ljv52

Hi Janet and everyone. I am relatively new to this site. Last summer I was waiting for insurance approval and was reading entries everyday and then got very ill and had to put surgery off until now. I'm excited because my surgery is scheduled for Jan. 27. I just started my pre-op liquid diet today and it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. I am well stocked with Iospure, Carnation Instant Breakfast, sugar free jello and pudding, etc. I had major back surgery ten years ago and since then have continued to shrink in height from 5'4" to now 5'1". I had lost 100 lbs. 20 years ago on my own and kept it off about 6 years -- I was single and my son was out of high school and I didn't have to cook for anyone. I had plenty of time to go to the gym and I worked out at least 2 hours every day. Then I remarried and had to start cooking for my hubby and three young step kids and didn't have time to keep up with the exercise. So I gained back that 100 pounds plus a few more. And because of the hight shrinkage, I'm actually much bigger even though I'm not that much heavier. I need the lap band tool to limit my food intake cause I do love to cook and eat. Once I researched the lap band, I decided I've spent 56 years of eating whatever the heck I wanted and now I can handle limiting my food. I also have a 2 year old granddaughter and I want to be around to see her grow up. Thanks for the menitoring site - it's inspiring to read your stories -- you've all done so great -- I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you better.

Hi Judy, welcome and hang in there. I had to delay my surgery last year because of health problems but am finally scheduled for 1-27-09. I'm on my pre-op diet and am looking forward to my journey. The waiting is hard, but have faith, and I'm sure you'll make it through. TQ, I'm thrilled to hear you are already rid of knee/ankle pain. I have a bad back and bad knees and can't walk very far or long, so I am hoping to improve after some weight loss -- you give me hope.

Hi Kari! Started my liquid pre-op diet today -- and it's not bad -- I had stocked up on Isopure and Carnation instant breakfast, etc. I can also eat some veggie soups (pureed) and yogurt, etc. I can handle it. I just tell myself I've spent 56 years pretty much eating whatever I wanted (except for the many diets) so I can now get serious and eat correctly to stay healthy. Good luck to both you and your sister as we start our journey.

Hi Karie! You and I are also band sisters as my surgery is also scheduled for 1-27-09 (even though our surgeries will actually take place one day apart because of time zones). Do you have to do a liquid pre-op diet? I start mine tomorrow (1/13). I'm looking forward to the surgery.

Congrats on the new baby! I was pre-approved last June and then had a major illness which prevented me from getting banded. When I called my surgeon's office to schedule my surgery after my illness, they contacted the insurance company for me and I was re-approved in a matter of DAYS, not weeks. Good luck and I hope your re-approval goes as quickly as mine did. I have my surgery scheduled for 1-27-09 and start the pre-surgery diet tomorrow. I'm excited.

Hi to all the New Year Hotties! I originally got approval in June, 2008 from my insurance company, but I was very ill from kidney failure in July, Aug. and Sept. Finally got over my illness and got clearance from my kidney doctor to have the surgery and had to get re-approved by the insurance company. That finally happened and my surgery is scheduled for January 27! I start my pre-surgery diet tomorrow and I'm very happy to finally proceed. What I'm looking forward to is never having to lose 100 pounds again. I was successful once before many years ago, but the weight came back after major back surgery when I couldn't exercise as much as before. My surgeon is Mark Smolik in Des Moines,IA.

That's probably a good rule. I went to my diet and exercise class yesterday and in the literature they even suggest that you buy a baby warming tray. I think I'll just follow your doctor's rule and just stop after 20 mins.

Great news Carol, congratulations! Are you in Des Moines area? I am hoping to get my approval soon. Not sure how long it will take. I am nervous about it because one of the "requirements" listed is a 6 month supervised diet. I'm hoping they'll accept my history of dieting that I submitted instead. Keep me posted on how you're doing.

Thank you to all who have replied. I am looking forward to having the problem of food getting cold. I agree, it won't be as enticing cold. I appreciate your taking the time to reply to my question. Linda

I hadn't seen that yet. Thanks for your reply! Hope everything goes well for you too.

Good luck Carol. My information probably hasn't even been sent to ins. company yet. I'm still waiting on my pcp and a neurologist I go to to submit letters on my behalf. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Linda

I'm still waiting for insurance approval but have a question. With as slowly as you need to eat and putting fork/spoon down between bites and waiting 1 to 2 mins. after each bite, your food must get cold in a hurry. How do you get used to eating cold food? :ohmy:

Hi, i've been enjoying this site for several months. I am waiting on insurance approval. I am going to Mercy Center for Weight Reduction. My surgeon is Dr. Smolik. They've been doing lapbands for about 1-1/2 years. Is there anyone out there from this facility or who had this surgeon? I'm excited and anxious to get insurance approval and hoping they won't require a supervised diet or anything.

Smartie, Yes, your mom is worried about the safety issues. If you could get her to go to the seminar with you that would help her, or even to a support group meeting before you have your surgery. You need to make her comfortable with this procedure and also give her knowledge so she will understand how to be supportive to you also. Of course, if she just shuts down completely and refuses to go with you, then she will come around after your surgery and when you start to have success. Jill - same thing with your hubby! Good luck to you both!