gentlespirit

TrishS~ My youngest son just finished Microbiology...I can't say he enjoyed it, but he did get an A...and a phobia about germs and such!! Emily

In discussing this with my PCP, she said there MAY be difficulties if you go ahead, but there WILL be major problems from the weight sooner or later if you don't do it. I'll take my chances with MAY...it's better than the certainty of health issues if I continue on as I have, which obviously isn't working.

I"m so sorry about the denial for you. That really sucks! But don't give up...I think they count on people giving up right away and not pursuing the appeals process~ Emily

All_Smiles~ Congratulations on having it done! I'm keeping a list of things to try, so I'll add the ice and ice/heat to the list! Have a wonderful holiday! Emily

La_madam~ Do you think you have made the lifestyle changes and mental adjustments so that you can continue as though you had the band and keep the weight off? Emily

Sounds wonderful...I'm going to try it even though I haven't yet been banded! Emily

Lisa~ I, too, am so sorry to hear your news. It really sucks bigtime. Having said that, I'm very appreciative of the fact that you are sharing your concerns with us, and I particularly like your comment about hoping we're scared enough to get regular scopes. We need to know the good and the bad about this... Sending all my best wishes to you~ Emily

Are bandsters at risk for losing hair? I thought if we are careful to eat the Protein we need we should be OK...? I know anesthesia can cause temporary loss, but should I be concerned long term? One of the only things I liked about being big is that we often have gorgeous hair because it's very well nourished. Is this a problem for many of you?? Emily

Kabeerah~ I have the same concern about getting in enough Water...now I drink about 3 quarts a day to combat a cystitis problem. I usually drink an 8-oz glass at a time and am worried that just sipping I won't get in enough throughouto the day. If anyone has suggestions or reassurance, I'd love to hear them. The sippy cup sounds like a good idea, but I'm worried I won't get any work done cuz I'll be too busy sipping!! Emily

Hi, Jennifer...I'm scheduled for Jan. 24 also, so maybe we can compare notes after...where are you having it? I'll be going to Sioux Falls, SD to Dr. Peter O'Brien. Best of luck with your surgery and hopefully all will go well for both of us. I'm sure we'll look back on this as one of the best things we've ever done for ourselves. It helps me a lot to know that most of these people would do it again, too! Emily

The thing that really gave me me something to think about is the PM from a bandster in Israel where they've been doing the surgery for 10 years or so. She said that as far as she knows, nearly everyone has had to have a second surgery at some time for various problems. That scared me.! But then I also think that this is my best chance to get control of my weight; if at some point it needs to be repaired or removed, I will still have lost weight and improved my eating habits by then. So I am weighing the possible problems against the certain problems I face if I don't do something now. And ev en with the concerns, I'm going to go ahead. I keep reminding myself of all the people who have posted that they would definitely do it again, regardless of problems. I"m leaning heavily on that! Emily

I bought the chocolate and the unflavored. Anyone have comments on the other flavors? Emily

Welcome, Andrea...hope you get your date soon and get started on the journey! Emily

If they are resorting to those tactics, I wouldn't let them within 100 feet of me. This is not just a business transaction...we're talking about your life. They are showing no respect for your concerns or your freedom of choice, and I think that says a lot about the way they would treat you posot surgery, too. I'd definitely choose someone else. Emily

I've been worried about the gas/shoulder pain that I've been hearing about...you all have given me some good suggestions so hopefully it won't be too bad. Thank you...there's nothing like the voice of experience! Emily

There is a WONDERFUL book called "Making It Big" by Jean DuCoffe and Sherry Cohen that changed my outlook completely. It was published in the 80s, I think, so it isn't new, but it's chock full of wonderful stuff. They talk about self confidence and making the most of yourself. I still get it out every six months or so and give myself a refresher! She talks about nothing making big women look thin, but that doesn't mean they can't look great anyway. Or like my two (college age) sons say, "There's fat and then there's ugly fat" meaning people who do take care of themselves/people who are sloppy or slobby. I prefer to think of it as a picture and frame. The picture (what we are inside) is the most important thing, but pictures look best in a pretty frame! But on the days when I don't feel pretty, I take comfort in the thought I read somewhere once that if we smile and are pleasant, that's what people remember...not our appearance. Emily

My resolution is to really work this band and appreciate it every day for helping me to take control. I guess that encompasses a lot, including the head hunger issue, which I know is major. I also want to get back to my Water aerobics classes...I did them for 3 years and had actually gotten to the point where I missed it if I didn't go. I want to get back to that place! Emily

Stephanie-in-Al~ Thanks for the info. Maybe I won't have to change them, which would be great. It's hard to remember to take them if I don't do it as I go out the door in the morning...I'm sure I wouldn't remember the evening dose, so extended release works for me! Emily

Thanks...I just placed an order and am anxiousto try it. Emily

I take 10 mg of Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL. I'm guessing that I'll have to switch to Wellbutrin twice a day after surgery instead of the extended release ones since I can't crush them without messing with the time release. Emily

Dody~ This doc doesn't do any of the surgeries as he's an endocrinologist rather than a surgeon. This was supposed to be an impartial informational seminar for people interested in some type of WLS. It really annoyed me, which is why I'd like to "educate" him a bit with some stats. I actually did consult him when I first started thinking about WLS a couple of years ago and he wasn't helpful then, either. Emily

Thanks, Celeste! I haven't had time to check in here for a few days but was glad to see your suggestion now. I think I'll wait and start after the first of the year. I'm working on really cutting the amount of food I eat at each meal and learning to chew it REALLY well and eat slowly. I have become very much more aware of how it feels when I'm not humgry anymore as opposed to stuffed. Seems like these are all steps in the right direction. Went out to go to work today and got stuck just as the front of my car cleared the garage door. We have had about 6 inches of snow, a lot of which drifted into our driveway, apparently! We are supposed to get snow all day today and Thursday, as well. So I have an unexpected day off...I love that! I'ts like found time and you don't have to feel guilty about not getting anything done. So I'm catching up on my reading here! Emily

Your wife has a huge advantage already in having you to support her...she's a lucky woman! I wish both of you the best of luck on this journey! Emily

Does anyone know where I can find some stats on lap bands longer term? My sister, who is working on insurance approval for the band, went to a weight loss options seminar yesterday given by a local endocrinologist. He was extremely negative about the band and it's long-term success rate. She felt that he was really presenting an unbalanced view of lap band as an option...he was overwhelmingly more favorable to the GB and basically dismissed the band as not worth anyone's time and money. I would love to send him some information including statistics for more than a couple of years. Her PCP was really not familiar with the band, but he was willing to write her a letter in favor of it as long as it was a legitimate option. We're sending him a packet of information and would like to include the stats for him, too. Thanks... Emily

Regina~ Welcome! I'm not banded yet, either. Have gotten insurance approval and the date is set for Jan. 24 in Sioux Falls. I hope you are successful in getting your band done before the end of the year. Emily