steph_co

Ha...I hear ya there. Having insurance doesn't seem to be much more help than NOT having it. So for the time being until I have an employer that offers it (so I don't have to seek it out on my own), I guess I'm going without. Yeah - it does suck knowing that there is a medical issue that needs to be taken care of...but knowing you're going to have to pony up the dough. :laugh:

I'm finding that I'm at a smaller size at a higher weight this time around, too. It doesn't make any sense to me because I'm really not exercising as much as I should (yes, yes - I know...things are being revamped here, shortly). So I have no explanation whatsoever as to why I'm in a 10 now at 169 when the last time I was this weight back in 2002, I was like a 12/14.

I'm sorry to keep loading down the forum with posts. LOL But I think I'm losing it. I took some pics of myself earlier today for a project I'm taking part in. I just got back from taking my car in for service. I saw the pics and it does NOT look like me. Is that seriously me??? It looks like somebody pasted my head on someone else's body and made my face thinner, to boot. I'm truly beginning to understand body dysmorphia. I haven't even lost that much since my last pics and yet there's a HUGE difference. I'm almost scared to make goal.

Hrm. Did you talk to your doctor about it, Linda? I'm just wondering about something in the vitamin causing damage to your esophagus and maybe there's something they could prescribe that could speed the healing.

Very good info, guys. I appreciate all the responses and I'll be looking into those websites. Seriously - too much calories is DEFINITELY not the issue. To be entirely honest, I think I border on anorexia sometimes because of my paranoia. I definitely need to figure out what would be a good number of calories for me and stick to that (and quit dipping too far below it). Also, I'm sure exercise would really help me out. My circadian rhythms are all screwy from working nights 4 times a week, which makes it hard to get up the energy to want to do anything at all...but I do a 15-min workout every workday that supposedly burns about 140 calories. And I also do a good bit of walking for my job. But I need to get into something a little more hardcore on my days off. Thanks again!

Oh, yeah - I forgot the blood test. It was like a few days before, or something. I didn't do the EKG or sleep study, though.

Definitely the first 6 months after banding would have been helpful to have a counselor because as I released weight that I had tried to get off for years, a lot of emotion came with it. It would have helped a lot, but I didn't have the money to do so. I've never been to a support group, so honestly can't compare. But I think it has a lot to do with your personality. I tend to blend in a group and everyone else does more talking than me, so I can't say I would have gotten much help for needing to vent.

Approval is MUCH easier as a self-pay. I look at what people have to go through with insurance and I don't feel quite so bad that I had to pay out of pocket for a "fast track." I was 36.5 BMI when I went to my doctor and really, they just took an overall picture of my health into consideration. I also just had to pass the psych to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons and that I had the stick-to-it-tiveness to make the band work for me. I had a few simple co-morbidities and I'm sure that was taken into consideration.

I do take them, but only occasionally. I usually stick to Tylenol. But when it's a body ache (cramps or sore muscles), Tylenol doesn't do much for me. Then I might take like 2-3 Advil...but that's pretty much it. I don't generally take anymore after that. Usually once my pain is gone, it's gone.

Just another option in Denver is Dr. Brown: Denver Bariatric Surgery | Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute $9,900. I don't think the $50 is a make-or-break...I'm just showing that the prices are similar and it gives you two surgeons to look at and compare in the Denver area.

I was working as security patrol. Mostly driving, but definitely some walking and dealing with people. 12-hour shift. I had surgery Thursday morning and was back to work Sunday night. It was pure hell, but had to be done. Would have been a little easier on me to wait until Monday night.

That's strange that he'd say you shouldn't have Lapband if you have GERD. I had severe heartburn before the band (basically no over-the-counter stuff worked and I couldn't afford scrips because I'm a self-pay). For the first 9 months I had ZERO heartburn at all. ZERO. I'm now a year out and really, I get heartburn at the strangest times (not related necessarily to food, time of day, or stress level...I can't figure it out) - but it is still a really rare and MUCH tamer experience than it ever was before. I used to have it on a daily basis before the band and if I had to pick, I'd say that now I get it maybe about once every other week and it doesn't feel the same as it did before (not as painful or as prolonged). Talk to some other surgeons about this before making your decision.

BTDT...thought I was the only one. LOL

We've lost Nymphs left and right. ~Trixie~ Lizzie Kandiceb Where'd they go? I know Kendra is dealing with a lot right now - but I miss her. And TXArcher...busy with work, I know. I know real life catches up with people, but I miss our group nonetheless.

Wow, Bandpal! What a major difference. You look so completely different. LOL - you also have more guts than I do. I have the undie pics, but I don't dare post them on here. Thanks. You're looking pretty awesome yourself! Your pic in avatar, you look like you've always been a skinny little thing. Thank you. Gees! The change is certainly dramatic! You look fantastic!

I can tell a difference from 200, Scarecrow! LOL You look fantastic. Keep up the good work!

There's no need to be overly sensitive. I said that I didn't mind that you guys joined the challenge. What bothered me was people getting cut out of the challenge because someone wasn't paying attention. I think THAT is rude and very inconsiderate to the people in the group. Think I'm rude if you wish - not a big deal. I'm not going to lose any sleep. But I will point out - she cut you out of the list as well, MrsKryz. If i had a problem with you being in "the wrong spot" (I NEVER SAID THAT), then I wouldn't have added your name in the list on my post right after yours.

Sure, there are going to be the bad stories, but statistically the odds are in your favor. On the day of surgery I was contemplating whether or not they'd be mad if I changed back into my clothes and walked out. LOL I was all IV'd up and being wheeled into surgery and SO just wanting to tell them to stop. But I'm REALLY glad that I didn't. It's so much fun to be able to lose weight and it STAYS off. I've had my ups and downs, but never in the past have I been able to stay down in weight as long as I have. I usually end up quitting and gaining back EVERYTHING and more. If that lady only lost 40 lbs in a year, then that's because she didn't do much to work with the band, IMO. Follow your surgeon's instructions to a "T" and your odds increase exponentially that things will go well. Good luck! Let us know how you do.

Name............Start........Current........Goal.......To Go CindyG...........191...........191...........178........13 Sades............186...........185...........175........11 Stephanie........175...........169.5.........155........14.5 shortgal.........173.6.........172...........168.........4 Bandpal..........172.26........171.93........150........21.93 Momto1plus1......187...........185...........174........11 lindata..........174...........174...........169........5 Skinny_Jill......151...........150...........143........7 mrskrzyz.........172...........172...........162........10 kalipso2.........172...........172...........165........7 Yeehaw! I'm in the 160's...FINALLY. Just about 5.5 more pounds (164) and I'll be at a lower weight than I've been in probably 10 years. I lost a ton of weight in HS, but gained it back throughout my senior year and then some after I graduated. I then proceeded to struggle with my weight after that. I was able to maintain about 165-175 when I was about 22. Well, I'm pretty sure that they click on the link for viewing ALL new posts, which shows the entire bulletin board regardless of where stuff is posted. I'm not annoyed that they're joining the challenge. I'm annoyed when they start cutting people out of the list because they're paying so little attention - that's just inconsiderate.

I LIKE this suggestion! I'm going to remember this one. LOL

I'm 5'7" and currently 172. I'm in a size 10. I did a little bit of unofficial research (haha...google) and it seems the change in size seems to be every 10-15 lbs. So, woohoo...by 160 I MIGHT be an 8??

Haha...you wish. LOL You only gain back what you were blessed with originally. LOL

Haha...supposedly for every 20 lbs you lose, you gain back an inch of your penis that was lost in the fat. Bonus! LOL

I know this is an old thread, but wanted to throw in a vote for T-Tapp and the Firm. I'm starting up the Firm again this week. Haven't done it since WAY before the band. Wish me luck! LOL

I agree that every little bit helps. Steps here and there. I was also reading some kind of article about making sure that you get up on your feet for 10 mins every hour. Standing burns more than sitting. I have no idea if you're sitting at a desk. But maybe you could get one of those medicine balls to sit on? Then you'd be working on your core a little bit while you're sitting at your desk. LOL Like one of these: Gaiam Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair - Black : Target Can you maybe get up and go walking for a short 10 mins? You must get SOME kind of break during the day. 3 x 10-min walks works out to 30 mins of exercise. It's just as effective as getting it in one chunk, if not moreso from what I've read.