drew05

After having my last meeting with Dr.Carcamo, I cannot recommend him enough. I've come into this whole thing extremely nervous and he (along with all of the people on this board) have put me at ease. When we sat down to discuss the surgery and the insurance approval process he took control of the whole thing and told me EXACTLY what was going to happen, what his staff was gonna do and how soon I should be hearing from him about scheduling the surgery. I also did not have my EKG paperwork (which I did) so he just asked one of his nurses to do an EKG real quick. While I was in there he was setting up two computers for his nurses. And he kept joking with me while his nurse was setting up the EKG. How is everyone else coming along!?

I can't wait. I should be having my surgery in a few weeks! My stuff just got sent to the insurance for approval. Glad to hear your surgery went well!

I should be having my surgery in less than a month. I'm starting to get eager and apprehensive. What did everyone do to overcome these feelings or if you even had them? Thanks!

McCain's speech really caught me off guard. It was very gracious. But to touch on the subject of the thread, I really do not have any fear that he will be assassinated. I know it's a possibility, but I have faith in the Secret Service to protect him. They are much more advanced and more powerful than they ever have been in the past (be that good or bad) and I think they could stop any attempt on his life.

VERY snazzy. I love it!

I'm not telling anyone. I've told only my best friend, and my brother. The negative response from my brother made me decide not to tell anyone else. If they notice I don't eat as much I'll just write it off that I'm not hungry. You have no obligation to tell anyone about your decision to have this surgery.

Yeah I loved that they worked together. I really liked the office staff there as well. Dr. Carcamo amd Dr. Wright are extremely nice and comforting as well.

Here's a big one... are you eating a lot of carbs (potatoes, bread, pasta) or a lot of liquid calories (soda, juice, ex.)? Liquid calories go right through the band like it's not even there. Carbs on the other hand tend to cause most people to gain weight. Just don't COMPLETELY avoid carbs, just cut back. Don't stop posting! We're here to help you.

I submit my paperwork to Aetna at the end of this month. At my job I cannot take any extended time off from November 27 til January 11th. What are the chances of me getting approved in time to get my surgery before that day? I could work my set days off to have about 4 or 5 days off in a row, but that means I'll be working 7 straight days before and after my surgery. What is a best case scenario for how long I'll be waiting for approval?

I'm at the tail end of my 6 month monitored diet with Aetna. My PCP has been my doctor my entire life. Literally from birth to now. I think I should be fine :laugh:

Yeah from the looks of it we will be having it done at the same time! I will. It's nice to be back here. I kinda missed it.

I think the end of this month. And I haven't yet. How are they?

It helps to think about the band as a tool, not a solution. You still have to diet and exercise with the band. It won't loose the weight for you. And congrats on taking the first step in your journey!

I can wear clothes that I haven't been able to wear in years! My jeans and shorts are too big, and at work they accidentally gave me 2x shirts instead of the 3x I normally wear when we got new shirts... and they fit wonderfully! Ah it made me feel so damn good :smile2:

Ooh I can't wait to be banded. I'm going to have my band done by Dr.Carcamo as well. He seems like a very nice man.

I now work in retail. Selling computers. Don't worry, I don't work at Best Buy or Circuit City... think fruit... :smile2:

What are the chances that someone else from SA replies? :Banane53: I do lift quite a bit. Those computers can be pretty heavy. I don't know if they are more than 20 lbs, but they're hefty. I planned on taking at least a week, but I figured I would ask the advice of seasoned veterans and people who have been there :laugh: And I'm usually not worn out at the end of the day. What I'm trying to do is schedule my surgery right around Thanksgiving, so I don't have to miss a lot of school and work. Thanks for the reply :smile2:

I won't miss being labeled the fat guy. Umm won't miss not being able to shop for trendy clothes. Worrying about work uniforms fitting properly. I DEF won't miss standing out with friends. I can't wait!

I work for a retail store that sells computers named for fruit :smile2:, and I am on my feet ALL day. About how long should I take off for recovery?

I'm back :smile2: I've been super busy with work and school, not to mention my diet. I've been doing great, I've lost over 30 pounds since starting my diet in May. I've also had to have my surgery moved back for school. I'll be having it in November or early December. I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing. Hope all is well for everyone!! :laugh:

It's been a while since I've been here, but I've got a good one. I want a half sleeve tattoo. I don't know of what, but I've never gotten any tattoos because being a big guy I can't really show them off. But as soon as I loose the weight, I'm gonna get some

Thanks Melody and Cortney for the well wishes. Good luck to both of you too. And Melody, a lot of people say that. I carry my weight VERY well. I'm tall so that is a big reason. But I am worried about any future complications. Thanks for the replies!

Hey everyone. I know I haven't been on in a while. This is why. I'm right smack dab in the middle of my 6 month diet and I'm feeling like it's taking forever. I've done most of my pre surgery tests and evaluations, and the ones I haven't done are because they have no open appointments. Did anyone else go through this? How did you get through it? Thanks :tt2:

I decided to get the band more as a precautionary thing. I don't have any bad effects of my obesity right now, but I know some would come up later in life, so I needed to loose the weight. And welcome!!

Good job on your surgery!! I'm happy to hear you're doing great. Keep us updated!