chell1957

Hello everyone. I am new to the group, and to this thread. I too live in good old NJ. I am not banded yet, still in the research and diet stage. I learning so much. I think this is a great idea to have a tread for each state. Anyone here from Gloucester County?

Great pointers. Thanks! Once again I have learned a lot here.

Good question Chubby Diva. As for all the info on the port being permanent, THANKS! I have learned something new today.

No I have not had mine yet. I am still on the supervised diet thing. Meeting with nutritionist next month for a check in appointment. Which should be interesting since I have a colonoscopy that day also. Ph boy I can hardly wait. For FinallyFree, can you friend at least claim the medial expense on her tax return? Also for FinallyFree, what do u mean by "rubbing" your arm...like a rub down of some kind?

Wow, some of you are so prepared and ready. I applaud you all for this. I also feel the insurance companies need to realize it is cheaper in the long run to cover the surgery then it is to keep supplying us with meds and supplies as well as all the complications that come form the long years of dealing with the decease.

O.K. so as I understand it, this port is a perment thing. Like I will have it for the rest of my life? I will have to get fills for the rest of my life? :wink2:

Well I will keep all that in mind for future reference. Thanks!

Just for the record, I think that took a lot of nerve to say that. Thanks.

I was just reading in Goggle that folks who have the surgery fair better then folks who do not as far as having Diabetics is concerned. Her is the link/web address. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN22530113

Hi everyone. I was tooling around Goggle and I was reading news when I happened onto this news story. It talks about people who have the surgery (Gastric) and how it effects their Diabetics. Here is the link/web address: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN22530113

Hi everyone. I was tooling around Goggle and I was reading news when I happened onto this news story. It talks about people who have the surgery (Gastric) and how it effects their Diabetics. Here is the link/web address: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN22530113

Wow, can she submit the bills post op to be reimbursed, part or all? I know I sure as hell would at least try. U are talking thousands of dollars!

Me too, I am now becoming "normal" to the temps of the winter and I have not lost a single pound yet! Last winter I was walking around in 65* rooms and very comfortable while the house-mate was freezing her tiny butt off. LOL! What a difference form last winter and now.

O.K. I got the understanding of keeping it clean etc....I still want to know if the port is ever removed permanently at some point or will I have it the rest of my life?

See here is my problem...you all have a job and an income, I am on SSI (trust me I get less then $10 a month but keep it for the insurance) anyway by the time we pay the rent, we can barely pay the utility bills. Let alone spend $50 for a drink mix just for me. I will have to find out if the VA can supply this while I need it. If not the cost will be a major issue for me...which is why I am concerned that I will not be approved on that fact alone. :tongue:

Humm , interesting....I am no place near this point yet, I am registered for the "MOVE" program the VA has for weight loss. I was told straight out they want 3 - 6 months with this program prior to my seeing the folks for the surgery. So I keep my food logs, make notes about my mood when neeeded...so far it just makes me more depressed as I see the things I write down. I guess its because I fee pretty helpless as to my ability to purchase the food I would want to eat. I have concerns this will prevent me from getting the band since they will say that as a poor person I will not be able to afford the foods I need to eat....see when U have to use a food pantry, you get what they give you, not what U always want. I am grateful for the food but I sometimes would purchase something else if I had the chance. O.K. I digress, sorry....

O.K. I have a question...all this talk of prots...I know why we have them..for the fills...my questions R these, will the port ever be removed? If so, how long after surgery is it removed? How bad is the scar after its removed?

What is this drink mix. Where do u buy it and how much is it?

If I understand correctly, they are talking about the diet powered soft drink. I also think they now come pre mixed on the soda isle. I also know a lot of stores have their own versions of it. I have found WalMart to be the lest expensive and it taste o.k. Good luck.

LOL! U all are to funny. I turned 50 in July and I too have a hubby 9 year older! Yes I get told all the time I don't look my age. Which is nice I guess. I do not fell like I am 50, mentally some days I feel like I am 80, LOL! Seriously, I know I will look like one of those winkle dogs. I have an installed zipper (old style c section) that is 26 years old so my tummy is a giggle mess anyway. I can just imagine what it will be like once I am banded and have lost my 80 lbs. Lord help me! LOL

Been reading the remarks from us all. I am not banded yet. Still researching. I have been trying to force myself to eat slower and chew better in preparation for the future. Its much harder then I expected it would be. I am not a fan of PB or any other such thing so it will be good reinforcement for me once I am banded. Thanks to all the good advice and info I am getting here.

Hi. Its me again..dose their "diet" require that you buy their food. I am a poor person on food stamps and I have no extra $ for such a thing. This is why I have stayed away from Jenny Craig, Weight Watcher's and others like them. thanks Chell

Hi. I am new, not banded yet, reserching...I found your blog and it was of help. I have questions about the psy test, u know, what to expect. It takes the anxiety out for me. Thanks for sharing. Chell

Yes. I use the Veterans Hospital since I am a Vet. I also have a from of Medicaid but do not use it. I like to be on equal footing at the Dr. and with Medicaid Dr.'s tend to look at you different, like you are a charity case for them, at the VA we are all the same, no insurance is better then the next person's. So far I have had pretty good luck. Been using them for about 3 years now. Just wondering if they will cover any of the P.S. for post op?

IndioGirl55 I hear that, I too think I will have a turkey neck since U can see in my photo I have a BIG neck and chin now. I also point out fat faces do no show winkles, yep I am sure my balloon will deflate also. Wink...LOL