FinallyFree

Jewelee, 2 cookies!! That's great! That is what a "normal" person would eat. Congratulations! Now if you can just stop at the two and not treat yourself for another week you'll be doing great! Learning how to eat less, and be satisified with what I've eaten is the hardest for me. starting wgt. 225 1-07 current wgt. 150 1-08

Chell, I had a standardized phyc. eval., 500 questions, fill in the circle. She gave me a list of books to read to "help" me over come my problems with over eating. I had to pay $175.00 that day (which I hadn't been told about) and then had to get in touch with her again to have the results forwarded to my insurance company. That was it.

HI PT. I attended a seminar and found out Dr. Simper, Dr. Smith and Dr. McKinley belong to the Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians. This is an exclusive group of surgeons; one has to be "invited" to become a member and the invite only goes out when one of the members retires. The association is over 25 years old and highly reputable. Dr. Simper was the surgeon who performed gastric by pass on a friend of mine who recommended him. I found him to be very professional, he'll take the time to explain everything you want to know about the proceedure, referr you to additional support groups, and his staff, especially Betty and Paula (insurance) are very friendly and proficient at helping you get your claim through. The environment when you walk into the office is low keyed and friendly. Have you made an appt. to attend a seminar yet? Finally Free

Andi, You've talked to the director of the wls program about the dr. attitud, I'm sure she'll talk to him. You don't have to love the guy and bond with him, he's just a tool to help you with the start of your wgt. loss. If it's not convenient/possible for you to change dr. because of your insurance or whatever, go with this dr. But change your attitude. YOU become the professional one. Have another appt. with him and let him know what you expect. If you're not comfortable with talking to him about it, then don't talk to him, but do act professional at the next appt. I thought my dr. and I were going to bond, but it's turned out to be a working relationship that's all. I thought I was supposed to go in a see him every month, but he doesn't care. So be it. This is my fight and my journey. I'm sure you have plenty of support from other areas of your life, right? Finally Free

I have mixed emotions about this. I'm proud of myself for losing the weight, but a lot of people are now commenting on my weight loss (75 lbs). I want to ask, "Why are you complimenting me on looking like what a normal person should look?" But I just thank them and try and change the subject. Finally Free Starting wgt. 225 1-07 current wgt. 149 1-08

PT, my insurance is Great West, I'm a Wyoming state employee. I would like to suggest calling your insurance and asking them what the requirements are for lap band surgery. I called and they were most helpful. They are required to provide you with the information, and are not judgemental. The requirements are: A BMI above 36, there had to be a minimum of 4 co-morbidities, a 6 mo. physician supervised wgt loss plan, and proof of being over wgt for 5 years or more. I attended a seminar in Oct. 06, chose a dr., and started the supervised dr. appts. I started out at 116 lbs, but jumped up to 225 over the holidays, got myself in check in Jan. 07 and lost 22 lbs on my own before having surgery June 07. This board has provided me with the best support. I find something each day to help me with questions, suggestions, etc. Which insurance company do you use? Lynne (Finally Free)

PT, I used Dr. Simper, had my surgery in June 07. He is wonderful!! The staff is professional, caring and throuogh. St. Mark's was a pleasant experience for me. FinallyFree Starting Wgt. 225 2/07 149 1/2 1-08