Elayne

Good for you. It's hard to have hope when you've been denying yourself for years. I find myself smiling and looking forward to wearing pretty clothes again and not having a panic attack if I catch my reflection in a store. I have no doubt that I will move forward with this most important Quest to get myself back. I'm sure you're starting to see some sunshine beyond that closed door as well. I have one stumbling block ahead and then I see nothing but progress. My GP may not be supportive. ("Just stop eating so much and go running at dawn like I do" JERK! :wink2: ) I see him Aug 7 and I'm mentally going thru my "speech" over and over again. Did you have any problem with your general Dr.??

chicalynn, I understand your anguish And I'm certain most (if not all) the people on this forum understand. It's important that you DO find a support person to encourage you along the way. I'm pretty much house-bound by choice - Public "appearances" humiliate me beyond description. I haven't bought any clothing in years and few shoes fit me. The "good" part of this weight load is the diabetes type II which makes it imperative to finally do something. It WILL kill me some day - after destroying an organ or forcing the removal of some toe or foot or leg! My husband of almost 25 years is a fine man and father - however he has distanced himself from me emotionally and physically. The recent decision and determination has brought out a new closeness (not THAT close yet) and friendship. I never thought he could be this communicative and supportive. Surprise! Please limit yourself to those people who will support you - not question you motives or sabotage your efforts and determination. If your brother and your other friend understand and give you the feedback you need - LEAN on them. Go to a seminar on weigh loss surgery ASAP! Get the facts Get the process in motion. Get a consult appointment ASAP! Use this lapbandtalk forum frequently It's full of understanding people who know what it's like to be in turmoil. You'll learn the hard facts - the hopeful facts - and get support every step of the way. (I lost a father too and there is so much other "crap" I've dealt with in my life as well - so feel free to private message me any time)

No thank you. That's probably the only organ in this body of mine that functions/ed satisfactorily. Closed up shop here about 2-3 years ago after producing 3 exceptionally healthy and beautiful children. But - Before anyone gets the snip-snip, there are studies on how LBS has eradicated poly-cystic ovarian disease. I want to look into this a bit closer in several years as my daughter has "dreadful" poly-cystic ovaries (and she's a size 2 - so obviously isn't a LBS candidate ). But hopefully more research will be done about how this reversal of cyst formations actually happens. Here's a video of one woman's experience with LBS and pregnancy - http://www.malleysurgical.com/webcast/chapter12.html

(OMG - I just wrote a lovely response about therapy and lost the whole &^*&( thing when a spider emerged from my keyboard and I "dealt with him") :crying: Bottom line - because no way am I going to re-type that essay - KEEP (or find) a therapist or whatever counselor you feel comfortable with. If you are feeling some of the euphoria of positive change like I am (I have bipolar disease with some childhood trauma effects thrown in) you'll benefit with a skilled counselor. :wink2: Another suggestion is to keep a journal. It's a good venting exercise, help sort out the emotions and maybe you'll look at it in the future for . . . whatever. :thumbup:

I've kept myself home-bound for several years. I don't even look in the mirror or care about my appearance. I have 3 beautiful grown children - slim, healthy, vibrant, intelligent and everything a parent can hope for.:w00t: I DO go out with them occasionally but rush home if I catch my reflection in a mirror or door. This is NO way to live. The self-imposed isolation and bad health just increases by the week. I saw a commercial where a grandparent was running in a field with his grandchild. Both were smiling and the sun was shining and the flowers were blooming - I really forget what product was being hawked. But that scene of a healthy grandparent RUNNING and playing with the little child hit me like a ton of bricks I realized that I was incapable of RUNNING and would likely NEVER RUN again! I remembered what an active childhood I had - tree climbing, bikes, skates, ballet, gymnastics, swimming, diving - all the good things! I got sad Then I got MAD! I have no idea why Lap Banding got into my mind - but it was THERE and I KNEW it was worth pursuing. :w00t: I immediately hit the Internet and read and read and read and landed here on this forum. and I started to get determined, hopeful and quite frankly - obsessed. I made a call the next morning to my HMO and then to a surgeon that was highly recommended and I'll be sitting at the seminar Monday afternoon. AND - I won't take no for an answer :thumbup: I can't remember when I felt so strongly and so sure about anything in a very very long time.

About 2 months ago I had "bone surgery" in the upper right dental area.:confused: Wisdom teeth were removed in my 20s, but like dominoes - the 2 adjacent teeth had to be removed because of serious bone loss. (I had my hypothyroidism diagnosed at 40 - but since they rarely test thyroid levels until symptoms appear - I may have had it longer) My periodontist built up the area with a synthetic compound to replace the lost bone to prevent further loss. He said stress was the major factor in that type of bone loss - :ohmy: and NOT FLOSSING. And many psycho-therapeutic drugs can cause damage as well. :smile2:

I have Diabetes II, sleep apnea, Hi BP, and a few more issues but these are the things I want the Lap Band to help me with. (BMI "only" 36) I am getting so psyched for this surgery - I've read about so many good things that happen even BEFORE the weight starts to drop Heck - even within 48 hours post-op health improvements have been noted (medical articles and studies all over the Internet) :smile2: I just hope I don't expect too too much and get disappointed - Just want to be pleasantly surprised along the way to a better life-style. Like - run free without pain with my future grandchildren! :ohmy:

I'm back and feeling like "BIG" Ms. Smarty-Pants here. :thumbup: I googled my little ol' thyroid gland out and found this gem; Bariatric Surgery: gastric bypass, Vitamin deficiencies, billroth Read it if you like medical-research-tech stuff but here are some heart-warming excerpts; " Interestingly, there is a recently published study that implies that bariatric surgery may improve your hypothyroidism. " "The pathophysiologic relationship between morbid obesity and thyroid hormones is not well understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of obesity and weight reduction after bariatric surgery on thyroid hormone levels. . . "CONCLUSION: The results of our study have demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between serum TSH within the normal range and BMI. No association was found between BMI and free T(4) serum levels. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in study group was 10.5%. Weight loss after bariatric surgery improved or normalized thyroid hormone levels."

What a coincidence. I just posted a similar question on the over-50 forum. :scared2: I too have hypothyroidism (formerly Graves disease) after 17 years, 80 pounds the first year, and no dieting success other than a rebound to a stubborn 210 pounds - I now acquired weight related Diabetes Type 2 with all it's evil relatives and more on the way (including a brand new CATARACT) I want this LPS I need it I demand it Can I still have it? Pretty please?:thumbup:

Wow - southerngirl24 - You got approved today! congrats!

I'm from Dalton and just started the process with Dr. Bono in Hazelton. The seminar is July 28 in Hazelton. He was highly recommended by several professionals in my ever-widening circle of doctors, therapists, nutritionists, etc.

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!

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

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?

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?

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.