krissyjean

I think the one thing that has been made very clear to me is that you MUST view this as a tool only and not an absolute fix all. Taco Bell if it is only a couple of bites on occassion is likely okay. I just want to get to the point where I can lose all the weight, open the band up fully after I maintain it for a while and always have that safety net. That is what was most appealing to me.

I have to say, I tok the broth package out of a thing of Top Ramen and added hot Water and a teaspoon of butter and it gave it a little more richness and was pretty doggone good. Also, another trick I use is curry powder in cottage cheese with a little sea salt OR cottage cheese and low sodium soy sauce. Yummy!!

Again, my apologies.

Actually, be honest, Froggie. You did say it in a chat room to me and others, so just be accountable for that. Owning things one creates is a great lesson to learn. :biggrin2: Take it from this old bat that has 20 years on you. I wish I had learned it in my early 20's.

So let me give you some context... I logged into the chat room two days after surgery. I was in a lot of pain from my port site and had a fever and was scared. I did not call the doctor because I did the day before since I had a fever and did not want to bother him unnecessarily. After logging into chat, I asked a couple of general post surgery questions. Instead of getting answers I needed to settle my fears, I was greeted in a confrontational way from the original poster of this poll with something to the effect of "I don't understand why anyone under 200 lbs would ever have this surgery." It was really not what I was hoping to get from a support site. I was in pain and again, instead of getting needed answers I was put in a position of having to defend myself for getting the surgery in the first place. I went for support and a helping hand and instead, did not get any answers, just higher blood pressure. It was hurtful. And the chat room is not "Rants and Raves". When someone logs into chat they sometimes need help then and there instead of waiting for an appropriate thread to be answered. So, there is the context. That said, I am sorry about the "drive by". I just think everyone is entitled to a better quality of life. For me personally, I am a lifetime member of Jenny Craig, have been a Weight Watchers member multiple times, Nurtisystem, you name it. Most recently, the only thing that worked some was a drug/physician assisted program in which I was taking Phentermine on a regular basis. In that case, although I did get 20 of the 70 pounds off that I needed to lose, I gained it all back after I came off the drug since it conflicted with my asthma medications. I also gained an additional five+ pounds and was up to 203. That is why I got banded...that and because I have many pre-diabetic symptoms including gestational diabetes 4 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. I guess my point with all of this is the fact that maybe we all need to be a bit more sensitive to one another since our plights are all the same. We should be "banding together" no pun intended.:biggrin2: Froggie, peace to you my friend. That is where I was coming from though and it does not make my "drive by" okay. That was insensitive of me and for that I truly apologize. I feel you should know what triggered it and again, I was wrong, and I am sorry. Kristin

This poll is in a word, offensive.

I had surgery Wednesday 6/25. Day one following was awful. I needed help in and out of bed, etc. Now I am okay with the exception of the fact that my port area is a big lump like half of an egg cut long ways. It also can be felt pretty much at all times. It is kind of a stabbing pain. I just want to know if all of this is normal. Thanks, Kristin

OMG!!! I would not wish that on anyone! It was awful, but you can get through it.

...I think the old saying may apply, "Every time you point a finger, you have three pointing right back at you".

I was just banded by Dr. Horgan this past Wednesday. My experience was excellent all the way through, and I think he is the cat's meow. As far as UCSD reading the posts, I don't mean to disagree, but why wouldn't they? I think personally it is like a round table when one can see truly how they are doing for QC purposes. I know I would want to monitor boards if I were them to know how to IMPROVE the process. I would not want PC letters...I would want a straight shooter giving me the hard and fast truth. I went to Dr. Horgan on a personal recommendation of a friend of mine who has lost a good 70+ lbs since her surgery. I have no regrets at all...and I still hurt like there's no tomorrow, but I am only 3 days post op, so that is all normal I guess. :tt2: ANYWAY, I am glad you went elsewhere as that makes the most sense for you. I don't think there would have been anything that could have been done considering you felt you had such a bad experience from the start. Congrats on your banding. The most important thing is that the journey has begun! God bless, Kristin

Well, I am on Day 2. Was banded Wednesday. The experience was fine except I just wanted to go home BAD! Almost lied about being able to pee, but on try #8, success...Praise God!! Came home, was okay, just wanted to sleep! Then the morning came...and the anesthesia wore off... OMG!! I needed help in and out of bed yesterday and would have sharp stabbing pains at the port site. I felt like death - truly. I even was running a temp of 100 degrees. Called the doctor twice since there was fever and the doctor on call assured me that a small temp is normal as pain can spike it. If it were to get to 101.5 then I nee to go in. I am much better today. Unfortunately I just made the mistake of watching Ramseys Kitchen Nightmares (The Curry Lounge episode) and now I want indian food so bad I could die. I am already thinking about what to order once I can go pureed. I must admit I do feel better though although I had to do a poor mans bath as a shower just ain't gona happen today. I did put makeup on though and trying to look decent does help a bit. Tomorrow is another day and the last day of clear liquids for me, so I am happy about that. I do believe it is resurrection day for me. So, one question...how many Gas-X can one eat in a day for real? I know it says 8 on the box, but has anyone researched this because THAT is my biggest issue for sure now that I have figured how to roll out of bed successfully. All you freshly banded are in my prayers!! This is no fun for sure, but the end result is what matters!! Hugs, Kristin in San Diego:tt2:

My name is Kristin Jiles and I live in San Diego. I am being banded this Wednesday, June 25th by DR. Santiago Horgan from UCSD. Thanks!!

Hi there, I am with Dr. Santiago Horgan at UCSD Medical Center. The total cost for a cash pay is $16,500. That said, he was instrumental in bringing Lapband to the states and is one of the foremost robotics surgeons in the nation. He also is very funny and very nice. I am getting banded this Wednesday, but one of my really good friends was banded by him a year ago and has lost 70 lbs+. Best to you with your search!! Kristin

Thanks for that - - I needed that today! It is truly my new favorite word - - "Sharting"!!

I don't know about the SlimFast but I am curious how much weight you have lost. I am stressing out because I have only lost 2.5 lbs in 9 days and surgery is on Wednesday. I was told I needed to lose five by then or it would be canceled. :redface:

Hi there, I am about to have surgery this Wednesday with Dr. Horgan from UCSD Med Center. I would love to connect with any and all San Diegans, especially through an online forum! So, Hi to you and all!! Kristin