EllenH

Hello. I have my 1st appointment with my surgeon on April 11. I am excited to get started with my Lap-Band process and have found the information about menus in this forum to be very helpful. The idea of getting a medical alert bracelet was new to me, but it makes sense. I don't know when my banding will be yet, but I am looking for other women to learn from and talk with as this progresses. Ellen

Your post was a life-saver this morning. I am 1 1/2 weeks into my 3 week post of diet and have been fighting it for some reason. And like you I am a carb-oholic. Your post has given be the push I needed to stick with it another 1 1/2 weeks. It is getting easier and I have lost 7 pounds. My stomach isn't as hungry, but my mouth still wants to eat.

So, my surgery is scheduled for Aug. 17th at the Univwesity of Washington Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. Kandelwal. I live in Oak harbor on Whidbey Island. Anyone else from my neck of the woods? Ellen

Where are you going to college? What is your major? My ywin granddaughters are also starting to college this fall. One is going to Eastern Oregon to major in theater. The other is starting at a community college because she doesn't know what she wants to do yet and figured she would get the first two years out of the way for less $$$ and with some good friend. Good luck to you, too!

Close enough. Where are you getting banded?

Hi. My name is Ellen, and I will also be joining you August bandsters. My surgery date has been set for August 17th. I am excited, ready, and also a bit nervous. I can't wait to get on with my life.

Hi Everyone, I should be banded within the next couple of months, and I think I have most of the diet and exercise issues resolved except for one. My husband and I are boaters and enjoy cruising (think RVing on the Water.) We are often in areas or conditions where getting off the boat so I can walk is not possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for exercises I can do in a small space with no equipment? My husband is a SCUBA diver, so I can use his ankle and "bean bag" weights. Any ideas you have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I started to college after I retired, so I have some experience being the oldest in a class. Enjoy it! I found the instructors and the students to be very supportive. Having more life experience actually gave me an advantage with some of the subjects, but on the other hand, I found I could no longer memorize as well as I had 40+ years ago. I was about 250 lbs and I had no problem fitting into anything. At my college we mostly had tables and chairs. The only bad experience I had was a hike in the pouring rain, with my geology class where I was the slowest person. It was not easy, but one of the other students (19 years old, and also overweight) and the instructor walked back with me. My advice is to enjoy your college experience. It is so rewarding. BTW - it's fun to be driving with my husband through town and have a friend from college honk and wave. Oh, yes - one more thing . . . I took a swing dance class to satisfy my last PE credit. I was the oldest and heaviest person in the class. It was fine. I teased some of the younger guys that they would be able to dance at their weddings with their grandmas.

Congrats and good luck!

Thank you both. I will try both suggestions. Have a great day. Ellen

Yesterday, 5 weeks after the required information seminar, I finally got to meet with my surgeon and a medical school student. In 2 weeks I am scheduled for an Upper GI, Social/Phsyc Comsult, Phys Therapy consult, and Nutrition consult. Doc said he thought we'd be all through this prelim stuff and ready for the final decision within 2 months. Here we go!

Thanks Elizabeth. Congrats on your weight loss in just a month and a half! You are doing great.

Thanks Greystreet. I will check that out.

Does anyone know of any iPad apps for Lap Banders? Thanks. Ellen

Good for you! I am waiting for the day I can wear something that does not have an elastic waist! Getting to go to the "normal" size department for the first time in a long time is a huge motivation to me.

Late yesterday I got a call from the hospital to schedule the last test/consultation - an endoscopy. It is the last hoop before talking to the surgeon again. This could be happening bgefore too long. My attempt at a low cal diet worked really well. I was able to make it through the day on about 1150 calories and 7 glasses of water. I was hungry when I went to bed, but not when I woke up, so maybe it was just my mind telling this old farm girl that she hadn't eaten as much as she normally does. I haven't had any wine for 3 days and - wonder of wonders - I have had no acid reflux or heartburn! Plus, I have already lost 4 lbs! I could get to like this new way of eating!

What exciting news for you. I love your comments about "living intentionally." What great advice for all of us. Good luck to you, although I su7spect thyat you will do great.

Hi, I am Ellen, a 67 year old wife, mother, grandmother, retired geek, and boater. I am also 120 lbs. over weight. I decided to investigate Lap-Band surgery about two years ago and went to an informational seminar. Unfortunately that group didn't take my insurance, so I continued looking. Last summer the husband of a friend had the surgery, and I asked about insurance. They have the same as I have. After additional research, and many long talks about dietary and life-style changes, my (skinny) husband (who prefers curvy women ) agreed to support my efforts and be my driver, exercise nag, and food cop, so I called and made an appointment for their required seminar. I met with my surgeon yesterday and also made appointments for an Upper GI, Social/Phsyc consultation, Physical Thersapy, consultation, and Nutritional consultation. I like the surgeon. He is young, personable, and the same one as operated on my friend's husband. He comes highly recommended. He spent a lot of time making sure I understood that the band has a lower success rate than more radical bariatric procedures. He stressed that it is easy to cheat with the band, and that I MUST commit to the dietary and exercise programs. OK, so why would anyone want to go through abdominal surgery (even laproscopic) , then cheat? I'm sure I'll find out soon enough LOL Last night I gave up wine with dinner. Today I started a food log, and am going to call the gym to schedule an appointment with a personal trainer. Later thyis afternoon I going for a long walk. Please wish me luck on my journey!

Just this evening I practiced cutting my meat into tiny pieces, Putting my fork down between bites and chewing at leaqst 25 times. I come from a family that eats LOTS and eats fast. I figure the more I practice now, the easier it will be later. I am also starting to measure and weigh my food so I get an idea of what a normal serving size really is. Ellen

There are a number if options in Washington State. I am getting mine done at the University of WA Bariaqtric Surgery center. I picked UW because I am retired and they take Medicare, and also because a friend got banded there (by the same surgeon assigned to me) and has very positive results. They have four surgeons; I have been assigned to Dr. Khandelwal. My first meeting with him is this coming Monday (4/25). There is a group in Everett that does banding, too, but can't think of the nake right now. I think Swedish does it. There are undoubtedly some other places across the state. Google lap-band surgery in WA state and you will get a bunch of hits. Hope this helps and good luck! Ellen

I would like the same information.

It has been 3 weeks & 3 days since my pre-everything information meeting. My 1st appointment with the surgeon has been scheduled for 3 weeks and was supposed to be Monday, 4/11. Then today the doctor's office called to say the doc had been called out of the office on Monday. Their next appointment wasn't until 2 weeks later. I took it, but I'm feeling really bummed and down. I know these things are unavoidable, but this process already takes an unbelievably long time. When you are looking forward to a new life as much as I am, delays like this seem huge. Just venting. Thanks for listening. Ellen