Luv2scuba

Long, Congratulations on your loss! Have a wonderful and safe trip, too! Unfortunately, St. Marys is on the opposite side of the state from Philly. We are located in the middle of no where! St. Marys is about 45 minutes north of DuBois which is on I-80. We are between Pittsburgh (3.5 hours away)and Erie (3 hours away). I'm going to have my surgery in Erie. I'm glad my daughter is doing this with me, we have our own little support group. The only other person in our house is my son and he pretty much does his own thing. Happy Thanksgiving! Pat

Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to those of you who are new! Well wishes to those of you and yours who are facing health issues! Congratulations to those who are losing, losing, losing! Here's a little update. My daughter and I had our consult with the surgeon last Thursday. We of course had snow to contend with on the way, got lost and were late. We called and they waited for us, thankfully. Saw the nurse, weight, height, measurements, pictures. Then we joined 2 other women, and as a group watched a video from the insurance guy, then a video from the surgeon. The surgeon came in and talked to us and answered questions. Then we were examined indivually by the surgeon. I have to have a stress test in addition to the usual bloodwork, ekg, chest xray and the swallow thing. My daughter has to have a few more tests including a sleep test. Both also have to meet with the nutrionalist and make a psych visit. The office makes all the appointments (except for the psych)nand sends you the info, so we are waiting for our packets. We asked that they piggyback as much as possible and make our appointments for the same day as it is a 3 hour trip. The surgeon questioned whether we continue with our follow up care as we are so far. I tried to assure him that i really want this and will do what i have too. He also told me that i can only expect to lose 50 to 60 lbs with the band. I of course want to lose more but as i'm doing this to prevent health problems, i'll do what it takes. The ride home was absolutely horrendous, it took us over 6 hours! It was snowing so hard, you couldn't see to drive at times. Tractor trailers were stuck on the hills, had to detour once. We were stopped, stuck on a hill with hundreds of other cars at one point for almost an hour. We stopped once for gas and a couple of times to clean the ice off the headlights and wipers. We were afraid to stop and eat, so ate some protein bars i had in my purse. I have to admit both of us were questioning our decision to have this surgery at one point during the drive home. So now we are waiting for our packets, continuing the medically supervised and waiting again. Reading here everyday to get as much info and prepare as much as possible. I'm hoping to have surgery sometime in Jan. I can't wait! Pat

Hi, Good luck on your surgery today! I live on the opposite side of our state but if you want to stay in touch that would be cool!

Hi, I found this yesterday and haven't had time to try it yet, but am hoping to give it a try soon. Chai Latte Mix 4 cups nonfat dry milk powder 1/3 cup brown sugar substitute 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (optional) 2 cups Splenda 2 cups instant tea, unsweetened 1 (3.4-ounce) package sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix To make mix, combine 1 cup nonfat dry milk with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, allspice, cloves and white pepper, if desired; blend in a blender or food processor to get the lumps out of brown sugar. Combine with remaining dry milk, Splenda, instant tea and dry vanilla pudding mix. Store mix in a covered container. Makes 35 servings. To prepare as a beverage, start with 2 rounded tablespoons of mix to an 8-ounce cup of hot water; stir.

I saw the surgeon on 11/20 and he said i could be banded in jan or feb. Am waiting for my packet with my test dates and times. I can't wait! Pat

Good luck, i hope you hear something soon! Pat

Oh My! What a morning! And i am laughing! You have quite a way with words and my imagination is running ever so high this morning! Heck with 19 more lbs, is your BMI over 40? Dare i say....Mission accomplished! Hugs to you dear!

Band Groupie, Sounds like your making progress! I'm sure Thursday will get a lot of your questions answered. I think that getting on meds will help your case with the insurance. I've read where a lot of people find out they have sleep apnea when they start this process. I'm really looking forward to going next week for my appt with the surgeon to see just how and when things will happen too! Pat

Congratulations Margaret! I'm so happy that you got approved! That is so great! Keep us informed on you progress, please!

Hi dmr and shassy! There are a few of us around from this part of the state. I chose the band over bypass because of the adjustability. I like the fact that i will always be able to get a fill and have restriction. I like that is removable in case i need to have it removed or even if i need to only have the Fluid removed for some reason. I like the fact that my insides are not permanently altered. And i like the fact that so many have been successful with the band. I know too many people who have had bypass and gained back part if not all of their weight back. My sister had bypass and had so many ill side effects and has gained almost all her weight back and now has to diet to lose again. I like the idea of slower weight loss as i think it is healthier than losing so fast like bypasser's do. Those are the main reasons. shassy, I grew up in Smethport so i know Bradford well. Good luck on the 8th! Are you nervous? Does the idea of traveling so far for fills bother you? I really wish there was some place closer! I'm waiting for the plumber to come and fix my leaky sink. TTyl soon!

Hi dmr, I live near DuBois so i'm not too far away. I'm not banded yet have my consult next week. Can't wait to actually get this journey moving forward. What Dr. and facility are you using? I've decided to go to Erie, Hamot hospital and Dr. Ali. I wish there was somewhere closer! Good luck! Pat

Band Groupie, I decided to go to Erie and I'm using Hamot and Dr. Ali. Yes, they actually told me (and I have it in writing) 2 co-morbitities if you are between 35 and 40. My PCP is very supportive, he knows how hard i've struggled. I did a five year diet history for him to put in my chart (his records). I have a definate family history for diabetes and stroke, so as i look at it, i'm playing with fire if i don't do something. By the way, incontinence can be used, or so i've heard. My BCBS requires a supervised diet for 6 months, can be Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. And the 6 months don't have to be consecutive, 2 3-month consecutive diets will work. I did weight watchters in 2007. I sent my dates to them and they said they would qualify as long as i had my surgery before Jan 24, 2009 which is when i had my first weigh in with WW. I'm not sure that my surgery will before that as i've had to wait for 4 months to see the surgeon. So while i was waiting i started a medically supervised diet, just in case. I don't need it be supervised by a dietician. My PCP talked about the bandster diet that i would be following after and so we decided that South beach would be the best way to prepare for those changes. So that is what i'm following. I'm following it, but eating larger portions so i don't fall below 40 before the 20th. I haven't seen a dietician yet and wont until i see the one the surgeon uses. I've heard that it is the the weight when you see the surgeon that counts for your BMI. Good luck with your PCP. Drink lots if you can, keep your keys, cell, loose change in your pockets and wear heavy clothes. It's funny how different our plans are for the same co and plan. I guess the different states make the difference. I question a lot of stuff in email thru HCBO.com. Can you access that? I have kept and printed all the correspondence with them, just in case. Let me know how you make out on Monday! Pat

Hi, I have a BCBS PPO, mine is a national account. My requirements were BMI of at least 40, 35 with 2 comorbidities; 6 month supervised diet (WW, Jenny Craig count), a psych eval and nutritional eval. I live in PA too, north of you by the sounds of it. I'm facing the same problem. I have no comorbitities and my BMI is hovering between 40 and 40.5. I'm trying to exercise and eat healthy. Doing my supervised now, losing a lb a month. I see the surgeon on the 20th and hoping that then i can really start losing. This may sound terrible but I drink lots of Water before my appt to weigh in, to keep my weight up there and i make my appts for late afternoon. Self pay is not an option for me right now, so i'm doing everything i can to stay above that 40 BMI mark, without gaining back a lot of weight. It's taken me over 2 years to lose what i have and i'm not willing to go back there. I've read on here that people will complain of joint pain, etc. to get that 2nd Co-morbidity. I'd talk to your pcp and see what he says about the Hypertension and see if he can come up with another one for you. Good luck and keep posting, so we know how you make out!

Good luck and let us know how you make out!

Shassy, how's it going? have you met with a surgeon yet? What was the deciding factor for you? Have you gone to a support group meeting at the Bradford hosp.? Nanband35, Hi, I've decided to use Hamot and Dr. Alli. Have you gone to one of their support group meetings? They are very helpful. I went to a general one and then a lapband one. I found the lapband one much more helpful. But both had great info. As a matter of fact I'll be at the lapband one on the 12th. My daughter and I are meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Alli, on the 20th at Hamot in Erie. We've both started out medically supervised diets, so i'm hoping things move quickly after that. :tongue: Nice to know there are some others from our great state on this journey. Pat

Thanks for the offer Sharmom! Hugs, Pat

Hi All! Been a while since I posted. It has been a long hurricane season, things have been crazy at work. Still busy with the after effects but things are slowing down. I've started a 3 month supervised while waiting to see my surgeon. Reading here when i can. I've read a couple of books. I've been following the south beach plan with a few modifications, my pcp seems to think it is closest to the bandster lifestyle. I started walking 6 days a week. I alternate between walking 2 miles and changing the intensity of my walks. It's working for now. Had a small get together for my DD (turning 30) and her friends last night and a long time friend who i haven't seen for a couple of months noticed my weight loss. Was wonderful to hear someone say those words!! Sure helped keep me on plan last night. I'm amazed at how well everyone is doing! I can't wait till i'm officially one of you! Gotta run, DD will be here for breakfast and then grocery shopping and meal prep for the week. Hugs, Pat

Hi all! Sorry for being gone again. Another hurricane and then vacation. Just getting back into the swing of things. Pam - sounds like you are doing great! How was the fill? Feeling less hungry? How was homecoming? Hurricanes are pretty scary! I can only imagine the stress of having a loved in harms way during one. Cindy - great attitude! Hope I can remember that this is a lifelong learning process. Judy - Great to hear from you. How is it going? How is going with you and your daughter having it done together. My daughter and I are doing it that way too. I'd be interested to hear how it's working. As for me, I go to see my pcp for my second weigh-in, while waiting for my appt with the surgeon. My daughter and i have an appt. on 11/20 to see him. So i'm trying to eat a bandster lifestyle, much larger portions right now. I'm walking 6 days a week for 30 minutes. Tracking everything i eat and drink on "the daily plate". And waiting! Gotta run, have a meeting at the Armory this morning. Have a great day! Pat

Pam, I'm really sorry i haven't been on here for a while, these hurricanes are just making life miserable! How are you doing? What stage are you in? How long were you off work? I think that is horrible that they charge that much for a fill, but as they are necessary, what can you do? Lifes' ups and downs are always with us, huh? If you need to share, I'm here (hopefully more now!) I've not been doing much of anything, trying to start each day with a walk and keep my calories under control. I've missed being able to check in here daily! Pat

Cindy, Thanks, my job definately has it's ups and downs, i'm civilian. Things have been crazy with the hurricanes this past week and looks like we are in for another crazy week. Congrats on your weight loss! Sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for your offer. I'll be in touch. Pam, So glad you are doing well! Glad to hear that you are happy with your surgery results! I was thinking about you and wondering how you were doing. Can't wait to hear more! Roxyrip, Thanks for the well wishes. Sounds like you are doing very well too. I'd love to hear about the differences from you. As i said, the hurricanes have kept me busy and no time to check the boards. I have managed not to get deployed yet, we'll see what happens on the east coast this weekend! I saw my PCP to start my supervised diet yesterday. He was very supportive and completely understands the weight loss issues as he is quite overweight himself. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Pat

Peaches, Thanks for your response. I haven't found any port site infections either in all my research. I asked a DR. on another site and he said he has seen maybe 0.5% of infections with the port. Sorry to hear about your tubing being punctured! That must have been nerve wracking to say the least! Glad things seem to be working now. Pat

Hi, Thanks so much for sharing! Your weight loss is amazing. Your wife's too! You, both, are an inspiration. That is so cool that you are off all your meds. I've read that the learning what your band will or will not accept is challenging but worth it as you said. I've been thinking about doing the same thing at work, we have a park about a block away and i've been thinking about going there at lunch. I'm sure it will help with my stress as well as weight loss. I really can't wait to go shopping and buy regular clothes! I went with my daughter to her first PCP visit this week and he was supportive, altho he admittedly doesn't know much about banding. He tried to tell us that by-pass would maybe be better but neither of us want that! I have my visit next week, so we are on our way. Thanks again for sharing! Pat

Pam, Hope all is well! Thinking about you today! Pat

Hi all, I went with my daughter today to her first visit with our PCP (my appt is next thurs). He supports our decision to have the LB surgery, tho he has more knowledge and has had more patients who have by-pass. He said his only concern was the high incidence of infections at the port site. He asked us what we knew about that? I told him I hadn't heard that there was a high incidence and I've been looking on here today. The only info I can find is that the chance occurs from surgery, as with any type of surgery. Does anybody know of any other info? I'm going to check out some other sites too. I'm going to have to use this as a good chance to educate him on LB. I love coming here and reading about everyone's successes and even the troubles, and the answers and support given. Thanks, Pat

Not banded yet but i had the same concerns as i'm a dive master. The band is not suppose to be affected at all by diving. I think there are some posts in the exercise section or if you do a search for scuba diving you'll find some of info. Good luck! Pat