Lindaloo

You are an inspiration to me! I hope I can be like you and have a fantastic 40 lb loss soon after I am banded!!!! People who have never had to lose a pound, or people who have five or so pounds they'd like to lose...they truely don't understand things from our perspective. Perhaps, they have been familiar with someone who had RNY surgery and lost 100 lbs in three months or something wild like that. Just as we have to put up with comments from the well meaning but ignorant, or people who are downright rude while we are heavy, we have to put up with them on the way down the scale too. I just got approved. I'm a little nervous...my husband, who is a loving man, has never had to worry about his weight, ever. And every attempt I've made at weight loss he's tried to micromanage, wanting to know how much I've excercised, what I've eaten, etc. If I didn't lose right away, he was there to tell me that obviously I don't know how to eat, or I wasn't getting my heart rate up high enough. UGGGH!!! He drives me nuts. He has basically told me that he'd support me in this surgery, but if I don't exercise enough and this "fails too" that he will be pissed at me because I didn't get serious enough. How's that for pressure!!!! I know it's hard to put up with comments from others. Slow and steady wins the race, and you'll get there. You are already an inspiration to us!!!! Hugs, Linda

I just got approved for surgery last Friday. Ever since I found out the happy news, I've been eating like *crazy.* It's ridiculous, even for me! Then, of course, the old brain starts working, saying to me, "oh...you think this band is going to make a difference when you know you will never have control!" Has anyone else experienced this and over come it?

Hi, My doctor is in Reading, PA. His name is Dr. Bonanni, and he's very experienced in doing the lap band. I found him through ObesityHelp.com, as the previous poster suggested. You can find others, possibly in Philly there. Dr. B has a website, just do a google search for Reading Surgical Associates. I started the process with Dr. B in January and just recently got my surgery date of Nov 14th. It takes a long time to get the surgery if you go with him. He's in my insurance plan, so I went with him. First you have to attend an information session, where they talk about the surgery, you get a packet of info, and get to ask questions. You have to get three evaluations, from a physical therapist, a nutritionist, and a psychologist. Then you meet with Paula, the wls coordinator at the office. She goes over your information and gives you yet more information. Then you get an appointment with Dr. B. I got my appt. with him in July. He will schedule you for any additional tests you might need at that point. I needed an endoscopy to look for ulcers. Then if all is well, they will submit to insurance. As you see, it is a long, arduous process! Best of luck to you! Linda Dr. Bonanni Nov.14, 2003

Hi... My name is linda...I've been approved for lap band surgery and my surgery date is Nov 14. I've been "going through the process" since January. I thought I wouldn't get the surgery until next year. So I'm a little shocked that it is happening so soon. But I'm happy! I found out three days ago, and ever since I've been eating like crazy. I guess it's the "Last Supper" syndrome. I weigh 265, the highest weight I have ever been in my entire life. I had two babies fourteen months apart, and it took a real toll on me. But most of my weight gain is due to overeating. Like most of you I have been on diets most of my life. The most I ever lost was 40 lbs five years ago. I dieted (low fat) and exercised (walking and lifting weights), but couldn't maintain it and gained it all back and quite a bit more. My surgeon is Dr. Bonanni in Reading, PA. I'm a sahm with four children. I look forward to reading the posts here and posting myself! Linda