ParaGirl

A very good friend of mine who wanted the band, but did not want to go through what her insurance company required, told me that if I got skinny, I would dump her and not be her friend anymore...she was teasing me of course. I just told her that I would need her around to make me look even better! She and I are great friends and we have been on bunches of diet plans together and both of us ended up gaining from those great diets we tried. She even sent me flowers when I had the surgery and it said "Love, your ex-best friend" She is a hoot! It does happen though, she will see you change physically, and let's pray she can handle it. Some people cannot deal with change, especially change for the better....for you. She may see herself remaining stagnant, and you are doing something that will better your life. It may make her jealous of you. But, it may also motivate her to change her life for the better. Face it, change is hard, good or bad. Let your friend deal with it in her own way, and if she ends up not wanting to continue a friendship because of jealousy, then so be it. HER PROBLEM. You cannot let her weigh you down...heck, you are getting surgery to stop YOU from weighing you down. Thank you for allowing me to ramble.

I know that I will not be able to get a fill if I am losing more than 2 pounds per week. This is all in writing on my paperwork. I figure if I get desparate (did i spell that correctly?), I will put a roll of quarters in my pocket if I have to! I know, that is sooooooooo bad. Also, that is totally inconsiderate of anyone to keep a patient waiting that long. I have been known to just leave and reschedule later when I am not so mad about waiting too long. Our time is valuable too!

Hi fellow Georgians! I was banded on October 11 in Albany, GA. by Dr. Bagnato. I am self-pay, it cost $17,400.00. My first fill is November 26 and I can't wait. I sure wish we had a local group that could meet at the Obesity Clinic weekly, that would be great. I think the doc is trying to get that started up. Anyone else here banded by the same doc?

Wow, The responses here are great. I had the same fears...am i overfilling my new tummy? why am i eating something i shouldnt? Thanks for bringing me back to reality. Yes, this is life, and i will have a snack size Hershey bar (64 calories). I was wondering to myself why was i ruining this, but I am not. I am living life. Also, I was worried about erosion, slippage, all that. So it will hurt if that happens? Thanks for all the replys, and thanks for the post!

My surgery was Oct. 11th and my first fill is scheduled for Nov. 26. I CANT WAIT!

Oh P.S. At lunch every day I have 1/2 c. chicken salad and 1/2 c. cottage cheese. I seem to blow it at dinner time...soooooooooo hungry

I try not to eat more than one cup at a sitting, but that doesnt always take place! The mushing pass through quicker, so when you start eating, dont they begin passing through right away?

Hi, I am 15 days out. Surgery was Oct. 11. I feel like I have no restriction. I feel like I could eat a horse (well, not a horse-but you know what I mean) The only thing I can feel different is that I seem to get a touch of heartburn each time I eat. I want restriction dangit! My first fill isn't until November 26. Ok, if anyone else is in bandster &$$#, please respond. Misery loves company....

Sounds like you have your problem licked! Isn't it great to be able to come here and receive the encouragement it takes to keep us from giving up?

Way to go!!!

I only told my hubby and mom and one close friend before the surgery. Since the surgery, I have "come out" more to a select few. I just didnt want any naysayers to try to give me negative comments or feelings beforehand. I also didnt want to have to broach the subject of being self pay and others judging me for spending that kind of money. Those that I have chosen to tell have been really great. In fact, one of my coworkers told me she had the gastric band (a little different from Lapband) about 10 years ago.

ARMKAM, You look like a whole new person. You look very happy! Good going.

Wow StephC, What a testimony! My DH's ins. would not cover any bariatric treatment either. We are very fortunate that we could self-pay. I believe that God wants us to be our best for Him. And HE created men who were intellegent enough to invent things like LapBand, artificial heart, things of that nature. It is up to us to follow His will forus. I have been banded for 2 weeks (tomorrow makes 2 weeks anyway) and I have been struggling with the fact that the swelling is down and I have no restriction at this point. Please pray for me. Ihave been praying, and aside from a few questionable things eaten, I am doing fine. It is hard when we have this hunger, and the habit of eating too much. I praise God for all He has given to me and my family. Thanks for listening! Dana

Hi, This is a great thread, I am glad I happened across it. I too am a believer. This is a wonderful tool that God has made available for us. My surgery was October 11, not quite two weeks ago, and I have NO RESTRICTION! My first fill is November 26, PRAY FOR ME! Thanks all. Dana

abckids, I feel the same way. I talked to the doc's office today and was told that I may pick up a few pounds before the fill...that stinks. My first fill is the 26th. WHen is yours again? Maybe we will run into each other. Dana

I am still reeling from the idea of eating an entire bison...YUK

I had some cottage cheese, that was good. I am on thick liquids now, so still it is protein shakes, yogurt, soup, the usual. Today i was having a fit for food (started my period) so I made myself a frozen coffee drink: One packet of diet swiss miss cocoa One packet of cappachino coolers one scoop of protein powder one cup of skim milk This is 245 calories, but also 27 grams of protein, it was YUMMY. I cant wait to eat eggs...I need to get a life, right?

Ok, thanks Amy!

That is wonderful! Ok, what does NSV stand for?

Congrats to you! This is the beginning of a whole new life. The pillow idea is the best, I did that, and it helps a lot. Hope you don't have to travel too far for surgery. Just relax, get a good night's rest and I will say a prayer for you tonight. Dana

I am a very outgoing person, but as far as my weight goes, I tend to get embarrassed if someone goes on and on about a loss (or gain). So much of my weight is tied into shame and guilt that I get really freaked out when someone mentions anything about it. I have really tried to psych myself out about this. I havent told the whole world about the surgery, so I have been trying to find ways to respond to rude questions. When I had the surgery, and coworker right out asked me if I had the Lap-Band, I told her I had to have a hernia repaired! She has even gone so far as to tell another lady we work with that she didnt believe me, that she thought I really went and got the Lap-Band. Isnt that rude? How do you respond to someone like that when you dont want to tell the world your business?

i was banded on the 11th of October and I, too, am feeling good and hungry. I am on the creamy liquids stage, but I want some food! Oh well, this too shall pass.

In the consult with the doc, he told me he will use the smaller band unless he absolutely cant - his words were that the will always "cheat down" on the size. He felt positive that he would use the small on me. However, in talking to the nurse, I found that I got the larger one. The APL 14cc band. Does anyone know if this makes a difference? LIke will I get more or less restriction with this band. I am self pay, to the tune of 17,400 and I want as much bang for my buck as possible. Thanks in advance for any of your help.

I had 5 small incisions! No staples, closed with surgical glue.

Gag me with a spoon? HEHEHE, I see we are the same age. I am glad you have no temperature, just take care of yourself.