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I am scheduled for August 4th, but I am still waiting for BC/BS approval. No food funeral for me...I've enjoyed losing some weight during my nutritionist visits...so I just look at this as getting a head start on the surgery. I'm down 20 lbs since April. I am DREADING the pre-op liquid diet; my doctor requires two weeks on shakes and Clear liquids.

Why not? It's certainly been done before. The earliest scripture is generally considered to be the “Pentateuch”, the first five books of the Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy… though there is some scholarly evidence to indicate that the Old Testament Book of Job may actually be the oldest book in the Bible. These writings were passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. By approximately500 BC, the 39 Books that make up the Old Testament were completed, and continued to be preserved in Hebrew on scrolls. As we approach the last few centuries before Christ, the Jewish historical books known as the “Apocrypha” were completed, yet they were recorded in Greek rather than Hebrew. By the end of the First Century AD, the New Testament had been completed. The oldest copies of the New Testament known to exist today are: The Codex Alexandrius and the Codex Sinaiticus in the British Museum Library in London, and the Codex Vaticanus in the Vatican. They date back to approximately the 300’s AD. In 315 AD, Athenasius, the Bishop of Alexandria, identified the 27 Books which we recognize today as the canon of New Testament scripture. In 382 AD, the early church father Jerome translated the New Testament from its original Greek into Latin. This translation became known as the “Latin Vulgate”, (“Vulgate” meaning “vulgar” or “common”). He put a note next to the Apocrypha Books, stating that he did not know whether or not they were inspired scripture, or just Jewish historical writings which accompanied the Old Testament. The Apocrypha was kept as part of virtually every Bible scribed or printed from these early days until just 120 years ago, in the mid-1880’s, when it was removed from Protestant Bibles. Up until the 1880’s, however, every Christian… Protestant or otherwise… embraced the Apocrypha as part of the Bible, though debate continued as to whether or not the Apocrypha was inspired. There is no truth to the popular myth that there is something “Roman Catholic” about the Apocrypha, which stemmed from the fact that the Roman Catholics kept 12 of the 14 Apocrypha Books in their Bible, as the Protestants removed all of them. No real justification was ever given for the removal of these ancient Jewish writings from before the time of Christ, which had remained untouched and part of every Bible for nearly two thousand years. The first hand-written English language Bible was produced in the 1380’s by John Wycliffe, an Oxford professor, scholar, and theologian. The invention of the printing press in the 1450’s made the Bible widely available to lay people. In 1496, John Colet, another Oxford professor and the son of the Mayor of London, started reading the New Testament in Greek and translating it into English for his students at Oxford, and later for the public at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London. In 1516 the scholar Erasmus published a Greek translation of the New Testament. This milestone was the first non-Latin Vulgate text of the scripture to be produced in a millennium… and the first ever to come off a printing press. Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German from Erasmus Greek-Latin text and eventually went on to publish an entire Bible in German in the 1530’s. William Tyndale wanted to use the same 1516 Erasmus text as a source to translate and print the New Testament in English for the first time in history. Tyndale showed up on Luther's doorstep in Germany in 1525, and by year's end had translated the New Testament into English. The first complete English Bible was printed on October 4, 1535, and is known as the Coverdale Bible. John Rogers went on to print the second complete English Bible in 1537. It is a composite made up of Tyndale's Pentateuch and New Testament (1534-1535 edition) and Coverdale's Bible and some of Roger's own translation of the text. It remains known most commonly as the Matthew-Tyndale Bible. In 1539 the Archbishop of Canterbury hired Myles Coverdale to publish King Henry VIII’s “Great Bible”. It became the first English Bible authorized for public use. In the 1550's, the Church at Geneva, Switzerland, was very sympathetic to the Protestant reformers. Many of them met in Geneva, and under the protection of John Calvin, the Church of Geneva determined to produce their own Bible. Their New Testament was completed in 1557 and the complete Bible was first published in 1560. It became known as the Geneva Bible. The Geneva Bible became the Bible of choice for over 100 years of English speaking Christians. Between 1560and1644 at least 144 editions of this Bible were published. In 1568, a revision of the Great Bible known as the Bishop's Bible was introduced. Despite 19 editions being printed between 1568 and 1606, this Bible, referred to as the “rough draft of the King James Version”, never gained much of a foothold of popularity among the people. With the death of Queen Elizabeth I, Prince James VI of Scotland became King James I of England. The Protestant clergy approached the new King in 1604 and announced their desire for a new translation to replace the Bishop's Bible. This "translation to end all translations" (for a while at least) was the result of the combined effort of about fifty scholars. In 1611 the first version of the King James Bible was published. The Anglican Church’s King James Bible took decades to overcome the more popular Protestant Church’s Geneva Bible. One of the greatest ironies of history, is that many Protestant Christian churches today embrace the King James Bible exclusively as the “only” legitimate English language translation… yet it is not even a Protestant translation! It was printed to compete with the Protestant Geneva Bible, by authorities who throughout most of history were hostile to Protestants… and killed them. Throughout the 1600’s, as the Puritans and the Pilgrims fled the religious persecution of England to cross the Atlantic and start a new free nation in America, they took with them their precious Geneva Bible, and rejected the King’s Bible. America was founded upon the Geneva Bible, not the King James Bible.

Once again, I must call BS. Show me one post where I mocked the scripture. Where I showed a hatred of Jesus. Or admit you are lying about me. I take that seriously. Interesting to me that you equate yourself with scripture...:myscared:

Im officially banded! I had my surgery July 1, but I had it in mexico so i just got home last night. Surgery went really well, liquid diet is not so fun lol but Im doing pretty good. So excited to have it all over with! When I woke up in recovery I actually freaked out for a second bc I didnt feel any pain right away and I was afraid something happened and they werent able to give me the band. I dont know why I was so worried that would happen lol but anyways I started to try and sit up a little bit and felt the pain and couldnt help but smile because I knew that meant it was in there and from here on out its just following the "rules of the band" best of luck to everyone having surgery coming up! :thumbup:

1.What is your current and goal weight? C-249, G-145 2.What is your surgery date? Hoping for mid Jan 2010 3.What is your age? 61 4.Where do you live? Northeast Georgia 5.Where are you having surgery? Emory, Atlanta 6.Who is your Doctor?? Srinivasin (sp?) 7.Insurance or self-pay? Ins (BS/BS HMO) 8.What was you "deciding factor" for having this surgery? I am so tired all the time and want to be healthier (PS: I'm not getting any younger!)

In the never ending saga of republican hypocrisy we have this story. Now keep in mind that thirteen republican state attorney generals are suing the federal government over the Affordable Health care and that they are using tax payer money to do so. If they are so cash strapped, where are they getting this money? Nebraska is one of those states and the Nebraska republican governor Heineman has the nerve to go hat in hand to the federal government. It sure takes cajones. Also, keep in mind that these same republican governors who regularly bash Obama and the federal government and the stimulus were more than happy to take that stimulus with one hand while criticizing it with the other. Now, they want the federal government to bail them out by not making spending cuts that will affect them. Hmmm. I thought the republicans said they had a mandate from the people to cut spending. But again, in true hypcritical fashion - they support cuts as long as it doesn't affect them (and that goes for people who support cuts in spending too - as long as they don't lose their job or are otherwise affected by the cuts then they're okay.) Governors to feds: Avoid causing states any more painSunday, February 27, 2011By Liz Sidoti, The Associated PressWASHINGTON -- Their states on the brink of financial catastrophe, governors pleaded Saturday for the divided federal government to avoid doing anything that would hamper the tenuous economic recovery back home. Their message to Washington: Prevent a government shutdown, abstain from spending cuts that dramatically will affect states and end even preliminary discussions about allowing states to declare bankruptcy. "Anything that Congress does that will undermine our recovery is quite troublesome to us," said Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, head of the National Governors Association, as she opened the bipartisan group's winter meeting. "We're asking for cooperation." "We don't need a hiccup now in our recovery," she added. "We are fragile." States have made $75 billion in budget cuts and raised taxes by $33 billion over the past two years to make up for budget shortfalls caused by the recession. Governors drained reserve cash funds and oversaw several rounds of severe budget cuts, so much so that Republicans and Democrats alike now are focused on how to completely remake state governments. The overall economic situation in states is improving. "Recovering, not recovered," as Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat, put it. High unemployment persists. Even more dire budget situations are to come. Over the next 21/2 years, states face an estimated $175 billion more in budget gaps that they have no choice but to fill. The hole is caused partly because an initial infusion of cash from President Barack Obama's economic stimulus law, as well as extensions of that money, will dry up in June. States received $103 billion in Medicaid money and $48 billion in education dollars to soften the recession's blow. Ms. Gregoire and the NGA's vice chairman, Gov. Dave Heineman, R-Neb., recently met with House and Senate leaders as well as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and asked them to be mindful of how the loss of the money, as well as further spending cuts, could hurt states. The warnings come just as the Commerce Department reported that state and local responses to the fiscal crisis were undercutting the national recovery, slowing economic growth. Governors said the report only proved their point. "For two years, governors have said when we cut we impact the recovery," said Ms. Gregoire. "We know we have to make the cuts, but we can ill afford to have Congress on top of that cutting us more because the result will slow the recovery in our home states and in the nation." Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, noted that, unlike the federal government, states are required to balance their budgets. Noting the painful cuts, he said, "We don't have any choice." To ease the pain, Maine Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican, urged the federal government to loosen regulations that he says are hindering the recovery. The governors met in Washington as Republicans who control the House and Democrats who run the Senate are in a high-stakes debate over the federal budget and trillion-dollar deficits. GOP leaders have faced pressure from a contingent of newly elected tea party-supported lawmakers to cut spending even deeper than originally planned, setting up a clash with the White House and Senate Democrats over legislation necessary to keep the government running past this coming Friday's deadline.

That is so important to hear. At another site where I post I was told that it is people like me who never served, who don't understand. I have posted this many times before, so you can look it up. When I was 19, in 1964, I was gung-ho military and tried to enlist in the US Air Force. I failed my physical because of injuries suffered while playing freshman football in college. The last step of the pre-induction physical was a 26 page questionnaire and the last question was "Are you the sole surviving son of a man killed in the service of the US Military". My father was a US Army Sargent killed in Berlin in WW11 on the day after I was born in 1945, so I answered “yes”. I was told that I failed the physical that day and about 3 weeks later a new draft classification card came in the mail with a classification of “4A”. I was ready to serve, though knowing what I know now, I am glad my knee kept me out of that war; Another war in which we dismissed the French. We laughed at the French for leaving Vietnam and we kept laughing at the French until 65,000 of our youth were dead, many times that many more maimed and many times that number who had miserable lives because of much higher rates of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, crime, spousal abuse and suicide than that of the people who did not serve in Vietnam. And for what? We lost. The dominoes never came down. We were fed a line of crap, just like in 2002 leading up to the 2003 Illogical Illegal Iraqi Invasion. When will we learn? Aren't you glad you asked? I contributed my father. Can you top that?

OK, I have to call BS. I have seen no sign whatsoever of TOM "crying like a baby" at your questions.

I know I am SUPER late to this thread!! But I just left my fiance three weeks ago. We'd been together for a little over 3 years. Matter of fact we celebrated our 3-year with a trip to Chicago in Feb.... Anyways. Long story short. He was emotionally and physically abusive on top of incredibly irresponsible. And he has a son, whom I call my own bc his bio mom basically abandoned him when my ex and her divorced. The last straw in our relationship was when he stole, yes STOLE almost half of the loan money I had taken out for my VSG revision!!!! He was NOT supportive of my revision from day 1. I told him he either supports me or he doesn't, I am doing what's best for me and my health. I got the money back - thank GOD, but I left him that day. I am still riding the ups and downs of the post-break-up roller coaster. And when I am great I'm GREAT, and when I'm bad I'm bad. I stayed with him for so much longer than I should of because I gained about 80 lbs while being with him (he was SUCH an enabler with my food addiction) and I had/have no self confidence and I was plum scared of being alone. So I chose to be unhappy in my relationship over being alone. I now am alone and I know one day I will be better, but I am still suffering. Especially since within 72 hours of me leaving him he up and left for Texas with my son.... I am sad to be alone but even more sad that my son is gone.... Even though I KNOW this was the right decision 150%, it's hard to think that there will ever be a man out there for me! But there was a REASON I was engaged to this man for 2 years and would never marry him. In my gut I ALWAYS knew, and would ALWAYS make excuses. And like you, BBJ, I found myself having issues being attracted to him. Prior to him I'd always dated very in-shape men, and he had a gut and no motivation to be healthy with me. I hope that one day once I drop this weight that I have my confidence back like you do BBJ! More power to ya girl!!! If anyone is interested, I've been blogging about my WLS since Dec 2010, and there's more details about all this there.... www.diaryofafatwhitewoman.blogspot.com

I can only speak for myself.... I needed to EXERCISE..... This is coming from a 53 year old certified COUCH POTATO. Exercising + Lapband = SUCCESS I couldn't walk more than two city blocks on our last family vacation (Aug., '12). Actually used a wheel chair going through museums in Chicago. My husband and I joined Planet Fitness this past June (June '13). Couldn't walk more than 10 minutes on the treadmill. Now doing an hour a day on elliptical SIX days a week.... Husband has lost 43 pounds (exercising and watching refined carbs). I find that exercising is helping me with the weight loss (and most definitely the energy level ) until I get in the green zone. It was a killer at first..... But, it's what I needed. 2014~~~~ GET MOVING!!!!! Start with a fifteen (or ten) minute walk. Then, do that AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. I also find that when I exercise, I make better food choices bc I don't want to blow all of that hard work! YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN DO IT! YOU WILL DO IT!!!!!!

Oh yes. I'm going to do that Wednesday. Was just hoping to know something before then. I know these people (pcp and surgeons nurse) personally, spits hard bc I don't want to be overbearing and a PITA, however I also want to advocate for myself.

I am so excited and nervous....I ordered all these Soups and Protein mixed to take with me and fed ex lost my darn package... I'm so ticked off but trying to remain positive and not have neg vibes. I'm ready to do it and get it over with. Sorry, just now reading this. Are you excited? I'm feeling excited and nervous. I just can't wait for it to be over. The anticipation is making me anxious. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

Finally got home from Tijuana today.... surgery was Monday 7.26.2021 with dr. verboonen at V Bariatrics (Obesity Goodbye Center). Ever since I got to the hotel yesterday. I've been sipping Powerade, Gatorade, Water, broth, SF popsicles nonstop. Is that okay? Or am I supposed to only consume during set times throughout the day? Also how did you get comfortable? Best thing to make scars dissapear ? Trying to plan ahead I am on full liquid diet right now, but go to purée on Monday/Tuesday next week.... what are your favorite recipes? When did you notice that initial bloat go away from surgery? I'm 2 lbs down from surgery date but my stomach is stuck protruding out bc of being so sore.

7 months out and I finally voted for 7.5 cc's. I have really good restriction right now although I was too tight at first. I think this is perfect bc I don't get hungry and a very small amount fills me up.

Wow! Time sure flies... The surgery was textbook, thank goodness. Only problem is that waking up from anesthesia was a bit traumatic. I was choking, and couldn't tell them bc I couldn't move, and they insisted on me breathing. This was very frustrating, and I started panicking and crying. That was the worst part of the surgery. Recovering has been ok. The port wound is very painful and tender, but everything is ok otherwise. The doc already filled mine with 3 cc, since I'm leaving the country in a couple of weeks. I might get it tightened one more time prior to departure. I'm past the liquid stage. Started with mashed potatoes today. So far so good. It feels very strange when the food goes down, and I hiccup or burp. Tomorrow afternoon, I meet with the dietician. All in all, this has not been as bad as I thought it was going to be. Glad to hear everyone else is doing well. We did it!

Tracy - I'm so so sorry for what you are going through. Please stay strong for you and Robbie. I'm assuming from your post that you finally got fed up and asked him to leave? If everyone in your family is behind you on your decision then it means that they see the problems too. I would take that into consideration. I love you very much and pray for the best for you.

Oh & Judy I fed-exed the Colic Calm to you today for Kris. Like I said, it won't hurt to try and they love it.. it's like candy. That being said, it is PITCH BLACK like ink, so keep lots of paper towels or something you don't like around to catch any run-off. My only qualm about the stuff. I just have a onesie he spit it up on originally and use that as a rag (it does stain.) We went through one bottle, and I bought 3 more bottles.. by time they got here, we didn't need it anymore. I have 2 bottles left over, if she decides she likes it, let me know (it's not cheap, so I hate having to just throw them out). It says it cures hiccups too, though I never went through the trouble of the black mess just for hiccups.

Today needs to double time bc tomorrow It's back to reality and work for me. Oh boy..

I confess that I never thought about it before surgery but I feel kind of guilty I am getting fit and my daughter and son are still struggling daily to loose weight unsuccessfully and it was MY behavior and food addiction and the way I fed them growing up that made them that way ;(

I confess I started smoking again after my surgery:( I confess I haven't cheated once on my eating plan so somehow I give myself the ok to smoke promising myself I will quit soon. I confess I come to this group for support as I feel judged for having the plication instead of the vsg. I confess I am angry at a lot of people and wonder if this doesn't push more people away. I confess I haven't told a soul but my husband that I've had this done. I confess I get annoyed when people say you are lying if you don't tell people as it is a personal choice. I also infests I get annoyed when those people say "give your new tool the credit", I think bs, it may help but it's my determination and want power that keeps me being successful! Whew....

Here is another story on Global News about another woman from BC complaining of a leak after gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Almanza. http://globalnews.ca/news/1581936/north-van-woman-still-recovering-after-gastric-sleeve-surgery-in-mexico/ If there wasn't a 3.5 year wait list to get the surgery in BC on the public health care system, people wouldn't be paying to have it done elsewhere.

This news story ran in BC, Canada earlier this week. A lady came back to Canada after VGS surgery in Mexico, with a leak and a sliced spleen. The story does not specifically name the surgeon she had, but they show the receipt she got from the clinic she used, which was "Bariaticenter" in Tijuana. You can figure out who the surgeon was from there. http://globalnews.ca/video/1569692/mexico-surgery-warning The lady sounds a bit nutsy, but even so, she didn't pay for this. I am still going to Mexico next week for my VGS surgery, but not to this clinic. This video is a bit of fear mongering I think, but obviously, this lady had a very bad experience. Research, research, research!

What are you eating? Simple carbs? They tend to make stool and gas smell much worse. I use this for the bathroom. It's great. I carry a spray vial of perfume in my back pants pocket to spray my butt, so if I have gas the smell doesn't linger in my pants. But I almost never have it in public bc I don't eat simple carbs during the day as I don't eat them till I get home. If your family doesn't like the smell, I hope they knew what they were signing up for. TDS 2005

It will happen for you too. It’s amazing how quickly I’ve lost enough to feel better. Even if I haven’t had anyone say anything yet I have had several people tell me I look good. It’s partly bc I’m losing but I think even more because I feel so much better.

I am not a federal employee......and I agree - BC/BS is one of the best insurances to have for this procedure. Just got my hospital bill - I owe less than $20 - day procedure - no overnight stay.