Feel2Young2B40

Hi Vines! I know, I need to be nicer to myself. I'm my own worse enemy. Thanks for the website - I'll definitely try it. I hate keeping track of all the different aspects (fat grams, Protein, etc). Must be from my old days on WW as a teen. I FEEL like I ate so much, which I think is the key. Good key I mean because if I felt deprived then I'd feel like I was dieting and you know all diets fail (in theory). It must be a lifestyle and emotional change to succeed long term. I don't feel deprived, or hungry or malnourished. I feel full (not too full) but not needing anything or seeking anything. Not going to the fridge or pantry on the "hunt" for food. That's the point - right? Thanks for the encouragement! I think I'm just tired. First full day back at work and now I remember why I need to find a way to become independently wealthy! Or marry better next time......JUST KIDDING! My husband is great. Treats me like a queen.......

Oh Penni! How terrible! I hope she's doing better tomorrow and the doctors give you good news. Good thing you were so close because you'd feel worse being long distance. Good luck and keep us posted! Take care of yourself too! Laura

Hi Jean! You'll do fine! The mushy stage actually makes you feel as if you are eating again! Ahhhh, the first refried beans I had, had to have been the best Taco Bueno ever made!!! Really, like everyone has said, each day you will feel so much better and then one day (very soon) you'll stand up and even forget you just had surgery! Hang in there and take care! Congratulations by the way!!! Laura

Ok, I must be a pig or have no restriction - period. I know I'm technically not supposed to now but each day I notice the same amount of food doesn't fill me as much. today: breakfast: bag of oatmeal lunch: 1/2 pita (yes, a pita bread - no problems at all) 4 oz chicken salad slice of cheddar cheese 2 oz lite fruit cocktail for late afternoon snack 4 oz Beans for a before dinner snack (terribly faint from hunger!!) dinner: 1/2 pita 4 oz chicken salad 4 oz low carb ice cream What a hog I am! I will say I was having trouble getting any Water in before 9am this am. Couldn't eat my oatmeal until about 10:30. After that, I seemed to be ok for the rest of the day, except hungry every 2-3 hours! Also, haven't lost any weight for a couple of days. I heard it slows down in mushy stage for a while but I am going to ask for a fill in May instead of June when he has it tentatively scheduled.

Hi! Mine is about an inch below my ribcage on the left side by 3 inches to the right of my sternum. I don't like where it is because my underwire bras tend to touch it. It also hits me right at the level of my desk at work. I'm short so I have short little arms too so to reach my keyboard I have to be close. Ok, I'm not a midget but only a statuesque, voluptuous 5'3". I think I have my goal set too low.....

UHC is great! I submitted my paperwork with the doctor on 2/18 and was approved by 2/24. Surgery was 3/25 but the longest part of the wait was getting an opening with the surgeon!! Good luck and you'll be fine!!!! Laura

Hi! I'm kind of in the middle. I lost 80 pounds twice and got rid of the larger clothes each time. Then had to go out and rebuy sizes larger and larger after I had gotten down to my goal after I started gaining weight again. This time however, I learned what I did wrong (ok, one of the things) was I will NEVER wear any pants with a stretch waist ever again once I am down to my goal. Then when they start to get tight, (if they start to get tight) I will immediately put myself on a strict food/behavior modification program. Plus, I'm not getting any younger and it is harder each time to lose it. THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I DO IT!!! (this is reinforcement for myself!!!) I still think we should have a forum area about clothes where we can post sizes we are getting rid of and give to another bandster. If I don't give to another bandster, I'll donate them or sell the ones with tags on eBay I guess.

Ok, no reason to panic I guess. I just found this on the Lupus website: 7. Lupus anticoagulant I was just diagnosed with the lupus anticoagulant. Does this mean I have systemic lupus? The lupus anticoagulant is classified as a type of antiphospholipid antibody that was first detected in people with lupus. It was later learned that many people who do not have lupus, also produce these antibodies. In fact, according to most studies, greater than 50% of the people who have antiphospolipid antibodies, DO NOT have lupus. So, just because a person has the lupus anticoagulant antibodies does not necessarily mean that they have or will develop systemic lupus. There is a syndrome called the "Primary" Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS). This term is used to describe people who do not have any signs or symptoms of SLE but produce antiphospholipid antibodies such as the lupus anticoagulant and/or anti-cardiolipin antibodies and experience problems with blood clots, miscarriages, or thrombocytopenia (low platelets). People with PAPS do not have lupus. References: see brochures, Blood Disorders in Lupus, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Ok, now I'm concerned. During one of my blood tests many years ago, they found antibodies to Lupus. Does that mean I have Lupus or that I've been exposed to it? I've never pursued it because at the time the reason for all the tests were due to my high risk pregnancy 17 years ago. They were trying to find a reason why my blood pressure shot up immediately after becoming pregnant. In all the medical questions I answered for the Dr and the psych, Lupus or autoimmune diseases were never mentioned. Should I tell my Dr next time I see him? I'm really wondering now if erosions are linked to autoimmune diseases like Lisa mentioned. I hate to say it because I don't like to be a worry wart or incite panic, but I bet it would be interesting to see how many people that had erosion also had an autoimmune disease.

Hi! I was in the same boat with an out of network facility first being suggested by Dr Carter's office. The new surgery center they just started using accepts out of network benefits so the doctor thought everything would be fine. However, my insurance policy does not have out of network benefits I discovered when I approached my insurance (UHC) company. So, I asked the doctor if he could do the surgery at an in network facility and that's when they suggested USMD (the old South Arlington Memorial Hospital). So, everything ended up being covered at USMD with the $250.00 deductible. I would see if your surgeon would use another facility or you could also contact Dr. Carter in Arlington who I know is part of UHC.

Hii Beachbabe! I was terrified to tell my mom who actually has been overweight herself but I went ahead and told her 2 weeks before surgery. She was VERY apprehensive and upset with the idea I would consider surgery and I think her thinking was I was taking the easy way out. As well as unfortunately beating her to it! She'll come around and eventually be happy for you. She's probably just concerned about the surgery part and once she sees it's working I'm sure she'll be supportive. I think it's natural to want to get approval from our parents or moms because they are such an instrumental part of our life and will continue to be forever. I would never consider myself a Momma's girl but I respect my mother and value her opinion. We don't always see eye to eye but we do have a respect for each other's beliefs. I'm sure your's does too - just give her a few days and send her some links to some of the success stories on line. Good luck and take care! Laura

Hi! I have a question.....I'm on mushies now and it's funny but absolutely everything I have tried to eat is going down fine. I'm hungry every 2-3 hours and I've been following the doctor's orders. Had some refried Beans yesterday and they were the BEST REFRIED beans I've ever had!!! Of course for the last day or so, everything I eat is the BEST I've ever had..... Is it normal not to be having any "problems" with what I'm eating? I even had a piece of toast with some chicken salad (open face) and the toast didn't bother me. I did find out from talking to the doctor that I'm a "gulper" when drinking. I called him when I was on the thick liquids because even 3oz at a time left with with a bubble in my throat all day long. He told me I suck in air with each breath when drinking and to not use a straw. I've been taking Gas-X which seems to help while trying to be more conscious of how I'm drinking. I guess I'm in the "it's too good to be true" mode and waiting for something to go wrong.

Hi! As far as cost, it's anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 depending on where you live, the doctor, etc in the USA. Many of the other people on this site have gone to Mexico and I'll let them give you an idea of what the cost there is. I was very fortunate that my health insurance covered the procedure minus a $250.00 deductible and will also cover the fills down the road. I've figured though, for what I pay for the insurance a month, I've probably paid for the band at least once! But I'm not complaining and very grateful! Laura

Hi Kris! Welcome and it's not that bad. I had the surgery a few days ago and feel SSSOOOO much better every day. The pain isn't really pain as much as uncomfortable in the port area. Not hungry at all but the emotional aspect of food makes me dream of it! I never obsessed about food before like I have been since the liquid diet. I know it's only temporary so remember that and really, it's not that bad. Take care and keep us updated! Laura

Hi! I know I hear a comment about financing in the seminar I had with Dr. Carter in Arlington a few months ago. He's great by the way! So sweet and takes all the time in the world with you. I definitely recommend him. If you need details, feel free to PM me. Laura

Good luck Tanya! May you have a super easy, quick, uneventful, successful surgery! Let us know how you are doing as soon as you can!!! Yeah!!!!! Laura

Hi! Just let me know when you get a date together. I'm in the DFW area also and would love to meet you all. Thanks! Laura

Hi Dell! I just had to say HI to you and tell you to keep your chin up. You wrote about so many of the things I deal with I had to write back to tell you you're not alone. You're in a tough spot right now with waiting but try to stay positive. I know it's hard and you feel so helpless right now but try to do something positive for yourself. Go get a manicure, buy a good book, go for a walk in a park, etc something to raise your spirits. Do you know if your insurance company covers the surgery? Just wondering. Take care and try to keep positive. Again, nice to meet you and if you'd like to PM me, feel free. Laura in Texas

Hi Kathy! Good question because although my kids are older (17 and 12) I struggled with what to tell them. I think since your's are so young that I would tell them you're having a minor surgery that will make you feel better down the road. You know what your kids can handle and what they will understand so I'd go with your gut feelings. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you need anything! Have a great Easter also! Laura

Hi everyone! Well, tomorrow is the big day. Hey - I wonder how Princess in the P is because she had her's today.... If you can believe it - my doctor's office called me at 5:30pm tonight to say "sit down, I have bad news". They said they were arguing with my insurance company for 45 minutes because UHC called to say they weren't covering my surgery. They said my employer doesn't have WLS coverage. Now can you believe that? I have at least 9 people in my office that has had the procedure and all were covered. So, after several frantic phone calls later and with heart beating A MILE a MINUTE and shaking I was so upset the office called back to say it was a mistake. UHC thought I was having the surgery at the facility not covered under my insurance and were not aware the office had changed locations. All is well now but it really made me think about how much I do want this. It was a small blessing in disguise because it just further confirmed this is the right thing to do. So, I told the dr. office I was going to have a big shot of vodka and she said "go for it!". Well I did and finally calmed down about an hour later. So, having my last meal tonight - a gyro (gosh I love those) and boy was it good. Talk to you soon as I'm able...Laura

Hi Jennifer! It's not so bad - recovery that is. I got mine yesterday afternoon and already up and around. Slowly and carefully but doing pretty well. Spend some time getting prepared with pillows, heating pads, ice packs, broth, juice, etc to help pass the time. You'll be fine and good luck!!! Laura

Hi all! Thanks for all the great thoughts. Doing pretty well but the gas pain in the chest is ugly. Using the heating pad as recommended by everyone and it really helps. Sweet Dr. Carter told my DH everything went great without incident and I was smiling in recovery! I don't remember wanting to smile but I guess I was so happy to be finally done. My wonderful DH has been great. Even slept on the floor of our guest room with me (I didn't want to share the bed with the dog and cats upstairs). I've been up and moving around and I must say it was a much easier surgery than my 2 caesareans (sp?). Little pain in the port area and my stomach looks like a bulls eye with 6 holes. Using ice on the port area sitting up in the family room with my laptop. Suprisingly I'm getting some gurlges like I'm hungry and so happy things are actually staying down and going down as planned! Well, thanks again for everyone's thoughts and prayers. I couldn't have done without all of you! You all are FANTASTIC! Talk to you soon! Laura

Hi everyone! Got a question.....Let me set it up first. I'm a fairly claustrophobic individual. I don't like people in my space, flying in airplanes (although I have to travel for work), cramped spots with LOTS of people (like movie theatres, concerts). I'm sure I will lose some of this when I'm down in weight - at least I hope. I'm telling you this because I'm wondering if I am going to feel "claustrophobic" with the band. Surgery is Friday 3/25 and every once in a while when I think about what it may feel like I get kind of strangled. Like I'm being choked just thinking about it. Is this normal? Can you feel it in you? Yes, getting down to the wire and getting cold feet I guess. Does this make any sense?

WoW! You all are so amazing and supportive. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and the time everyone takes on the board. I know I'm being melodramatic, feeling a loss, etc but I also KNOW this is the right thing to do. As you said Jack, and the most important reason I am doing this is all the comorbidities that can arise. I've very fortunate right now the only thing I have trouble with is my cholestrol, some ankle and knee pain. However, turning 40 last year made me realize I am not immortal. It's time to face reality - if I continue down the path I am headed, I may not have another 20 years. Or at least not another 20 years able to do what I want to do. So, I made the decision and I know I will feel much better after the surgery on Friday. I'm looking at this as a "rebirth" or fresh chance to take control of my life and do something important and healthy for myself. Again, thank you to everyone and I really have never "met" a nicer group of people who are so caring and supportive. Wish me luck and I can't wait to meet you on "the other side"!

OMG! It's funny you say that because as I remember Bible school, wasn't the last supper the night before Good Friday? I hope I don't offend anyone, but it's kind of ironic isn't it that my last supper (of sorts - as I know it now) will be the same night and then surgery on Good Friday? woowoo woowoo woowoo woowoo.... I know how you feel though. I had Popeye's chicken tonight (mostly Beans and rice if you can believe it) and a gyro last night. We never eat like that at home (ok, every once in a while but certainly not right after each other) and I feel like I'm trying to get the last of my food "loves" in this week. I even think we are going to have Easter dinner on Thursday night since I don't like ham in a blender!!! Just kidding....I'll still be on Clear liquids Sunday......Trying to steal the marshmallow chocolate eggs from the kids probably!!!