MsPris

Sweety - BonJosie - MysticstarD : Congrats to all of you and glad to see you are all doing so well. Can't wait to join all of you in Banster Land later this month.

<p>Waterbury, CT (now)</p> <p> </p> <p>Born in Fall River, MA</p>

Laura: You look so good. You have a right to be proud of yourself and you do inspire. Keep up the good work.

Welcome Natalie: I joined found this site a short while ago and it has been an invaluable wealth of information. Just reading a thread can be interesting and helpful. Then when you start interacting with others on this site, you find out how very kind and gracious every one is. Good luck on your journey. Pris

Greetings Everyone: Thanks for the Welcome to the Lucky 7's club and to Chimboree for being the keeper of the calendar and adding me to it. (I printed it out) I haven't bought anything yet. I have a small group meeting next Thursday evening with the Psych, and Dietitian. They will tell us what they want us to get in the way of Vitamins and the rest. I've never had a protein shake. I know when I attended the seminar at the hospital, they said that at St. Raphael's in New Haven, they use "Carnation," as in Instant Breakfast - I wonder? I'm 53 and just got off the phone with my 78 year old dad who for the most part is sharp as a tack and still works part time. Anyway, of course I had to get the, "What the hell do you have to have surgery to lose weight for? You know what to do - you just walk away from the table." Know all that. "This is just a money making scheme for the Dr's.," he said when I told him the surgeon said I was a good candidate. "Of course he said that, they're in it for the money." I told him I loved and respected him and his opinion, which he had every right to be entitiled to - though I didn't agree. The only other thing I said basically was, my surgeons a female and I phoned her for an appt. she didn't solicit me. I love my dad to death, but he has his beliefs and one is that psychologists and psychology are/is not a real science but rather "is for the birds." It's rather amusing that my brother's PhD. is in Psychology, and it was my minor. Okay....moving along.... Thanks for listening.

Dear Diary: I am so excited. My surgeons aa called a few hours ago with my dates: JULY 06, 2007: Office visit and hosp. preops. EKG/X-ray, blood work, and whatever else? JULY 19, 2007: SURGERY - won't know the time til the day before. aw shucks! I was so excited when she called, I didn't even remember that it was last July 19th I was rushed by ambulance, to the hospital - with as my doctor told me - (after I made it through) - "one foot on a banana peel and the other in the grave." Pondered for a moment whether the date would bother me. But decided, it was last July 19th the doctors saved my life and this July 19th I'm going to do something to change my life. And to be completely honest with you - that was the first date available. If I'd said no, the following week - I'd be kicking myself in the butt about it that whole extra week - for being superstitious or paranoid about the date. The first thing - even before coming here, was to join the Lucky '07's - the July Bandster thread. I feel such a relief. Three weeks from today. I can do that! Deep breath!

Dear Diary: I am so excited. My surgeons aa called a few hours ago with my dates: JULY 06, 2007: Office visit and hosp. preops. EKG/X-ray, blood work, and whatever else? JULY 19, 2007: SURGERY - won't know the time til the day before. aw shucks! I was so excited when she called, I didn't even remember that it was last July 19th I was rushed by ambulance, to the hospital - with as my doctor told me - (after I made it through) - "one foot on a banana peel and the other in the grave." Pondered for a moment whether the date would bother me. But decided, it was last July 19th the doctors saved my life and this July 19th I'm going to do something to change my life. And to be completely honest with you - that was the first date available. If I'd said no, the following week - I'd be kicking myself in the butt about it that whole extra week - for being superstitious or paranoid about the date. The first thing - even before coming here, was to join the Lucky '07's - the July Bandster thread. I feel such a relief. Three weeks from today. I can do that! Deep breath!

JULY 19th - I'm So EXCITED! Happy to be a Lucky 7. My surgeon's AdminAss't just phoned with my date of July 19th. Since I didn't need an endoscopy - had one two months ago - she said - let me call back and give you your Preop visit day for your other work-ups. Hung up - sat there pounding my fists on the kitchen table with excitement and then she phoned back and gave me my work up date of next Friday, July 6th. Then, this sudden dread came over me - I was rushed to the hospital last year on July 19th and almost died. _ But, I didn't, I'm still here. Had to think for a minute if I'd have bad vibes about the date. Quickly decided that July 19th, 2006 was the day they saved my life, and this year on July 19th, 2007 is the day I'm doing something positive to change my life. CONGRATS TO ALL JULY '07 BANDSTERS! Happy to join the club!

Congrats and Good Luck on your upcoming journey ! Hope to join the 'bandits' later this month or early next. Pris

Dear Diary: 1. I have no patience. But, today I decided to be good and not call my surgeons admin. asst., and wait for her to phone me. On monday, she said Dr. B would review her files (mine included) and she'd call me with a date on Wednesday. Now, whether it's a surgery date or another preop visit to set the surgery date, I'm not sure. Today's Wednesday and I've been here all day - and she didn't call. 2. When I'd originally seen my surgeon on 5/31 - she told me that she wouldn't do my surgery unless I quit smoking. So I did, nearly two weeks ago. I'd been on chantix already, the only thing i added was the patch. I'm so thrilled to be having the surgery that kicking the habit hasn't been all that bad. My fiance quit with me, too. 3. My fiance had a Dr.'s visit last friday, so i went with him. And since Dr. M. is my pcp also, he pulled out my last bloodwork results which showed an elevated level. The two prior, had shown I was pre-diabetic so he gave me another form and asked me to go have my bloodwork done. I went on Monday. Well my surgeon's office didn't call, but my pcp Dr. M. did and started off with, "I have some bad news for you. You are now DIABETIC." I have to go into his office on Tuesday for an office visit and to get a script. I need this like I need warts. I think I've gained about 10 lbs. since the 31st of May, but I kind of attributed it to: a.) deciding I should have a "last supper," at every meal and snack, because soon I wouldn't be able to. b.) quitting smoking. I never thought It could be an increased appetite because of the diabetes. But that sure does explain the lethargy I've been feeling. :faint: Not to worry -- I've had worse days.

Dear Diary: 1. I have no patience. But, today I decided to be good and not call my surgeons admin. asst., and wait for her to phone me. On monday, she said Dr. B would review her files (mine included) and she'd call me with a date on Wednesday. Now, whether it's a surgery date or another preop visit to set the surgery date, I'm not sure. Today's Wednesday and I've been here all day - and she didn't call. 2. When I'd originally seen my surgeon on 5/31 - she told me that she wouldn't do my surgery unless I quit smoking. So I did, nearly two weeks ago. I'd been on chantix already, the only thing i added was the patch. I'm so thrilled to be having the surgery that kicking the habit hasn't been all that bad. My fiance quit with me, too. 3. My fiance had a Dr.'s visit last friday, so i went with him. And since Dr. M. is my pcp also, he pulled out my last bloodwork results which showed an elevated level. The two prior, had shown I was pre-diabetic so he gave me another form and asked me to go have my bloodwork done. I went on Monday. Well my surgeon's office didn't call, but my pcp Dr. M. did and started off with, "I have some bad news for you. You are now DIABETIC." I have to go into his office on Tuesday for an office visit and to get a script. I need this like I need warts. I think I've gained about 10 lbs. since the 31st of May, but I kind of attributed it to: a.) deciding I should have a "last supper," at every meal and snack, because soon I wouldn't be able to. b.) quitting smoking. I never thought It could be an increased appetite because of the diabetes. But that sure does explain the lethargy I've been feeling. :faint: Not to worry -- I've had worse days.

bkat: Congrats to you and hope you are doing well.

Dear Diary: Since learning I didn't need to go through the nervewracking process of waiting for insurance approval, I have been in 7th heaven. Bright and early Monday morn June 25th, I phoned my surgeons admin.asst., and she received all my paperwork and my psych eval. - (which she said Dr. Barajas will revue on Wednesday) and then she'll call me and schedule another appt. to come in and set my surgery date. Louise the admin. asst. is very nice, so I asked her "how far out the surgeries were being planned?" When she found out I was having the lap band she said; "Gee, it looks now like July 9th might be available - if you're seen soon enough, or possibly the 16th of July." I was in shock. I remember when I looked into the GB, 4 years ago the surgery dates were 3-4 months down the road. Now, I still have to have the mandatory surgery pre-op meeting with the Nutritionist and the Psychologist on July 5th. ....And chances are by the time I see the surgeon it might not be until later this week or early next, so the 9th and the 16th may just pass me buy. But, at least it may happen the end of July or beginning of August - which is what I'd hoped for. I'll keep you posted.

Dear Diary: Since learning I didn't need to go through the nervewracking process of waiting for insurance approval, I have been in 7th heaven. Bright and early Monday morn June 25th, I phoned my surgeons admin.asst., and she received all my paperwork and my psych eval. - (which she said Dr. Barajas will revue on Wednesday) and then she'll call me and schedule another appt. to come in and set my surgery date. Louise the admin. asst. is very nice, so I asked her "how far out the surgeries were being planned?" When she found out I was having the lap band she said; "Gee, it looks now like July 9th might be available - if you're seen soon enough, or possibly the 16th of July." I was in shock. I remember when I looked into the GB, 4 years ago the surgery dates were 3-4 months down the road. Now, I still have to have the mandatory surgery pre-op meeting with the Nutritionist and the Psychologist on July 5th. ....And chances are by the time I see the surgeon it might not be until later this week or early next, so the 9th and the 16th may just pass me buy. But, at least it may happen the end of July or beginning of August - which is what I'd hoped for. I'll keep you posted.

Welcome Karen G: Not NYC, but close by in CT. I saw the surgeon May 31st and have completed appts. with Psych. and Dietitian. Hope to be banded in August.

Congrats on your dates BigHarleyGuy and 2bthinagn ! My birthday is 8/04 and I'm hoping for an August date also. Keeping my fingers crossed all goes well for all of us August people.

Hey rat427: Since you mentioned BP - I lightly touched on the subject of nearly dying in my journal, but let me tell you a little story - short version - regarding the mixing of BP medications. Last July 19th, I was rushed to the ER and nearly died. I was hypoxic - < 84 %, and had no clue what was going on, had bilateral cellulitis - which is pretty uncommon, - at least bilaterally, and I was in acute renal failure. - My nephrologist later told me he believed the kidney failure was caused 'iotragenically' (sic) meaning - by a combo of BP meds. If you are on a combo, please be diligent about making sure your PCP sends you for bloodwork often. "Happy to be here - I'll be happier when I'm thin." Pris

Here's the set up: In 1979, at the age of 26, my 5'2" frame was carrying around 185 lbs. I was working at a chemical plant with mostly men as a reactor operator. This was by far the most stressful position in the companhy and the highest position paid hourly. I was the only woman doing this job, and needless to say all the men, including old-timers, and co-workers my own age - were not too keen on a woman being able to do 'such a complicated and high paying job.' Now the story: I developed food poisioning - my doctor said it was most likely caused by a can of split pea Soup, I'd eaten out of the vending machine. Out of work for nearly a week and a half, I dropped an incredible 15 lbs. before returning to work. Then, after being back at work for 3 to 4 weeks, of course I regained my 15 lb. loss. One evening, while in the control room in a rare moment when all six of us Class A reactor operators were there, one of the older gentleman I worked with asked, "Hey how much of that weight have you gained back since you were out sick,?" Well, even though I knew the answer was all, I said, "Gee, I don't know why?" And then right there in front of my coworkers, he say's, "Looks like all of it to me, cuz now you look like the same piglet you did before you got sick." I had learned from working with these men not to let them see my vulnerability, or they would use it against me, so I just ignored him - outwardly. Inside, I was so hurt, so mortified and embarrassed and so angry that he had the audacity to say that to me. I vowed then and there no one would ever, ever have the opportunity to say that to me again. Ending of the story: About a month later the plant had a cut back, and being low man 'woman' on the seniority totem pole, I was bounced out of my job and took another job in a different building working different hours. I worked there for a year. During that year, though, I'd gone on the Atkins diet, and had gone down to 104 lbs. Lost 81 lbs. The company started doing well again and my former building manager called me and begged me to go back to my Class A Reactor Operator Job since they really needed experienced operators. I agreed and went back. When I finally reported to work, my former co-workers were in shock. And about two weeks after that, the gentleman who'd insulted me - and was now telling me how great I looked, asked me how, and why I'd been so successful in dropping all that weight. I couldn't even bring myself to tell him he had been the impetus for my weight loss. "I've been fat and I've been thin and I can tell you from experience that being thin tastes a lot better." Can't wait for my surgery date to be on the road to thin again.

Patti: I used to suffer from such painful leg cramps they would wake me out of my sleep. My doctor suggested I try quinine water. Did the trick. I'd ask your doctor if he'd recommend it for you. I buy the diet quinine. Not too bad. Good Luck! Hope they go away, there's nothing worse.

Count me in too! I'm 53, and will be 54 on August 4th, so I'd love to have my surgery scheduled around that date. What a great Birthday present that would be. My surgeon's admin. ass't. is waiting for the psych report ( he passed me, they just need the report for my file ) then I go in for my appt. with the APRN who schedules the surgery. So, for now it's just a waiting game, but I am so excited I could spit. And for particulars: Age: 53 Weight: 238 Height 5'2" - with, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Pre-diabetic, GERD, Barretts Esophagus, Enlarged liver, Stress Incontinence and to top it all off, they can't prove my sleep apnea because I've never been in REM sleep either of the two sleep studies I did, but I am nighttime hypoxic, so I have a real noisy compressor and sleep with 2L of oxygen. Oh, and I have a hang nail.

Dear Diary: So glad most of this week is over. Here's how my week went. Monday: June 18th 2:15pm - Psych evaluation with Chris Lodi. He's really very nice and we had a nice discussion. He asked quite a few questions to see where "my head is at." I guess a lot of people look at surgery as a magic bullet, and the weight will just fall off without any work. I'm so glad I found this website. All the info I'd garnered was so insightful and made the upcoming journey so realistic which made him pleased enough to pass me onto the next stage. Tuesday: June 19th 1:30pm - Appt. with the Dietition. Almost had a breakdown 'mentally,' getting to the appt. I took the backroads to her office which is the shortest and easiest, however I hit 2 roadblocks of construction and an accident once I hit New Haven. Arrived 15 min. late. I answered her questions about my eating habits. She asked what I ate on a typical day and I told her, "pretty much anything that isn't nailed down." ...at least I was honest! Wednesday: June 20th 5:00pm - Req'd. Support Grp. Meeting Jim (my fiance) and I attended this Support Group meeting which lasted 1hr and 45 minutes. It was really very interesting. Jessie, the APRN from my Surgeons office was there, along with Diana Rosa, the Dietition and Chris Lodi the Psychologist. In addition there was a guest speaker named Clea who was two years post op - who started at 314# and is now at 171 on her way down to her "Dream ideal goal weight" of 150. You go girl! Thursday: June 21st - the first day of Summer, I might add. I spoke with Jessie who is the APRN and who does the scheduling and she said I do not have to have pre-authorization for medicare. Thank heaven !!!! Then Louise, my surgeons admin. ass't. phoned and said she's only waiting for the psyche report and asked me to call my Gastroenterologist to fax them the Endoscopy and Liver Ultrasound. Once she get's those, she'll phone me to come in and see Jessie who will schedule my surgery. Yahoo! :clap2: I plan on doing that first thing tomorrow morning, to keep the ball rolling. I am so excited.

Dear Diary: So glad most of this week is over. Here's how my week went. Monday: June 18th 2:15pm - Psych evaluation with Chris Lodi. He's really very nice and we had a nice discussion. He asked quite a few questions to see where "my head is at." I guess a lot of people look at surgery as a magic bullet, and the weight will just fall off without any work. I'm so glad I found this website. All the info I'd garnered was so insightful and made the upcoming journey so realistic which made him pleased enough to pass me onto the next stage. Tuesday: June 19th 1:30pm - Appt. with the Dietition. Almost had a breakdown 'mentally,' getting to the appt. I took the backroads to her office which is the shortest and easiest, however I hit 2 roadblocks of construction and an accident once I hit New Haven. Arrived 15 min. late. I answered her questions about my eating habits. She asked what I ate on a typical day and I told her, "pretty much anything that isn't nailed down." ...at least I was honest! Wednesday: June 20th 5:00pm - Req'd. Support Grp. Meeting Jim (my fiance) and I attended this Support Group meeting which lasted 1hr and 45 minutes. It was really very interesting. Jessie, the APRN from my Surgeons office was there, along with Diana Rosa, the Dietition and Chris Lodi the Psychologist. In addition there was a guest speaker named Clea who was two years post op - who started at 314# and is now at 171 on her way down to her "Dream ideal goal weight" of 150. You go girl! Thursday: June 21st - the first day of Summer, I might add. I spoke with Jessie who is the APRN and who does the scheduling and she said I do not have to have pre-authorization for medicare. Thank heaven !!!! Then Louise, my surgeons admin. ass't. phoned and said she's only waiting for the psyche report and asked me to call my Gastroenterologist to fax them the Endoscopy and Liver Ultrasound. Once she get's those, she'll phone me to come in and see Jessie who will schedule my surgery. Yahoo! :clap2: I plan on doing that first thing tomorrow morning, to keep the ball rolling. I am so excited.

I left a message on my surgeon's APRN voice mail. She handles scheduling. She just returned my call and said with Medicare, I don't need pre-authorization. The surgeon's office is just waiting for the results of my endoscopy and liver ultrasound from another Dr.'s office, and then I go to see her - the APRN and she schedules the surgery. Couldn't sound any simpler to me. But like they say, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." (Keeping my fingers crossed)

Hi! Hope to be banded soon, but funny you should mention the weight gain. Last evening I attended the required Support Group meeting and one of the surgical nurses, spoke about just that. She said, she'd seen people weigh as much as 20 lbs. more than the day of the surgery. The reason - all the IV fluids they give you. Not to worry she said. Hope that puts your mind at ease. Congrats! Feel Better! ...and good luck!

Serena: Hi! Luckily my surgeon and hospital are one of the "Bariatric Centers of Excellence," here in Connecticut. So, in that sense I'm all set. I have no clue however, what a Medicare Intermediary or Trailblazer is? duh! Never heard of it, or what they do. I went to the required support group last evening and have finished all my appts. so I'm hoping everything will be submitted next week. Do you think an August surgery date is hoping for too much? Hope not!