New Hope

You planned this perfect! You'll be feeling downright "spiffy" by the time that first grandbaby gets here in November. Congratulations! We'll be waiting to hear about your "banding journey". You'll do fine!:mad:

I do believe stress plays a big part in how your band "behaves"!

Best of luck to you, Vera! It SOUNDS like you have restriction by how well you're doing and the amounts you've been eating. Hope all is well!

Teresa, EXCELLENT thoughts! Nancy, you didn't waste that year. You were gathering info. to help you be a successful Bandster.

Hope no one gets hit hard by Ivan! O.K.,Neicy, drag out that manual can opener and fix some tuna salad. And drink that water load (without food of course!) It will "stick to your ribs" longer than those high-carb junk foods. Good luck!

Welcome, DebW, sounds like you're off to a running start! Great job! PB is a lot like baby spit up.

Gina, you are so CUTE! Congratulations on the great job so far. Hey, don't feel bad. At least you posted a picture. I haven't gotten up the nerve to do that yet. I'm pretty computer-challenged.

Maurice, sending prayers for your wife's quick and full recovery.

Both sound yummy! And here's the really lazy version: 8 oz. low-fat, skim milk scoop Protein powder 1 sliced fresh banana frozen fruits (strawberries, peaches, blueberries, etc.) ice cubes (to thicken) blend well. By the time I add the fruits, this makes enough for 2 shakes. My husband carries one to work a.m.

It's a shame that people will make a decision based on unfactual shows like that. Aren't you glad you were smart enough to find the "Band"?

Wonderful report - great weight loss, healing well. Yeah!!

Oh, Penny, you're a mess!

I think that's one of the things that has helped me the most. I thought I was struggling all alone, but I'm just one of many - with the same hopes and dreams.

Hopeful, here's where Alex's appeal letter is: Under old thread, entitled, "Just starting to explore options...help!!!" by Brando5111. Her letter is on the second page of the thread and was posted on 7/20/04 at 8:07 a.m. Best of luck to you! Mine was originally denied, I appealed, 8 months later approved. But most people don't have to wait that long. Have you gotten a copy of your insurance company's appeals process to follow their required protocol? Was it definitely denied or do you simply need to resubmit all the "lost" info.? If you're unsure, perhaps a call to your benefits coordinator and/or your health insurance company can clarify this for you.

Oh, Ryan, that's TOO good!

Hi Katy and Litnbug, I see you're both from Tennessee. Best of luck to both of you on your Banding journey. Please research and get as much info. as you can. It will really help you before and after your banding. We're just plain old folks who happen to be lucky enough to be Bandsters.

Wow, thank God you had a competent surgeon and hospital. Hope you continue to regain your health. Best of luck!

Well, as long as you're being pleasant and doing the job that's expected of you, don't worry about it. Just try to get along with everyone, be nice, and pretty soon they'll respond. P. S. Maybe you could make some really fattening dessert for them to munch out on, while you nicely eat your "smart foods". LOL:)

Wow, I'm giving ALL of us a big pat on the back! We are a real bunch of LOSERS!!! I'm not crying. I'm ecstatic! Yippee!!!

What a sad story! My heart goes out to her and her family. It's so scary knowing that our health can drastically change without any notice.

I have one once a year (for previous non-band problems). The endoscope is a flexible tube w/ a camera that they put down your throat and look at your esophagus and stomach interior. They take pictures and will give you some to put in your family album. You'll need to be on clear liquids the day before. The day of the testing, you'll get to wear the cute little backless gown, paper shower cap, and paper booties. They'll start an i.v. (using a small butterfly needle) for your drugs. I'm a big-time gagger, so they know now to knock me out. But it's easier to shake off than regular anesthesia. They won't let you drive yourself home afterwards (as a precaution). You'll probably have a little sore throat for a day. You may or may not be a little groggy and want to sleep after you get home. Just drink lots of liquids afterwards and your throat will be fine. You'll do fine!

Pam, your surgery is just a week away! Sept. 21 is just around the corner. Sending you best wishes and (((hugs))) for a safe trip, uneventful surgery, and quick recovery.

Kelly, we like you!

That's over half a ton of blubber!

Persistence pays! I'm so sorry that you both have had such a hard time. But I know this will just help you be more successful as bandsters. Best of luck to both of you! Wow, you'll be each other's support system! How cool is that!