Bjc1227

I told my boss from the very beginning, when I started looking into the possibility of having the surgery. She has been very supportive and even went with me to my informational meeting. She is at her ideal weight but, like all women, complains about a few extra pounds. I'm looking forward to keeping up with her when we have to walk to meetings. When I decided to tell my sister, I wasn't sure of the reaction I'd get. She is always the big sister and doesn't hesitate to give me advice. She has offered to spend time with me around the operation, though she will have to take time off and fly here. My daughter told me that she was proud of me for taking the step. She has also offered to spend time with me after surgery. I'm not sure I'm going to need all this sitting but it sure is good having people around that care.

I have shared with a few close friends, my sister and my daughter. A couple friends wanted to discuss the dangers and horror stories they'd heard about but they have moved past that. One friend at work was banded in Sept. 11, and has been a great inspiration. One friend said, "Well, if it makes you feel better about yourself." I had to explain that I feel good about myself already. I like me, but I don't like being fat and unhealthy. My health is what is important. I know that some people will talk and there is a grapevine, at work and in town, that spreads news quickly. I'm not going to worry about opinions of people I don't care about.

Wow, that's scary. I don't know if you can print out the online journals. You would think when they say do this, they wouldn't sneak new things in on you. lol. I can't say that I trust insurance companies though.

Thanks for getting back to me. That's great to hear.

Last summer I decided to lose some weight for my daughter's wedding. I planned on taking off 20 but ended up losing 10. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something I'd probably never wear again, so I decided to make my dress. I finished just in time for the wedding and was very pleased with myself. The bride was beautiful, the wedding was wonderful and I was happy until the wedding pictures came back. I wanted to dig a hole and hide. I had no idea how large I had gotten. This got me motivated to finally make a decision about having surgery.

I haven't been asked for bloodwork yet. Is that from the doctor? It seems like a 6 month wait is much more reasonable than a year.

I can imagine that a 50 lb. puppy would be a handful. They seem to have an endless amount of energy. It's good to have a friend who can take your pup till you can manage. My dog is 12 - 13 lb. I was mainly concerned with bending over to hook his leash. I'll have to remember the small pillow for bending over. He does sleep next to me at night and is a great comfort.

I'm at Longwood U. down in Farmville. I just assumed all the state universities used the same insurance. Live and learn. I saw Susan Kaufman for the counseling visit. She is very pleasant and the hour went by quickly. I also liked Dianne Vitt, the nutritionist.

Has anyone run into difficulty being approved by Anthem of Virginia? I started my year on February 1, 2012 and joined WW online. I'm talking regularly to the Cova Care Coach, and had my appontments with the nutritionist and counselor. I have my proof that I joined WW. If I don't lose weight on WW will they deny me or if I do? I had no co-morbidities when I started but have since gone on blood pressure medicine. Any information will be appreciated.

That is strange. I met with my nutritionist for the first time about 3 weeks ago and she was very positive. I wonder if you should mention her comment when you talk with the surgeon. They're supposed to be working together. Have you had the counselor evaluation yet?

My surgeon is Dr. Michael Trahan at Martha Jefferson Hospital. I went to his seminar in December and had our first one-on-one in January. His staff was friendly and helpful and I was comfortable with him. I knew before I met with him that I wanted the LapBand. I'd been thinking this over for a long time and after seeing the success that a woman I work with has had, I knew I needed to stop procrastinating. My insurance is Anthem BC/BS through the state and I'm required to wait a year, which started on February 1, 2012. I've visited the nutritionist and the counselor. I also joined WW online and have regular phone sessions with Value Options, as required by the insurance. The year is actually going quickly, just not quickly enough. I'm ready to do this.

B-52, congratulations on your success. More important than just looking better is our health. My blood pressure has been borderline for ages and gone over the border this year. I'd like to see that go down. I won't be able to lose the endocronligist but once a year will be good enough. My PCP tries to get me in every 4 months and I resist. I would love to cut him to once a year. These last couple years have felt like life on hold and ready to move on. I've had my eye on a little red motor scooter, and I don't want to be the fat lady on the scooter. I have this urge to run but I'd kill my ankles. My kayak is gathering dust. So much to do and too much weight.

I think you're right. I'm a great believer in the power of positive thinking.

I hope all goes well. I'm sure you're very excited to finally be having surgery. I hope to keep up with your progress. I would with a woman that was lapbanded in October 2011, and watching her has been wonderful. She's come off her blood pressure medicine. She is shrinking before our eyes and she feels great. She is the reason I finally got myself moving. Again, good luck.

I used to be fairly active and want to get back to that when I'm able. I'll be 62 in December, with 100 lbs. to lose. Being height challenged (5 ft.), it's a lot. My surgeon, at the informational meeting said he had few patients in the 60 and over range. He was saying that the rate of success was lower as you age. I am determined.

Right now it seems like I have a long way to go till my surgery, but life has taught me, time goes by before you know it. My year of working with the insurance company began on February 1st this year. I wish I hadn't waited so long to come to this decision. I kept thinking I could lose weight through Weight Watchers. I'd done it before but it always came back with a vengeance. Anyway, I'm imagining, if all goes well, that I'll have surgery mid-march, I hope. I have to do this for me. My ankles seem to be always swollen, clothes never fit, my knees are starting to ache if I walk any distance. I still think I'm too young to be falling apart. Anyway, nice to meet you and any advice you care to share, I am happy to listen. I live alone so an extended family here would be a good thing. Thanks. Bonnie

My regular doctor told me last fall that I was pre-diabetic. I was somewhat freaked out, so I did some reading on what foods to avoid. I did't really change much except eating fruit instead of drinking juice, and cutting back on breads. The next time I saw the doctor he said all my levels were normal. Now, if I could only do that with my blood pressure.

Thank you for the advice. I will add that to my notes.

My surgery is still a way off but I had also worried about caring for my dog after surgery. He's small so I'll have to bend down to hook his leash. I do have to walk him when he goes out. I'm probably worrying needlessly.