Cindy_D

I have been banded about 6 weeks, have had my first fill, and will have the occassional beer. The bubbles don't cause a problem, I don't burp any more than usual and I have to be sure to include the calories in my daily total. I drink quite slowly, so that may be the secret. I think one of the big learnings for me has been what I can and cannot tolerate. Bread is out - I tried and I don't miss it. I am booked for my second fill on October 10th - didn't want to do anything drastic over the long weekend - I too have 5 cc as 4 was in the band post-op. I believe the difference is that the larger bands have more area against the stomach wall - this takes a larger amount of saline to fill the bladder and tubing - it is all relative. Cindy It's a matter of gentle trial and error. Cindy

I'm becoming a real social butterfly! I'll be there - it's in my calendar. Cindy

There are lots of posts on the boards talking about Dr. Cobourn and the clinic - just type Dr. Cobourn into the search engine and they should come up. The following is one: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f76/post-operative-care-dr-coburn-40175/?highlight=Dr.+Cobourn Cindy

Kim I too apologize - I get frustrated with the idea that people think they have the right to judge whether or not I or anyone else can "afford" to do this. I did not mean to put a damper on you or the thread. I am still quite sensitive with the idea that some tough choices had to be made in order to get banded. This is not unique to my situation - very few people are "rich" - if humour is the way for you to handle tough situations, then go for it. Once again, my response to your post was far too harsh. I wish you only the very best on your weight loss journey. Take care. Cindy:embarassed:

Hope please do come - I have only been banded about 6 weeks and am anxious to lose this weight - I am slowly getting filled and talking to Lori and Donna is wonderful support. We won't be hard to miss - the laughter will give us away. Cindy:whoo:

Kim I don't really expect that everyone thinks we're rich - far from it, but those of us who have made the decision to invest in our health and the success that the band will provide, have made very conscious decisions and worked hard to put financing in place. We have gone to family members, put off the purchase of new cars/houses, re-financed lines of credit and mortgages. I don't particularily care what "people think"! I do care about the results the band will allow me to see. I guess you have hit a nerve Kim - I don't look on any of this as a laughing matter - it is a huge investment, both financially and emotionally. Good luck. Cindy

I cannot help but marvel at the power of this board and the assistance it provides all of us. With one thing in common, Lapband, and a need for followup care, look at what has happened. Talk about coast to coast assistance. I'm so glad it is working out for you Lizzie - good luck. Cindy

Great news Andrew - anything that looks like cancer is understandably frightening. Get on the strengthening routine and don't forget the Calcium and Vit D - I have been taking the chewable Calcium that taste like caramel; my sweet for the day. Cindy

Sorry to hear about the back Andrew - pretty young for osteoporosis and your bones should have been pretty strong from the weight alone - hopefully they can sort that out quickly. Do you have access to a pool and swimming? That might help you stay on track. Hang in there and good luck! Cindy

Can your parents float you a private loan? I know you said they are covering your tuition, but you really need to watch the interest rates. Your line of credit interest rates may be the best you can get - most LOC are running about 6 - 7 % and that's not bad. Good luck. Cindy

Wow Leslie - what a difference! (Wish I'd thought to ask Dr. C to pose for a picture - maybe when I'm done). Cindy

Depending on where you are from driving in Toronto might be either difficult or a piece of cake. Dr. Rau is on the east side of Toronto so you would be driving through the city - the SWLC is in Mississauga, on the west side of the city and just off the 401. That might cut off about 45 minutes of the drive depending on your time of day. Have you checked out both clinics? Both seem to have equally competent surgeons, but checking out both would be advisable. Good luck, and am just wondering why you would be coming to Toronto from the US (welcome anyway - there seems to be just about as many head to the US from Canada). Cindy

Oh Mandi you are such an inspiration - you have done so incredibly well and you have a shape! I may be quite a bit older than you, but I am so looking forward to getting to that state - imagine 150 lbs - the last time I saw that number in relation to me, it was 1982. Sigh... Hope you do get back this way - it would be fun to meet you. Cindy

I'll be coming in off Hwy 28 so I'm not sure Donna - no issues with eating today - may be a bit of restriction and think it has made a bit of a difference, but I find weekends so hard to tell - the proof will be next week when I'm back at working trying to cope with some of the changes and damands that will be the real test. Cindy

Thanks Donna - coffee should be a great test - I ate carefully but well tonight. Cindy

Sounds like a great plan and I'll mark it in my calander. Just let me know where. Had my first fill today.... Cindy

Careful Liana - better check the post-op instructions - think you have to wait til Saturday for the tomato soup - isn't it clear broth tomorrow? Congratulations and enjoy your new friend - the next month is going to be a real journey. Cindy

There must be a restaurant in Trenton - maybe I could check to see if NancyC would like to come with me and meet up with you there some Sunday afternoon. We'll work on that! Cindy

Play it by ear Crispy - it is hard to say how you will feel, especially if you are that close to the restaurant - even coming in to say hi might just do you a world of good - be prepared for a rousing applause when we find out who you are - Count me in again Laurie - unless the weather is bad - good thing I like to drive!:clap2: Cindy

pretty much - hopefully he knows whether or not you have a condition that your surgeon/anaesthetist needs to be aware of. If you are over 50 you will need an ecg and of course the blood work that the clinic will order. Pretty straight forward actually. I wouldn't let my doc weigh me - his scale didn't go high enough anyway. Cindy

Hopefully Dr. Cobourn will be able to talk her through it. Maybe it should be arranged to have the fill done under fluoro - a type of moving X-ray. Cindy

Sure did and we missed you - how are you feeling - you have your consult tomorrow right? Hope they can give you some answers - keep us posted. Cindy

Kitty those pictures are incredible - I'm sure most people would not recognize you. It must be a lot of fun! Cindy:clap2:

Glad the link worked Bob - this is a great site with lots of neat people who have all the experience we need to really help us make the most of this band. Cindy:D

lunch is over and it was a great turn-out. It was so great to meet everyone. Hope to see you again in another couple of months - Take care all Cindy