betrthnever

Not banded yet but I know I've felt like that when I switched my diet, esp when I gave up caffine and sugar (can't have one without the other). I was dizzy and sick for 3 days. Wonder how much of that could be the dumping of toxins into your system? They say we store toxins in our fat and if you are losing weight that quickly chances are they are in your blood stream. Esp as you've lost weight so quickly. And combined with low calories. I know now to be prepared with the knowledge that this might happen to me, too.

In my excitement about the band I've told everyone and anyone about me getting banded (I'll be banded on 2/19/2008). I have a BMI of about 40. My family are all supportive its the people I only have occasional contact that say the comments like "you aren't fat enough to need surgery", etc. On lady's lost 65 pounds on Weight Watchers and even said I was taking the easy way out!! and then she kind of choked back her words. I told her that I, too, lost 50 pounds on WW but it didn't last and that THAT is the hardest part - keeping it off. I bit my tongue because what I wanted to tell her was that she had a snowballs chance keeping it off. ALL of us know this. At any rate, this is what I want for myself and to heck with anyone else and their opinions. Everyone has one!!!!

I'm 25 days to surgery and I've found this site useful since day one. I WANT to know the good things AND the possible problems. We all have to do what's right for ourselves. For me it's been to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible so I'm not going in empty handed. Suppose I look at it like knowledge = power and other people's freakouts aren't mine.

Yeah, I think about that, too (being close to the Dr). One day we might move away but I shouldn't have a problem getting fills. All I know is is that if I could have or knew about this 5-10 years ago I would have gotten it (or if the band was as good then as it is now). I wouldn't have waited. And I can't wait! 27 days to go and counting:lol:

Just curious, have you thought about going out of the country for it?

HI ikgrubb, I'm to be banded on 2/19 at Scottsdale Bariatrics and so far am very happy with what I've experienced. They seem to have their stuff together there. And the staff have been friendly. Have you been to an orientation there yet? Worth it. Good luck!

Hi wantolose155, The surgery only helps your issues. Often after weight loss many end up not having to take so many meds. Also there are pills in different forms and/or different ways to take them. And Dr Blackstone doesn't do the catheter - you wee before & afterward. She's really good, though. Have you been to the orientation meeting?

Yikes, seems very strict. My girlfriend had the R&Y and had gained at least 10 pounds if not more and they still did the surgery on her. I don't think my Dr is as strict but that is a scary thought. I've gained 8 pounds and my surgery is on Feb 19. Had a knee-jerk reaction to the thought of giving up food. But it is about the weight loss

I've heard that one all of my life from relatives and strangers alike. "But you have such a pretty face", etc...

Congrats! I saw it earlier...that is soooo cool!

Hi BANDIT 1, A DH is a "Dear Husband". I think if you look around this site you can find a place that has all of the acronyms that are used on this site. And it is an informative site! Oh, and I was just wondering - what have you lost in the nearly 3 months of your lap band? Thanks!

Hi to all, My name is Jeanine, I'm 40, married, and have 2 kids. Tomorrow I go to my pre-surgery education class. I'm to be banded Feb 19th at the Scottsdale Bariatric Center with Dr Blackstone. My husband is not crazy that I'm having surgery but he's supporting me anyway. I'm happy that I'm getting the surgery so early - BCBS dropped all of the requirements for surgery when I was only 2 months into the 6 month Dr supervised visit. So instead of surgery in April or May I'm getting it in Feb. Wish I would have done this years ago, however, I'm sure that advancements in surgery have made it worth waiting for. So this must be the best time. My girlfriend is having by-pass surgery tomorrow on the same floor I'll be at class. So I can pop over and see her afterwards. Hey, its never too late to start again, right?

HI Jacole1820, No worries they are very good about submitting the paperwork for insurance. They had my approval in a day

My band date is Feb 14, Valentine's Day! And I feel very lucky because I was only 2 months into a 6 month Dr supervised weight loss program when I got a call from the bariatric center telling me that my insurance co dropped all previous requirements (including weekly "nutrition" counseling signatures, and proof of a workout regime with proof that I was going to the gym 3x a week). Also, I have a BMI of 40 and was told that I couldn't really lose or gain any weight. I was able to pull off 2 months of keeping my weight the same but I was worried about the nex 4 months. SO, 2 weeks after my insurance dropped the requirements I had my date!!!! Yeah!! Instead of April, May, or June, I'm in Feb. Yeah!!!!

Thanks very much for your input. I'm thinking of returning Monday or tuesday, but the nice thing is with FLMA I can take 4 weeks off if I want (provided I can afford not to be paid for that time). I had a c-section with my son, an ovary removed and tonsils out (as a kid). This almost sounds a little easier!

THanks, the sooner I can return to work the better. Luckly, this all falls under FMLA so if it takes 2 weeks thats ok. But then I might not have enough sick leave so I just might not be paid. I'm so excited!!

:confused:My surgery is on Feb 14, 2008 (yes!!!!) but I don't know how long I'll have to take off. It is on a Wed. Trying to determine how much time I'll need to take off. It will be inpatient as I have BCBS of AZ and apparently that's they're policy. Can I have input from those of you who have already had it? Thanks much!

Oh, and the Center just this last friday (12/14) to tell me that I have been approved. So there's no more waiting!

HI Bourgeois, I am going through Scottsdale Bariatric Center, Dr Blackstone. It really is one of the best places and she's one of the best Bariatric surgeons. I've talked to people who've come from other states to get the procedure done here. I'm so excited!!! Right now they're schedualing for January. But there are other tests to get done and I have to have them all done within the next few weeks. Hey, I'd be happy with February!

Onceuponatrip, when you said you don't have the 5 year weight history do you mean that you haven't seen a dr every year for the past 5 years or you weren't obese?

Your hormones might be a little out of wack, too, Lovingwhatis. If it is really bothering you perhaps you should find a good Naturalpath (sp?) in your area who can check your homone levels. My sex drive gets kicked into overdrive around my period. A male friend of mine says my sex drive mirrors a man's at that time. I was told that my testoserone is a bit too high. The Dr wanted to take care of that issue but I say no way! As long as I'm not growing facial hair I'm ok with it! LOl Or maybe you are just feeling better about yourself because you are eating better. Feeling better = feeling sexier. Or a combo of things. If it isn't a problem then roll with it!

Yes, BCBS of AZ has dropped the 6 months worth of hoops to jump through. Which is really good - no need for us to wait so long anymore for something that we know we need. I was already 2+ months into my 6 months so I have all of the documentation for working out, the weekly nutritional visits, and the monthly dr visits to submit. Figure it all will work. All I need is my 5 year proof of weight and I am set. Yahoo!!!! :whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2:

It is true, ethansgrandma! We don't have to jump through the hoops anymore. I'm going to Scottsdale Bariatric Center and they called on Friday to tell me the good news!! I'm SOOO excited. I was about 2+ months into my 6 months, but I'm at a 40 BMI and couldn't afford to gain or lose weight. This is mana from heaven

Well HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Wow, couldn't imagine a better way to start the new year (unless a hot movie-star hunk is involved!) I'm a couple months into my 6 month stint with BCBS...can't wait!!

I have a BMI of 40 and my Dr (who is affiliated with the bariatric center) told me that I can't afford to lose more than 5 pounds. I'm 9 weeks into a 26 week (6 month) Dr supervised wl for BCBS of AZ. I also can't gain 5 pounds, either. And I've heard so much conflicting advice in this realm, even within the clinic itself (the Drs can't even agree about the ending bmi!) so I'm playing it safe and not gaining or losing. Its hard and its driving me CRAZY!!!! I'm doing things that I thought I never would just to try to maintain. Keeping my eyes on the prize!