teyann

Being so recent and even having tape still there- I feel that it would not tan evenly. I do not think it will harm anything- But it will also not help. Your skin is trying to heal, If you tan than it is trying to repair that damage instead????

Just my opinion.

I would simply say...I appreciate everyone's concern, all is fine I am just changing my eating habits as per my Dr.

If it persists I would say, Again like I said I appreciate your concern but I would rather not talk about it as it is hard enough to make the right choice for me- Support would be great instead!

I had so many comments that actually ended up driving me to cancel the surgery! Sooooo, I totally understand people who just do not understand and the comments about Mexico. You just get tired of explaining. Stand strong and be blunt and only share what you want to!

Hey everyone,

I just needed to post and let everyone know how much I appreciate your posts and input. Although I cancelled my surgery I am still working at changing my lifestyle and slowly the pounds are coming off.

It is a real inspiration to read everyone stories, I hope it is ok that I still visit now and than.

Tracy

I am no expert and have not even been banded. I changed my mind because of what you are going through right now. But I am down 23lbs so far.

I have decided to get to the route of the problem. Have you tried counselling? Overeaters anonymous or even Weight watchers where there is a support group?

Nothing will ever change if you don't deal with why your eating. I know as I am almost 40 and have dealt with this issue all my life.

Best of luck! Don't beat yourself up!

Thanks everyone for replying.

Ok, what am I scared of....Each story I read on here where someone is having problems.

Where I live there is basically limited to know healthcare. So I would have to go to Calgary for fills. Someone on here posted that the Dr.'s there are turning away Mexico patients for fills. So where does that leave me? Each time I have to go to the OCC? What if I get overfilled there (this seems to be a common occurence from what I have read on here)- than I have to fly back to have it adjusted? That I can not afford and I have a husband that has had a stroke and unable to care for my 3yr and 18mth old. So than childcare each time is an issue.

I am terrified of encountering problems- (I am the only one to care for these kids and him.) Not even being able to swallow my medication.......

I do want feedback to make sure I am making a well informed decision. So PLEASE give it.....

10 years ago I did the WW thing and lost 70lbs, I ate properly and jogged. I felt very empowered and in control of my life. Besides the differences in how people treated me- was amazing.

No I obviously did not keep it off- But I did not make the lifestyle change. I feel this is my last chance to get healthy as I am approaching 40...YIKES!

I think I can do it!

Yes, just like it says in the contract- They do give your deposit back. As long as you give proper notice etc...

If I can not do it, I for sure will get the surgery in the spring.

Thanks so much everyone for being there and responding. I am still open to feedback!

Thanks everyone for replying.

Ok, what am I scared of....Each story I read on here where someone is having problems.

Where I live there is basically limited to know healthcare. So I would have to go to Calgary for fills. Someone on here posted that the Dr.'s there are turning away Mexico patients for fills. So where does that leave me? Each time I have to go to the OCC? What if I get overfilled there (this seems to be a common occurence from what I have read on here)- than I have to fly back to have it adjusted? That I can not afford and I have a husband that has had a stroke and unable to care for my 3yr and 18mth old. So than childcare each time is an issue.

I am terrified of encountering problems- (I am the only one to care for these kids and him.) Not even being able to swallow my medication.......

I do want feedback to make sure I am making a well informed decision. So PLEASE give it.....

10 years ago I did the WW thing and lost 70lbs, I ate properly and jogged. I felt very empowered and in control of my life. Besides the differences in how people treated me- was amazing.

No I obviously did not keep it off- But I did not make the lifestyle change. I feel this is my last chance to get healthy as I am approaching 40...YIKES!

I think I can do it!

Yes, just like it says in the contract- They do give your deposit back. As long as you give proper notice etc...

If I can not do it, I for sure will get the surgery in the spring.

Thanks so much everyone for being there and responding. I am still open to feedback!

Hi everyone!

I have decided against the lapband surgery. I have requested my deposit back!

The entire time since I chose the lapband I had this nagging doubt in the back of my head. Now that I have canceled, it is the same- Can I do this on my own etc...

Guess I need some feedback from some neutral people that have dealt with weight issues.

I have not had surgery yet. But I am doing the pre-op diet.

From what I have learned so far, you still have to change your lifestyle and what you choose to eat. Yes, you should defintely have restriction- But what you chose to eat is just as important as well as exercise.

Like I said I have not had the surgery yet- But from what I am told it is just a tool to assist you, it does not do it for you?????

OK, I live in Canada and have no idea how things work in the States, but here the Gov. would kick in. When people need care like that they need to be in a place that can provide that type of care.

It is now time to stand up and think of yourself first!! You have to take care of YOU! As I have found out, nobody else will.

Please find out about some alternatives for their care. I would also seek out some counseling to get you through this rough time. No matter about what the past was and who they were, they are at a point that you are unable to take care of them. Also part of the abuse brings guilt and that what is feeding this right now! You have to break free........

My heart goes out to you!

Hi Cara,

I am flying into San Diego on Nov 3rd and returning on the 7th. I am having the surgery and could really use someone to talk to and walk around with while I am there. But I will be in TJ- not San Diego.

Not banded yet, but doing the pre-op- a month early.

I have started to eat my meals on a bread and butter plate. Eating very slow and chewing lots (for practice).

I find this and measuring and writing all I eat down helps me be accountable--so far!

Everyone is right. No point in beating yourself up as than you will want to turn to food even more as a comfort. Vicous cycle.

I find that writing everything down that I eat helps. It makes me accountable. Also if you have someone to weigh in with once a week. That helps me too!

Chin up- You can do this!!!

I have a toning tape that I think is great. It is Rebok Tops and bottoms. It is two 15 min workouts. One for the top- mainly arms and the other for the legs and they both include a bit of abs. It's ONLY 15min. but you can really feel it.

I also think Yoga and Pilates does amazing things for toning.

Hi,

I think it looks like you found the right spot for some answers.

I have not had the surgery yet, but I am booked for Nov 5th. I am excited and nervous. Because I have not had it done yet I can only share my journey so far and the research I did.

I too am doing this is be healthy for my children and I want to be able to run and play with them. Also I do not want them to have the same issues I have had with weight all my life.

I live in Canada and started to research having it done here. It is not covered under healthcare from the info I have found. It ranges in price but the average is about 17,000. I want the lapband as it seems to be the safest choice. With the other surgery where they insert the balloon I am told that you have problems like diahrea etc...

You still have to do the work with the band, but it is a tool to help you get the weight off and keep it off.

The more I looked into this the more I seen one name come up and that was Dr. Ortiz. I started to do some research on him and he seems to be the most experienced person. He has done alot of training of other surgeons in the States and Canada for this procedure. Simply, he is the best from what I have found. Also the best price. They are offering the surgery for just under 8000.00 right now. I hear his clinic and staff are fantastic and you are taken very good care of.

The one alarming thing to me was it is in Mexico. You hear all kinds of horror stories. Well I researched it all and feel quite confident that this is the best place to go for me.

I suggest you read alot of the posts on here and most of your questions will get answered.

You can also contact the OCC and they will give you any info you want. I also had a telephone consultation with a surgeon in Toronto.

Type it in on the internet and it is amazing all the info that comes up.

Best of luck on your decision, I hope some of what I wrote is helpful to you.

OK, I know smoking is bad for you and all the reasons why.

But why do they ask you not to smoke two weeks before the surgery? I have had other surgery's and this has never been a request.

I know quitting would be great- But I am unsure I can kick more than two habits at a time.

Right now I love diet coke, smoking and obviously the food issues.

Does anyone know why they ask this?

I have not been banded yet and reading some of this is rather scary to me. I am looking at this as the start of my life. I see everyones progress on here and it is soooo where I want to be.

Sorry to say this and it is not to affend but hopefully put you in the right frame of mind (as I would want someone to do to me) But you need to maybe post some pics of how you want to look on the fridge or anywhere you may be looking alot.

I have a journal and I have started cutting pics of clothing I want to fit into to, Bodies I wish I looked like etc... Motivation! You have to change your mind set to succeed.

We are saying this to help- Not criticize. We all know how it is to feel overweight......we want everyone to suceed. Sometimes tough love is needed!

You made it this far DO NOT THINK OF ANTHING BUT SUCEEDING!!!!

We only care!

Have you seen the DVD The Secret? It is about achieving what you want by being positive and picturing yourself there. If you start to act and think like your thin, your sub-consious starts to kick it into gear. It is a great DVD or book to get...... Just some thoughts...

I am curious, do they not make it clear after the surgery as to what you are allowed to eat, drink etc???

Contact Dr. Miranda about pre-op diet. There are three different choices and she will tell you which one to use.

You need to weigh yourself at the same time and NOT everyday. It is discoraging and not accurate to do it everyday. Once a week. You will so more results.

Keep your chin up- don't focus so much on the scale.

OK, I have been thinking alot after reading some posts on here.

Obviously most of us are not only eating due to hunger. I know myself that it has to do with emotions. I eat when I am happy it is a comfort when I am sad etc... We all know that alot of the reason weight is put back on is because of things we have not dealt with.

It is similar to any other addiction, it is something we will always battle. So I know the band is a tool to help keep the weight off, but if some of us do not deal with the underlying issues of why we eat- is it not likely the weight will go back on???

Does the OCC cover any these things when you have the surgery? As this is not just a magic pill you take and wake up thin. It is going to have to be a life style change.

Anyone have info or comments in regards to this?

I have not had to do the financing, but have you thought of just taking a line of credit out at your bank? I bet the interest rate would be much better?

I am having the exact sa,e problems.....HELP!

I was wondering the same thing. I have not been banded yet, But was wondering about if you get sick.

What happens if you have the flu and are throwing up? Can something happen to the band?

You look fantastic! Takes my worries away about being banded!

You are Beautiful!!!!

Hi Guys and Gals,

I havent had surgery yet, but I have read on here and other websites about shoulder pain? Is this a side effect from surgery or is this something to with over eating once you have the band? How long does it last?

Jenelle

I have not had surgery yet either but it is my understanding that it is Gas pain and it seems to be quite common. I think chewing ALOT and eating very slow help. Also after surgery for a few days it seems to be common from what I am reading.

I was just wondering if anyone else had trouble with Paypal?? I got an email from the clinic yesterday stating that they hadn't recieved my deposit for my surgery which is in ONE month. I made the payment thru paypal on my credit card MORE than a month ago. I still have my email confirmation (thank God!!) from Paypal and I forwarded that to the clinic. But has anyone else had problems with it? I have used paypal before and not had any problems before.

I did, the OCC was unable to match up the payment. I sent them the receipt via email and all was good!