dawalsh

Alex, I can't count one thing. However, health was my key issue for getting the Lapband. I am considered legally disabled but as I lose my weight, I have been taken off my diabetic meds, my blood pressure is normal. I had two strokes in my early 30's and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) as a possible cause. I had brain surgery to have a shunt inserted and then after 3 months had to have a second brain surgery, then when I was 36 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and when I went to have a radical hysterectomy this team of neurologists did several tests and came in my room before surgery and informed me I also had MS. Then on top of all that my weight was spiraling out of control because of not being able to get enough exercise. On top of all my other problems I was suffering from cellulitis to the point of having to be hospitalized many times. I knew if I lost weight I'd be able to overcome some of my obstacles. On top of everything else my doctor had said I was suffering from CHF (congestive heart failure). So, with a heavy heart and a lot of faith I was determined to live for my grandchildren. They were and are my purpose for living. I had researched weight loss surgery for three years and was told by my insurance company that I would not qualify. I went to several Lapband seminars and I let my PCP know this. He said he would document all my health issues and declare it medically necessary. In the meantime, I was determined to improve my health in whatever I needed to do it. That included WLS. In the meantime, I had changed insurance companies and it was my latest series of seminars on the Lapband I found out that the surgeon I had attended my latest seminar with accepted my insurance -all but $800 plus my liquid pre-op diet and I would attend another class on Lapband once I was accepted as a patient. So, here I am with a plethora of health issues and my mindset was I need to get healthy but without weight loss how was I ever going to get healthy? Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm off a lot of meds that I was prescribed for years. My health has improved to the point that I don't need a mobility cart to go shopping, I'm breathing better, I'm not out of breath after walking for 5 minutes, I fit in a coach airline seat with the arms down and the seatbelt buckles without having to ask for an extension, so aside from weight loss it was health issues and social issues that have improved my life. I still have a ways to go but my life has improved so much since starting on this journey. I've added years to my life, my health has improved so much since this surgery. My weight loss is slow but steady and above all my grandchildren are seeing their grandma walking instead of in a wheelchair. I walk with a cane due to balance issues but there was a time I couldn't walk at all without severe issues. I still have issues with spasticity but that has improved too and my doctor has reduced my meds for that because I weigh less so I think I have to reiterate that health improvement was my reason for WLS and I love it! Ok, I think you get the point, it was all for my health and I'm a testimonial to that. I mean without writing a book this is my synopsis of the issue. Thank you Alex for starting this Lapband forum. It has been a Godsend for me. :-)

The pre-op diet was to reduce fatty liver I was told. There was no specific weight loss requirement but I did lose 10 lbs on my pre-op liquid diet.

Hang in there newbies! Don't be nervous. We were all there and you have great things coming your way! Wishing success to you all!

Don't sweat it, you're going to be obsessed by the scale numbers and that can be very frustrating. Just stick with the plan and the weight will come off! Good luck!

You are doing fantastic! Wow! .50 lbs already! Keep up the good work!

Welcome!

YAY!!!!

5'8" 267 starting weight

With a name like Sunshine4yoi, you should do fantastic!

I love it! Yes, life is great!

Fantastic accomplishment! You look amazing!

I can't answer that for you but I had comtemplated surgery in Mexico. I was quoted a price that was under 4 grand. My insurance here in FL approved my surgery so I was very happy.

Congratulations and walk those gas pains off!

I get stuck with white rice. Is quinoa similar to cous cous? I'm not familiar with quinoa.

Should read 1 1/2 yrs?

Are you saying you had not had a fill in 1 1.2 yrs?

I had a port revision and everything turned out fine.

Thanks everyone, when I got off the plane my son said right away that he could definitely see a weight loss in me so that made my NSV even sweeter!

What a wonderful support you will be for your hubby. Congratulations on meeting your goal!

Yup, sounds normal to me. I had gas and burps for several weeks, but if you are having pain and you're not sure why just ask your doctor good luck!

That is great news! Congratulations, you put a smile on my face because I'm happy for you!

Ok, I'll be in TX on 7/1. What part of TX are you in? I'm from FL but in GA right now to celebrate my son's 30th birthday. Then I'm off to San Antonio and San Marcos, TX. FL was cooler than GA (Atlanta). So, if TX is hotter than GA I'm not looking forward to that lol. I plan on walking but I don't want to pass out from the TX heat. So what's the best time to walk in TX, would it be early in the morning? Btw, my son has me walking all over GA., so that is good because I'm not burning enough calories, but the heat and humidity is horrendous! Hopefully, I'll lose some weight. Good luck on your journey, I know we can all do this!

God bless!