Malaika

I have Verizon and when I called about a plan, they said they had nothing available -- this was in December -- is it something new they've come out with or did I just get someone who didn't have a clue? They also didn't mention roaming charges to me (which I should have thought about, but didn't) so I had a rather nice size bill and it was just from texting - which was ten cents to receive and 25 cents to send ... I'll definitely be checking into the plan -- thanks for the head's up.

Well, there is always the ER.

Yep, her surgery was May 27th. They left out of Vegas on either the evening of the 25th or morning of the 26th - can't recall 100% ... regardless, she should be on her way to her new life.

Susan, I am so so sorry to hear about your marital problems. I hope everything works out the best for you ... I strongly suggest counseling, it's done wonders for my relationship. I am not a nurse; however, I have suffered with GERD for years and I have found, when I am out of nexxium, that if I take 4 OTC Zantac, it wipes out the acid reflux. A pharmacist friend of mine said that 2 OTC Zantac = 1 RX ... so I've always taken 2 when the acid relux is minimal. If I let it get out of hand, then I take 4 and it seems to subside. Not sure what the RNs out there will think of that, I only know it works for me and I've been doing it for years, since OTC Zantac came out (in fact, I actually use the Sam's Club generic brand) Good luck to you with everything.

Thanks Denise -- I went to the Atkins website last night and read up (I did the atkins diet years ago and was not very succesful with it -- and never thought I'd be able to eat another egg or red meat again). So now I believe I have it all straight in my head. For some reason, i was just having a hard time wrapping my brain around it all ... I have an apricot tree in my backyard and it is loaded with apricots ... at least they are only 3 carbs ... and the tree will be empty in another week or so ... Are the Atkins bars any good? I got the pure Protein Bars, they are great; however, although they have 20 g of protein, they are high in carbs as well (*probably why they taste so good)

Okay, this may be a stupid question; however, I am going to ask it anyway ... Nina told me for the pre-op diet to get in at least 60-70 g of protein and less than 30 g of carbs. She suggested protein drinks/bars ... however, I notice that although they are high in protein, they are also high in carbs ... is she talking total carbs or net carbs? And what exactly are net carbs? I don't have any trouble getting in the protein, and I cut out pasta and breads -- basically refined sugars and anything with flour -- out of my diet quiet awhile ago. So I am totally confused on what would be the best things for me to eat ... I love fresh fruit, however, a banana has like 27 g of carbs ... HELP!

I think you should start a thread entitled "SOUPS" ... that way they'd all be in one place and easy to find and print out ... I've never been very good at "experimenting" with different ingredients so I'm happy to see that you are ... keep 'em coming!

So glad he called you back, little miss worry-wart ... and glad to know there is a reason for the problem and a solution with an end in sight. Plus, now if I have the same issue, I'll know what to do about it. Hopefully you'll begin to feel better soon and so will your bum.

There is also medicare for people with low to no income through the welfare system. There are county hospitals where those who have no insurance can seek medical care (at least in the states in which I have lived) and no hospital can turn away anyone who is in medical distress -- they have to at least stabilze the person and then can have them transferred to the county hospital. It seems the individuals who are in the worst shape are those who do not yet qualify for medicaid or social security and make too much (by government standards) to qualify for medicare and who are self-employed and can't afford insurance - those individuals are generally the ones who suffer the most and pay the highest cost for insurance -- like OregonDaisy. I am EXTREMELY lucky in that my employer picks up the cost of my insurance and my co-pays are low. It's not a perfect system; however, I do believe it's better than a united health care program.

NO - you're LUCKY you're NOT ... the rest of us with problems are the ones that are full of sh*t!

You are so lucky - I've always had problems - even as a child -- I eat tons of veggies and have fruit every day ... and I drink no less than 64 oz. of Water every day, and still I have issues unless I use something for assistance --- prunes work really well; however, I don't know if I'll be able to eat them after my surgery. So I've discovered that the magnesium and the stool softeners are an alternative.

I agree with you -- it's very scary and if you aren't rich and something goes wrong, you may die before your number comes up ...people think it will be the best thing; however, they don't truly know how the whole system will work ... hopefully there will be enough in the government to see how wrong it is and VETO it.

What are V8 Soups? I love cheddar cheese soup so I'm ery interested ... the potatoe leek sounds great too!

My gastoenterologists told me to take Magnesium every day - I take 2 in the morning and 2 at night and it keep me regular in that I go every day -- this is not something I have ever had before in my life. Magnesium is like Vitamin C- your body will use what it needs and burn off the rest ... hint -- it dissolves really quick so do NOT drink it with something hot ... HUGE MISTAGE I learned. Also, when my fiance had surgery, his surgeon told me to get stool soteners and those work great too ... Good luck!

Thank you for the warm welcome; that would be so great to be involved with a support group where you can actually meet people face-to-face and have someone you can call if necessary. Please include me and if there's anything I can do to help, let me know ... you can always pm me too. Thanks again for your support -- it means alot.

Hi Casey - I am not having band surgery, I am having sleeve surgery - just a personal choice; however, I would love to get involved with a support group here in Las Vegas if the group would have me ... if you end up getting together on the 13/14th, I won't be able to make it as my surgery is scheduled for the 12th ... if it's on the 20/21st, then, if no one has any objections, I'd love to attend and meet others who have gone through WLS and all the struggles. Thanks

I'M THRILLED AND EXCITED (FOR BOTH OF US, RUTHI, AND WHOEVER ELSE IS LOOKING AT SURGERY) ... It will be fun to compare notes ... and it's great to have the knowledge and experience of WASa, Mac, Susan, Elizabethsew and OregonDaisy too .. best of both worlds ... Just be sure you don't wait too long to contact you know who -- however, I totally understand not being able to put bore on your plate right now; just be sure it's on the menu! Take care and keep in touch!

I ususally have a Protein shake for Breakfast (even though I haven't had my surgery yet - 17 days and counting though) and I use the following: EAS Vanilla Protein Powder (20G protein) 1 banana 3/4 to 1 C frozen fruit (I buy big bag at Sams - it's a mixture of strawberries, pineapple, peaches and mango) 2 pkgs. splenda (or 1 pkg stevia) cold Water (I use 1-1/2C) Blend until frozen fruit is blended ... it's very thick and very filling.

Not to throw a kink your chain; however, I too, was set on the band, until I started reading abou the VSG and reading members on there who had had the band and had revision surgery to the sleeve for various reasons and first time sleevers (like I will be) .... now I am 1000% sure that I am going with the sleeve as opposed to the band. Before you make any decisions, you might want to check out the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy section on this site ... lots of very knowledgeable people with lots of honest answers. I know that there is a war of sorts between bandsters and sleevers, so I apologize to anyone who doesn't agree with me. However, she did ask for honest feedback and should know both sides of the coin before making such a life changing decision.

Not sure where you live; however, here is a link to WalGreens - they carry them - High Protein Shakes | Slim-Fast | Walgreens Also googled "slim fast high protein shakes" -- here are all the results ... "slim fast hight protein shakes" - Google Search= Good luck on your surgery ... I am having sleeve surgery on June 12th!

I totally understand. I'm envious you get to leave on Tuesday and I have another 17 days before heading out of Vegas ... give me a call when you get home, when you feel up to it, and you can fill me in on how the surgery went, etc. I know everything will go great and we'll be two more hotties in LV before we know it!!! God's speed! Just tell your hubby not to drive faster than your Guardian Angels can fly :sad:

Countdown .... 18 days, including today, and we leave for Mexicali .... it's getting close to getting our lives back and getting healthy. :wink2:

I am the same as you WASa ... so now there is nothing in my house that isn't healthy ... my fridge contains lots of salad and fixings, eggs, cheese, tons of Water and bottled tea ... if someone is coming over for dinner, we have to go to the store and buy whatever it is we want to fix ... freezer is full of frozen veggies, chicken and tilapia, fruits and SF popsicles ... so even if I DO have a craving for something ... if I want it, I have to get in the car and go get it...and after working all day, that's the last thing I want to do ... so I eat string cheese or drink water until the "head" crave goes away... I am hoping that all of this helps me once I have my VSG surgery on 6/12/09.

:thumbup: I'm only fat from my neck down to above my knees ... other than that, it's GREAT ... LOL and I love sweets AND bread and butter ... especially warm sourdough ... mmmmmmm

CONGRATULATIONS on 9 years. That is AWESOME. And, congratulations on the newest step to a healthy and happy you ... one more step in taking back YOUR life ... remember, one day at a time and, when necessary, one hour at a time. You're doing great!!!!