imlindal46

Hi Angie, I am having my band placed by Dr. Schroder on Oct 9. I started my pre-op diet today. It is a high protien shake for Breakfast and lunch. Protien and a vegie for dinner adn there are a couple of Snacks such as baby carrots, ff cottage cheese and light yogurt. I have heard that is is not too bad but I guess I will see. The hospital is a Center of Excellence and specializes in Bariactric surgery. Dr. Schroder and Bregman have really great reputations. You can read reviews on them on the obesityhelp website. Some of the office staff can be a disorganized at times but just keep on them. I know it is not supposed to be our job but it does seem that is how it is today. I have been researching this since 2002 and am now finally going forward withit cause I have not been successful doing it myself. Good luck on your journey. I will be happy to share my experiences with you as I go along if you like. Linda

Hi Jessica, I am to be banded on October 9 so I can't speak from first hand experience just yet. However, everything I have read during my extensive research and reading all of the extremely informative posts on these boards it would seem like you are being very hard on yourself. Your accomplishment is quite impressive and all WITHOUT A FILL??!! It sounds like you have challenged yourself to loose the weight without a fill. While that is a real test of your willpower and determination and kudos to you if you can do it, don't beat yourself up if you do decide that you want one. Using your tool ( the Band) is not an indication of weakness. Remember, obesity is a disease not a character flaw. The band is our medicine we can use to help control it. Hugs, Linda

Hi Lisa, I haven't had my surgery yet but I went to a seminar at St. Mary's hospital in Richmond yesterday. The group is Richmond Surgical Group.They are a Center of Excellence and do more bands in Va. than anyone else. I was very impressed by Dr. Bregman who gave the seminar. He said he had done 700 bands himself and says that the proceedure takes about 30 minutes or less. He was recommended by Suzanne, another member of Lapband Talk. I have my initial appointment with him on Monday and am really excited. :lovechoc: If you woukd like to find out more about Dr. Bregman his number is 804-285-4133. Good luck to you and maybe we will run into each other. Linda

Grace, FINALLY!!! This makes so much sense to me. I have not been banded yet. Will be going to seminar on Thursday. Have been researching obsessively, boards, books etc. and did begin to feel like I would be on another "white knuckle diet" for the rest of my life even with the Band. I was going to give it a try since nothing else has worked. Your "common sense" approach seems so logical. It just FEELS right. (I am big into gut instincts.) I "feel that I can live with this way of eating. Each time I join WW I become so food obsessed, as with all of the other programs and diets. I am sick of it because it DOESN'T WORK! It is a prelude to another failure for me. After reading your post and seeing your success, CONGRATULATIONS!! I am sure this way will fit my life perfectly. Thank you for your service to our country. I am sorry for the sacrifice that it cost you. You are a true hero and a real inspiration. God bless you and you family. I will look forward to all of your posts. You're my kinda' gal! Hugs, Linda

Hello bigbonedgal, How long did it take from when you had your first appointment till you got your surgery with Dr. Kellum? Do you know how many bands he has placed? Success on you journey to good health. Linda

Hey Suzanne, What does PM mean? (sorry). I live in Fredericksburg so that makes us neighbors! I would love to continue e-mailing you if it is ok with you. Linda

SUZANNE, Can you even believe that you now weigh 158?!! My gosh that sounds SOOO F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S to me!!! I will love staing in touch and I really do appreciate your support. Thanks, Linda

Suzanne, Thanks for the info. No, It doesn't sound bad at all. How has your Lap Band journey been for you? I am looking forward to having a tool to help me in this never ending battle to get to a healthy weight. I must admit I am like most folks starting this journey and have some concerns about having surgery. I guess I must look at how serious the health risks of being obese are. mmmm, still nervous. Oh well. One foot in front of the other. Linda

Hello Suzanne, I read your post and contacted Dr. Bengman's office and am going to the seminar on the 28. Can you tell me if he requires a pre-op diet? If so what is it. Continued success on your journey! Linda

My Family and I own a gourmet nut and candy business located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina where we let you try our confections. www.trymynuts.com

My family and I own our own gourmet nut and candy business in the outer Banks of North Carolina. www.trymynuts.com TOL The Other Linda

Hi Guys, Just a note on insurance companies. I called mine (Anthem BCBS) a week and a half ago and was told that that the coverage for the wls was excluded last year on my policy. I called the person who handles the insurance at my DH company. I questioned her about it being excluded. Her answers just didn't feel right to me in my gut. I continued to question her and even asked her if my husband's Dr, recommended that due to his health he needed to have the surgery would they still deny it? She said she would call them and let me know what their response was. When she called she said that only under specific circumstances would they cover it. When she faxed me the copies these circumstances are the ones we all must meet. BMI of 40 or less with comorbidities. In other words THEY DO COVER WLS. My insurance company was not forthcoming with me. I have read many times that we must not give up on getting our insurance companies to cover this very effective surgery. I am trying to have my band the latter part of September after ai complete all of the testing. I just know that I have tried EVERYTHING as we all have and hope this will be the tool that will enable me to maintain good health and enhance my quality of life. Good luck to you all and thank you all so much for being there. The Other Linda