Lunabeane

All you can do is take that first step and call a surgeon. It was a very difficult phone call for me to make...but I did it and I don't regret it...yet? LOL I called the surgeon and they told me that I would have to start going to the lifestyle classes for six months. They sent me preliminary paper work and that started the process. I had absolutely no idea that insurance was going to cover the surgery until the doctors office submitted my paperwork for approval six months later. While every insurance company is different, I can tell you that there were many many young men and woman in the lifestyle classes that I attended. I met a couple of 18-19 year old woman as well. I say...take the plunge! You can back out at any time but you'll get rolling on accomplishing this goal that you have set for yourself in the meantime.

It seems like you are ready to address it now...which means that you must be doing much better emotionally and physically. I would see if your husband still has the band and get all of your paper work in order before contacting an attorney. When is the ast time you contacted Dr. Gonzales?

I would certainly look into it! What an awful thing to have to go through. Do you have proof that it was an inamed product?

I put some Miralax in V8 last night because of the constipation from my protein shakes. No stomach cramping at all. I recommend it.

Through UPMC Insurance I had to go through a 6-month lifestyle information session with six months of food logs. In addition, I had to have an Upper GI, Endoscopy, EKG, Chest X-Ray, bloodwork, nutritionist meeting, psych evaluation, yearly pap, and a current visit with my pcp. It took six months and 14 days from start to finish. I finished my last lifestyle meeting on April 24, 2008, was insurance approved in 24 hours, and had my surgery on May 16, 2008.

I was banded at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh on May 16th. So far I'm down 13lbs. I know that it's water weight...But I don't care!!! LOL

My doctor states no straws or carbonated beverages. I had my 8 day check up and asked the rationale behind the straws...and the NA stated that it causes people to gulp air. I'm not sure if I buy into it all...but I have every intentions of following his orders.

I've found that I sometimes have to over season with quinoa because it doesn't have a significant flavor of it's own. I find the same thing with bulgar wheat.

1 week out and I've lost 10lbs.

I agree...I like the ASSETS brand as well.

Three Sixty Six: Actually...you are wrong. Lexipro is a once-daily pill that treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is a Selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRI's are a class of antidepressants used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders. Drugs in this class include: (Trade names in parentheses) citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram) dapoxetine (no trade name yet; not yet approved by the FDA) escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia) fluoxetine (Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Fluctin (EUR), Fluox (NZ)) fluvoxamine (Luvox, Faverin, Dumyrox) paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat, Rexetin, Xetanor, Paroxat) sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain) zimelidine (Zelmid, Normud)

Have you tried Spanx? SPANX

What are you drinking? Are you on clear or full liquids? I'm good now that I'm on the full liquid stage but I thought I would die on the Clear Liquids. Clear liquids I drank, bullion...chicken and beef 1/2 Water 1/2 juice (Apple, grape, peach/mango, and cranberry) Green tea with honey Jello Jello Jello Fully Liquid Yellow squash Soup Tomato bisque Jello decaf coffee with half and half V8 Protein shakes I feel ok on the full liquid diet...although I'm already looking forward to the puree/mushy stage on Wednesday.

I think that you are misreading her post. She clearly states that she had the band put in in April 2007 and had the band in for 4 months under the Drs. care and then 2 months in the care of Drs. in the US. That equals 6 months until her band was taken out. Not sure where you got one month? :blushing:

Have you contacted an attorney? I truly think that would be in your best interest as I'm sure that is one of the reasons why they are not answering their phones. This isn't a slip and fall, but truly an example of malpractice. I know that the mesh that was used in my fathers hernia surgery was faulty...he opted not to contact an attorney but my brother (the attorney) stated that he would have to sue the manufacturer of the mesh and then the doctor. In your case I would think that you would have to sue the manufacturer of the band and then the doctor, who is clearly at fault for not taking the measurers to gaurantee your health. I'm so sorry that you are going through this...but you can do this! You are a success story! 20 pounds...pshhhh...you can do that! I'm hear if you need to talk.

OMG. I'm so glad that you survived. Are you considering being banded again? I'm not sure that I would be...that's for sure.

Tom Cruisin' ... Hehe... The whole situation is unfortunate...and unsolicited. To be marginalized because of your choice of treatment is unnecessary.

The hospital I stayed at had WiFi. I thought about bringing my laptop...but brought my iphone instead. Good luck to you.

Quinoa Pilaf Recipe 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped finely 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup finely-diced carrots 1 medium red pepper, chopped 2 cups quinoa, rinsed thoroughly through a fine sieve 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup frozen peas, thawed Kosher salt or Maldon sea salt and pepper to taste Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add garlic, carrots and red pepper, cooking until soft, about 5 minutes. Add quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until Water is absorbed. Stir in frozen peas and salt and pepper. Serves 6. Per serving: 319 calories, 9 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 50 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 13 g Protein, 94% Vitamin A, 55% Vitamin C, 6% calcium, 34% Iron

Vegetarian Chili 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 cup diced onion 3 cloves garlic, mined 1 green pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup diced zucchini 1/4 cup red wine (optional) 1 15 oz. can black Beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 oz. can white beans (cannellini), rinsed and drained 2 cups your favorite salsa (homemade or from a jar) 2 Tbsp. chili powder In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat 3-4 minutes. Add peppers and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 20-30 minutes or until flavors combine and chili is thick. Serves 10 Per serving: 196 calories, 2 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 33 g carbohydrate, 9 g fiber, 11 g Protein, 24% Vitamin A, 143% Vitamin C, 8% calcium, 18% Iron

Quinoa Risotto 1 cup quinoa 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup vegetable broth 1 cup skim milk 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese Rinse and drain quinoa three times, using a fine mesh strainer to remove the bitter outer coating. Heat olive oil in a heavy saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, stirring constantly. Add garlic and quinoa and continue stirring a minute or two. Stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until quinoa is tender, stirring occasionally, approximately 10-12 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook another 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add cheese and let stand a few minutes, so risotto can thicken. Serves 6. Per serving: 284 calories, 12 g fat, 21 mg cholesterol, 27 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 18 g Protein, 4% Vitamin A, 6% Vitamin C, 43% calcium, 18% Iron

Quinoa with Butternut Squash Gratin 1 20 oz. package peeled and diced butternut squash or a 1-1/2 lb. butternut squash peeled and diced 1 cup organic quinoa 2 cups Water 1 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. shallots 1/2 cup egg substitute, such as Egg Beaters 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese 1 slice Italian bread salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 400. Spray a 2-quart baking or gratin dish with nonstick cooking spray. If using pre-cut butternut squash, pierce the package a few times with a fork and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until squash is soft and tender. If using a whole squash, peel and cube it, then put in a ziploc plastic bag and seal. Then pierce a few times with a fork and microwave as directed above. Wash the quinoa in a fine sieve thoroughly (about 5 minutes) until water runs clear. This is very important, as quinoa has a bitter protective coating that can linger even after processing. Transfer squash and quinoa to a large (2 or 3-quart) pot. Add water and salt to pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and the quinoa blooms into little spirals. Remove from heat and let rest. Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat in a small frying pan. Add shallots and cook 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook a minute or two longer, being careful not to let garlic burn. Pour over quinoa and squash mixture, mixing thoroughly. Add egg substitute, 3/4 cup of the cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to prepared baking or gratin dish. Pulse bread in a food processor or blender a few times until fine bread crumbs are formed. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bread crumbs over gratin. Drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp. of olive oil on top and bake for 35-45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Serves 8. Per serving: 224 calories, 10 g fat, 14 mg cholesterol, 394 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 3 g Fiber, 10 g Protein, 153% Vitamin A, 26% Vitamin C, 20% Calcium, 17% Iron

Quinoa...is wonderful. I have some great recipes using Quinoe if you want me to post them. Also, you might have the same problem with Quinoa that you would with rice...it getting stuck. If you don't have a problem with rice then you should have a problem with Quinoa. Let me know if you want the recipes.

Actually...you can take xanax three to four times a day. There is a Xanax XR that is on the market for those that need the medication throughout the day. While some doctors are more concervative than others and will not prescribe xanax, many doctors provide doses this high. My doctor gives me 90 pills at a time...but tells me to take them when needed. I take about 1 a week when I NEED them. My doctor knows me and has been my doctor for 15 years. He knows my life and my family...we are partners in dealing with my mental health. If this woman is working with her psychiatrist, is able to be productive in her work/personal life, and feel comfortable with the situation then she has every right to follow her doctors instructions. While everyone has different experiences with their doctors and some have varying opinions on taking medication for anxiety and depression...everyone has their own very personal journey when it comes to their mental health. I really don't mean to offend anyone but we're not talking about the sniffles here. She wasn't asking if people felt that it was OK that she was taking a certain medication...she was asking if she could take them before and after surgery. Regarding taking meds after surgery. My doctor said that I would not need them after surgery if I was taking the pain medication. Like I said before, I only take them sporadically, but I have not needed to take them and have felt very little anxiety that I couldn't control with deep breathing exercises and meditation. If you have trouble taking pills...xanax comes in an under the tonque form that you won't have a problem taking. Good luck to you.

Hmmm...that is an interesting predicament. I left that decision up to my Dr. I figured that he was the professional and was used to using one product over another. I have no idea what type of band I have.