Sugarbear

Hi Lo2us! I guess you and little Gus are in VA. How much longer will you be there? I know he is enjoying Grandma! Have you started on your degree thing you were working on? How's that going? Are you feeling good? Hope to make the next meeting. Did you make it to the last one? I had to miss.

Hello everyone! I haven't posted in a good while. I even had one of those notices from Lapband that was over 30 days. Just seems like I have been so busy this summer. I have missed hearing from all you guys. Welcome to all you newcomers! Lisa, I have read back a page or two and I take it you got your new house and you're all settled in. I am happy for you. That was a long time comming. The rest of you guys seem to be doing very well for the most part. I'm not losing, not gaining. I have an appointment at the end of the month to see Dr. K or Dr. H. I never know which. Don't know if I'll get a fill or not. I missed the last meeting. Did anyone go and if so what went on? I think it was Susan that challenged me to the 75# pin mark. Don't think I'm a pound closer, so not to worry.lol. Take care everyone.

Hello all. I made it back Sun. and made it to the meeting Mon. night. Good meeting. Amy is presenting a three part series, this was #2. It will be posted in a week or so on the noscales.com blog. People that couldn't come to the meeting should go there and take a look. I understand part 1 is on there. We had a good meeting, not quite as many people there this time. End of school, graduations, and with summer vacations just around the corner the head count is expected to be a little down, but still a good crowd. Susan you are beating me. Pooey! lol. Didn't gain on vacation but didn't shed one pound. Lots of walking, but lots of eating too. Better rev up my engine. Take care all, and welcome all you new folks.

I have heard of several people joing WW with the band. You just have to down size on some of the portions. Which is okay. Just keep a watch on your protein. I haven't done it personally but have talked with a few that have. My pcp does WW. Lo2us, good luck Sat. What all will you have to do Sat? Oh, I am changing my isp after today. Finally getting away from "dial-up! I live out in the country, and my options are limited. We leave tomorrow evening for vacation, if I have computer access I will touch base with ya'll.

First check your insurance policy for how bariatric surgery is covered. Mine was listed in my benefits book. Or just call and ask about bariatric surgery coverage. Do you have any friends or family that is close that would help you with the children when you have the procedure? pushing, pulling, or lifting, is not recomended as you would not want to upset your port site while it is scarring or seating in place. With four young children you would definitely need help. Everyone is right about support from this site. We have all been there...done that...and we fully understand. Many people have the will power to just "do it" on their own. MANY do not. Some of us need some help. Such as the lapband. It is only a tool to help you along. There will always be people that don't understand that. We do. Sometimes you just have to take control and help yourself. Trust me, YOU ARE WORTH IT!! Good luck with your decision.

thin within, welcome. There are no foolish questions. We have all been where you are, and everyone is willing and eager to help in any way possible. When is the big day? I too was nervous but ready to do it. I am a year out now, and don't regret one thing. Good luck!

Lo2us, you told me about that....Don't know exactly what is involved Sat. but good luck and I'm rootin for you! You are smart and I know you will conquer this journey. When it's over, however long that takes, we will take you and your husband out for dinner.

Hi Glo, good to hear from you. I thought you had a ticker? I know what you mean about the box thing. We are leaving for vacation Fri. I may need to put a copy of the box rules on the visor in my car. Temptations are so great when you are gone from home for a week! Lo2us, be careful on your trips. Teachers meetings? Drive safe. Glad Gus is better.

You need an unfill. Iguess they gave you so much because of the distance you travel. Most only get a little at a time when getting follow-up fills. Isn't there ianyone there that could take out a smidge? Can't believe you got so much. don' risk being too tight for too long. You need the nutrition. How long since you got that fill? pb, usually just comes up and out. Vomiting, you will contract and heave. NOT good for your band. Vomiting may make you slip.

Lisa, is the 5th when you get your new home? HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you aren't sore tomorrow. Thank you again Dr. H.

Does anyone here have any light to shed on who, where, and how much for tummy tucks?

Susan, you out diggin in the dirt too? Thought I would let you know I have the most gorgeous pink Peonies. They smell absolutely heavenly.

Good morning all. Thank you Dr. Hekier for the blog. Hi Teresa, looks like you are on line now too. I think you will like the weather that is predicted through Fri. Looks like you can do some massive dirt digging, flower pruning, and whatever else you master gardeners do. Lo2us, did Gus finally get well? How are all the new people doing?? Lisa, got room in that box for one more? Think mine disinerated!! sp?

I emailed Betty and she said Amy hasn't had time to get the info from our meeting to Dr. H, but will try to by Mon. I also asked about the noscales blogs ect. Nothing has been posted in quite a while. Told her how much we enjoyed the info, contests, ect. She said she would mention it to Dr. H. I guess their bussiness is growing and they are just so busy. That happens with good doctors and I understand, but still mis the blogs by them. Lapband isn't all they do. lol Just what we're interested in. Lo2us, about six more weeks and you will be out of school, hang in there!

You might try exercising your arms and shoulders, an of course a lot of walking. Just don't do anything heavy or strenous, like lifting, pushing, or pulling, that might upset your port site before it scars or seats in place. Lots of walking and moving, usually helps break those air bubbles into smaller ones where they are easier to dissipate. It is very early fr you and exercise should take care of it if it is gas. Good luck.

Julie, you are not doing badly. I am over a year out and only down 50 lbs. BUT..like you, it is 50 lbs. down...not up like I am sure it would have been the rate I was going. Slow but sure, is what I have been. Mine has been so gradual it makes it harder for people to notice. That's okay. I am just now having people say, you've lost some weight, haven't you? Oh well. I will just keep plugging along. The journal is a good idea. I am going to step up the protein and exercise, and see if it gets me moving a little quicker. You just keep plugging along, slow is better than notta. If you keep a journal, you will know where to increase and decrease. Hang in there. The esophagus thing...interesting. No one told me that either. Plain, it is always best to get your nutrients from food, but everyone can't get in everything all the time. The supplements are good for what they are supposed to be...Supplements. Of course this is my opinion, based on some reading. I thought they were selling those tubes in the estore on noscales.com hmmm...thought Amy would know about that. Keep us posted.

Honestly I haven't heard too much negative stuff about the band. I have surfed around and found some reading where people have had the band for several years. Eight or nine is about the longest of anyone I have chatted with. Everything was okay with them. Most of the negative comments come from people that aren't treating the band properly, and most I have chatted with admitted it. I can tell you that when I have a problem, things comming back at me, I know exactly what happened. Ate something entirely to fast, didn't chew nearly well enough, ect. There isn't any procedure that is entirely fool proof. I think most go through fine. Of course everyones body is different. Erosion is about the worst thing that can happen. It is a risk I was willing to take, still am. I am a little over a year out. It has to be your decision. For the most part I believe there are more success stories than the other way. That is why I chose this procedure over others. I researched others throughly as well. As you probably did. I haven't regretted my decision. Good luck with your final decision. This is not a permanent thing if you decide you no longer want it. If you get half your stomach cut off, they won't be putting it back. Take care and know we are here for you whatever you decide. You may also want to go back to your dr. and ask questions if you are unsure about some things. Good Luck.

Woohoo LO2us, keep it going How is little Gus doing? Poor little fella, hope he is lots better.

Whitepants, maybe you can just get a partial unfill. Don't want to be too tight and risk erosion. Take care.

Plain, you did good. Did you ever call or email Amy about the test tube protein?

Sistergirl. if you don't mind me asking, who did the surgery in MX and what was the cost compared to the states? I am not to that point yet but know it's comming. Cost of travel, surgery, and the stay in MX is an issue I will have to deal with. Just would like to be prepared. Thanks.

People are going to notice the loss, for those who don't know about the surgery, they always say your losing weight, or what are you doing to lose weight? I thank them for noticing, and say I am eating less, which is the truth! I am pushing back from the table, or something like that. Your weight? Too much, I'm still working on that. They SHOULD get the hint. If not, I embarrass them and tell them it is personal, and I don't dicuss it. Haven't been to this thread in quite a while. Looks like many are doing super. I am slow but still losing very slowly. I broke my leg and ankle in a fall and lost about 6 months of good exercising. Spent 2 months in a wheelchair. But I am slowly getting back to Normal. Good to see everyone doing well!

Pitter, you have every right to be nervous. This surgery will alter a part of your life (if you follow the rules) that has been a comfort and friend to you for a long time. Most of us that are obese are having to say goodbye to the amounts of foods we have enjoyed for a long time. You are undergoing a change to your life, even though it is for the better, and sometimes change makes us nervous. Try to stay busy with some Spring projects and it will help take your mind of of the surgery. I was ready too, but still nervous. Now, even though I have been a slow loser, and very glad I did it. Everything will be fine. You are on your way to a happier, healthier you. Good luck.

Teresa, I am going to try to increase my protein, since everyone says that is the name of the game. I still think I get enough or more than the average bandster. Of course that may be in my head because I don't really count the g's. Next time I am in Texarkana I am going to get some of those tubes a Joe Smoothie's, for the days I think I am short on protein. I may take them fairly regular to start just to see if they help me in the weight game. Other than that, I am starting to walk on a regular basis. If you have any food tips...pass them along. I feel like you, 50 lbs is not near the loss I can stay with. I have a lot farther to go than you and have been at it longer. We just gotta "dig in" Good luck! You are already looking good.

Hello, and welcome Sharon. Plain is absolutely right about the pre-op diet. Stick strictly to it. If you need to munch, you can have sugsa free (sf) popcicles, sf jello, and of course after a few days you can have one salad w/sf dressing. a day. It is the hardest part of the whole process as far as I am concerened. I was a weenie about it! BUT I made it through without cheating. But my lapband buddies on this thread supported me every single day. I could not have made it without them. We will be here for you every step also. Just post and someone is always here. You may also attend the support group meetings in Texarkana at Wadley the 2nd Mon. of every month 7:00p.m. Let someone know you are comming and we'll hunt for you there. Also get several of your favorite flavors of the sf drink mixes like Crystal Light, or Walmart has Great Value flavors that are the on the go things you can just put in bottle water. Great when you are away from the house. You can get bottle water anywhere, just keep some in your car or purse so they are readily available wherever you are. I a a year past surgery now. So a few things could have changed on that pre-op. We could also have diet drinks. The drs. office will give you your copy of the diet. Hang in there. If you have any questions just ask away. We are glad to help. Plain, see you got your ticker! When was your surgery? You are doing great!