dolphanatic22

I grew up in a similar situation and my dad always told us he paid all the time and more than enough and my mom should stop spending money on herself and my stepdad. My sister, brother and I learned very soon what a vindictive A** he was./is. I can tell you that my mom never talked bad about my dad like my dad did about her. She did explain the situation factually, and also explained how much a house and food and clothes cost. Show your children your grocery bill...have them use a calculator to add it up while going through the grocery store, that helped my son learn the true non-value of a dollar. They will learn soon that he is a butthead, but hang in there honey.

I have the realize band and was given the choice. I had no reason to choose this one over the Lapband, but I am happy with it. I have a friend who was banded with the Lapband and has had 5 fills and is not restricted and I have had 2 and so far very restricted since second fill 3 weeks ago. We use the same surgeon so she chose the opposite of what I did. I am happy with my choice and have had no problems.

I live in Northern Arizona as well. Please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to discuss my experience with you. My email is dolphanatic22@yahoo.com. Thanks, Niki

I stopped mine 2 weeks before surgery because it increases chances of blood clots, however the surgeon said it was not necessary to stop...my pcp just recommended it since I was concerned about blood clots. I got married 2 weeks after surgery so per my surgeon, I started bc 10 days after surg and used condoms as well since its not good to get pregnant within 18 mos of banding. I hope this helps. Good luck in surgery. I hope you will love your new life when you are done like I do!

I had surgery on Feb 5th and I would definately do it again. This is a great, wonderful, fantastic tool! I have lost 33 lbs and feel better than I have since high school, 11 years ago. I have more energy and can play with my kids more and also seem to have an easier time focusing. :thumbup:

I recently hit ONEDERLAND as well. I started crying with happiness in the middle of the kitchen when I told my husband. It has been forever since I have seen a 1 at the beginning of that scale and it feels GREAT! CONGRATS to you! :mad2:

I asked my nutritionist this question as well. She said that caffeine can cause ulcers. I avoid it as much as possible, switching to decaf coffee (which i used to think was silly) and very seldom having an iced tea.

Ben, What a terrible thing to have happen. I was also warned about this happening and also that friends and family, my sister especially, would change the way they act around me. So far, knock on wood, it has not happened. I cannot imagine someone being so un-supportive of the person they love getting healthy. We are here for you!

Hello - I was banded Feb. 5th:tongue2: I am going back to work tomorrow, which is great because I love my job! I had an infection at the incision sites and have been taking an antibiotic. I am only a little sore now and did not take any pain meds today:thumbup: I am on the pureed food diet -which is not great but not horrible and have lost 2 lbs since surg and 22 in month pre-op. My biggest concern at this point is that I cannot seem to get it all in. I am to drink 64 oz of liquid, but not eat 15 mins before or 1 hr after each meal, incl Snacks, so when am i supposed to sip that much? Its kinda weird getting used to, but I will manage:) Good luck to you, how are you doing?

I hear ya on the gas. I got home about 5 hours ago after being banded yesterday at 1:45. The gas is killing me as well. I asked about gas x and was told not to take it. The surgeon said the more I walk the more gas escapes and so far it has been working alright. Well Band Buddy - Good luck to you. Here's to a healthy journey for us both

Melissa Ann, I understand completely how you feel. I am insulin resistant as well. I asked my dr about that and he suggested eating a pirce of fruit in between shakes. That made life easier and I was banded yesterday and am already off my metformin! It does get easier!

Thanks for the help! I have followed the pre-op diet close except I have allowed myself the occasional extra veggie.

I keep reading about surgery being cancelled due to a fatty liver. How do they check that? I am going in for surgery Feb 5th and am curious. Thanks for the help!

I quit in May of 07 when I learned about the surgery. I am being banded on Feb 5th - yikes - but am so glad I quit smoking. It was the hardest thing I have ever done....and know I can do this because of it! I used Chantix - WONDERFUL - after many many failed attempts of welbutrin, patch, lozenges, and cold turkey. My only warning is that u will have vivid dreams and terrible gas:crying::tongue: Good luck! You can do it!

You will.....believe it or not. I thought I was gonna eat one of my dogs for the 1st 3 days (jk), but then it got better and i am rarely hungry now. I started the pre-op diet on Jan. 22 since my surgery is on Feb 5 (gulp):tongue: I promise it gets better. The slim fast low carb seem to fill me up more than the Eas lite - fyi!

I am schedu for feb 5th! Its exciting and nerve-wrecking:) I am originally from Medina...where are u in Ohio?

You are an inspiration! Great job on sticking to it even for a month - i hope i can too

We are having surgery on the same day! I am very open with everyone about my surgery, however I understand your want to be private. You can tell them you are having a gall bladder removal - recovery and scars are similar. However keep in mind these people are around u 8 hours a day and will begin to notice the weight change and change in eating habits and may put 2 & 2 together. Good luck with your surgery!

Have you tried supplements as well? My dietician has suggested I take Calcium with extra D and a multivitamin with iron?

Congrats! If you worked this hard to get approved, you will work even harder once its is done!

Jules - Thanks that is exciting. I would love to be off my metformin and my tricor(for high triglycerides). I quit smoking, after 15 years of it, in May of 07 - so if I can do that, hopefuly I can stick with this.

Thanks for the helpful info. I am looking forward to the band to get rid of my diabetes.....i have tried everything and have been at a stand still for 5 years...so frusterating

You look fantastic! I am scheduled for surg on Feb 2nd and the new family photos sounds like a wonderful idea. I cannot wait to wear pants with a belt you can actually see instead of hiding my waist under long shirts.

I am doing that right now and surgery is sched (pending ins approval) for Feb 2nd. The insurance company wants to see that you have given a full effort to lose weight.