annecolorgreen

Dwrd73--you are going to be banded with your wife? How cool! My husband just wants to try to do the diet changes along with me...we'll see. He DOES have more willpower than I do! Good luck to you! ~~anne

Oh Sue, I'm so sorry about the infertility thing! I tried to donate eggs years ago (when I was much thinner) and they wouldn't accept me as I was overweight (maybe 20 lbs more than they accept at the time). That really made me angry as it was truly a desire of my heart to help others! I was too close to being at the top of the age limit they accepted (30) to try and lose it. Good luck to you!

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this topic so here goes: what scale do you use to weigh? Do you like it? We actually have a doctor's office scale but have no space for it. I would LOVE to get a small scale that I can slide under the counter but haven't found one that is reliable (I purchased two and returned two). It would also need to be reliable at higher weights obviously. Thanks! ~~anne

After gaining increasing amounts of weight since I graduated high school and got married, I finally have hope that I can be outside how I feel inside! I've seen the surgeon, dietician, psychiatrist, have my letter of medical necessity and everything goes to the insurance company this week... Praying it's approved and happens quickly! I am so ready! About me, wife of 23 years to a wonderful husband, four children--two sons in the Army and two teen daughters still at home. We have a one year old lab pup named "Jack" who would LOVE to have me take him for walks but I am unable as my joints hurt too much with exercise (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I have high hopes that taking 100+ pounds off my frame will help with those aches and pains! We also have a little old sheltie dog and a house cat. Oh...and I'm a nurse. ~~anne

After gaining increasing amounts of weight since I graduated high school and got married, I finally have hope that I can be outside how I feel inside! I've seen the surgeon, dietician, psychiatrist, have my letter of medical necessity and everything goes to the insurance company this week... Praying it's approved and happens quickly! I am so ready! About me, wife of 23 years to a wonderful husband, four children--two sons in the Army and two teen daughters still at home. We have a one year old lab pup named "Jack" who would LOVE to have me take him for walks but I am unable as my joints hurt too much with exercise (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I have high hopes that taking 100+ pounds off my frame will help with those aches and pains! We also have a little old sheltie dog and a house cat. Oh...and I'm a nurse. ~~anne

Congratulations! How is your energy level? Are you taking anything for the gas?

Congratulations! I'm sure you will do well. I'm still waiting... How funny to meet that lady online! ~~anne

I'm in the same place as you! One thing the dietician suggested was to practice eating slower, chewing more, and taking smaller bites. Also, practice eating WITHOUT drinking during the meal. I'll bet that's hard! ~~anne

The band does suppress my appetite pretty good. I have to make myself eat most of the time. That's how I felt while taking the medication. Oh, I have already had a heart ultrasound so I know the med didn't do any damage (thank God!). Thanks to you all for your support... ~~anne

Sorry...I must have stated my question wrong. I just wondered if the effects were the same. I know phen/fen has been off the market and is dangerous. I am hoping that, because phen/fen worked for me, the band will have a similar effect. Thanks!

Has anyone taken phen/fen who has also been banded? I just wondered how the effects compare. I was very successful with phen/fen years ago...the only diet success I've had. Thanks! ~~anne

Hi-- I am just curious as to what others did. I am a straightforward, tell all, kind of person but....I have been hesitating talking about the surgery to friends/family who aren't "close" to me. I asked my dh his opinion and he said, "I wouldn't tell people". Now, I don't know if that's for his comfort level or he really thinks I shouldn't tell. If you told...how did you do it? If you didn't, why? Thanks! ~~anne (awaiting insurance approval)

Hi Anne the Travel Lady! I love cruising too and actually just got back from one. I, too, hoped that I could get banded well before my trip...but that didn't happen. Still waiting on insurance at this point. One thing I found this time was that the portions were very small in comparison to past cruises. My thoughts were that it would definitely make someone feel less "guilty" about wasting food while traveling. Also, the dining room had "spa" options. One of my favorite meals was grilled fish and grilled veggies! I purchased an insulated mug first thing and carried cold Water with me wherever I went (you could pack your own). Because I was hot most of the time, I wasn't as hungry this time as when I was on past cruises. The heat kind of takes it out of you. ~~anne (the other travel lady!)

Janet-- How very encouraging! Thanks for posting! Would you mind sharing if you had any health conditions that have improved? For instance, I am only 40 years old but have rheumatoid arthritis and am hoping to be able to exercise easier as I lose. I have not been banded yet...waiting on insurance. Thanks! ~~anne

Can someone tell me which brand of canned chicken you used? I bought some seal-packaged chicken and tried it with the spinach dip and the chicken had a funny smell (i was NOT out of date). Neither my husband or I liked it (the chicken). Any suggestions? ~~anne

Oh...so it's more of a consultation than like a critique (more what I was thinking since I had seen the word evaluation used). I thought it had something to do with whether or not I'd get approved by insurance. I'm surprised they do it before you get the approval (they are just now sending my info in to insurance). Thanks!

Happy Birthday! I know you will enjoy your SF pudding! ~~anne

Oh, I would definitely be honest. I definitely have physical problems that can be helped by losing weight. What about the diet eval?? Thanks, Anne

Hi! I saw the surgeon today (first visit) and will have my psych and diet eval on Friday. What will they be asking? What are they looking for? Thanks! ~~anne

Ewwww...I have rheumatoid arthritis and regularly take a strong NSAID. Hope that doesn't prevent them from approving my surgery! Part of my hope to have the surgery is to take some stress off my joints. ~~anne

Those recipes sound great! Thanks! ~~anne

Does anyone have a recommendation? I don't want it to cost a huge amount... Thanks! ~~anne

I turned 40 in January and my husband took me away for the weekend to San Francisco. Sadly, my knee and ankles bothered me so much, I couldn't enjoy sightseeing as much as I would have liked. I am so looking forward to getting banded! Happy Birthday 40 year olds! You should always Celebrate birthdays...you know the alternative! ~~anne

Hi-- I haven't had the surgery but, from what I've read, that would be too much to have at one time. Hope someone else can help you!! ~~anne

Dr. Lusco :tt2: