Tess415

I don't understand the "too busy to follow up his patient". How can he not see you in the office, besides doing a barium swallow? Is he the only one in his practice? Or is there another doctor in the group that does lapbands? Do you have any fills? Do liquids go down? Are you loosing any weight? Tess

Carrie, I am a nurse too and had alot of concern how I would handle the mental part. Food too is my drug. (was my drug). I actually hired a Life Coach and met with her weekly at first then as I became stronger now have gone to monthly meetings. I started seeing her 5 months before my band date, I made the changes as part of my pre-op commitment to myself. A life coach is a very positive experience. She helped me set goals and gave me tools for reducing stress, identifying triggers and ways to avoid or deal with it other than with food. It's not that difficult, its just finally realizing that until you make yourself a priority no one else will. Especially with children and a spouse out of work, it would be much easier to just work all kinds of hours for the money, and eat what ever you want because you took care of everyone else... and reward yourself with food. (I am assuming that reward yourself with food... because as a nurse and caregiver for many years I rewarded myself that way up to 366 lbs.) Not anymore! I've found other enjoyment in life besides food. I'm not perfect by any means, but I am not on auto pilot with food anymore... I am in control!!! You can do this!!! You won't regret it. It could be the best thing mentally you could ever do for yourself. Here is a link to my life coach so you can see what they have to offer in case you decide it's something for you to consider. I actually found mine through the facility I work at, she was associated through our outpatient rehab center. If you are interested in seeing my life coach's web page, just pm me! Best of luck to you! Tess

Salsa Your "tough love" letter is wonderful. You are truly an inspiration! :thumbup: I have been "playing with the same 2 pounds for the past 3 weeks, and have had my share of "brownies". Yesterday, I got it together... ate right and walked 3 miles. I spent so much time and effort to get thru the surgery, I want to be successful. I would love to be down a total of 100 lbs by my bandiversery. Do you use a food journal or any other tools to keep on track? I also was wondering what you would eat on a typical day, I think sometimes my portions are larger than what they should be... I've only had 1 fill so far. Thanks for offering to mentor! Tess

I too am a nurse, and would like to had that there are some hereditary clotting disorders that run in families. I would want to know if the family members who have had problems with blood clots have been tested for these disorders. If they have a genetic disorder, you should also be checked besides just having them put a filter in. Sounds like it would be worth a closer look. These patients also may need to be treated with blood thinners along with a filter for the best protection for the development of blood clots, especially around operative procedures where you may not be active and moving around. blueriley is right on, not too much to having the filter, but ... I would look into the "big picture". Tess

Jen, I too was re-thinking just before my surgery date. I haven't regretted it one bit. It's been all very worth it. There are cars out there that you can purchase for more money than this surgery will cost and cars lose their value as soon as you drive it off of the lot. Your health is a very wise investment for the money. Below is a link to the page with before and after pix from members of LBT, I find this very encouraging to look at. Hope it helps you keep positive in your journey. Best of Luck and Good Health to you! Tess http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/before-after-lap-band-surgery-pix-only-4642/[/color]

I have Aetna and did the three month multidisciplinary approach too. I was fortunate that my lapband doctor offers at a fee of $25 a month, monitored my plan and documented my 3 months of successful program. I joined a gym at my local hospital for a medical approach exercise program, they do an initial eval and set up your routine. I have a card I clock my visits in on and can easily request a print out of my visits to proof my activity requirement. This membership cost me $26 a month and I still go 3-4 times a week. I work at a hospital and I know a few nutritionist ... they kindly did a free professional eval, and set me up on a weight loss diet and typed up a letter for my doctor and insurance. I had been seeing a psychologist for the past couple years and she did my psych eval and sent it to my doctor. There are tremendous hoops to hop through, but keep a folder, write everything down, go on aetna's website and get your requirements. The surgeons office should give you a form letter for your family doctor and requirements. I got alot of info at the free seminar. Also check out the official lapband site from the manufacturer. Good luck and stay strong!! It was worth it!!!!!! Tess

I went to the seminar August 2007 and I got my band March 2008. My insurance required a 3 month pre-op doctor supervised weight and exercise program. I went to see my surgeon and he actually seen me once a month as the supervising doctor for 3 months and then he added that to all of the other documentation they needed to send to my insurance company. They sent it into my insurance and it took 6 weeks to get approval which was in January. The next month was spent doing pre-op studies and tests that were required... for me it was venous scan of legs, EKG and upper GI. I've only had 1 adjustment and the first one is always done under fluoroscopy at the hospital, I went through outpatient surgery for that and it didn't take too long at all. The rest of the fills when needed will be done in the office unless there is a problem. Hope this is helpful. Tess

I felt ok week 2, but I felt much better during the 3rd week post-op. We traveled to the Smoky Mountains about 6 hours by car from where I live. We rented a cabin with an fantastic kitchen so I was able to stick to my post-op diet. It was a home away from home! You should be feeling good enough to walk around by the 3rd week, but I would probably avoid any of the action rides, and stick to the easier rides where you won't get tossed around. Good Luck with your surgery, hope you hear about a date soon. Tess

Hope you guys don't mind if I jump in with a few thoughts from my own life lessons. I too was very successful with diets for the short term. The most at one time for me was 75 pounds on Weight Watchers, but I always ended back to where I was plus another 20 pounds. At one meeting I saw a gal get her award for completing 6 weeks of maintenance, she physically looked fantastic but when you looked into her eyes you could tell she was one of the most miserable people on the earth. It made me think, I felt miserable on the inside and my eating choices were being driven by my emotions and things that were wrong in my life. If by some kind of magic I could be given a smaller and healthier body overnight... I would be like that sad and miserable person at her goal. THAT IS JUST NOT RIGHT!!!! Since that time I've made some really huge changes in my life!!!!! For the past 3 years, I couldn't even think about doing another diet. I told my self the next time is going to be the last time, and I need to get my head in the right place to do it! After spending over 1 year with a psychologist, going through emotional baggage that had piled up over many years... I was now ready to think about getting my weight under control. I read the book by Mohammed Ali's daughter and I really related to her struggles and emotions. I then admitted to myself that I need a plan to work through all of the emotions while I loose my best friend FOOD!!! I started seeing a life coach 4 months before I had my band placed. I spent those months training my brain to deal with stress in healthy ways, and staying focused and most of all to stay POSITIVE!!!! This is the first time in my life I am not using guilt and negativity as my motivators!! And WOW what a difference it is. I am a much happier person to be around. I have a lot to offer in this life!!!! I am not perfect, but each day is a brand new day... full of new choices to be made, and I am really trying to only look to the future!!! This whole thing is a process, and you'll know when you're ready. Take time now before the whole surgery thing to get yourself in the best shape mentally so that this too can be a successful journey for you. Best wishes to all for health and happiness!!!! Tess

Name................Current....Goal......Lost...Still to Lose Bea1129.............231........200.......0......31(by 7/4) BigBandFan..........296........270.......0......26 Epm316..............235........200.......0......35 (by 7/4) faithmd.............305.5......300.......4.1....5.5(by6/21) Hastings............253........228.......0......25 KarenG..............174........160.......0......14 (by 7/4) kathystrick.........318........288.......0......30 legster.............193........180.......0......13 Leslie2Lose.........226........208.......7......18 (by 7/4) LessNLess...........149........140.......2.......9 Luu2008.............215........185.......0......30 (by 7/4) luvinke.............217........190.......4......23 Marissa's Mom.......388........358.......0......30 (by 7/4) MollyMolly..........201........188.......3......13 nancy52.............197........170.......0......27 Nettie..............193........170.......0......23 Newhope4me..........177........160.......0......17 NukeChik............237........222.......5......15 nurse7263...........244........150.......0......24 (by 7/4) renewedhope.........195........170.......2......25 Sades...............197........185.......0......12 Sunshine2...........179........160.......1......18 (by 6/29) Tess415.............327........299.......5......30 TexasFire67.........170........145.......0......25 Wombat712...........135.8......120.......0......15.8 Lenore1890..........267.7......247.......0......20 __________________ Wow!!! 33.1 Pounds total lost already for everyone!!! Way to go!

The nurse specialist told me that there is no rhyme or reason to how much each person needs. No scientific process involved. I also think the size of your band also has some determination of how much at a time they put in. During the needle insertion, my doctor had me lift my legs slightly off of the table, because it helps contract the abdominal muscles and pops the port up, so its easier to access. From what I've read on the LBT boards, the amounts really vary from person to person. My doctor also said the more that you are seen in the office, the better people to so that they can be adjusted as much as they need. Tess

Nice to meet everyone! My name is Tess. I am a Registered Nurse from Oregon Ohio. I'm 43, married for 18 years, mom of 2 teenage boys ( 13 & 16). I love digital photography and my new Apple Laptop!:frown:

Connie I felt fuller on the full liquids than I did on clears the first day. Today I start mushies and I am feeling satisfied. I had 2 soft poached mashed eggs for breakfast today and I feel full, and they went down easy! See how you feel on the next stage, you might notice a difference. Tess

BigBandFan..........296........270.......0......26 Epm316...............235........200.......0......35 (by 7/4) Hastings..............253........228.......0......25 KarenG...............174........160.......0......14 (by 7/4) kathystrick..........318........288.......0......30 Leslie2Lose.........231........208.......2......23 (by 7/4) LessNLess...........149........140.......2.......9 Luu2008.............215........185.......0......30 (by 7/4) luvinke...............217........190......4......23 Marissa's Mom.....388........358......0......30 (by 7/4) MollyMolly..........204........188.......0......16 nancy52.............197........170.......0......27 Nettie................193........170.......0......23 Newhope4me......177........160.......0......17 NukeChik............238........222.......0......16 nurse7263...........244........150.......0......24 (by 7/4) renewedhope.......197........170.......0......27 Sunshine2...........179........160.......0......19 (by6/29) Tess415..............327........299.......2......30 TexasFire67.........170........145.......0......25 Wombat712.........135.8......120.......0......15.8 Lenore1890..........267.7......247.......0......20 Yeah!!!! 2 more pounds gone!!! Exercise really pays off!!!! T.

I had my first fill today. I have an AP Standard and the doctor put in 3.5cc. I feel I have pretty good restriction. I have lost a total of 38 lbs. so far. T.

Hello fellow nurses! Isn't it amazing how many options we have in our careers? Who else can have our degree and do so many things with it? I love being a nurse. I don't always like the day I might be having, but I like the feeling I get from caring for others! I have been a critical care nurse for the past 22 years, I have worked in the same hospital, same unit for the entire 22 years... I am not even the one who has been there the longest! There are 2 other nurses who have been there longer!! We are one big family! We laugh together, fight together, work together and play together. No one gives more than our nursing community when it comes down to a crisis, or tragedy. I can always count on my co-workers!!! Tess

I wanted to post my experience for others to read. I know I was doing a lot of reading on LBT to know what to expect. I was banded on 3/10/08, I had my first fill today and it was a walk in the park! It was done thru outpatient surgery at the hospital. I was given a local, then they accessed my port with a needle. I had to stand up with the needle in me and stood in front of the fluoroscopy arm, while he inflated the band with saline. Next was a few drinks of barium. It was really cool to watch! You can feel difference right away when they tighten it. Clear liquids today, 2 days full liquids, 1 week pureed, 1 week soft food. I even went shopping on the way home! Tess:thumbup:

I am going to get my first fill on Monday May 5th. I can't wait! I feel like I have no restriction on eating, and I don't like it. My weight loss has slowed up, I want to keep on track. Still trying to follow all of the rules! Tess

Name................Current....Goal......Lost...Still to Lose BigBandFan..........296........270.......0......26 Hastings............253........228.......0......25 KarenG..............174........160.......0......14 (by 7/4) kathystrick.........318........288.......0......30 Leslie2Lose.........233........208.......0......25 (by 7/4) LessNLess...........151........140.......0......11 Luu2008.............215........185.......0......30 (by 7/4) luvinke.............217........190.......0......27 Marissa's Mom.......388........358.......0......30 (by 7/4) MollyMolly..........204........188.......0......16 nancy52.............197........170.......0......27 Nettie..............193........170.......0......23 Newhope4me..........177........160.......0......17 NukeChik............242........222.......0......20 nurse7263...........244........150.......0......24 (by 7/4) Sunshine2...........179........160.......0......19 (by 6/29) Tess415.............329........299.......0......30 TexasFire67.........170........145.......0......25 Wombat712...........135.8......120.......0......15.8 Good Luck to everyone!!!! We can do it!!!!! :biggrin2: Tess

Name........................Current.......Goal....... Lost.......Still toLose luvinke........................217.............190..........0......... ..27 Leslie2Lose..................233.............208.........0..........25 (by 7/4) kathystrick..................318..............288.........0........... 30 Sunshine2...................179..............160.........0...........1 9 (by 6/29/08) TexasFire67.................170..............145.........0...........2 5 Nettie.........................193..............170........42......... .65 nurse7263....................244..............150........0............24 (by 7/4) tess415........................329..............299.........0............30 We can do it!!!!!!!:biggrin2:

This is an impressive list!!! Can I be added too? Special K you did a great job of putting this together!

Rain You look fantastic!!! I wish we could tell our bodies where to loose the weight so that shopping for clothes would be more enjoyable!!! Make sure you Celebrate and reward yourself with something besides being frustrated with your clothes!!! That is a huge milestone you just accomplished!!! Maybe you could look for a nice piece of jewelry or a day at a spa!!!! :redface: Congratulations again! Tess

Hi Carol, Nice to meet you! I'm from the Toledo area. How are you feeling since your surgery?

My PCP was far from happy about me doing this surgery and the fact that she had to get records together made her really not like it. I did have a form letter I gave her... but I know for a fact the office staff took care of it, I know it takes a lot of their time to do it. I did have to listen to my PCP going on and on about how she doesn't have the time, but I've been with her for 22 years!! She owed me to do it! The office staff was wonderful, they put it together and are cheering me on!!!!

Hi Everyone-- nice to meet you. I went for my appt and found out that the first one will be done at the hospital and I'll have to schedule it for a Monday. I'll have to do some juggling with my work schedule though. I did loose another 4 pounds the past 2 weeks even though I have nothing in my band yet. No regrets about the surgery! I understand what Hazel means about being bombarded with information... but you can never arm yourself with too much knowledge!!!