Kittycat

Hi Allcdngirl, I was told yes you can....but to make sure, contact Revenue Canada....or even HR Block. I am hoping so too...mines 15k here in Ontario. Take Care Cathy

I am determined to make it work this time....I am not sure how I will do once I get the surgery date...I may eat my own hand off before I can't have to start the pre-op and post-op diet...you know how it is...eat everything you can before "B" Day! LOL!! I am so happy to be on this forum, the info and support is immeasurable...all of you have given me incentive to do this! Take care Cathy

Well, I did have my consult with the surgeon today, it went very well. I am even more convinced that this is the right decision for me. I have to call the patient co-ordinator tommorrow to book a psych and nutritional consultation and tentative surgery date. The surgery date we book tommorrow will go as planned when the psych gives the okay. I am confident that it will be a go very soon. I am looking at the calendar and I think the best time for me is mid-June. The dr. said they can book it anytime as long as I am able to do the pre-op diet for 2-3 weeks (4 shakes and non-starch veggies per day). I am excited, nervous, pacing, OMG! This is really happening..I am finally on my way to a thinner, healthier life!! Woot Hoo! Take care everyone and I will update you tommorrow on a tentative surgery date!! Cathy

I haven't been banded yet..hoping to get surgery date tommorrow....but when I had laproscopic gall bladder surgery, I had wicked shoulder pain...the best thing I found was putting a blanket in the dryer to warm it up and wrapping myself up in it for awhile...heating pad may work as well...hope you feel better soon!! Cathy

Hello 2BAHottie, I just returned from my surgical consult and asked if the port is noticable and how far under the skin it is...and he advised that you should not be able to see when you look at your tummy and you should not be able to feel it, it's under several layers of skin and tissue. He did mention however, if you lose alot of weight, it may start to come closer to the surface and be more notice than it was when implanted. I am even more sure since speaking with the surgeon that this is the right decision for me..it's won't be easy...but having the tool to loose weight and keep it off, is priceless. Good luck with your research and whatever you decide, make sure it's right for you!!! Cathy

Day after tommorrow!! How exciting...all the best to you...and let us know how things go....good luck! Cathy

It's all about choices...and eating the required amount of calories and getting your nutrients...your body with hold on to the weight if your body is in starvation mode. Even during the liquid diet post-op, you would think, "OMG, I am not eating, I am bound to lose tons of weight!". But your body has to get used to the changes, the band, the reduction in food intake before things level out and your body starts letting the weight go. It all takes time, we didn't put on the weight overnight, it won't come off overnight either. Best of luck Cathy

Any accomplishment is a huge accomplishment...and as we all know, weight goes up and down...that's life..but from what I can see everyone is doing fabulous and it's a huge incentive for me to get a move on. First consult with surgeon tommorrow...nervous and excited!! I am finally starting the journey!!! Cathy

...and I have a list of questions....is there anything that anyone can think of...that you wished you had asked and forgot to?? Any questions that are really important to know? Thanks for you help! Cathy

How exciting is that!! I feel the same way...I have my first surgical consult on Wednesday and I can hardly believe that in the next few months, I will be on my way to being a thinner person again...and how great I will look, how good I will feel, walking will be easier, shopping for smaller sizes, being able to wear some of the cool shoes in my closet with heels, that I can't right now, because I am too heavy. There are sooo many things to look forward to. And the best part is taking this journey with all of you on this forum. There are people from all over the world on this forum, which is amazing, and we are all going through the same challenges of this new life. Shout it from the rooftops!! Even a small accomplishment is worth celebrating!! Cathy

Best of luck on the 25th...let us know how everything goes!! Cathy

Quick question...what is fluoroscopy? Is it a fill solution? If you do not chose Fluoroscopy, what do they use? Thanks Cathy

Great pics, you look fantastic..and have great legs!! LOL!! Keep up the good work! Cathy

I hear you...I have been yo-yo dieting most of my life...if you diet you lose weight, but eventually you starting eating more or foods you shouldn't and the weight creeps back on, only to start over again. I have chosen the lap band, because I need a drastic lifestyle change...and seeing the weight come off is a huge incentive to keep going. I have learned so much from reading the posts on this forum. It's not about eating whatever you want in smaller portions, it's about chosing healthy foods. If you eat "bad" foods, such as fries, burgers etc...you won't get the vitamins and nutrition that your body needs and could end up getting sick. It's trial and error....some people can eat whatever they want, others PB when they eat ice cream. It's mind over matter...I guess that's why they give you a psych assessment before a surgery date is booked...at least they do here in Ontario, Canada. It's not easy...it's probably the most difficult thing you will ever do for yourself....but the rewards are sooo worth it!! I have my first surgical consult on Wednesday and I am nervous and excited...this is a huge step for me.... but I can't wait any longer or delude myself into thinking that I can do it without it...I know from past experience that I need some help. Take care and best of luck, Cathy

That's great! I am 3X and seems to have always had to shop in the Plus Size dept...I can wait for the day, I don't have to!!! Keep up the great work!! Cathy

Best of luck to your hubby on his surgery...he'll do great! Cathy

Just a note to wish you much luck...I am in Ontario too...Kitchener....all the best in Mexico...let us know how you are doing! Cathy

I find that when I eat less, I don't lose as much, but when I eat a balanced diet, breakfast (muffin, yogurt), lunch-lean cuisine and fruit and a well balanced dinner (no fast food or fried foods) I lose more weight. When your body is hungry you will hang on the pounds, when it's satisfied it will let it go...works for me!! Good luck! Cathy

If you think something is wrong...call your doctor, better to be safe than sorry. Cathy

Best of Luck with your surgery and recovery, keep us up to date on how you are doing. Take care Cathy

I have not been banded yet, but my understanding is that this is permanent, although you can elect to have it removed if you needed or wanted to. The band is a tool to help you feel full while you change your eating habits. If you choose not to change the portion or types of foods you eat, it won't work. Even gastric bypass can fail, if you don't make the necessary lifestyle changes. I am sure the surgeon or our fellow bandsters can provide more info as well. Good luck with your decision...Cathy

Yes I did, they were amazing...I have no idea she had been banded, she has always been heavy...I see myself in her sooo much, the chubby face...but they are amazing singers...thoroughly enjoyed the show!!! Cathy

I have read that you can start regular exercise after 2-3 weeks, but no abdominal crunches etc. for 3 months...walking is great. I would concentrate your weights on areas beside your tummy for 3 months. Sex...well...like the doctors say...when you feel comfortable doing so...just keep him off your tummy and you should be fine! LOL!!! Take care Cathy

Good morning MamaMichelle, I hope you are feeling better...you know what amazes me...how "Ok so I just threw up" gets this type of reaction..it's amazing how everyone comes together on this forum to help each other out...I am so glad I joined. I haven't been banded yet, hoping soon...and can't tell you how informative this forum has been...I am going to my first surgical consult next week and will be very well informed and prepared for the next step. Cudos to all the great ladies!!! Have a great day!! Cathy