Elayne

I appreciate all of your responses of positive reinforcement. You are all RIGHT! The clincher was seeing the before and after photographs. Every time I see a "before" photo or a photo of an overweight woman (or man) or even SEE an overweight person They all have something in common They all look so SAD and many even look mad or defensive.:smile: :smile: I don't look in the mirror but if I do catch my reflection I'm in a deep blue funk for days. (not to mention the reaction to find something to eat and then feel doubly sorry and disgusted with myself) :wink2: So - With each doubtful thought I will envision those sad and angry faces. :scared2:

I went to a gathering of old friends last night and now I'm flooded with thoughts; My friends are approximately my age - mid to late 50s. I see them less than once a year as most of them are spread out over the country. All of the women are overweight - altho not extreme - but definitely close to the 200 lb. range. :smile: I didn't tell them about my plans - it just didn't seem appropriate for the casual gathering. My BMI is 36, I have Diabetes 2 (unmedicated as yet) Hi blood pressure, hi chol. and more "stuff". :smile: My first thought - Am I being vain about wanting to lose weight with this surgical procedure? Second - Am I really able to cope with something foreign placed inside my body and undergo injections into a doohickey just under my skin? On the 20 minute or so trip home I considered the enormity of my plan (I know - night time thoughts tend to have more drama!) :scared2: This morning I looked at my left foot and an injury healing but still apparent from one of my MANY falls up the stairs. After nearly 2 months it's still sore-ish and not my usual rate of healing. My little toe looks bigger and rounder (I stubbed it painfully about a year ago) I had absolutely no doubts last week - and I still think this is the right thing to do - But how do you deal with negative thoughts and serious considerations that creep in occasionally? :wink2:

Here's another one of those negative "what if" questions. If insurance co says "yes - you're covered" :smile: If Endocrinologist says "yes - I highly recommend the procedure" :smile: If weight management professional also says "yes - go for it" If psychiatrist says "yes - that's appropriate for you" If immediate family is extremely supportive :cool2: co-morbidities (including Diabetes II) up the gazoo Is there any situation that anyone is aware of where the Surgeon will say "NO" ????

There ARE no pictures of me anymore. I refuse to pose for any, run out of the room or camera-line before the shutter can click. If I happen to come across one on our digital card - I erase it. If it's on paper - I rip it up. If someone else is in the pic - I tear off my side. Then someone said that it's unfair to my children not to have a pictures of their mother - no matter WHAT she looks like He called me "selfish" (another straw on this large back) My son got married several years ago and I'm ashamed to say that I ran away from the photographer then as well. (He divorced 2 years later - but I still hate myself for being "selfish" on his special day) :frown:

I've been "very obese" since I was 40 when I had radiation treatment for my hyperactive thyroid (Graves disease) Most of my life I've been in the OK range (125 - 135) and bounced back with some concentrated effort after my 3 pregnancies. 80 pounds in 1 year - 1990 - :frown: then diabetes type 2 high blood pressure high cholesterol house-bound by choice reluctance to buy clothes other than XL t-shirts and elastic waist pants Birkies and moccasins (because even my feet grew) 2 knee surgeries last year (just scopes, not replacement - yet) excessive sweating one swollen ankle My grown daughters tried to get me out of the house "Mom - you don't look that bad at all!" Silent yet tolerant and distant husband. :thumbup: I had a panic attic in a dressing room (plus-sized store) when one daughter encouraged me to try on some new clothes. I scared the "helk" out of her and she finally "got it" that I was humiliated beyond reason. :crying: I've been bipolar for decades and see a psychiatrist/therapist regularly (with meds of course) But - the straw was last week when I found out I had a fast-growing cataract in my left eye. Enough is enough. I want to run around the backyard - and maybe a PUBLIC park - with my grandchildren (when I have them some day) :wub:

I talked with Jane this morning (Dr. Bono's coordinator) Info session on July 28 in Hazelton. and then . . . whatever's next Patience is NOT one of my virtues! :cursing:

Oh my goodness! Look at your approval date and your surgery date! I just started my quest on Friday, spoke to the coordinator less than an hour ago, 1st info is in 2 weeks and I want this done yesterday! Good luck on your surgeries every one. "Perception is Reality" Positive and pleasant thoughts to all! :smile2:

WOW ! I just joined several days ago and I'm very very impressed with the informed and supportive answers from everyone. I'm waiting for my Dr.'s office to open so I can reply to the nurse who e-mailed me over the weekend (yes - WEEKEND!). It'll be my first contact with the surgical practice and hopefully the start of my "New Beginning" As far as the anesthesia - I also had 2 knee and 1 dental procedures last year and absolutely LOVED the anesthesia. Yes - there is a one professional (usually a doctor) who is attentive ONLY to your anesthesia process. Breath purposely to relax - inhale thru nose and exhale thru mouth - and think pleasant thoughts (envision ocean waves or a pleasant memory - NOT a brownie sundae) :smile2: It's really quite a pleasant drifting into sleep. I can't wait until it's MY TURN!

Productive Burp? (hey not bad for a newbie - huh?)

I have to call Jane at Dr. Bono's tomorrow. There is an introduction seminar on July 28 in Hazelton. That's all I know so far. (and - durn, darn, drat, *$% and *&^%! I have a sore tongue that's made it difficult to eat and plus the sweating humidity up here I thought for sure I'd lose an ounce. Noooo I gained one.) My weight is goofy and exasperating - Regardless of how much I eat or how little - I don't gain and I rarely lose. I hope this isn't the pattern after the surgery as well

Long2Bthin - Wow- your "quest" is moving fast! I've read about 6 month waiting periods and squabbles with insurance. I had 2 knee scopes last year - so I hope that some of that pre-op testing is still valid. I see a psychiatrist/therapist regularly as well as an endo. I had a sleep study in early spring - sleep apnea (Yeah??) My BMI is only 36 - but at least 1/2 dozen co-morbidities. So I hope I can move along this process swiftly.

SueZip - How is your Quest going? Any progress?

I just decided to pursue the Lap Band. My endocrinologist recommended seeing a doctor that does BOTH surgeries so that he/she will not be biased about either procedure. I called Dr. Bono's office - because he was recommended by two of my health professionals as having a thorough and careful process. My insurance - 1st Priority HMO - said I am covered providing I get the OK from the Dr. I wasn't able to reach Jane by phone on Friday but she responded Saturday suggesting I call her tomorrow - July 14. I plan to attend the July 28th information seminar in Hazelton as well. I have approval from my endo, my psychiatrist, therapist, weight mgt from 1st priority, and a scad of "co-morbidity" altho my BMI is 36. So - here I go - Anyone else at this stage of the process? And approx. how long from 1st visit to appt-making for 1st Priority? And - anyone from the Scranton/Clarks Summit area?

I'm Bipolar and have been going for the combination psychiatrist/therapist sessions for years and years - even before this 80 pound gain. I'm on meds and the "thoughts" are unfortunately part of the territory. (workin' on it - still workin' on it)

I see the challenges and work you people are meeting. My own weight loss goal seems so small in comparison. I hope that I can match your spirit and "can do" attitude. I've been battling this for close to 19 years after gaining 80 pounds in 1 year when. The weight leveled off at 220 and stayed - never growing, never waning. Each year I become more withdrawn and more unhealthy. My beautiful children have grown up into wonderful people and I just Can't conquer my 0 self-esteem, humiliation, and all the other things that go with obesity. Counselling, friendship, scolding, logic, bike-riding, dog-walking, the Bean, Total Gym, Pilates Performer . . ad nauseum. Diabetes II, arthritic knees, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone loss, suicidal thoughts - I'm sure you've all heard it all. But finally - a catalyst that beats them all - My eyesight is at risk. :thumbup: Now I'm MAD! Good and mad! and that's GOOD!

(I did the right thing for a change today - set a goal and MET it!) :thumbup: I called my HMO (First Priority) and it appears that I am covered for the procedure assuming that my chosen surgical pracitce agrees. I have the recommendation of my Endocrinologist, psychiartrist, therapist, weight management counselor and friends and family. I was unable to get a human at the surgical office for an appointment but their next New Patient Information Session is July 28. So - here I go - :redface: (I even set up my schnazzy scale-thingy that seems to be the thing to do here) - -

Hello "Old Forge" I'm from Dalton, married to an Old Forge "exile", pizza-lovin' and in search of a band-buddy for support and also for possible ride sharing to Hazelton. I'm on the first rung of this process. Phone calls to First Priority HMO today and my PCP. At the recommendation of my weight-loss manager from 1st Priority, my endocrinologist and my Psychiatrist - I'm hoping to use Dr. Bono. I know there are sessions in Hazelton to attend in the pre-surgical phase. Anybody else out there from the Dalton, Clarks Summit, Scranton area also at this stage to share car-pooling?

Just a quick introduction - I'm 58 and investigating my options at this stage. I'm carrying 209 lbs. on a 5'4" body (with sore knees) that used to be much littler even after 3 full term pregnancies. I sadly joke that I'm twice the woman I used to be (a trim, fit, tomboy, in colorful hand made clothing and now in elastic waist pants and shapeless shirts) :redface: But - no one sees me - I don't leave the house often and I don't use a mirror larger than one necessary for mascara application (hmmmmm - maybe there is a small spark left there yet!) So - In addition to joining this forum - Today I will call 1st priority and take a baby-step.

Hello - New to this forum. I'm BiPolar with most of my time spent on the bottom swing of the pendulum. Rapid cycling and on Lamictal and Cymbalta. Also - Hypothryoid disease since age 40 gained over 80 pounds the first year after Graves Disease "fix" Diabetic for 1+ year - resultant from aforementioned 80 lbs. - no meds yet. Arthritic knees (surprise?!?!) And new development - Cataracts! Mom of 3 grown children Work at home - prefer not to be in public often and going outdoors less and less as years pass. Need large kick in the arse to jumpstart my life again. Lap Band was recommended by weight management (hah!) advisor from First Priority and highly seconded by endocrinologist Laughed at and Poo-Poo'd by regular doc. ("just do what I do - stop eating and ride your bike 20 miles a day") - idjit! So - here I am at the threshhold of - whatever :redface:

Hello - I'm on the very first step of this process. I gained over 80 lbs. in one year after the "correction" of an overactive thyroid gland. Now with diabetes (under control - no meds yet), bad knees, persistent depression, rare trips outside the home and now eye problems - IT'S TIME for something! My regular doctor scolds me - "just stop eating and do what I DO - ride your bike every day" He actually laughed at me when I inquired about GBS consultation. My diabetic counselor first suggested Dr. Bono and my endocrinologist agreed. Highest weight to date is 220. Lowest was 197 after a strict 2 week regimen. My BMI is 35.9. I guess the first step is to call First Priority to clear the way for a consultation.