Band_Groupie

(That's the Echo coming back...after it bounced off me!) As I've said before, I continue to write most of them down, and I appreciate knowing that someone else has tried them (the cookbooks I love are usually the kind that have a conglomeration of people's favorites...one's I know someone else liked enough to chose and put their name with...you know, like a women's club cookbook vs. Joy of Cooking...and that' what you're doing). If you're taking requests, I'd love to see more "mushy" recipes, as a pre-bander. I'm such a bad cook, all I can picture is grinding up all my meals in that magic bullet I bought...doesn't sound too appetizing to do that for 4 weeks! I'm a little different then most in that I don't ever HAVE to drink a protein shake, unless I want to (and actually they DON'T want me to once I get to solids), so I'm looking for ways to get in my "few Tbsp- 1/4 C protein" (I don't have a gram goal) in at each meal during this Phase 2 diet without having to drink protein. Long term, I'm also compiling high-protein, low carb recipes (which you've already given several of) as that's my goal long-term (I've done really well on Atkins in the past, but a modified Atkins with more fruits/veggies and some complex carbs is my goal). Thanks for the recipes!! -BG

I know the one thing that always grabs my attention here is when someone says "I hardly even think about food anymore"..."it's just fuel and I have a normal relationship with it now". Those kinds of comments always give me hope, as I know head hunger is going to be my hardest challenge. Re-directing (like we do with our kids) and finding something else to replace the food, seems to be a common suggestion here..."Feel like binging...knit a scarf"...LOL..."it keeps your mind and hands busy". I'll have to take on a LOT of new hobbies! Let me know when you find the answer, and you're doing the right thing (self-talk). Good luck. -BG

Thanks! I hadn't seen those.

What she said...it all depends on the insurance co., and apparently the area you live in. I went to 3 hospital seminars here and one sent me home with a document saying the expectation was that you should not lose weight...they even suggested '5 pounds or so'. The hospital I chose had me meet with their insurance expert at the surgeons office. I asked her point blank if I could go below the 35 minimum during my 6 mo. She said "Then you wouldn't need the surgery, would you?" They aren't legally allowed to tell you not to lose weight, but you need to listen to what they DO say.

I’m always amazed by what I start off thinking I’m going to write and then what I end up writing about here. It’s the thing I like best about blogging…not only do you get your feelings/questions out, but it’s often a total surprise. Today was no exception. I started off wanting to explore something that came up in my last blog…the fact that at the same time I hate to look at my current self in the mirror, I don’t feel fat…in my head…and how could I still be constantly surprised by photos of me? ‘Nuff said about that!!! As I went looking for a photo of a fun house mirror (to illustrate my body dysmorphic disorder...or maybe it’s just my split personalities) I found this out: DRESSING ROOMS AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE ‘SKINNY’ MIRRORS!!! Oh yes!! They’re scamming us!!! I finally am having a good day clothes shopping! I look like a size 16 in my size 22 jeans at the store, so as I’m skipping happily around the dressing room I decide to buy 3 pair, and come home to find my size 22 butt looks like an elephant wearing dolls clothes. Here’s how they do it…tip a mirror forward and you look short and fat, tip it backward (even slightly) and you look taller and thinner. And to make it worse, some stores even use slightly curved mirrors…oh yea, just like the FUN HOUSE ones! It’s all an illusion…it’s a house of mirrors!! Is it illegal…no…they make no promises that you’ll look the same at home as you do in their dressing room. I’m sure I’m the last one on Earth to find this out. As I found article upon article upon this I was finding an increased hatred of dressing rooms. Remember my ‘love’ of dressing rooms anyway (one word…sportsbra…or maybe that’s two words); then I also found the results of a study on women and dressing rooms: 64 percent said trying on clothes in public lowers their self confidence 10 percent have cried in dressing rooms about the way they look 40 percent of the women have bought something that was too small, hoping it would look good once they lost weight 14 percent of the women have refused sales help so they wouldn't have to reveal their size 41 percent have started working out after a shopping trip and the best one of all… 15 percent have accidentally ripped or gotten stuck in a garment that was too small I’m just glad I’m not alone…and I’m staying OUT of dressing rooms for awhile…at least until I KNOW I’m skinnier…I have enough body distortion issues.

I’m always amazed by what I start off thinking I’m going to write and then what I end up writing about here. It’s the thing I like best about blogging…not only do you get your feelings/questions out, but it’s often a total surprise. Today was no exception. I started off wanting to explore something that came up in my last blog…the fact that at the same time I hate to look at my current self in the mirror, I don’t feel fat…in my head…and how could I still be constantly surprised by photos of me? ‘Nuff said about that!!! As I went looking for a photo of a fun house mirror (to illustrate my body dysmorphic disorder...or maybe it’s just my split personalities) I found this out: DRESSING ROOMS AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE ‘SKINNY’ MIRRORS!!! Oh yes!! They’re scamming us!!! I finally am having a good day clothes shopping! I look like a size 16 in my size 22 jeans at the store, so as I’m skipping happily around the dressing room I decide to buy 3 pair, and come home to find my size 22 butt looks like an elephant wearing dolls clothes. Here’s how they do it…tip a mirror forward and you look short and fat, tip it backward (even slightly) and you look taller and thinner. And to make it worse, some stores even use slightly curved mirrors…oh yea, just like the FUN HOUSE ones! It’s all an illusion…it’s a house of mirrors!! Is it illegal…no…they make no promises that you’ll look the same at home as you do in their dressing room. I’m sure I’m the last one on Earth to find this out. As I found article upon article upon this I was finding an increased hatred of dressing rooms. Remember my ‘love’ of dressing rooms anyway (one word…sportsbra…or maybe that’s two words); then I also found the results of a study on women and dressing rooms: 64 percent said trying on clothes in public lowers their self confidence 10 percent have cried in dressing rooms about the way they look 40 percent of the women have bought something that was too small, hoping it would look good once they lost weight 14 percent of the women have refused sales help so they wouldn't have to reveal their size 41 percent have started working out after a shopping trip and the best one of all… 15 percent have accidentally ripped or gotten stuck in a garment that was too small I’m just glad I’m not alone…and I’m staying OUT of dressing rooms for awhile…at least until I KNOW I’m skinnier…I have enough body distortion issues.

Hi! Just a little north of Pgh here in the burbs. I selected AGH-Banding April or May.

I'm not trying to scare you, but I saw this post today and couldn't in good conscience not pass this on. I've been thinking of you, please let us know how you're doing. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/emergency-surgery-remove-band-five-months-88671/

:cursing:I often, about 1/2 the days I try, have problems accessing this site. I'll get "Link Broken" or "Can't access site" messages, sometimes for long periods of time. This has been happening to me since last summer when I started here, but it's becoming more often and very annoying. Sometimes it knocks me off even when I move to another page. Tonight I couldn't access for hours. I was able to access every other site I wanted (and I clean out my history/cookies daily)...it's ONLY THIS SITE I have this problem with. I'm trying to keep a daily blog here, but it's becoming problematic. What's up with this...is there a site capacity problem??? Is there something else I can do to access more easily?

Ben, You had me crying and laughing at the same time (someday I'm going to be the small woman someone else has to wear around LOL). Thanks. Good luck this weekend, and I'm sure you'll have a lot of great stories to tell us 'pre-banders' on the other side. Remember, the best defense is always humor! Best Wishes! -BG

Thanks for that...I've seen a TON of people discussing being tighter in the morning, but I hadn't even thought about/seen timing a fill so it's not in the morning...VERY GOOD POINT. Glad you're 'getting there'. -BG

Seek medical help now! If you have significant abdominal swelling, nausea, diarrhea & port pain 6 years post-band, this is not normal. You may have an infection, errosion, or something unrelated going on. Get to your doc or ER today and let someone know what's going on please. If you no longer have a band doc, the ER should be equipped to view the band and your abdomen to see what's happening. If it's an errosion, the longer you let this go on the more dangerous it will be for you. If it's been 2 weeks of this you're probably getting dehydrated as well. Let me know how you're doing later (and welcome to LBT). -BG

The Gas X is to help with the gas pains you'll get from them pumping your abdomen full of CO2 during the operation. It bothers most people in their shoulder. My doc says the Gas X will do nothing, but some swear by it (I don't know if they'll let me take it in the hospital). Sippy cups are used by many initially until you get used to taking tiny sips of fluids (it hurts to gulp like we do now). And some take shot glasses or medicine measuring cups as their docs want them to track their fluid intake (and they help you to take small sips). Wendy- They told us to plan for a one night stay, but I'll see if that changes when I get my date/time.

Yea, it was just...sad. He talked to Nadya at several points about stopping having kids as she couldn't handle any more and neither could the grandparents. He talked to her many times about the costs of a child. He even talked to the IVF doc after the 6th one and told him all the issues and that it needed to stop. As the preview showed, he thinks she has mental issues. He's going back to work to help her out. He hopes she'll get help. I felt sorry for him. Dr. Oz was on also and laid into the doc, but he also commented on whether people should help Nadya or not. He said he's been getting lots of comments from people around America that want to help the children, but they don't trust the mom not to spend the money on pedicures. Nadyas dad said "send it to me". Like I said, it was just...sad.

What T said above. I started at 37.7 (with much ado) and am now 4 pounds above my minimum (2 weigh ins left). My PCP actually scolded me for losing 4 pounds last month...she said I lost too much! If your PCP has been through this with any other patients they'll get it...if not, educate them. I certainly feel this is frustrating, especially the one time I'd like to be dieting and getting into good habits, but I'd go through this again in a heartbeat. So many people go through way more than 'not losing weight' to get their bands, so it sounds laughable to complain, but I have too.

Congratulations...you fought the good fight, and WON! I think the whole insurance maze is set up so we can appreciate our bands more when we FINALLY get them! Good job! -BG

I was going to nominate YOU at the first meeting! Sorry about the scale...LOL...just don't make me weigh before bedtime tonight!!! Haven't you heard? It's FAT Tuesday! Thanks :-) -BG

Is it a holiday for fat people like me? Well, kinda...coming from my Catholic upbringing, I can tell you it's all about the last indulgence before abstinence and fasting...Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. All of you Lap Banders who have participated in a "Last Supper" or better yet a whole "Bucket List" of special meals before banding should be able to relate. "Fat Tuesday" translates to "Mardi Gras" in French and is the last day of Carnival (it's also called Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day). So party it up...just don't indulge too much...or there'll have to be more abstinence and penance! Now where's that King Cake? King Cake: As part of the celebration of Mardi Gras, it is traditional to bake an oval cake in honor of the three kings - the King Cake. The shape of a King Cake symbolizes the unity of faiths. Each cake is made from twisted strands of cinnamon dough, topped with icing decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power. A small baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, is baked into each cake and whoever finds the baby (like the Kings) is rewarded with good luck. Val Kilmer partied it up in New Orleans this weekend as King Bacchus XLI on the Krewe of Bacchus' legendary Mardi Gras float. (Go Batman!)

Is it a holiday for fat people like me? Well, kinda...coming from my Catholic upbringing, I can tell you it's all about the last indulgence before abstinence and fasting...Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. All of you Lap Banders who have participated in a "Last Supper" or better yet a whole "Bucket List" of special meals before banding should be able to relate. "Fat Tuesday" translates to "Mardi Gras" in French and is the last day of Carnival (it's also called Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day). So party it up...just don't indulge too much...or there'll have to be more abstinence and penance! Now where's that King Cake? King Cake: As part of the celebration of Mardi Gras, it is traditional to bake an oval cake in honor of the three kings - the King Cake. The shape of a King Cake symbolizes the unity of faiths. Each cake is made from twisted strands of cinnamon dough, topped with icing decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power. A small baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, is baked into each cake and whoever finds the baby (like the Kings) is rewarded with good luck. Val Kilmer partied it up in New Orleans this weekend as King Bacchus XLI on the Krewe of Bacchus' legendary Mardi Gras float. (Go Batman!)

Wendy, you always crack me up! (I could use a shark bite here and there, but only if I could take it off my hips and thighs!) That's so cool...we just watched 'The Rock' again the other day- Sean Connery (my first love)/Nicholas Cage film. That must be a pretty long swim! -BG

No negative comments please! I got enough abuse on the Forum HERE....Bwaaah! (all in good fun) I started this list last fall, and it just kept growing as I saw posts on things people "couldn't live without" or "I can't believe I forgot" for the hospital...apparently I won't need most of this. Come to think of it...those are the same people who told me to buy a sports bra...LOL. I need to know I still have a home with my SWA and blogger friends here...even if I am an anal OCD list maker...just tell me you're laughing WITH me! Luv ya, BG

OK :thumbup:*she hangs her head in shame* unpacking things now...I guess I can live without...the second chapstick. :cursing: That's what happens when you compile a list over 6 months...a suggestion here and there (like the suggestions made here) of something someone "couldn't live without" or was "upset they forgot to bring" and you end up with a long list. I'll pare it down...I promise (or DH may kill me since he'll be hauling it out).:cool2: ...and Spud, thanks...NO SPORTS BRA (they're still talking about it at PT). Whew!:smile:

Alright! LOL! Seriously...besides my own pillow, the rest of this won't fill my small suitcase. I am for sure staying over night and I like my own toiletries for the shower (travel size). I compiled the list from others here (just been adding to it since last fall), so I know someone else has a list like this?! There have to be other anal OCD list makers like me out there...fess up!! Stop pushing the print button and fess up!!! But thanks for the laugh...I know you're laughing WITH me....uh, right?:smile:

I’m about 6 weeks away from my pre-op class so I’m trying to put together some lists so I’ll know what to buy now, or what I need to ask/gain approval about from my surgeon. Is there anything I’ve forgotten? Here’s the list I’ve compiled from everyone’s suggestions for taking to the Hospital (this does not include my post-op at home list). I’m a Mary Poppins (I’d rather have it and not use it, then to be wanting it and not have it) so taking a lot doesn’t bother me a bit (and we’re only 30 min. from the hospital)…so add away! I should note that I’m allergic to most soaps, thus the reason to take my own nighty and sheets for the bed- just take 2 top sheets to sandwich as a buffer between their sheets (had a bad reaction last time). HOSPITAL Toiletries/Medicines Mouthwash Toothbrush Toothpaste Soap Shampoo Conditioner Brush/Comb Hair holders (ponytail, clips, headbands) Facial Moisturizer Pads Baby/Butt Wipes (flushable) Chapstick (several) Kleenex Regular Prescriptions and Asthma Inhaler/spacer (ask Surgeon) Cough remedies (ask Surgeon) Migraine remedies (ask Surgeon) Chewable vitamins (ask Surgeon) Gas X (ask Surgeon) Heating Pad/ext. cord for back/gas pains (probably not allowed, ask), or possibly the chemical heating pads (adhesive, ask)? [*]Clothing Robe Slippers (slip on kind) Nightgown that buttons off-don’t have to lift arms (allergies to hospital ones) Extra undies (not the silky kind-slide on sheets) Extra Socks Change of LOOSE clothing for ride home, w/slip on shoes (underwear, bra, drawstring pants, button front top, socks, shoes, jacket). [*]Sleeping Pillow (my own) Eye Mask Ear plugs Sound machine if own room (ask?) Small Throw/Blanket (get cold in hospital) Sheets (allergies to hosp. ones) [*]Personal Items Insurance Card/other info. needed Small firm pillow to hold against stomach for ride home, and for sneezes/gas pains/coughing in hospital SF Mints, Tic Tacs (ask surgeon if you can suck on these) Packets of Crystal Lite & SF Koolaid (why? Need this? Ask surgeon) Camera (for photos) Water bottle, no straw-sippy kind (need this? ask), others suggest small shot glass to measure fluid intake Notepad/pen; to write down info., notes from nurses/doctor, etc. [*]For Boredom Ipod & Earbuds Cell phone & charger Books or magazines Reading Glasses & case [*]DH Items *Have him keep a bag with my valuables, ie. Cell phone, iPod, camera, insurance card/info. etc., while in surgery Laptop/cords Book/magazines Snacks/Drinks Cell Phone/Charger Phone numbers list

I'm posting this also in the Pre-Op Forum, but I know a lot of you are post-op here and may not see it, and you're the experts I need input from... I’m about 6 weeks away from my pre-op class so I’m trying to put together some lists so I’ll know what to buy now, or what I need to ask/gain approval about from my surgeon. Is there anything I’ve forgotten? Here’s the list I’ve compiled from everyone’s suggestions for taking to the Hospital (this does not include my post-op at home list). I’m a Mary Poppins (I’d rather have it and not use it, then to be wanting it and not have it) so taking a lot doesn’t bother me a bit (and we’re only 30 min. from the hospital)…so add away! I should be there one night. I should note that I’m allergic to most soaps, thus the reason to take my own nighty and sheets for the bed- just take 2 top sheets to sandwich as a buffer between their sheets (had a bad reaction last time). HOSPITAL Toiletries/Medicines Mouthwash Toothbrush Toothpaste Soap Shampoo Conditioner Brush/Comb Hair holders (ponytail, clips, headbands) Facial Moisturizer Pads Baby/Butt Wipes (flushable) Chapstick (several) Kleenex Regular Prescriptions and Asthma Inhaler/spacer (ask Surgeon) Cough remedies (ask Surgeon) Migraine remedies (ask Surgeon) Chewable vitamins (ask Surgeon) Gas X (ask Surgeon) Heating Pad/ext. cord for back/gas pains (probably not allowed, ask), or possibly the chemical heating pads (adhesive, ask)? [*]Clothing Robe Slippers (slip on kind) Nightgown that buttons off-don’t have to lift arms (allergies to hospital ones) Extra undies (not the silky kind-slide on sheets) Extra Socks Change of LOOSE clothing for ride home, w/slip on shoes (underwear, bra, drawstring pants, button front top, socks, shoes, jacket). [*]Sleeping Pillow (my own) Eye Mask Ear plugs Sound machine if own room (ask?) Small Throw/Blanket (get cold in hospital) Sheets (allergies to hosp. ones) [*]Personal Items Insurance Card/other info. needed Small firm pillow to hold against stomach for ride home, and for sneezes/gas pains/coughing in hospital SF Mints, Tic Tacs (ask surgeon if you can suck on these) Packets of Crystal Lite & SF Koolaid (why? Need this? Ask surgeon) Camera (for photos) Water bottle, no straw-sippy kind (need this? ask), others suggest small shot glass to measure fluid intake Notepad/pen; to write down info., notes from nurses/doctor, etc. [*]For Boredom Ipod & Earbuds Cell phone & charger Books or magazines Reading Glasses & case [*]DH Items *Have him keep a bag with my valuables, ie. Cell phone, iPod, camera, insurance card/info. etc., while in surgery Laptop/cords Book/magazines Snacks/Drinks Cell Phone/Charger Phone numbers list