betty_s

I haven't had surgery yet, but I've had laparoscopic on both knees and tanned within like 2-3 weeks, I just put some band aids or sunscreen on those areas, since they're still pretty sensitive.

I FINALLY GOT MY DATE, because of insurance requirements, this has been a 15 month process, so far. My date finally got scheduled, banded on MAY 8TH!!!! CANNOT WAIT!

This is about the same as mine, too

welcome!! congrats on your new lifestyle!

Thanks guys! I'm still pretty young (26) and have only had anything worth any value in the last few years, which is my house. I had never thought about a will before, but I want everything to go to my finance if anything happens, rather than have my parents decide, since they don't really play a huge roll in my life. I will def look into a living will, as well, because I don't want my love ones to be scared about what decision to make if anything goes wrong.

So, while filling out paperwork at the doctors office, I noticed they mentioned if I had a will. This question didn't scare me, but made me think, I probably should get one, because you NEVER know what could happen. I mean, surgery could go great, but what if I died in a car accident on the way home from the hospital. My question is, did anyone fill out a will before they received WLS? How did you go about it?

Nice! I've had one.. haven't been updating much tho. Mines thesweatybetty.com

The initial surgeon was Dr. Bautista. I'm now working with Dr Carmody. I'm in Richmond VA and about to have surgery on April 10. What doctor please!!!!!

Yes, I love Maya. She did my first initial appointment last year. If only the rest of the office staff (minus carmody) could be a little more friendly. I cant stand the PSRs.

Thanks for this! I've always been active, but with the last 30 pounds, being as active is hard (at 300). I've been working out prior to surgery.. It sucks that I wont be able to do much for 4 weeks other than walk and light weights. I love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts because I HATE cardio and they make it go by quick. Even if you aren't very mobile, you can still do it on a stationary bike or elliptical, as long as you get your HR going!

I think I've seen this a few years back and really enjoyed it!

I have to agree with Cheryl. My doctor made a huge stink about the band and refused to treat me and passed me off to another doctor. I wasn't will to live with half a stomach and life filled with malnutrition and dumping. I also know 3 people with all 3 surgeries. And guess what? They all are still struggling with their weight. I watch the gastric bypass patient eat candy and have been in the bathroom with her during a 'dumping' episode. The women I know who got the sleeve 2 years ago started gaining her weight back because she wont stop snacking because she says she hates meals because they hurt to eat. And when I asked the sleever if she would get the sleeve over again, she actually told me she wished she got the lap band. Yes that's her own opinion, but its one I value. The lap-band patient re-gained half her weight and goes out to lunch every day, most of the time eating a 10 in sub. 3 diff surgeries, and they all still struggle. It shows you not one of these surgeries is the miracle surgery and they ALL REQUIRE WORK.

So, if I haven't already complained enough about it one here, I had to complete a 12 month, insurance-required program before I was able to be considered for lap-band surgery. Luckily, I was able to complete the nutritionist, psychologist, and PCP appointments during this 12 month period. I completed the program Feb 14 and then finally had an appt with the surgeon last Friday, 2/28. He told me I should hear back within 2 weeks about insurance approval and would send out a 'schedule' where it would give me surgery date and pre-op diet dates, and the final, pre-surgery exam. At this point, I'm SO ANTSY. Does it seem like this is the typical wait time to hear from insurance/surgeon? I'm probably going to call as soon as I get finished typing this post, but its so hard to get an answer from my doctors office. Update: After speaking to the VERY RUDE PSR, she informed me that insurance companies take 4-6 weeks, so I wont be hearing anything, anytime soon. Defeated is not a strong enough word right now. I wont give up, but this has been the most frustrating, exhausting situation I've ever had to deal with. Probably more stressful than buying my first house.

great to know when I get banded. thanks for all the tips!

yay! congrats!!!

I could totally see myself replacing one addiction with another. I have a very addictive personality. As long as you can afford it, I say go for it.. Atleast you're not still addicted to food. Now, if you're going into debt because of this new addiction, maybe try talking to someone, or try something else that doesn't cost as much

I had the same reaction from most people. Or the fake "you don't look like you need THAT". screw 'em. If you're finally ready to make this change, that's all that matters. I told a few too many people and have regretted it, now when they bring up the upcoming surgery, I just basically blow 'em off.

I cant totally relate to this. I sometimes have anxiety eating out because i'm afraid the portions wont make me full enough. i'm sure they would satisfy me, but I want to feel full when I leave a restaurant. I also hate going out to eat with people I don't know as well, cause then I feel like I need to eat less, therefore, not getting as full.

awesome! Maya is who I met with initially and went over the band with! Glad to hear you like him! I'm looking forward to working with him. Dr. Carmody is my doctor too. I switched to him when I found out my original dr. hadn't sewn my port down completely. Dr. C did my port revision and his NP does my fills. Her name is Maya Paige...she is wonderful! Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!

it was actually Dr. Bautista at St Marys. I'm now working with Dr Carmody (sp?) Was it by any chance Dr. Schroeder at Short Pump?

thanks for all the kind words, guys! I def think the second surgeon I met with will be a perfect fit. I felt so much more comfortable with him in only the first few seconds of meeting him, so I know it'll be great. cannot WAITTTT to get this surgery scheduled tho! its like the light at the end of the 13 month tunnel is finally in sight!

no haha richmond va

So, after 12 months of dealing with insurance requirements, I had an appointment with the surgeon yesterday. I never really chose a surgeon, they kinda just stuck me with one. Last year, I had an appt with his nurse practitioner and she went over the band and everything, so there was no surprise what surgery I was choosing. When the surgeon came in, he made me feel so bad about my decision to get the lap-band that I was actually second guessing my choice and thinking I should maybe get the sleeve. I get that lap-band statistics aren't as strong as bypass and sleeve, but he was being so ridiculous. He said my BMI was WAY too high to get the band, way higher than his 45 BMI cut-off.. (i'm 7 lbs away from 44.9) so he was being very dramatic. Finally after his lecture of how I wouldn't be successful with the band, he refused to continue to be my surgeon and told me see the other surgeon at his office and see if he might give me the band. So, I left the office a wreck and crying and had to come back in 2 hours to meet with the other surgeon. Luckily, that surgeon told me he thinks I'd be a great candidate for the band because I'm young and have a lot of motivation. So, within the next 2 weeks, I should be hearing about surgery date! Hopefully i'll be a March bander!!! I hate that the original surgeon made me doubt something I've been SO SURE of for the last 12 months. I knew I didn't want the evasive sleeve, and I really think the band will be the best thing for me. So, even though the day started out rocky, I ended up with a much better surgeon, that actually believes in me. So happy.

they also have syrups (all sugar/everything free) jams, dips too.. some are okay.. so are total misses and taste like chemicals.

Thanks, Cheryl. I'm a complete stresser, so when I heard this, after I've waited 12 months, I completely freaked. Also doesn't help the urge to stress eat, but I've kept it in line for the most part!