pearlygirl

Hmm, I'd be a little cautious. Definitely get a 2nd opinion before agreeing to a hysterectomy whether ou're done with having children or not. Does he mesn removing your ovaries too? I would certainly not let him do that and quite honestly, regardless of what they remove it will not solve the problem. Insulin resistance won't be fixed and if they remove your ovaries it will throw you into menopause...yikes!!

My reason for choosing the band is that it is SO safe for pregnancy. Basically, they will unfill you for the duration of your pregnancy and fill you back up when you've delivered/stopped breast feeding. This way, your baby gets all of thre nutrients he/she needs because you have a pretty normal functioning stomach.

I'm not banded yet but my doc does require a overnight stay. I'm glad though. As a nurse, I feel more comfortable being looked after and should any complications arise.

Mine was today and was very similar to this. She was kind, asked about my childhood, family life, eating habits and weight history...she said I was a good candidate. :rolleyes2: Oh, and there was no questionaire, just the doctor.

You look amazing...keep up the great work!!!

For those of you who have a hard time with metformin, have you tried the extended release? The side effects are not as harsh but it controls your insulin resistance just the same, probably better becasue of the continuous release. I take that and ortho tricyclen. Between the two my symptoms are very well controlled...now with the band in my near future hopefully te weight will be too!!

Where do you guys live that this is so expensive? I am in Omaha and my surgeon does his own fills with fluoroscopy and only charges $150 per visit/fill.

Holy cow!!! I can't believe what I am reading...well I believe you, it's just awful. My doctor is AMAZING, he is one of the kindest and sensitive docs I've ever met(and I'm a nurse so I've met a bunch). My husband is also a physician and he too is kind and considerate to his patients. I would certainly file a complaint with some of those experiences. As far as malpractice, it'll take more than being rude or making those kinds of comments but refusing to care for you will certainly get you somewhere.

ABSOLUTELY FALSE! Changing your diet to less calories will NOT cause you to develop a clot. Some of the risks for clots are obesity, clotting disorders, high cholesterol, heart problems, being sedentary, smoking, birth control pills...there are many more but changing to a liquid or lo-cal diet is not one of them. Very sorry to hear about your friend though...my heart goes out to you and everyone that knew him!

My doctor won't even do a band unless you have quit. He said that after the band is placed smokers have more long term problems with the band, irritation to the lining of your stomach and ulcers. He also said that if you are as committed to your health as you claim(which is neccessary to have the band)then quitting smoking needs to be just as important. I know it sounds a bit harsh but I understand his concerns.

Kiss - That is WONDERFUL news!!!! I have some decent news also. My ob/gyn is thrilled with the idea of surgery for me. He said that he's had several PCOS patients who've been banded and each of them have had good results. I was so excited to hear that because my biggest fear is that because of my PCOS this won't work either. Like most of you, I've tried everything. I lose but then I gain...what a vicious cycle. Well, here's to having HOPE!!!!!

This may seem like a bizarre question and I realize that because of many factors, it is different for everyone but how after you lost your weight - how much skin did you have left over? I am 5'9" and 270lbs. This may seem silly buut I am almost more afraid of what the hanging skin will look like than what the fat looks like now. I will have PS to have it removed if need be, just wondering what I'll be dealing with.

Well rats!!!

Jen - Must be a nurse thing...I'm also an RN.

I'm laughing about the toilet tongs and thinking....God, wouldn't it be terrible if the tp slipped off or moved over...OUCH!!!

I got through most of it but it is VERY hard on the eyes...

My decision was based upon a couple of things. I am not comfortable with actually having my anatomy changed. While many people get bypass and love it, others have a very hard time. If you get sick(big time sick, like cancer) or seriously injured, heck even if you get pregnant...the band can be unfilled and give you essentially a normal functioning stomach. It is a personal decision but for me it was band all the way.

Just wondering if anyone has Lumenos insurance and how fast/slow they were with the process of approving you. The bariatric coordinator says that they usually gove approval but wasn't really sure on the time frame...I'm just so ready and waiting is very hard(you all know this though:rolleyes:!!).

Good luck to you!!

Sorry. I hadn't seen the insurance forum....I'll go there, thanks anyway!

Just curious, based on your own experience, from the time you got your consults completed and paperwork sent in...how long did it take to hear back from your insurance company? I saw that someone was approved in 2 days but I understand that is definitely not the norm.

Your best bet is first thing in the morning as this is your "dry weight", before you eat or drink anything. Weight fluctuates by a few pounds throughout the day.

I am in Omaha and still gathering everything to send to the insurance company. My psych eval is on he 29th of this month and then I'm done. I am working with Dr Tom White at Immanuel hospital...waiting is REALLY hard.

Wow, sounds like you're a very busy woman. Congrats on the surgery and on keeping up the motivation and follow-thru. I am waiting to be approved.

I'm just starting too! I am just finishing up my task list, psych appointment is on the 29th of this month and then I'm done. I should know by the end of March if I am approved.