ReeRee

Hey Jean- Don't worry about the swimsuit thing! I promise you, nobody cares! We're all just so happy to have some exercise that is fun and feels good. Give it a shot - you'll LOVE it!

In CA servers must pay a certain percentage (in taxes) on their total sales. This is how they are taxed on their tips. Servers' sales are totaled and the taxes are withheld from their paychecks. That's why it isn't at all unusual for a server to have a paycheck for just a few (sometimes less than ten) dollars. If someone leaves no tip, the server is still required to pay taxes on that total. The server actually has to pay for having served you.

The anestheseologist appt. and the telephone appt. with the RN were the last two I had before surgery on June 23rd. I must say that my experience with Kaiser South SF was TERRIFIC! My surgeon was Dr. Le. Every single person I encountered from the moment I checked in to the moment I left was kind, professional and competent. I had heard (and experienced) my fair share of Kaiser mishaps in the past but my Lap Band experience was flawless. :biggrin:

There's something wrong with big people who hit little people.

You sound just like me when I go off my anti-depressants. Go to your doc and share what you just told us. You need to get back on your meds! Your kids deserve to have their functional, happy mom. You deserve to feel better. Please call today, OK?

I was a phen-fen lady too. Before my lap band, it was the only thing that worked for me. Now I am having tremendous success with my band. I feel full! I hope it works as well for you!

I live in Sacramento and had my lap band done at Kaiser, South San Francisco. They were SUPERB there - incredibly supportive and encouraging. My surgery was June 23rd. I was required to lose 15# before the surgery and I have lost 20# since the surgery. I started with a BMI of 40 and I think I'm at about 35 now. Oh my goodness I've only lost 35 of the 80# I want to lose and I already feel so much better! Why don't you ask your PCP to refer you to South San Francisco?

...they have told me there is a "possibility of death" before each one. They were all simple surgeries (laparoscopic lap band, laparoscopic endometriosis removal and 2 C-sections). I just assumed it's something they say to everyone.

By having this surgery, you just took a huge step toward taking better care of yourself. As you continue to take better care of yourself, you will start to feel that you deserve good things. A man who cheats is not a good thing. You are better off leaving him behind you just like you're leaving excess weight behind you I know it hurts like hell right now but I PROMISE things will get better. The pain will dissipate and you'll be stronger. You will feel better - just a little time. Take really good care of yourself - walk, eat foods that are good to your body, get manis and pedis. You'll be in great shape for the REAL Mr. Right. That a**hole was just practice!:biggrin:

Hi Micountryfarm- My LBS was on June 23rd. I lost 15# before and 17# since. I went in for my first fill Friday (Aug. 7) and they didn't give it to me. He said it was twice as much as they expected me to lose. It sounds like you're losing quickly as well. Take care of your injury and keep your weight loss in perspective. You're doing just fine! How much would you have lost without the band?

Hi Hammer- Coming here to read and write can be a huge help. It is for me. We are all in the same boat and truly want the best for each other. When I have a hard time getting my mind off of food, I come to this site and look at "before/after" pictures. I get so impressed/inspired and keep looking at page after page - then forget about food. I look forward to my own success (that I know is around the corner). 80# is a magnificent accomplishment! Any of us would take it and be proud. Please don't give up =)

Hi July =) I was banded in June and have not thrown up yet. I do remember my anesthesiologist telling me to let him know if I felt nauseated right away as he could stop it..... so don't be shy! I'm so happy with my band so far - no regrets. I hope you experience the same!

I got a HUGE smile on my face as soon as I saw your title! That's my goal right now as well. I'm sure it feels great! CONGRATULATIONS!

My BMI was also on the lower side. One of the things that was taken into account was my family history. Both my mother and grandfather had heart disease - requiring by-pass surgery. I also explained that as far as weight goes, I was on the smaller size of the women in my family (but creeping up there) so morbid obesity is a family pattern. My knee and hip pain were also factors taken into consideration. Additionally, I had tried diets, lost weight and gained it all back (plus some). Maybe you have some family history that will help your doctor make a different decision (?)

I was required to lose 15# before Kaiser would preform my lap band surgery. They explained that it helps shrink your liver and makes the surgery easier for the doctor to preform. I have a feeling that they also want to make sure you have some kind of discipline and an idea of how much of an effort you're willing to put forth.

I have always hated exercise but LOVE the water aerobics classes! No sweating, everyone's nice and they're all having fun. I'm losing pretty quickly and my skin looks good. I have no desire to go inside the gym with all the sweaty people :smile2: My husband is one of the sweaty ones and he tried a water aerobics class with me last night. He said it was really hard and he felt like he got a better work out than he does inside the gym:thumbup:

Chances are you wouldn't be "bothering" your friends if you ask for help. Would it bother you if they asked for help? All of my friends have been so supportive and asked over and over again what they could do to help. I bet yours would be happy to support you during this time. You absolutely need to get a ride. Anesthesia + pain meds = possible danger to yourself and others on the road. Take good care of yourself. You won't regret it.:thumbup:

My family history of heart and joint disease helped me qualify.

I was banded a Kaiser SSF on the 23rd. My BMI was 39 but both generations before me had heart attacks and I also had joint pain. I lost the 15# they required me to lose. I went to every class and appointment and did exactly what they told me to do. My surgery went well and everyone at the SSF facility was terrific! I commuted from Sacramento - I don't care how high gasoline got - it was completely worth it.

Hi JSJA =) Ditto, ditto, ditto - down to the same date! I was banded on Monday as well - experiencing the same symptoms you listed. I've been told it will get better with time and walking. I had the most physical activity today since surgery and my tummy is settling a little. We'll hang in there together! Ree

I go to the chats and get great UPLIFTING info from the banders there.

Oh my goodness - I have been having SO MUCH FUN at the gym. There's this water aerobics class every day. I bet the average age of the participants is about 70 (I'm 44). Everyone is soooo... nice and the instructor tells you how to make it work for all levels - knees up higher or lower, go faster or slower, etc... It's your work-out, nobody elses! Go have fun! The old ladies are great - try hanging with them in the water aerobics class. Even if you can't swim, you'll love it. They have grey hair, wrinkles galore, sagging skin and beautiful, welcoming attitudes.