SuzanneG

I'm not sure. I'm guessing maybe a month?

RestlessMonkey, you're right again! There is no stomach flu, just stomach virus which has nothing to do with the flu shot. I'm glad you guys are feeling better.

Was the patch a prescription? If so, did you call your PCP or surgeon for it?

APPEAL! I agree with RestlessMonkey, a lot of insurance companies automatically deny the first time through. I was denied and I wrote 2 letters from me, 1 medical and 1 emotional aspect of obesity. Then I went to each of my doctors and asked for a letter of support. I got letters from my PCP, GYN, Gastrointerologist, podiatrist, and bariatric surgeon. Then submitted the entire package. BC/BS rep called me directly and said she never saw an appeal like that and they had decided to approve me. If anyone would like samples of my 2 letters, I'm happy to share them. PM me your email address and I'll shoot them out to you.

You went as far as posting this, so you're on your way. Just pick up the phone and make the call. It will get you motivated again. It's like the band is brand new again and it has really helped me. Make the call, you'll be glad you did.

Call the doctor that did your surgery and ask for anti-nausea meds. I haven't had to deal with that yet, but that's what I was told when I asked the same question. Also, take the normal precautions of washing your hands for 20 seconds, etc.

Mine is the same as Cleo's Mom. Nothing 30 minutes prior or 60 after eating.

RestlessMonkey, I love your ticker. LOL Also, I agree with RM. The flu shot CANNOT make you sick, it is not a live virus. Even if it could, it would be upper respitory, not stomach. Maybe just mention the throwing up to your doc.

Mine wasn't actually thinning that I could tell, but I was noticing a pretty big handfull on the sink each morning. My doctor was fussing at me to take my vitamins, so finally started them. And guess what? The hair loss stopped. <slapping head> I wish I had started on them sooner.

I had those exact same feelings last Halloween. I dressed as Mimi from Drew Carey and my brother dressed as Drew. We looked pretty amazing, but I vowed to be something pretty in 08 because I was sick of having to figure out a "fat" costume. This year I was Marie Antionette. It was so fun and after we all changed into our regular clothes, I even danced (something I would never have done when I was heavy). What a blast. Next year, I'm thinking of dressing as a flapper! Glad you had a great Halloween and I'm excited for you for next Halloween!

Congratulations! Yipeeee!!!! Sounds like a great excuse for a shopping trip!

Hey, It was nice chatting with you yesterday. Sorry about the bad connection, I live waaay out in the country. Let me know how it works out for you!

You'll get there. You should be really proud of what you have accomplished. Even with the complications you're sticking with it and making it work for you. Good for you!!

I'll call you shortly. Gotta catch my van. Keep your chin up!

OMG dab! Way to go on your weight loss! You must feel amazing! You're an inspiration!

Hang in there. I read where another bander had a heart condition and didn't know it. His lapband surgery revealed it and now he has the band and his heart is being treated. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. I'm cheering for you!

Sounds good. Of course, you know how much I LOVE Dr. Brengman in Richmond. If you have insurance issues or want to do more research, his number is 804-285-4133. Good luck to you and keep me posted!

Julie, what a neat idea!

Allis, sounds like you were just suffering in Bandster Hell. How did the fill go? Are you back on track? I was starting to have the same problem and after a fill and a tweak, I'm back on track! Sounds like nothing a good tight fill wouldn't solve. Also, sounds like you are like me, there is a big divide between lunch and dinner. I've started having a SF pudding while I'm making dinner. Soothes my chocholate addiction and puts something in my tummy while I wait for dinner. If I wait too long to eat, I was overeating before the fill, and now I PB if I let myself get too hungry. I try to eat too fast and it's never a good thing. The pudding is really helping with that and only 60 calories! So give us an update, how are you doing now? Is boyfriend in the house yet?

niterun, did they ever call? What's new?

pjop, Brengman did mine and I LOVE him. I have to fight off the urge to grab him and hug the stuffing out of him every time I see him! Shroeder is also good, you really can't go wrong with either. I've had Elliott for a fill only, but he seemed nice enough. Kiz, too funny. I love the convo with DH. Mine probably would have gone about the same if I was self-pay.

Woot! Way to go. Congrats!

RedTulips, OMG you're almost there! How's it going for you so close to goal? Mine slowed a lot, but still moving. I finally had to cave in and start exercising. LOL

Try some Airborne. That stuff really helps. Also call your PCP and ask him if they can give you anything to speed up your recover. I think they won't put you under if you have anything upper respitory.

vballmom - I love the sanding the chair idea.