Mrs Sabre

Kim, please rant away! I can empathize. I started this jouney in August of last year; I didn't think I'd ever get a band.

OK Jennifer, you need to put your stats up so everyone can applaude how well you're doing! She's being shy/modest folks! Count down is on ... 2 weeks, 4 days! :second: I can't wait to see you all on Saturday!!!

Oh to be a kid again! I can't speak for anyone else, but I miss it!

OK folks, I'm getting more excited with every passing day! I'm less than a week from fluids and just over two weeks away from my band! :clap2: With that repeated for the ump-teenth time (how many is ump-teen anyway? ), it's entirely too quiet around here! Where is everyone? Please come out and play with me! :bump2:

Generally speaking you have to: have a five year average body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater have an average BMI of 35-40 (100 lbs overweight) with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. have documented attempts at weight loss Insurance companies vary on coverage/no coverage and how strictly they interpret the general guidelines. For example, I fall between the 35-40 BMI, but my co-morbidities (health conditions) weren't those specifically listed above. I was initially denied, but having 7 other health factors, I wrote an appeals letter and the denial was overturned. Inamed makes the lap band. Their sight also has a lot of useful information: http://www.lapband.com/ Good luck & God Bless!

I'm scheduled for June 6th. I start liquids on Monday. I may get nervous too when the date draws, but I'm far more afraid of staying obese than undergoing life-altering surgery. My weight is slowly killing me, and I want to live! I want to be around for my husband, and want to see grand kids someday. Any time I've felt any apprehension whatsoever, those thoughts get me through and turn me around. God bless and good luck! Let us know how you do; we care!

Kim, I think it's a great idea, but I don't have home e-mail, and will have to rely on board postings

I too am a Junbie bandster. My surgery is scheduled for June 6th by Dr. Voellinger here in Charlotte, NC. I started the process 10 months ago; so it's been a long time coming. I start my pre-op liquids on Monday. I'm excited about getting banded, but a little nervous about pre-op hunger ... the real and the mental type. Fortunately, I also have a great live local support group! I hope we all do great and can encourage each other along the way! :clap2:

Vicky, Kim is talking about Dr. Voellinger's office. They're starting an e-store at www.southeastbariatrics.com, and are starting to carry products in the office too. As for unjury Protein, it's available at www.unjury.com. I just ordered some of the unflavored to mix with Soups, etc., while I'm on full liquids ... starting on Monday

Feeling like a toad :pout: , I tried 30 minutes on a recumbent bike yesterday. The exercise itself wasn't too painful, but the pain I've been in since just wasn't worth it! Brain child that I am, I think I should refrain from any further exercise until I can walk again without pain. Now that I've set the pinched nerve back two weeks, I think physical therapy is inevitable before surgery. :cry

Vicky, I'm so glad you're doing better! I ditto what Stitchy & 3Loves said above about remembering this post and your helping other people. My surgery is 3 weeks away, and as much as I hate that you went through this, I'm sure to keep it in mind if I have any issues post-op. Hang in there; you're on the mend now and will be better than new in no time! God Bless!

I managed 30 minutes on a recumbent bike this morning, and until I am pain free will try to keep this up 5 days a week, after which I'll add a greater variety of exercise and some strength training. Fortunately, drinking is easy for me. I have a cup of some type of non-caloric, non-caffeinated drink in my hand at all times. As for food, I go on full liquids pre-op next Monday. My immediate goal is to not gain any weight before then.

Our church had their annual Mother/Daughter luncheon on Saturday; that was nice. After church yesterday, Alyssa and I went to lunch and shopping. I bought her clothes for Mother's Day. She and her husband have only been in their house since the end of Feb., and are getting a taste of penny pinching. She's not dealing with it so great; so I spent the afternoon trying to encourage her; reminding her that it's temporary and will get better over time.

Vicky, are you OK? Did you call the doctor? What did he say? I'm praying for you lady!

Hum, how soon after surgery can I swim? HeHe!

Congratulations Dody! We have the same band date :confused:

This is my harelip dog, Merlin :confused:

I've seen some of your posts; you've dropped your weight without the benefit of the band ... right? With or without, you are an inspiration! I get banded on June 5th. I'm highly motivated to eat right and am bent on getting the right fluids. BUT, I can't exercise right away because of a pinched nerve in my lumbar spine causing pain down my entire right leg. I am under treatment and improving, but can barely walk two blocks without severely limping. Having said all of that, I'd love to get fit with you this summer. :clap2:

Happy BirthdayTricia! Are you in NC? Come join us for lunch :confused:

OK folks, now that it's getting real, I'm looking at various products that are available specifically for WLS. I'm looking for opinions on these: Have any of you tried Queasy Pops? They're offered by Bariatric Advantage and are suppose to help with nausea. Any other products that are WLS specific that you'd recommend?

My insurance covers 35-40 BMI with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. I have none of these, but do have 7 other conditions/risk factors that would be improved or cured by weight loss. I was initially denied and wrote one appeals letter. Two weeks later the denial was overturned and my surgery approved. I'll be banded June 5th. I'm not saying every insurance company works this way, but it may be worth a shot before trying Mexico? Also, I've heard a number of folks having great experiences with various MX doctors, but some have had difficulty finding fill doctors in the US. You may want to research this too before deciding?

Because my nutritionist was recommended by Dr. Kuwada, the specific guidelines where based upon his preferences. I know there are subtle differences among bariatric doctors; so .... For those of you who have had surgery with Dr. V., does he have you do Clear liquids for two days before and after surgery? If so, have any of you tried nectar brand clear Protein mix? ... and how does it taste? Also, does he recommend Vitamins beyond a Multivitamin and Calcium? Does he recommend a particular brand?

OBTW, Jennifer and Stacy might come too. I imagine Jennifer will speak for herself, but Stacy doesn't come to the board very often. I chat with her via e-mail just about daily, and am encouraging her to come. She spoke like she probably will, but a lot can happen over a week.

Me too! Me too! Me too! That's my Last Supper weekend, and I wouldn't miss it for anything! :clap2:

I'm not there yet, but from everything I've read, it sounds like pain from the air they pump into your abdominal cavity during surgery. I've also read that moving as much as you can helps it go away faster, as does sleeping in a more upright position. I'm sure those who are actually banded already will chime in for you any time now. I'm glad you're doing well! I'm not far behind you!