Danikagold

Thanks Anna and everyone! Tomorrow is the big day! I will check in when I am back. -Staci

First I wouldn't feel guilty. Wait until she asks "What are you doing to lose?" and tell her you had the surgery. I used to constantly feel guilty everytime I saw someone heavier than me becuase it was as if they needed the surgery more than me. Then I realized I have worked hard and will continue to work hard for it. The only way I have found to escape the guilt is to give something back and that is when people ask about the surgery or weight loss is to offer all of my knowledge as my gift to them. What they do with it is up to them. Well, this is my plan anywho. Maybe this is all you can do for your friend. Wait until she has let down her walls and reaches out for help and then give her help by telling her what is possible. Best of luck.

Try some sugar-free popsicles and herbal tea. That is how I have made it through the day today. So far today I have had 40oz Water, 1 cup raspberry tea, one sf cherry pop, and a strawberry Jello sf snack. Today is my first day of two on clear liquids after eight days of full liquids only. Becuase I have followed this pre-op diet EXACTLY I am not really hungary, just miss eating. Best of luck - WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!!!!!!!

Good luck to you, I wish you the best!

Ah, I am so sorry for you. Hang in there. Maybe there is a second surgeon that can supervise Butterfingers? Many surgeons practice in pairs so this could make you feel more comfortable for take 2. You sound like you are in good spirits, keep it up.

Aetna is EVIL! They did the same thing to me. Good luck to you.

My 10-day pre-op diet is as follows: First 8 days -EAS Protein shakes 3x day -sugar-free Jello, pudding, popsicle, and non-carbonated sugar-free drinks -Pacific Foods organic non-chunky Soup as needed (have had 2 serv./day so far) -Herbal teas Last 2 days -Clear liquids only, H2o, broth, some Crystal Light drinks, herbal tea, and jello (If you can see through it, you can have it.) My understanding is the pre-op diet shrinks the liver, thereby less chance of damage when they lift and hold it during surgery. I don't mind this pre-op and have not cheated once and do not plan to becuase of this. The worst part so far was the caffine withdrawls. I think they are gone now. And, I caught myself a little cold. Yesterday I went 1st thing to my PCP for a strep and flu test which were both negative. He put me on antibotics anyway just to be safe. If I don't get rid of the green nose by surgery day, I will have to post-pone it, and that is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! =)

Well congrats everyone in this stage. We are amazing!

My FOUR HOUR LONG pre-op was today. They made me into swiss cheese not being able to find a vein. I am bruised and sore. Oh well, it is worth it. I start my liquids tomorrow. Anyone else on pre-op?

Thanks! Love that little animation, it is motivating. Can't wait to shake it and look good. lol. Thanks for the progress on the pre-op. It is nice to know that it is possible. Stayed in for dinner tonight. chicken and broccoli. nbd, felt the same as I did when I ate out at the fav restaurants after. The mind is a tricky one.

Hi everyone. Here is me at a little shindig in my golf shirt. Me and my huz on our cruise from a year ago, and me sledding this Turkey Day. It doesn't really look appropriate..., what I am doing with the sled.

Howdy. I am Staci from Montana. I am 246 down from 260 about 9 months ago and it wasn't from delivering a child, but sometimes I think I look pregnant. This is where I got the idea for the band. My husband and I had been unable to conceive for a year and instinctivly I knew it was my weight that was making me not ovulate. Sooooo, here I am. My band date is Feb. 12. My insurance is 10% with a max $600 out of pocket and the $300 program fee for the bariatric clinic (total $900). I am 26. I have been married for 2.5 years. My husband and I have guardianship/are raising my 16-year-old brother. I work as a legal secretary for the best insurance company in the whole world in their corporate legal department. I have an associates degree and paralegal certificate. I am in school part time. My major is Business Administration-Information Systems. I AM NUTSO for doing so much at once, but oh well. Nice to meet you all!

I can't put just one fork in the dishwasher becuase it will be lonely. Same with glasses, plates, etc. I will get a clean one from the cabinet just to keep it company next to it. Yeah, I may be crazy. But, I did pass my psych exam for the band, so... only half crazy?

Someone above said "Fairwell to Food Tour" and that sums it up for me. However, I have gone to each of my fav restaurants and felt completely unsatisfied after each meal. Not to mention, I can't eat as much now as I could have 6 mos ago. I am sort of let down. But, this affirms that I am ready to let go of my relationship with food and I am already partially there.

TachaBaby505..................Natacha........................ ...9 January 2008 crystalcml.......................Crystal.............................2 8 January 2008 DxMOM...........................Jennifer.............................1 Febuary 2008 CynthiaMcC ……………………..Cynthia………………………………. 1 February 2008 Sadie..............................Sarah.............................. .2 February 2008 4jin02****************Janis*******************4 February 2008 Neenco..........................Dineen...............................4 February 2008 Kittenquite.....................Ko...............................4 February 2008 slbindc..........................Susanne............................4 February 2008 Big marathoner.................Amy................................ 5 February 2008 Sharon160.....................Sharon.............................. 5 February 2008 Michelle9003..................michelle.............................5 February 2008 Beachbum0519................Alisa.................................5 February 2008 girlsmack.....................Shannon..........................06 February 2008 JaxBandster...................Karen................................7 February 2008 EnchantedRuby...............Ruby.................................7 February 2008 TinaBobina......................Tina................................11 February 2008 LilMissBand-Aid................Irene...............................11 February 2008 Angie4b1g......................Angie...............................12 February 2008 aveamora.....................Staci................................12 February 2008 Mac the Knife...................Mac...............................13 February 2008 travel_anna.....................Anna..............................13 February 2008 Princess21.....................Kimberly...........................13 February 2008 Viridescence.....................Viri...............................14 February 2008 Nikki2001.......................Nicole..............................14 February 2008 taismommy...................Tamika............................14 February 2008 voxwatt.......................Cristina.............................14 February 2008 Glynda...........................Glynda............................15 February 2008 Valvinnek........................Alyssa...........................25 February 2008 Amieru...........................Amie.............................26 February 2008 Dana-k...........................Dana............................26 February 2008 hijabigirl1973……………....Stephanie........................26 February 2008 Mel119..........................Melinda...................... ...27 February 2008 fireleo............................Jess.............................29 February 2008

Yes, that is a good idea. She has had more than enough time to prepare and fax her report/notes. Just stand there and wait until you have it in hand with a pleasant smile! If possible, you may want to find someone else for your team if she doesn't show a sense of urgency. Best of luck, and kill 'em with kindness and don't be taken.

Thanks for the kind words HHWALJ. It's nice to hear I am not the only one with a crazy blend of music.

Ha! That is so funny becuase it is exactly what I picture when I hear it. I love that little shake he does on the stairs, he is such a hottie.

Okay, here is my pod list for workout. WARNING: This may not be appropriate for children. I was surprised to see I had a few of the same songs as those above me. And thanks for "I'll tumble 4 ya", it is a great addition! You Shook Me All Night Long AC/DC Moulan Rouge Aguilera, Lil' Kim, pink Smooth Criminal Alien Ant Farm Show Me How To Live Audioslave Intergalactic Beastie Boys Sabatoge Beastie Boys Jive Talkin' Bee gees Stayin Alive Bee Gees Hey Mama Black Eyed Peas My Humps Black Eyed Peas Kung Fu Fighting Carl Douglas Fighter Christina Aguilera Fortunate Son Creedence Clearwater Revival I'll tumble 4 ya Culture Club Should I Stay or Go The Cure 06 - I'm Gone cyndi thomson Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Dick van Dyke and company I Will Survive Donna Summers A Little Less Conversation Elvis Presley My Name Is Eminem Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc. American Idiot Green Day Jesus of Suburbia: Green Day Holiday Green Day The Grouch Green Day King For A Day Green Day Castaway Green Day Hollaback Girl Gwen Stafani Rich Girl Gwen Stefani Foxxy Lady Jimi Hendrix BACK THAT --- UP JUVENILE Blue Jeans Keith Urban Bawitdaba Kid Rock My Sharona The Knack Like A Virgin Madonna 2 Legit 2 Quit MC Hammer Teenagers My Chemical Romance Only Nine Inch Nails Trent Reznor Kodachrome Paul Simon Lump Presidents Boll Weevil Presidents Dune Buggy Presidents Back Porch Presidents It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)R.E.M. Hotel Song Regina Spektor Rocky- eye of the tiger Rocky Its Tricky Run DMC It's Like That Run DMC Woe Say Anything Alive With the Glory of Love The Futile Say Anything Every Man Has a Molly Say Anything Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too Say Anything The Na-Na Song Sheryl Crow Addicted Simple Plan What I Got Sublime Poolshark Sublime Same In The End Sublime Seed Sublime Fat Lip sum 41 Mambo Italiano - Rosemary Clooney YMCA Village People Don't Stay Home 311 Wanksta 50 cent Fast Lane Pt Disco Inferno 50 Cent In The Club 50 Cent You Spin Me Right Round (Like A Record) Beastie Boys - Brass Monkey Beastie Boys - So Whatcha Want Blue Cantrell - Hit Him Up Style (Oops!) Butthole Surfers- Coming down the mountain Eazye - Give Me That Nut Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back Nelly - Air Force Ones Shakira - Ciega Sordomuda Sir Mix alot - I like big buts Video Killed the Radio Star Carly Simon - You're So Vain Shweet. If anyone has more, please post!

Yes, DON'T GIVE UP! I had to gather records for the last five years also and had a heck of a time becuase my primary care records only went back three years. Then the next morning after stressing about it for a day it was EUREKA! I remembered going to a Planned Parenthood for my annual exam once I turned 19 and they had the record I needed. Be creative, and don't give up. Best of luck.

Thank you everyone for those posts above. Even helped me out with my pre-op worries.

Bandster.................... Name (Optional)................... Surgery Date ______________________________________________________ TachaBaby505..................Natacha................................. ...9 January 2008 crystalcml.......................Crystal.............................. .......28 January 2008 Sadie.............................Sarah............................... ........2 February 2008 Big marathoner................Amy......................................... 5 February 2008 TinaBobina......................Tina.................................. .....11 February 2008 LilMissBand-Aid................Irene......................................11 February 2008 aveamora.......................Staci......................................12 February 2008 Mac the Knife...................Mac......................................13 February 2008 Viridescence.....................Viri................................. ......14 February 2008 travel_anna.....................Anna.................................. ....13 February 2008 Amieru...........................Amie................................. ......26 February 2008

My Aetna denial took about 14 days. My BCBS of MA took less than a week. This insurance company is great, they really have it together.

Yes! There are people from MT out here. Anyone having/had surgery in Missoula by Pickhardt or Swannack?

I was denied by Aetna in November. I only think it was bc my work policy was ending 12/31/07 and they didn't want to take the hit. They really dug to find something wrong with my prep program. My problem was that I was not "morbidly obese" for more than 5 years (4.6). And then I was just "obese". I think it could be worth jumping through the hoops, but DON'T GIVE UP! Best of luck.