Nanny2Trey

Put me down as no, I don't expect a discount. I have a card but haven't ever used it. Frankly I don't think it's the restaurant's problem to give me a discount if I don't eat much. It's really my issue and where I decide to eat. If I go to a buffet knowing I won't eat much I consider that my own problem not the restaurant. I doubt I will ever use the card. I was surprised when the Dr.gave it to me. I guess I'm strange but it feels a little like begging to me. Linda Banded 6/5/06 Springfield, MO 294 prior to surgery 250 now I don't know how to do fancy things with the computer. I need to learn.

Hi Dennis, I had the lap band surgery 6/5/06 with Dr. Edwards. Do you have any specific questions? There's not a lot of activity on this section of the board. Since the last two weeks of May I have lost 42 pounds. I know that is good but I do still feel a little discouraged. I have had two fills and I still feel like I can eat too much. I can eat anything without problems including bread and popcorn. All meats. I keep toying with the idea of having another fill. I think it's because I read on here about how restricted some people are and I think i should have more. But, I am losing steadiily so think I should leave well enough alone. I had a terrible time staying on the preop diet so you probably don't want to talk to me about that part of it. I absolutely cannot stand Protein shakes of any kind or brand. Just looking at them makes me sick. I was not the star pupil. Anyway, if you have specific questions let me know. Linda

Hi. I live in Springfield and Dr. Edwards is my doctor. I have finished all my prereqs and have an appointment this Tuesday to schedule the surgery. My insurance won't pay under any circumstances so I am doing self pay. I only started the process the end of April and I hope to have surgery the end of this month or first of June. It doesn't take long to schedule if you are not dealing with insurance issues. The cost is around $17,000.00. Have to pay up front and there is no payment plan. I am fortunate in the fact that we are selling a business and I can use some of the profit for this. Otherwise I don't know what I would do. I have done serious praying about this and whether it could work out to have the surgery. For those of you in the area there is a seminar (free and the only thing that is free ha!) this coming Monday at 6PM in the Ambulatory Surgery Center at St. John's. I happened to see the ad in today's paper. HTH. Linda

Oops. Sorry. I meant to say that sounds like a good weight loss. Way to go!!! Linda

Thanks for responding so quickly. I wish it didn't take so long to actually get to the surgery part. I am a nurse and I don't take surgery of any kind lightly. So, when I actually decide to put myself through surgery I need to get it done soon before I change my mind. I never would have even started on this process if I hadn't seen the segment on the news. I don't know if I can do liquids for two weeks. I hope it doesn't have to be slimfast or something like that. That stuff makes me physically ill. How do you feel physically now? We are supposed to go on a two week cruise the first of Oct. I'm wondering if I should post pone the cruise for a few months. I don't see how I could be ready for surgery before the end of May and then 6 weeks for a fill. Don't want to go on another cruise as a FAT person and definitely want to feel good. Thanks for any info. Maybe I'll see you tomorrow and won't even know who you are. Linda

Hi, I live in Springfield and I have an appointment with Dr. Edwards tomorrow. I hope to have the lap band. Tough to do with the cost, but I am determined. Are you the lady who was on the TV news segment? I would love to hear your experiences prior to and after the surgery. I'm not sure I know what I am getting into. I love to eat and I love to eat lots. Always have. But, I am so sick of how I feel and look. I just can't take it anymore. The only thing that has ever worked for me is diet pills and you can't take those your whole life. Since I am paying myself I have thought about going out of town somewhere that has been doing this longer. But that seems like a big burden with all the appointments and fills. Plus I would have to take off work. So, I think here is the best option. Linda