TaraLynneRN

I have had nose surgery; tubal, hysterectomy, 3 cyst removals and a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction - and I am still afraid to "go-under", even though I am a nurse and should know better!!! But even afraid, I cannot wait until I can get this done!! So a little crying is definately okay!! Good Luck!! Tara

I will be 51 in July, hopefully I will be finished "jumping through the hoops" by then and have a scheduled surgery date. Good luck on yours. Tara

Wanted to check in and see if my "ticker" was working!! Surgical consult on the 12th!! Woo! Hoo!

I think that all of us have had that "oh my gosh, my diet starts on Monday so I am going to eat us out of house and home this weekend!!!" Unfortunately, we have that overfull, hangover when the diet starts on Monday, so we say "will I will do a little better today and really start tomorrow, essesntially, second guessing out decision to diet at all. I am praying that when I get the band I will be able to at last stand firm and allow this "tool" to do its job!! Good luck, I think it is great that you lost 30 #!! my tops on any diet is 20# and I usually start getting it back within a month. If you lost 30, think how you will me "disappearing" after the band!!!

I wondered about this also. I am a night supervisor in a hospital, and needless to say, taking off a lot of work would be difficult. The nurse from my surgeons group said that "Surgery on Monday - work the next Monday". I could swing a week off, just going in for a couple of hours a day to do "computer stuff" that cannot sit for a week. I hope so anyways. As a recent "lap-appy" patient though - everyone that says to "WALK" is right! We get all surgical patients up and walking the day of surgery if possible, increase each day. I had to walk around my yard several times a day to get rid of the "gas pains" following my appy. I imagine the banding will be pretty much the same.

Hey, I am glad I am not the only one stressing about this!! My BMI is 37, and for some reason ever since the seminar and scheduled surgical consult (12th) I have lost 5 lbs. I found myself eating a couple of small bags of chips tonight after I weighed myself because I am afraid I will lose too much for the surgery. My mom said "well maybe you don't need the surgery, and can do it yourself". But I know my routine - for 20 years, I can always lose that 10-15 lbs, unfortunately, it always creeps back up on me before I realize it!! So if as "Brit" says, the official weight starts with my initial appointment, I only have 3 days to go. Woo Hoo! Can't wait. Thanks for the information.

BMI 37; Diabetes; High Blood Pressure: High Cholestrol; Arthritis (bad right knee); 51 years old and tired of the "yo-yo" life of down 10-15 lbs and back up again. Been to a seminar, and have an appointment with the surgeon on the 14th. Really scared, even though as a nurse, my research shows this to be safe and a "good choice" for me. I have read most of the forums on this site (part of my research) for the past few months!! It is what made me finally make it to a seminar! Thanks for all of the support, I will write again after my appointment. (by then maybe I can get one of the little wt loss ticker thingy's on my site also)!!

To losin and lovin,

I have had my seminar, and my first consult is scheduled. Hope to have surgery this summer. I wanted to ask about the "tummy tuck" issue. I have had 4 (the last two 9-1/2 and 10-1/2 lbs) kids, and already have the dreaded "apron". At 51 (52 this summer) what are the chances that with a 50-60 lb (I am really going to work for) wt loss, that I am not going to have "skin down to my knees"? Starting at 230#. Tara

You are in the right place and I am your girl. I am 51 (52 in less than a month) BEST THING EVER!!! Let me address your quesiton in order. How to get started - You need a surgeon you can trust. I went to several free seminars that were offered. Then I went to the local hospitals and asked the nurses who they like working with and who they recommend. That cut my options down from huge to a very few, then I spoke with the staff in the operating rooms, who do they like and has the best reputation with the patiets. For me it was easy, only one name came back and it was the best decision I made besides having it done. The surgeons office should handle everything from there and tell you what you need. They took care of me and appeased my insurance company and that is no small task. How long does it last? Well as long as you let it work for you, The lap band is only a tool to assist you. It is not going to "make" you lose weight. It provides an option. You will still have to make wise chioces, exercise, even watch your intake of calories to ensure you get enough but not to many. I was on blood pressure meds and after my first 15 pounds I was off all meds. I see over and over people with your health issues turn it all around, all of it. It can be done, it is what needs to be done and you can do it. It is a mind set you have to get into. I had the procedure done on a Wed. and was back at work Tuesday (only because Monday was a holiday). Some people go back before that. It really is a simpe procedure. You will be required to do a pre-op diet to help jump start you, and then there will be resrictions as your procedure heals. This will not make you drop 100 pounds in 3 months. It is a slower, less aggressive, but successful way to lose. You SHOUILD NOT need tummy tucks if you do the exercise as instructed. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful surgeon and he has walked with me every step of the way. I do not argue, I just do what I am told. THe day his advice is no longer working, I will do it on my own, but that is just not in my future. He is awesome. Really check out your options and go with the "right" one.

I hope this helps, Please let me know what other questions you have. I am committed to helping anyone who wants it.

Keep us posted.

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:lol: Seminar done; I now have an official consult wtih the surgeon on the 14th of May!! woo hoo!!

I am a hot sweat expert!! Starting on Tamoxifen following my breast cancer, it threw me into "instant menopause". My doctor started me on clonidine 0.1 mg every night. It is a miracle drug.

Hey!! Went to the seminar tonight, it was very informative. One of the first questions about the insurance though was answered by the physician "That insurance does not cover bariatric surgery" I about started crying there!!!! since it was my insurance, until I heard, "Unless you work for the hospital, they just started covering bariatric surgery in January for hospital employees". Whew!! It felt like a sign. Then there was the question of a Cancer diagnosis. 4 years out for my surgery/chemo. That was okay, as long as my oncologist says it is okay. I can't think of any reason why not, my last CT scans and blood work were clear. So now I am just waiting for the office to call me and let me know times and dates of pre-op tests. I dragged my husband along, while he does not really care about my size (and luckily, my silicone "girls") ***I know, I am really lucky in the husband department*** He realizes that I am very unhappy about my wieght, and health status, so he is very supportive. I warned him that I might be very "anti-cooking" for awhile and his response was "just make sure there is something for me to fix, and I can cook for myself" **what a doll!!!!! So I will post when I have some new dates/information etc. I feel that this site will be a big help, espeically with those that are having the procedure around the same time. Also, a friend from work is going to be going through this at the same time.

One question I have, tell or not to tell. Co-workers, extended family etc. What do you think? I only need to take off one week of work, it is summer, no big deal. What is the response from people, helpful or not? Let me know opinions please!!

Hey, should I do a picture "pre-op diet" or after the 2 weeks? Which weight should I use for the ticker tape? (once I figure out how to get it onto this site).

Hey!! Went to the seminar tonight, it was very informative. One of the first questions about the insurance though was answered by the physician "That insurance does not cover bariatric surgery" I about started crying there!!!! since it was my insurance, until I heard, "Unless you work for the hospital, they just started covering bariatric surgery in January for hospital employees". Whew!! It felt like a sign. Then there was the question of a Cancer diagnosis. 4 years out for my surgery/chemo. That was okay, as long as my oncologist says it is okay. I can't think of any reason why not, my last CT scans and blood work were clear. So now I am just waiting for the office to call me and let me know times and dates of pre-op tests. I dragged my husband along, while he does not really care about my size (and luckily, my silicone "girls") ***I know, I am really lucky in the husband department*** He realizes that I am very unhappy about my wieght, and health status, so he is very supportive. I warned him that I might be very "anti-cooking" for awhile and his response was "just make sure there is something for me to fix, and I can cook for myself" **what a doll!!!!! So I will post when I have some new dates/information etc. I feel that this site will be a big help, espeically with those that are having the procedure around the same time. Also, a friend from work is going to be going through this at the same time.

One question I have, tell or not to tell. Co-workers, extended family etc. What do you think? I only need to take off one week of work, it is summer, no big deal. What is the response from people, helpful or not? Let me know opinions please!!

Hey, should I do a picture "pre-op diet" or after the 2 weeks? Which weight should I use for the ticker tape? (once I figure out how to get it onto this site).

Hi, I am 51 and hope to have my surgery scheduled beofre turning 52 in Mid July. Nervous, but hopeful. I have been telling myself for years, "I know what to do, how to eat, how to exercise to lose wt" etc. As a nurse, my mind knows all of this, but my body does not seem to want to cooperate!!! So I am going to take the plunge since I have a new (this past year) diagnosis of diabetes. Not worried so much about Hair loss (post breast cancer with chemo/completely bald for over 6 months!!). But definately worried about "sagging"!! Looking forward to reading more experiences as we all get this done.

Oh yeah, when I get everything going, someone will have to tell me how to get those cute weightloss thingies I have seen on so may sites! My posts will most of the time be in the middle of the night as I am a "vampire" nurse, and work nights!

:rolleyes: Hey, it is so great to hear that I am not alone!! Seminar is on the 19th. I have been reviewing sites and blogs for months. Protein Shakes are my biggest challenge though, I have been tasting several different brands, but I do not like any of the Protein powders. Can we somehow get enough protein without too many calories - without the powder? I cannot even stomach drinking an Instant Breakfast, or any of the pre-mixed liquid drinks, they all make me gag. Ideas anyone?

I am scheduled (for the third time) for my seminar next week. Determined not to chicken out this time! At 51 years old, there is not much time left. I work full time and am relatively active for someone that has major arthritis! But this new diabetes diagnosis really sucks, especially as an RN that knows better in regards to diet etc. I have a friend/coworker that is planning this also, but I was hoping that actually joining a forum would help me be brave.