Sonia

Well, yesterday I attended the information seminar at the Old Mill Inn. Actually, it was my second seminar of the night, I also attended one at Hackensack Hospital. I was very impressed with the surgeons at Hackensack, although one thing was troubling to me. They really did not mention much of pre-op testing. I know someone (actually jsut found out yesterday) that has the surgery scheduled for Christmas week at Hackensack. She has not had to do any pre-op testing at all. The really woried me, but the surgeons were impressive. Then we went to the Abkin/Berthe meeting. Totally different atmosphere, sales-y approach, if you kow what I mean. THe meeting began with MArco, the nurse, then a person who had had the RNY came to share her experiences (I really with someone with the Lap Band had showed up) THen after a discussion about the insurance companies, the doctors showed up. What readily impressed me was Dr. Abkin's obvious knowledge about the surgery and his ability to share that knowledge "at our level". I knew alot about the procedures coming in because of so much research I had done. It was also very obvious that all the doctors preferred the RNY to the Lap Band. Even my husband stated after the meeting that the RNY must be the superior surgery. So I did make an appointment for a consultation, on January 6th. I am also meeting with the psychologist and nutritionist. In the meantime, this is when I must seriosuly consider if this is for me. If I cancel this appointment, I am telling myself that at least for the foreseeble future I must do this without any surgical tool. I have to decide what is best for me. Anyway, that's about it. I just wanted to share my progress so far in a forum that understands where I am coming from. THanks for listening, and sorry for the long post. Sonia

Well, I took my next baby step towards this procedure. I went to my PCP for the first time in 1 1/2 years, for one reason to finally be put on medication for high blood pressure and to discuss WLS. The ironic thing is, I had been avoiding this doctor becuase every time I went to see her, even if it was for a cold, etc, she would wiegh me then get on my case about my weight. I never wanted to go to her. Well, she never even mentioned my weight yesterday, which was ironic because I borught it up to her. She is very willing to back me on this, and told me to let her know if I needed a letter of medical necessity. I told her the two seminars I would be attending tomorrow (Hackensack and Morristown, NJ) and she gave her opinion about them. I did notice that she doesn't really know much about these surgeries. She was getting confused with the gastric bypass and the lap band. I am glad I had researched so much before going to see her. So tomorrow I am off to find out more. I still don't know what I am going to do, but at least I will be armed with information to make an informed decision. Sonia BTW....are any of you on/been on a diuretic for high blood pressure? If so, how often do you really go to the bathroom? Being a teacher, I don't have ready access to the bathroom. It's not like I can say "Ok 7 year olds, take care of yourself for a couple of mintues" . Just asking if anyone knows. Thanks!

Congratulations, Doug. You sound like you are healing nicely. Great to have you back. Sonia

Congrats and welcome!! Sonia

Congrats Jen. It must be a great feeling to have the surgery over with. Have a great recovery!! Sonia

Thanks for your input. I am just taking all the information in that I find online, and asking questions when I don't understand or am curious about something. Thanks again!!

How come you can't take a drink to help clear it? Sorry if it is a dumb question, but I am still learning.

How come you can't take a crink to help clear it?

I just had to mention that you had your surgery on my birthday. And at the doctor I am looking into using as well. 13 has always been a lucky number for me! Sonia

I have been doing my nightly researching and came across something that woudl really address only long-term band users (probably those that got banded at least 5 years ago) but am sounding if off you guys. Some sites say that because of the silicone in the band, autoimmune problems could THEORETICALLY result. THe full quote is here: Silastic reaction- it is possible that the material of the Band could create some type of body immune reaction that stimulates a separate disease process such as arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE). However the Band is made of a silicone elastomer which is completely non-reactive to the body tissues, as far as it has been possible to determine. The same type of material has been in use in a number of implanted medical devices over time, and no problems with tissue reaction have been demonstrated. Here again, the early data is reassuring but no true long-term information exist There was another quote I believe right on Inamed's site, but I can't seem to locate this. Has anyone heard of someone's body actually rejecting the band? And causing autoimmune problems to boot? I am going to post this on an Australian band mailing list, since I believe they have had the band alot logner than the States has. Sonia

Lauri, That is a great letter. I hope those insurance people wise up and give you what you need. It's a joke how these people make us jump through hoops to be taken care of. Of course, they don't think that down the road, they will ahve to pay to treat all those comormibities (spelling?) . Good luck!! Sonia

No, No, please don't be getting worried about something because I brought it up. I am abnormal, worry about every little thing. Listen to the others here. You are already moving about. Hell, even when I am feeling 100% you gotta force me to do laundry. You must be feeling great!! Sonia

Heck I will walk from here to TImbuktu if it means I will be ok. LOL