KayVee

Wow, I need to check the listings and catch this if I can. Thanks for the heads up. I'm just a bit ahead of you groupie, I've done the seminar, psych and I"m into my nutrition appts now. Trying to work the diet and exercise into a better habit. I am on my 2nd week of no more carbonated drinks...I was a diet cokaholic and really don't miss it that much. Ice tea and flavored water are my new friends and another bandster put me on to G2, the lower calorie gatorade drink. It's pretty good. Anyway, thanks for the help. kathi

Hi New Navy Wife- I'm in DFW, Grapevine and I'm in the process right now with the Baylor Medical system. I went to a seminar with them and Lap Band Solutions and chose Baylor because it is closer to my house and I like the Baylor system/hospital. LBS does this as a business and they are very good at it, I just wanted more of a medical approach and it might take me a little longer this route. I have my nutritionist appt next week and I'm trying to schedule an appt with a psychologist also (it's required). I'm a bit irked, I just got a letter from my insurance carrier that they will no longer be participating in my insurance pool, so I'll have to choose another beginning in Jan. I'm going to work really hard at getting approved and done before that happens so I don't have more out of pocket expenses, additional wait time, etc. Just throwing in my 2 cents! Have a good one. Kathi

Re Murnik - if you take it out, you'll be back to eating more again and the whole purpose is defeated. I've not been banded yet, but I've been to two seminars and I'm working through the insurance process and one of the first things I've learned is you have got to have your head in the right place before going in. I'm thinking you'll either change your mind about leaving it in, or decide this is not for you. kayvee

Thanks to all who have posted to this thread. I have found the exchanges here to be some of the most enlightening and honest I have seen since checking out this site. I am now more convinced than ever that this is what I want for myself, a new healthier me! Kathi

I'm still in the insurance paperwork gathering stage and I intend to tell very few people. My boyfriend and daughter are around me all the time so they HAD to know. I only recently shared this with my very best friend, because I did need a voice of reason out there that I could bounce ideas off of. She was so wonderful, as I knew she would be, and is my biggest cheerleader so far. I don't want to share this with anyone else at this point or even after it is done. I think my reluctance stems from the fact that I feel like I am taking the easy way out. Deep down I feel like a failure for having to resort to surgery to get my weight under control. Weight Watchers has worked for me in the past, but it ALWAYS comes back, with a few extra friends. I, obviously, have not done the psych eval yet, I have esteem issues that need to be resolved I guess and well, telling just isn't in the cards for me right now. I plan to take time off as either vacation time or I will be having some other procedure done so no one at work will know. I do believe that we each have the right to our privacy and should handle this in the manner that is best for each individual. Kathi

Hi ya'll, I'm new and in waiting. I decided to wait for insurance approval and I'm using the Baylor system, it's not a business for them so I'm really getting to practice patience! I come on and get encouraged by the boards and will be very excited when I can report my surgery date. I hope it is this year. Kathi

Hi everyone, I'm convinced this is what I want and I"m shopping around for the dr that is going to 'fit' me. AmberRenee, I loved your vlogs and will keep up with your progress. We're neighbors, girl! Where did you have your surgery done, who was your dr? I'm hoping the process will move quickly for me, but if it doesn't that is ok too, it took longer than a month to get this fat, it just might take some time to get prepared to start losing it all. I look forward to reading about everyone's progress, including my own. Keep up the positive attitudes! Kathi

Hi Ya'll, I'm going to a seminar tonight to get my first glimpse into lap banding and I'm excited. I plan to use my insurance and shop around for a doctor that 'fits' me. I'm in the Dallas area and will see Dr. Marsden/Dr Felt at the lapband solutions meeting tonight. I'm looking forward to getting the process started. Kathi