cara51183

That Chike is awful stuff - tried it last weekend. I'm going to ask my doctor if the Boost Protient would work - they are yummy!

Here's my question - What do you feel like post op? Like a horse kicked you in the stomach? Like you have a bad stomach bug? Do you have nausea, diahrreah (sp?), headaches, what? I had the stomach bug to end all stomach bugs this weekend and it really got me to thinking about it.

KayKay - Be sure you read your school's BCBS policy carefully. I have BCBS Texas and my school district elected to not allow any WLS or diet programs. I guess they did it to save money. Beyond that, it seems like every individual policy is a bit different as to the requirements. Just find out the requirements, put the steps on a calendar, and take it one step at a time. Find out if anyone else in your school has had the surgery or another WLS and ask them about any potential pitfalls. Before you know it, things will work out!

You guys are awesome. I didn't post this question and just disappear, I've been following responses. I think I will tell him because I do want him to know that my partner has the power to make decisions about my health. I've heard horror stories about "only family allowed" situations where the partner was not allowed to see the patient...that would be awful. I guess I have a phobia just because of the general enviornment we live in. If I were out and proud in my town I'd lose my job, many friends, even some family. :: I look forward to the day that it doesn't matter one way or another. I know my coworkers are straight and I couldn't care less. Yet I struggle when questioned about my personal life as to if I should or shouldn't share. Even when you do tell someone and they say that they're ok with it or don't care, many times they really do. They suddenly develop strange looks if you give them a hug or they shift or fidget nervously if you talk about your 'room mate.' And heaven forbid they should ever actually meet your partner, they just stare and you can see their mind working..."they've seen each other naked...they sleep together at night...I've shaken her hand....ewww!" And, to their credit, they do make the effort to appear that its truly ok with them. And over time many of them do get comfortable enough that it's not even a second thought. But it is still a strain on all parties that I hate inducing. Anyway, I appreciate your replies! You've made some awesome points!

I've posted a message in the suggestions area asking for our own board. Oh, the suspense! lol

I've been chatting with some teachers in a thread that had gotten pushed down the list for awhile and forgotten. We know that there are many banded teachers that have not seen this thread. Teachers face unique band concerns because of scheduling, requirements, and foods/eating times available to us. So we were wondering if there's any way we could have our own board, like under "special interest groups" or something. We'll deal with it no matter what your decision, just thought we'd throw it out there! Thanks!

Ivy - I don't know what y'alls teacher shortage situation is like up there, but just the fact that you love teaching Title 1 kiddos should land you a job in a heartbeat. Just smile, answer questions fully without babbling in a rambling way forever, ask questions in return about the potition, and you'll be great. Have prepared answers to questions like, "Why do you want to be a teacher?" or "When did you decide to be a teacher?" or "What qualities do you possess that you feel will help you be a good teacher?" Good luck! Zeta and Cheer - From what I've read everywhere, spring break should be plenty of time to recuperate. I thought about having it done then but didn't get financing in time and was sorta chicken about doing it and going back to school before I learned what I could and couldn't do. I'd take soup for lunch every day and save the food experimenting for home. Longhorn - Thanks for the warm welcome. Any idea how we go about requesting a board?

Howdy! I teach high school math in west Texas. I'll be banded about a week and a half after school gets out - I can't wait! Maybe we could ask for a folder thing in the Special Interest Groups section so more teachers would catch sight of the thread? I'm super excited about finding it, I am sure others would be as well.

Yeah - I avoid mirrors. When I do have to look in one or pass one I focus on my 'best' features - eyes, hair, um....ok, so my eyes or hair. But it does help some.

I know I'm a big girl - but HUGE HAPPY CARTWHEEL!! I've been lurking in the Dr. K threads for quite some time now, but didn't feel like I could contribute since I wasn't actually a patient yet. I figured out financing today, I'm gonna do my phone consults mid-march (spring break - I teach), and hopefully have surgery in early June!! It's a long way off, but not as far away as it seemed thirty minutes ago! Just had to share my joy and the start of my journey to band land! :Banane45::Banane34::Banane44::Banane25::woot::party:

I am self pay and I plan to go to Dr. Kirshenbaum. His cost is $9950 and includes all the surgery center, surgery assistants, and surgery doctors. It also includes 3 fills, after those fills are only $15. I live in west texas and even with travel to and from a few times it is a cheaper option. I figure that after the first 3 fills or so I will go to a doc locally. Fills for me locally will cost about 200. Also, they do preop consultations over the phone, so all you have to do is show up the day before surgery. Hope this helps!

Hi all! I've lurked and read this evening, and I have a question or two. The reason I'm considering TLC is the price - I am self pay, as many of you seem to be. Do they work with a specific finance company? I won't have the money up front, so I was wondering how others of you had paid for it. Also, I live about 6.5 hours from the DFW area, so how often are the checkups? I know fills are about every 6 weeks, but I didn't know if there was a post-surgery checkup that I needed to be aware of. Thanks!

What is the name/web address of that place? Dallas is closer than Colorado...

I am in the same boat as you. I have researched, read, scoured the internet for information, and I've called many places. I've come to the conclusion that many other self-payers who are aprehensive about going to Mexico have: Dr. Kirshenbaum in Colorado is for me. I hear nothing but wonderful things about him, and the whole surgery experience (surgery fees, anesthesia, surgeon, 3 fills, and support group) is $9950. I've already spoke with his office once and plan to do my consultations with the nutritionist and the doctor in mid-March. They do them over the phone so that long distance patients don't have to make a bazillion trips. It is less expensive for me to go to him for my surgery and aftercare, including travel and lodging, than it is for me to have the surgery done locally. You may want to research in advance if any docs in your area are willing/able to provide any urgent aftercare needs or fills if you decide not to travel back and forth for fills. I hope your search goes well! Keep us posted on what you decide!

I'm going to be banded in June and I have a question - what do you mean by liquid protien?