Bettina

Oh my that is terrible...I hope you are feeling better!!! I was thinking stomach damage...and never thought about the esophageal issues. I have been (big mistake) reading the memorials on OH.com....and since then I have been "deep" thinking this banding thru! So when i read what you wrote, I was like "oh no" not more bad news. Thanks for sharing your story! Take care!

:eek: Here is a good one: I am a Leo married to a Taurus.....aagghhhhhhh

Oh no, you are okay....I think it was my wording...silly me. I need coffee...lol

No, according to GB'ers....they call productive burps ..."dumping"...your question was do GB'ers do productive burping...the answer was yes --they just call it something different. Sorry about my wording, i think you misunderstood what i was saying.

What has damaged your insides?:eek:

Hi Little Bird, thanks for the info...no, I can't take anything because my family likes to make sure I get up early....It doesn't matter to them that i can't sleep and am in school and that i face surgery. The whole thing with me is stress and I know it. I just have to deal. Actually I have read that stress is a side effect of apnea. Hmmm and come to think of it, Monday is my birthday....that'll do it every time too...LOL.

:angry OMG still no sleep. 15 days I can't take it anymore! Hubby thinks I should do housework and then i will get tired and fall asleep....he totally doesn't understand sleep apnea! I even tried rum and coke last night....still no sleep. I feel like a zombie! I called the sleep people....finally my report is on the doc's desk, he reads it, and faxes it to my doc. I called my doc 2 days ago, talked to Nurse-Zilla again.....bitch! She said ya know it takes two weeks (mind you I hadn't even asked her anything yet..that was her greeting) ......and i said...yeah but there is a rush on this and I haven't slept since July 19th.......I told her I can't take it anymore and that it was affecting my health and my personal life. Did I say bitch? I meant Uber-Bitch. If anyone ever hears that I wrapped my car around a tree because of lack of sleep.....please tell the authorities it was the U.B's fault. Maybe U.B. could use some homemade brownies to cheer her up (who cares if I lace them with Chocolatey Ex-lax!!!!)...ugh i feel like I am gonna whig.....gotta log off! :nervous

Yes, but the lingo for GB is "dumping"....which, I always thought came from the other end...lol (i laugh because my sis had RNY and i used to tease her about "dumping")

Hi Emily, My surgeon is Dr. Alexander Onopchenko....Atlantic City, NJ. He trained in San Franciso with Carnie's Doc. Dr. O was the first to do gall bladder surgery using laproscopic. He also trained with the doc who invented Lap Band...lol he didn't travel to Austrailia for that, the doc happed to be in Pittsburgh, so my doc flew there.

I may call the insurance co and talk to the nurse there....i never thought of that. I realize I am not in any real danger not having the cpap. Hmmm psychiatrist.....nah more like funeral parlor. Its hard to explain.....I am not tired like regular tired. I know I am not sleeping but i am more like in a fog. Ugh I think I finally got some sleep this morning...I actually got to dream state...and the phone rings at 8:15...someone trying to fax me!!! I am not a fax! Ugh I called them and they thought it was strange...and then it happened again....finally stopped so i guess they found who was doing it, but now I am awake..boo hoo. Oh well I will study for my spanish final. That is what is most upsetting....being this tired I can't seem to retain what I study so well......I have to kick butt on the final and my paper so that I can just pass! Kissing the high GPA goodbye!!! Damn!! Aug 28th starts 6 classes...all hard...I better have my cpap by then or heads will roll!! UB will be paying me the $10,000 that i will be blowing for the semester!

I totally agree with you! I tried to find statistics on the difference in divorce bandsters and GB's. (nothing) The two cases I was talking about were both GB. Congrats on your great progress!!! That is a huge accomplishment and you must feel awesome!

I know 2 people who got divorced because of WLS....one the wife left cause her husband no longer trusted her when she left the house (this was my Doc's nurse) she couldn't take the pressure anymore. ...the second one, was similar..hubby couldn't deal. My own husband is not happy about the surgery.....why I don't know, I weighed 105 when i married him....no way can he be happy with how i am now! I was also told by the doc that divorce rates are high in the WLS circle. As far as regular divorce rates this came from the New York Times: Divorce Rate: It's Not as High as You Think By DAN HURLEY The New York Times April 19, 2005 The highest rate of divorce in the 2001 survey was 41 percent for men who were then between the ages of 50 to 59, and 39 percent for women in the same age group. Researchers say that the small drop in the overall divorce rate is caused by a steep decline in the rate among college graduates. As a result, a "divorce divide" has opened up between those with and without college degrees, said Dr. Steven P. Martin, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Maryland.Although sharply rising rates in the 1970's led some to project that the number would keep increasing, the rate has instead begun to inch downward. "At this point, unless there's some kind of turnaround, I wouldn't expect any cohort to reach 50 percent, since none already has," said Dr. Rose M. Kreider, a demographer in the Fertility and Family Statistics Branch of the Census Bureau. Two years ago, based on a 1996 survey, she and another demographer at the bureau predicted that if trends then in place held steady, the divorce rate for some age groups might eventually hit the 50 percent mark. But in February, the bureau issued a new report, based on 2001 data and written by Dr. Kreider. According to the report, for people born in 1955 or later, "the proportion ever divorced had actually declined," compared with those among people born earlier. And, compared with women married before 1975, those married since 1975 had slightly better odds of reaching their 10th and 15th wedding anniversaries with their marriages still intact. 80% where did that come from??

From what I can see, either people researching lap band come here or people who have had trouble with it (not all, but the majority seem to have) I know people personally who have had no problems at all....and I know they don't belong to any support groups....so we aren't getting a good mix here. I don't think the doc was casual about the risk....the pre-op testing is so much more sophisticated than it was when my sis had it done (4 yrs ago) Her doc trained with Carnie Wilson's doc (GB) and now I have the same doc for lap band, and the pre-op testing is nowhere near the same!!!! I think the risk is so much lower because of this. I was reading the memorials of the people who died after having WLS and it would seem that they never should have had it done because of all the co-morbidities they had! My doc hasn't lost a patient and only had one surgery where he had to go in to move the band...but it was some odd thing with the patient...he has never had patients with slippage. Nothing like we read on these boards.

:angry OMG still no sleep. 15 days I can't take it anymore! Hubby thinks I should do housework and then i will get tired and fall asleep....he totally doesn't understand sleep apnea! I even tried rum and coke last night....still no sleep. I feel like a zombie! I called the sleep people....finally my report is on the doc's desk, he reads it, and faxes it to my doc. I called my doc 2 days ago, talked to Nurse-Zilla again.....bitch! She said ya know it takes two weeks (mind you I hadn't even asked her anything yet..that was her greeting) ......and i said...yeah but there is a rush on this and I haven't slept since July 19th.......I told her I can't take it anymore and that it was affecting my health and my personal life. Did I say bitch? I meant Uber-Bitch. If anyone ever hears that I wrapped my car around a tree because of lack of sleep.....please tell the authorities it was the U.B's fault. Maybe U.B. could use some homemade brownies to cheer her up (who cares if I lace them with Chocolatey Ex-lax!!!!)...ugh i feel like I am gonna whig.....gotta log off! :nervous

I never heard that either!!:eek:

llama??? Looks more like an animated sex toy!!!!!(and the sex toy is having more fun than the banana!)

Yikes what happened???? That isn't sun burn is it ? I can't even imagine! I hope you feel better soon! :cry

I have never met a Capricorn who was a health nut ....but here is something that might shine some light for you. (yay for the kicking butt part too!!!) The Element of Earth is attached to the Signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and it also rules the Second, Sixth and Tenth Houses. All the earthy metaphors are appropriate here: salt of the Earth, feet firmly planted on the ground and so forth. Those graced by an Earth Sign in their horoscope are practical, grounded and dependable. These folks aren't taking big risks, much preferring a sure thing. Much like the Elements are considered the building blocks in nature, Earth Signs are the builders of the zodiac. To these Signs, creation is a tangible proposition. Whether it's building jobs or homes, or creating comfortable rooms within that home through the acquisition of possessions, Earth Signers are about all what is solid around us. Those influenced by this Element feel best once they have accumulated a goodly number of worldly possessions. The risk inherent in this, however, is that these individuals may become greedy and far too materialistic. The Element of Earth also confers a sense of duty, responsibility and reliability to those in its sphere. These are the people you can count on to be there when you need them. Those influenced by Earth also tend toward caution and conservatism, in both desire and approach. That said, they are sensualists, certainly in that they appreciate a good meal and fine wine better than anyone else. The logical mind of an Earth Signer is always appreciated. In keeping with this measured approach, these folks also display considerable recuperative powers. On the flip side of things, however, those supported by Earth may be so caught up in their objectives that they might overlook the feelings of others. It is a big picture, after all, but these folks may be more concerned with the finish line than the journey they are taking. Earth Signs are dependable, practical and conservative, yet fairly materialistic. They have their feet on the ground but their eyes on the prize.

Okay so I cleaned out the car yesterday morning at 3am (see yesterdays journal) I stayed up longer and read those damn memorials that you see on OH.com........omg what was I thinking.....had a semi-bummer day because of it. Got me really thinking about the whole banding thing. I do realize most of those people who passed had a huge bmi and many co-morbidities....but it still makes ya wonder. One girl was in her 20's ...i forget her exact cause of death......but she must have had a vision or something (and I do believe in them from personal experience) she wrote a goodbye letter ...omg...she said goodbye to everyone .....and bam...she never came out of recovery!! There were a few who died of clots, but then again they had pretty high bmi's. One woman was incredibly heavy...waiting for approval...heart attack in her sleep---this is what I don't want, hence the idea to get banded. The truth be told about me....I am 100 lbs overweight....but I have not been heavy for too long. The real weight has only been a problem for the last hmmm...10 months. And, my weight is not all over...its my butt and my stomach....oh yeah and my legs....I can feel my ribs from the side....I have a waistline. Maybe this is why I am suddenly freaked out by all this. I also tried on my "monkey suit" that I will be wearing home from the hosp. well, I tried on my sister's suit, Mom is making one for me so I am comfy after surgery and I don't have to worry about the bra thing because its a one piece with a tank style top....totally spandex and extremely comfy..I will wear a plain t-shirt over it ...ahhhh i can still feel how good it felt to try it on. I tried it on so mom will know what size to make me. (same size -yea!) So maybe that is my whole issue, do I feel like I don't deserve the band? Maybe I should try harder to do this myself?? I have completely filled my obligation for surgery.....I just need the date from the doc......I have nothing holding me back...no more excuses. I have had surgery before 3-c's and a back surgery....and a few "lady procedures" that required being knocked out. I can do this....this should be easy. I have dieted many times before..lol back when i only had 25 lbs to lose.....i know the taste of diet food, there fore I have suffered. I say this because i know people who "just can't handle the taste" and I think, yeah, you have never truly suffered as a dieter...lol. I am not changing my mind about surgery. And frankly I am surprised at myself for even having these feeling (I am a control freak...sadly) Hmmm here is a thought....maybe I am just overtired!!!! (notice the time again!!) I just want to sleep! I want to be normal! On an upbeat note....I think i have mentioned that I have been sleeping on the couch because of my snoring and hubby is roofing and I don't want him to fall off the roof because my snoring has kept him from sleeping....well he told me yesterday that he wakes up every morning at 3am...he used to think it was me that woke him up.....but guess what I am not there....so yay for me I can go back to bed and feel semi-normal again! I will spend tonight as my last night on the couch because my 9 year old is on the other couch (too hot in her room) and I don't want to leave her alone out here. And if I go to bed now I risk waking him up trying to get into bed...we have a freakishly tall bed comes up to my belly...I am 5'6" (which i realize is not giant but I just want to say that its not like I am 4'11") Its so nice to have a journel to vent on! I have not told anyone in my everyday life any of this stuff, so its nice I can "share" online. Wow I am actually feeling sleepy now.....gonna hurry up and put my p.j.'s on! :clap2: wish me luck!

Hello, Since my insurance has only recently accepted weight issues to be health issues, they didn't require medical necessity from the PCP...but they did require that the PCP send a letter that stated that per my history--I would be safe to have surgery. Which she very sweetly approved. I actually laughed at her because i was ready for the fight ....she just said we want patients to lose weight, sometimes the risk of obesity outweighs the risk of surgery. My letter of medical necessity came from the barriatric doc (as he is the specialist). But I am seeing the more I read these threads...every doc is different on their personal view of what is required and what isn't. Best Wishes!

Hi Marimaru, As an Aries, you are a Fire sign (so am I as a Leo) These are elements signs..there are Earth, Sun, Water, and Fire. As one would expect, those graced by Fire are fiery, indeed. They are enthusiastic and sometimes larger than life. Just like a fire that is left untended, however, Fire Signs can burn out of control. Ouch! It's best to tend those embers. A Fire Sign is also an indicator of creativity. This Element manifests itself in creative and unique ways, and those in its glow are also wonderfully courageous, lively spirits. Those influenced by a Fire Sign are self-sufficient, spontaneous and possess a tremendous zest for life. It also stands to reason that a combustible Fire Signer would be ardent in the game of love. Yes, these are the sexiest Signs of the Zodiac, knowing they are the cat's meow and climbing ever higher in the name of love. To their credit, those touched by Fire are often an inspiration to others, certainly for their adherence to solid moral and religious ideals. If there's a flip side to the Element of Fire, it can be that those who bear its will can be overly strident in getting their way. Call it bossy, even. These folks can come across rather forcefully. Selfishness and an overdeveloped ego can also be seen as part of a fiery individual's shadowy side. Fire Signs are strong, self-assured, creative and fun. When they get too hot to touch, though, it may be a good idea to stand back!

I too do not have a date or insurance approval yet. At first I lost weight (so excited that the doc told me I was a perfect candidate..the lbs just came off) I did have a run in with a Drake's Ding Dong shortly after that---something I haven't had since I was a kid-it was highly overrated..lol. I think its normal to feel "the last supper" syndrome And like Dody, I am a diet cola fan. I don't know how I will survive other than to think, eventually I will be able to have some. My sis had GB and she told me I will "mourn" food. Hmmmm the only thing I think I will really miss (and it won't be forever) will be pizza. This is all normal, so don't worry....you are not alone. And those of you who mentioned MickyD's fries....have we forgot what we learned in Weight Watcher's? If we are going to indulge at MickeyD's....the best choice is a small order of fries!!! I myself had fries yesterday...my daughter made a face and said "oh small fries"? Yup, just a little snack I told her. And you know, I didn't need a big giant sandwich to go with it....that was all I had small fries...savored every one....ate slow. lasted quite a few miles....didn't feel guilty for one second. I had a flavored Water in the car with me....felt rather special...lol. If you deprive yourself completely you will go nuts....just be careful that's all.

Okay so I cleaned out the car yesterday morning at 3am (see yesterdays journal) I stayed up longer and read those damn memorials that you see on OH.com........omg what was I thinking.....had a semi-bummer day because of it. Got me really thinking about the whole banding thing. I do realize most of those people who passed had a huge bmi and many co-morbidities....but it still makes ya wonder. One girl was in her 20's ...i forget her exact cause of death......but she must have had a vision or something (and I do believe in them from personal experience) she wrote a goodbye letter ...omg...she said goodbye to everyone .....and bam...she never came out of recovery!! There were a few who died of clots, but then again they had pretty high bmi's. One woman was incredibly heavy...waiting for approval...heart attack in her sleep---this is what I don't want, hence the idea to get banded. The truth be told about me....I am 100 lbs overweight....but I have not been heavy for too long. The real weight has only been a problem for the last hmmm...10 months. And, my weight is not all over...its my butt and my stomach....oh yeah and my legs....I can feel my ribs from the side....I have a waistline. Maybe this is why I am suddenly freaked out by all this. I also tried on my "monkey suit" that I will be wearing home from the hosp. well, I tried on my sister's suit, Mom is making one for me so I am comfy after surgery and I don't have to worry about the bra thing because its a one piece with a tank style top....totally spandex and extremely comfy..I will wear a plain t-shirt over it ...ahhhh i can still feel how good it felt to try it on. I tried it on so mom will know what size to make me. (same size -yea!) So maybe that is my whole issue, do I feel like I don't deserve the band? Maybe I should try harder to do this myself?? I have completely filled my obligation for surgery.....I just need the date from the doc......I have nothing holding me back...no more excuses. I have had surgery before 3-c's and a back surgery....and a few "lady procedures" that required being knocked out. I can do this....this should be easy. I have dieted many times before..lol back when i only had 25 lbs to lose.....i know the taste of diet food, there fore I have suffered. I say this because i know people who "just can't handle the taste" and I think, yeah, you have never truly suffered as a dieter...lol. I am not changing my mind about surgery. And frankly I am surprised at myself for even having these feeling (I am a control freak...sadly) Hmmm here is a thought....maybe I am just overtired!!!! (notice the time again!!) I just want to sleep! I want to be normal! On an upbeat note....I think i have mentioned that I have been sleeping on the couch because of my snoring and hubby is roofing and I don't want him to fall off the roof because my snoring has kept him from sleeping....well he told me yesterday that he wakes up every morning at 3am...he used to think it was me that woke him up.....but guess what I am not there....so yay for me I can go back to bed and feel semi-normal again! I will spend tonight as my last night on the couch because my 9 year old is on the other couch (too hot in her room) and I don't want to leave her alone out here. And if I go to bed now I risk waking him up trying to get into bed...we have a freakishly tall bed comes up to my belly...I am 5'6" (which i realize is not giant but I just want to say that its not like I am 4'11") Its so nice to have a journel to vent on! I have not told anyone in my everyday life any of this stuff, so its nice I can "share" online. Wow I am actually feeling sleepy now.....gonna hurry up and put my p.j.'s on! :clap2: wish me luck!

Hi Carol, How are these potatoes prepared?? If you are leaving the skin on, Baked, we are talking 51 grams of carbs (not real good) and 16 grams of sodium (ewww). Not to mention about 220 calories (which isn't awful, but if you aren't exercising..its adding up) Also what do you put on these potatoes? Protein shakes...too many is not good...I don't know how many you have. And Protein bars.....ugh check the label I only use them in an emergency........they are pretty high in calories and the carbs...again...yikes...carbs in protein bars can range from 25 to 36 grams....If these are just a snack for you -(I know I may get yelled at for this-but its true) you'd be better off with a York Peppermint Pattie. Salads are another blind spot for hidden carbs....what's in your salad? and what type dressing are you using? Your heart is on the right track but you might just be suffering from a case of too much of a good thing. Too many carbs will also attribute to getting really tired...you come crashing down from sugar carbs and bam you're exhaused. This was not to take away from the fact that you work 50+ hours a week, but the carbs def are not helping. You are actually eating like you are going for weight lifting competition. (just cut back and you will see a def change in your weight loss) Be careful and best wishes!