kacee

When I was at the doc yesterday I asked about getting a low profile port installed. They said it would probably be $700 extra. They said to talk to the surgeon when I go in for the procedure. My thing is that when he examined me he commented that I have very little "belly fat". My front part goes away FAST when I lose weight, so I am concerned about protrusion afterwards. They made a note on the file and also said he could opt to place it more to the left instead. He normally inserts it somewhere below the end of the sternum in the center.

Been thinking about you two Jenny... - Just hang in there! Get your rest, walk walk walk...sip sip sip....and don't wait until you hurt really bad to take any meds....the idea is to keep the pain away, if there is much... I'm starting to gear up myself. Grocery shopping, bought some "loose fat pants" at Target because I have nothing but jean leggings. This weekend is serious housecleaning in anticipation of next week!

Almanorgirl---You and me kiddo! Just got the doc paid yesterday and got some more staples (soup, etc.) from the grocery store (stocking up). Fixing to start cleaning the house....activities are heating up!

JennyC74 and Losin'it... We're thinking of you guys! I know right now you are padding around some medical center in anticipation. You'll be on the BANDwagon in NO TIME! Happy thoughts!!!

Wow, they always say they "grow em big in Texas" but wow...there sure are a LOT of us on this forum! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....I wonder why this incredible predominance of Texas folks! Howdy y'all from a Houston gal.

Yes fellow May person, I see your post. I think you and I are scheduled on the same day. Where are you?

Hey Sam! Welcome from another Spivak patient! I go down on Wednesday to pay and get all my info for the surgery day and my BIG DAY is 5-23.

Okay guys...after all this hub-bub, I finally talked to CIGNA today. They basically said if I couldn't fulfill the requirements it was a waste of time to submit any paperwork for consideration, so I am officially denied and I will be a self-pay. This means I can go ahead with the 05-23 date!!! WHEW!!! All RIGHT!!!! 8 days and counting!

Great. It'll be a while, but you're definitely in my neighborhood so I'll give you a holler...

So what time did you get released from Park Plaza to go home?

Hazelbunny...I am scheduled for Spivak on the 23rd. Can you give me a quick run-down on the surgery day for me? When were you scheduled, what time did you get there, when did you leave, did you have nausea, etc. etc.

Howdy! I'm another Spivak person. Was going to go to Spigel, but after reading all the posts I decided to opt for Spivak. Do they do his surgery at Park Plaza or the Surgi-center?

Just wondering if there are any patients of Dr. Spivak's located in the Clear Lake area who may want to carpool to some of his Tuesday meetings after I am banded....

Dr. Spivak. Who did you?

Kindof like Pavlov's dog, eh? Yeah, I hope to be like the rat in the maze who comes upon the tastey tidbit and gets a shock if he goes for it...after a while that tastey tidbit looks pretty grim....

I dated a guy once who not only would not let his food touch, but he only ate his food clockwise around the plate, starting with his meat.

Is that post-band you lost the taste?

You're probably SOOOOO right!!! It's pretty darned easy to talk big before the fact I know. Hopefully I'll just blast myself only a couple of times before the lightbulb goes on in my head! HAHAHAHA

Good luck with that. That's the reason I am probably going to be denied this week. I have everything except the 6 month program. Not gonna do it. Would rather suffer the payments myself than wait another day.

I am sitting here right now looking at my Montgomery Maid Rite, Grinnell Iowa coffee mug!

Happy Mom's Day to all you Moms of two-legged, four-legged and feathered children! And a rounding HUZZAH to all you folks heading through those golden arches of your nearest medical center this week for the beginning of your journey! I have a hot date with my surgeon on May 23....but it's gonna be a RACE AGAINST TIME for me because my insurance hasn't responded yet. I need a yay or nay THIS WEEK (will do it one way or the other though) or I will have to reschedule (RATS!!!)

Audreyg - There are "scar creams" available that are probably predominanty Vitamin E creams. When I ran thru a plate glass window in the 5th grade they gave me cocoa butter to rub on my skin...supposed to help with stretch marks and scars and keeping the skin lubed up....

Jachut - I can SOOO relate. At my top weight I am actually much more symetrical than if I am at my normal weight. At normal, I would have a SMALL waist, thin upper torso (could probably see my collarbone stick out), but go south and I have a big butt, saddlebag thighs and larger than necessary calves.

Everybody talks about HUNGER and HUNGER PAINS, etc. I really can NOT remember a time when I WAS hungry! I'm not even sure what it would be like...I have always eaten when my APPETITE said to...i.e., my MOUTH. I sit there and then all of a sudden my mouth goes..."hmmmm cheese and crackers sounds yummy!" so off I go. I could have just eaten a 7 course meal....no matter. I can't even remember what a growling stomach sounds like.....

Regarding cottage cheese.... If you already enjoy cottage cheese (or I imagine if you are borderline about it)...try cutting up onions and green peppers and mixing in. I do that when I first get the tub and then set it in the fridge. After it has sat for a while the onions and peppers permeate the cottage cheese and it is to DIE FOR!