BrooklynIrish59

I haven't been banded yet...4/21 is the day. However, I find myself drawn daily to this forum for an update on everyone's success (knowing one day, I'll have it too) their set-backs (yep, I can't count on those as well) and the stalls (no gain, no loss). It is motivating to read about each pound lost, but moreso how it's not just about losing pounds but starting a whole new life. And I LOVE seeing the pictures of "the incredible shrinking banders". I use to read my horoscope, but this forum has become my daily horoscope. Because of the postings, I know what my future holds! Congratulations to all of you! Barb

Hi all....I'm not from Canada, but I was interested in your post. I live in Indiana. I too, wondered about using my surgery as a Medial Expense Write off. I normally use H & R Block, so I called them. I guess I had more of a question since this was being done out of the country. The tax person I spoke to (not my regular tax preparer), said "gee, that's an interesting question, no one has ever asked me that before. Maybe you should call the IRS". So I called them....they didn't have an answer right off the bat either, but we went through 20 questions and what it boiled down to was "is this procedure cosmetic or was it medically necessary?" "Has your doctor recommended you have weight loss surgery?" At 5'1", 260 lbs and a BMI of 49, YEAH, it's medically necessary. If I wanted cosmetic surgery, I would have had those new head implants to make me taller, so I would no longer be overweight, just under-tall. (do I sound just a little sarcastic?) In the event of an audit, I have obtained a note from my doctor stating due to several medical issues associated with obesity, it WAS her recommendation that I have weight loss surgery. Getting that note was a suggestion from the IRS dude! I get banded on Monday 4/21....oh my only 4 more days to go! WOO HOO. Barb

For anyone who is interested, you can purchase Optifast at ebay. I've bought the Optifast 800 ready made shakes in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry. They have 14 gr of protein. They average about $4.00 a shake and they taste awesome. You can buy the Optifast 800 powder packs also on ebay and they are cheaper. For both items, you don't always have to bid and wait to see if you've won, they have a buy it now deal, which is how I go. Barb

=D> =D> =D> =D> Woohoo...congratulations Kimmie....what a difference 26 lbs makes...Keep up the great work! Barb Band date 4/21/08

Hi Tanya, Somewhere on this forum I saw something about a deal at $299 which pays for the fluoro, one night stay at the Lucerna and round trip in the van to the border. I'm being banded on 4/21...OMG, it's almost here and am planning on going back to Mexico for my first fill. Trust me I will definitely ask! That is a good deal. You can also try emailing Lori. Barb

What a relief to hear from some of you that OCC will move forward with the surgery even if you haven't lost all the weight Dr. Miranda suggests. When I filled out my paperwork I put down 260. In two weeks, I've only lost about 5 lbs. AND that's on my scale at home in the morning. I weighed myself at work in the afternoon today and it showed 259. How depressing! I'm walking and doing several shakes a day and maybe a salad. The only thing I am sure about is I've cut back oh so much on my fat intake. Surgery day is 4/21 and I am so excited. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading all the comments. Before I decided to do the lap band, I was nervous as hell. Now, after reading about everyone's experiences and helpful hints, I am truly confident that I made the right decision. Barb

Hi all....I'm getting banded on 4/21. My buddy and I have worked together for the past 5 years and decided to support each other by "banding" together. We are not travelling with our spouses. Here's my first silly question. What do we do with our personal things since we'll both be in surgery, with no one waiting in the wings? Does the hospital have any safe or security system to hold your wallet, passport, etc while your knocked out? I see OCC recommends optifast powder shakes pre and post operatively. Has anyone used the ready made drinks by Optifast? I think I'm more nervous about not being able to follow the pre-op instructions well enough. I've done the Medifast shakes off and on recently and am struggling to lose any considerable weight. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

Hi J, My friend and I are both being banded on April 21st. We are coming in from Indiana. Good luck with your pre-op weight loss. See you soon. Barb