Kitt3000

For all the veterans of lap band who previously had high blood pressure, I have a question. When you reached a normal (according to charts), weight loss level, how soon did you see a drop in your blood pressure? I have had high blood pressure since I was sixteen and 118 pounds. By the time I was 20, I was taking high blood pressure medications. At that time, I was told I most likely would be on it for life. I did not see any improvement in regular (monthly) dr checked blood pressure readings, until last month. For the first time it was low. Periodically, I have been checking it at home, a few minutes ago it was 97/67. I'm thinking that may be the reason my energy level has been so low lately. Obviously, I will be addressing this with my physician, but on one hand, it's exciting this Heath issue may be resolving, on the other side, how odd to possibly not take medication, and I do have concerns because my father has had two strokes and occasional TIA's. Mom also had hbp, as well as sibs. So, if there are medical professionals who can shed some light, or if you have experienced this, please weigh in! I have an appointment after Columbus Day. Seriously, because of the low weight I had started at taking the meds, I think we all thought genetic, kidney etc causes, not weight.

Me as well! Enjoyed but stopped upon satiety. It was awesome!!!

I too just felt determination! Good luck!

Only you can make this very personal decision, your story is much like many of us, gain, loose, gain more, repete. Happy to be where I am today. Obesity in itself, in my humble opinion, is life threatening. Today, your knees are going, what's next? I was tired of sitting on the sidelines, mentally and physically. WLS gave me a glimpse of the girl I used to be, even if I can't grow younger- I sure feel it! Today, as I was walking to my car in a busy shopping place, a man at least 20 years younger, said hey beautiful, where are you parked? Sure, I knew he just wanted my parking space, but then, he could have waited and said nothing...

Hey J, Trust us when we say, by the time you reach that stage after your surgery, you most likely will have a new appreciation for the puréed stage. I remember just how good cram of wheat and things like puréed lentil soup tasted!

Obviously, if you can't get water down, you are too tight. If you can get a full cup of water down in one continuous drink- not sipping, are you too loose? If your food goes right past your band with no stopping, but you can eat smaller portions and feel satisfied for two hours, are you too loose? If your food stays with you for four or more hours, feeling satisfied and not hungry, are you too tight? If all you can think about is food, are you hungry and obsessed ? Or just obsessed? If you never think of food, but know you have ate very little that day, are you too tight? What is a portion size? Is it 1/4 cup of dense protein? One slice of deli meat? Veterans of the band, please weigh in on the topic and feel free to add your questions and comments.

Cracking up about falling out of love with your doc! Been there!

And.... Drink water- sip constantly, and walk walk walk! :-)

Ohhh! Exciting! Good luck- see you on the "other side" !

Hey Megan! I fly on a regular basis, at least once a month or more. This is what I find works for me. I take packets of protein POWDER with me. You can mix them into water, milk, smoothie etc. take an EMPTY water bottle with you to use after going through security. I also occasionally, buy yogurt sold at all airports now, and eat maybe half of it. If you don't have packets, make your own with snack size baggies. If you are flying anywhere "remote" in the US, there is at the very least, water fountains, mix your protein powder into your water & empty water bottle. On the plane you can bring it, and even ask for a cup of ice, juice or coffee to mix with it. If you snack, don't eat to get full, I find I really have to listen to my band. It's ok to let it make the decision, you won't starve to death in one day of travel :-) . You can do this! I usually have a protein smoothie the next day to start, and by mid afternoon, back to normal. I honestly don't know if it's altitude, band, or just don't travel as well as I think.. Maybe anxiety makes it tougher to eat? Security is not an issue with the band- just in case you are worried about it! Bon Voyage!

Often, we fear the unknown. Perhaps you could ask your parents to attend a WLS seminar with you? Ask if they would come to your doctors appointment with you? As a parent, I want my children to be healthy and happy. No matter what, I will support or at the very least, keep my mouth shut, if I disagree. It is after all, their body, and at the age of consent. You are asking for a sizable amount of money, and by your father and mother being jointly responsible, your father is acting appropriately in including her in their financial decisions. You are to be commended for realizing your success with your WLS, entails support from your team. I hope you are successful in starting your WLS adventure. Your parents have done a good job so far with you, so help them with their concerns regarding your safety, and the financial commentment as well. Big hugs! Rooting for you! Kitt

The office I used to work in, accepted care credit. It's not the office that offers the "promos" it's actually care credit. Tip, if you are going to pay it off before you are charged interest, you may want to make all of your payments by the eleventh month and not wait for the 12 statement to arrive. Good luck- Dallas has some very talented surgeons imo.

You could have the four inches I have to have cut off and re- hemmed! Lol!

Fatrabbit, I love the name!!

I'm in the same spot right now as well. I had to have a bit out, even when he gave me a cup of water, we both realized the band was pretty open. Since then, I still eat my small portions, but with in hour and a half, I am HUNGRY. I find myself grazing on crackers. Water water water.... I will be happy to get back to where I was. I can't wait- but have to. Arrrrgh!!

Unbroken40, why did they do a complete unfill if you were in your green zone? Confused.

Good luck and hang in there!????

I love taking flax seed oil capsules for my extremely dry skin and scalp. Since being banded, I have not had great luck with getting that huge capsule down. Since its a gel cap, I cannot break it up, I tried blending it in a smoothe, that was disgusting . So here I am am, asking for your ideas??? Anyone?

I don't know about anyone else, but if feel there is an over abundant amount of negative post regarding the gastric band, on the board right now. I've been very happy with it over all, but my gosh, all the bad press it's getting, it makes me wonder when "disaster" is going to strike!! Lol!

Very impressive Jim!

One word... Ambien??????

Glock as in weapon?

Are we speaking of drink or application of ice or heating pad? Congrats and welcome!