Elayne

I'm bummed. ALL my exams and evals and stuff are done. I found out that I'm a tad "sicker" than I thought and even in more need of a band yet well enough to "survive" the surgery. Endo. found a wee hernia. Surgeon's office claims he doesn't "do" hernias. PCP said it's only an itty bitty one. Got my CRAP mask (intentional misspell) - because surgeon's office claims he won't perform surgery without the mask for the hospital stay. Pulmonary technician says my setting of "4" is the lowest setting for the CPAP masks. Cardiologist highly recommends Toprol (Beta-blocker) as a result of my 3-day series of tests (2-day stress, echo and MRIs) I immediately googled and learned that a delightful side-effect is WEIGHT GAIN! - (that monstrous metabolism thing again.) Also - may also cause sleeplessness and/or disturbing dreams. may also interact unfavorably with psychiatric meds may also mask diabetic symptoms (hypoglycemia) may also cause diarrhea (this one's OK - my hemorrhoids from hell will be relieved - literally!) And having said all this - I still must satisfy the 6-mo diet requirement as my insurance company's weight-management program doesn't count. although it may be factored in with my "official" dietitian/nutritionist program. SO - "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" And - Here in the beautiful Northeast - 2-3 inches of the sloppiest snow against my stubborn roses with more to come overnight (snow that is - no more roses until the aforementioned spring!) Any comments about beta-blockers and LBS? :biggrin:

The leather coat self-present made me think about devising my own rewards (some day) I don't even have a date yet but I'm daydreaming about what little celebration rituals I want to have after the surgery and while the pounds are going bye-bye! I continually wear the same baggy, stained, shapeless, aged, colorless, I-hate-my-body clothing. As I sit here I'm looking down at my peach "L" (men's) t-shirt with my signature stain dead center, and faded green elastic waist shorts (too-many summers to count). I plan to get rid of one dreary item for each pound lost. When I have 10 pieces accumulated - to the BONFIRE! A friend of ours burns his trash regularly and I told him I want a mini-ritual when the time comes. (not to worry - good condition large size items go to charity, and I have a veritable attic full of "can't wear anymore" and "somedays") Other than buying a well-deserved clothing item - anyone else develop a quirky self-rewarding ceremony?? :regular_smile:

Since I've been going to a psychiatrist and therapist for decades for my bi-polar disorder - my evaluation was just a regular appointment. He OK'd the procedure and sent my surgeon a short note with his approval. For "non-regulars" I've heard varying reports. Many are given that endless True/False questionnaire that is designed to determine critical issues about personality and cognitive processes. Basically - he/she must determine if you are capable and willing to make this decision for a life-changing event and disciplined enough to follow through with necessary skills that follow.

I've read elsewhere on this site that the recovery for hiatal hernia repair with LBS is a bit more painful. Does anyone have any experience with this "Duo"? and I'm in misery with a GIgundous hemorrhoid. Although I've given birth to 3 large babies (the last one 22+ years ago) - I'm quite certain that this behemoth was caused by straining and chronic constipation (diabetes? obesity?) After self-imposed no-sitting and no-lifting and a generous dose of Miralax - I think it's getting better. Will LBS alleviate or worsen this condition?

Sorry for all the goofy remarks and questions - but one can NEVER have too much information and the more answers I get - the more questions form. So - Considering hemorrhoids, burping, indigestion, back pain, shoulder pain (often "referred pain"), and all the other physical discomforts that come with obesity and lap band surgery - Is an inversion table appropriate? I use it occasionally for neck pain (when my BP is normal of course) and find it beneficial. But I certainly don't want to mess things up down the road. Obviously I will ask my surgeon and/or PA but I'd like to hear responses from this forum.

(yum - those coffee drinks look great!) Are unjury product available off-line?? Like in natural food or health stores? I had my endoscopy today. 2 questions - The doctor performing the procedure questioned the need for a biopsy for H. pylori. Apparently he only has requests for BYPASS candidates. and - Everything was OK but he found a "minor" hiatal hernia. Is that ever an issue for LPS eligibility?? :biggrin:

Well - I bought Miralax. I took a half-dose so that it won't kick in tomorrow during the endoscopy! I just grabbed it off the shelf in our little town's pharmacy. Probably paid twice as much as I could have elsewhere - but I was desperate. I'll definitely ask my surgeon for a suggestion as he should know the inner workings from the tummy down on down to the "poop-shoot". :eek:

I had my dietitian visit yesterday (first of 3) With 2 more appointments to fulfill - I think I'll be approved on the first round. We briefly discussed the Weight Management program from my BC/BS HMO that I was on along in conjunction with their diabetes management program and she said it's quite possible that those programs will fulfill the recent diet history requirement. I was having a particularly bad/good day with my knees and limped in to her office and sat down very very gingerly (the WORST episode I've ever had with hemorrhoids ). Endoscopy tomorrow, required pre-op support meeting, stress test and echo next week. Hopefully at the support mtg I'll may be able to get a word or two from the PA. When the dietitian handed me the 2-week pre-op diet I got a reality awareness - "This is really going to happen!" (PS - does anyone have any feedback on Miralax??) :tt1:

I was required to have a physical therapist "education" session. I wasn't sure what that was all about either - but I'm glad I had to go. Since I have had 2 knee surgeries in the last year (NOT replacements) and returning pain and difficulty with long walks the surgeon's PA arranged a session. The therapist recommended some excellent advice about a diet and exercise plan specific to my needs. It wasn't required by the insurance co - but by the surgical practice.

I'm having an endoscopy on Thursday (Oct 9) I guess it's like a colonoscopy - only from the top end this time. :crying: Even though I'll have a scopey thingy inserted through my mouth and down the hatch to the stomach - I'll be under anesthesia with a delightful dose of diazepam (Valium!) - it sounds better than an upper GI.

I'm sorta glad I'm having all of these tests also. I started this quest with 99.9% assurance that I want/need LBS. The consult shook me up a tad - First the PA's concern about my unmedicated Diabetes and undocumented weight loss attempts. Jeesh (sez I) - Do I really need this? Maybe I'm not so unhealthy as I thought And the list of tests and evaluations felt daunting, excessive and even invasive. and yay/nay - I lost a few pounds with the initial excitement and possibility of a better self-image Yet - I pursued the tests and appointments with slightly wavering motivation. The PT advisor educated me about the trickiness of diet and exercise (maybe I can do this on my own?!?) The looks and attitudes of many technicians, lab and office people and even the constant line of people taking my BP and forms exhibited surprise that I would even NEED this surgery. I appear a lot less heavy than my 220lbs because I have a rather athletic build and most of my excess weight is around my waist. But now that I've seen the cardiologist and pulmonologist - I see that my health at risk - HIGH risk. BP's rising (even factoring in stress, coffee, etc.) and also my AM glucose readings. I now know I can't take the chance of trying lose weight on my own. I don't think I have that much time. I need "the enforcer" (that's what I call the LB) SO - all and all - I feel this almost-endless testing has helped tremendously. It's another wake-up call for me to be more pro-active about my health and life.

Yep - I do rughooking. (and knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint and anything else with a hook or a needle) My closest teacher and guild for rughooking is a well-worth-it hour's drive away. 2 Tuesdays a month plus 1 guild meeting. LOVED IT! My first love is knitting with sewing a close second. I'm "destashing" much of my burlap and canvas and some wools. But NO-ONE gets my Pittsburgh frame or Rigby wool cutter! Dye equipment and doo-dads stay too. ("I'd rather hook than eat" well - that mantra needs more discipline but I'm working on it)

Thanks for your responses all. I guess it's a good-news / bad-news situation. You have to be "sick" enough to be a candidate for surgery and yet you have to be "healthy" enough to survive the surgery! Since I don't want to be a pain-in-the-arse patient with frequent phone calls to the surgeon's office - I listed my "dones" and "soon-to-be-dones" on an e-mail to his PA just to be certain she received all the reports and approvals and stats. I also attached more complete diet history (I forgot about a the Weight Management Program from 1st Priority that I participated in 2006-2007 as suggested by my BC/BS Pa diabetic counselor.) Altho my first consult warned me about the ins. co. 6mos diet (because I didn't have documented diet > 6 mos in the last 2 years), I hope that with the diet updates and the cardiologist's recommendation I'll be eligible sooner. Yay?? :smile: and as "luck" will have it - I lost 7 pounds since my consult weigh-in! Attitude is [almost] everything. But - been there before and back again on the scale - many many times

I see all types of pre-op testing and evaluation procedures. Some people are finished with testing in several days - My list of requirements is incredibly long and wonder if it's uncommon. TWELVE separate items - including - Psych evaluation Cardiologist w/EKG Pulmonologist Dietitian/Nutritionist Physical Therapy Doppler of legs and carotid arteries Chest x-ray, blood work Endoscopy (Gastroenterologist) Diet history w/probably 6-mo supervised diet Primary doctor's note of approval Mandatory support group meeting Sleep Apnea studies I completed most of the above. Endoscopy and dietitian consult next week. However - My cardiologist requested a stress test and echo-cardiogram. With my hypertension and hi-cholesterol and triglycerides - he said my risk of heart attack is quite high (BOO for me , but YAY for surgery approval :biggrin:) Treadmill with my bad knees is going to be VERY interesting. Is this intensive cardio testing common? Do many insurance companies demand so much testing?

Here's an unexpected snag - I rarely have lengthy coughing or bronchial issues - After a week or so of dry tickle coughing - it's become productive coughs with a tad of phlegm. But as luck would have it - My pulmonary exam is day after tomorrow cardiac is Friday and Endoscopy is next Thursday. I suspect the original cause of the tickle - cough is from cleaning a ton of boxes from the attic and a nearby construction site of blasting and digging. :cool2: The chesty-version is probably a progression from the irritation of the nagging coughing. :thumbup: Obviously I stopped the attic stuff ("reluctantly??") and I'm limiting my time out doors. (I'm making that nasty concoction of ginger/cayenne/apple cider vinegar/ honey which is supposed to be quite effective) But final question - Do you think this is going to set back my progress? :thumbup:

I live in the US but I'm fairly certain that the evaluation procedure is the same. The evaluation is to determine whether you have the discipline and awareness that the success of the surgery is dependent upon you - NOT the surgery itself. You'll be questioned about WHY this surgery is important to you. Why prior diets failed - How do you feel about the life-style changes that are necessary for success. How realistic and serious are you about the preparation, the physical procedure of surgery, and what you expect after. And - if you have negative self-image issues - do you expect this surgery to be a "cure" or a "tool". I had my eval 2 weeks ago and that's pretty much the nature of the questioning.

Hey there - I feel the excitement returning. I'm entering the last few weeks of intensive testing, evaluations, poking, prodding and instructions. I was told at my consult that I'd most likely have to have the 6 mo. supervised diet to appease the insurance company. (my BMI is 37 ish, but I have Diabetes type 2, hi-blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritic knees, sleep apnea, etc.) :bored: The dietitian just called me to set up my first appointment and she indicated that we may get around that because of all the other diets and programs that I've tried and failed at WITHOUT documentation. :sad: Like yoga, slim-fast, poor attendance at Curves, bits and pieces of Weight Watchers, unsupervised diets assigned by my endocrinologist, and on and on. My testing will be complete by Oct. 9 and then comes the wait. :smile2: Wish me luck!

Me Too. I'm in the evaluation phase for the Realize band. I have Diabetes II - no meds so far. Also recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and "as we speak" trying to get my prescription filled for the CPAP mask and gear. (BMI 37, hypothyroidism, hypertension, high-triglycerides, arthritic knees, and on and on) . . . . watching this thread also. . .

Peaches9 - Afford 18K??? Absolutely not. Although my husband has been working for over 35 years at the company that has this HMO - there is a constant threat of "downsizing" I got "hit" back in 1999 after working for the same co. for nearly 20 years. We are both computer programmers and analysts. I just hope we still have coverage in 2009 if he gets let go. And more importantly - We have 2 totally devoted dogs that are attached to my butt as if it were magnetized. They've never been in a kennel, 2 of my children live elsewhere and the other has 3 dogs, 5 cats, dragons, toads, salt-water fish and I can't imagine him taking in another 2 critters. I hope the dietitian from the HMO's weight management program can be accepted as the official diet portion of my evaluation list.

I'm going to sound like a cranky kid - but I HATE Jello. Not fond of cottage cheese either. I avoid artificial sweeteners and "diet" and "lite" anything Almost never buy processed, packaged, canned, prepared foods. I prefer to make my own concoctions from fresh ingredients. ("Clean" diet?) Any direction to data-bases of recipes for Pre and Post Op finicky eaters?

Phew - This is almost like pregnancy - All the checkups and Drs and almost feeling healthy Weird backward thinking ; I hope I'm "sick" enough for LBS yet healthy enough for surgery. Out of 12 requested evaluations, tests, clearances, etc. I've either completed or scheduled my share of the list. Blood and psych today and the rest scheduled thru first week of October. Surgeon's PA working on other required evaluations. The 6-mo diet required by my BCBS Pennsylvania has me pissed! (because I don't have Dr supervised 6-mo dieting in last 2 years) With a BMI of 37, non-medicated diabetes, sleep apnea, hi chol & BP (meds for both), bad knees, new hip pain, cataracts, numb feet, slow healing, peripheral neuropathy - Has anyone bi-passed the 6-mo diet with the above co-morbities?? Or worse - been denied?

(hmmmm - forum is quiet today. I guess everyone is out exercising) My surgeon's PA called today - I'm scheduled for my pulmonary and PT appts. Apparently the PT is for evaluating my "stats" for a suitable exercise program - considering my knees and other things. Psych is scheduled and I'm working on Cardio and Gastro. I hope I can avoid the 6-mo diet - but I'll do whatever it takes. :thumbdown:

If a person has a "black" parent - He's considered BLACK With this reasoning - if he has "white" parent - He's WHITE Puleez! More importantly - What's his BMI?

I had my consult last week. I'm a bit dazed but still determined. First snag - Found out at sign-in that my HMO had "cancelled" me. After much frantic calls and #$%(!! - bottom line - "computer error" As a former computer programmer - Don't BS me - I paid the consult fee up front and after 2 hours - finally saw PA and surgeon. Second snag - I AM diabetic - diagnosed nearly 3 years ago - albeit without meds but HMO, endocrinologist, regular Dr and dietitian helping me keep numbers under control. Third - Surgeon recommends the REALIZE band. That's OK with me - but can I still stay in this group for support and gab-fests??? Fourth - After a gazillion diets - I can't provide documentation of Dr-supervised dieting for a period of 6 mos. or more. fist priority BC/BS has me on their weight management program for over a year - maybe that can be submitted. I wasn't the best patient - there was a lot of "stuff" during that period and the dieting was low priority (seriously sick daughter, 2 knee surgeries for me, broken toe, a new knee for my mom with me still on crutches - ad nauseum So - I'm moving forward with my evaluation testing and worst case scenario - 6 month nutritionist supervised diet. And WHY is a physical therapist required? Anyone else have to do that?

Good luck Joann - My consult is tomorrow ! I'm reviewing all the paperwork that I got at the info-seminar - Updating my med list, Dr.'s phone and fax numbers - Trying to predict any trick questions that may be thrown my way. I have Bi-Polar disease and know that I have to be careful to present my priorities for wanting this procedure in a sensible way. Yes - I want to lose weight to look and feel better - but the bi-polar illness has been with me since my slender puberty and I don't expect it to go away after weight loss. I just hope the post-op depression that many experience doesn't hit me too hard. Hopefully a close watch by my psychiatrist and therapist will keep it somewhat in check.:thumbup: