Serena

This is off-topic but I'm curious. Laura, why did you have general anesthesia for epidural steroid injections? I have them every 3 months. The procedure is performed by an anesthesiologist, but I've always been wide-awake.

I've read several articles about how sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain. Isn't that strange? I think that it's hormonal. I still am too stupid to go to bed at a decent hour! It must be stupidity because I'm plenty tired................

I can actually eat part of a whole-grain baguette from Panera. I take it home for later and put a little peanut butter on it. However, I'm not that restricted (which is what I prefer). I only have bread occasionally although I don't count carbs.

Thanks to all! Cerrin, thanks for the kick in the butt! Were you saying that having a referral from your doctor is what made the classes so inexpensive? Wheetsin, thanks for the tip about Junonia. I'm calling today!

I'm sorry but if your husband's policy has a weight loss surgery exclusion, an appeal probably won't be successful. This was the plan chosen by his employer who no doubt selected the WLS exclusion to save on premiums. In my experience you general need a denial letter before you can appeal, and the requirements for an appeal are provided in the letter. Good luck.

Thanks for the support. I've had physical therapy several times but it doesn't help much because it is a neuro-muscular problem. I do handweights and stretch cords but what is missing is aerobic/cardio exercise. Water exercise is a great idea but the idea of being in a bathing suit in front of others is horrifying. That brings to mind Terri Doodle's signature line: "how bad do you want it?" Apparently, not quite enough........

For about 5 years I haven't been able to do meaningful (sustained aerobic) exercise because of the collaboration of the evil twin demons of severe arthritis of the knees and weak legs (due to a back problem). My plan has been to lose enough weight so that could successfully undergo knee replacement surgeries. I was sure that I could at least walk a few miles at a time with new knees. I've been concerned about losing weight without significant exercise because I know that I'm losing a lot of lean muscle tissue in addition to the fat. I have really been eager to feel better physically as a benefit of exercise. Last week I had my annual neurological eval (because of the back problem--EMG, MRI etc). It showed that my legs have become significantly weaker over the year and as a result, I cannot (ever) have knee replacement surgery because I couldn't do the necessary rehab with the leg weakness. I'm screwed. :cry Anyone else have difficulty exercising?

I'm a grazer .... Smoothie: strawberries, vanilla yogurt, skim milk, vanilla protein powder 1/3 cup fiber one cereal Cantaloupe Red pepper strips 1 oz. Kay's Naturals protein chips (10 grams!) corn tortilla w/ rf cheese, ff refried beans, salsa Soy protein powder w/ skim milk + 0-cal DaVinci caramel syrup watermelon

My surgeon does not require a sleep study, but I had one 3 years earlier. My pcp suggested it because it turned out that a number of her overweight patients who experienced depression actually had sleep apnea, and felt better after a few weeks with the C-PAP. I had the study and ended up having moderately severe sleep apnea (35 awakenings per hour). I used the C-Pap for 2 years and never felt the benefits that others seem to (increased energy. sense of well-being etc). I hauled my C-Pap to the hospital when I was banded and told each person I encountered in pre-op, before anesthesia was administered, and post-op, but it was never even removed from the bag. I'm sorry--I went off on a tangent there. My point actually was that most people are pleasantly surprised by how well they feel after treatment so it's worth it to check it out. Someone in my family had a voice-activated tape recorder so I placed it in my bed for a few nights to see if I sounded like I struggled to breathe. If you have access to one, it might be useful for you to see if you notice any irregularities.

I use it but I'm not overly fond of it. I have not noticed a problem with gas. I have only mixed it with Water (probably why I don't like it) because it has so much Calcium that I don't need to use skim milk. What have you mixed it with so far? Is it the only choice your program gives you? If you are gulping it down to get it over with you could be swallowing too much air........

Originally lap-band patients were told to avoid bigger pills and capsules because they may not pass through the band. My Detrol LA comes in blue capsules, and I can still swallow them after 3 fills (2.5 cc's in 4 cc. band). You're right about not being able to crush the time-release meds because the whole daily dose would be immediately bio-available. A few months ago my surgeon said the new studies show that it is fine to take any meds whole unless larger than a shirt button. Next visit, ask again.

My surgeon's recommendation is 8 pounds per month.

My doc doesn't use fluoro either. I have mixed feelings about that. I would like the reassurance that everything is in place (no signs of slip, dilation etc.), but I know 2 of the radiologists at this hospital and want the band to remain a secret. However I was able to see my port today on a back x-ray. I forgot about it being visible and I guess you're supposed to tell them about it in advance.

I can't eat anything too sweet or it awakens the candy monster in me, so I won't try the 100-cal. packs. I do like the Kashi TLC chewy trail mix granola bars. I carry one in my purse at all times in case I get too hungry. They do have 140 calories (!) but they have 6 grams of Protein and 4 grams of Fiber.

I buy smoky-flavored tofu at Wild Oats. During the pureed-food stage I blended Bush vegetarian baked Beans with barbeque sauce and I loved it. Later I tried it with the whole beans, but it didn't seem as tasty. If I liked to cook I would make dal, an Indian lentil dish. I do make a big pot of vegetarian chili (lots of beans) every so often and love coming home to a hearty meal that I can heat up in the microwave. I am usually really hungry when I come home and want to attack the easiest thing available. I love leftovers!

Susan, Thank you so much for the kind words. It has been great to be a part of LBT community, especially since I don't have anyone to whom I can talk about the band in person (I chose not to tell my family). My personal tragedy took place a long time ago. Yours is fresher and no doubt more acutely painful. If you would like to share, we are here for you.

I'm very glad that I did it. I have never experienced any difficulties or had many eating limitations. I prefer to only have light restriction because I want to be sure that I can meet my nutritional needs and not end up feeling really deprived. In fact, vegetables are the only foods that my band has problems with (but I am vegetarian). The difference with the band for me is mostly psychological. It keeps me motivated because I know that I can always get more restriction if I lose my focus and start to regain. Knowing that I have a tool to keep the weight off makes all the difference. We have another June bandster, Faithmd, who has never had a fill and yet has lost something like 80 pounds. That is why I love the band--you can manage it any way that it works for you.

:yo::thumb::wow2::hail::high5::clap2::rockon: C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S W A S A !!! We never doubted that you would meet your goal on time and it is that determination of yours that inspires us every day. Thank you for all your informative posts. I've learned more about the band from your posts than from any other source. Way to go!!

Thanks for "confessing". I've been trying to find it and was getting mighty perplexed.

How was the support group? I went to the first one but it was all about food and I don't think anyone felt comfortable talking about any problems they may be having with eating. I'm with you--I learned much more here than I ever learned from the group.

Thank you all so much for your kindness and support. This all happened a long time ago --26 years ago. I have no memory of my assault but then the assailant was never apprehended. Afterwards it was a bit like being overshadowed by a brilliant, talented older sibling, but the golden girl was my former self, a stranger to this mediocre, flawed Serena that now exists. That sounds a bit melodramatic! Thanks for listening. I don't have the opportunity to talk about this except a psychotherapist. I would really be lost without her.

I was once a physician, a neuro-radiologist. When I was in my first year of a fellowship in pediatric neuroradiology I was assaulted near the hospital. I was beaten very badly and left for dead. I suffered permanent brain damage. I went through a long, tough rehab but I'm told I am a totally different person than I was. I no longer had the drive to achieve and among other things, lost my comprehension and passion for medicine and science in general. All those years of education and I was no longer competent. So I am very lonely. My husband died when we were in medical school. I no longer remembered my friends from school and we no longer had anything in common. My life has no meaning.

I agree that it is an easy procedure. Although it was light sedation, I was "out" during the procedure but woke easily when it was over. There was no discomfort at any time. You are lying on your side. Years ago some docs put patients in stirrups for a colonoscopy. I'm glad that those days are gone!

I've been a lacto-vegetarian for 53 years and I have to rely on Protein drinks although I don't like them either. I make a big pot of vegetarian chili or lentil Soup and am content to eat it every day. I am an aesthetic vegetarian so I have no interest in vegetarian foods that are textured or seasoned to resemble meat. Getting Protein is a real chore for me. I shoot for 50-55 grams daily. Kay's Naturals makes protein chips which I really like as a snack. One ounce has 10 grams of protein. I love the chil nacho cheese. They are a little difficult to find and kind of pricey. I was paying $3.29 but got a great deal at Amazon grocery, 12 for about 26.00.

I told no one in my family. We had a few family birthday cookouts in the month I was banded and it was a little difficult to explain why I passed on some of my favorite foods like strawberries and green salad. I said that I was on a diet but the foods I couldn't eat were very diet-friendly. I'm the only overweight person in my family and I'm also a very private person. I'm still very pleased with my decision not to share that I have the band.