RestlessMonkey

pipersfour just relax about it! There's no "pass or fail" and you really can't "study" for it. IF you are an alcoholic, for example, the band probably isn't the right choice for you. However, that's actually rare. Just be honest. If you are in a tizzy it will just make it worse ON YOU! :thumbup: deep breaths, be honest, and you'll be fine.

The band isn't working YET.... until you get fills, most people (me included) don't feel any restriction whatsoever. My surgeon told me it make take 4 (or more) adjustments to get things "right". So for now; the band is there, I'm healing, but I can eat essentially what I ATE prebanding. Remember, it's a tool, and it's not bypass. Slow and steady wins the race. Just follow your surgeon's guidelines and as you gain restriction you'll feel full on much less. In fact, my surgeon said HIS aim for the band for me is that I CAN eat any food, but will be satisfied with WAY less and stay full for up to 5-6 hours. It will be up to me to make healthy choices. So you are doing fine! :thumbup:

My eval was different than Elayne's. I had to answer about 300 questions from the MMPI test...and it asks the same question, but reworded, over and over. For example (this isn't one, just an example) you answer true or false: 1. I love pizza and think it is delicious. 15. Pizza is the best food. 22. People who love pizza are like me 48 Pizza is good for Breakfast You get the drift. It's best to just be honest! :thumbup: Once through that the psychologist questioned me to make sure I wouldn't turn to (not kidding here) alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex once my food was restricted. She didn't ask outright, but that was the point. Again, honesty is the best policy. It was no big deal! :thumbup:

Famous philosopher Yoda LOL This might help you decide: Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band I really think it's just personal preference. My surgeon only places the lap band but he said it's because its what he's used to using. Welcome, enjoy your cruise, and good luck! :thumbup:

I agree w/ThinkNHealthy...My surgeon covered this in the seminar we had to attend. He said (I'm paraphrasing...but this is the essence) just about EVERYONE will lose hair at 3-6 months out. supplements (Protein, Biotin, multivitamins) don't help. It appears to be the body's reaction to the surgery etc. One of his 1000+ patients needed a wig but then she owned a wig shop. (that's what he said! LOL) They ALL had their hair grow back as full, or fuller, than before. So it's a side effect we have to just get through. Hang in there! You won't go bald yet! :thumbup:

I was told caffeine is an appetitie stimulant by my doc's nutritionist. Maybe it does that for some, but doesn't for me at all. Furthermore, although I drank tea (unsweetened) by the bucket and a cup or 2 (12 ounce mugs) of coffee a day, I never have a headache or withdrawal when I pass on it. So lucky me, no caffeine addiction! BUT I am having my 1-2 cups of coffee each morning and then my tea and I'm fine. I DO make sure I get in 64 ounces of pure plain Water and then tea if I'm still thirsty, because plain old water does things for you that tea does not. (odd but true) IMHO if you are getting your water in, have coffee or tea as adjuncts. You'll know if it makes you hungry, and can pass on it.

BethFromVA...maybe this will help you feel good about going to the "far" doctor...I LIVE very near the medical center here in San Antonio. I'm a nursing student, my husband teaches LPNs/LVNs, and we are near the "pulse" of things. San Antonio has DISMAL traffice, by the way; all our interstates are torn up and under construction. The Doc I chose to go to is on the far side of town away from me....he's about 20 miles away and instead of taking 10-15 minutes to his office, it takes me 45! BUT he's worth it! Of course there are good bariatric surgeons closer to me. Reputable doctors who do well by their patients. However, I preferred MY doc! He had the right combo of experience, bedside manner, and sympathetic staff to fill all my requirements. The seminar he conducted sealed the deal for us since he was approachable, and spoke in terms that even non-medical types could quickly grasp. My husband liked him too. SO...you do what feels right for you! ANd there's nothing wrong with moving on getting the band once you feel it is right for you! :thumbup: I also agree; if the surgeon you like TEACHES...odds are he's done the procedure a lot, is up on the most current research, and has a great success rate. Sounds to me like you have done your due diligence and picked a good one! Way to go!

LISAMARIE1158 THANK YOU! You are so sweet to take the time to tell me that! I appreciate it so much! :thumbup: AND I have to tell you I really did "laugh out loud" when I read your comment about the student loans!

I'm glad my hard drinking days are behind me. They were fun, but WHEW! Glad they are over. I agree with the other posters; what I'd do (what worked for me when I was a younger, wilder woman) was I'd have a drink and then 2 "rounds" of water. So I always had a "drink" (no empty glasses for this chickie) but it paced me. All the water also helps prevent a hangover. Good luck! :biggrin:

Jeemee you do what you think is right but it's kind of like dating. If on the first date you start to get a queasy creepy feeling, you don't have to keep going out with the guy to know it's wrong! LOL Usually these first appts are happy and optimistic and so on; if you are already "wondering", trust yourself, ok? :biggrin: I guess that's the bottom line; listen to yourself and trust yourself.

If you already aren't happy with your surgeon and his "tone" can you go elsewhere? It's often hard to find someone "else" to do your fills. Many surgeons are reluctant (or whatever?) to take on someone else's patient. If your red flags are already flying...pay attention! :biggrin: and i agree with you; you shouldn't have to beg for a fill. That fill is the essence of the band. Oh, and welcome! :thumbup:

I agree w/Rachel G7 but DO check w/your surgeon just in case, ok? NOT to punish yourself or anything; just to make sure it's ok in there. Odds are you're far enough along that you'll be fine but you need an official OK, ok?

You still need to tell your surgeon and the anesthesiologist...you may risk your life if you don't. Best case scenario they can adjust for your compromised situation.

Sorry no personal experience, but if I were you I'd go to my primary care doctor and have him check blood etc. He should also be able to get the x-rays etc from the ER you used. Have him check you out; if it's the band, he can help you get assitance from your surgeon. If it's not, he should be able to help you narrow it down. Please do this ASAP...and keep an eye on your fever. 100 is low grade, but it's not something you want to have go on and on.

Hi and welcome.... go to the seminar, take notes, ask whatever occurs to you. That is a great first step!

Do you get steroids for sinus infections? I never have; they can make you prone to other infections and harder to heal so I'd say no. And I don't think you can have nor would want surgery with a sinus infection...call your surgeon tomorrow and see what s/he says. Good luck...if you have to postpone a little it will be for the best. Recovery is easy but does take it out of you; you want to be at 100% before you have the surgery done!

Actually gas x didn't help mine...rubbing it helped, or tylenol. It depends on WHY it hurts and it can be gas but also referred pain as I stated. So try several different things until you find something that works.

Of course you can eat anything; you don't have any restriction yet. That postop diet is to allow your band to heal into place (it is sewn in and eating like you did causes your stomach to churn like a washing machine...and you can see that the churning might tear your sutures loose). Just call your surgeon and see what he says; he'll be able to tell you if you need an x-ray, or to just watch it, or go ahead and eat, or whatever.

It's referred pain from your diaphragm. It will get better and disappear. Mine didn't last much beyond 2 weeks and only acted up when I exerted myself and increased my breathing. (thus my diaphragm would move more and so on) It's common, it's ok, it will go away!

Hi and welcome! Just make sure you don't "cheat" on whatever post op diet your surgeon gives you; if you eat food before it's allowed it can cause your band sutures to pull lose, cause erosion and or slippage, etc! I cheated on my preop diet and didn't get my band the 1st time because although I lost 15 pounds my liver was still too fatty, but I think my situation is pretty rare, so you will no doubt be ok! Just toe the line post op so your band can heal properly! AND....>Welcome! :biggrin:

Why don't you try NOT having liquid with your meals, following your doc's orders for a limited time, say 1 week, and see if you lose better?

I figure, considering what it's made of, it will most likely outlast me. I KNOW it should last longer than 10 years. I don't think you need to worry, but your surgeon should be able to address your concerns.

I'm tricare (DH is retired army) and did not have to use military anything to get mine, thank goodness. It would've taken a lot longer! Anyway, welcome and good luck to you!

I've learned with this process, whenever I hear "NEVER" I always ask WHY? Their reason may or may not be valid. And never is a LOOOONG time! :biggrin:

Sorry but that's bull! Doing what "makes me happy" got me to 405 pounds. Some things are dangerous whether they make a person happy or not.