CP-Mike

Was supposed to schedule today at the pre-op consult, but that got canceled due to the ice storm in Austin. 2 week delay might push me out of Feb.. :-(

Everything else is done...

You girls are soooo naughty! Who really wants to see boy part pictures anyway? Girl parts are much more art like and beautiful... Now back in my underwear modeling days.... j/k

The WLS is only going to make it more obvious when it's on display.. For most proper usage, it should be just as effective before and after weight loss. The biggest asset after loss is going to be stamina! Ah to be 21 again.....

Lipo on that little fat area above the equipment might be interesting, but it still would only be for looks and not a functional increase.. A full shave would likely get similar results...

It has been a great thread to read!

I have been a little surprised by the # of non-banded spouses that started eating the banded spouses left overs..

My DW is banded and I *try* to eat only the amount she does and we take the rest home. Once I am banded (Feb 07 hopefully), our plan is to try to just split the entree. If we can't agree we'll have to do two take home bags.

I do have to admit I am misbehaving a bit right now on things I won't have post-op (high calorie liquids like the chocolate shake tonight.. bad boy!)

I already know my biggest enemy is going to be Water with dinner.. We drink (me now) a LOT of H2O each day.. She easily used to hit 1 - 1.5 gallons. I likely got close to 1 gallon, easily 2 big glasses with dinner... Our nutrionist sad NO NO NO liquids starting 15 mins pre-meal and wait 45-60 mins post meal..... Enemy #1 right there....

I am proud to brag on the doctor and hospital my wife choose for her band (and my upcoming band)..

In the current issue of Austin Monthly Dr Clark is listed twice as a top doc.

http://www.austinmonthly.com/

He has fantastic manners in dealing with us and is very seasoned with Lapbands.

The staff in the surgery center at Seton on 38th street are WONDERFUL as well.

I want to thank you all for responding so quickly. It can be so confusing with insurance issues. Even if my insurance covers it, i am tempted to just go to Mexico and avoid the hassel. I have a very good feeling about Dr Ortiz, just not sure if i can get a loan. Have a happy new year to all of you!!

?!

Why? Even in Mexico it costs thousands of dollars...

Some insurance companies will do what is called a pre-authorization letter. Perhaps you can ask for that, or like the other poster said, just find out who the Sr HR person is.. just be polite but firm. Their ignorance should not cost you $1,000s. Part of your total compensation from your work is health care, it is your right to know what is/is not covered.

Or find a Bariatric specialist group you want to work with and speak with their insurance experts. They have them and they want to help you.

Fight the good fight with your head held high! These are the first steps of the journey of your new healthier life.

Good luck!

Mike

My wife had her surgery on a Thursday, went home that evening, was back in the office by the next Tuesday. She likely would have gone back on Monday, but there wasn't a need..

BUT, different people tolerate these things differently.

When I get mine done this Feb I am setting the expectation with my boss that I am having it done on Thursday, and that Mon/Tue/Wed of the following week will be "work from home" days.

Thank you for your helpful responses.

Mike, your statement "Sometimes people do those things so they have a reason to be unhappy" hit me like a ton of bricks (I'm going to have to explore this further). Working on all these things at once seems quite overwhelming, but you are right - it can be done if I dig deep. The serenity prayer has been my mantra lately. "The courage to change the things I can....."

Thanks for sharing that with me. I didn't want to be too forward, but I have known some very wonderful people, but for some reason they didn't see it. They could never say it, but I could tell that in their heart they did not feel they deserved to be happy. (hint: we ALL do)

Warm wishes for a happy new year!

Mike

Hey Patsy..

Best of luck to you!

I chose Dr Clark based on what my wife said. She met him and loved him.. I went to the seminar at St D's and loved him too. I am using Seton on 38th myself. The staff there were WONDERFUL when Amy went in, so I am following her path.

I look forward to hearing how things work out for you.

Mike

technically I live in Cedar Park, but who knows where that is

Hey Sophie..

Of course I am not a doc or anything, but what is wrong with working on all issues at once?

It is a good thing that you recognize some of your destructive behaviors. Dig deep and figure out why you have them. Sometimes people do those things so they have a reason to be unhappy.

Perhaps if you get a band and start having some success with that as a "tool", you can get back on track with exercise and other healthy changes.

Based on your words, you do have some artificial barriers you put in your path, but you can make a choice to over come them.

Life is a journey and the view out the window is what you make of it.... but first you have to have the courage to get in the car.. relax and enjoy the ride..

Mike

Howdy fellow Bandsters and wanna-be's (like me).

I figured now would be a good time to make some friends that share some of the same challenges.

Me: 39 year OLD man.. My slowly increasing weight is dragging my life down and making me feel older than my years. I am now determined to make my 40th b-day in August a good one. I can tell that I have some developing health issues that if I get serious now I can reverse, or I can ignore them and leave before my time.

My wife was banded several months ago and to date has had no ill effects, although they are still toying with her fills to get her losing weight.

I am hoping to make some new friends here and share some stories, good and bad. I think the thing I am most NOT looking forward to is being put under GA. I've never had surgery. Other than that I am soooo looking forward to it. I might miss bikini season for 07, but watch out 08!! :party:

Mike