Shamrockgirl60

Congratulations the best of luck. I watched a show last night on the Discovery Health Channel, I didn't know it existed till last night. It's called "Big Medicine" about people going through bypass surgery and plastic surgery to tighten up their skin. I think they may also do lap bands. Have to wait to see more shows. I watched a bypass being done, and am so glad I chose Lapband LOL.

I hate my CPAP (or CRAP) machine. I am still trying to get used to it after a month. I can wear it and sleep for about 5 hours, then I wake up and take it off and go back to sleep. I know I shouldn't do that but I will try to not take it off. I went from full face mask to nose mask and hope my next one will be the pillow one for the nose. I hate having my face covered in any way and that head gear thing against my forehead gives me a terrible headache in the morning. Hoping with the weight loss, I will get rid of this thing in a few months. I have two tests first one without the mask, then diagnosed with sleep apnea and the second one with the mask. I thought I didn't sleep at all but they told me I slept each of those nights about 4-5 hours so they got a good test done.

BANSTERYNC Yikes glad for the information, this will be my question for my surgeon when I see him in a few weeks. Didn't know there were different types of bands. Too funny regarding your being perceived as rude, nope not rude your from New York... they tell it like it is. The one thing I like about New Yorkers LOL. GO RED SOX

Gee I didn't have to give any pre-surgery weight history at all. I do think BCBS is a bit less strict. They want letters from your primary care doctor and from the surgeon stating why you need the surgery. I got my approval yesterday. I have gained weight since 1985. Up and down 50 lbs. here and there. I had early menopause and hypothyroidism that wasn't diagnosed for a few years. I gained a lot of weight then. Showing a weight gain shouldn't be that bad since your having the surgery because of that weight gain. A history and a letter from your doctors saying you have tried to lose weight and were unsuccessful over those 5 years should be all they need. Good luck everyone Having surgery August 7, 2008

I have been in this process for about 5 months. I am scheduled for surgery August 7th. I got my approval yesterday. I was told last week when I got my surgery date to call the hospital this week to see if I got the approval. They don't even contact the insurance agency till you are set for a surgery date. Which is interesting in itself. They send a letter from the surgeon to the insurance company. I have BCBS and from what I have heard they are pretty good here in MA for approval. Can't wait till August 7th.

I am sorry to hear what happened. I got my final insurance approval today. Surgery scheduled for August 7th. Spent most of yesterday having group sessions on what to expect before, during and after surgery including pre-surgery diet and what to eat after surgery. My hospital is very strict. It was explained that for this next month to lose as much weight as I can. No limit, just stick to good low carb low fat diet and before the surgery try the Protein drinks to see which one you like. The did stress NOT to gain any weight before surgery because it can effect whether you have surgery or not. They need room inside you to do the operation, they have to inflate your stomach cavity with air, to help move the various organs away from the stomach so they can put the band and port inside you. In particular the liver is in front of the stomach. They do NOT want a fatty liver or an over sized one due to weight gain. The first thing to gain weight is your liver. I never knew that. I am continuing on my low carb low fat diet now. Not easy but I will do it. I don't want to be on that operating table and them to say "opps, not now". I hope you can lose the 8 lbs. or even more before your surgery. It was mostly for the safety of YOU that he postponed the surgery. That's hard to understand. They should have stressed this pre operation. Did you have any meetings before the surgery that discussed just why you had to lose the pre-op weight?

I am being banded on August 7th. We had a four week program (one meeting per week for about 2 hours) with the shrink, to learn new eating habits. We had exercises we did at home. We had eating diaries and we were taught to eat slowly and "purposefully" . I am doing it now while I am waiting for the surgery and I find I am satisfied earlier with less food. I think this will be a big help after being banded. The Lahey Clinic near Boston has a very excellent program that addresses all aspects of banding. You have to attend all four meetings in order to get a surgery date, and also to lose half of the pre-weight loss amount they give you.

Going today and Friday for my pre-op meetings. Hubby got a call today, and he has to go in and have his kidney function checked they think he has a slight infection, so I am sure they will give him an antibiotic to take before next week's surgery. I will find out today if my insurance OK'd things. It takes a week or so to get approval. Hot as all get out here 90degrees and will go for a swim before I go to cool off. take care everyone I sure apprecitate the support from all here.

Hey I am also from Wilmington, MA... nice weight loss. I am going to Lahey Clinic. They have a wonderful program there. Good luck in future weight loss.

Wow you sound great here in the forums. I hope I can post right after surgery. So glad it went well, So many encouraging stories and it take the fear out of doing this a bit. Best of Luck on your new lifestyle. I can't wait to join all of you.

Wow reading all these things we want to do is wonderful. And we will do them. I am so upbeat about having this done, I can't wait till August 7th my surgery date. Just had the 4th here...and next year I want to throw a nice little party and go in the pool in a normal bathing suit....and not worry about putting that oversized t-shirt or coverup on so as not to offend the guests LOL I can cross my legs now but it's pretty uncomfortable LOL

Thanks for all the good food information, I am going to put together a little booklet of my own with ideas for stuff in it. Now that they do have pasta that is less carbs and has protein in it I wonder if we can eat a tiny bit of that? I like the idea of egg beaters in a drink I am still at a loss as to what protein drink is best for me since I am type 2 diabetic, I can't have sugar. I wonder if I can make my own with skim milk, protein powder and vitamin supplements in it. And sue sugar free Quick chocolate and strawberry to make it taste good, has anyone done that here?

Oh I am so sorry to hear this, I have dogs and cats and they are so much a part of our family, I call them "my kids". I have been lucky that most of them lived long happy lives. It's so sad when they die so young. Take care and remember you will see Pedro on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. ((((hugs))))

Wow Kiki the two of you doing this together that's wonderful, in a year no one will recognize you both....the best of luck and take care. I am being banded August 7th.

Congratulations B. You will be fine...I am so looking forward to my date in August. Take care and pamper yourself a bit.

Right now I can't wait for this to happen. I am so wanting it "right now". Waiting for approval, with BCBS in MA and two co-morbidities...Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes I shouldn't have a problem. My BMI is 39. I think the closer to surgery day (August 7th) I get I might get a bit scared. But then again I think how cute I am going to be LOL in a year. Most important thing now is hubby is having Open heart surgery on July 14th to replace his aortic valve. He has no other heart disease or artery problems thank heavens. He will be out of hospital for 2 weeks when I have my surgery. My daughter who lives with us with her fiance' and baby will be a big help with driving us to the hospital. I have all my pre-op meetings before his surgery which is great. We are going to the same hospital and they are coordinating appointments to make it all easier for both of us. Everyone feels something like fright before any surgery it's normal. But think ahead to how great your going to feel and look.

I will be banded in August. I would be thrilled to lose 2 lbs. a week. That's 8-10 lbs a month. So in 10 months I will lose all my extra weight. Sounds pretty good to me. Losing slowly and exercising will mean less skin sag I would think. Even at 60 my skin is pretty elastic. So I hope I won't have to get a huge tummy tuck etc.....maybe wishful thinking on my part. I just want to wear normal sizes again and not shop in the fat lady shops.

Yikes all of them are great. I want to go into a normal store and buy the cutest sexiest red dress I can find. LOL then hit Victoria Secret for some very very sexy undies. I have a new grandbaby and want to live to see her get married some day. I am counting the days....till my surgery August 7th 2008

Thanks for the info and glad your seeing someone there. It will help a lot. You have done so well with your weight loss already it's great, be proud of yourself. My husband will still be recovering from his heart valve surgery when I go. But it will be fine my daughter and son-in-law to be are living here with us and can help us out a lot. Take care and hope to see you at one of the post op lap band meetings Pati

Well looks like it went pretty smoothly for everyone. I am getting banded on August 7th at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. I have to stay overnight they like to keep band patients on night for everyone and home the next day. I now am looking forward to it. Thanks again for all the uplifting stories.

Well still pre-op and looking for low calorie and fat Snacks. For now and after I made this recipe up for Mom when she was alive she was on a diet and Type II diabetic also 1 package chocolate Fudge (Jello) sugar free pudding 1 cup skim milk 1 8 oz. tub of Sugar Free Cool Whip Make putting with milk. Whip with wire wisk till very thick Fold in with spartula cool whip to your desired chocolate color. I usually put about half of the container in the pudding and save the rest. Put in 1/2 cup little bowls, cover with clear plasitc wrap and put in fridge for an hour or two Then enjoy with dollop of the left over Cool Whip on top. Instant Mock Chocolate Mousse You can use any flavor of pudding if you wish, strawberry is nice also You can freeze it and it makes a nice mock ice cream although a tad grainy

Well last night I did very well. I did some adjusting to the mask and the head bands and it was a bit more comfortable. I slept from midnight to 7 am. I then took the mask out and ended up falling asleep for another hours sans mask LOL. I am up and have a lot more energy today. I will keep trying and do better. It's not here and have the AC on blast so it's comfortable for sleeping tonight. Good luck everyone

Great inspiration seeing all the pounds lost here. I am so looking forward to my banding. By changing eating habits now it won't be as hard after the banding. I will not totally deprive myself of anything, unless it makes me sick. A bite or two won't hurt. Luckily I can tolerate splenda well. Have used it for years but then again I also abused suger, which I don't now. I need to get into control of what I eat. The pre-op diet I am on. Low carb high Protein and veggies does help. A sugar free Popsicle and fudgsicle is such a treat now. I also love Dannon's Plus 0 yogurt. I have it for Breakfast. I think adding Protein powder to that would be good for breakfast. Now what was your favorite Protein shakes? I want to get the right ones. I hope they give me more instructions on what to eat before and after surgery.

Liz, thanks for all the information, I am taking it one day at a time. I love the doctors at Lahey. My therapist was Luanne Baker and she's terrific. My shrink is Dr. Kawicki. Maybe you can have Dr. Kantor since he is in the clinic for weight loss. I also take meds for my mild depression and anxiety. They do help a lot with every day stuff. I went into therapy 3 years ago to deal with some family stuff...mostly my Mom, and my taking care of her. She has since died. Therapy works wonders along with medications now. You will feel so much better soon. Good luck. Hope to see you at those Tues. meetings. Pati

As far as I know all the visits and tests will be covered under my Insurance. If it relates to the successful surgery it will most likely be covered. Check with the doctor though.