lindaa

There are flaws in every system, and as technology creates advances in how diseases and disorders are treated and as the "entitlement" mentality grows, there is going to be more and more demand for more expensive procedures. I don't see how governments can continue to offer the level of universal health care that will be expected in the next decade. Why should I pay for a new liver for the person who destroyed theirs by drinking? Why should I pay for a lung transplant for a smoker who refuses to quit? Why should someone else pay for my Lab Band? People have to understand what it means to be accountable for their choices. Then, and only then can I support the concept of universal health care. From my perspective, we are a long ways away from that!

Hi Gia, Nice to meet you. How did it go? I'm on for next week, so I am really interested in hearing about other ppl's experiences and advice!

DITTO. How long 'till supper?

neefam: All I can tell you is that my surgeon does not require any pre-operative dieting unless the BMI is greater than 45. If dieting were easy, we wouldn't be dong the band. Dieting is hard work and every single one of us has tried it and failed--that's why we are dong what we are doing this. I hope that your surgery will proceed as scheduled, and that the band will help you feel successful. Keep us posted.

YES! But giving into it is how I got to where I am. "Move away from the french fires!"

Lynette: 12 pounds! Hourray!! Are you noticing a difference yet? Maybe we sould make Friday's the "Official" weigh-in and report day?

Thoes of you who were banded: Do you still get thoes deep gnawing hunger pains where you feel physically sick (like you did during your pre-op diets)?

Lynette--You sweetie! I'm thankful for you and the rest of the Lucky #7's! Thanks for the shout out!

Hi Chickb, Wow! What honesty! I think we all know, deep inside, that just losing weight is not going to change who we are. It may remove some of the barriers--either real or imagined--that prevent us from letting other people get to know us. That's one great thing about these bulliten boards. We can get to know each other without forming judgements based on appearance. I think that as we lose our weight, our phyhsical relationships will become more like our online line friendships. More and more, we will stop letting what others think about our appearance influence what we do or where we go. As we lose the We will gain confidence that people will get to know us as people--not "fat" people. You already have much to contribute. First of all, you are on a journey that many people fear to travel. Through this experience you are developing empathy for what other people experience in their lives. For us it is our battle with weight. Someone else may have health, personal, or emotional issues. What everyone is looking for is for someone else to listen and be empathetic. That is what we give each other through this board, and it is what you have to contribute to the people you encounter in your day to day life. You're only 26! Every day you are learning something new--I still am and I am more than twice your age. All of that learning is what you have to contribute, and you will never know how you may impact someone else down the road. Good luck in your journey. Keep us posted!!

Thanks for your posting, Suzie. I have a 4+ hour flight as well, and will definitely ask for bulkhead seats on the return trip.

rrkeithsgirl: I'll be with you on the 16th! Where are you having your surgery done? How are you feeling about it right now? We really are lucky--there are some great ppl in this thread!

Patti C: One oops in 3 weeks? I'd say you're doing terrific!! OK, you messed up a li'l. No big deal!! Celebrate your successes and forgive your mistakes. Move on! Next week starts a whole new life! We're here for you.

Got it! Muchas gracias, Lynette. (Gotta brush up on the español)

You guys are my new best friends! I am so happy I found this site! Dream Clothes: Yesterday I was shopping with my daughter (size 4) and we spent an hour in Victoria's Secret. Need I say more? It's not the sexy part--just nice pretty things! The other thing would be waist bands that don't roll! What am I missing when trying to attach the ticker file to my signature? I keep getting an invalad file message when I try to paste the url.

dieka32: Nice to meet you. I am a nurse too, and totally agree. Until now, I always knew the physicians who were treating me and my family. It's really unsettling to think about going so far away and having no idea, but at this point, the benefit outweighs the risk. I understand that it will be Dr Lopez Cardova who will be dong the surgery. I'm glad to hear from you, and about your 1-month success. I'll be looking for your posts from now on!

Need a fill doctor that will follow up Mexican banding in Milwaukee/Green Bay/Appleton area

Yes, Please do! I have an appointment with them on July 16

Would you mind giving me the contact information on the doctor in Chicago who does your fills? I live in Wisconsin, and I am not sure where to go for them? Thanks!

Guess I'll join the group. I'm on the schedule in Angeles Hospital in Tijuana for July 16th. Anyone else going there/been there? Since my insurance company denied coverage, I'm a self pay, and even adding in traveling expenses, Mexico was the only thing I could afford. I don't know how I'll get the fills done, and I pray I don't have complications becasue I have no idea how that will work either. But after being "plus sized" (remember when they called it "chubby" size?) my entire life, and loosing over 100 pounds 15 years ago and gaining it all back plus more, I am out of options. I look forward to reading your stories and following your successes as we travel this road together. Here we go!:confused:

After a year of begging the insurance company to cover the surgery, I finally gave up and today I sent in my deposit for Tijauna. I will be flying there in two weeks! I am telling no one outside of my immediate family as I know they will try to talk me out of it. I so hope it goes well. I have lost and gained probably close to 500 pounds during my lifetime. 15 years ago I lost over 100 pounds and have since gained it all back + 30. I don't want to do it again, but I have several weight-related health issues now, and it's no longer a just matter of how I look or feel. Someone, please tell me that I'm not making a huge mistake!!!! It's so much money to spend on myself, and I feel guilty for that on top of everything else. :help: