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Blog 104557
 

unsure about getting aproved

iam trying not to get my hopes up because i am not 35% only 33% but i do have high blood pressuer and am currently on medication for it. i hope that ins takes into account my age, i really want this so bad. i have been overweight all my life and it has bee a big part of my emotional suffering. if i dont get approved it will be devastating, i could never affored to pay out of pocket fror the sx. i still have to do my sleep study and lab tests, and phy eval, i sometimes wounde if i should do all of this, just to probly get denide. wish someone could give me some good outlook.
kbrier2703

kbrier2703

3
Blog 95742
 

Super glue

I was banded on oct. 18, how long do it take for the glue to come off or go away it itch like crap. Please can someone that was banded around this time tell me if the glue is still visible on your incisions or any info would be welcomed.:cursing:
lnhardemon

lnhardemon

4
Blog 104799
 

A New Life

Hi I have been reading this blog for a while now and let me tell you,I am learning something new from each and everyone.I was banded on Oct. 25,2010.I had a two week pre op diet and lost 20 lbs.Since the lap band I have lost only 6 and have stayed the same weight for several days.Is this normal?I also wonder about your diet afterwards.I was able to eat part of a chicken breast four days after my surgery as long as I chewed like I was Supposed to.My doctor allowed this.I am wondering why our diets are so different?I went two days on liquids and one on soft,then I went right on to solids.I have had no Problems.Has anyone else been on a diet like mine?
lea1085

lea1085

4
Blog 104214
 

My Last Supper

Well tomorrow is my final day...I start Optifast on Friday...Is it wrong to want to eat ALL my fav's tomorrow??? I feel like I'm never going to be able to pig out again...This is good...But, also scary - Because this is what I've done for comfort for so long. When I'm bored - I eat...When I'm happy, sad, mad, etc, etc...I eat. Now what? What do I do now??? Has anyone felt like this before surgery...Had 2nd thoughts??? Well, tomorrow I will indulge in ALL my fav's and say Hello to my new way of living. Scary, but I'm ready.
hopee

hopee

5
Blog 104709
 

Day 1 of a new life.... Didn't go so smoothly

My name is Celeste. I have been battling the bulge for ten years now. After a long time of diet and exercise only causing me to gain weight I thought I was hopeless. I went to my OBGYN for my yearly check up and mentioned the Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome and asked if there was a way to help control the weight. He looked down and frowned a bit, "the only thing I have seen help people loose weight in this situation is banding." The next day I went about looking at the surgery details. I think that was in May or June, everything has blurred together now. I was suddenly at the end of a six month journey and was told, "you are approved, we can do surgery November 2, 2010." I quickly accepted and jumped on board. This is what I wanted after all, wasn't it? With no second thoughts about what the procedure could help me with I agreed. As I got closer the fear of going under hit me. Like a ton of bricks, to the point I had a panic attack in the OR. Nothing a little bit of drugs couldn't help with I suppose. The Anesthesiologist said to me, "you have to be sure you want this procedure done or I won't put you out." I looked at him and said, "I have to be sure you are going to wake me up." He nodded and off I went. My doctor, Doctor Gedeon of Bristol told me he was going to do the surgery a new way. With one incision in the belly button. It is less invasive and because I was skinny it would work. So when I woke up I was thrilled to see no wholes in me. YAH! I was feeling pretty good as a general rule. I was only suffering gas pains. I went from 11:30am (the time I finally woke up) until 8:30 that evening with out pain meds. I got up and walked twice at that point. From that point on I walked whenever I could. Of course with all the IV fluids I had to pee a million times, thus not sleeping that well. I rested most of the day dozing on and off as it was. When it came around to the morning time I was needing pain meds every 5-6 hours and honestly, I was allowed them every two hours. The nurses said how strong I was to be so determined and self reliant. In the morning they carted me down to do my swallow test, ouuu that was disgusting tasting but not the worst. The x-ray technician that took an X-ray of my stomach said to me, "you had lap band, but your so skinny." I laughed, in the last ten plus years of my life I have never been called skinny. My doctor is great, I love the staff. They are very good and gave me great guidelines to live by. Once on solids only eat 1/4 cup at a time. Eat all your proteins first and make sure they are solid proteins. One does not want to add the extra calories of liquid protein once on solid foods unless it is a case of needing a carry along meal. Vitamins will be my new best friend and my doctor expects my weight to drop pretty fast. He read the review from the Psychologist and the guy said, "motivated and determined to not just loose fat, but life a healthier life style. She doesn't appear to have food attachments and looks to be ready to stop letting her health control her life." He said he had never seen such a glowing review from the Psychologist, but here I am digressing. I am now home, day one, my two and a half year old has already tried to jump on me. She knows something is wrong and doesn't know how to approach me, but is giving me lots of kisses. My ten year old is thrilled to see that I am "alive" and well. He is being gentle and loving and trying to help out with his sister as much as possible. My husband is taking on all the duties of a husband and helping out with everything. I am uncomfortable today and in a decent amount of pain. My last dose of pain meds was 11:30 and I took another dose at 5:30. I want to remember that there is pain so that I do not push myself too hard and get hurt. If I forget I have limitations I know I will hurt myself. Trying to force down some broth and protein shake. It's a slow go but I do not want to get sick from trying to drink this stuff. I read somewhere some people say they were dreaming of food after. I AM TOO!!! I dreamt of a nice crisp salad, then I dreamt of stuffed mushrooms and I watched a cooking show on television. Oddly though, I had no desire to eat. My mind is processing out why my body isn't asking for these things. I hope I dream about pot roast tonight. Getting in my head what to do for Thanksgiving. My Mom and I are cooking it together, with her in ICU last week and finally out, me out of surgery starting a new life, this is so going to be our blessed holiday this year. After two deaths in the family this year and a close call for my Mom, everything should go up hill from here.
Cangel76

Cangel76

2
Blog 95523
 

Second Fill...what a difference

Yesterday, I finally got my second fill. I am 3 month and 1 week post op. Wow...what a difference. I can only eat a few bites and I feel full. I know that my doctor stated that he wanted me to consume only about a 1/2 cup. Trust me when I say...I could have consumed that x 4 but chose not too so that I could lose weight (40 lbs so far). However, I still was getting hungry and had to really stay focused on my journey. I am hopeful that maybe this is the elusive sweet spot that everyone talks about...I'll keep you posted. Yeah...to feeling full easily!
Dadkins8

Dadkins8

2
Blog 94866
 

Live Alone

I don't have a surgery date yet, it will probably not be until early next year because I still have my nutrionist appt, which is tomorrow, and two more visits with my dr. Anyways, my question is was there anyone that had the surgery that went home alone? I live in an apartment by myself and was just wondering if I will have to have someone with me following the surgery or if I will be alright alone? Most everyone I've read on here is married, or has a boyfriend who they lived with. I'm just trying to get all the information I can so I will be prepared when the time comes. Thanks for any information and have a great day!!
Jodie1

Jodie1

4
Blog 103116
 

Surgery is a go!

I had my sleep study done and I have sleep apnea. Great! I didn’t believe it and thought the kids doing the study were just way to young to perform this properly! They kept waking me up and I don’t feel I slept as much as they claim because the electrodes on my head were coming off and they had to keep coming in to squeeze them back on and then replace them altogether, so to say I slept 5.7 or the 6 hours I was there is WAY off! The bad thing is that I have to go back again tonight for another sleep study, this time with a mask on my face. Then I have to get a prescription and go pick one up or they won’t do my surgery without it. This really sucks because I have no intention of using it and it will most likely correct itself anyway with the weight loss. But, I have to do it for now to get the band. My husband says he’s never heard anything to alert him during the night and he’s had times where he couldn’t sleep and was up while I slept and not a peep! I got approved for my lapband procedure over the weekend and it’s set for November 19th. Unfortunately, I have to travel 2 hours to San Antonio for the surgery, but they’re putting me up in a hotel the night before. It’s the drive back after surgery I’m concerned with. I hope we make it back without a hitch and I wish they had told me this upfront. I’m nervous and excited, but it really has to be done. I clearly cannot lose the weight on my own. I made a bucket list of food and have been checking them off as I eat them because I’m not going to be eating those foods again, by choice! The band will help, but it won’t do all the work for me. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that this is a lifetime committment and I have to be in it to win it!
Prima5

Prima5

0
LoseIt!'s Blog
 

Hot & Cold

After my run yesterday morning, I was SO hot. I even took a cold shower to help cool me off. I was fine most of the day until the afternoon. My office is always cold, but since I'm so hot natured, I never needed anything more than a fleece jacket. But yesterday, I was freezing. I made it through the afternoon (SHIVERING!) and went to Jazzercise.   While I was warm through class, I wasn't ridiculously hot like I usually am when I work out. After class, I felt chilled to the bone. When I got home, I turned my heater on 74 (it is usually on 68-70 in the colder months) and wrapped up like a burrito in my blanket. I finally warmed up in time for bed. But then I was so hot I couldn't sleep!! HAHA!   This morning I tried to dress appropriately. I'm wearing a long sleeved T-shirt. Over that I have on a short sleeved sweater. Over that I have on a boiled wool jacket. That should be enough layers to take care of any situation!! :-) Right now with all of these clothes on, I'm comfortable.   It's possible that I've not been this small as an adult in cold weather. Or at least not for long. It will be interesting to see if at 36 I turn into a cold person after being hot all my life or if this was a one day phenomenon.   Happy Wednesday everybody!
LoseIt!

LoseIt!

3
Blog 90135
 

First NSV...And, the article I can't believe was published

Well, I successfully (and easily) lost the weight I gained on last blog. Funny thing is, I don't really feel like I"m even trying. I do notice that I am eating less, but I don't have anything in my band yet. Which, I'm not complaining, at all!   Today, I reached my first NSV. I tried on a shirt I was able to wear (and look good in) 3 years ago, but haven't been able to wear in at least 2 years. YES! It's actually exciting to look at the back of my closet now and see the clothes I will soon be able to wear again!   Right now, I am only a couple pounds away from being under 300..I can't wait. 300 is such a gross number. I am READY for the 2's then the 1's!   That was the good news I had to share. Now, comes the bad. Did you hear about this ridiculous article written by Maura Kelly in Marie Claire magazine? If not, I encourage you to read it and be completely outraged. I can't believe, in this society, we have people like this. I almost wish I had a subscription just so I could cancel it! WHAT A TOOL! Here is the link:   http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/dating-blog/overweight-couples-on-television
qtney1

qtney1

1
Blog 3238
 

(Sigh)...

So another month has gone by and I'm still at 284 pounds. I get the results of my blood tests next week. At this point, I'm kinds hoping that they'll find somnething with my thyroid or that I do have PCOS. It's frustrating and a lil bit scary the moods that I get into. I go from being happy to sad to angry to just wantin to give up on myself and the whole world. And I'm beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, all the emotions I'm feeling have to do with more than just having gotten this operation. It's not easy. My boyfriend and I have been arguing and disagreeing more often. The only thing I've kept a tight hold on is going to the gym. All together, I usually do like 45 minutes of the elliptical and then 30-40 minutes weight training. At the end of each workout, I feel good about myself. As if I'm accomplishing something big, which I am.
Butrcupz622

Butrcupz622

1
Blog 93702
 

Recipe Of The Day! 15 Minutes From The Stove To The Table Meal

Enjoy the Essenes of salmon with this quick and easy recipe. Salmon is considered a good source of beneficial omega fatty acids. Nothing like a good piece of salmon I love salmon. Works really well with other fish as well if you don't have any salmon lying around. Quick to Prepare (under 15 minutes) and 4 ingredients, and you are done how simple is this. ENJOY!!   Total Preparation Time: Less than 10 minutes   Actual Cooking Time: Less than 15 minutes   Number of Servings: 4   Simple (4 ingredients)   Calories: 300   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
Blog 104705
 

Sleeved Nov. 16

I'm a girl, I know the name ParamedicDuke is confusing sometimes.   I opted for the sleeve because I didn't like the idea of a foreign object in my body, and didn't want bypass because I felt like it was almost an extreme (I know weird, but that's how I rationalized with myself, I didn't want my intestines re routed).   Although my BMI is less than 50, my insurance company covers it anyway, which is a score for me. I am also happy to get 85% of my stomach removed along with some of those pesky gastrin hormones.   Ironically for my age cosmetics came no where into the picture for me and my decision. It was all health based, I have some thinner friends who don't understand where I'm coming from, and say things like "OMG you'll look so good!" or "You better not get smaller than me I'll be pissed". Granted they aren't some of my better friends, but you can get a picture of what my age groups mentality is.   I have a bum knee, and PCOS, and being 130lbs over weight and having to maneuver in the tough terrain us EMS personnel deal with is risky business. Not to mention only being 5'6'' and having to jump in and out of the Ambulance seventy times a day has it's toll.   I get sleeved on November 16. I'm not really afraid of surgery, being in medicine is a good, and bad thing I've found. One because the RN that started my IV for my endoscopy touched the area with her unwashed hands after she cleaned the area, and another is that I intubate people frequently, and I don't like the idea of being on the receiving end of it.   But it can be a positive thing. Being able to understand the risks better, and knowing statistics are good. And since you know the process it's nothing new to you, so you have a lot less on your mind.   I think the scariest thing for me is the incision pain. Probably a silly thing to be worried about in such a procedure, but I've never had surgery and probably have never experienced pain like that. So the unknown is what worries me. But I'll work through it best I can.   I would appreciate any suggestions, comments, or advice from anyone, banded, sleeved, or bypassed. Thank you!
ParamedicDuke

ParamedicDuke

2
Blog 104705
 

Introducing the Legend

Well. Here we are. You and Me, Me and You. I bet you're wondering how you let your life come to this. How could you end up in front of the computer at this ungodly hour reading a blog about someone that you hardly know, or at least thought you knew. I'll tell you how. Fate. Fate has been a cruel mistress, that is, if I had mistresses, but also a fantastic one. My life began simply enough. I was born to a Paramedic Father, and Nurse Mother, with one older brother. I grew up normally. It wasn't until I met a certain Argentine that things began to get obscure in my life. Dating a very talented Musician with a famous mother, and successful business man as a father would be any 16 year old's dream. Put the cherry on top with summers in Spain, and learning Spanish in that 'oh so sexy' Argentine accent and you have a cocktail for adventure. Truly it was an adventure, every minute of it. Probably the best years of my life so far. Until I graduated High School and life hit me like a ton of bricks. Realistically I knew there was no future for me living in Spain. I returned home, and my estranged relationship only suffered more, until under the weight of the stress it snapped like a fine weathered thread pulled to it's limit. I felt like life was pointless, and I packed up what belongings would fit into my mid sized car and hoofed it to SoCal. Land of renewal, land of redemption, land of a whole lot of Mexicans. There I settled into a good routine. Working, School, Sleep, Working, School, Sleep. But how much could I handle at the tender age of 19? Again I felt that thread begin to age, and the stress began to pull tight until finally it relented to the pressure, and I was on a plane back home to Michigan. Even then I still hadn't forgotten my years with the Argentine, but life was still moving forward at an alarming pace. Michigan weather began to cool, and the breezes were nipping at my new California glow, and the urge to escape this place of memory and heart break swelled in me once more. A chance meeting with a certain Doctor to be set my mistress in motion once more, and before I knew what was happening I was on a plane to India. The heat of North India was fierce. But the new budding relationship of this brother of a doctor to be was keeping my head swimming in cool water. Four months passed, and it was time for me to return back to that place that I had been trying to escape for so long. Back to the land of my parents, and grandparents. Life again, sat on that sting, I watched and waited for months. Idly passing my time with months on end in a small room, hoping that things would change, that life would begin again. I wondered how long my life had been in a stand still. Three years. College was a refuge, for a short time. It wasn't until I decided that I would begin again, alone, just me, just Miss Duke, and no one else. I would depend on myself alone for pushing forward, did things really begin again. Here it is, Four years later, I'm a Paramedic Extern, and soon I will be attending a very nice University in Detroit. Wayne State. Something came out of my trials and tribulations. I traveled the world, learned three languages, learned a lot about myself, about other people. I became conscious of other people. Something many Americans never learn, never attempt at, never imagine. Now that there is some understanding of who I am, how I am, and why I am. I can begin the blog that will help fill in the missing lines, and paint with broader strokes to elaborate this short explanation of a Legend.
ParamedicDuke

ParamedicDuke

1
Blog 102783
 

So Close, yet so far

It has been a journey to decide to get lap band but when I finally decided oh man did I decide. I got everything done within the first month after my first seminar. I was going crazy because I finished everything but still did not have the insurance approval, and without it, it wasn't real to me that it was happening.   on October 31, 2010 the insurance specialist called me and informed me that I was approved and that my surgery will officially be on Dec. 7. I'm sorry to ramble but reading all of your stories have inspired me to share mine. I hope to update you guys on my journey and inspire others just like ALL of you have inspired me.   It was inspirational to read your stories and hear about your ups and downs. I appreciate the support this community has and I hope to give back:thumbup:
2minicano017

2minicano017

7
Blog 103116
 

Guess what?

I’m getting the lapband! I’ve struggled with my weight since I was 18 years old, after a broken bone in the ball of my foot kept me on crutches for 6 months. I’ve been able to get down to my ideal weight twice, and come within 1 dress size of my ideal weight 3 times, but have never been able to achieve permanent results. Recently, I began to worry that I would die young as a result of my weight because I had a couple of scares due to mild activity like climbing up the stairs at the theater and dancing one song. Both times, my heart-felt like it would jump out of my throat and I had an asthma attack. I’m not an asthmatic! Then a friend of mine told me about the lapband and said that her insurance covered it. She encouraged me to make an appointment with the True Results office and they would check into insurance coverage for me, with the first consultation being free. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I made the appointment. I was thrilled to discover that my insurance would cover it, but disappointed that I had a 3 month waiting period to qualify. A few days later, I received a phone call from the patient advocate who apologized because they got the wrong insurance information, but that my insurance did NOT have a waiting period and we could get started right away! October 11, 2010, I completed all my test requirements and a sleep study, so now it’s just waiting to hear back from the insurance company and if all goes well, I will have my surgery on November 19, 2010!! I’m so excited and ready to make a change, but I know I can’t do it without help this time and help with keeping the weight off once I’ve reached my goal. This is the singing, Kung Fu fighting, poker playing president and found of the Hispanic Network of Austin, signing off....
Prima5

Prima5

6
Blog 102690
 

Nutrition Appointment today...

Well today I had my nutrition appointment. I only have to go to one of them and one psych eval. It was relatively painless aside from the weigh in which I guess I will have to get used to. On a down side I was really hoping to have my surgery done during my winter vacation (I'm a teacher) and the liason between patient and surgeon told me the surgeon's next open consultation date is December 22nd!! Therefore I will be lucky if I get this done before spring break:frown: Praying my appointments don't need to be redone by then!!! I guess what is meant to be will be...
sophinator

sophinator

0
Blog 104783
 

7 days post op

just wanna let every one know tht i was banded on the 25 of october...the best thing i could have ever done. I use the bath room a lot and my stomach makes a lot of noise in there...lol and im still sore though...but it gets betta every day though.
sakeenah01

sakeenah01

2

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