BabyNicole

Thanks, but I'm not banded yet. I was looking for "pre-band reading" so that I can be prepared with info when I go see the surgeon. I don't want him to think I went into this blindly.

I'm a teacher (middle and high school), and I'd never do that. I think some teachers do b/c in their mind A is perfect, and everyone has room to grow. That the only "reason" I can think of. Going for my master's degree I was a straight A student (graduated 4.0). Let me tell you...if I had a professor like that I'd go straight to the top!

Welcome! You will find lots of support here!

Cool! Free? Even better yet! Where can you get it?

I just bought Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band-everything you need to know before and after surgery to lose weight successfully, by Robert Sewell and Linda Rohrbough. It's the only one they had at Borders. I'm only on page 55 and so far it's a lot of medical talk regarding all bariatric procedures in general, but the rest focuses on just the band (I think). I'll let you know a review when I'm done. :puke: If anyone has read any of the books mentioned, or any others, please give me your opinions. I'd like to read as much as I can about the AGB to be totally prepared. I'd love to know why you wouldn't recommend some too! Thanks!

Welcome! I'm from Jersey too! What surgeon(s) are you looking at? I believe my surgeon at ALS requires a BMI of 35 even for self pays. Good luck!

Taking your pulse is something we always do. So we'd see it. I've actually been an EMT for over 2 years, and can you believe I haven't seen ONE patient wearing a medic alert bracelet?

I am an EMT, and if/when I get the band I will be purchasing a medic alert bracelet. It helps tremendously when we know the medical history of a patient especially if they are unconscious. Thanks everyone for the links to sites where they sell them!

Dr. Bertha and Dr. Abkin run and own ALS. I'm not sure you have the correct office. :crying:

Well, if your state is anything like Jersey, I'd say don't bother teaching preschool...unless you don't mind making about 25,000 (or under) a year. Here there is no money in teaching in preschool. If I were you I'd wait it out and get a job in a public school. That's where the money is. I teach in a public school, and my mom used to teach in a preschool. Yes, teaching is very rewarding, but if you are the sole income provider, preschool is not going to cut it. Sorry! :scared2:

Yes! Same doc! How did it go? I'd LOVE to hear details!!! :biggrin2:

I'm sorry you have to wait. Just think of it this way...if you do have an infection it's good they caught it b/c that could cause a problem during or after surgery. Hang in there!

Congrats! What a wait! I'm sure it'll be worth it! :thumbup:

You're welcome! I love that pic!

What does it say when you try to put one up? Does it say something about the file can't be accepted? If so, there may be a glitch. If not, make sure you are choosing the avatar choice. The pic must be VERY small and 50X50.

Was this supposed to be directed toward athinnerdenise. :thumbup: That's okay, we all read it. hehehe Anyway, I know what you mean. Some people have problems with what's in the sugar free foods. My ex's mom (who was diabetic, morbidly obese, and not banded) swore she got sick from sugar free foods. Who knows if she was serious or just wanted regular goodies. :w00t:

I was just wondering if you went to those appointments before or after your surgeon consultation. Both of mine are the day after. Thanks! :thumbup:

Thanks for the welcomes, everyone. I'm SOOOOO eager to see the surgeon in April. It's approaching soon! :thumbup: I think I've been thinking about being banded more than I've been thinking about food. Now that's a good thing! :w00t:

I was thinking the same thing about the friends! "Friends" are supposed to support you, NOT make you feel like crap! Or course, they don't always have to agree with what you do, but they shouldn't put you down because of it. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I haven't been banded yet, so I can't help with the eating portion. I'd just spend some time on this forum to get the support you need. Hugs to you! :thumbup:

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sending some get well wishes!

I really hope your appeal works. I too had a Gpa of 4.0 and would have been fuming if group work messed me up! I did graduate with a 4.0 and 3.5 undergrad. Good luck!

I understand what you mean! I have my master's in education, and I was lucky. My best friend and I went together, so we were always the "group." There was a time or two when we had to work with other people, and I hated that! Regina and I work very hard, and our group never worked to our standards. :huh2: I am a teacher, hence the master's in education. I give projects frequently, but the students have a choice. If they want to work by themselves, they may. Some students choose this option b/c they know if they work with some people they will wind up doing all the work. I'm also one of those teachers that doesn't put them with people. They choose their own partner/group. Some teachers don't believe in that, but I find they work better that way.

For me saggy skin doesn't outway the concern for my health, etc. b/c if it did I wouldn't be concidering the lap band...or losing weight for that matter! :w00t: I'm already self conscience about the way I look, and I don't want to be more self conscience after I'm "thin." And even though everyone may not state it, I'm sure many are concerned with looking soaking wet all the time. But, to each his own. BTW, yes, I do have some stretchmarks on my tummy b/c I gained weight so fast after being on Jenny Craig. :scared2: I've never had a child, though. I will eat right and excersize in the hopes to minimize my saggy skin.

I'm sorry you are not one of the success stories. But regardless if you're fat or thin, please go see someone about your suicidal thoughts. So many people would miss you if you were gone. HUGS to you!!!

I disagree. This "tool" is going to be in your body and if you feel more comfortable with one than the other you should have the decision. If you see a surgeon who only uses the Lap Band, and you want Realize, then I say choose another reputable surgeon. Now, telling the surgeon not to use a Trocar, thatn would be ridiculous, as that is a tool. JMHO PS. FYI...I spoke to a mechanic today b/c I need my Lincoln fixed (my cousin hit me in my driveway while I wasn't even driving). I made sure that he used authentic Lincoln parts; because if I didn't like his fake "tools" I wouldn't go to him.