trystelle

I totally agree with you Chimboree-taking pride in your appearance is a form of self love which most of us don't get enough of. Also, you know what's coming after "you have such a pretty face" SO WHY DON"T YOU LOSE THE WEIGHT???? I have been hearing that my whole life by people who are trying to compliment me. (and as if you had an ugly face there would be no reason to lose weight???):rolleyes So now at 45, with a face that looks more wise than pretty, I am going to lose the weight---for me--not for anyone else's viewing pleasure. I am finally at the age where I can say scr#w you, if you don't like it don't look. My friends that care about me tell me that I am looking fit and healthy-now that's a compliment. Yesterday I went a little crazy looking up band horror stories on the internet, figuring if I was going to back out, now is the time. You know after reading the worst of the worst, I still feel that this is the right surgery for me. My doctor is extremely well qualified and the hospital is the best in the region---so 8 more days to go-I am excited and ready to go. :whoo::whoo::whoo:

You must be so excited-here's to a quick uneventful recovery!!!!

Hi Everyone-I have been doing a lot of reading and not much writing but I am so pleased to read about how well all of you are doing. Congrats Faith-I am right behind you-My surgeon told me I will probably get the small AP too. He said most women under 50 get the small. I say small is good!!!! I am thinking of you and wishing you well!!!!

I have been sitting here waiting patiently, waiting to hear from my insurance company. I finished my requrements on May 1, so I figured I should be hearing. I called my insurance and they claim they never recieved my request. Called the doctor's office-swore they faxed it. Call back to insurance to find out who doctor should refax to. Call to doctor to give the info. Bottom line--It could take up to 30 more days for approval. I can't believe I have been running every day to the mailbox like a fool waiting for my approval letter. I'm really bummed, I have a vacation starting at the end of June and tried to time everything so I could have surgery then. Dr's office said there is no reason why that couldn't happen until now! I guess what is important is that I get the Lapband, but I would really like to get the operation part behind me! Thanks for reading my rant. Trystelle

I am happy to say that I had my Pre-op appointment today and all is set for the 13th of July. I am so excited!

"I think the biggest help to me was this "bandage" if discovered and placed around my abdominal area what a world of differnece. I thinkI read about it somewhere on this site. I highly recommend it if you are thinking about it. " Hi Breadlady- Could you explain what tis "bandage" is? Thanks

Congrats-I am jealous I have to wait another whole month!!!! I have read the Ali book and it is very good.

I have been sticking to 1600 cals since my first visit to the nutritionist. It hasn't been bad. I have 6 small Protein based meals a day. Now that I am more aware of the colories in my food, I am eating more than I ever had-just healthier food. I have been doing yoga for more than a year so I have kept that up-usually a couple of hours a week. I am also walking about 10-15 miles per week. I have challenged myself to walk 50 miles in June and have done 18.5 so far. I haven't dieted at all in about 4-5 years because I just gain it back! Now I know I can work with the band to keep the weight off. Part of the reason I am doing this is that I started off having to lose 180 lbs. This is a lot. I have lost 46 pounds and feel so much better already. I am so happy to be part of this group and look forward to hearing about your progress. :kiss2:

Well I am on my way. My surgery date is 7/13 and I can hardly wait. I am exercising and watching calories so I am in the best of health when I go in. My Doctor is Dr. Haag at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield MA. Part of me can't beleive that this is actually happening. Looking forward to sharing with all of you. hw/cw/gw 330/284/150:clap2:

I got mine today too- Friday July 13TH-good thing I am not superstitous! 38 more days!!!!

Doreen- Sometimes this is emotionally challenging for our husbands too. Any change, good or bad brings a certain amount of stress. It's important to let your husband know that this is about your health. Reassure him that you want to spend as many long and healthy years with him as possible. Sometimes they feel threatened by the feeling that losing weight will result in your leaving him. It's probably insecurity on his part. Just let him know how much you love him and need him to be an active partner in helping you to live a long and healthy life with him.

It's the first step toward a new relationship with food. Congratulations on your decision.

:confused: I found out today that I have been approved for my surgery! I am so happy. I have been working toward this for two years and now its going to happen.:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

It took me two years because I needed to do some "head work" on my emotional and compulsive eating. I didn't want to commit to the band until I knew that I could. I have spent the time learning to exercise and become conscious of my eating. It has helped I have lost 40 pounds and now I am ready to move into lapland!

Congratulations on your decision!

Congrats--I am waiting for a callback with my date-isn't it exciting!!!

OMG----That's what happened today----I called to make sure the papers were received. They told me that they had received the original fax and my surgery was APPROVED........

I have been making a delicious shake using lite chocolate soy milk and carnation instant breakfast. You may also add malted milk powder if desired. Use a cup of soy milk with one packet of instant breakfast and 4 or 5 ice cubes. Blend from 45 to 60 seconds and you have a delicious, nutritious chocolate shake. I have been experimenting with shakes in anticipation of my surgery and this is the best so far.

My surgeon will not operate if you gain more than 5lbs between the pre-op visit and the surgery. I don't know but I think the sooner i get in the habit of being healthful the more I will get out of the band. I am currently waiting for my approval, but have lost more than 20 pounds since my first appointment. Practice makes perfect???

Wanted to say hi and join this thread. I have been overweight all my life. I reached my high of 330 last year. I have everything done and submitted to my insurance and am waiting for a reply. I should be getting a reply within a week or so. Then I will schedule surgery for late june/early july. I have lost 34 pounds so far making lifestyle changes in anticipation of my surgery. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!:clap2:

FAITH md- I am so glad to see you got a surgery date, I have been reading you posts and rooting for you!

Wow you are lucky in a way-not too much time to get nervous. If you weren't ready you would have never made it this far. Thoughts with you for tomorrow.

Hi-I have spent the last two years researching and deciding whether the Lap band is right for me. I am happy to say I am well on my way. I have one more dietician appointment before I have cleared all the hurdles! That is scheduled for 5/1. After that appointment, my surgeon's office will submit the request to my insurance. It generally takes my insurance about 2 weeks to approve and then I can schedule my surgery. I am hoping to schedule it in late June or early July. I am a teacher so I will have plenty of time to take care of me! I am currently on a 1600 cal high protein eating plan with 6 small meals a day. I have lost 11.5 pounds during April. I finally feel it is safe to lose weight since I will have the lap band to help me through tough times. There's no time like the present for adopting healthy habits. I have been lurking on this forum for several months and wish to sincerely thank each of you for the information you have shared.