Shiki

Certainly time for me to update you folks on what is going on with me. I have had so many ups and downs, I'm about to name a new roller coaster after my experience. I have had 3 dr. visits so far. My search continued, though, because while I did find the most celebrated dr. in the Dallas area, his office is 35 miles away. Too far for me.
I was about to switch to True Results when I learned they don't take my insurance, which is Medicare. Finally had a bit of luck when a True Results employee recommended a dr. with whom she had worked. Things are looking good for me to be banded by Dr. Harry Meyers in Dallas. I have an appt. on Apr. 2.
Medicare does not allow anything new, so the sleeve and plication are out. Strictly bypass or band, nothing else. Thanks for the recommendations, though.
I will post another update when I have one.

Certainly time for me to update you folks on what is going on with me. I have had so many ups and downs, I'm about to name a new roller coaster after my experience. I have had 3 dr. visits so far. My search continued, though, because while I did find the most celebrated dr. in the Dallas area, his office is 35 miles away. Too far for me.
I was about to switch to True Results when I learned they don't take my insurance, which is Medicare. Finally had a bit of luck when a True Results employee recommended a dr. with whom she had worked. Things are looking good for me to be banded by Dr. Harry Meyers in Dallas. I have an appt. on Apr. 2.
Medicare does not allow anything new, so the sleeve and plication are out. Strictly bypass or band, nothing else. Thanks for the recommendations, though.
I will post another update when I have one.

Happy Birthday, fellow Pisces! Mine's the 16th.
If you keep on keeping on, those extra pounds will come off. Personally, I would be thrilled at 250 lbs. When I started I was 425. Now down 30 lbs.
Atrial fibrillation, wow? Why? Are you walking too fast?

Dr Benevedies has been doing this surgery for a long time. Maybe they know someone. His office no is 972 331 8100. My insurance wont pay for wls so I am getting something else done and getting the band put in.

I would keep it short and be creative. Keeping it short means less to explain, less to remember what you said. Being creative means you "spin" your story in such a way it leaves no room for questions. So ... being creative ... 'xcuse me while I brainstorm ... "It was a female issue I had taken care of." If pressed, say "sorry, don't want to talk about it ... it's really personal." If still pressed, say "on the order of a hernia. I'm all better now." The main thing is to say little, discourage discourse and change the topic. If any continue to press simply repeat what you just said until you sound like a broken record. People will give up because they have no other choice. Change the topic and move on.
For mom: "It was a quick outpatient procedure on the order of a hernia. I'm all better now."

you will do it Celeste... and not only prove to your mum that she is wrong, but you will find out how much strength you have as well.. just a thought for you. im in australia, my dr has not wanted me to go on any diet or change my eating habits at all prior to surgery.. and the day of the surgery i can have a light Breakfast, as im being done at 3pm. so.. it sounds to me that there are different protocols in place, and you wont jeopordise your surgery by doing what you have done.
i think the main issue here is to have more confidence in yourself. from the material ive read, its not only changes in weight that go on but changes in the emotional baggage that we carry as well. All that will change for you as well. When the negative thoughts come, deal with them quickly. Dont let them get a hold. if you are going through a bad time, get online and read some of the success stories .. and there are way more success stories than there are failures, thats for sure. Everyone has doubts before the surgery. its how far you let those thoughts go thats the issue. Hang in there, you will do wonderfully well Im sure.

First lets look at the positive. 9 months out and you are down 30 lbs!! I know we all invision massive weight loss instantly (me too). But we were told that 1 pound a week is good. It is also a positive factor that you reconize that you aren't doing everything you should be doing.....thats better than being in denial and "forgetting" that you haven't been compliant. I would suggest that you call your doctor and see if he can refer you to someone close to where you are for a fill. Then until you can get in, stick to a low carb diet as much as possible. And the most important thing I think you need to do......plug back into this support site. The more you are involved the more support you will have.
You can get through this.....its just a pothole. Keep your eyes set on the goal and it will happen. Just don't procrastinate...call the doctor today.
Good luck!

I was going to use Dr Louis Fox at True Results in Richardson, the only reason for my change to Dr Robert Snow is that he does the Plication with the Gastric Banding.....

You guys are ROCK STARS! Your input is invaluable.
Thanks a lot!!

I had Dr. Marsden. For questions 1 & 2 I typed EVERYTHING WORD FOR WORD for you. During the our group meeting with Dr. Marsden (that is through True Results), his patients and I discussed if we actually followed the pre op diet. I did fairly well. I didnt follow it exactly, but I didn't eat Red Lobster, Mickey D's, everyday either. However, this one man did not follow the diet at all. He was very nervous to whether he would be able to have the surgery due to him not following it. He even said, (his exact words) I had a bucket list I wanted to have b4 the surgery. And then there was this couple who was getting the surgery as well and said they followed it LITERALLY for what the pre op diet was. And they lost a about a total of 10-15 lbs together I believe. They were really strict with it and took what the words say literally. In my own opinion, I guess its your mental strength/wanting to follow the pre op diet to the degree that works best for you.
1. How long was your pre-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat?
Meal 1: 1 serving of 2: yogurt, fruit, egg, whole grain Cereal, toast, bagel, waffle, muffin
Meal 2: 1 serving of Protein drink
Meal 3: 1 serving (4-6 ounces) of lean meat or fish AND 1 serving of a green vegetable (lettuce, peas, broccoli, green Beans, spinach, etc)
Meal 4: 1 serving of Protein Drink
Duration: 2 weeks pre surgery
2. How long was your post-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat?
Week 1: liquids - broth, skim milk, fruit juice, sugar free popsicles or Jello, low cal drinks
Protein Drinks WILL BE YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF Protein DURING WEEK ONE, DON'T FORGET TO DRINK YOUR Protein Drink THIS WEEK
**** BASICALLY ANYTHING THAT WILL GO THROUGH A STRAW IS OKAY THE FIRST WEEK. HOWEVER, WE DISCOURAGE THE USE OF A STRAW AS IT INCREASES GAS*****
WEEK 2: Soft foods (thicker Soups, scrambled eggs, pudding, canned meat, applesauce)
WEEK 3: Solid foods (During this week most people are able to tolerate solid foods again. Please be careful not to overeat. You should keep the quantity of food to half cup. Just because you can eat more than half cup doesn't mean that you should. Remember the importance or not stretching the pouch. If you don't feel like you are ready to progress to the next weeks recommended diet, stay where you are and proceed at your own pace. Please make it habit to chew food well. By not chewing properly, you may experience vomiting, stomach irritation and swelling. You could also have an obstruction. Protein Drinks daily if you're not eating recommended 60-70 grams of protein.
3. What was your follow-up care like with the doctor and his staff - strong, so so, could be better?
I don't know yet. I will be calling later today to schedule a follow up with him and his staff. However, a couple of days after surgery I did call Dr. Marsden's # and was given immediate assistant.
4. What was the thing you liked best about your experience and the least?
If you're going through True Results the staff is knowledgable. One of the rep told me what other doctors were good even though I was having Dr. Marsden.
Least - Hhhmmmm...... I don't really have one. But if I had to pick at something, I guess since I went through True Results I have more of a 'personal relationship' with them vs Dr. Marsden. However, I do believe he is only a call away.

I really need your help with answers to these key questions:
1. How long was your pre-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat?
2. How long was your post-op liquid stage, and what were you told to eat?
3. What was your follow-up care like with the doctor and his staff -- good, so-so, could be better?
4. What was the thing you liked best about your experience and the least?