SillyGoose

Thanks for all the info. I'll check out that thread as well.

Minxz, Thank you for the information. I see that you've also had a sleep study. I haven't heard anything about our area requiring that you have it done. I wonder if the surgeon will require it. I've never been tested, but I know I have sleep apnea. My husband tells me that I scare him sometimes because I quit breathing for a little bit. Anyway, thanks again and good luck to you on your journey!

I've done low carbing in the past and remember how well it worked. Only problem, I always gave up too soon (as with any diet). How long does it take for your body to be in ketosis? Where do you get the strips to check for it? And, how long did it take you to lose those awful carb cravings? And, one last question - how many carbs are you allowed per day? It's been so long since I've put an honest effort into low carbing, I just don't remember! I'm staying on plan today because I only have 10 more pounds to lose to reach my required 10% before I can see the surgeon!

Well, I have my Psych and Nutrition appointments next week and was kind of curious what to expect. Especially the Psych appt. Do they test you or just ask questions. I'm really not all that worried about it, I'm just being nosey! I had my appt scheduled for 9/30/08 and they cancelled it. Now it's set for 10/8/08. AND my stop smoking date (DH too) is 10/4/08. So, today I'm a smoker - tomorrow a non-smoker! I'm so happy about that! Have always hated being a smoker, but love to smoke. Stupid I know. Anyway, just imagine what kind of a nut case I'm going to look like for the Psych without having a cig for 4 days! :tongue: Thanks in advance for your input! P.S. heartfire - congrats to you! Your doing such a great job! Keep it up!:tongue:

I agree with you on this. My doctor is female and doesn't like the idea one bit. I've bugged her though email once to try and get my Psych and nutrition appointments out of the way and she wrote me back telling me I can't "short cut" the system. I waited about a month and wrote her a second time telling her that wasn't my intentions and that the instructor has told our weight loss class (twice) that we need to get these appointments done now. Well, she never bothered to email me back - but those other departments have now contacted me with appointments. I wrote her a 3rd time to say thank you and still no response. I'm definitely changing doctors. Good Luck with your appointment!

I too have to quit for surgery, and want to quit for my health. Watching my mom suffer after so many years of smoking is awful. She is only 67. She is chained to oxygen 24/7, she can hardly walk, she rarely goes anywhere, let alone outside because everything bothers her breathing. I don't want to wind up like that. I don't want my kids to see me like that. I went to a Kaiser meeting last weekend and was given a lot of good information and now have a stop smoking plan for my husband and myself. We will be taking Wellbutrin and a patch at the same time. Our stop smoking day is 10/4 and we start the patch. Wish us luck! And send your prayers - we need them. We both can be pretty irritable at times. I hate to imagine how it is going to be with both of us feening at the same time! lol As some of the other posters have said. I too like to smoke, but hate being a smoker. I'm not at all proud of it, never was. I too have been smoking for half my life (amazingly quit when I was pregnant with both kids) I too don't know what I'm going to do on breaks - I so look forward to my breaks, what will we do now? And the rewards! You are so right about the rewards! Cooking, Dishes, laundry, cleaning, SEX! lol - oh boy, this is going to be fun! Good luck to all of you - we can all do it! :crying:

I currently am a smoker and have wanted to quit for a very long time. I was able to quit while I was pregnant with both of my kids but always picked it back up again. Knowing that I can't have this surgery unless I quit is giving me the kick in the butt I needed. My husband and I both went to a stop smoking class through Kaiser two days ago. We now have a plan of attack - We are both going to be taking Wellbutrin and the patch at the same time. Our stop smoking date is 10/4/08. They won't allow us to take Chantix unless we can prove that the wellbutrin and the patch together don't work together. I know it will work, because this time I've made up my mind. Before I was always too afraid to quit (if that makes any sense). Just like the other posters have said, if you want to get healthy, you need to make a 100% effort. If you have a Kaiser near you, you can also go to one of their classes even if your not a Kaiser patient. It's free to the public. Good luck to you

I work in the office during the day (resident manager at night) for a huge building through HUD housing where we provide low cost apartments for seniors and those with physical disabilities. I absolutely love my job and am thankful for the blessings that have come with it. We have a lot of Ukrainian residents who bring us wonderful food that they make a couple times a week at least. Holiday time... almost every day! Today a lady brought my favorite that they make. I have no idea what it's called, but it's like a doughnut consistancy (not sweet though) and just as greasy as a doughnut. Some are stuffed with potato and some with sausage. I absolutely love the potato ones!:thumbup: Well, I broke down and had 1/3 of one. Not too bad, but still now that I have the taste, I want more! I haven't been banded yet and am trying to lose the required 10% body weight that insurance requires. So far, the loss is slow, but steady. I wish there was a way to turn them down on their generous offers, but I simply can't. This is all they have to give, and they love to give. They are some of the nicest people I've ever met and would hate to hurt their feelings. Plus there an the issue with the language barrier. I know they would not understand if I tried to explain to them that I'm on a diet and their wonderful food is too tempting! ugh! I know, self control right?! I wish it were always that easy, if it were, I wouldn't be here! Anyway, just needed to vent a little to help me be more accountable and keep me from eating more. Any words of wisdom are welcome and appreciated.

On the nights that I just absolutely don't want to cook, I warn the family ahead of time that they are on there own for dinner because I'm not feeling well or because I'm tired. When I do this though, I make sure there is something easy for them to make in the freezer or pantry. My daughter is 14 and she pretty good at throwing Frito boats together! lol. Then I'll just make myself a small bowl of cereal or throw a south beach meal in microwave, I may add a salad too. I probably do this about once a week.

I think you should tell your dad before your surgery given how close the two of you are. I would probably start the conversation off by telling him that you were hesitant and even considered keeping it from him for fear of his reaction. Let him know how much you love him and respect his opinion, therefore decided that it was best not to keep this from him. At this point the poor guy will probably be worried sick about what you are going to tell him. But, possibly, it will give him a chance to realize how serious this is and how important this is to you and maybe his reaction won't be as bad as you think. Even if his reaction is still exactly what you think it will be, just let him know that you will consider his feelings and think more about it. Give it some time and then later let him know that you have decided to go ahead with it. I also agree with the other posters and come prepared with information to answer his questions. If he is still not a happy camper, just remember that in time he will get over it and calm down. Especially when he sees how great your doing. I remember when I was 18 years old, and my father was (and still is) the person I respected most in my life. I was terribly afraid to tell him that I was pregnant and see the disappointment in his eyes. Well, when I finally told him, his reaction was even worse then what I expected. He was more hurt and disappointed then I could have even imagined. But it didn't take long for him to get over the hurt and come around and was and has always been there for me. My daughter is now 14 and I have an 11 year old son and he couldn't love them more. And he is always telling me how proud he is of me. He is still one of my best friends. My mom and I have never been as close as I am with my dad. Just remember that it will be ok and your relationship will also be ok. Good Luck!

I live in Fresno and until last month, Fresno only offered the open bypass surgery. We finally got a surgeon in Fresno that will do the laparoscopic bypass and lap band. It's my understanding that previous to last month, patients in my area had to travel to the bay area to get the lap band done. Maybe So. Ca. Kaiser hasn't gotten a surgeon that will do the lap band yet. I would suggest bringing that up with your PCP or even contacting the surgeon's office in your area to see what they recommend. Maybe you could travel up north? Or, Maybe they are in the process of getting a surgeon in your area? Good luck, I hope something works out for you!

About three or four years ago I lost some weight (from 245 to 208). About the same amount that you have lost. Co-workers, family and friends were constantly telling me how great I looked. But when I tried on clothes, or looked in the mirror, all I could see was how fat I still was. When I tried on the old clothes that were too big, I could see the difference. But, it was so hard to find new clothes that fit me. I was constantly in between sizes - nothing fit just right. It seemed like my stomach was even more flabby then before! And I worked out at least 4 to 5 times a week at curves. Now, I've gained it all back plus almost 30 lbs more! I would give anything to be back at 208 feeling like I was fat instead of where I am now. Talk about embarrassing! :w00t: Anyway, I'm back on the wagon again and hope to be banded by the end of this year or early next year. Anyway, Long story short (sorry for the rambling) I understand how your feeling. Just enjoy the complements and keep on keeping on. One day you won't see that fat person anymore! You're doing great!

Well, I live in Fresno and the process so far has been: Met with PCP and told her that I was interested in being banded. She told me I have to go to the seminar. About 5 weeks later I went to the seminar (which was mostly information about Gastric Bypass and very little on banding because Fresno just started doing it) The next week I started the required 20 weeks of weight loss management classes. In the mean time, I need to have my PCP refer me to the Psych and Nutrition appointments and lose the mandatory 10% of my body weight (about 27 lbs.). Once I'm near the end of my classes and lost most of the required weight, then I'll have my PCP refer me to the surgery department for approval. Also, your BMI has to be at least 40, or lower with comorbidities. Hope this gives you at least some idea what So. Kaiser may require. Good Luck!

I have Kaiser Insurance and it is mandatory to attend weekly classes and lose 10% of your body weight. So, right now I'm learning (or re-learning) how to eat healthy. When I'm finished with the classes and have lost the amount of weight required, and have a surgery date scheduled, then I will go on a 10 day liquid pre-op diet. So, maybe my wording (6 mo pre op diet) was incorrect. A lot of insurance's out there have requirements like these, and I'm actually glad that they do. This way I can't just jump into something. I have a lot of time to learn and prepare ahead of time.

I don't know a lot about sleep apnea because I've never been tested. I do believe I have it though. But from what I understand, having it will only greater your chances for being approved for WLS. In a lot of cases, losing weight will significantly help your sleep apnea. I'm sure there are others that will respond with more experience and better information.

Congratulations! Your surgery is just around the corner... that's very exciting! Are you at all nervous too? I know I would be. I hope everything goes smooth for you. :biggrin: I'll see you at class tonight! I've been enjoying the class so far. I'm just struggling with applying what we learn... especially in the evenings! I need to get my head on straight! I didn't know we were in different color groups. My name tag thingy is Yellow... Does that put me in the yellow group? LoL. My name is Chealyn (Shea-lyn) I think I put Chea on my name tag. Uh oh.. think I'm late getting ready for work... Talk to you later.. and congrats again.

Class so far has been good. The first night was mostly paperwork, weighing in and going over the materials. Second night was going over what foods we should be eating and portion control, which are all things we all already know. Being overweight most of your life (like myself), you already know how to diet, it's just applying it. Which is what I'm struggling with. I do good all day long, then by the time I'm off work, it all goes down hill from there. I see you have already lost a lot of weight. Congratulations! May I ask how your doing it? Are you exercising? That's something else I'm struggling to get motivated to do! I'm not sure I know what you mean about doing the options. Is this something your doing through Kaiser? Please explain so I can find out more info! Thanks. Take care!

I'm right there with you! Tomorrow will be my third class with Kaiser in Fresno. I'm excited as well to finally be moving forward with this process. Take care & best wishes!:biggrin2:

Good Morning, I too am just starting my 6 mo. diet. The required classes I'm taking is teaching us to eat low cal and low fat. My first week I did pretty good. My second... not so good. I've already blown it a couple times this weekend. Time to pick up and move on. My problem is, from the diets I've been on in the past, my mind seems to be set more on a high Protein (lean proteins) and good carbs. Then when I go to class I get so confused because they are telling us to do something else. What diet plans did anyone here do? What did you find worked best for you? I know these 6 months are to help get us moving in the right direction before surgery. "right mind set" "learn better eating habbits" etc. Any advise would be most appreciated. Thank you

I have a plate and 9 screws in my ankle. They have been there since I was 16. I have never set off any airport security. I remember being afraid that I would though. Have fun on your vacation!

I know someone who used to sound very similar to your sister. I say "used to" because she is not the same person anymore. The problem was with her and it was no one else's fault for the way she was behaving. Alot of what you mentioned about your sister sounds like things she was doing, except she doesn't have any sisters and her mother is not elderly. It took her alot of time and soul searching when she hit rock bottom and realized how miserable she was. With help, she was able to make a complete turn around and we are still friends to this day. I was her friend back then watching her go through what she was going through. I don't know your sister, but I hope that what ever is going on with her, that she realizes it soon and get the help she needs to turn herself around. My advise to you (which probably isn't very good) is to just let this past outburst go the best you can knowing that she was just lashing out at you just like she does to her kids because she is miserable and wants everyone to feel the same. Misery loves company right? I pray that she realizes what she's doing very soon and goes through what she needs to go through to hopefully make her change for the better. And when that happens, it may get alot worse before it gets better. Just be patient and kinda avoid her and be there for her if she does eventually turn to you for help. As far as your daughter with ADHD.... Children with ADHD are amazing aren't they?? My son also has it. I think he may have been showing signs of it since he was a baby. He would never take naps and could never be still! His kindergarten teacher thought he seriously had a hearing problem because he wouldn't respond when he was called. His 1st grade teacher made him go run a few laps just before class would start to wear him out a little so he could sit still for class. All his teachers always had something to say about him and it would break my heart because I knew what a wonderful child he is but I also knew how frustrating he could be. I swore I never wanted to put him on meds, I was going to handle it myself. Finally, I had him tested and put him on meds when he was 9. He is now 11. I was afraid the meds were going to change him, but they didn't. They just helped him enough to be able to sit through class and get his work done and focus. He is just amazingly smart. I have to get his help all the time with the electronics, including this computer! Sorry to blab on and on, I'm just so proud of him and I understand where your coming from with your daughter. For your mom.... See if the area where you lives offers some kind of county or government program. Where I live, they have In Home Supportive Services (IHSS). You can have your mom evaluated and they can give her so many hours a week for care. Then, you can get her a care provider to help her with appointments, cleaning, laundry and shopping. Then, IHSS pays the care provider for the hours that were worked. Something to think about and look into. Sorry for the long response - and I really don't post often! Good luck to you! :wink2:

Thank you (yet again) for all the information you've given! With all your help about the Kaiser process, and all the research I've done about the different procedures, I felt it was very easy to follow what Peggy was saying during the siminar. Unfortunately, she still doesn't have a lot of information on Lap band as of yet. She did mention the new sergeon that has joined their team and the different proceedures he will be doing, and said that he will be starting surgeries next week. I thought of you then and realized that you would have been one of his first patients! It's still so awsome that you'll being having it next month! You were right about Peggy, she is very nice and seems easy to talk to. I'm so stoked that I'm finally "starting" the process! Well, I'm going to go eat dinner now. I hope your feeling better soon and that everything goes well with you. I know this probably isn't the right thread to keep in touch, so, if you ever want to talk (even it's anything other than Kaiser or Lapband!):biggrin2: then send me a private message or email or start a new thread. Take care!

When I had my tubes tied a few years ago, I remember them saying my name and asking me to cough. Then later in the recovery room, the doctor explaining that they had to intibate me because I started snoring while in surgery!! :thumbup: My throat felt scratchy and dry. Other than that, didn't know anything had happened. Just like everyone else said, you will be fine and not even know it happened to you either. Best wishes!

I'm so happy for you that your going to get banded next month! I hope everything goes well. Are they doing it here or do you have to go up north? Anyways, good luck and let us all know how it goes. btw, I finally get to go to the seminar tonight - it's been a long month and a half wait, but I'm excited that I finally get to start the process. Take care!

I'm in Fresno, although I've also lived in Hanford and Lemoore as well as NAS Lemoore. I haven't been banded yet though.:wub: