plain

Leslie, that made me laugh...

I totally misuse apostrophes all the time. I remain the unapologetic stoic regarding my use of apostrophes.

Froggi, you know I loves ya, man....but I have to take a slightly different route. The "lung capacity" test that you take by blowing into a tube doesn't tell that much about your lung function. It's actually one of those tests that reveals more when somebody does horrible on them. I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because you did good on that particular test doesn't exactly clear you of all pulmonary problems. Could this be just another money grab? Sure, it might be. But when a lung specialist ends up ordering more tests than the bariatric nurse expects, he may be seeing something that gives him pause. At the very least, he may just want to be absolutely certain that everything will go smoothly on surgery day. If you really really suspect that the pulmonologist may be ordering unnecessary test, tell your bariatric doc that there's no way you can afford to pay for all these diagnostic tests, and is there any other way to get your surgery done. Maybe it'll work, maybe not.... Either way, you know I'm on your side here.

So, I'm looking at those jowls, and boy do those look familiar. I take it the mastiff is a "wet-mouth" like my Newf is?

It's all good. Been steadily (but slowly) losing the belly. You'll be there too very soon, it sounds like!

I think maybe I've been insulted? Mods, SNT is attacking the person!!!

Awww, I was just pulling your leg a little. There is a big demand for square bales. Bow hunters and archers in general LOVE having them around. And...I think every teenage boy needs to spend one hot ass summer day loading square bales (tends to make a college education look better...at least it did for me).

WTF?!? Seriously 99%?

Hi Amber, that's exciting news. Welcome!

Hey there wanna be! I can't answer your question personally, but I'm sure there are a lot of people here that can. I just wanted to pop in and say welcome!

Watcher, awesome news! I've been wondering where you been, man! Long time no post!!

Ok, let's settle the linguistics battle with shots of Vegemite! Last person standing wins!!

Biggest. Family. Guy. fan. ever.

That is a big ol' boy!! What a beautiful dog.

Kat and Lulac - what kind of antiquated farms are y'all running with loading those square bales?!? C'mon ladies...The round bales load much easier with the tractor, LOL Kat - excellent point about the exercise, and one which I think a lot of people miss...Exercise doesn't always mean doing activity X for Y minutes Z times a week. Just get moving doing anything at first. Ceradad - you're leaving me in the dust, dude!! Awesome loss...

So cool! Post a pic of him!!

Hi Miss. The pre-op diet varies a lot from doctor to doctor. Some have very strict diets, while other docs have very lax diets, so it's kind of hard to answer your question with a bunch of specifics. I can tell you (solely based on my experience) that the higher protein shakes made me feel full for longer. Another tip from me to you. Give up the carbonated drinks now. A lot of bandsters have trouble handling the carbonation, and if you're addicted (like I was to fountain Diet Cokes) the quicker you get 'em behind you the better. Good luck, Miss!!

Hi Maranda. I haven't really had any problems with cellulite or loose skin (yet.....or maybe because I'm a dude). As far as the "new me"...my wife and friends tell me I'm starting to look like I did in college, so nothing too drastic there.

Hi Jeri. Welcome and come on in! Approval varies from area to area and with different insurances, so I can't even speculate on your approval. I do wish you good luck on your journey, though.

Hi there RUlookn...Welcome to the lapbandtalk! There is a ton of information to be read on here. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya! Good luck!

Hey bimbabe...I don't have an answer to your question...I just wanted to welcome you aboard! Hopefully somebody else can answer yer insurance stuff. Good Luck!

Great to have you on board, Mary. You're totally correct....it takes most people a little while to get good restriction (but a lucky few have some restriction from day 1. Until you do get good restriction, keep doing what you're doing: Eat healthy foods, watch your portions, and get some exercise. Eventually the band will help you out a lot more. Some people call the phase you're in right now "bandster hell". Don't worry, it will get better. Sounds like you are on the road to success!!

Been my (admittedly limited) experience that docs aren't usually specifically informed of who they're seeing at what time. Generally speaking, they rely on surgical staff to page them to whatever room they're needed in (not to excuse the docs at all......). Back in the old old days when I did my OR stint, Docs that finished surgery were too distracted talking to their offices, getting reports on recovering pts, or getting luch to know that pt X has been waiting for hours. Uh, I'm far from a doc apologist, BTW. Re-reading this post, it certainly sounds like it, though! So screw that doc too! There's plenty of blame to go around!!

This kind of competition is WAY more manly than a dance off! No hitting below the belt, fellas! Now go to your corners and let's have a clean fight, eh?

geriatric psych is big business today, because the insurances usually pay very well. There will always be unethical buttholes willing to screw people over for the sake of money. Sorry for ya, Glouc.