HAL380

Ouch - you got me :thumbup: I should have said we need a syntax checker Regards Hal

Removed due to redundancy Could have said over redundnacy, but that would have been redundant Hal

I have removed my post. It was not my intention to cause angst among us. I apologize if I touched a raw nerve. Regards Hal

Talk to you Dr. If there is a delay would probably be only a few days. Hal

Hi Humming Bird; I don't undstand your question, though I love being "Winked" at by pretty ladies Hal

Good Morning everyone; As part of my Pre-Op count down, I had my wife take my picture. I was undressed except for my briefs. We took 4 pics, Front, Back and 2 sides. All I can say is WOW!! I really didn't realize that is how I looked. I guess I have had a way of not looking in the mirror very critically. When I have seen other obese people, I would think to myself, "Don't they know what they look like? Don't they use a mirror? If you have not done it, I would recommend a "Photo Shoot". Great motivation. I will keep these pictures to my self. When discouraged, or tempted to cheat, that's when I will look them over. Have you done your pictures? Regards Hal

Good Afternoon All; I have read many places that the band - as a tool - will help you reach a 60% reduction of the excess weight. My Question is why 60%? What prevents a continual lose til we reach "Ideal" weight.? I thought we would stay at restriction until we approached "goal weight" and then would have slight unfills to reach a "Maintainence level of restriction". Can someone explain this to me? Thanks in advance Hal

Hello Julie; I could not agree with you more. I am scheduled for surgery on 7/1. And the only one who knows, besides the Doctor and his staff, is my wife. I will not tell anyone. It's my business not theirs. In my opinion, there is nothing to be gained by seeking support from people who have minimal knowlede of the process. They only surmise all the negative possibilities. At best they will just cause you to question your own mind and research. The best thing you could do is do your shareing here. When you need any boost or support you have friends here who understand. Warm regards Hal

I went for my 1 on 1 with the Dr this afternoon. It was both the educational consult and the Dr. Visit. When we finished he noted that "You have certainly done your research" I thanked him politely and said nothing else. The truth is that I have been reading the forum for the past 4 months and was able to explain the porcedure to him per his request. I have the following results of the visit - surgery date is scheduled for 7/1. 1 week per-op diet - Atkins diet plan 2 week post op - Clear liquids only After 2 weeks I transition to mushies 1 month post op I go for my first fill (I think) For those just starting out I would strongly recommend reading this forum constantly. Regards to all Hal

Pillow for the ride home? Please can you explain this. Don't mean to be so clueless, but just don't understand. Hal

Good Morning everyone: I am hoping for a 7/1 date. I have had my psych & nutrition eval and all went fine. I missed the May group meeting with the Doc cus I was out of town visiting my mom for mothers day. Anyway I am scheduled 6/9 for the DR visit. I thought it was a group meeting with a one on one afterward. Nope, it is one on one right away, and then schedule the proceedure. I am hoping that I can get 7/1 as date. I am very very secretive about this and only my wife knows. So if I have it on the 1st, I will have the 1st through the 5th to do some recovery, and back to the office on the 6th. I'll just say that we took a long weekend for the holiday. If I am walking slow or showing some discomfort, I will just say I pulled my back out. To be perfectly honest about this whole thing, I really wish I did not have to resort to this operation. But I must. I have various comorbidities and more coming. My PCP says the weight loss will reverse all of them. I have already started walking on the treadmill as preperation for my new exercise requirement. I have a bowflex for the strenght training so I should be ok. The only problem I see on the horizon is my drinking habit. I love vodka in the evening. But that Has to go too. Maybe all this should be in a blog, but I have covered several issues which I think are common to most people here, so I put them out for comment if any. Warm regards to all, & stay strong Hal

Good Morning; Many motivational speakers speak of sabatage or "Losers Limp". I'll not try any "Pop Psych" here. Probably the best thing for you to do is see your Psych. who you saw originally. You/we all need a boost along the way and the shrink is the best one to assist you. He/she may put you into a support group. Stay with it and don't be afraid of the New You. :Dancing_biggrin: Regards Hal

Good Afternoon; Repeat after me "I do not need anyone's permission to regain my health". Now say that 3 times. Next say it in a "Dirty Harry" voice. Next say it with emphasis on each succeeding word in the phrase. Like I don't need ......... then I DON'T need and so on. I know it's a bit of a game, but this is your life and you need no ones permission for anything. Just you and your husband. Warm Regards Hal

I really don't think she was a BEST FRIEND. If she were she would be there for you. On the other hand, since you/we are doing this for ourselves, we should be able to do it with or without others approval/support. I know support is important, but you may have to make this trip without her. Look to your band support groups. Regards Hal

Good Morning Everyone; I have read - here and there - of slippage and erosion when banded. This is a concern to me. I think there is more experience in europe with the band and they are reporting erosion. Maybe something different in the band they use? In any case please let us know how long you have been banded and if you have had any real problems. Not just inconveniences. Regards Hal

Why are there so many women in the men's forum? Isn't there any place left for us? :thumbup::thumbup::laugh: Hal

Just wondering how you felt in making your decision. Check out the poll that follows: NOTE: Messed up and did not do a poll. My options would have been: 1- Had no doubts, full speed ahead 2- Had some concerns, but was satisfied with my research. 3- I hesitated but felt it was an efficient way to get healthy again. 4- I didn't want to do it, but it was the only way to stop the downward trend of my health. Had comorbidities, and have not been successful in other attempts. Regards Hal

Hello AFmom; Thursday is the 6th and the 7th is friday. Don't be late for your party :thumbup: Hal

Good Morning Everyone; Which do you think is worse - the nausea or pain? I have never been sick in bed a day in my life. I have never had the flue, I get a cold that lasts for 3 days start to finish. Well this weekend, I was on some meds for gout. This was the first epasode, (SP?) and I was taking these pills. The stated side effects were diahreaah, and nausea. Well I'll tell you, the diahreah was not really too bad, but the nausea was terrible. I just wanted to die. Since I am never sick I don't have a medicine chest full of stuff. Fisrt - Is nausea that bad of an issue and is it controlled easily enough? Second - What is a good preventitive and then control if prevent doesn't work? Regards Hal PS To the person who is tempted to comment "Well if you are so worried about a short term discomfort as nausea, you really are not commited to this" I will say this to that person in very strong non profane language -DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME HOW TO THINK!! OR JUDGE MY RESOLVE!!!

Good Morning everyone: The title pretty much says it all. I have heard people say how hard it is/was to drink the 64 oz of Water per day. Is this because the band restricts even the flow of water through the band? As a follow up - is this 64oz difficutly only after restriction? Thanks for any advise & reply Hal

I am so sorry for your hurt, but everything happens for a reason. I admire your determination. You are going to have a wonderful success. Regards Hal

This is why I'm not telling anyone. If I could do it without even telling DW, I would. I don't need support, and I don't want people taking up space in my brain with negative vibes.

Good morning everyone: I really appreciate this forum, so many "Giving" people here. Here's my issue - People remind us that "It's only a tool", which says we are basically on our own. A shovel by itself cannot dig a hole, we have to wield the shovel, and that is work. Good I understand that. As with a shovel - our "Work" is magnified by the use of the shovel, (better than a tee spoon). I hope that is what they mean by "tool". I intend to bring my effort to the "Tool", but my effort, to date has not been enough. Am I correct in saying that the band will magnify my effort? My understanding is that for the period after surgery and until restriction, it will be more "Me" and less "band". After restriction the band will be doing most of the work for me. Is this correct? Regards Hal

For heaven's sake!!!! What's wrong with the truth???? "I am over weight," (doh you must be cus you are having surgery) "and I am on a very strict diet." "Alcohol drinks are empty calories and I must avoid it. I will be happy to raise a glass of wine as a toast your success in singapore" Why complicate things with such twists and turns with all these stories as suggested above? Regards Hal

I have not been banded yet. My advise is to simply tell the truth. Speak with your supervisor and explain the long road you have traveled to get to this point. Tell him/her what your plans are for your work schedule and get them on your side. Can you offer some flexibility in your surgery schedule to accomodate your employer who may have production needs you may not be aware of? If I were your supervisor I would really appreciate you for encluding me in your planning and not blindsiding me with an unexpected problem of your absence. Just my $0.02. Good luck to you. I am trying to schedule my surgery for the July 4th weekend. I will try to have surgery on thursday 7/1 and then not go back to work until 7/6 - tuesday. I am self employed so the boss has already given my the time off with pay.:ohmy: Best Regards and God bless Hal