luv2laugh

I help out someone @ a warehouse store 1x/week. (BJ's) We get to know all the ladies that do all the food demo's, and they come over on their breaks to talk to us while we are putting our Hallmark cards away. One of the ladies stopped by and asked my co-worker "when she got the NEW partner"!!! She said she didn't recognize me! :party: I was floored... but I think it was also because I had just had my hair cut/highlighted too. :frown: But I'll take any compliment I get...

My neighbor's son asked his mom if she was still going to the gym with me. She said, "yes, why?" He said, "How come I can tell she's going and you look the same?"""":eek: Needless to say, I was going to kiss him to death... :frown: She on the other hand was not a happy camper.

I went to a lapband meeting to see if I was interested. Dr. Sandor has one every month - the last wednesday of the month in Winchester (off Swanton St, near the Sons of Italy hall). There is one tomorrow (JAN 30TH)- from 6-8pm... 6-7pm is "new orientation" and from 7-8pm is a support group, but you're more than welcome to stay and ask questions. Dr. Ameri has one @ the Jenk's Center across from Winchester High the 2nd tuesday of every month. I would suggest going to both, and see if one of the surgeon's "clicks" with you. They are BOTH wonderful, experienced surgeons. feel free to email me for any more details. Brenda

Hi Suzanne, Hope you had a Merry Christmas! I actually had Dr. Sander (Commonwealth Surgical Associates in Stoneham) perform my lapband @ Winchester Hospital. I went to his meeting and absolutely loved him. His specialty is laporoscopic bariatric surgery and much prefers lapband over bypass. However, if he believes the patient is going to be noncompliant regarding diet, Dr. S. does try to talk the patient into Gastric Bypass. As you know, in lapband, it's just a tool, and you have to really choose the correct foods. It's VERY easy to eat around a lapband by eating soft foods, hi cal drinks, or grazing all day. With the gastric bypass, most patients will have a dumping syndrome (which Dr. Ameri calls a "blessing"!!) if they eat food high in sugar or fat. Most Lapband patients do NOT get this. Now back to Dr. Ameri - Yes, his support groups do seem more geared to Gastric Bypass - but a lot of what he speaks about - diet, supplements, motivation, etc. can be applied to lapband too. I do enjoy going to hear the success stories (regardless of what surgery they had) - it keeps me motivated to stay on the straight and narrow... Every other month he does meetings for "newbies" and then for post-surgery. Once in a while he'll gear the whole meeting primarily to lap-band. He is a very sweet man, and everyone I've talked to that has had him - absolutely loves him. If you're around and would like to meet for coffee - let me know! Brenda

I had mine @ Winchester Hospital this past September - They were EXCELLENT. In fact, they are considered a "Hospital of Excellence" by many insurances. If a hospital hasn't been designated with that award, that particular insurance (United Health being one of them) will NOT allow you to go there for surgery. I had Dr. Sandor who I absolutely love. He uses Winchester and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. (I did NOT want to go to LM - too many horror stories in other types of surgery that my cousin experienced). I also did not find the need to go into Boston (even though it's only a 20 minute drive away). Dr. Ameri practices out of Winchester also. He is really experienced and an overall nice guy. I do go to his support groups that he has the second Tuesday of every month (7-9pm) @ the Jenks Center in Winchester - they are very informative. So - do not hesitate to go to Winchester - even the nurses have had specific training on bariatric surgery. They were very attentive to me during my overnight (I had lapband). One even made me a pillow to hold on my tummy to help when I got up! Brenda Feel free to email me with any concerns.

Was just wondering if anyone is experiencing very cold hands, feet and nose? I was checking out the 'net and wondering if I'm anemic. (I had been in the past). Seeing as I have yet to eat a steak - it's probably the cause. I have an appt with my general practitioner next week, but wanted to see if anyone else shared this, and what did they end up having. I've also heard it could be related to thyroid (but I was tested numerous times pre-banding and I was fine). I think I ruled out Raynaud's syndrome, because it's not situational. I was banded 9/26/07, and I'm down 40 lbs. Pre-banding was still warm in the Northeast - we are in the dead of winter now and it's pretty cold here. Thanks guys! Brenda

No problems with salad here. But can't put chicken in it or it will get stuck.

I had my 2nd fill 5 days ago and had my first reflux that night. I was miserable. My doc said it was because I ate and laid down to quickly and it would subside in a day (which it has). However, I constantly feel like there is a lump in my throat (even when I wake up and haven't eaten anything). Also, when I do eat a meal, I sometimes get a back ache. Has anyone experienced a backache? This confuses me because I don't understand how the band would be related to back pain. Any ideas are welcomed. I definitely will try the tips I've read - not eating 3 hours before laying down, using less splenda (that's a hard one), and I'm going to get some aloe vera juice. Brenda

I LOVE sushi, especially maki sushi with the seaweed wrap and the sticky rice. I'm afraid to try it (although I'm on fluids now anyway). I think I'll have to try to lean towards sashimi instead - but not sure how chewing it to death will taste raw... Sounds disgusting thinking about it! Brenda

Right after surgery alot of us have actually gained weight because of all the IV fluids they pump into us. So don't fret! Stay on the liquid diet and in a week or so you may have a big drop in the scale - and walk, walk, walk to keep the gas pains at bay and to keep yourself moving. The bloating takes a while to go away, but walking really helps... Brenda

I have sleep apnea and was told I MUST bring my machine with me so they can use it in the recovery room. Well, it was with me all through surgery (under the bed they wheeled me around in), but it was NEVER set up until I did it!. When I woke up in recovery, my sleep apnea machine was STILL in the bag on top of the bed with me. A lot of good that did! Once I got in my "patient room, I had to actually set it up and use it. (I was afraid with the pain med, I'd stop breathing and not wake up!). But, I must say, now that I dropped over 25 lbs - I'm not using it! I think my sleep apnea is gone or on it's way to be gone. DH says I breathe normally now!!! woohoooooooooooooooo! Brenda

Hey Sugar addict - When did you have your surgery? Did your doc give you a post-op diet at all? My doc had me on clear fluids for 1 week after, then 2 weeks of fluids (basically anything that could fit thru a straw), and weeks 3 - 5 will then be any food I can blenderize (to make it the consistency of baby food). All doctors seems to have variations on the post-op diets. Bread is hard to tolerate sometimes even in the later stages, some have said if you toast the bread it doesn't get stuck. The veggies at this point should be cooked until they are very soft. And chicken is hard to tolerate by many also. Suggestions I've heard is to use lots of sauce so the meat is very wet. (Or make a chicken salad instead of trying to eat a chicken breast). You need to get in your protein - that will help you heal. Carnation instant Breakfast with extra protein is delicious. Or check out GNC or any health food store in your area for whey protein which can be added to any smoothie. Hope this helps! Brenda

Your welcome... Yes, in my case it was a type of yeast infection (I believe the name is Intertrigo - which is a yeast infection in the skin folds). Any anti-fungal creme helps. Look for anything that has "clotrimazole" in it. (You do not want to use cortisone cream, that can make it worse). If my "remedies" don't show any improvement in a couple days please let your doctor know. Mainly keeping the area dry will keep it from returning. Like I said, since I blowdry and cornstarch after every shower, I haven't had it in years (except an occassional beach day here and there). Here's a link about it: Intertrigo - Yeast Infection in Skin Folds Brenda

Hey babydoll, Was lurking on the Aug thread (I'm a september finer niner!) to see what up and coming issues I may experience and came across your thread. I've lived with chafing for the longest time, but since I started this regime - I've only had it it once in a while in the summer (like when I leave on a wet bathing suit too long). When I get out of the shower/bath I use a hair dryer and blow dry any areas I may get chafed - especially under the breasts and in between my thighs. I folow up with Cornstarch powder (NOT talcum powder which I heard can cause cancer when used in the vaginal area). Johnson and Johnson makes a cornstarch powder and it's located right next to the regular talcum powder and is in the SAME type of container. In the rare case that is gets really raw, any anti-fungal cream can work - I think it was called Lotrimin? But ask your local pharmacy - they have it over the counter - no prescription needed. Hope this helps! Brenda

Hey Effie, Was just lurking on the bb's and saw your post.. I do have backpain today but thought it was just that I may have overexerted myself. However, today was my day to change to "mush" foods (i was banded 9/26) and I did have oatmeal - I did eat about a cup and 1/2. I have not had any fills yet - Now I'm worried I screwed something up? Has anyone had back pain explained by a medical profession? Can it be associated with the band? I do not have any other pain at all.. just the dull ache in my lower back. Brenda

I will heed everyone's advice and enjoy the "not starving" feeling. I'm 9 days post-op and still a little swollen and thought maybe I wasn't hungry because of the anesthesia being in my system... I don't know where I heard that but for whatever reason, let's thank God it's happening! I do have the head hunger to eat something crunchy (chips are calling me!!), and I would love to have something grilled on the BBQ! I go to mush foods on wednesday, today I can eat whatever I can get through a straw (think I can mash chips up and inhale them??? heehee)....j/k Brenda (who's lovin' where the scale is heading lately for ONCE in my life!!!)

Hey Kimmee - I think in the beginning alot of the burping is to release all the gas that was in your abdomen while doing the surgery laporoscopically. The surgeon tries to take most out - but I know in my case, my belly looked pregnant after surgery because of alot of trapped gas! I actually think of it as a blessing - better "up" than "down"... and better to burp it out than stay gassy :eek: Brenda

Hi Mandi, I had my surgery the day before you and today I was feeling sad too. I guess it's nice to hear I'm not alone. I thought I was crazy to feel sad when I should be ecstatic that I finally had it done! But being on the liquid diet and having NOTHING to chew (man do I look forward to my chewable vitamins!!), and also being stuck in the house was starting to give me lots of time to think. I am writing my feelings down in a journal, and when I have my next psych appt, I will bring it with me. (I never know what to say in there usually!) No more stuffing my feelings down with food - so I guess they all come bubbling to the surface.... Being Italian my world also revolves around food. I'm very apprehensive about the holidays coming up - halloween/t-day/xmas... It's going to be quite strange to sit around the table for 6 hours on xmas day and only eat 6 ounces of food! I have had to rethink how I am in social settings - at a party while I was on the "pre-op" diet, I sat around the pool instead of the picnic table where all the good munchies were. I knew I would mindlessly eat the chips/dip, etc if I was in arms reach. So with a little planning and extra thought - I know we can get through this! And - when your spirits get low - pat yourself on the back and know your are not alone and in the next few months it should get easier... and in no time we will be a much healthier, smaller version of ourselves!! Brenda

Congrats Margie!!! I wonder if the nurses dress up at the hospital on Halloween nite!! Thanks for thinking of me the day of my surgery - I'm 6 days post-op and feeling really good. I walked up and down my street today but I need to do more. I do tire easily though. Let's here it for the SOX!

Chris ROFL --- BWAHAHAHAHAHAH Chris you are too funny - I too had that damn "E"... I just thought the scale was Broken!!!!! I went out and bought a new scale!!! I still have it though - I think I'll go try it again... I even tried changing the batteries... LOL Also - 'bout your previous post about pb'ing? Isn't it too soon to be doing that? If you are doing it on clear liquids, I would tell you doc about it. I did read if you do PB to do liquid for 24 hours again to allow your pouch to calm down a bit. I haven't had an episode yet, but I'm still filled with gas... Burping a lot but it doesn't hurt - just annoying. My doc told me the reason to have liquids you can read a newspaper through is because it passes right through the band and allows it to heal. If you eat soups that you blenderize, the bigger part of your stomach contracts and moves a bit to digest it and it could cause slippage of the band. This is what is keeping me on the straight and narrow - otherwise, I would love to have a nice juicey steak on the grill... Got out today - did a little walking around a bookstore - gotta do more outside. Just alittle afraid of being too far from a bathroom - if ya KWIM??? Brenda

I was an avid Diet Coke drinker or seltzer with lemon for years... My doc said to get out of the habit before surgery because the carbonation expands in your stomach and stretches your stomach. If it's continually done, you're able to eat/drink more and more, therefore reversing the effects of the band. Maybe it's not true, but I agree with allwright and I'm not going to test it. I may try a flat one @ some point... Brenda

Hey labband anniversary BUD! I love your name "Irish eyes"! Hope you have great success too! Brenda September Finer Niners

Way to go Chris! I can't believe you walked a MILE that close to surgery! I've been just strolling up and down my neighborhood. I think I may try to walk for a 1/2 hour tomorrow after my daughter goes to school. I find I tire easily - need to get my Protein in - just don't feel like eating it. Are you eating only liquids post-op? My doc requires it - I know every doc is different. But if you are having trouble keeping things down it could be due to the swelling - I mean you were JUST banded this week! Don't forget to get some rest to let your body heal. Good luck - although with your determination and will, you're not going to need any luck. Brenda

eliptical wii walking in that order...

I can feel the LUV! : ) I feel really good. Let Kathy know I'm doing fine. It was really helpful to talk to you before the operation. And thanks for the awesome websites! Doc said I could drive when pain meds are weaned off - I'm shooting for tomorrow! I can't wait to leave these 4 walls and actually GO SOMEWHERE - might venture off to a bookstore to find a recipe book on bariatric meals - especially the LIQUID stage! Brenda On the "other side" for 5 days...