amsderb

Good Luck all those waiting...I know how frustrating it is! I started in January...just got my approval about 10 days ago! Travelinsnorkel...see if they have a packet that you can fill out before the seminar...Mine had it on their web site but they also just emailed it to me. Then as soon as I attended the seminar I had it to give then it there and then they had to call me to set up all the initial consuts with NP, psych, nutritionist, etc...they wouldn't let me even schedule that until they found out if my insurance even covered it...this was different than the approval.. Also, start getting copies of all your mediacal records...like...if female...last Pap, Mamogram, any blood work, etc...Unfortunately for me 2 of my docs had retired so this took some calls, faxes and digging...They usually want a 5 year obesity documentation so you need to see if you can locate the medical charts with your weight recorded at least once a year... Anyway, do what you can so that you have what you need at hand....Don't forget to make sure to go to the dentist too! my dr. did not require that but it is good to have a check and cleaning before any major surgery... Yes, appt. will be your life for a few months! Good Luck!

Welcome all you new May flowers... I think we all need to really focus and not indulge in the Last Suppers! I had one tonight . . .LOL Work has been super stressful and I am just so .....you KNOW... Anyway, this weekend I am on track and going to really adhere to my healthy eating plan... so lets cheer each other on...if our fingers are busy typing we can not eat!!! Good Luck to you, me and all of us!

Thanks for answering...good to know info!

Michelle and Lisa? Thanks for your posts...Good luck to both of you...How was your port pain after surgery? If yes, how long??? Thanks

I am going with the Realize band too! There is also a difference in how the port is attached to the fascia (sp?) of the muscle wall. I AM NOT A DOCTOR BUT I will attempt to explain it. ..it has a tool that does it...reminds me of a stud/buttoner type thing...anyway so it is NOT stitched on...the claws "grab" the tissue and then scar tissue etc forms over to help secure it...They say this results in less port pain during the healing time?? If you go on their website they have a animation of it. Be careful what you read because some people are definitely against the competition of this band.

Thank you Caterpillarfly!!!!

miminims.... the idea behind the not drinking 30 prior is based on most likely 2 things..to my understanding... 1. You dont want to be full so that you don't eat (ok that sounds funny but true) 2. You don't want it to aid in digestion...like help the food slip too fast from your pouch through your stoma too fast... The nutrtionist said she could see them taking that first rule away so I don't know how hard fast it is...they liked the 30-20-30 rule ...sound of it... So, she said if you accidentally sip a sip of Water before you eat...you really do not need to wait 30 min...but if you drank more..then wait...stands to reason if it is sitting in your egg shaped pouch that any water staying in may help slush the food down faster... Anyone else have a response?

Bandfan1 about your post.... Went to the sleep center to get my CPAP set-up... Not too bad. My setting is 8 (settings go from 5 - 20). Hopefully I will not need the machine at all after I lose some weight. Not a full face mask, just a small device that goes under my nose with little things that go into my nostrils.... :bolt: Too funny...that is my setting too...it is considered mild! I tried the nose thing at the sleep study and she ramped it up to like 14 and it scared me awake...then I had a panic attack...no joke!...I just wanted to pull every probe etc... off me. Also, I did not like when you open your mouth and all the air comes rushing out...like a dragon breathing!!! That's what I call it.. So, when they fitted me it was the full mask...I guess I mouth breathe too. Anyway, they were willing to not give me any CPAP but I felt I should try it...at least in the hospital I will have my own on...I have to bring the mask and tubing to pre-op. When I wake up I guess I won't freak out since I am wearing it at home...unfortunatley just not all night...I still wake up ALL the time even with it on...so I just must have a fractured sleep pattern...I will keep trying Good Luck to you!:eek:

allamess,...hopefully soon you will get off all of it with the band....good luck to you too. bandfan1...How was the Cpap night???

I need take a picture first! UGH...how about one with out first???

Don't forget about the 30 - 20 - 30 rule...in case you don't know it::huh2: DO NOT DRINK FOR 30 MINUTES PRIOR EAT WITHIN 20 MINUTES (and be done until the next meal no snacking) DO NOT DRINK FOR 30 MINUTES After finishing the meal :tongue_smilie:Hang in there!

Thank you make 33. Today in my preop class I learned we should use olive oil, canola etc...because you are right, we need a little bit if fat ...so thanks because that sounds better to have the real deal... I think I will love cottage cheese again too....Too funny the type of "rules" we will now get to break and learn to eat "not on a diet!"

Ok Bandfan1...your ticker is funny...yes you gained 235 but do you really want another 95? I'll share some with you... Sorry to hear about your Mom...I'm sure she is very proud of you with this decison and will help you through it with extra angels for you...I'll send an extra request.... Good luck with the mask....let me know so we can help each other...I didn't keep it on all night again...UGH!!! I had my preop class today and it was very good but I am sooo tired now that I will chat about it later.... Take care all of you....May Flowers!!!

I just spoke to my endo and she is going to check into the Byetta Lap band thing to see if I should continue etc... I have never had diarrea but I use extended release Formet (ER) instead of metformin?? I wonder if that is why.. I know we all are different, on of my friends can't have any tomatoe based foods or sauces with it....not me.. As for the one hour before, I was told to eat within the hour...so inject and eat...not wait an hour...hmm... As I said before, it does tend to wear off a bit in terms of the not craving or wanting food thing..yet I still have control between meals...I just need to control portions which is easy not too...hence, The Band!! I'll let you know what my doc finds out from Byetta and any studies Be well

OK everyone...but here I am researching and thinking about nothing but THIS....I started in Dec with the decision and now...all I think about is Band, Band, Me, me, me...ugh!!! AND I am not until the END of MAY!!!! No dreams about surgery yet...NO THANKYOU....but maybe because last year I was waiting for my hysterectomy...it was 6/6/07...went great!!! I have my pre op class tomarrow all day!!!! I just can't read and think enough about this... It is worse than...oh I don't know but I'm obsessed.... My husband is jealous because I'm always on the computer or on the phone with a new band friend!!!! GOOD NIGHT....and NO Bad Dreams...I'm still trying to sleep all night with my dang CPAP...also known as C crap...machine and mask!!! LOL

Wow!! OMG I just typed this HUGE response and lost it so here is the short version: Byetta.com is a website but I can't seem to get the link in right.. I was on it (and off it) since 8/06....Byetta helped me tons at first (about 30 lbs) then sorta wavered off...The ticker you see does not reflect my Byetta loss...that was last year.... It really helped my A1c I found out.... As for gila monster saliva...YOU ARE NOT INJECTING IT...the saliva...it is synthetic and was made to work and copy the saliva....I had to ask my doc that one when I heard I was injecting myself with Gila monster spit,,,LOL... I think it works well only with Formet or Metformin and you need to be on one of those first. I never had any bad side effects except for bruising when I was learning to inject myself.. You sure loose your fear of needles...I actually switched to a longer one because we felt that would help the delivery of it when I thought it was wearing off....it helped.... It is expensive on my UHC but has come down in price... GOES to show you that I will try anything to loose weight. I'm waiting to see how long after I am banded to stay on it...except until my sweat spot, I sure don't want to give it up!

Oh my...I am so very sorry that you went through all that....I am glad you came through your surgery feeling better today...Best of Luck and stay with your on-line support...life has a lesson everyday...HUG!!!!

Fireworks.... big.... saying....YEA FOR YOU!!!!......It wasn't so bad was it????? I'm getting scared....of just the surgery....

I think it looks great! Thank you! I am in my cacoon right now and will fly on May 28th...Look out world....

Hey People...I love the Pun May-D it! Congrats bandfan I know how you feel...I was that excited last Tuesday too! I only wish mine was sooner but that was my choice. I go for my pre-op class on Wednesday...should make me even more excited! Allison....you sound like you have a plan so go for it...Best of Luck...we are all here cheering you on!! Am I crazy...does anyone worry about catching a cold right before their date? I just want it here and to be healthy.....Take those Vitamins...if they will let me!

Good Luck Randi6...I was so nervous when I went for the consult that my blood pressure was like 20 - 30 point higher than normal....so Breathe...it will be fine.....

No you didn't kill it because I have to get my 2cents in. . .The question being... When you eat refried Beans is ist the fat free kind???? Does it make you gassy and is THAT uncomfortable?

I think they should offer you the royal VIP FREE treatment?????At least a year of free fills or something??? I'm not really kidding...I mean they act as if your time isn't valuable...If I had taken off from school with a sub lined up and all that would have been from my sick leave or I'd pay for the sub.... I think it is terrible and I wish you the best of luck...let us know what they say....If we don't give a 24 hour cancellation notice we get charged the copay???

All of them are great but I did vote but whatever.....Thanks for doing this!

I was just diagnosed as mild apnea too! I still can not lseep all night with the mask on...trying....then I am so tired the next day from being restless all night..sigh! Wow travelgirl, even though I'm sure your diabeties is getting under control, aren't you glad you had it diagnosed! That could have been dangerous!