CCBSTX

Once you decide and set a date, maybe your can post your Doctor and date. Possibly, you may meet another LBT person and at least have some support while you are there. Maybe, even letting the surgeons office know that you are traveling alone. If they know of another patient also traveling alone and scheduled the same day, you can allow them to give out your number or e-mail address for a contact. That way you'll know of someone else, when you are there. Who knows? You may meet a new friend and support. Good luck. Shawn

I have one child going to camp for 2 weeks in June (boo hoo). My oldest is working. The family will be going to Kaui, Hawaii in July! I can't wait to travel with my new body!!! Shawn

Plunder, I understand what it's like to get MAD at schools! Anyway, my 17 year old has struggled w/ADHD and LD. He's doing better now. The good thing is that Texas has very liberal homeschooling laws. I checked it out myself. It's basically your school (home) and your way. Obviously, most parents want to give the best education possible. Yes, I believe that once you want them to return to public school, then they go into the grade that they are supposed to be. I am not sure how that works (testings, age, etc). Hook up with a homeschooling support group in your area. They will give you the "scoop." Plus, they often have classes and educational outing together, if you choose to go that route. Good luck. Shawn

Good piece...It hit home! Shawn

Becky, you are wonderful! Great work....Welcome back and no more "pity party." Just keep the PARTY!!! Shawn

Yes, lots of thinking and research to do! I suggest to write down the pros and cons of each procedure on paper. That way you can see it written. Each procedure has it pros and cons. Bypass can have some very serious complications. Most folks initially can't eat the surgary foods (dumping) After a bit, they sometimes develop a "tolerance" for sweets over time. Bandsters can eat whatever they want, "if" they can tolerate the food item to pass their stoma. The junk can go by really easy for many of us. This is what I have found about myself, the "sweet" eater: 1) My quantities of food have been limited. Even the sweets. I didn't want those for 6 months. Now, I do. 2) I no longer eat breads, as I don't tolerate them well. Same with eggs. That was a huge portion of my calories. 3) I count calories, using fitday.com, to make sure I am staying within my range and nutrition requirements. This has helped me stay on track during my losing stage. 4) I get support, where I can find it! Yeah, Lapbandtalk. Just my two cents. Good luck on your decision. Shawn

Wonderful job, BRAD!!!!! It's absolutely amazing. Thanks for the post. Shawn

I can move better and feel a bit better. However, I haven't gained the energy that I was hoping. I've had my blood work done and everything was completely normal..I try to eat properly and log everything on fitday.com. I wish it had increased my energy level. Shawn

Vines, so sorry about your Mom and other parts of your rough week. Glad you came back! Shawn

My cravings "perked" up after 6 months post banding....I can't believe I ate those Hershey Candy Bars today. I feel horrible and as I was grabbing them (yes more than 1), I told myself "you are so stupid." I just CAN"T buy them and have them in my house!!! I purchased them, for my kids/husband weekend campout, for SMORES! Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shawn

I am 40 years old. I scored a 36.4! Yippee! Shawn

I agree with the other responses. You may seek another internal med. doctor. That way, when you do have surgery, you will receive support. That is very important. Good luck. Shawn

Good luck Tina! Just like you are already doing, research and ask questions. Shawn

Jayger way to go! It's amazing, this band, and how it keeps us on track! I purchased a pair of jeans, yesterday, a size 12, I might add! Unbelievable! Shawn

Pam, so sorry your fill was as expected. I have a sensitive stomach, especially to my fills. I have a smaller band, but my last fill .2cc was too much. I went in and had that puppy taken out (.2cc). I've only had two fills (1 removed), since banding, and have done quite well. Funny thing, I scheduled an appt. for this week and ended up canceling. I started my period and ended up tight once again!!! This band thing takes some getting used to!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think, with fills, you have to listen to your stomach. Sometimes, we need to reevaluate what we are eating, the time of day, time of month even. Are we hungry? Are we eating solid Proteins first? Shawn

Way to go! You have done wonderful on this long road to health!!!!!!!!! Shawn

Good point! I NEVER was excited pre-band regarding my upcoming surgery. I was more meloncholy (spelling?) than anything. I felt that I was sort of a "loser" that I couldn't do it on my own. NOW...I am excited! Shawn

When my kids were into the snacking thing at night and I "felt" that they didn't eat a good dinner (their choice) or they were just grazing...I told them they could have any fruit or veggie they wanted!! That usually curbed the appetite and gave them control. I have very thin kids, but my 17 year old is the sweet eater. Eating is not a priority but when he is hungry he goes for "easy" foods, which almost always is junk. Because of my issues, I don't keep much junk in the house. Ice cream is mostly available as it's not one of my trigger foods. He eats a bowl every evening and that quenches his hunger/cravings. I really tried to make eating a non-issue, but focus on healthy. I haven't been perfect but I try. Good luck, Shawn

Your statement is so true Sunta! I was collecting styrofoam in my fridge as well. I have gotten used to tossing leftovers. However, I am just beginning to get my "head" on right. I quit ordering such large meals, if I can get away with an appetizer or share with my husband. Fortunately, when I do bring home, it is usually eaten the next day. Now that I've slimmed my orders down.... Shawn

Yes, I also feel a second opinion is needed! It never hurts to get a second. Good luck and I hope you feel better. Shawn

Aftercare is HUGE with the lapband. You must prepare for what happens for several years, after banding. You'll need followups, fills and unfills. That doesn't include complications that aren't planned (hopefully none). Go to someone experienced and recommended. Many folks have trouble finding a local doctor for their aftercare. Have that arranged before you choose surgery in Mexico. Unless, you are flying back and forth to Mexico for your aftercare. Just a thought. Shawn

Jules, you may just PREPARE to have someone around the first 24 hours. We all react do differently to pain and surgery. Just in case, be prepared. If it's that you are sleeping and want peace, than they can do the running around (with cell phone in tow). Shawn

Sounds like you are a wee bit too tight??? How do you feel and what do you eat during the day? Shawn

Good luck. I know you've already began your new job. I hope everything turned out OK with childccare and job!!! Take care...Shawn

So glad no person was seriously injured! I hate car accidents! It's amazing how 30 mph can do so much damage....Amazing. If the other guy is ticketed, and at-fault, I'd imagine his insurance co./he would be liable. In a few days, things will settle and you'll know more. A pain in the butt these accidents are, but fortunate as it could be worse... Good luck, Shawn