Anwyn

Great list Jenna! I could work up a couple of weeks itinerary from your ideas alone... Thanks for all the ideas everybody! I feel a lot better now that I have the inside scoop. I'm going to print this thread and take it with me.

I have an alcoholic father. If there's anything I can do to offer support, please let me know.

Not too much information at all - thanks for indulging my nosiness! I'm a geek by association (DH is a software engineer). One of his friends works for a company that does contracting with the Federal government for security issues. (Symantek is the name of the company I think). Sounds like an interesting field! Good luck with your studies - I'm sure you'll reach all of your goals and more!

Thanks for the tip! Those scented candles can be murder... I have a cinnamon roll candle that I have a serious love/hate relationship with. If I could chisel some out I'd probably take a bite...

Sorry about that - didn't mean to hijack earlier... When I was on mushies I LIVED on taco bell. I know, I know. Real healthy way to start banded life, right? Fortunately I could only eat a few bites of Beans at the time. mmm... refried beans...

I have United Healthcare and was approved without a hitch. I've seen many United approvals on this board. I would ask HR for contact numbers for both companies so that you can call and ask them. Every policy is different. As far as being scared, in my opinion that's a good thing. It's important to go into this with your eyes open because there can be complications. I'd be scared before ANY surgery, no matter how minor. Research as much as you can about the band. You're in a great place to start!

Yikes! Nothing like the cold hard nutrition labels to open your eyes. If McDonalds et al put the nutrition facts on every wrapper, they'd sell a whole lot fewer cheeseburgers. I was just noticing your signature and wondering about you this morning... how goes your fight with the insurance company? You're always so great at being supportive for everybody else - you deserve your turn! Does it look hopeful?

Wow! I think I'd print that post off and send it to their patient services department, because that is ridiculous! I had to pre-register over the phone too, but it took all of 2 minutes. I'm undecided about whether you should give up on Cedars. If they have a really great surgical team, that's the bottom line. I think I'd at least see it through the consultation... especially since it took you so long to get it! After that, if your instincts tell you to run, do it. Love your sense of humor by the way... it's good that you can still crack jokes after all the frustration.

Got my "trouser jeans" from Lands End today, and I love them! A little wider at the bottom than I'm used to, but they're super comfy. Their other jeans are very heavy. And, I fit in a 22. Yeah!

Happy belated bandiversary, and great job on the 100 plus pounds as well as the great NSV's! What an inspiration.

Hi Laura, Vent away! That's what we're here for. My period got all screwed up after my surgery, and I've heard a lot of people on here say the same thing. I was 3 weeks late for my first period after surgery, so hopefully no worries there for you. Not sure what the gargling stomach is about... Maybe just the band saying hello? As far as salad goes, I can eat it. Seems to be a lot like the bread thing - some people can tolerate it, some can't. I'm not sure I'd make it your first food, but like everything else it will be a trial and error thing. I remember reading that raw veggie thing too, and I wasn't told that so I don't follow it. Of course, I can see where a big raw carrot no matter how well you chew it is going to feel awful on a newly banded stomach. And i have heard that raw celery is hard to chew enough because it's so fibrous. Good luck trying solids in a few days! If you're like me you won't be able to look at Soup for a month!

Hi everyone, DH and I are planning a second honeymoon to Las Vegas this Winter. We've never been there before, so I'm hoping you guys can give us some advice on which attractions/shows we need to see. There are so many casinos and shows... I'm a little overwhelmed. Other than the Star Trek experience, I don't even know where to start. Yes, I know. We're huge geeks. DeLarla - I know you live in Vegas, so I'd also appreciate the scoop from a local!

I say go for it. Given your history it is likely that it will take a few months to get preggers anyways. Start your folic acid supplements and get busy! Nice job on the 80 lb weight loss by the way.

Sue, please don't stop posting here after your DS. You're obviously very wise, and we need your input even if your story did scare the bejeesus out of me. And you use a Mac, which always earns points in my book (DH works for Apple).

Congratulations on your approval! Just 3 more days now... You're going to do great!

That is so great! 200 lbs - you must be so proud of him. I bet you're happy to get more room on the bed too. Vines, I'm a little late coming to the picnic here. I know you're in school away from your family, but what program are you in? How far do you have to go until graduation? What kind of job do you hope to get when you're done? Give the newbies the dirt...

Thanks for the laughs everyone... I think I just spit hot coffee out of my nose. Ouch!

Sue, thank you so much for sharing your story, and good luck with your DS. I have a question for you: When they remove your band will your esophagus return to normal over time?

I think the PPO option is a good compromise if you have the money and you're absolutely sure that this is what you want to do. Picking a doctor and paying out of pocket, whether in the US or Mexico is silly when you have insurance to cover it here. If you think you can get committed to an exercise program, and/or you are uncertain at all about whether you want to do this, then take the 6 months and see what you can accomplish with the supervised diet. Good luck with your decision!

I'm of the opinion that there are legitimate reasons to splurge once in a while, and PMS is definitely on my list. Forgive yourself! See, there should be a 10 day chip! Ducking to avoid shoes...

Hi Cheryl! It will get easier once you have your first fill. Grieving is the perfect word for what you're going through. I feel the exact same way. I still sometimes find myself staring morosely at the food left over on my plate, but it's happening less often. Food is medication and you're in withdrawal. It's kind of like dumping a boyfriend who is really bad for you. You know you're better off in the long run, but the sex was so great! Hmm... that's a great metaphor if I do say so myself... I assume you're still on liquids or mushies? Try to find the more filling Protein shakes to keep you full longer. I found that the low carb slim fast shakes held me for 2-3 hours. Hang in there - you'll be trying your first solids soon!

There seems to be an undercurrent of cynicism in this thread that I don't really understand. So what if you have the money to buy expensive creams and pay for surgery. What's the point in resenting these people? Be happy for what you have, because there will ALWAYS be someone who has more than you, and MANY who have less than you. Sermon completed...

They were probably trying to discreetly point out that bandsters can still have sweets (as opposed to RNY'ers who have trouble with sugar). If I lose 75% of my excess body weight, that would put me at around 176. I hope to reach 150, but in all honesty I'd be walking on sunshine if I reach 176. We'll just have to see... It's good to get geared up to be 100% compliant, but don't forget to be proud of any changes you're able to make. The band will help, but it's not going to change all of the behaviors that helped you get heavy in the first place. I'd be interested to know what percentage of people are able to lose 90 - 100% of their excess body weight. Has anyone seen the stats on this?

Hi Sally, I'll PM you so that we don't bore the other subscribers to this thread...

Well, it definitely doesn't sound like you need a fill! As far as chewing everything to puree, I think that's par for the course. You seem disappointed that you've only lost 35 lbs! I think that's great! That's about 3.5 lbs a week, and way above the 1 to 2 lb average. I'm down 43 total, but only about 27 since my actual surgery. I've had one fill, and I think I could use some taken out. I have to stand up and walk around after I take a few bites so that I can burp, and I've read that this is a sign of too much restriction. But, I'm not PB'ing so I'm going to keep this fill level for a while. I'm not having any problems with my port, and I can sleep on my port side with no problem. My biggest hurtle is getting the exercise in. I'm only getting on the treadmill once or twice a week, and I know I need to make it a priority. Here's to continued success for everyone!