AnneGG

I have SOOOOOO much to look forward to:blink:! And I say I actually am impatient to get my band????? I do remember, Bob, when you were looking forward to the sliming part! Please take it easy on yourself:crying:!

You're a step ahead of me - I still need both approval and a date. Good luck and perseverance to both of us (and anyone else in the same pre-boat)!

Thank you, Elfie! That's just the input that's so helpful, and gives me something to pattern my own intake on. I'm glad your friend is going to make it through, hopefully with not too much damage. Christie, sorry Steve whacked you one. Bobbie & Chickadee, so glad you joined the thread. Bob, glad you're back in the fold. Leigha, thanks for starting this thread in the first place! DizzyLizzy, great quote. Julian'smom, hope you're feeling better. Strep is no fun, and being sick with the band must be even less fun. Betsy, thanks for your measured, sage approach and input. Hummingbird, thanks for your wisdom and experience. I'll get to all you others... Have I said how much I value this thread and look forward to new postings? I'm doing pretty well today. Gotta get on my walk later this afternoon... No snow today, after all!

Hey, let's be gentle with each other here- our journeys are hard enough as it is . Spartan has many excellent points and observations whether we agree with each other or not, as do the other posters. Let's honor the safety of this board .

I had my gall bladder out last fall, and asked to have the lap-band® done at the same time. I was given the answer above. So I now have a couple of tiny scars on my tummy, and am still waiting for my band. But I understand the frustration of two surgeries. But wow, nyllrap, your story makes it clear how much worse things could be! Glad you're still around!

Great idea! Will do...

Bob, I'm so glad you're back on board, $200+! I agree with Betsy- it's good to have a place to share, no matter what we feel or is going on. Betsy- congrats on 200-! We're getting snow tomorrow here in CT! On the other hand, the crocuses are in bloom and trees in bud. Did my walk, practiced eating, etc., etc. It's not necessarily getting any easier- I sure hope the band helps! Not up to not eating with my hands yet... Hello to all!

Lisa, I'm also glad you had the courage to communicate straight with your doctor. Thanks for starting this thread, and thanks to the thoughtful contributions...

Ticker tutorial: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

Elfie, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend! So, I finally got to see my doctor today, and I've been put off another month because he's switching practices. It doesn't make sense to submit the paperwork from his present practice, only to have to do it all over again from his new one. May it is, instead of April. On the good side, he will repair my hiatal hernia at the same time he does the band. He also answered my ton of questions, most of them in a way that made me happy; like being able to drink my one cup of coffee a day, take occasional Advil and Aleve, and being able to drink up until meals with a 45 minute wait after. He even includes a free tummy tuck down the line! I'll have 2 weeks pre-op and two weeks post-op liquids, and then the mushies. 60-80 grams protein and 26 grams fiber, as well as vitamins and supplements. He wants 6 small meals instead of 3 larger ones. Does all of this sound pretty standard to you all? In the meantime, I get to keep practicing- I can manage that!

PB= productive burping. Many graphic descriptions of occasions on the site, including this thread. Funny now, not when they happen apparently. I haven't had the pleasure of personal experience because I haven't had the surgery yet, but I'm sure I have it to look forward to :confused:!

Hi, all! Hope everyone had a good and losing weekend! I had a great weekend at my workshop, and it's nice to be home again. I was inside most of the time, so I didn't see much of the glorious warm weather in Boston, but that's the way it goes sometimes. However, because I was volunteering, I was so busy my schedule was all off with my eating, and I had to grab stuff on the run. How does a person handle that kind of situation with the band? I would hate to give up my volunteer work. I know the most difficult part for me will be handing the scheduled eating and eating slowly. I tend to be a pretty fast mover. Mindfulness and meditation, anyone:unsure:??? How do you handle it??? I have to figure out something- and certainly would appreciate ideas and shared experience. I finally see my Dr. again Wednesday- woo hoo! My question list is 2 pages long, poor guy! Let's get this show on the road! God, please grant me patience yesterday...

Special K Protein cereal is great, as are "OH Yeah" Protein Bars. I have to be careful with the potein bars because they're so good ! I buy them online.

It's showing!

Right now I'm in more of a holding phase- still need insurance approval and a surgery date- than I am in a questioning one, but I can be counted on to ask lots! Mostly I'm just impatient now, but am trying to use my time productively by walking as much as I can, and I've gotten on a low calorie diet. I love hearing you experienced folk- makes me look forward to my first PB or slime attack:tongue2:! Thanks for your offer- I'll take you up on it. And I looked at your profile- you are one amazing inspiration!

I'm off to Boston for a conference for the next three days, and will be in touch again Monday. I walked 2 miles today, and have made a commitment to at least 2 miles 5-7 days a week. Plus my calories are 1200. So I'm on my way. Oh, NSV today- a neighbor I haven't seen for about three months said "You've lost weight!" It shows! Now, boys and girls, behave yourselves, especially Christie and Felix:tongue2:!!!

Good morning, all! I'm doing better than yesterday, which once again reminds me feelings are like the weather- they have a tendency to be changeable if I just hang in there. Now to remember that with cravings! I love the stories and sharing on this thread- they make me wince in empathy, cheer me up, and just make me wish we lived closer to each other so we could hang out over a cup of coffee (decaf of course). Looking forward to my journey, sliming and all. Felix, how are you doing with that :cursing:?

I've loved this thread, the honesty, the tears, the humor, the collected wisdom. Very useful for us newbies. Thanks, and please keep sharing.

Welcome, arends! Another member of the band (pun intended)! I'm finding this forum so helpful, useful, and somewhat comforting (except when it's not). There's a long road ahead for me, but at least it will be an interesting and from what I can tell, rewarding one!

Chantal- Ticker tutorial: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/ It shows up automatically with your posts once you get it set up. Can't help you with BCBS TX because I have BCBS CT. I'm at precisely the same place you are in the process. Good luck and perseverance to both of us!:cursing:

So, I am IMPATIENT:mad2:!!! I see my Dr. next Wednesday, and should be finding out some things but probably not a date for surgery yet. Still need insurance approval, too. So I am being a good girl and changing lots of behaviors bit by bit in the meantime. Do you believe I got tuckered out yesterday mopping the floor, I'm that out of shape? Day at a time, Annie, dear. I got some of those "Oh Yeah" Protein bars yesterday, which will have to be reserved for emergencies and special treats because they are AMAZING good!:scared2: Protein shakes it will have to be for me, because I won't abuse them. Got the sampler packets for both Bariatric Eating and Unjury- some experimentation is in order. My nutritionist also recommended ProStat which is VILE:eek:, but because it is small volume, may be able to be belted down or mixed in with shakes. Walking. Next step- need to be more regular about walking. Forgive me if it takes a little while to individually respond. This is a great group!

Lordy, me, I've gotta keep my mind off food as much as possible. Otherwise I'll eat the TV, not just lick it!:scared2:

I guess I would say to that, does a diabetic feel ashamed or weak because they have to take insulin? Is there really any difference? We all need help from time to time, and I am so grateful something like a band is available. That said, I think we all have to say or do what we're comfortable with. I just hate the stigma attached to weight. Actually, doing something like this takes a lot of guts (no pun intended). We all deserve so much credit!

:couch2:Many thanks for the warm welcomes! So, to let you all know a little about me, I'm long time married to my best friend and support person, I have 4 stepchildren and 10 grandchildren, I'm a psychotherapist for 30 years after being an RN, I'm a caretaker par excellance, and I continue to work on including myself in my circle of compassion and care. I'm the only big person in a family of anorexics (not kidding), and have forever gotten and get a lot of flak for my weight (like who wants to be heavy,anyhow?) I never even heard about a Lap-Band until last fall when I asked to see a bariatric surgeon. On my way to the band, I found out I had early stage breast cancer. I had to take care of that, which I am happy to say is now pretty much complete. So now I'm back on track for the band! And that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I look forward to getting to know all of you... PS That's my dog Bramble in the picture. Plus I have a terrific Siamese cat. They're the best support of all almost!

How do I make a check out for "incalculable value"?:wub: