MicheleK

Great post!! That's some good advice to keep in mind.

My insurance doesn't cover the sleeve, so it's not really an option I've considered (I did do some research on it, when I heard about another forum member trying it out). I'm pretty sure it's been around awhile.

Phyl - I happened to run across your before/after pics...OH..MY..GOD!! You look like a different person!!! Your success is a real inspiration to the rest of us....you look AMAZING!!!!!!!! WOW :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

My surgeon asks that you try to quit smoking 2 wks prior to surgery and REQUIRES you don't smoke at all 2 days prior to surgery. I smoke, and I'm trying to quit...and it's not easy, but I figure my health is worth it. I know if I can quit for 2wks, I can quit forever. I'm down to almost nothing now, it's putting the last few cigs down that's killing me. I know that I need to start slowing down now, or those two weeks pre-op are going to do me in. Stay strong! We can do this! (can I just say, I WISH I NEVER STARTED SMOKING!!!)

My surgeon is located by a major downtown Oklahoma City hospital. The surrounding area is low-income but, it doesn't really bother me. I mean I don't feel so unsafe that I think someone is going to attack me on the way into the building. The hospital campus is very nice and so is his office. A lot of hospitals are located in lower income areas. I know my surgeon is good and that means more to me then the area his office is in. So, my answer is; no I don't really care what neighborhood my doc is located in, I only care that he's a good doctor that is committed to my success.

The first surgeon I visited with regarding lap band surgery tried to push me into RNY. I had my heart set on the Lap Band (after much research of both procedures) so, I found another surgeon that would be committed to my success, on my terms. There are many success stories of people with high BMI's reaching goal weight with the Lap Band. There's no reason you shouldn't have the procedure you want. Good luck!

I'm so happy for you Nip!! What a wonderful accomplishment. :thumbup:

Seriously, I've wondered this myself. Everything about this woman annoys the shit out of me....I think she might be related to Kathy Lee Gifford. In my book Kathy Lee is the most annoying women that ever lived but I think RR might be going for second place.

I know how you feel...I'm expecting a call this week from my surgeon's office letting me know if I've been approved. I'm looking forward to this call...and I'm terrified of it all at the same time. Once I'm approved I know I'm REALLY having this done.

This is such a difficult thing to go through. Losing a parent is very hard and something not easily recovered from. I lost my father 10 years ago and I still have moments when I grieve his passing. I'm glad your father was supportive of your efforts to improve your life. He sounds like a wonderful man that loved you very much. I'm sure he will be watching and guiding you as you continue your journey. As far as the wishes of his current spouse, I hope that she can come to her senses and allow the funeral that your father wanted. It's so disrespectful to go against the wishes of someone that has passed on. Best of luck to you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

What an amazing success story!!! WTG

Oops, I'm sorry I could've sworn the "shopping list" was posted in that area. I'm glad you found the answers you needed. Good luck with your surgery!!!

I think if their BMI is considered unhealthy and they are having weigh related issues, then by all means...they should be able to have Lap Band surgery just as I am. However, if someone is like...20lbs overweight and wants to have it done, I would think that's pretty silly. I can imagine in today's society that people might try and have the procedure just to STAY thin...of course, I would hope a surgeon wouldn't even consider doing WLS on someone that didn't NEED it...but, I'm sure those surgeons are out there that just want a fast buck. I know I feel a little "twinge" when someone wants WLS and they have about half to lose that I do....mostly from jealousy or surprise that I let myself go this far. It's not against the person, I know that regardless of how many pounds you are, if you're considered "obese" you are at a health risk. Everyone should have a shot at improving their health.

I'm glad you're feeling better

Way to go!! I'm glad everything worked out for you! You should be really proud of your weight loss...you are doing really well!

Wow, sorry to hear you're going through all that. Hopefully, you will find the answers you need soon and be able to return to a normal life.

I haven't been banded yet, but I just wanted to comment on what an inspiration you are for sticking to the clear liquid diet!!! Most people have a really, really, REALLY hard time with it and I think it's great you've come this far. I understand the nervousness, I'm currently waiting on my insurance approval and I'm already nervous about surgery. You're doing the right thing, and you should be proud that you're taking steps to improve your life. There are many amazing success stories on these boards that I'm sure will give you the inspiration you need. The "Before & After pics" thread is really cool, whenever I'm feeling unsure I just go take a look over there. :redface:

This thread was a very interesting read. I realize there were some disagreements that came out of it, but all in all I think this thread was very informative...and I didn't feel like I wasted my time in reading it. It sure made me take a good, long look at myself.

LOL!! I wish I could speak fluent "guy" :thumbup:

WLS = weight loss surgery

You have a date! Preparation for surgery - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum This are has lots of information about preparing for surgery. GL!

Well if you trust his word, which I assume you do or you wouldn't be with him. Maybe it was his way of expressing love...I mean that statement could be taken several different ways. I obviously don't know the history of your relationship or what circumstances lead to you two getting together...but, if you think he's being sincere then I'd move forward. If you think he's hiding something or not telling you the truth about why he said what he did, then I'd look into it further. Sit down with him and have a long talk, tell him how you feel and why something like that would make you feel bad. Not that long ago, my DH and I were having MAJOR fights DAILY. I sunk into a deep, dark depression over my weight and didn't do anything all day. I just sat around the house....it was causing arguments because my DH couldn't figure out what my problem was. I didn't want him around me I just wanted to sit in a depressed funk and eat like a pig. We talked about my problems and he offered a shoulder to cry on, we're much better now and don't fight at all (we never fought much before I started gaining a lot of weight). Communication is key in situations like this, it's obviously bothering you...you're not going to be "ok" with it until you know the exact reasons it was said. I can't say I blame you, I feel bad you're feeling so unsure.

Wow, the doc just removed the band and didn't discuss it with you??? I think it kind of sucks he didn't at least discuss the POSSIBILITY of having to have a removal done when he spoke to you prior to surgery. That's really sad, and I'm sorry you went through it. Hopefully, you'll be able to be re-banded in the near future. Grats on the 50lb weight loss!! You should be very proud of yourself!

I'm going McCain, because I want to keep HC and her Universal Healthcare out of the white house. I don't want to end up paying VAT tax like they do in the UK. Plus, McCain understands the military and how it works. I want our boys home just as much as the next person, but I feel we need to finish what we started.

Hmm this is a tough one; it could have many meanings. I mean, who's to say we're MEANT to be with anyone???? That could be his clumsy way of saying he really is in love with you (VERY CLUMSY). Now, in all honesty if my DH said that to me?? I'd freak out...go postal on his ass and demand further explanation. Our conversation would've ended with something like: "Well if you don't feel like it's meant to be, why don't you get out and find someone you're meant to be with..." followed by assorted bad language. In my opinion, you need to discuss this with him...he needs to give you a straight answer as to WHY he said what he did...and what did he MEAN. No pussy footing around...clear, direct answers. Since I don't know the context it was said in (were you fighting?, loving? etc) thats also going to have impact on the true meaning of this statement. However it turns out, I wish you luck. =)