Elayne

Before I was 40 - my weight was manageable - even after several pregnancies. I wasn't skinny - but healthy. Since then - with hypothyroidism and medications - I put on 80 pounds - all within one year. My highest was 220. This body, hich never had to bear this much weight, now has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes II, arthritic knees and a weakening heart. My waistline measures many inches more than my plump hips and bust-line - a sure risk factor for heart attacks. On top of that - My self esteem is so low I rarely leave my home. I've been carrying this excess weight for nearly 20 years - and after countless diets and 2 knee surgeries (the next one will be a knee replacement) I've decided on lap-band surgery to help me lose weight - For both my mental and physical HEALTH! Hell - yes! I'm getting this surgery And all my doctors strongly approve.

Yep - My date is April 13. I'm into my first week of the 2 week full liquid diet -and I think I've been losing about 2 pounds a day! But it's getting more difficult because it's low carb and high Protein. I'm getting kinda weak and my teeth want something to bite into. I have pre-op testing at the hospital on Thursday the 9th followed by an appointment at Dr. Bono's office on Moisey Dr. Hospital's at 12:45 for several hours of tests. I had about 12 tests/consults/approvals before submission to the insurance for final approval Psych, blood, chest x-ray, endoscopy, primary Dr., cardio, sleep study results (if you have sleep apnea), pulmonary, support meeting, physical therapy, dietitian, Doppler, supervised diet (which is no longer necessary for BC) Since my BMI is under 40 - I had to have more tests to warrant the necessity of the procedure. It's an intensive process - but I can't believe I'm almost a week away from the surgery.

I think I overdid the Bread and Booze Bye-Bye at a family b'day party on Sunday. I weigh in at noon with my nutritionist and I'm sure I wandered out of "onederland" My doc recommended the realize band. He's experienced with the 2 bands and his main reason was the size of the port (which is easier to find) I'm not familiar with the "C" but I haven't seen the group since November '09 when I started my then-mandatory 6 month diet (lifted in Feb!) There is a support group tonight and I'll bring up the Realize "C" subject. and about family support?? Last August when I started this Quest - my husband and I were on shaky terms but he fully supported the banding - as did my 3 grown children and close friends (most of them) and family. However - now we are separated (in the same house because of the economy AND the health insurance coverage). He STILL supports the surgery because of my health situation - hi blood pressure, diabetes and the rest of the "stuff" But - he wants to come to the hospital with me and I'd rather just my 2 oldest children and my mother. There is no anger or nastiness in our situation -but I think the sadness may be overwhelming and stressful. I'll see how I feel when I'm in the throes of the pre-op diet.

I start my pre-op all liquid diet April 30 - 2 weeks before my April 13 surgery. :lunch: Is anyone else required to do this? I have no problem with it - I'm just trying to prepare for it by making up a shopping list. I certainly DON'T want to go to a grocery store and all its lovely sights and aromas after the diet starts. I prefer to follow an all-natural plan and make most of the concoctions myself - although pureed salmon doesn't sound appealing. But I guess when hunger happens - weird things start to taste good.

I fixed the banner in case anyone is interested here's the link (hope it works) - Free Glitter Text Words Generator | MySpace Glitter Text Word Name Graphics Maker | Cute Happy Birthday Comments | SparkLee.com

I made a little banner for our "group" See below VVVV "bunny bandsters" If you like it the way it is - go to this link and copy the Bulletin Board (1) code (near the bottom on the right) go to your control panel (CP) and then "edit your signature" and paste the code at the bottom (or top) of your editable signature info. Save and that should do it. If you don't like this font or color or words - I'll fix it. The code generator is SPARKLEE.com if you'd rather design your own. (I have to work on my breads now - be back later today)

Yep - BUNNY Bandsters (I like it) Birthday party today and it'll be my goodbye to wine day. Bread is in the oven (my specialty) so it's also goodbye to bread day. Peanut butter and apples has been my addiction for the last several months - one jar left and a basket of Fuji apples. Goodbye to PB after the jar is empty and the apples will be pureed soon. The sun is back - the daffodils are up - the leaves will return soon. This is my focus/pleasant distraction while I prepare for the change and heal. (Gawd - I'm sounding like my old 70s self! - and that's a GOOD thing) Weigh-in on Wednesday followed by a LB support meeting. I'm hovering at 200 - hopefully this will be the last time to move that dastardly weight thingie over a notch!

:crying: Pre-op diet of liquid starts March 30. Pre-op testing on April 9 followed by Dr. pre-op visit. ?!?!?!?!:scared2: How do we get a special "shamrockers" signature thingie??

Yes - I live west of Scranton and I started the process back in September 2008. I finally have my surgery date - April 13

Yep! Got my date today - April 13!

(I'm back in this forum after a disappointing halt to my LBS quest) pinkXX88 - Yes - I'm one of Dr. Bono's patients. I haven't had the surgery yet but I was required to satisfy 12 different tests and procedures!! Among the usual blood tests, Dr's approvals for surgery, psychiatric approval, endoscopy, support group attendance, heart and lung, etc. and on and on. The halt for me was my insurance company's requirement for a 6 mo. Dr. supervised diet. Altho I've done weight watchers, slim-fast, diet workshop and others - I have no proof of a recent 6 mo or more diet. I'm into my 4th month of nutritionist/dietitian diet. (Mary Webb of Wilkes Barre/Clarks Summit) Amy Cartwright is Dr. Bono's dietitian of choice but she is too far away (Cunningham) for me to go to frequently. My diet started very well - 10 pounds or so. But now I'm at a crisis - Impending separation after a 25 year marriage with a dive back into emotional eating binges. But - I'm determined to get back into the Quest and aim for a late spring surgery date. Dr. Bono's coordinator is Jane Lashock - But she's become so over run by patients, insurance tasks, hospital dates, support groups that Amy Cartwright has taken over many of the interface tasks. The group is very efficient, experienced - but I found the initial appointment fast paced and routine. There was only one preliminary appointment with Jane throwing all the requirements at me (along with a brief presentation of the surgery). I got my list of tasks, saw Dr. Bono about 1/2 hour for a brief examination (clothes on and just a tummy probing) and I was dismissed to attend to my appointments. The support group is mandatory (once before surgery minimum) and that is where the bulk of the info is obtained because it's more casual and loaded with feedback about the procedure from start to finish (maintenance). I wasn't aware that Dr. Bono used Lehigh - I thought Hazelton General was his hospital. (I got good and negative reviews about Hazelton G.) I plan to use this forum more regularly now so I'll monitor this thread ~ ~ ~ Elayne

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 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.

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. . .

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?

My appointment is at 10:30 on Thursday. I'm an incurable knitter so I rarely mind waiting for my appointments. Jane warned me that there is often a wait. DH will be pacing and taking frequent cigarette and potty breaks - skinny men are like that. I hope we'll meet if your appt. lines up.

Just my own 2 cents - Both my endocrinologist and nutritionist suggested to consider a surgeon who has experience in both LapBand AND Bypass when researching your options. There is a better chance that he will not be biased and will therefore counsel you on the best choice for your own situation.

Hi Tamara, Congrats on your surgery date. I see Dr Bono this Thursday - Sept 4th. I haven't even seen him yet - He was unable to attend the seminar in July but I was impressed with Jane. Sooooo excited. - My knees are acting up again because I was energized by the possibilities of future weight loss and over-did it. I hope my surgery can be scheduled ASAP - Autumn is my best time for positive attitude and "can-do-it" spirit. Get back to us with your surgery experiences soon! ~ ~ ~ ~ Elayne

Florida Pete is right; Let me play the "devil's advocate" here. I've been going to a psychologist/therapist since puberty. I have bipolar disease with some lovely childhood trauma thrown in, suicidal tendencies, body dysmorphic disorder, agoraphobia because of humiliation of my weight. Based on this assortment of "stuff" - I am NOT a candidate for bariatric surgery. Reason is that the weight loss is not going to make it all go away and quite probably based on my behavioral history - the potential failure of weight loss will likely put me over just one more edge. However - I'm BLESSED with Diabetes II, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, fatty liver, peripheral neuropathy, arthritic knees and some other delightful gifts from my severe obesity. Based on HEALTH issues first and foremost - I'm a wonderful candidate - now. So I can understand the theory behind weight loss surgery as a treatment for depression is NOT a good recommendation by a good psychiatrist - a focus on the health issues should be the legitimate "arguing point" And further counselling is an important step to achieve both mental and physical health. Good luck- My own psych evaluation is Sept 11.

Hi Suezip - Moving along slowly but surely. PP says OK (I was afraid he wouldn't) I have to go for a 2nd sleep study (apparently my Obstructive SA needs a session with the "CRAP" mask. Can't wait for the consultation appt. Sept 4 (now less than a month away) I can't believe I've been at this nearly 2 months already! Why do you have 5 more months? Is it an insurance requirement? Do you have a date yet?

Maybe you are not sleeping as well through the night. I have sleep apnea (which I didn't know until recently) and I wake up ok but I can take cat naps all day. And maybe your pre-op diet needs to be adjusted for more Protein or maybe an appropriate vitamin/mineral supplement.

(I don't know how I ended up in the men's room - but I hear it moves faster than the women's room) dwrd73 - I'm also in PA, with 1st Priority HMO (BC BS - part deux) Low BMI - 36ish Diabetes type 2 (I guess this is the "Good News") I see you sped thru the process in record time! (see - I told you the men's room moves faster) What's the secret? I called the 1st priority - they said go ahead Chose a Dr. mid July went to the Seminar Consult is September 4. So that's a little over 1 month so far. Psych eval is soon after that - I have his blessing already Endo said yes - albeit unofficially Weight management BC BS said - please DO Had sleep study early this year for other reasons - yay! I have apnea Blood work is constant GP is problematic - but this is where the diabetes is a good thing. What sped your Quest??

Hi chicalynn - After staring at my silent phone for 2 1/2 days, waiting for the promised call from the surgeon's office, it rang at 4:50 on Friday afternoon as I was ready to head out the door (without a cell-phone) Sept 4 - the REAL business starts. I have a speech ready for Dr. Macho. He can't argue rising glucose numbers! Another wonderful benefit of this Quest is the pro-active self respect we can learn and incorporate along the way. As for the psych appointment - (I see a psychiatrist/therapist regularly) I suggest that you acknowledge the body-image-appearance factor BUT - more importantly - make a clear statement about how your major concern is for your health and quality of life for your future. They want to make sure that you are not deluding yourself about the "happily ever after" a slimmer body will bring. Assure them that HEALTH is the first priority of your decision.

Hi Suezip (and all) I had all but given up yesterday - but Jane called me shortly before 5:00 pm Friday and we set a consult appointment for September 4. I already have a psych appt. set up for Sept 11 - so that will cross that milestone off the long list. :cool2: I had a sleep study earlier this year (I DO have apnea but I didn't schedule a 2nd study for the "CRAP" mask because the sleep clinic was NOT a good experience. Room too warm, no windows, men talking in the control room right outside my door. And I think my technician had alcohol on his breath. There were 3 other patients -men and the 2 male techs. I didn't feel threatened - but it certainly didn't help my sleep. I'm a tosser and turner. They said DON't. If I wanted to get up and pee - the guy would have to come in and disconnect me and then re-connect me. I don't often get up in the middle of the night - but this possibility was dancing in my mind with all the other stuff. How do they get a clear picture of a normal sleep cycle with all the "stuff"? It certainly doesn't represent a true sleep event! :wink2: GP is next week - that's something I dread because Dr. Macho was against this type of thing 2 years ago when I asked about it (he almost laughed at me) But now with the Diabetes II getting worse - I won't take no for an answer. (I'm finally working on getting tough about taking care of myself :tt2: What is the Doppler study?? And - where does the endoscopy request come from? Dr. Bono? GP?