CheckYes

I'm with BetsyB. The more info the surgeon has before she cuts - the better!

Perhaps find a support group in your area? Sometimes the surgeons office can recommend a support group. You're not alone - you just need to know where to look for some support. You might find one on meetup.com too.

I did hypnosis. I smoked for 20 years - half a pack a day. It's been 18 months and I never even craved a cigarette. Quit cold turkey with hypnotherapy - no gum or patches. It was awesome!

Excellent work!

I think my time is less valuable than my doctor's time. After all, I don't have hundreds of people trying to make an appointment with me. I'm an attorney and I probably earn the same amount per hour, if not more, than my doctor. That being said - I need his specialized knowledge and assistance so I will wait as long as necessary for something I need. Perhaps he was reading up on some medical journals for critical patient's care. Doctors have to triage patient's needs and thank goodness for that.

Four years ago, I looked in to the LapBand. I talked to my therapist about it and he somehow convinced me it was too risky and was a bad idea. I think, at the time, that he thought therapy alone could help me through this. I was willing to see it his way and give therapy a real shot at helping me with the weight and body issues. Here I am, four years later, thirty pounds heavier than I was four years ago and in the same exact boat when it comes to weight, body and food. I still sometimes feel that he was being selfish then - I haven't said that to him - but I think I need to say it. I am not saying therapy hasn't helped me. It has - in SO many amazing ways - but the weight/body/food stuff is very difficult for me to talk about so I avoid it as much as possible in therapy. I am waiting for my surgery date now. Once I get it, I plan to tell my therapist (the same one who talked me out of it before) about the surgery. This time, I don't have doubt about getting the surgery like I did before. This time, I know for sure that I need it. I can't do it all on my own. I need the help that the lap band will provide. I guess what I am saying is - don't let yourself be talked out of something. Ask her why she thinks you aren't a candidate. Tell her the risks associated with Lap Band are not as great as she may think. Give her the literature on the lap band and then ask to discuss it with her. Stick to your guns and be informed and prepared to tell her why YOU think it is a good option for you. Best wishes,

I don't know how to post a link so, I hope this works: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f20/fill-center-new-prague-mn-95488/

Hi DRP, There is a forum on this site specifically related to fill doctors. If you search for "fill center" in the "Search Lapbandtalk.com" box above, as I just did, you will find lots of information. Best wishes,

I mix soy protein powder (I don't do whey unless it's organic because I'm vegetarian) with unsweetened almond milk. The unsweetened vanilla almond milk is fabulous! I think it is the key to good tasting protein shakes.

I have a Vitamix and a Cuisinart stick blender. The stick blender is so easy to use.

I think the majority of us said it was a momentary lapse and to dust herself off and get back on the horse. At least the five posts before your post did.

My Aetna policy provides NO coverage for bariatric surgery - even with comorbidities. If you can, get a copy of your policy right away and read it. I hope your policy is different than mine!

I started Couch to 5K using a Nike Plus sensor and my iphone. I loved it. Within four weeks, I was able to run three intervals of eight minutes each... This was at 250 pounds and being an actual couch potato at the start. I ended up giving up on it because I developed a little clicking noise in my knee and decided that once I get some of this weight off, I will take it up again. The Couch to 5k is motivating and you see progress on a daily basis. Sure, you have to push yourself at times but you are building up stamina every time you run. It was a great program. You can also get free podcasts from iTunes if you have a iPod. Best wishes!

Be gentle with yourself about this momentary lapse. Get right back on the horse and recommit yourself TO yourself. Look at some of the before and after photos - do some daydreaming of what life could be like. Best wishes to you,

I would always suggest following your surgeon/nutritionists recommendations. Why not ask if you can modify it? Then, do what they say. Best wishes,

You can get Water on the plane. Take your Protein supplement powder and a shaker bottle. Best wishes.

Holy Toledo! You've lost 100 pounds in FOUR months? Am I reading that right? GOOD FOR YOU! You should be very proud of yourself! Cheers!

Be gentle with yourself. You are allowed to have some feelings about this process. As for the FMLA, I have no idea... Just wanted to give you some kind words. Best wishes!

Doesn't seem like much protein. You're only getting protein in the eggs and cheese, I think.

I say give it two days. Lots of fluids and rest. See how you feel on Saturday night/Sunday morning. I am crossing my fingers for you that it's just a temporary itchy throat. Best wishes!

I hate to be a party pooper but I would say listen to your surgeon. Your surgeon has intimate knowledge of your stomach, your band and your progress. I would be too scared too go against my doctor's advice. Who knows? I haven't been banded yet, so I might be on here in a couple of months asking the same question, but as of right now, I feel like following your doctor's rules is best - whatever they might be! Best wishes!

Sending you good vibes! Good for you for staying on top of this. I truly hope that you can keep your band. I've had to pack an infection before and it is not fun but keep your chin up and remember that this will pass. A few weeks from now it will be a memory. Best best wishes to you. Keep us posted.

It seems to me the band is a tool ONLY when it provides some restriction. When it is not providing restriction, it is up to your sheer will and determination to lose weight. I think it might be good to be gentle with yourself and really refocus. You didn't go through two surgeries to end up gaining back the weight you worked hard at losing. I certainly don't think you were suggesting that you thought the band was going to be a miracle. You're clearly not afraid to work hard at losing - you've lost 100 pounds before. I hope your doc can help find a way to get you some restriction and put that tool to work. Best wishes,

Hi, I did a search online in Google for "salt craving" and it looks like there are many reasons why you might be craving salt. It could be dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, adrenal overload or your body could be missing some of the other minerals in table salt. Perhaps see what your doc says. Most of the diagnostics appear to begin with a blood test. Best wishes,

I tried Wii Fit but was disappointed with some of the workouts. They seemed remedial and I never felt like my heart rate was elevated. HOWEVER - EA ACTIVE is fantastic. Love it and worth every penny. Cheers!