TQUAD64

Hello Bootybee. I don't think you are alone. The therapist at our bariatric center says it is common to cry, because we are losing our coping tool (food). I am not banded yet, but I am substituting meals with protien shakes and broth. My food consumption; my comfort foods are restricted, which I personally find makes me more emotional. Hang in there, you are not alone. Best wishes!

I do not have a Wii Fit, but was wondering about it. Can you really et a work out with a computerized/interactive game? Do you really feel as though you are playing tennis? It looks very cool!

I will not miss the pain in my knees, ankles and back from all this excess weight I am carrying.

The doctor at our orientation stated that the FDA placed a 10-year usage on the Lap Band once it is installed in the patient. Not sure what happens after the product is in the person for 10-years. I suppose it would be like any manufactued medical device implanted in the human body. Nothing lasts forever.

I love Bare Minerals. I use it all the time. When I use this make-up I don't have break outs, my skin can breathe and I get lots of compliments. It's easy to put on and it stays on until you wash it off. Our local Target sells the starter kit and we have several boutique shops in our area that sell the product, so I don't have to order it on line.

I am not banded yet, but very close to getting a surgery date. However, because I am so busy with the work commute and many other activties, I do have to plan out my meals. If I don't, I get really hungry and start eating anything. I make my lunches the night before. I plan out dinners for the week. And I have lots of protien and liquid broth at work for a quick pick me up. I will probably start the pre-op diet in two weeks.:crying:

Wow! 21 pounds is amazing after surgery. Great job!!!!

Hello!!! :wink2: It appears I will be banded either late November or early December. I prefer December as I see this procedure as a Christmas gift to me. The gift a health. I need to complete the upper GI and the H-pylori test. Then the paper work is sent to BCBS for insurance approval. Then I go on the pre-op diet and then I have surgery. :cursing:

I am going through the back in forth in my mind regarding both procedures. I know I want and need WLS, but it is the type of procedure I am unsure of. I have being thinking about lap band for over a year now and I was very adament that this was for me. Less evasive, quicker recovery and so forth. I think my indecision came from some of the negative threads I was reading, plus research reports. But once I started reviewing the positive outcomes for banding, I became more comfortable with my decision to have the banding. I see the surgeron tomorrow, so who knows my decision could change all over again. :wub:

Because I want to have my surgery in December so I am staying on my pre-op diet plan to lose the required liver fat weight. :redface:

We have choices: All liquid high protien shakes or 2 high protien shakes and one low fat high protien meal in the evening. We are required to lose 10% of out total body weight prior to surgery.

I do not tell my private matters to my co-workers. When I need time off to manage personal issues, I utilize vacation time. I feel it is best in any matter involving your personal life to keep it to yourself and not involve co-workers. This keeps you safe. I am not telling my friends. Again, I don't discuss my health issues with others. If I need medical opinions, I will seek them from the staff/surgeon at the hospital that I am going to for banding. When I had cysts removed from my right ovary, I didn't feel the need to discuss it with co-workers or friends. Like-wise when I had emergnecy gall-bladder surgery, I did not tell anyone my medical issue. My family knows I am having surgery, but they do not know for what. I have kept it very vague, but yet open enough, so that they can help me with my recovery. I will have three weeks off during the Christmas break and plan on having the procedure done then. I have a stationary job, so that makes it easier for my return to work. But if I had to stand for a long time or lift, I would ask my PC doctor to write me a note to excuse me from those activities. Remember, you medical information is protected by HIPPA. Best of luck to you!

I have to have one as well. I see the doctor on October 8 and I will get a lab slip to do this test. If I don't do the upper GI I will not be allowed to have the surgery.

Hi gottaloseit. Dr. Upadhay is very personable and has a great sense of humor. I hear you, it has been a long journey of one requirement after another requirement, but we are almost there. Yahoo!!! I really want to have the surgery this year and having during Christmas would be the best gift ever. I thinking getting impatient is a natural response to a trying situation and I am right there with you. I think it would be totally cool if our paths crossed over at Alta Bates. Keep in touch and best of luck too you!!!

What a great thread! Well medical advances are what I am thankful for. I had Laser Eye Surgery last year and I was really blind as a bat. No really, I couldn't even tell that my cat was on the floor and I would often accidently step on her. But not any more. I can see 15/20 and every day when I drive to work I count my blessings, because I can really see. This year, I am hopefully having banding surgery and I am thankful for the chance to improve my health. Next year, I am getting braces to straighten out my teeth. I am really grateful for medical improvements and insurance coverage that allows me to take advantage of these techniques. :cool2:

Too Funny!

Hi teensaline: I am from Stockton too, but I am required to go to Alta Bates in Oakland. I am not banded yet, but I think I am getting close. Do you have any regrets? How are you doing with the band???

Every doctor and clinic is different. There are so many different messages. Good luck with your journey. I cannot wait to get banded.

Hello gottaloseit: Well in my situation, BC/BS "NetValue, Hills Physician approved me on August 12 to meet with the surgeon. However, when I called to register for the first available required orientation class I was give the date of Sept 8 and I went. The paper work I completed for the orientation was mailed out the next day and I recieved a phone call the following week for my Nutrition Class appointment and the surgeon. Plus I attended the required pre op support class on Sept 23. The required nutrition class was on Sept 26 and the date with the surgeon is October 8, which is almost two months after the insurance company approved me to meet with the insurance company. Myra and Helen stated they now have three surgeons and that they can take more patients on. Right now there is about 300 patients in various stages of the process for their clinic. I was told I might, and just might have a surgery date in December, but I was also told not to count on it. After I see the doctor on October 8, she "Dr. Kim" will order the upper GI, blood work, and any other lab work I need to complete. It is a very long process, but I think you are very close to completing the process. Keep in touch!!!

Hello IIS: I am not banded yet, but I hear what you are saying. I meet the surgeon on October 8 and she will place me on the pre-op diet after I leave her office. The center that I go to requires we lose 10% of our total body weight. Most places only require 10% loss of excess weight. Thus, I have 25 pounds I need to get rid of before they will schedule surgery. So I started practicing. I bought beef and chicken broth, which I have at lunch. In the mornings I have a protien drink. I have Snacks, such as cheese, nuts or yogurt. It is hard. And now Halloween is around the corner and office candy is floating around every where. I bought the little tootsie roll midgees for when I have a sweet tooth attack. My stomach growls all the time. But I keep reminding myself that other people have done this and I can do this too! But it is hard to do. So an all liquid diet is the sacrafice I am willing to do in order to have a healthy future. Good luck with your journey!

This is a great question. I called my insurance company yesterday and asked them to send me in writing what is or is not covered for weight loss surgery. And provide me specific benefits information regarding banding, follow up care, and fills. The call center woman was not able to find it while I was on the phone, but stated she would locate the information and forward it to me.

San Joaquin County, but surgery will be done in Oakland at Alta Bates Hospital.

Hi DianaT, If you have insurance, I would recommend that you contact your insurance provider to determine that WLS is a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, you might want to inquire as to the insurance company's requirements. Example: I have BC/BS and I was required to complete a psyche eval and 6-months of supervised diet. Every insurance provider has different requirements.

Hi Adamsmom and welcome. I am from Northern California and I am close to getting banded. I meet with the surgeon on October 8. I am taking three weeks off, utilizing vacation time as I don't want any of my co-workers to know that I am having surgery. I am hoping for a December surgery date during Xmas break. What type of insurance do you have and did you contact them to make sure bariatric surgery is a benefit? That is where I would start the journey. Best of luck to you and keep in touch!

DePind, you and I are on the same track. I completed all the BC/BS requirements and the requirements of the surgeon's office. I meet the surgeon for the first time on October 8 to discuss medical tests and banding. Then I wait for insurance approval and if approved, I start the pre-op diet and then I am given a surgery date. Alta Bates thinks I might have a December surgery. We will just have to wait and see.