excarolinagirl

1. Increased mobility (I have osteoarthritis) 2. Less self conscious in social settings 3. More stamina in everyday activities 4. Buy pretty clothes from regular stores and catalogs. (I received in today's mail a catalog from one of my favorite stores. Their largest size is 18-20.) 5. End the cycle of dieting and weight gain that has plagued my entire life, since childhood. Probably should be #1 on my list. I'm pre-band and on the 6-month diet trying to lose 10% of my current weight. All of the above are motivations for me to meet the pre-surgery requirements and get on with my life. Dee

Congratulations! Dee:thumbup:

My mother used witch hazel on a cotton ball for my ear infections when I was a kid. Worked for me. Dee

The nurse at my doctor's office said I had to have the "long form" (probably due to my history of depression). At the last WLS support group meeting in my town, a local therapist was the speaker. He is actually one of the psychologists who is approved for the eval. Since I have met him, I felt more at ease. I plan to schedule an appt. with him. Bottom line: there may be more than one "track" or questionnaire based on your medical history. Nothing to stress over, but to be aware in case you get the more detailed interview. Dee

Aivey, Dr. Watson was my first choice. He is an excellent surgeon and his credentials are impeccable. As I mentioned before, the office staff turned me off. Also, I live in Kingsport which is more convenient to me than JC. I have a friend who had laproscopic gallbladder surgery done by Watson. She is an MD and said he was one of the best surgeons in the area. Good luck to you in whichever surgeon you choose. Sounds like you are doing your homework which is very important. Dee

I've been researching WLS for a couple of weeks, still new to the game. I've been to two support groups, one surgeon appt., one LB class. And I still have a lot of questions. Spending a lot of time on this website, learning from others, helping others (with my minimal knowledge of the actual LB process). I still have a lot of questions about having WLS at all, restrictive (LB) vs. malsabsorptive procedure (like RNY). I think I am going to call my surgeon's office and ask to sit in on the RNY class. I want as much info as possible. I have six months to decide, plus or minus a few weeks...

I've been researching WLS for a couple of weeks, still new to the game. I've been to two support groups, one surgeon appt., one LB class. And I still have a lot of questions. Spending a lot of time on this website, learning from others, helping others (with my minimal knowledge of the actual LB process). I still have a lot of questions about having WLS at all, restrictive (LB) vs. malsabsorptive procedure (like RNY). I think I am going to call my surgeon's office and ask to sit in on the RNY class. I want as much info as possible. I have six months to decide, plus or minus a few weeks...:thumbup:

CathyChatts, Check out the new forum on "Realize Band" patients. Dee

Lotstolose, You might try posting this in also in one of the other forums "Post-Op Questions." I am not banded yet so I can't answer the question. Good luck. Dee

Lotstolose, Congrats on your success! Dee

Jessica, I just re-read your posts and saw where you have a 5-year medical history of "uncontrollable" hypertension. Be sure and mention this to Dr. Kramer. This might be considered a co-morbidity factor that would qualify you for the surgery despite your low BMI. I have osteoarthritis which is listed as a co-morbidity factor by my insurance company. Again, be sure and check your insurance policy before your appointment with Dr. Kramer. Dee

Jessica, I have a relatively low BMI also (38-39) and in addition to the 6-month pre-op diet, my insurance company requires 10% weight loss (although someone from Dr. Kramer's office said they don't always hold fast to that requirement.) Losing 10% will put me in a "borderline" BMI for WLS, probably around where you are starting. Dee I would definitely address this question with Dr. Kramer.

Congratulations! You are an inspiration to us all! Dee:thumbup:

Aivey, The $150 program fee is NOT covered by insurance. Other charges are $39 for the nutritional eval if you pay same day. If you choose to be billed, the nutritional eval fee is around $60. A lot of insurance companies don't pay for the nutritional evals. The psych eval is covered by my insurance so that won't be out of pocket. Check your insurance policy to see if the nutritional and psych evals are covered. Dee

Amen, WASABB! This post was very helpful to me as I research WLS surgeries. Dee

I should have mentioned this before: Once you have your appointment with Dr. Kramer, his office staff will send you a packet of information including a link to an online website. You will be required to fill out an extensive online questionnaire about your diet history, medical history including family medical history, etc. Also included in the packet is a "sleepiness evaluation" form that you will complete and fax back to the office. The paperwork took me about 45 minutes to complete.

Hi Jessica, I'm also a patient of Dr. Kramer. I had my first appt. with him on 9/12. You will need to take all of your medications in original bottles. Also, you will need your driver's license (proof of ID) or other photo ID, and of course, your insurance card (unless you are self pay). And they require a $150 program fee which is due at the first visit. Dr. Kramer didn't mention anything about requiring a 6-months pre-op diet. (My insurance company does require this). I'm reading through the manual they gave me when I attended the Lap Banding class last week. I'll let you know if they mention this as a requirement. Bottom line, research what your insurance company requires. I would suggest doing this before your first appointment with Dr. Kramer. Good luck, and let me know how you like Dr. Kramer and his practice. Dee

I was diagnosed with low thyroid two years ago. I had been tested several times since I was age 12 but the test results were always within the normal range. I would caution that some people - per my doctor - do better with the brand name Synthroid than the generic. I was one of those people. Switching back to the brand really boosted my mood, metabolism, etc. Good luck.

I'm not banded yet BUT from what I've read on this site - you might be lactose intolerant. From what you've described in your diet, you're eating a lot of dairy products. Just a thought.

Aivey, Do you have an appt. yet with Dr. Kramer or Kappa? Dee

I bought an elliptical b/c I have heel spurs so I can't use the treadmill (too much weight bearing on my feet). I would advise buying a good sturdy elliptical b/c the lighter-weight ones will squeak and not hold up well (literally). Be sure and test drive the model in a store whether you buy it new or used. Also check out online consumer review reports. Good luck.

My insurance company will not foot the entire bill. I will have to pay 20% and that is after I meet a deductible of $1,000 paid during the calendar year. That means I will have to pay another $1,000 beginning January 1 for services received including office visits and fills. (The deductible varies according to the insurance company.) I don't know what the actual cost of the surgery will be. I've heard from others who pay for the surgery themselves that the procedure costs are anywhere from $7K to $30K. It will be interesting to see how much my insurance company is billed for the procedure. I won't be eligible for the surgery until February or March of 2009.

Welcome, Robin! I am pre-band, starting the 6-months program required by my insurance company. This is a great site. You'll find a lot of valuable information here. Again, welcome and good luck with your surgery this week!

Best wishes! I have you in my thoughts.

About a month ago. They told me it was a "program fee" and to bring it with me to my first visit (along with my meds, questionnaire, insurance card).