stockymd

Hi Patty Just wanted to say welcome. I live in Bowie, MD. How far is that from you? We have a support group meeting on the 20th. Let me know if you are interested. Christina

I have been looking for a live operation of the lapband on the web. Thank you so much for posting this.

Do you think you might need another fill?

Hi, I saw your post. I don't know anything about this, but wanted to let you know I'm here for ya. Email me if you need to. Hope to see you at the support group. Cristina crstockton@netzero.net

Hi, I too am waiting to have surgery. I have to do a 6 month supervised weight loss, plus the 1st date I could get with my sugreon is in Feb 2006. From what his office has told me..I should have a surgery date early April. So for me it will be 7-8 months. It flies by trust me. It is actually good time to fully absorb what you are about to do IMHO. Good luck!

Hi, You can deduct expenses (including transportation etc) for your surgery as long as you have a diagnosis of obesity. Please read IRS publication 502 to get all your answers. Be sure to speak with your accountant about surgery in Mexico or out of the country , as this only cover legal surgeries. Not sure if that makes a difference. http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html Click on publication 502 link in this document. hope this helps

It's so funny that you wrote this post. I'm not yet banded, but after deciding to do so, I have had several dreams related to food. One of my concerns about getting the band is missing food. I really thought I was the only one dreaming about food. Good to know I'm not nuts. After having these dreams I began to wonder about how unhealthy that is. Food is my drug....so sad ....

When I did my research for the band.....I didn't even really think about specific research for AA's. Why would our (AA) results differ from others? IMHO What difference does it make...with the band we all have to obey the band rules and make healthy choices, which inclue taking care of ourselves to make sure we have a proper amount of fill in order to loss the 1-2 lbs a week. Even outside of lanpband weight loss I have never seen any weight loss research specific to ethnicity or race. If you know of other research for other weight loss methods I would be interested in reading them. be well

I've stopped and started smoking a few times in my life. A few things I have learned: 1. The relapse (most likely period) period is 3 months. Once you get past 3 months it's completely in your head. Nicotine leaves your body within 12-15 days. But once you get past 3 months, major accomplishment. 2. You can never have just that one. Too easy to convince yourself you can have just one more and more often....and then you are a smoker again. 3. Do what works for you. This means you might need to try a few different things before you figure it out. DONT GIVE UP YOU CAN DO IT. I did and gained 15 lbs. but that's ok...I can lose the weight again. Feeling healthier is worth it. GOOD LUCK Keep us posted.

Hi, I too am wondering how I will do an a liquid diet. Unfortunately, can't be much help there. But, I will say that Zyban helped me soooo much in trying to quit smoking. It was amazing to me. Struggle after struggle to quit smoking and after taking this med was incredible to me. Didn't even think about smoking. If this is a med you are able to take, try it out. Smoking is one of the hardest things to kick (harder than heroin). Will power aint gonna get it. I don't have to tell you that. Very rarely do folks quit and stay that way without some help. Do whatever you think will work for you. Meds was the way for me. Hope this perspective helps. Much love and be well

Wondering if anyone has used him and can give some feedback on your experience.

I just quit smoking after 15 years so I can get this surgery. Zyban (Wellbutrin) makes it soooooo easy. Ask you Doctor about it. As long as you can deal with a week or two of some mild side effects you will do fine. I have not had a smoke in over 3 1/2 months now. Very important: If you start taking the meds continue to smoke normal as you crave, but set a stop daye 12-14 days out. The meds make it tolerable