CSinTX

Maybe this will help. Go to www. tickerfactory. com Flip through the many pages of ticker rulers. Once you find one you like, select the radio button to the left. Press Next Select a ticker marker that will move across the top of your banner, by marking the radio button to the left. Press Next Enter a password/pin in the box Select the Public data radio button Choose if you want to track your weight change, weight or waist. Enter your target weight Enter your current weight Enter todays date Press Next If you like the ticker that you have created, then highlight and copy the bbcode (first box). Now go back into Lap Band Talk sign in Click on "User CP" near the top left (under the pictures). Click "Edit Signature" (3rd section down left column) A little box will pop up like the ones do when we post. Type a little message in the box. (mine says when I started, when I was approved and surgery date). Once you have something typed then skip down a few spaces(by pressing the enter button), then paste the bbcode in that same box. Now without pressing any other options, hit the Preview Signature button at the bottom. If you like what you see, then press the Save Signature button. It's done. Before you leave the ticker website, there is a blue hyperlink that states, "IMPORTANT: To update your ticker, click on it or bookmark this web address:" Click and Save this page in your favorites. When you want to update your weight loss, go find the link in your favorites, enter your password and press enter. Then update your new figures. Press the next button. Your done. You won't have to cut or paste anything else. By updating with the password/pin, tickerfactory will automatically update the changes on your signature page. Hopefully this well help. Good Luck. Cathy

Hi Brian, these are the exact ones that I bought here in Texas. The berry box I thought was excellent. Congratulations :bored: Completely understand your feeling. My belly was so itchy, it was driving me crazy. I finally found that if I rubbed lotion on my belly it helped. The rubbing satisfied the itchies and the lotion protected my skin from my finger. When I went to the doctor this past Wednesday, they said I was having a reaction to the steri tapes and the quickly took them all off. I have to admit the itchies are gone but my skin under the strips are still bright red. Lean Body is great. 40 gms of protein, 17oz drink and around 200 calories. Plus it taste great. If you look on page 36, it will give you step by step instructions. Congratulations HAD_ENOUGH -- It's all down hill from here. Congratulations on getting your approval and quick surgery date. donnalys - Doing better today? highlojack -- getting around any easier? sourmissg -- Hi Gale, was your info submitted this week? I sure hope you get great news real soon. 1reign, Mandyrae - Glad to hear you are doing so well. sarwenc -- Hi Sarah --- So happy for you. :w00t: mrsmontero12607 -- You have made a great decision. ebonykisses -- Glad to hear that Cigna came through for you. They were great with me. danide - How are you doing today? To answer your question about the bathroom, it was day 4 after surgery for me, than about every 3 days. lovemysgt, - Congratulations on your surgery date missjoany - hope you are doing well today on your surgery date.

I learned a lot today from my doctor and how he will work my band that fit me best. His philosophy is that around 2 weeks our stomachs are starting to heal and our appetite will be returning. Which is why I had a fill today. He also said that I will continue with WEEKLY fills for the rest of my 6 week liquid diet phase. :couch2: He thinks the transition to food is easier if I have some restriction before I start eating again and start off eating smaller portions and being happy with those portions. Instead of going onto food, having to fight hunger pains, risk eating too much, then getting some restriction and learning over again how to eat. So about the Fill. I was directed into a room that had an x-ray machine. She showed me my port and then showed me my band. AND yes it's intact. I was watching her move her hand (with the needle) on the TV screen and when she got right over the center of the port, she said here we go. I did feel it go in and it was like a shot (it stung) and then she moved the port around to make sure (I guess) that she was inside the port. That felt really weird. While I was talking she was moving around and before my sentence was over, she said we are done. She then had me drink the barium and we both got to watch it go through the band. Kinda cool. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ highlojack -- Hello. My doctor did not have a pre-op diet either. He's only words were to drink 2 protein shakes and have one sensible meal, even up to the night before surgery. I opted (after hearing everyone's stories here) to go ahead with a all liquid diet and all clear 2 days before surgery. It paid off for me because I was offered an earlier surgery date. NYsLegend78 -- It is a great feeling to finally have the surgery behind you. I hope all goes well tonight for you and you get to go home tomorrow. I don't think you will have to worry about getting addicted to the morphine unless you have a source of it once you leave the hospital. So enjoy your evening and morphine. :blushing: swissnis -- Glad to hear from you so soon after your surgery. I slept all day, my first day home and then most of the second day home. Then I was caught up on my sleep. shellyh -- congratulations on being able to walk away from cigarettes. stateofzen -- You'll be able to go to work Monday but will be a little sore and really tired by the end of the day. Hopefully you don't have too many classes on Monday. I'm sure your students would not mind an "out-of-classroom" project. lauravarley -- Welcome to the family and congratulations on getting your surgery date. LisaA -- Hi Lisa, my doctor simple stated to shoot for 64 ozs of clear fluids (tea, water, sugar-free juices, etc) BUT everyone is different and said that some people stay hydrated with less fluids. He said to watch my urine and that will be the best monitor. Keep your pee a very pale yellow, which for me is actually less than 64oz. My staple is crystal decaf tea. Brian-LA -- Hi Brian, How are you doing today? Cathy

Good luck to those of you being banded tomorrow, we'll be thinking of you guys. NYsLegend78, donnalys, LadyT39, 1reign, lemonchick, Brian-LA stephanie24p -- Hi Stephanie - congratulations on getting a surgery date and welcome to the family. Don't be quiet. qtney1 -- Congratulations and welcome lbtss16 -- Hello- glad to hear from so many new people. Congratulations on your surgery date and welcome to the family. risenhour1 - You sure are in the fast lane for this surgery. We are here if you need us or have any questions. Plenty of opinions too. Congratulations stephanie1975 -- Congratulations on having your surgery done. How are you getting along? What is your post-op diet like? Desiree1972 -- Glad to have you a part of our family. Good luck this week. ------------------------------------------------------------ Well, I go tomorrow for my first fill. Ouch. Not looking forward to this. My husband thinks it silly that I was excited about surgery but scared of a needle now. If he only understood. Cathy

Just wanted to say good luck tomorrow to danide, Nani4five, sannersplace72, swissnis, playermimi, msmith73. Hope all goes well and we hear from you soon. sourmissg -- Hi Gale, maybe your doctors office did not want to submit paperwork over the extended weekend. I bet it gets submitted this week. danide - I was not nervous one bit and feel asleep as usual the night before surgery. You know we are doing the right thing when we are this calm about it. Good luck tomorrow. sugarmoma -- Congratulations on your band date. jshort -- glad to hear all is going well for you. My diet is the same as your right now. I'm satisfied and I'm still losing. Are you going to be getting a fill on your appointment his week? I have my appointment Wednesday in front of the fluoroscope. gracerev -- I know babys oil will remove tar and lighter Fluid will remove the sticky from old tape. Let us know when you find something that works? phershey -- sorry to hear that you are having to fight with your insurance company to get approved. Do you have the 2 co-morbidities? If so, then have your doctor's office resubmit with the correct weight. After all if you don't get approved, they don't get paid. Maybe see if you can talk to the doctor instead of his helpers. Good luck and keep us updated. glitteryvampiregirl -- Congratulations on your surgery date.:thumbup: ------------------------------------------------------------- :sad::w00t::sad::scared2: tomorrow I must return to work :thumbup::sad::thumbup::sad: I sure have enjoyed my time off. Cathy

sannersplace72 -- I did find a chewable iron tablet at vitaminlife.com ConB113 -- If your mentally not ready to commit to a new healthy you, it might be best to wait. I don't plan on eating any foods that I don't like. I'll eat the same foods, hopefully be able to make healthier choices and eat a whole lot less. If you do continue with the surgery, you might be surprised that when you start losing weight you will also gain control over your eating, which in return will motivate you to keep on the right path. Good luck. Cathy

glitteryvampiregirl -- Hi Catherine, congratulations on getting your approval and surgery date. Waiting for the approval was not bad because I really felt that I met all the requirements but waiting for a surgery date about drove me crazy and everyone else on this thread. Glad to have you in our group. Brian-LA -- Exactly - Age is just a number. I'm not really hungry like I was before the surgery, it's very manageable. I do drink tea all day long, so when I feel that I am getting hungry, I just drink more. I quickly forget about my hunger at that point which holds me for another few hours. I find it very interesting that so many others are having trouble getting their fluids down. I'm hoping that once the swelling in their belly goes down, they too will be able to drink more at one time otherwise I'll start worrying that my band came undone. I go for my first fill Wednesday and I think I am more nervous about that than the surgery because I'll be awake for this and I hate needles. How long do you have to be on liquids after the surgery? pooky032281 -- No daily shots for me. Thank god. maxi2010 -- Congratulations on your overturned denial and getting your surgery date. jlr58 -- Sounds like having some imodium AD on hand might be a good thought. My surgery was at 8am and I had left the hospital by noon. gracerev -- I discovered quite by accident that I could swallow more than I was expecting to be able too. I catch myself with a mouthful of tea before I know it, it's down. So far, I have had to problem so now I don't even think about it. Drink like I did before the surgery. Come Wednesday when I get my first fill, things may be different. *************************** Today I was back to 100%. I watched this show on TV called hoarders which motivated me to cleaned house like never before. Since my husband left a few days ago to visit his mother, so I really took the challenge on, even moving furniture from one room to another. Absolutely no pain at all. Healing from surgery was very quick. Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. :smile: Cathy

I would wait until the afternoon before your surgery and then plan on sticking around the bathroom for about 6 hours. That will keep your mind off food.:smile: Cathy

If you drink magnesium citrate (poo poo juice) it will be out. Cathy

There is a Clothes Exchange that a LAP-BAND® Member started just last week. Clothes Exchange for Bandsters The clothes are free, just reimburse the person you get them from for the cost shipping.

I am 9 days post-op and only had diarrhea once. My day consist of 3 Kellogg's Special K Protein Shakes and 1 can of soup mixed with milk. You might ought to give your doctor a call.

Just added some more items to the Clothes Exchange. Was not hard to learn my way around. I did find a way to post pictures without having to go to photobucket. In the box of icons right above where you type the description, there is a picture of what looks to be a mountain in a square (Insert/Edit Image). I just clicked on that and it pulled my picture from the computer. GREAT SERVICE.:smile: Thanks, Cathy

gracerev -- So glad to hear from you again and that you made it to BandLand. Do you know if your doctor filled your band after putting it on? I ask because I am out 1 week post-op and I have no trouble gulping down my tea and I can drink a 10oz protein drink within 5 minutes. I do feel full and I'm good for 6 hours but? Starting to wonder about me.:scared2: playermimi -- I have opted not to tell any of my friends, mainly because I did not want them watching everything I ate. I don't see why you can't continue to go out with them - you'll just eat a whole lot less. I still plan on going out to eat (when that time comes). I'm excited to be able to control my appetite and be picky about what I want to eat. It's all about quality now not quantity. Do you think maybe your friends just don't understand and therefore don't know really how to act around you once you get your band? If things don't work out between you and your old friends, you can turn to us for your support. :biggrin: Cathy

Glad to hear you are doing so well. You sound great. I just always drank even when I was not thirsty. The liquids in, liquids out has not been a problem for me, expect once which was on day 3 of being home. My husband said, it's probably more from what went into my IV than me drinking and he was right because it was only a 1 time thing. I am drinking a protein shake for breakfast and dinner and drinking soup (1 can) split into 2 servings. Other than that, it's tea. Here goes the TMI: After the diarrhea on Sunday, I have been having normal stools (very very very very tiny) but they are there, just like before the surgery. What I save in TP on #2's I use now on #1's. I was told that I could take Imodium AD if needed. I know it comes in a chewable tablet and I think even liquid. Cathy

Sounds great. I like the idea of everyone getting banded and then we all migrate to the post-op section together. Lets do it:thumbup: cndalbs, AnnaOz, SarahMarie123 and Marte80 -- Congratulations on getting your surgery dates and glad to have you guys part of our family. Brian-LA - Hi Brian - I feel no different in drinking. I have not eaten anything yet (except the tiny pieces of chicken in my cream of chicken soup but no difference there either). I can't say I have really gone poking around to see what I can feel (I don't even know which of my 5 holes has the port) but the biggest cut underneath my left boob definitely has a knot. I don't know if it's the band or swelling but thought I would ask the doctor when I see him Wednesday. "Well I didn't ditch her because I didn't really land her. We are " special friends " but as much as I do Love her she won't commit and maybe its for the best. I do tell myself I should move on and maybe I will. But yes we do have a Saturday night dinner date and I have told her about my upcoming surgery / I won't be going out with her to dinners / lunches or breakfasts for awhile and when I do it will be about two decks of cards worth. :biggrin: If I find that my " relationship " with her is making me go sideways I will have to be something I am usually not - selfish and ditch her. I always look out for other people and try to help them and not help myself - I am usually the guy who gives and gives and gives but I think it is my time be a little selfish and take care of myself first for once." You know Brian if you keep talking like this you will have every single lady on this thread contacting you. Hope you find your happiness. I have been thankful. I met my husband in college (like so many others) except he was my teacher. He is 25 years older than me and we have been married for 24 years now. We have 1 daughter who will be turning 21 next month and is the apple of his eye. Talk about having Daddy wrapped around your finger and she knows it. AnnaOz -- It will be interesting to hear about your surgery and your op-diet because your pre-op sounds so different than the ones we have been given here in the states. My husband and I raise cockatoos and this morning before I was on the computer I was catching our young Galahs and moving them to larger flights. So funny now to hear from someone in Australia. We flew down to Australia about 5 years ago for a month and drove from Cairns to Alice Springs then to Adelaide traveling along the coast seeing Melbourne than flying home out of Sydney. You live in a wonderful unique place. Just loved our time there, though I did keep getting confused when everyone was asking if I was on holiday. We even have a Bennett's Wallaby now for a pet, thanks to our trip down there. She is a sweety. swissnis -- Congratulations on your clearance and now you can enjoy your weekend:smile2: Gosh, today you learned alot about me and my personal life. Cathy

I developed a new issue today. My belly is driving me crazy. It tingles which makes me scratch it and then it tingles more. It's like a bug bite, that vicious circle. So what does a VERY itchy belly (meaning my incisions) mean? Cathy

I have had no problems getting anything down. Sometimes I wonder if the band came undone. I catch myself gulping my tea and I have never felt any kind of restriction but I am good for 6 hours on 1 protein shake, so I guess something is working. I do drink all day long and pee all day as well. My doc told me to make sure that I drink enough for my pee to be a pale yellow. He said each person is different and so do just fine keeping their bodies hydrated with less water. The doc also told me that there is nothing in my band and I go in next Wednesday (8th) for my first fill.

danide -- OMG is right. WOW that is so wonderful and what a great surprise. So HAPPY for you:thumbup::w00t::thumbup::scared2::biggrin::mad2: pooky032281 -- Hi pooky how are you feeling today? Only 2 weeks of liquid - I'm jealous. sunny day -- On the ticker I copied and pasted the html in the section where you can write stuff. For example mine says when I started, when I was approved and surgery date. Underneath the surgery date, I just pasted that whole thing. The September Sweeties, I just added through the instructions. If you have any troubles let us know. leeblewb -- Hi Leila glad you finally heard from Cigna. Looks like several here are getting great news today. It's amazing how our emotions are put to the test during this process. Again, I am happy that part is over for you.

You mention a pain ball - did you do a by-pass or sleeve? I was banded a week ago today and for the past 2 nights I have been able to sleep on part of my tummy. Hard to explain how but I am laying on my tummy from the midline to the right side and have a pillow from the midline holding up the left side. I was laying flat on my back the first night but again I had the band done. Good luck, Cathy

MrsFitand42 -- Congratulations Tiffany on getting your surgery date. :biggrin: Brian-LA -- Hi Brian, I am going great. I feel almost 100% am able to sleep on my right side but not my left. I can even sleep on about 70% of my tummy, again jacking up the left side which is great because I am a belly sleeper. I am getting around normal, driving to town and today - cleaning house. Thanks for asking. Since you live alone, I would suggest you stocking up on sugar-free popsicles, soup, protein drinks, jello and yogurt. I found some excellent popsicles that are made from juices and only 25 calories each. The best protein drink (but kinda expensive) is Special K Protein Drink, comes in Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate. Oops, add milk to the shopping list for your soups. As for your "Last Dinner" I did Chilis with my husband, even though I ate a salad. I knew I would be on a liquid diet for 9 weeks (3 pre-op and 6 post-op), so it was my reward for doing this. I did not over do it, nor did I order desert, just a salad. If you are going to reward yourself you should do it this weekend to allow plenty of time for everything to be processed through your system. Just make sure you surround yourself with people who support you and don't temp to you eat more than you want. danide -- I feel for you and anytime you need to RANT we'll be here. I could not imagine how I would feel if I was denied. I learned about this procedure from a co-worker in January and had no clue there was even a procedure like this. I was sure this was my ticket to a happy healthy life that I committed 100%. I have a daughter who is in her 3rd year of college and we are paying $2000 a month in tuition, room & board. Taking into consideration our house payment, my husband and I live on about $500 a month. I would have been absolutely crushed if I was denied because I know I could not afford to cover the cost. I would have simply given up. It's a big decision and I am glad you have decided to go for you.:scared2: missjoany -- Wow you have really had some major obsticles. Your determination will work for you and you will be successful with this tool. Congratulations on your surgery date and glad to have you in our family. South Dakota Girl -- Welcome and congratulations on your surgery date. I was one of those who did not want to leave the hospital but was booted out. I surgery was at 8, woke up in recovery at 10 and was leaving the hospital by 11. fusionbell -- I had my surgery a week ago today and could have gone back to work by Wednesday. I am glad I took the week off which is allowing me to get caught up on things that I had put on the back burner. I'm not a smoker so I can't answer that question. But just think, by this time next year how much better your health will be. Good luck. Mandyrae -- It's good that you know about your heart because that will make you more determined to make this work for you. __________________________________________________ So I have a question for everyone. Just curious because there has been such a big different in pre-op diets. 1. How long after surgery will you be on liquids? 2. How long will you be on mushies? 3. At what week can you move to regular food? My answers: 1 - for 6 weeks 2 - for 1 week 3 - starting 8th week after surgery

Glad to hear from you again and that you survived. How was the ride home? I was so afraid that I was going to get sick and was not in any hurry to leave the hospital but right after I left recovery, I was wheeled into another waiting room where my first trip out of bed was the bathroom and about 10 minutes they had me WALK out the door - so much for the wheelchair. But they did give me morphine to get me home without getting sick - needless to say, I sleep the entire 1.5 hour drive home. Wanted to say, I too weighed myself when I got home and was 3 pounds more than when I left 6 hours earlier but it quickly peeped out. Since the surgery last Friday, I am down 5 pounds in 1 week. I'll take it. Hope your feeling better soon. Cathy

I thought I would bring this back up to the top since we have had so many new folks join our group. Also if you want to add a ticker to your signature to display your weight loss, go to TickerFactory.com. You'll follow the steps and once you get the ticker just like you want it, copy and paste the contents in the first box into your signature. Then as you loose all you have to do is go back to TickerFactory.com, enter your 4 digit pin and save. It will automatically update your weight loss here. Cathy

Well it's now Friday and your "Shrinky dink" should be installed by now. Congratulations. Just thinking about the name you choose for your band, you might be careful of talking about your band around your friends because they might think that you are talking about something else. Know that I mean? Oops, don't laugh - that hurts.

So glad to hear from you. I was very fortunate that I only had gas pains when I sat up. Laying flat on my back helped disburse the gas throughout my torso. Just think you'll be jet propelled tomorrow.