ honey and lemon, or cup of beef or chicken broth? Cold V-8 low sodium juice tasted good.

Delarla, I didn't mean it to be funny! I was directing it to Lisa Green and this thread.

Wow, you are both doing great! How is her reflux?

Tanya, there's no way to tell how long it will take. Some bandsters have been approved in 2 weeks. I had United, was denied, appealed, 8 months later approved. Don't give up hope! Get busy walking, drinking that ton of Water (but not with meals), wearing all your favorite clothes (that will be too big in a little while), and eating healthier food choices. That will put you ahead of the game when you do get approved. Best of luck to you!

I first bought GNC unflavored Protein powder. Then I tried Sam's Club's "Naturade Soy" unflavored p.p. It was about $15 less, tasted and blended better, and had more Vitamins and supplements in it. (Sam's is our local wholesale club - like costco, and you don't get stuck having to pay shipping and handling.) I found Mylicon Baby Gas Drops (Walmart has a generic version) worked better than Gas-X. Get Tylenol liquid for aches and pains. Robitussin (liquid) cough syrup suppresses coughs (which you won't want for a few days!). PamRM advised using an abdominal binder and pillow for the plane ride home. Leatha folds and tapes a flat sheet to hold against her tummy. A heating pad is wonderful for your back, shoulders, tummy, everywhere. Let the airline know you've had surgery, so you can preboard. Get and use your pain meds. Wear something loose and easy to get on and off. I wore a Mexican wedding dress. Wear easy slip on shoes. The airport will have you take them off to go through security. Whatever you're packing, cut it in half. You won't need it. Pack light and don't lug and tug. Crystal light, Propel Water, and Oceanspray Cranberry Light (mixed 50/50 w/ water) are good to drink after you get back home. Yoiu'll do great! Best of luck to you!

Lisa, perhaps you need to go see the counselor by yourself at first. Then he/she can advise you how to approach your husband about coming to a counselor. P. S. I think you must have a pretty special relationship. Both our sons are adopted and it certainly doesn't make us love them any less.

Have you had any kind of surgery before? Do you know how you react to anesthesia? Start trying to walk as much as you can before your surgery. Get out of bed and walk as much as you can afterwards. This will help get the anesthesia and surgical gas out of your system faster, prevent pneumonia, and work out the soreness sooner. I wish I'd done abs before. The more you can walk every day, the sooner you'll get your energy level back. Oh, and drink that water. I had a hard time learning to to drink that much and kept feeling "lightheaded". I was getting dehydrated. I increased my water amount, and felt much better. Best of luck to you!