sasha_tx

Hey Ya'll. I just had my surgery last week, and it has been a big change for me. I was denied and decided that I had to find the money to do it as a cash-patient. I was terrified of the health complications that would result from my continued weight, so I had to find a way to make it happen. I too have quite a bit to lose. Good luck to both of you on your approvals. If insurance does not cover it, consider the cash option. I know it is hard, but your health is far more important than anything else.

My two cents in as well- I have been on Lexapro for over a year and I love it. I feel great and the depression that I felt rarely even pops up. I can't remember the last truly depressed day I had, and I had some terrible days-weeks-months prior to the pharmacologcal intervention. I don't think it is for everyone. I tried Celexa first and it did not help. After that failure I stayed away from the meds for about a year and a half. When my doc put me on Lexapro I thought it would be the same thing again. Thank heaven it was not. It was not an easy road, and I had a lot of work to do, but I do not think I could have made it without the added help. If you want to talk I am more than willing to tell you about what my experience was- it's not pretty, but it does have a happy ending.

Take them to work and leave them in the break room. No doubt they will disappear with no problem.

15k at USMD in Arlington. Dr. Richard Carter.

Dallas TX here

Paulax: I know what you mean about feeling normal while on the meds. I used Redux for about half a year and then phentramine for about a year. Each time I could sit at a table loaded with my favorite foods and eat normally. I lost weight, but the moment I was off the meds it came back so quickly. I know my eating is triggered by stress, so I have a lot of work to do in order to short-circuit that response. If you have any successes in the behavior modification area I am all ears.

Boo: I am completely where you are. That's why I am trying to start the post band diet now- you know, no liquids with meals etc. That gives me a few weeks to get used to the idea before I have the surgery. It is not an easy transition now, so it was a good thing I began early. By the time the big day comes I will be ready to walk the walk. I have also struggled with the fact that I failed to lose weight the old fashioned way. I have been overweight all my life, and at 37 years old I have gained and lost so much weight over my lifetime it is not even funny. I was resisting surgery because of that feeling of failure, but I finally decided that my health was so much more important. I don't have anything horrible yet, but if I do not make changes I can see myself developing heart disease, diabetes etc. My family has a long history of such issues related to weight, and I do not want to continue the trend. I think we just need to focus on following the instructions and allowing ourselves the right to do something that will make us happy (and healthy).

I am also pre-band. I am scheduled for surgery on 3/17. I can not wait, but I am also nervous about complications etc. I am trying to find information on the post band eating diets etc so I can try to get into the swing before the surgery.