mommycld

Hi Melissa!
I have depression... no bipolar, no mood swings... but I've been dealing with the condition and the meds for 12 years now (started out as post partum depression).... I, too, have gained 100# over the last 12 years.... undoubtedly, somewhat related to meds.
Incidentally, I've had a few "panic" episodes in the last few years... typically related to starting new meds.
I was authorized... and scheduled for the procedure over a year ago.... and did tons of soul searching to psyche myself into it.
That being said, I was just banded last week.
My first morning home... when it was time to take all my morning meds... and I was fretting about getting them all down... (I used to take up to 10 at a time).... I had a little 'episode'... racing thoughts, rapid pulse, short of breath, dizzy.... but being that my husband lives and works in Japan (and I'm alone with my 12 and 10 year old sons)... I put myself in a time out and 'went to a happy place'...eventually, I came out of it (I have NO anxiety meds ordered... yet) !! The few days since are getting better, slowly, but surely.
There are a couple of points I'm trying to make: 1. You don't get banded overnight... 6 months to a year is typical time to 'jump through all the hoops' of getting authorized. 2. You have plenty of time to meet with your psych provider(s) and discuss possible 'worst case scenarios'... and how you would respond to them...
I also thought about ALL those delish foods that I probably won't be enjoying any more (at least not indulging in)... Well, those images got flushed when my 4 year old niece told me, "MOVE... BIG FAT LADY".... out of the mouth of a babe... THAT was my final straw... I HAD to do this for ME... I want to see my kids grow up (and be healthy enough to enjoy it)!!!
This afternoon, I was regretting it when I almost tossed my Tomato Soup.
This evening, I'm back to being happy.
Give yourself credit where credit is due; however, be realistic in knowing (and acknowledging) your emotional limitations.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!

Hi Shandra!

I'm Tricare Prime (south Texas) After the referral for the bariatric consult was obtained, I needed:

1. Initial evaluation by the bariatric surgeon
2. three meetings with the surgeon's nutritionist.
3. psychologist's evaluation (is your motivation justified, are you likely to comply)
4. Attend one hospital based support group meeting.
5. Demonstrate ability to start conforming to controlled diet, ie... LOSE 5% OF CURRENT BODY WEIGHT AT TIME OF REFERRAL (in my case, about 15 pounds)
6. I believe the BMI requirement is pre-determined by Tricare, but a lower BMI is considered, IF you have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, etc)

Hope this is helpful... and good luck

I am 3 days post op and I have a horrible time burping! I feel like I need to and I feel that it will make me feel better if I did. But I just can't make it happen. I am still so bloated! The pressure is unbearable at times!!!!

Oh God I wish I could burp like that. My gas stays trapped up and causes alot of discomfort and pain. I take bean-o but it doesn't seem to work. So for those of you who can burp...you're lucky!!!

I have had some epic belches. It happens like if I bend over or lean over. It feels so good! Nothing comes up with it, but I feel less bloated after. The first time I did it my husband just stared at me in awe. I am three weeks post op.

I was probably more scared of the surgery than anyone, everyone else! I voluntarily rescheduled it 2 weeks later(March 10, of last year) and wondered why the hell I was doing it the morning of but everything went so well and so quickly. I was worried about afterwards, "depriving" myself. It was all for nothing, it has been very easy in fact. Its a learning process and I thought I had to know everything beforehand which isnt true. Its like starting a new job or buying a new car then wondering if you can afford it then it eventually becomes a way of life.
Dont worry, you'll do great. Im sure you've seen it here before but I wish I would have done it alot sooner.
Good luck!

Good luck to you.. I dont even have my surgery date yet and I'm getting cold feet lol. I have pleantly of before pictures and I look at them everyday to remind myself why I'm doing this. You will be fine!

I know exactly what you mean! The day I got my date (1/31/11) I was having cold feet and I looked at the pics I was in earlier that day and all doubt was removed

Yes but the most odd part is my stomach is growling yet im not hungry, I just wonder if that will ever stop. It does only eating 4 ounces every hour! Good Luck to everyone getting banded tomorrow or in the up coming days any questions feel free to ask if i can help I would love to!

I'm finally getting to leave the hospital in about an hour. Just wanted to mention that I have had NO signs of hunger. Pretty cool. And walking really is best for the pain, even if its just a 2 minute walk. The rest of you going this month will do great! I am so thankful that its been a breeze so far.

I have that same fear. I had my first post op check up yesterday and I was terrified that I hadnt lost any weight and had put myself through all this pain and discomfort for nothing. But then I got on the scale and was down 13 pounds. All I'm saying is, don't drive yourself too nuts with the fears!

Not only could feel it at that point, but everyone could hear it! Lol....this surgery is slowly but surely teaching me to respect the hunger!