bambam

Hi everyone - I'm going through Mercy Center for Weight Reduction as well. I am waiting to hear on my insurance approval at this time and hope to be banded by Dr. Smolik in March. I agree - their staff is wonderful and very thorough. It's great to see some more people on here. Would love to keep in touch to see how everyone is progressing. bambam (Barb)

I love the March Melters 2009!

Hi Gabi - I'm not officially on the schedule yet but I hope to be a March bandster, just waiting to hear on insurance approval. As far as names... Losin' Leprechauns Melting March __________ Magnificent March _______ I'll be curious to see what other ideas come up.

I have a history of sleep apnea and have used CPAP in the past. Last year I got to the point where I wasn't able to use it because of nose obstruction and had nose surgery - deviation repaired, polyp removed, turbinates worked on, sinuses cleaned out - and have had a pretty good airway since then. Of course I haven't been able to use my CPAP because the pressure would have been too great. Had anticipated UPPP then finally decided to quit Band-Aiding my health problems and treat the real issue - my weight - with LapBand. I had to have a sleep study 2 weeks ago to see where my apnea was at. They didn't put CPAP on me that night as I didn't have enough episodes to warrant it. The tech told me the physician who read the study may ask me to come back for a study with CPAP - he just wasn't sure. Went for my results with my PCP yesterday - and no repeat sleep study requested!! WOO-HOO!! I anticipated having to have another study - a month of compliance, etc. Now it appears I may have just cleared the last hurdle! My doctor's office has submitted my paperwork for approval. I went to my seminar Nov. 1 so it has been a crazy 3 months getting all my appointments in, but I think I may be on the brink of being able to schedule surgery! I'm hoping for mid March. Know I could probably get in sooner, but I want to take a full week off and March works best for that. Sorry for the long post... just so excited!

Spudgirl - Don't brush it off as nothing. I had blood in my stool twice a year ago (minor amount). I went to my doctor and ended up having a colonoscopy where a large precancerous polyp was found. My GI doc praised me for having it checked out. He removed the polyp and 3 other small ones but said if I had ignored the symptom we may have had a completely different result. I recently had a repeat study done (1 year later) and there was no recurrence - so I can wait 2 years for my next study. It may be nothing, but you just don't know. Better to have it checked and be relieved that it is nothing than to take risks with your health. I'm not trying to scare you, just inform.

Hi Jennifer - I haven't been banded yet, but from what I have read as you lose weight you also lose some of the fat around your organs which can cause the band to fit differently - you may just need a fill to get the proper fit and the proper restriction again.

Rania - I am so sorry to hear about your father. My mother passed away last Wednesday. I don't know about you, but now that I've returned home to work and to "normal" life, there's just a huge emptiness, especially when I realize that "normal" has now been complete redefined. My mother's passing was fairly quick, in the hospital on Monday and gone early Wednesday. Prior to that I was so focused and obsessed with my lapband process. Now this week I'm in the midst of 4 appointments for it and I find myself overwhelmed and to be honest it is hard to have that same level of enthusiasm I had before. I know I want the surgery, but my head and heart are just in a different place right now. I have to push forward, my mom would want that, and I know that when I finally get past all the hurdles and am approved for surgery I will be back to where I was emotionally and mentally and be ready to move forward. My sincerest sympathies to you.

HarleyNana - Not only have you done an amazing job with your weight loss, but you don't look almost 60!!!!! I'd like your secret to both!! Gentylwind - Great new pic!

Texas - I'm glad your eval went smoothly!! Mine seems to be getting more involved all the time. I received paperwork to fill out prior to my appointment - about a 15 page questionnaire very similar to what I filled out for the doctor's office. In addition to that I have forms to fill out regarding symptoms of anxiety, ADHD (and about 10 other psych issues). I even have to complete questionnaires about bypass surgery (the receptionist said because they are so similar - I guess they are in the emotional aspect), so I'll definitely be well evaluated. That's the positive spin I'm trying to put on this anyway!! :whatchutalkingabout

The receptionist said it may not take the whole 3 hours but they set that amount of time aside to be safe. I do love to talk and I love food, but I'm not sure even I can talk about food that long! I'm just glad I only have to make a small copay for each visit, otherwise the two would add up fast. It amazes me all the differences people experience throughout this process, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my band. Thanks everyone for your responses!

Hi Texas - I read of so many who just had a "chit chat" with the psychologist so I was hoping for the same. It sounds like yours will be long as well. Good luck and keep me informed on how it goes! Whatever it takes to get through the process!

Thanks for the reassurance Jodi! I'm glad you understood what I was trying to say. Big sigh of relief - onward and upward.

UGH!!! I just found out I have to take a 2-hour computer test (am assuming the MMPI) and then a week later meet with my psychologist for a 3-hour consult. I know I need to answer all questions truthfully and that I am pursuing this because I have food issues and can't keep the weight off on my own. But honestly it's hard to get used to the thought that we are assumed to have food issues. Did anyone else struggle with this concept? I have to keep reminding myself that the psychologist will not be surprised that I do have food issues. I hope this makes sense!

Thank you everyone for your kind responses! I've tried the sugar free cider and some fruit teas. I also bought the individual Splenda to mix in a cup of coffee so I'm enjoying my decaf coffee a bit more - and will definitely try the chai mix! Thanks again ladies!!

Spendi & luluc - Guess I need to get more adventurous with my teas!! The flavored ones do sound good! Thanks so much for posting. :drool:

Georgiagirl - thanks for your response. The chai I drink has caffeine (only 9 grams) but quite a bit of sugar - it's really more of a spiced milk-based drink than true chai tea. My hot chocolates are definitely not sugar free! - will look to see if I can find some that area bit healthier next time I go to the store. Thanks for your ideas!

I'm just beginning my process but have made some changes already (no soda, no water at mealtimes, etc). I really like having something hot to drink. I have given up my Tastefully Simple Chai (sigh) and hot chocolate, etc. I love skinny decaf lattes (will those be okay occasionally?). I'm an okay coffee drinker - about one cup of decaf a day, not a hot tea drinker. For those of you who like a hot drink especially with the winter weather coming up, what are you drinking? Would appreciate any ideas.

Hi Angelia - Welcome to the site. I'm not banded yet, but will try to answer your questions. I'm sure someone a little more experienced will follow and can offer their advice too! You aren't too young for the procedure. If it was an insurance issue they usually require you to be 18 (at least mine does.) I wish this had been available when I was your age! My surgeon did say he lets his patients know they should wait 1 year after surgery before getting pregnant. About drinking at mealtime, surgeons seem to vary somewhat in the time frame given, mine says no drinking 30 minutes before or after a meal . I've already made that change and it really isn't a big deal. You get used to it. If you drink during a meal you wash your food through the band too fast and it doesn't leave you feeling full - which is the whole purpose of the band. About the steak- you'll find as many different answers as you find people. Some say they are able to eat it, others can't. My surgeon said to plan to give it up, that if you can eat steak you don't have enough restriction. Again, I'm not banded yet so can't tell you my personal experience with that. I'm not a big steak lover so that one doesn't bother me a bit. However, the band does mean giving up certain things including soda. Otherwise, after surgery it seems to be a lottery as to what foods each individual is able to tolerate. You just have to go into it realizing there are things you may not be able to have again (best to think worse case!) but the trade off is a healthier you. Hope this helps some.

I wish your husband was supportive of you. When I first talked with my husband about lapband he wasn't thrilled. I think he equated the risks with those of bypass surgery. I kept plugging away and talking with him about it, letting him know new things I was learning about it. I also told him how it feels to be overweight (he never has been) - I told him about my health issues that seem to be growing each year, how self conscious I was when it came to simple things like going to an amusement park and wondering if I would fit on the rides, having to be embarrased to ask for a seat belt extender when flying, all those things that affect your self esteem. He is now 100% behind me and wants me to do this for my health. I can't imagine going through this without his support. This is just my opinion, but you could have some real challenges ahead if he isn't all for this. I'm counting on my husband to back me up when I struggle or feel weak - if you don't have someone to do that for you it could be even harder. This is the second marriage for us. While we are aware of the concerns a lot of spouses have and the marriage problems that can arise from one partner having increased self confident and self esteem, I'm 47 and the only male's attention I want is my husbands and he knows that. Encourage your husband to attend some classes with you to see if that will help. I wish the best for you.

Hi Everyone - I'm just starting the process and my surgeon said if everything goes smoothly it would be about 4 months so I'm looking at March or April 2009 as well. I'm sure the time will go faster than we think and before know it we'll be coming up on our surgery dates. Good luck to everyone!

Mrsteacher - That's exciting that you are waiting for your approval!! Keep us updated on when you do hear. I'd love to keep in touch with all the Iowans who are on here!

Mahotey - Welcome to the boards. I've just started the process and am scheduling some of my evals, hope to have surgery in March of 2009. Where are you at in Iowa? MissChloe - I live near Des Moines now, but lived near Mason for many years (didn't grow up there). It's nice to see some more Iowa people here!

Great post - it is fun to see what other people enjoy reading. I like a variety of books as well - although you can't tell from my current book reads: - Stephen King's Lisey (I usually buy a hard copy of each book he releases but wait until they are on the clearance table!) - Will to Murder - A true story about the murders at Glensheen mansion in Duluth in the 70s. This is a re-read. My husband and I love Duluth and tour Glensheen every time we are there. Just finished a Dean Koontz book.... I'm really not as psycho as this post makes me sound. I also like Sandra Brown, Jackie Collins, etc.

Hi Jennifer - I just attended my seminar 2 weeks ago. Like you , I wanted to get as much lined up ahead of time as possible. However, my surgeon hands out a packet of paperwork at the seminar which gets the ball rolling. In fact, I had to sign a form stating I had attended as that is one requirement. Anyway, the packet of information was very helpful. It included the extensive history form, a timeline of what to expect following the seminary regarding calls from their office, their process of filing with insurance to see if your policy covers it, etc. I'm guessing many programs do something similar to this and will let you know when they need what information. I would love to speed this process up a bit, but am quickly learning I will need a lot of patience (which I am really short on!). Not sure if this will help, just wanted to let you know that you may receive the answers to a lot of your questions (even those not related to the surgery itself) at your seminar. I think we are all just as curious about the process, etc., as the procedure. Best of luck!

Gentyl thanks for your response. The center just called and I have a nurse phone appointment next week to go over all my information. They said if everything went smoothly it would be about 4 months as I am going through my insurance. At least I know a time frame for the next thing on the docket! Your surgery isn't far off... you must be excited! bambam