canuk98828

Hahaha, Lindsay, that's hilarious, but so true. I don't want to look that much different, nor look like a drag queen. Thank you Canuk, that latisse sounds interesting. Isn't it by prescription only though. Seems I remember it from my days working in pharmacy. I'll have to check it out, that seems more natural and permanent. Thanks so much guys!

It is by prescription but I have found that the doctors that do the Restlyn (SP?) and Perlane will usually prescribe it. I go through my Dermatologist to get it.

Since I'm looking thinner, I've considered getting those eyelash extensions and wondered if anyone has done this and about your experience. I know they only last for a few weeks, but I have an important "date" planned soon and thought it would be appropriate. Any tips or feedback would be appreciated since I'm a bit unsure about doing stuff so close to my eyes. Thanks.

I have been using the Latisse product (the Brooke shield uses) and it has given me fabulous lashes. It is expensive to purchase but last a long time thus the cost is not that high.

Hello,

I am female and I weigh 365 pounds. I don't have insurance, but my brother told me that he would donate $5,000 toward my lap band surgery. I was just curious how much more I would need to come up with. I don't need an exact number, just a general idea. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Melissa

You can contact Lori at OCC and she will tell you the current cost. When I was scheduled and was private pay, it was approx $6.5K

Great blog!

http://www.foodsize.com/

Thanks Lindsay, really good info

Hey Busmomma,

Thanks for replying to my post. It's funny because I ended up reading afterward some of the postings on the forum and read about your "bathroom" issues prior to surgery. I'm really glad that in the end you didn't regret doing this surgery and that you aren't strugling too much with "emotional eating" or any eating issue that you might have had before.

I'm about to book the surgery date for the end of may but I'm simply afraid that I won't be able to control my cravings and pulsions even with the band and end up being frustrated because I won't be able to eat all type of foods. (I was told that some people can't eat bread, pasta, potatoes, ect. because it get caught in the band).

I'm sure it's all worth it in the end but with my depression and all I sometimes have a hard time being positive.

Thanks for sharing part of your experience with me and good luck to you for the rest of your journey!

Marie

I found that the cravings for food changed when I was banded. I do not crave any of the "white" foods for the majority of the time. I have not had any bread since August 2010 but will occasionally have a bit of rice or pasta and do not have any problems. I will ususally use brown rice. for pasta the primary thing is to stay away from the spaghetti type of noodle when you indulge. i will make a small bit of rotini or the like and it does not give me any problems. You will not regret this wonderful journey you are embarking on.

Well, I had my surgery done one month ago today. I finally got a chance to come back to this site. One week after my surgery, my mom fell down a set of very steep steps...and broke her neck in two places and her back. She is finally in a rehabilitation center. They are expecting her to make a full recovery. Things could have ended so very differently so we are thankful for every day with her. I will NEVER get the picture, of her lying at the bottom of the steps, out of my mind though.

I've lost 25 pounds thus far. I feel that I have so much more energy. The diarrhea, that I experienced throughout the ten day pre-surgery phase, continued for quite some time. The protein shakes that I chose were loaded with way too much fiber for my system to handle. After my surgery, they had me switch to regular Carnation Instant Breakfast and that worked much better. I returned to work after two weeks of my surgery. I drive a school bus and have a need to have something in my mouth. Since gum is not allowed anymore, and the Life Savers which I had been sucking on had sugar in them, I switched to sugar free Life Savers. The diarrhea continued. I also had TERRIBLE gas/gas pains. I believed this was due to the drinks I had chosen...Arizona Diet Iced Tea (made with Splenda), G2, ...and other artifically sweetened drinks. I cut those out but the diarrhea continued. I never bothered to read the label on the back of the Life Savers bag, "Excess consumption may have a laxative effect." I stopped the Life Savers, and now I feel SO MUCH better!!

Wow, i did not know that about life savers - hodda thunk : I don't beleive the OCC restricted us from chewing gum, either. If they did, I missed that part. Sorry you can't anymore.

I've found Value Village the best source for clothes during my transitional phase. I guess the states has Goodwill and perhaps other local second hand clothing stores. I know it sounds second rate but I've actually seen brand new clothing with tags in some of these stores. It seems they get overstock from some retailer. It's an affordable option since you will only be in that size for a short time, right?

absolutely correct. the amount of time you spend in a size when you are dropping the weight is minimal, it, in my opinion is a waste to spend good money on clothes that you may use for 30 to 60 days.

Thank you. I am having a problem beause I live in a small town. All I have is Walmart and GNC. I don't like to shop at GNC. Half the ones I have looked up online have them in it or don't list the other ingredients just the ones of how much cal,fat,protein, viatamins..etc

Both of these can be bought at Wal Mart or you can go online.

Is this for real??? I can hardly believe it myself

Banded Apr 2 2010, and today, Apr 15 2011, I am down 73 lbs and freaking loving life.

I worked hard, ate right, cooked like hell, worked out, (forced myself to) develop an appreciation for running and never gave up hope

A year later, new job, new apartment, new dog (running mate!), new boyfriend, NEW BODY, NEW OUTLOOK.

Thanks for all the support over the year!

XOXOXO

your fabulous and I'm sooo happy for you

I am having a problem finding a shake that is Malt or maltodextrin FREE, I am allergic to it and can't have anything with it in it. I would like to have lapband done but need to find a shake with out this in it. It is a common allergy so I was hopeing someone here already knows or can peak at the brand they use. I have called bariatricadvantage and it is in theirs.

any and all help would be great.

I have found one Brand is NOW foods. Whey Protein Isolate has anyone every tasted this brand?

Neither brand that I am using list either of those ingredients. They are Muscle Mild 100% Protien and EAS Soy Protein

Yup Lindsay, you betcha........as I think I mentioned it happens now if I happen to not listen to my body and eat a bit too much. Getting far better at knowing when I'm full........measuring my food/or weighing it helps a lot. I double checked with the nutritionist thinking I should be long past that..............apparently not, it can also be a way my body is telling me I've eaten a bit too much and maybe my gauge....but what I have noticed is my nose starts to run when I'm getting close to being full. The breast bone thing started to subside about the time my nose started to run as I was getting close to the end of my measured food. Haven't heard of the nose running thing, so might not be related, who knows. I do know any changes to the body say after WLS take the body a few months(up to a year) to adjust to the changes, per nuturtist.......And yup, I do keep in constant contact with her cause i don't know personally anyone who has had WLS. Oh and thanks for answering the question about not loosing a bunch of weight but clothes have become so big needed to down grade size...............something I had such a great time doing last week end while I was in the States. K:)

my soft stop is sneezing so the nose running thing resonates with me. I know now that it used to happen when I would gorge myself and never knew why. What is really interesting is I remember my father having the same signal but not knowing what caused it.

Canuk, I know what you mean about wanting to always be just a bit thinner. There's that fine line, and yes the media has made it fashionable to be deathly skinny. However, these models are very young girls and their bodies can take that stress. Being very thin has its disadvantages as far as our hearts are concerned. Our hearts are a muscle that need to be nourished well to continue to beat regularly. I've been thin and I've been heavy and have gotten comments all through the spectrum. People will always give their opinions, but what my body says to me is what's most important now.

Thank you for your input. Since my post, I have gotten down to a size 9 and feel this is where I want to "live". I have been able to maintain at this since Christmas with little to no issues. I walk about 5 to 10 miles a day and use my incline trainer on days that I can manage the time. I primarily wanted the trainer for when the weather does not cooperate to walk. Again thanks for your thoughts.

Hello fellow banders,

Tomorrow is my first day off of the liquid 21-day diet. Yes, I made it through all 21 days!

My first week I didn't lose much, 2 pounds. I didn't weigh at all last week but since I

was at the hospital and they needed it, ok.

I lost 20 pounds! WOW!

The bad news was I went in to the hospital for the second surgery on my broken wrist.

The news of my weight loss, however, made the pain both mentally and physically bearable.

Thank you all for your support, this forum is awesome!

Mark

sorry to hear about your wrist, but what a fabulous surprise when you stepped on the scale. It just keeps getting better and better

A dear friend of mine is involved in animal rescue. She has just recently rescued an adorable Shih Tzu/Poodle baby girl that needs a good loving home. She has one deformed paw but that does not inhibit her in any way. She plays with the big dogs, running and jumping and keeping up. She is also a lap puppy. I have been told there is not rehoming fee and that the rescue organization will pay to fly her to her new home. I have a pic if you are interested and want to see her. Please PM me and I will send the pic. Any help would be appreciated to let this little one have a wonderful family

I know what you mean, I've been steering clear of white or soft bread. I've read in multiple places that it can swell and maybe block my band opening. I'm not even risking that at this point. Have you tried small amounts of high quality whole grain bread? It provides great nutrition and fiber.

I use a half of a whole grain thinwich when I am really wanting a bread like item. toasted it makes a delicious open sandwich.

Does it exist? I am glad to read about this and protein ice cream has many advantages and is dessert item of protein. I will see the recipe of protein egg ice cream.

It does exist. The website www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com has some awesome recipes for WLS. I have tried numerous recipes from her and have liked all of them. The "ice cream" is the best. I have served it to non WLSers and they also thought it was great.

I just had my surgery on the 1st of Aprl (fool's day) I have a lot of gas not as much nausea as you mentioned. Sipping clear lquids, but have so so much gas it unbelievable...any suggestoins? I am taking Gas X strips..helps a little but it is fairly intense. I really appreciate that you are sharing online...it has been supportive prior to my surgery.

walking seems to be the general rule of thumb to move the gas build up through your system.

Hi, just signed up. I am scheduled for plication surgery on April 11. I have to fly from California to Washington state after. about a 3 1/2 hour flight. Have been told I need to worry about DVT (Blood clots in legs) because I am flying 2 days after surgery. Anyone out there had this problem? thanks in advance.

I flew from SD to Eastern WA the 2nd day after surgery with no issues. I did have a brief layover in Seattle but did not have any concerns. Hope this helps.

Anyone want to add to this list?

Things I have heard that are useful

1. Gas X strips - helps with gas pain

2. Thermos - to carry warm soup on plane home

3. Packet soup powder (no noodles) to put inside 2.

4. Comfy clothes (elastic waistband)

5. I'm sure laptop or books help as TV might be limited

6. Plastic Baby spoon (someone told me this really helped not to eat too fast.

7. Take advantage of wheel chair option in airport (might as well get first class treatment)

8. A great blender for home (some people swae by the Magic Bullet)

I would add the Whey liquid protein shots. I took one with me and loved the ability to sip it.

I am 55. I am concerned about doing this at my age. I don't recover as quickly as I did when I was younger and I am worried that I will be down longer than the 10 days or so I keep reading about. All you 50 and over tell me what your experiences were.

I had the lap band surgery done last August and I was 56 years old. My only thought was why did I wait so long. Sounds like you are not having the band but a more intense WLS. Don't let your age, age you.

I'm just trying to plan ahead, actually does anyone know of Fill Clinics in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho? I'm trying to plan for OCC but I'm not sure I can afford it, If anyone has prices in these areas that would be extremely helpful! I am on crutches with arthridic knees so the savings of using the bus/trolley then walking across the border doesn't work for me. Any & all information you can give me is greatly appreciated.

Thank you my friends,

Mark

there was a good fill center in Marysville WA but the building had a fire and they are closed. Not sure if they will reopen They are directing people to http://www.pacsurgical.com/contact.htm. Have not heard anything positive or negative about the new center

R

Well, I'm back. I could not have the plication surgery because of a previous stomach surgery 10 years ago. So I am the new owner of a Band! Just got home last night.

I had the worst time - - not at OCC, but first hearing I wasn't elegible for surgery, then getting through that. 1 day b4 flight - I fell at home and broke my left wrist,sprained my right thumb, and hurt my already arthritic knees. I was sure that night I would not be going but the next morning I called the airline and with the help of a very nice agent, I was able to get tickets for my wife to come. I never would have made it without her.

All of the staff was great. They were kind and gentle, I was in so much pain, I screamed every time I had to standup or sitdown. Someone always was there to help my wife as she struggled with me. The doctors were also top-notch, and Dr. Ortiz could not have been better!

So here I go on a new adventure! Thanks for the support that some of you so quickly gave to me.

Mark

Welcome to Bandster land. So sorry to hear about your pre surgery trials. Awesome that you had the support and help arrive when you needed it.

Hi Feather,

The one thing I was glad I took was comfortable walking shoes, in my case a real comforty sandel, cause waking is a really good way of releasing the gas one ends up after surgery. I also found out warm liquids are far easier to drink that cold ones, so I took a few bags of my fav tea. The Marriot doesn't have a micro but they do have a coffee maker which did quite well. Also us OCC patients get room service for our meals.......if you can call chicken broth meals. Actually I didn't feel hungry at all, even now I need to watch to not miss a meal cause hungry doesn't strike me like it use to, I was a grazer and that's gone. Also, avoid drinking of any sort for at least 30 minutes before you lie down, otherwise the gas is uncomfortable. Later the sort of golden rule is no drinking anything within 30 minutes of eating. To do so means major gas stitches. I didn't gave surgery pain, I had some soreness, but nothing to wirte home about. Unless you don't mind artificial sweeteners, then you can have the popcicles at the hotel. Personally I found them gross. Walmart is only a few blocks from the hotel, and they have Vitamin drinks etc, but warning, if you're going to pay cash, you will need Pesos cause they don't take US dollars, but they do take credit cards. If you want to use cash, your bank will be able to get some Mexican Pesos before yiou leave. I also to some sugarfree hard candies cause dry mouth comes with the territory of surgery, Hall cough drops are also helpful for any sore throat or dry mouth. If you have any questions, do ask...everything you're thinking and feeling, we've been there too, so we do know how you are feeling. When did you say your surgery was??? Cheers, Katie

I agree, good walking shoes are a must. The sidewalks are horrendously uneven,broken pavement. Also, I did not have any problems using U.S.money at the Walmart but I was only at the pharmacy. However, I did use U.S. money at the grocery store across from Wal Mart with no issue.

Today I started my liquid diet. I have to do this for ten days. I am so hungry...my stomach keeps growling! How do I make it through these ten days without losing my mind? I am so excited to have this surgery. I hope to get off of my blood pressure medicine; I hope that my asthma clears up; and I hope that my sugar goes down. I am not on any meds for the sugar, as my doctor believes it will go down after my surgery. I have not been thin for so long...I don't know what to expect when I lose weight. I am 240 pounds and hope to get down to 160...or possibly even 150. These goals are realistic, aren't they?? I'd appreciate hearing from people who have have lapband surgery...

Absolutely realistic. Which of the three pre op diets are you doing. the 2 shakes a day and one lean cuisine was the one I followed and found it tolerable. I did do a lot of switching around to find the "right" shake. Ended up with the Equate brand as my preference. Keep on plugging. Since surgery my blood pressure is low normal, something that has not been since adulthood (along time ago). Private message me if you prefer for some extra support

I was banded in August 10 and have currently am doing well without getting a fill. Should I be trying to find someone local do conduct a yearly exam? Can anyone tell me about what the check up is like? Did you go back to the OCC? Just wanted to start making plans. If you are in WA area and found someone local, would you share who you went to. Many thanks for all input