princess_n_thep

Yes, I would agree that it is more like a "diet" facilitator that gives you the extra edge. It is MUCH better to think about it like that than to think it is a cure for things. Many times people get the band and think the pounds should melt off and don't understand it takes a lot of work and exercise. I think your taking a great thought approach towards the band. Good luck with your researching!!

How awful for you. I am so sorry you had this experience. Have you thought about conversion to another surgery or are you going to try and do it yourself now? Good luck to you either way!!

I have never heard of either of those doctors either. (which concerns me a bit because we talk about Mexico a lot here at LBT) I was banded in Mexico too. I would say that you can expect full costs of about $10,000 after all is said and done and you are back home recovering.

I was teaching 8th grade when I had the surgery. I had the surgery on Wed and was back to work on Monday. However, I was able to do a lot of "book work" and "come to my desk for assistance" work for that week. And I put them in groups a lot working on a big project. And I had 8th graders who were more independent. But, I know how much the lower grades are active EVERY day. Since you are 1st grade, I suggest you do it over Christmas break to give you the most time. That would be PERFECT for recovery!!! If not, I suggest at LEAST Spring break. My suggestion would be to plan to have a full week of recovery at least, if not two.

sent you a PM

I think that I needed most of my help when I was learning about the band and I posted more questions and stuff. Then when I had the surgery scheduled I talked about my nerves, being scared and feelings a lot. Then when I first got the surgery, I needed to talk about all the new experiences (ie, is it normal, what should i do when, how do i, etc) Now... it is more just entertainment for me. Sometimes I post to help others, sometimes it is just playing one of the many fun threads here. Heck, sometimes it is just for the drama I think. In any case, my postings became fewer and fewer once I became more adjusted with the band and what I was doing. I am definitely not an expert but now i have established real friendships with members here and can just pick up the phone and call them or email them directly rather than making a general posting.

The point I think is not just the carbonation but that soda in general is bad bad bad for you health and fitness wise. It is a poor unhealthy choice. I was a Pepsi addict. Since banded I haven't had a sip! The first couple of weeks were hard. Now... I don't even miss it. I think that taking out the carbonation is simply "eating around the bands purpose"

If we are only talking about 5-10 lbs, I would gain it too. I wouldn't be happy about it but I guess I would of had a helluva good time at the restraunts trying!

Just saw it on TV about 20 minutes ago here in Arizona. They actually mentioned the Lap Band and said it would make GB obsolete. I think the LB will gain in popularity but I don't think GB will ever be obsolete.

I picked the weight that I was last truely comfy with in my own skin.

Sounds like a soft stop to me. Its the "warning". At least you found your warning sign!!!

I think I told this on another thread, but here goes again..... Still remains the most embarrassing... I was about 6 weeks out from having my son so I still had the "baby belly jello". It was my 21st birthday too. A friend of mine thought it would be fun to go out on the town and have my husband/her boyfriend stay with the kids. My friend was a thin, petite, make ya wanna puke kinda frame. Anyways, I went a bought a cute skirt for the occasion. One of those higher than the knees, sexy little shaking, slithery numbers. Well, obviously my baby belly didn't jive in the skirt. Sooooooo, she suggested I get a girdle for the occasion. I wasn't thrilled but I did it. It had the big stitching, the padded booty and the tummy control lining I needed. It DID make the skirt look great. I bet you all know where this is going... but it will be an entertaining read nonetheless. We went to the first bar and it was way crowded so we were going to go to another place, but I had to pee. So we went to the bathroom. Walking out there was this cute guy checking me out and smiling. I was married but it felt GREAT to be looked at! Down the street we walked to the next bar..... about 2 blocks away city blocks. More guys started to check me out. They would even turn and look and whistle!! Man, I was HOT STUFF. I started to swagger and flirt. I was married but it felt GREAT still again! Hoots, hollers, yips, wooo hooo's..... Man, I was a sexy momma!!! Got to the next bar, standing in line I think outside. That's when I learn.... the skirt was tucked into my girdle exposing the entire grandma padded ass!! Went home crying till I heaved from the sucking of air and wailing. Husband and his friend laughed his ass off. Good thing I divorced that asshole 4 years later! (best part you ask??? I divorced him for sleeping with that bitch who suggested the girdle in the first place!!)

WOW!! You're rocking that band! Way to go!! Impressive loss!! Where are our before/after pics????

Congrats!!!!!!!!!

It is actually of size??? How big?? A pea size???

Oh myyyyyyyyy! That does sound painful indeed!!! I am soooooo very glad I have never had one of these (knock on wood). I am such a baby that I cry over a urinary tract infection.... I couldn't even IMAGINE this!!!

Milk Duds. ('nuff said)

All Five horizontal here too. I suggest maybe looking at the scar stages thread. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6117&highlight=scar

Okay, I have to ask. What is it like to pass a kidney stone and what is it????

I don't disagree with GB at all. If I hadn't gotten the band, I would of had the GB.

I was a bmi of 34 and went to self pay in Mexico. There are MANY people here that had their insurance pay with under 40 BMI though. I am sure they will post soon. GOOD LUCK!!!

Dr. Blackstone will not do fills on "out of country" placed bandsters.

After the first fill for me.

Actually, the IRS does NOT even require the documentation and it does not word it as obesity. It says "medically necessary" which a letter of a generic medical necessity can be gotten from your original band surgeon I am sure. Plus, you only need it if you are audited, not to file. Audits are 5% of the US taxpayer population. The rule also does not stipulate it must be done in the US. Although, I am sure that one may be coming soon.

I can feel my port if I press on it. As for the band itself, when I first got it I seemed to feel a "presence" of something but I think it was more psychological. Now, I forget a lot I even have the band and take a big ol' bite. But my band quickly lets me know it is there. lol