stepoffaith

Welcome newbies. God Bless you all. Been reading all of your reports and brought a smile to my heart. Yes 2beme my name has gain lots of comments on the forums and chat room. It has been a blessing in its self. It reminds me daily I am walking in faith. Jaunderwood, God is blessing you, your day is coming soon.

Hi all. You are all in my prayers. Thor, can't wait for your praise report. 2bemeagain and wombat-thank you for your prayers. I felt 'em and here is my praise report. I saw the surgeon yesterday. The 4 hour appt was just that. Met with the dietician, surgeon....all I have left is the EKG and psych eval and neurology clearance (had a possible CVA last year). That is scheduled for Monday and Wed next week but waiting on psych eval still. The surgeon said my insurance moves fairly fast which is surprising to me. Hoping for date by April??? Maybe I am optimistic but then all things are possible!! Satan is still raging but I am taking one minute at a time. He threw obstacle after obstacle in my way but I went to my appt anyway and I was truly blessed. I knew it was God's will to go because I felt it in my heart - it wasn't God telling me to delay. You know sometimes you just know. Please pray for me and my husband. We are really having a tough time and I don't understand. After 27 years I just didn't think there would be such tough times. I love you all through Christ. Thanks for caring. Cindy And Thor--bring on that report!!

Hi everyone. I haven't visited for a couple of days. This week has been particularly hard. I have had some awful obstacles not related to the band thrown in my path. Satan has been attacking full force but by the grace of God I will walk strong. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am leaning on Phillipians right now. I see the surgeon tomorrow to see what he says about the lap band and if he will prepare my packet for the insurance and what he will require of me. My blood pressure has been ridiculous this past two days and I have never had high blood pressure but I am forging on. Please pray for me tomorrow as I meet with the dr. Thank you for being my sisters in Christ. Thank you for this website and sharing with me. In love, Cindy

Thor: please post again on the morning of your surgery or nite before. I want to pray specifically for you close to the time and I check this site daily. Don't worry about overposting. Dear Heavenly Father, we bring Thor to you this morning. She is full of excitement and anticipation of her upcoming surgery. She has some concerns and says she is scared which we know is normal for us humans but dear Lord as she goes into surgery, I ask that you releive her of all fear and give her your peace. The peace that passes our understanding. The security of knowing that she is wrapped in your arms. Guide her surgeons as they operate. Give them the knowledge, the calm the guidance that they need to perform this surgery quickly and efficiently. Father, be with her family. Provide them with the securtiy and peace of your love as the surgery is performed. Guide them to know how to help her as she recovers. Give her strength to ask for help when she needs it and for help to be available. Dear Father, we thank you for Thor and her love for you. God Bless You.

can't find it either. I always used it too

I am. (counting the days that is). It is amazing the amount of paperwork and red tape everyone requires these days isn't it? Sometimes it feels surreal. I am looking forward to my appt but it doesn't seem real yet. I keep telling myself not to get excited that this process could take a long time but part of me does not want to accept that. And I have so much to do this time of year...End of year accounting and all of that. I am trying to stay focused but this is my most procrastinating time of year. So much to do, so little energy to do it.... Keep me posted too.

that is awesome. Did you have esophageal erosion from having GERD that long or was it heartburn without the reflux? Congrats but be careful going off meds until you make sure erosion is completely healed if you had one.

welcome. so have you contacted a dr yet or just beginning research?? where are you at on your journey? And where in AZ are you at? I am from NM. Howdy neighbor.

I am anxiously awaiting for my one on one with the surgeon to see what I need to do and if he considers me a good candidate. My PCP said he does so I feel good about that. Like you, many of us have alot of faith in our PCP. Another reason the PCP doesn't want to let you down and they really are super busy. We counted the paper that came across the doc's desk yesterday via walk-in, mail and fax that the dr had to address (not staff) and there was over 75 pieces of paper! Thats alot when it doesn't count doing progress notes and seeing patients. Good luck with your progress.

I can't speak to why they would lean that way for a group of you. At my seminar the doctor himself did the presentation and he presented equally on both procedures, pros and cons. In the packet there was a question of whether we had already chosen what we wanted and if we had, why? He said that after an individual intensive exam he could make a recommendation but that it really depended on a lot of different factors to which one was best. Size, how much to lose, health issues... Hope this helps. Sounds like another opinion is a good one. Maybe that physician is better practiced at the roux-en-y? My doc also said that surgeons can go to a one weekend seminar to learn these procedures but the drs I chose did a one year fellowship, only doing bariatric surgery before going public. Check credentials and experience.

Haven't experienced that but can speak from an employee of a PCP. Many PCP's have their patients do a dummy letter that they can retype because there are so many different types of criteria out there. When a PCP can get the patient to write the letter they don't have to guess at what the patient or insurance might want. They are hoping that someone has done their research out there. And the patients are happier, not upset that the doctor forgot to mention the BMI or that they tried a certain diet or ....the list goes on and on. When the patient writes the letter and they forget something no ones to blame but themselves, they take the time to make sure it is as accurate as possible and it usually is more accurate than if the doctor has to go searching through your medical records for the past 3-5 years to find the details (which might not even be in your chart). Hope this helps.

Gh0st: You remind me of the times when my children were small. They take things very literally, we take things for granted. My 22 year old was pregnant this time last year, in fact told me about this time last year. I had such mixed emotions. Always wanted to be a grandma, did want her to wait til she was married but... anyway long story short- she lost the baby and I was devastated too. She wanted to name him Christian. I was never thrilled with the thought of naming a child Christian but all of a sudden I wanted a grandson named Christian very badly. The timing of your story is impeccable. It reminds me to appreciate what I have. When you pray tonight maybe you can ask your son if he is more comfortable with saying something like let me be more like Jesus. Its a great conversation starter. Jesus was kind, honest, giving...What a good mom you are. God Bless you.

crazy man. I am freezing. I went to work but feel terrible today. I had my surgery in 2002 when one tumor became two. But no fun going back and forth between drs. Are you prone to tumors because I know they tell me I am since I have had several now in different places throughout my body. Luckily, or by the grace of God anyway, I haven't had any since 2002. All were before that time. Tell Rick its to cold. Its much nicer inside this winter!

kat: I am with you. Where is that great NM weather. It is freezing today. Who did your surgery? Dr. Eberhart took out my "orange" a few years ago. Know how you feel. But lost all my thyroid. Thats okay though since thats all I lost. Could have been worse. So when was this? I didn't see this post til the latest reference and had to go back to find it? Glad you are doing better now.

candy: ok here's my perspective. You have alot going on in your life. I have been married 27 years. Not easy what you are going through. You have major stress with the husband and you not getting along. Whether your daughter blames you or not --she's 20. Her responsibility to set the alarm and get up. Not your responsibility, nice of you to try once but NOT your responsibility. Nows the time to tell her, daughter- I know you were upset with me the other morning but you know I have alot going on too and since you are 20 this is now your responsibility. I may or may not remind you once. Never count on it. You really aren't mad because I didn't get u up. You may be mad because dad and I aren't getting along but some day you may understand and maybe you won't but that really doesn't have anything to do whether your alarm is set. If she says that has nothing to do with it, say great. Candy, you are taking on the guilt because as moms we don't want our kids to be mad and you are overcompensating because you don't want your daughter to blame you for your marital problems. I only say that because I do the same thing- I overdo with my kids trying to win their approval. It doesn't work. You did the band for you. Now no more guilt, start over tomorrow without the reeses and the guilt and her alarm. Do something just for you. You are awesome. I am impressed you did the band for you during such a hard time. You are a strong person. Remember that and lets takek the journey together. You just got a head start!! God Bless You (remember He already has)

You asked a question I was wondering about. I am just starting too and have been contemplating a trip to Africa in March but don't know if it will coincide with all my band plans so haven't made a decision. Wondering how safe it will be- thanks for voicing my concerns. Any help out there?

thindolphin: I don't know where my last reply went. The site was kinda going weird. I saw where others were having probs too. Anyway, I wanted to ask you how you were doing on your paperwork and empathize with you on all those diet dates. Crazy to remember, huh? Will they give you a date with the surgeon once you turn in your papers? Did they give you any ideas of whats next? Keep in touch. Cindy

my doc said no coke, no carbonation. It really isn't a problem since I haven't had a carbonated beverage in over two years, almost 3. After awhile you just get used to it. I will have more trouble not drinking with my meals than the no carbonation....:cool:

hello deevah and shelly. welcome to both of you. You will meet alot of people here who will help you along the way. I am barely starting out myself and already I can list 20 people at least that I can count on for solid advice, as well as general posts that so many others will jump in and help with. You came to the right place. Where in Colo are you at? I am in NM not far from the Colo border and you guys are really sharing your snow right now. Brrrrr....

happy upcoming bd. I'll be 48 on 1/19. Nice to meet you and welcome.

Good luck and God speed. Blessings upon you. My prayers are with you for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

welcome chell. Every insurance is different in their requirements. You will learn alot here. If you are serious about researching lapband start reading, join in on the chat, and ask questions on the forum and chat. I am learning tons. I checked with my insurance and they only approve two doctors so I started there. The doctors had two different requirements, one required a seminar so I attended that. It progresses, sorta slow but one step at a time...as you learn what they want, thats what you do. I am barely beginning, join in, the more the merrier...:smile:

thindolphin: glad you have your seminar behind you. Think of it as one step along the journey. I know there is a ton of paperwork - I had alot of trouble remembering all the diets I have tried. Probably forgot alot of them. Hope to jog my memory when I actually talk to the dr. and there is no way I will remember all the dates. I figure it may hurt me and the insurance may require a supervised diet because of it. If they do, I guess thats the price. I will try to keep my chin up but I am hoping they won't. I am excited that I have an appt with the surgeon to talk to him next week- we'll see what happens from there. I am putting in lots of overtime right now, not telling anyone why I want two days off next week. Good luck thin and let me know. Write back often, I'll be here:biggrin:

Hi Cheryl. Although I have some two legged babies I also have fur-babies too. I have a beautiful sheltie that is about 16. She's blind and a little hard of hearing but she's my baby.

candy: I wish it was my SURGERY date. You misunderstood. I was excited because it was my first date with my surgeon. I was not able to make my first appt with my surgeon til after I attended the seminar. I am barely beginning. But thank you. I am still excited!:eek: