sophrosyne

I just got an HMO that pays for gastric surgery. So I'm thinking about getting the lap-band, and I'm considering Dr. Mark Paya. Any recommendations / opinions? Also, I was googling lap-bands and I ran across a place in San Fran that said that, due to their patient's experiences, they can't in good conscience, recommend this surgery anymore. What's that about? Are there obsolete type of banding surgeries? Is there a specific type of band I should be looking for?

It looks like I'll never get a lapband because of severe gastritis. And because my job's (and therefore, insurance) is about to be eliminated. So I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and start doing something. This is what I did, and the weight came off surprisingly easy (I hope it keeps up that way...) I cut down going to coffee Bean. And when I went, I only got a regular coffee. I also went to Whole Foods and picked up things like nuts, dried seaweed, prepacked vegetable packets, dried banana chips and stashed it in my desk. So whenever I got hungry, there were plenty of low-carb Snacks on hand. And I got the low-carb ice cream bars for home. I didn't watch quantities or calories, but I did try to keep an eye on carbs. The theory is that your body burns carbs first for energy, and when it's out of carbs, it'll burn fat for energy. And the only exercise I got, other than playing with the baby, was parking further away from work and walking the ramps instead of using the elevator. But when I stepped on the scale this morning, I had lost ten pounds. I'm pretty stoked. Also, the baby's been teaching me about grazing. I've been watching her natural eating patterns, and she eats when she's hungry, then she'll leave her plate and go back to playing or dancing and then come back and eat more when she gets hungry again. And I heard there's a guy who advocates, in trying to teach your body what "full" feels like, do this: Day 1 - Eat your meal like normal. Day 2 - Eat the exact same meal, but blindfolded and stop when you feel full. He says people are always surprised at how much food is still on their plate. And then, when you get hungry again, eat. Even if it's ten minutes later. But concentrate on what you're feeling and as soon as you feel full, stop. So, I've been trying to combine that type of eating with the low-carb stuff. I think it works because you don't blow your stomach out, forcing huge quantities of food down it (the way sitting down to three square meals works). And since you eat when you're hungry, you don't panic about starving yourself and binge. The problem I'm having is psychological. When I was a kid and I lost any weight at all -- even a pound -- my dad would reward me with a large hot fudge sundae (I know, counter-productive, but he meant well). And honestly, as an adult, that's been the hardest behavior pattern to overcome. And honestly, I don't know if it's rooted in: "Oh look, I've lost ten pounds, let's Celebrate with a cheesecake." or if it's rooted in some weird panic about losing the weight -- which is a deeper, more complex issue. Anyway, that's why I got the low-carb ice cream and I'm trying to limit all junk food within sight to low carb versions -- not the cardboard-tasting, chemical-based foods, but things like dried seaweed or nuts or blueberries. That way, even if I go nuts and reward myself with something junk-food like, I can't completely derail the progress I'm making. The other thing that's helping is decluttering the house. I find that the tighter I hold on to things, the tighter I hold on to weight.

Wow, this place has changed since the last time I logged on. I'm still waiting to get an okay for the lap-band -- it was supposed to be okayed in January, but now the gastroenterologist has pushed it back to June. Sigh. Anyway, this is really off-topic, but it's an important request. So I hope you don't mind my posting it. And the reason I got involved to begin with, is because both my stepdaughter and my friend's baby was born extremely premature and I remembered what she and her husband went through during those fragile, emotionally fraught months. Over the past seven decades, millions of babies have been saved from death or disability thanks to advances made by March-of-Dimes funded scientists. But we still have a long way to go. Every year, over a million babies don't get what they need to survive. Half a million are born prematurely, another 150,000 are born with birth defects. March of Dimes is on a mission to save as many babies as possible and give them the best start in life. Even if they have to bring mobile units to pregnant women to provide them with prenatal care. In addition to their work with polio and pioneering life-saving cures for newborns, they also help support families who have a premature baby in the NICU. I'm doing the March of Dimes walk this month, and I'd love to get your support. If you can donate anything at all, please do. It's a one-time donation for the entire walk, it's not a per-mile donation. If you can, please go to my web page on March of Dimes and make your donation. The url is: http://www.marchforbabies.org/christianamiller If you come up with an error message, just hit 'refresh' on your browser and it should take you right there. If you know anyone who might be interested in donating, please forward my post on to them. Thank you! Christiana

Is Mercury in Retrograde? I've been having just an unbelievably shitty streak. Can I even say that word in here? I went to my doctor, and he told me I've got very severe gastritis. The kind that's going to take at least a year to heal and might very well never heal. So, for at least the next year (or the rest of my life) I'm on meds 2x a day and have to stay on a completely bland diet. Oh, and the only acceptable beverage is Water. Water. Not even decaf beverages. AND NO LAP-BAND until the gastritis is healed. But what if it doesn't heal? Then I went to work, and found out the repetitive work stress has completely blown out my shoulder. To the point where it's starting to be painful to type. And forget about mousing. The minute I start working, the pain starts up. But they've changed the databases at work to make them more mouse-intensive, and they've tripled my work load. And really? Not being able to use a computer? That's gonna kill me. Not only am I on the computer for my day job, but also when I get home. My boss says that I shouldn't go to a doctor for it, because they'll just want to do cortisone shots in my shoulder and that's a slippery slope, so I've been seeing a chiropractor every week, but it's not helping. And then, I went to Target to exchange a gift I don't need, but they won't take it back because 1) It cost $24.99, which is $4.99 over their limit and 2) I no longer have the receipt, because the baby trashed it. Their new return policy is not to take back anything that costs more than $20. Even if it's new, unopened, and scans as their item. When I tried to call Target and complain, I got outsourced to India. It was like talking to a freaking wall. I tried to email Target and they're unreachable via email. Seriously, we handled a product for Target once. A few years ago. (I should have kept the damn number). They insisted we get it made in China for under a quarter, and they were going to sell it for $20. So, if you're wondering why, no matter how many contaminated products get shipped out of China, we'll never stop using them? That's why. China runs sweatshop factories, their per unit cost is well under a dollar (sometimes as low as just pennies or fractions of pennies), and the mark-up when it gets here, is enormous. So, for all the complaining that things made in the US cost more, the only reason the consumer needs to pay more is because of corporate greed. All these companies want to keep making the same percentage of profit as they do when they import from China. And then, when I came home, I found $104 worth of stuff that I didn't order and now have to mail back. And then I checked my email to see that one of my best friends is moving back to Chicago with her husband and baby. And my other friend, who's dying of cancer, is throwing a big party and the people who she considers her nearest/dearest, have decided to boycott it. On the grounds that they see her all the time anyway. I don't know if they've told her yet, or if they're just planning to surprise her with their absence. It's just been a really, really shitty day.

Thanks for all the good wishes. My boss is actually a real sweetheart. She tells me to get up and stretch every hour. But I am thinking about going to see a doctor, before I do any permanent damage. In the meantime, I think I'll try the mouse on the left hand at work. I know my right shoulder's never going to get any better unless I can stop using it for awhile.

I went for an endoscopy before the band, and was diagnosed with severe gastritis. The doctor said that I need to wait at least 6 months and possibly a year before I get the band. But definitely 6 months. The scary thing is, I used to feel the acid reflux, but after a year off meds and a c-section, my stomach went numb for almost a year. I mean, I thought I was cured. The Dr. said that my gastritis is so severe, there's a possibility it will never heal. Is anyone else dealing with something like this? What does it mean for the Lap-Band? Also, what kind of diet are you on? The dr. told me no caffeine, no decaf coffee, no alcohol, no spicy foods and told me to look up diet stuff on the internet, under severe gastritis. But I really wasn't able to find what I was looking for. Most of the entries were about dogs. Anyway, I have another endoscopy scheduled for January, and then (possibly) the lap-band.

Thanks, I'll give that a try...

I'd get a second opinion on the Bypass vs. Band in regards to a hiatal hernia. Either that, or make an appt to sit down with your doctor and have him tell you, in detail, why he doesn't think a band will work. Surgeons get paid more by the insurance companies for the bypass, so they seem to push it much harder, even when it's unncessary (as in, a lapband will fix the problem). Everyone I know who had a hiatal hernia was able to get it surgically repaired at the same time the band was installed. It just meant a bit longer on the recovery time.

Hmmm. My GI guy won't let me get a lap-band until the gastritis is resolved.

In order to get approved for this surgery (which, to the best of my knowledge, is the only cosmetic weight loss related plastic surgery that is approved and paid for by insurance) all you need (from what I've heard) is for your belly flap to hang down over your pubic bone. You don't need to give yourself a painful rash or infection.

Okay, just a surreal moment here... There are at least TWO threads warning people against Betancourt and Dr. Huacuz(sp?). On one of these threads, BubbleButt says she actively warns people against this surgeon. But there is also at least ONE thread saying that this same doctor is the BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD. So, depending on which thread you have the fortune (or misfortune) of reading, you're totally screwed.

Yes, please point me to this website. Seriously.

So, before I can get a lapband, I have to go get an endoscopy/colonoscopy done in a few weeks. Both procedures are going to be done simultaneously. Has anyone else here done that? What should I expect? watch out for? be prepared with? I've had an endoscopy done once, 14 years ago, but never a colonoscopy. Do they normally do them simultaneously?

Sarah Jessica Parker is coming out with a new line of clothing from size 2 to 22 and it's totally stylish/cute/sexy and so cheap it's almost free. It premieres June 7 at Steve and Barry stores. An entire outfit costs under $30. (And I think that even includes the shoes!). Jeans are $14. You can even get a winter coat for under $20. Her motto is that fashion isn't a privilege, it's a right. So it should be affordable for all women. The line is called "Bitten". Here's the website: BITTEN | Sarah Jessica Parker

I know ten people who have gone to Dr. Paya for their surgeries and they all seem pretty happy.

Unfortunately, it's hard to do "research" on doctors. Whether they're here or in Mexico. For everyone promoting research, please, fill me in on how this research is done. I have the ability to do more research on certain segments of doctors than most of the population, because of the profession I'm in. Without access to the databases I use, without access to the hundreds of medical professionals who will be more upfront with me than they will be with the average joe, without access to the lawyers I know and their databases and court access... Please, tell me how the average person can do this research? All the Med Board tells you is if someone's licensed or if they've had malpractice suits. No details. And I've seen people post on boards, asking about doctors (including this board) and get no response. And doctors generally don't give you patient lists so you can chat with former patients. For the horrific story about the poor woman who is now dying from her surgeon's incompetence... what surgery was it (hope it wasn't lapband). And why wasn't the name of her surgeon/hospital mentioned? It's one thing to share horrific experiences, but why not blow the whistle on who the incompetent bastard was? Even in forums that share horror stories, there are not many people who will take the extra step and name the offender/s. So, how exactly are people supposed to research doctors? Especially doctors in other countries? P.S.: Me, personally, I would never go to Mexico or India or the Phillipines for surgery. It has nothing to do with their skills, but my own personal hang-ups. Which says that if I can't drink the Water because my body wouldn't be able to handle the bacteria, then the last thing I want is my body surgically open and defenseless against any native bacteria that might seep in.

Two months? I was hoping for two weeks! LOL! You were awake for your colonoscopy? Last time I had an endoscopy, they gave me some stuff that put me right out. And from what the doc was saying, I'd be out again for the two simultaneous oscopies. Sigh. Not looking forward to it. Grrrr. I guess I should have started the process earlier! Oh well. The longer it takes to get the surgery, the older the baby will be and the more able she'll be to climb up on things herself, without me lifting her.

So, if I get an okay on June 18 from the GI guy, how long do you think it'll take to get banded? Hubby wants us to go to Chicago in July, but I don't want to go if it means putting off the surgery! How long does it take usually between the endoscopy and the surgery? How come there are smileys between each letter when I try to edit my post? That's weird!) And what's up with the little symbols at the bottom?

The endoscopy is for all the damage severe GERD did during the pregnancy, while I wasn't allowed to take any meds. After delivery, it's taken me a year to be able to swallow meats. So they want to see if the lapband is viable (the surgeon's been pushing for a bypass). The colonoscopy is 'cause my dad died of colon cancer. I've never had that done before, so I guess it's good to get it done. :/ I just wish it was all being done sooner. Everyone around me is losing weight like crazy from the lapband!

So, how about those Cubs? I swear if it wasn't for all the testing, I'd have that dang lapband by now.

Is it just me, or does anybody else hate the new layout?

<insert Jeapardy theme music>... My, on this board of thousands, am I the only one to ever be scheduled for a simultaneous endo/colonoscopy? Now, that worries me! I started on Nexium, to try to heal whatever damage I have going on in there, so that the lapband gets okayed... <return to Jeapardy theme music...>

The problem is the twin 9 month daughters. You won't be able to lift them for 6-8 weeks, depending on their weight (I would also check this with your doctor). So, you'll have to find other ways to care for them. Like diapering them on the floor instead of lifting them to the changing table. But it depends on weight. I have a 15 month old daughter who weighs 30 lbs., and I know I'm not going to be able to lift her for 6-8 weeks after surgery. It's the only part I'm not looking forward to, because she's not going to understand! So I plan to spend a lot of time on the floor and I'll just have to get my husband to lift her out of her crib.

All you can do, really, is institute a main entrance with metal detectors and security guards. No student or teacher needs to enter school property with a gun or ammunition vest. And, while we're used to the freedom to come and go as we please, perhaps colleges should start instituting the same security measures high schools have. As to people being bad... I think *most* people are inherently good. Just look at those teachers who sacrificed their own lives to protect their students. However, there is a large part of the population with mental disorders. More than you might think. And of those, there's a much smaller percentage who are (or have the potential to be) violent criminals. I've been researching psycopaths/sociopaths recently and I've been amazed at what I've found. Odds are, we ALL know people who fit into that category, who leave us baffled by their actions. And most of them aren't criminals, but all of them should be avoided like the plague. Between education of what warning signs to look out for, and common-sense precautions, (and maybe some - dare I say it - gun control), I think we'd have fewer incidents like these. Or at least, I'd hope we'd have fewer.

What utter BS. Maybe he refuses to debate "scientists" about global warming because any "scientist" who can live in today's world and still be clueless about it is an idiot. Pretty much the entire scientific community not only agrees that global warming is a problem, but that it's a HUGE problem with catastrophic outcomes if we don't get our asses in gear NOW. And you can see that, even in scientific reports that the US and China have put pressure on to have dumbed down. Except for the scientific reports that the hacks in the Bush administration took and completely rewrote, so that it said the complete opposite of what it originally said. But even that was years ago and not something they can get away with anymore. Even leaked Pentagon papers point at dire consequences of global warming. But if we do anything to try and reverse the damage, that would seriously crimp the oil companies and other corporations. Which is why the Bush administration has a lot invested in either denying global warming altogether or down-playing it as much as possible. And anybody who has their head in the sand so deep, they're completely unaware of global warming around them, should just look at photos of different areas. Glaciers are melting exponentially faster than anticipated. Fresh-Water lakes are evaporating, seas are rising, and the climate's becoming harsher.