ShelbiCallie

You all look marvelous! 161 pounds gone -- amazing job, ladies! I like to hear those monthly grand totals -- very motivating. :clap2: I hope Lap is ok. Maybe she will post soon. Happy Sunday, folks! Let's all have a positive, healthy week.:kiss2:

Hey VA -- I'm sorry about your situation. Maybe the doc who does your fills (Dr. Brinkley in your signature) could do a fluro for you? Didn't someone a few pages back mention tht Dr. K uses an ultrasound machine to locate ports -- would that help? Maybe your PCP could order a barium swallow at your local hospital? I don't know... just throwing some ideas out.

Hey Dee -- I had the same intubation fears; I think it's a nurse thing. Honestly, my experience at your hospital turned out to be the best I've ever had -- I think you'll even have a better experience than I because you work there and you're "family" to the staff so to speak. You're going to do great!! Ya'll have a good time at lunch today and dinner next week. I sure wish I could join you guys! Don't forget to take lots of pictures! One of these days I'm going to surprise you all and just show up. Maybe on my 1-year bandiversary next September... Mal -- I love the name Otis --"Milo and Otis" was one of my son's favorite movies when he was small. Brings back memories of my babies, yet again.

Hi Kelly! :love: No meat cleaver here. Just jumping over here to say howdy and I think this is a great idea. If fact, I'm hoping one day for a whole message board with multiple threads devoted to our favorite lap band surgeon, the fab Dr.K (more :love:) I mentioned that the Marilyn in the office once -- I would love to see it hooked on to www.lapbandrockies.com. Wouldn't that be da bomb?! You know that I love your writing style and you make me laugh, so I'm gonna pop in at both places, if that's ok. (I've been referring to my band as a "shock collar" ever since you coined the phrase awhile back ) About me: I'm Karen, 47, married 24 years to my college sweetheart, live in God's country -- NC, where the sky is tarheel blue. Mom to 2 boys, 2 kitties, and Barkley, the most wonderful lab that ever fetched a tennis ball. Banded 9/19/07 by Dr. K. I'm a nurse case manager ( do not shoot me, I have nothing to do with approvals/denials). I'll usually chime in on things about autism and PCOS, because they affect my son and me respectively). I was a PB virgin until recently, now it seems I'm sliming and vomiting all the time -- would that make me a PB 'ho? I learned about Dr. K here at LBT and have always found wonderful support at his original thread here. Love my peeps there, too! Enough about me already.. who else is out there???????????????

Congratulations, Tina! I know you'll be thrilled to have your son in your arms and at home with his family for Christmas. He is at such a fun age -- probably full of giggles and discovering that his toes will fit in mouth! Enjoy your little man. When I look at my 10 and 16 year olds, I sure do miss my babies that they were. They grow up too fast! Please try to keep us posted on how things are going -- but with a toddler and a crawler at home, I know you'll be so very busy! Can't wait to see those RR pictures, friends!

Mal, I am sorry for your loss. I know this is hard for you and your family.

Taynah -- Wowzers! You're down 40 pounds and 2 pant sizes -- you are doing amazing! Way to go, girl.:whoo: Living the dream -- Welcome and good luck on your upcoming surgery! I'm having fills locally, so I can't help you there, but I'm sure there's someone here who can and will. Happy Tuesday peeps! I'm counting the days until my second fill -- I'm still hungry, dagnabit!

Yep, hamster here too! I've tried taking a small bite to begin with, but it never works out -- I end up chewing it with my front teeth like Clark Griswald chewed the dry turkey in Christmas Vacation. The hamster way is the only way for me. Dee, just show up and you're automatically family! Bring a bottle of wine and you get a spot in the family plot, should you need a final resting place.

I'm a Dr. K, CO patient, too. I had my surgery 9/19/07. I traveled from NC, was self-pay and had so many pre-op doubts. I am VERY glad I went through with this. Of course, I was a BMI 43 and older with obesity-related sleep apnea, high cholesterol. From my experience, you can't go wrong with Dr. K. He's an excellent surgeon. I've had no complications, and would probably be at higher risk than you since I'm older, larger and have co-morbidities (you didn't mention that you had any). But honestly only you can determine if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Good Luck to you in your journey! Check out the Dr. K thread under "Doctors and Hosptials".

I had my fill with Dr. Ahigian, Denver NC through Fill Centers USA -- no problems whatsoever and I will be going back for future fills.

Mal & Woof -- My first fill went great, thanks! As usual, I made it out beforhand to be worse in my mind that it actually was-- I can work myself up into some major anxiety. I got 1.5 cc (I had problems swallowing water at 2cc, so he backed some out) and really liked the Dr., so I'll be going back there, since it's only an hour and 15 minutes from my house. I am my aftercare doc's only patient who was banded in the US -- all others were banded in Mexico. I love telling everyone about Dr. K, the work he does, and the price -- Dr. Ahigian was amazed! I'm on liquids for 48 hours, then soft for 48, then regular diet. We'll see how it goes. GURLY -- have you had a fill yet?? Want2b -- I've made it 1 week and 11 days and no PB yet -- knock on wood -- but I had some major hiccups and slimed a little last week over some TOAST. I was making some for the boys and didn't even realize that I was even wolfing it down until it was too late. Old habits sure do die hard. I am loving the Halloween pictures!!! Woof -- that's great about your blood pressure -- that's what it's all about!! Looking forward to reading more from these beach bunnies as they return from their vacations, all tanned and relaxed (It's 35 degrees here this morning -- burrrrrrrr) Looking forward the hearing about these new babies! Where are you, mamas? Tied2b -- (I have PCOS too! Oh the joy!!) Thanksgiving -- oh, man!!! I have 6 sisters and a brother and oodles of adult nieces, nephews, great whatevers, step this and that, and just plain folks who stop by for some pie. We all get together (usually about 40 people) at my sister's house and have enough food to feed an army and then some. We each have a few specialties that we prepare every time.) There are so many people, that at our last family gathering (4 days after my surgery) -- no one even noticed that I just carried around a plate of food and pretended to eat. This time around I'll take a few bites, but I'm feeling in control --(famous last words! haha) Everybody -- ya'll have a healthy week and keep on posting. I'm sending out positive vibes to you from NC, where we had frost on the pumpkins this morning!

Lap Dancer! Congratulations on your election! You'll look wonderful in those new "executive board" outfits. We'll need a new picture soon. It is so to cool to watch you reap the rewards for all the positive changes you're making in your life. You go, girl!

Hi -- I'm from NC and was self-pay. I searched extensively in many states and finally decided to travel to Dr. Kirshenbaum in CO. There's a lengthy thread of information about him by his patients on LBT. Here's his website Lap Band Surgery in Denver Colorado | Lap Band Surgeon in Denver | Gastric Band Surgery Denver | Bariatric Surgery Total cost for me was $9950 and that included fills for 3 months afterwards; fills after 3 months are $15. (These amounts, of course, did not include travel expenses.) I have absolutely no regrets and would go back to him without any reservation. I have the APS band and have had no complications whatsoever. Good luck in your journey!

Good Morning Everyone! I am still alive and I. AM. HUNGRY~ counting down the days (6!) until my first fill and just trying to maintain my loss until then. Want2B -- please, please, please -- you have got to write a lap band book about the funny side of the process. You crack me up!! Gurly -- have you had you first fill yet???? I want to hear all the details, please! Tina -- your family will be together for the holidays!!! What a blast you're going to have. I'm doing the happy feet dance for you! I can't wait to hear about what big sister thinks of little brother when she meets him. Woofay -- I am relieved to hear you left that job! You'll find a good fit. Everyone -- I've got 20 minutes before the boys get up for school, so I'm off to shower before the all the hoopla begins! More later --

cherrie31c -- what type of band do you have? How many cc's did you have added in your first fill? What are his recommendations for length of time on liquids after the fill? Thanks, Karen

I am so glad to hear from you!!! I was getting worried that no one would respond. Thanks again for your input -- I feel reassured about my 10/29 appointment now.

Gurly -- I'm starving all the time :hungry:!!! I'm back to a regular diet now and I think this must be the bandster he*l everyone has spoken of. :help: My first fill is scheduled for 10/29/07 -- I can't wait, but I'm also nervous. I know so little about my new aftercare MD -- it worries me. Especially in comparison to what I knew about Dr. K-- heck, I felt like I new his sign, favorite food, underwear size, etc. because there was so much information about him available. I am seriously considering cancelling my 10/29 appointment in NC and making a trip to GA where Skyeblu gets her aftercare. Decisions, decisions. Anyway, just so I don't gain it all back before my first fill -- I'm back to low carb, high protein until my fill, I'm working with hand weights, riding my bike daily. RR 10/15 GANG -- pictures, please! Nickanut! It's YOUR day, friend. Sending positive vibes your way! Woof -- Your perfect job is out there waiting -- just keep looking. I hope it works out that your previous employer can slide you into a local position. It would be fantabulous if they could give you back your original hire date -- especially for accruing vacation!:Banane35: Speaking of vacation, enjoy your time south of the border, Dynamo. Warm sea breezes, sun and sand sound heavenly. Dee, congratulations on your date! It will be here before you know it. Longhorn, good luck with your TX banding -- sounds like you've got a good plan in place. Let us know how you're doing. Don't be a stranger! LS, (I'm trying not to butcher your name here.) Welcome to band land! I'm glad to hear you're doing well. EVERYONE -- have a great week! I am thinking of you always and I do check in here daily, it's just that I am such a poor typist that I rarely get enough time to write a coherent post. But I did want to add for all of you CO baseball fans ..... HOW 'BOUT THOSE ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!!! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

I am scheduled for my first fill under fluoscopy 10/29/07. If you are a current or former patient, I'd love to hear about your experience. Thanks!

Welcome Bookholder, Sherry & Jenifer! Anita -- those are great "mommy hours" you have. Can't wait to hear about your first day! Mal -- Last night's score: Ice cream 1, Karen 0. I will win the battle tonight, though! RR Ladies -- I love seeing your beautiful THINNING faces; the transformation inspires me. Anita and Marcy -- I get sad, too, because I'm not at RR, but then I think, heck, I've never even met these women in real life; why am I sad? But honestly, I feel like I know you all better than I do real life people because you share so much of yourselves here and because you are among the very small group of people who even know I have a band! I don't know what I'd do without the support here! Ok, now I'm getting a little verklempt :cry. Talk amongst yourselves. (Said in my best Linda Richman voice.)

Good Morning everyone! can't wait to see the photos from RR last night and from RR next week. Marcy -- Down 2 sizes! Dynamo -- On behalf of all the tax payers in the nation, THANK YOU for writing that letter to the IRS about their problem auditor. Sometimes it seems that a person can get in a federal position and stay way past their competency. 19 days till my first -- can't wait! The ice cream in the freezer is beginning to call my name around 10 or 11 each night. Must...stay..away...from....the....ice cream :hungry: Happy Hump Day, peeps!

Forgot to add -- Want2b -- If I do a day trip to Denver ($328 at today's flight rate, plus transportation to/from Dr. K's), it will cost a little more than going to the FillCenterUSA Dr. ($299 first visit&fill, then $155 for each fill afterwards -- more with fluroscopy) who is a 45 minute drive away. My big fear is that if the fill doc might puncture my port and then I'd be stuck (pun intended) with a problem that Dr. K didn't cause and I'm concluding wouldn't fix for free, as he does with his guarantee. I've got a 10/29 appointment with the local doc, so I've got a little time to think about it.

Want2B -- Thanks for the link to the supplements site. Those prices are are excellent! I'll be shopping there soon. Steak is good Protein and ice cream goes down too darn easy -- you get a pass! Just think about what you would've eaten in your pre-band days at mom's---you probably did much, much better! Dee -- My insurance wouldn't cover my surgery, but did cover my post-op prescriptions, too. I had liquid Keflex/cephalexin, liquid Vicodin/Lortab/hydrococodone, and phenergan suppositories. I was told to get a Dulcolax suppository OTC and use one the night before. The GAS-X is the melt-n-your-mouth strips OTC -- best money I spent!! Lafs -- glad to hear everything went well! Are you going back to Dr. K for fills? Longhorn -- that's a good point you brought up about the frequent flyer points. I'll have to add that to my list of pro's/con's about heading back out to Dr. K. for fills. Have a great week everyone!

Welcome, Longhorn & tied2B! Longhorn -- I'm still pre-fill and plan to do local fills (NC), mainly because in case I have an emergency of some sort I want to be able to get quick care. But I'm having some second thoughts, I'd really like to go back to Dr. K. He guarantees his work, but what if another MD messes up my port during a fill, you know? If Dr. K did, he'd fix it; but, if someone else was liable then I'd probably be stuck paying for the replacement sugery myself. I don't know; I'll probably have to call and talk to him or Natalie about it. Dr. K is a good man -- not pretentious, very down to earth, practical. I have no complaints about the entire experience! Tied2B -- You should be proud of Parker Adventist! It's an awesome facility. The nurses that I met there were da bomb!~ I think I remember the names Chris and Nicki, but I was so nervous so I've probably got the names wrong. Anyway, my pre-op nurses were from Misissippi and Tennessee (I think) and they told me when I spoke that it "sounded like home". My recovery nurse told me that I said, "Where's the Cuervo?" as soon as I came out of the anesthesia. :embarassed: I think I must have had margaritas on my mind during surgery, because I thought Gurly Girl told me she had gotten medication like a margarita to drink during pre-op and all I had was the ol' Versed in the IV. I remember thinkinking where the heck is my margarita as they were rolling me in the OR and the next thing I remember is my recovery room nurse laughing at me. Dr. Nichols was my anesthesiologist -- he was great! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The leaves are starting to turn here in NC and it is finally starting to feel like Fall. Yippee!

Girlygurl -- I'm so glad to see you post and to hear that you're doing good! Taynah -- you're doing great! Happy one month bandiversary! Woofay -- congrats on the job and good luck on Monday! Dynamo -- I'm sorry to hear about the IRS chick. Hope the next one is more human. I don't know anything about book appraisals -- sorry. Drews -- A blocker! You have a fan. If I ever make it back to CO, I've got to bring DH with me for a derby bout. He INSISTS!! Mal -- For Halloween, I am going to be Queen Elizabeth (no, not the current one with the pearls, handbags, Corgi -- but the historical one with the high collars and white make up. But now that I think about it, maybe I would like to be the other one.....) Is anyone having surgery this week?? Have a wonderful weekend, peeps

Sh*t (excuse my french ), what is going to happen if we get audited for Schedule A itemized medical lap band expenses?? A cold chill just went up my spine.