kimberly6671

I'm about 4 weeks pre-op, just had my psych appointment and absolutely loved it! Really clicked with her and plan to continue after being banded. I just totally got how the band is the physical limitation for me, but completely underestimated the role of the emotional component of eating and DEALING with why I want to eat so much and bad choices, etc. No kidding, I thought I just wanted to get the appointment out of the way, get it over with, but all the way driving home I was overtaken by Wow! That was life changing. And that it's a tool for me just like the band will be. I felt so peaceful like I know I can do this! I didn't realize how I was just on automatic pilot through life just keeping my head above water like everyone else and not DEALING with events happening - losing my dad, my two beloved sons leaving for college and then going through a divorce. Like so many others, I put myself last, but no more! This is so important. Not only do I want to be thinner and healthier, but I want to be HAPPY and get back to the business of LIVING! Did anyone else feel this way? What have you done or what changes have you made? I would really love some insight as to the struggles and/or achievements of others as I start my journey. Kim

Hey, I'm happy for anyone that can lose weight on their own and I don't really take it personally - we all have our issues and I don't see the shame in getting help for anything if you need it - counseling, support meetings, medication or weight loss surgery. It's just a tool - I'm still doing the work!!

Cindy - Congratulations on your excellent choice of surgeons! Dr. Billy banded me on 12-22-05 in Tahoe and I cannot say enough about him. I also have Blue Shield and was told that banding simply is not covered at all.....but maybe you have Blue Cross?? I actually went to Dr. Billy before I discussed getting the band with my general doctor. He will tell you everything that you need to do - the dietician, therapist, stress test, etc. The prescription for blood tests can be taken to any lab. The only thing my general doctor did was the stress test and the final clearance for surgery. But you are in good hands...Dr. Billy is so knowledgeable and caring. I'll be seeing him January 28...maybe for a fill, we'll see. Good luck! Kim

Jen - I have been banded since 12-22 and would definitely do it again (but I'm new!). A few years ago I did Body for Life and absolutely loved it and I looked the best I have ever looked. But my problem has ALWAYS been keeping it off, so hence the decision to be banded. But I think the principles I still follow, the small meals throughout the day and the carbs/protein, portion size, etc. Still trying to get those workouts in, though...Kim

Might you have some form of arthritis? Sure sounds like it to me. You should consult with a rheumatologist.

I'm so happy that you went to Dr. Billy. He's my surgeon and I wouldn't go to anyone else! He's as knowledgeable as they come and you are in excellent hands. Concentrate on healing and continue on with your journey - Good luck. Kim

Well, it looks like I'm in the minority here, but I say Biggest Loser, baby! I would LOVE to go on that show. What an opportunity to change your life! Traveling is awesome, no doubt, but you come back to the life you left.... But having said that, what about the possibility of having your calls routed to your cell phone when you're gone and IF they call, hop on a plane!? Two great options, if you ask me....good luck!

I'm brand new, only been banded since December 23 and had my first slime episode. I was looking forward to my first day of mushies and cooked some scrambled eggs and toast, but it came right back up....I have been a model patient, thought I was doing everything right, no problems and now this. I hope I haven't done any damage. I think I ate too fast and have definitely learned THAT lesson. Any suggestions? Kim

Thanks! I reviewed my list and eggs are okay (because they can be mushed with a fork), but I'm not supposed to have bread/toast for another two weeks! Yikes. No more!

Hi - my name is Kim and would echo Penni's sentiment on Dr. Billy. I was banded 7 days ago by Dr. Billy through his Tahoe office. I think he is extremely knowledgeable and has a great reputation. It would have been closer for me to go to someone in Sacramento, but I felt so comfortable with him that to travel a teensy bit farther was a small sacrifice. Good luck!

I just got banded on Thursday, 12-23 and was on liquids for Christmas...oh, well. It is well worth it. My doctor has me on full liquids (anything through a straw) until January 4. Then I can have mushies (mashed potatoes, etc) for I think 10 days or so before graduating to food. PLEASE follow doctor's advice as this early stage is so critical to the healing of the stomach and the band in place. She should be getting 40 grams of protein (I use shakes) and 64 ounces of water. What about sugar free popsicles or creamed soup? Those are good. But remember, she must have at least 40 grams of protein. Good luck! Kim

Welcome Andrea! I am also a 46 F (single) mother of three, two in college & one at home, and am giving myself the lapband for Christmas TOMORROW!! So no prime rib for me as I will be on liquids, but what a way to start 2006. I don't quite have any advice for you yet, but give me a couple days....Merry Christmas! Kim

Well, I guess I will admit to WANTING to be invisible because I'm so ashamed of what I have become. I live in a small town and people that have known me for a long time knew me as an outgoing, bubbly and (have been told at least!) very attractive. But as a result of a few setbacks in life, I have let myself go and now I know people are probably saying, "What the hell has she done to herself?!" and so until I can find my way back to myself I sort of want to be invisible. Does that make sense?

Hi - my name is Kim and I will be banded on 12-22 (next week!) by Dr. Billy in Truckee, California. I live in Yuba City which is north of Sacramento. Cannot wait for this life change! Even bought myself an early Christmas present, a new Precor, to get my butt in gear. I've been reading posts for a while and I think I'm ready....I'm just nervous about the surgery itself and the recuperation. I'll have surgery on a Thursday and have to go back to work on Tuesday. I hope that's enough! I sit on my rear (I'm a court reporter) most of the time, but my equipment is kind of heavy. Any tips or suggestions for liquids would be great! Kim

Cindy, Karla, Jack & Jenny - Thanks everyone for your support!! Karla - good luck and I hope all goes well with you too!

I would think anything liquid...I love Theraflu in warm water. It's so soothing.

I resolve to exercise the minute Dr. Billy allows after my 12-22 surgery, to work on my head hunger issues, and like Scottygyrl, to find a man!!!!! Been divorced three years, I think it's time.....

Dialogue is good, people....I don't think for one moment that Lisa ever posts to purposefully alarm people. To the contrary, I will be banded next week and find most of her posts to be very helpful in making MY decisions. This is a place where we should all be made to feel COMFORTABLE in sharing our thoughts and information. What everone does with it is up to their own discretion. But Johnnyreno, I did take your comment as an attack and that's really not appropriate in this forum. Say what you think, feel, etc....no need to attack. Kim

Oh, Alex, your girls are absolutely beautiful! I am so envious - I have three boys whom I adore, but had always wanted a daughter. You are sooooo lucky! Have a wonderful holiday. Kim

I'm so sorry....you're not a "B"!! You're adjusting to a new lifestyle and you tried and simply need more time. I'm sure your hubby understands completely and I hope that he is there for you and supports you. Isn't it amazing how much we get emotionally from sitting there and eating lots and lots of food...and it is so hard to just stop and eat to take care of our stomach, the band and our health. I'll be banded next week and I'm trying to understand how I would have felt in your position, and my question is when the waiter brought the plates and yours was so much smaller, did that make you feel like your hubby's was a big beautiful plate of food and that you only deserved the tiny morsel? Because if that is how the whole situation made you feel, I would just order the regular meal and take a doggy bag. Is that too simplistic? Kim

How can it cost so much to take a band out when it only costs around 15,000 to put it in? And 40 grand for port removal?? Wow. Why is that?

Hey, come hold my hand on the 22nd - Dr. Billy is banding me in Tahoe and so I know he'll be there. I think he's only got two of us scheduled for that day...but have you thought about maybe you're completely fine? Kim

First, congratulations on quitting smoking - undeniably one of the hardest things to do on the planet. On top of that, our relationship with food has to change forever....look at all you are doing for your health and be proud. Know that you are an example to those around you and just get through it - you can do it! You have been doing it. Just as Shirley just said, there WILL come a day when you will look back and be so thrilled. On a personal note, I appreciate your honesty because I'll be banded next week and have been getting nervous about losing my best friend also. Food has been there for me when I lost my dad, my two beloved sons left for college and my husband left me for a @#&$%* half his age (any negative word here will do!) all within the last four years. What will I do without it? Try and listen over and over and over to the words I just wrote to you. Kind of hard to listen to ourselves sometimes, but trust that so many of us know what you're going through and are here to support you. Keep your chin up and, really, don't worry, everything will be fine! Kim

Shouldn't you still be on liquids? I have read of some varying diets prescribed by the different doctors, but most people are still on at least full liquids at this point, right?? But I won't be banded until the 22nd, so what do I know. I DO know that PBing is so not good at all, let alone after two weeks when you stomach is still healing! Take care of yourself....Kim

I will be banded on December 22 and am having my gallbladder taken out at the same time. My doctor is the awesome hunky Dr. Billy who is very experienced and sees no problem with it.