ssdown

Talk to your MD and see if you are a good candidate for Chantix. I am a dental hygienist and have had several die hard smokers quit using the prescription.

If you are parched before a meal, drink the water. Like Molly said, the water pretty much goes through the pouch fast. I think waiting for the 60 to 90 minutes is more critical. If I drink during or right after a meal, I stand a big chance of PBing, so I wait! SS

You won't know until you try these foods. Try them with caution, lots of chewing and in small amounts. I can handle rice if I'm careful. You will know quickly if you can handle them. SS

You're too funny. What a mess, though!

This is why I have kept knowledge of my surgery to a very select few family and friends. I don't need the scrutiny, judgment or BS!! SS

I had the same concerns as you. I have good restriction and the only time I have any trouble is in the morning. I have to pace myself when getting my morning vitamins down. You'll figure it out. I had no problem right after surgery. Hop it goes well for you. SS

I don't know anyone that has done the lap band over the RNY, but I think there will be more and more people choosing this option. It's amazing how strong the body's survival mode (warped though it may be) is. I heard that there is one person in my area who has had the procedure done, but I have no idea who it is! I'm very curious about how many people there are out there. Take care. SS

Post your before and after pictures and show them off! SS

Keep up the good work and stay determined like you are right now. You have a great tool to help you out. I love my lap band! SS

Hi! I'm curious, what is CLL? I'm sorry you have it, though. I was banded on March 4, 2008 and have lost at least 39 pounds. I don't have a scale (on purpose) so I'm not sure exactly how much I've lost, but I figure it's a few more pounds at this rate. I have no regrets getting banded. I hope it helps you to the path of wellness. Take care. SS

Yup, it sounds like you are too tight. I think that you should call your MD for maybe a small "unfill". SS

Follow all of the directions your MD gave you and you will be fine. I'm three months out and doing great. Good luck! SS

It sure sounds like your MD and staff has it together. Today is my three month "bandiversary" and I've lost 38 pounds. I am thrilled with the results. Hang in there with the process. It's worth it.

Four pounds is only two, two pound weights!

I had the same experience as poodlecamper. Last month a got a fill and was very tight. After two weeks it lessened and now I'm still tight but it's a bit more manageable. I've definitely lost weight which is what it's all about! My pants are much looser. I get weighed tomorrow. SS

Once you have restriction, you'll learn to chew well or else!

I challenged the height that I was given. I have always been 5'2 1/2 and I got measured at 5'3, which made a difference. I also purposely gained some weight to qualify. I know others have place weights or coin rolls in their pockets or around their ankles to qualify! I might have done that had I thought of it! SS

I was told by my MD that the lap band vs gastric ultimately comes out the same. It just takes a bit longer for the lap band patients to get to their goal. Sure, you can eat around the lap band and loose less. It's possible to do the same with the gastric as well. Just check out all of pounds lost here at this site! I go in tomorrow for a weigh in. Wish me luck. SS

Call your MD just to be sure.

What an awesome selfless thing for your parents to do!

Lunabeane, What is "PCOS"?

You often times get what you pay for. I would think that the ethical way for a doctor's office to bill for a procedure is the same for self-pay and insurance. At least you have some insurance to help you out. I had none and paid $16,000 out of pocket. Ask around at your support meetings. There's lots of information there. SS

Mine was not too bad. Every day the pain became milder and milder. I didn't even use all of the paid med the MD prescribe me. It looks like my experience is the norm. Whatever it is, I hope your experience will be as good as mine has been! SS

I've had the same symptoms. Tightness and pain going down, but I can't eat anything that I want. I don't want to get an unfill yet. I thought that I'd wait until my next appointment in two weeks. I'm hoping that as I loose weight that the band will loosen. We'll see, huh? I have been sticking with soft mushy type foods and I'm loosing weight, which is good! SS

At least your insurance is helping pay for your surgery and initial fills. I'd be thrilled if my insurance paid one dollar. I was self-pay and coughed up $16,000 and that only paid for four months post-op. After that, break out the "master blaster" again!SS