It never fails, hmmmm?? Murphy's law rules my life too. I had my TOM right before my surgery too. The nurse gave me some "oh so pretty" paper panties with a pad and everything was fine. So, nothing to worry about. Hope all goes well with your surgery and recovery. Jean B.

Hi Bridget,
I'm so glad you are doing this for yourself. Have a safe trip. Let us know know how you're doing! Hugs and prayers to you. Jean B.

Hi Mary,
We were allowed to have protein shakes from day 1. I used CIB, Body Fortress whey protein and milk. I don't think I had any repercussions from it. I think I sipped on 1 off and on during each day for the first week.
But, everyone says to follow your docs orders since he's the one you're paying and the one who has deal with any problems you might have. Good luck and hang in there! Jean B.

Hey Wendy,
I just saw this. Guess it was looking for a nice warm place, since it's getting cold out! Glad to hear the doc got it out easily though. How's everything?? Jean B.

Hey Mary,
Been thinking about you all day - hope the surgery went well and you are on the road to recover by now. Although I'm glad I don't need another surgery, I wouldn't mind having that new AP Band. Hope this one goes well for you! Keep us posted. Jean B.

Christina,
I'd be curious to hear what you find out. I just met with a financial guy yesterday and he was looking my life insurance policy and suggested he might be able to find something better - something my parents have been telling me forever. When I looked into getting disability insurance through State Farm this past summer, I was turned down because of the band surgery. They said I have to wait for 2 years after surgery to try to get it - and they lump all WLS surgery in the same category too. Which is TOTALLY DUMB!!! Someone needs to educate the insurance community. Anyway, I had forgotten about this and probably need to call this guy and tell him about the band 'cuz I probably won't be able to get new life insurance either. Will let you know if he finds anthing though. Jean B.

Hey Krista,
Good Job. Feels good, doesn't it??? Keep up the great work. Jean B.

I've had 6 fills and finally in June I felt like I had pretty good restriction. I haven't had one since, but just made an appointment to get another one because I am getting so hungry between meals. I have 2.8 cc's in a 4 cc band. Last winter, I wished my doc would be more aggressive with the fills, but now I'm glad he wasn't. I never want to be overfilled. I have to pay for fills and unfills until my huge deductible is met (and it won't be met this year), so I waited until I was quite sure I needed more before making the new appointment. And, I've been satisfied with my weight loss with the fill level I've had, up until the last month. Jean B.

Glad to hear it, Nancy. You must be feeling lots better - just in general and with that good news. Jean B.

Hi Maggie,
I'm just a little over year out from my surgery. I've lost 65 lbs. since surgery and had lost 30 pre-op for a total of 95 lbs. in 1-1/2 years. I am thrilled with my results. Don't be discouraged - you've done great. And don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are doing this for you and your health. Keep doing what you're doing and just think where you will be a year from now! You have done a wonderful thing for your health and this is a life-long commitment. It will happen for you! Jean B.

It feels so good, doesn't it???? Congratulations!
Jean B.

I'm so sorry to hear you have to have your band remove - I'd be upset too. Wonder why that happened?? Good luck with your post-band life - is there any chance you would have it replaced? Keep us posted. Jean B.