Phranp

Sounds like a good plan. Skip the middle man!

First things first: "Most people say that it is the easy way out" False ... you'll see "you will gain all the weight back" It can happen, but it would be your choice "it doesn't deal with emotional eating issues" TRUE ... but it gives you a chance to lose and keep the weight off while you are dealing with the emotional eating issue "So, how do we get those negative things people say out of our minds?" <STRONG>Educate yourself about the lapband ... the better you understand how it works the less you will hear their ignorant (because of their lack of knowledge) comments in your mind

I love, love, love getting up at 5 a.m. to go to the park and power walk 2.5+ miles before work ... who just said that? Wait, it really was ME! It's true, I love my morning walks ... even when I have to talk to people. I know that sounds bad, but I like to listen to my iPod and meditate/pray while I walk. It's Sunday morning and I am about to go to my "weekend" park at the Marina. I will walk a mile to the Water and sit in the gazebo, read my Bible and write in my journal. It is wonderful, and a total surprise to me that I love walking so much. I had back surgery in 2004 and still have some pain ... but I don't care, I just walk through the pain because I love being outdoors walking. I am seeing a physical therapist and they have a machine that takes away 75% of our body weight while you walk the treadmill and as lovely as it is not to feel any pain in my hips ... I still prefer walking outdoors - pain and all. It's the best! Also, I like shopping for new clothes ... so much so that I am currently low, low, low on disposable cash. No more clothes shopping for a while. This is actually a good thing because I would like to go down a few more sizes before making a purchase. There are many more things that I am happy that I traded the food for, but walking and shopping are my top 2. Good question, glad you asked. It made me think and appreciate. ~Fran

I totally get that you feel like you are being jerked around. And, maybe you are ... but maybe ... not so much. Here's the thing, if your docs office does primarily WLS, perhaps they haven't sent your paperwork because it is there practice to gather absolutely everything BEFORE submitting. But, here's the thing, while I truly understand your anger and frustration, that's not what will get you your lap band. So, my suggestion is this ... just like you called your insurance company and rreceived the info that led you to the the conclusion that your docs office is lying to you, you should call your docs off and get all the prerequisites that theyrequire for lapband. You can usually find it on your insurance company's website and your insurance company can help you find exactly where that is. Once you have the information make a check list of all the things you have given to your doctor's office. IF you find that you have submitted everything required, make an appointment with your doc and bring the prerequsites supplied by your insurance and your check list. Calmly discuss it with your doctor. If you do no like his/her answer, send a request - in writing- for your medical records and find another doc. Now, if when you get the prerequisites from your insurance you find that you do not have everything you need, complete the remainder before your doc even asks for it. Submit it and THEN make the appointment with you check list, etc. The bottom line is that more and more our medical health (as well as other areas of our life) is completely our responsibility. I know there was a time when professionals cared about "doing the right thing" and doctors were truly "caregivers", but that time is just about gone. WE have to take our medical care in our own hands and do the research necessary to get what we need. I know it's not always easy, and from you name "meanmom" you have kids and THAT in itself makes everything more challenging because you are not only responsible for yourself but your entire family -- including hubby. LOL But, just take a deep breath, and after the kids are asleep sit down with pen and paper and make a list of things you need to do to get to where you want to be -- in the surgery room getting your lap band. Many of us bandsters have had challenges on the way to getting our bands (myself included), and some of us have had challenges AFTER getting our bands, be it insurance or the doc. Trust me, I know you are anxious, I was too. It's good to have a place to vent and this forum is definitely the right place because so many of us understand your frustrations. You WILL have your surgery, patience was never one of my virtues - still isn't - but I'm afraid you, like myself, will need it to reach our goals (be it getting the surgery or getting the weight off after the surgery). Good luck and God bless. ~Fran

I have two words for you: BANDSTER HELL it's no fun, but pretty common here ... do a search on this forum (upper right hand corner) and you will find LOTS of info about those first few months and how, until you reach your sweet spot, you can (please note the word "can" as opposed to "will" ... this is because many [not necessarily me] here use other methods - i.e., consistent exercise, strict diet, etc. - in order to lose during this phase) have difficulty losing ... these posts will also tell you why. Very informative. Hang in there folks, barring complications, weight loss is in your future. All the best to you. ~Fran

I had something similar happen. My doc was approved by my insurance and the surgery center he uses was also approved by my insurance. But, just days before my surgery I received a call from the docs office saying that my surgery had to be cancelled. Why? Because, even though the surgery center has a contract with my insurance they did not feel that the amount that their contract said they would be paid was enough! I called the surgery center and spoke to a woman there who said "Yes, it's true. We do not agree with the amount your insurance will pay us, so we won't do your surgery -- unless you pay the difference." (which was THOUSANDS of dollars). I was sooooo mad I could have exploded ... I cried instead, of course. So I called the benefits person at my job who, because the woman at the surgery center had given me information that she was not supposed to, almost got the surgery center lady fired! It was just awful. Long story short, within days I found a new surgeon and my surgeon found a hospital that would do the surgery for the price my insurance (BCBS) would pay. My surgery was originally scheduled for June 1, 2009. I had my surgery on June 15, 2009. This is just a minor bump in the road to the new you. Find a center of excellence that is on your insurance and match it up with a surgeon on your insurance that uses that facility. Won't take but a couple of days and you will be back in business. BUT, I tend to agree with you that the hospital IS a center of excellence and your insurance was given the wrong info. Either way ... if it God's will, you WILL have your surgery. Let's touch and agree on you getting your surgery, shall we? God bless, ~Fran

I'm with vrt ... the Vita Gummies are tasty and they get the job done. The price for 200 at Costco beats any price I have seen thus far. Good luck. ~fran

You look FANTASTIC! Congratulations!

Therapists only delve into things you are willing to talk about. This therapist is not my first. On a side note, all therapist are not good therapist, so don't give it a thought if you are not a good match with the first one you choose. Just move to the next one, you'll find the right one for you. I trust my therapist, but I will honestly say that she does not know absolutely EVERYTHING about my past. And, the truth is, she doesn't have to in order to help me with my food issues. That's because the things I have done in my life that I might be most ashamed of, are related to the simple things that I have done that effect my relationship with food. When she helps me connect the dots on the simple things, I can recognize for myself how the dots connected with the things that I feel shame over. Maybe one day she and I will talk about those things, maybe we won't... doesn't matter as long as "I" come to grips with the "secret" to my overeating. ~Fran

LOL!Funny you should ask. I just returned home from a great walk at the Marina and a visit to my therapist (her office is in the Marina). I started seeing my therapist (an obesity specialist) 8 months before my surgery. I knew long before I got my lap band that I am an emotional eater, so I wanted to be sure that I would be able to deal with my food issues, that had nothing to do with physical hunger, once I had the band. I continue to see my therapist because, as you will read here, there is no "band around your brain". LOL The band provides me with restriction and a cessation of physical hunger (I was rarely physically hungry even before banding). Therapy gives me the tools I need to recognize head hunger and deal with it in the moment. All the best to you on your journey. ~fran

Hi Awright, I am thankful and happy to report that I haven't had any real complications. I haven't seen my surgeon since I reached my "sweet spot" about a year ago. I will send you a private message with my story. Too long to bore everyone else. ~Fran

Thanks so much for your response. I totally "get it". I live in CA where EVERYONE is expected to be "green and lean". Me, not so much -- to the point that I needed lap band surgery. LOL I too am a Christian and I definitely believe that "through Christ all things are possible" and I believe that Christ made it possible for me to have this surgery and through this surgery I have seen the promises of Psalm 103, which I used to read every morning before work for about a year in 2001.Only recently has it occurred to me that my "youth has been renewed like the eagles". I also agree with your perspective that God puts doctors in place. I wish you the best, whether you choose to go ahead with the surgery or not. ~Fran

Welcome to LBT! There's a lot of good info (and some not so good too) on this forum. You can ask questions about absolutely anything. Again, welcome. ~fran

I walk for exercise as well. I started out by parking far away from my destination, then I went to the park and walked the track. I started on the track at one mile. I now walk 2.5 miles every morning before work and 3 miles on Saturday and Sunday at the Marina -- it's soooo beautiful when I finally make it to the Water. I do a power walk through the week, starting moderate and building to almost a jog (can't run due to back surgery in 2004). Several weeks ago I added a 2 mile walk during my lunch hour and tried to add a mile after work as well. My feet went CRAZY! They hurt soooo bad. I went to the podiatrist and he gave me orthotics. Eventually I will have them made to order ... I think. I am not sure I will because I have been having more trouble with my feet lately (not to mention my back, but that's another story for another time -- I am now in physical therapy). Back to the feet. When my feet became very sore I started soaking them every night before bed. I soaked them in RiteAid/CVS/Walgreens Foot Soap (whichever is on sale). It helps a lot. I have been having problems with my feet again lately, but I refuse to let anything get in the way of my walking. I will see the podiatrist again soon and the physical therapist and ortho doc next week. One of my toes has been numb for a week! Congratulations on your commitment to exercise! Take good care of your feet. Pamper them. Walking is great exercise, especially when you first start out. All the best to you on your journey! ~F

You were very wise to follow their suggestion and see a therapist. I began seeing my therapist 8 months before my surgery. I wanted to be sure I was having the surgery for the right reasons; that I didn't expect a miracle; and that I had the tools needed to achieve my weight loss goals. I continue to see my therapist today. I intentionally sought an obesity specialist. She is wonderful. I am not a binge eater, but I do eat compulsively -- emotionally. My therapist has given me tools to combat my need to eat in order to "make everything all right". My obesity is 90% head hunger. I am not one of the people that is physically hungry often, but my head hunger can strike at any time. I have learned that when I start looking for something to eat and it's not meal time, I need to look at what is happening in my life at that moment. So for me, the band and the restriction I have, has been a God send because I do not have to start from square one everytime my life goes awry (which can happen often with a stressful job and two college age kids at home). Before the band I had specific foods I would eat when under stress. I did not binge eat, but I would eat a pint of a particular ice cream or large slice of cake -- no more than that, but if you do that day after day for a week or so ... you can gain a LOT of weight. The band and my therapist saved my life, and gave me a life at the same time. I agree with the poster that said that this journey is mostly mental. There are those that do not believe in therapy and I say "good for you". If they can do it without help more power to them, but I wouldn't trade my therapist for all the world! Congratulations on your success in conquering binge eating thus far. I know that you will be extremely successful once banded. ~Fran

Ok, I agree with everything Dawn said and will a acouple of things. Take some time and read through this forum, there's a lot of good info here (and some that's not-so-good). You will also learn that the band does not work for everyone. Personally, I find it a God send. But, some people have had problems -- big and small. I didn't get bypass because I have had all the "invasive" surgeries I care to have in my lifetime -- the back surgery in 2004 was enough to make me not want to see a hospital for a long, long time. But, there I was 6 years later, lying on a table waiting to go under for lap band. I am glad I did. I am a slow loser -- something else you should know, some people lose fast, some slow, all depends on how you choose to work your band. The lap band experience is unique to each person for the most part. The similarities have to do with the way the lap band works, and even then it is not the same for ALL. For example, if you are a person that has frequent bouts of physical hunger you are going to expect the band to ease that hunger in order for you to achieve your weight loss goals. But, if you are like me and suffer from head hunger more than physical hunger; you are going to be looking for the restriction that the band can give (there are those that say they never reach restriction, and you won't know if you are one of them until AFTER you have the band surgery). Fortunately I have restriction and it helps me not to overeat, that, along with therapy with an obesity specialist has helped me go from a size 26 to a size 14/16 and I am still losing. YAY Band or bypass, it is a personal choice. Do your research (and you also have firsthand experience from your sister) and decide what is best for you. Now, I have a question: What does being African-American have to do with wheter or not you would have considered WLS? I am African-American and most of the people that I know personally that have had WLS are A-A, I don't get it? A-A's get WLS all the time ... am I missing something? Please don't take my question the wrong way, I really don't get the connection and would be happy to hear your response. Sometimes it's a matter of perspective and maybe I have a different perspective so, know that I respect your opinion either way. Thanks. ~Fran

I tried Zumba, it's great! I walk for my exercise, I was even walking in the rain. I didn't like walking in the rain much so I searched the internet and found some great Zumba routines. I connected my computer to my TV so I would have a big screen (closest to being there I could get LOL) and voila! I was in Zumba Land! It killed my back ... but it was worth it. I thought I was going to have a heart attack... but still it was worth it. Glad you found something that you like, your journey is going to be fantastic! Have fun! ~Fran

Okayyyyy ... broomt, I don't understand why you would want to keep this person as your trainer after he hurt your feelings like that, unless of course when he said: "telling me the surgeon was only interested in making money ..." so he is training you for free, right? I didn't think so. or when he said: " and not my health and that I am cheating" cheating what/who? Diabetes? High blood pressure? Arthritis? sleep apnea? etc., etc., etc. " and won't feel as good about myself." Do you REALLY think you won't feel good about yourself when you are 100 lbs lighter? When you are buying clothes 10 sizes smaller? When you are finally keeping the weight off -- forever!!????!! Your trainer sounds like a real prince --- NOT! Trust me, he is not the only crayon in the box ... get a new and supportive trainer. You must be one of the kindest people on this earth. The email you wrote was so civil and kind. I'm menopausal, the me that "may" have been able to write an email similar to that ... she is LONG gone! LOL I would have ripped him a new one!! Sorry, my hormones are making me crazy! All the best to you! ~Fran

It sounds like you're under the impression that when people PB that there is nausea involved. On the contrary, whenever food comes up due to me eating too fast or too much, I don't feel naseous at all. The food just comes up ... and out. No feeling of sickness, it hasn't even been digested. My pouch is full and my esophagus does not allow the food to sit and wait until my pouch can handle more. Many have nausea from the anesthetics after surgery. I wasted money buying the prescription my doc gave me because by the time I got home the next day I had zero nausea. I also only took Tylenol while in the hospital because morphine makes me sick. Hang in there, you'll be just fine. As everyone said, tell the people at the hospital about your aversion to nausea and they'll fix you up. Good luck. ~fran

MSan914, you said a mouthful ... and all of it true! How are earth do doctors, nurses, etc. think that "will power" is a tool that those of us that are "morbidly obese" (though I prefer "chronically overweight" can effectively use??? I didn't have will power before surgery and I don't have will power now! What I do have, like you, is a desire to lose weight. So, like you, I exercise. I have slowly made changes to my diet, making it much heathier than ever. But, last week when there was cake for staff appreciation ... no will power ... well, I didn't eat a piece of the first cake that was sent to the office, but I caved the next day when someone brought in my favorite cake! LOL I had a small piece and was satisfied. It didn't take will power, it was a gradual change that I had made in my life -- I don't have to eat a lot to be satisfied. I think it is absurd that a doc would give fills so small that it takes a year for you to feel restriction, but it happens. (Fortunately, my doc was not one of those). Congratulations for making it through! To the newbies ... patience is the pits, but the alternative it a lot of frustration, which translates into wasted energy. This is the band life, and if you are not one of the lucky ones (took 7 long months for me!) that feels restriction without a fill or with only a fill or two, you will have to work on other areas (i.e., changing your diet, getting more Water, and exercising regularly) until you are at your "sweet spot". Hang in there, it's coming. You are NOT a failure, banish the thought! Good luck to all! ~Fran

I was banded when I was 53 and coming up on 2 years soon. I am a slow loser. When I started out I didn't exercise much ... back surgery in 2004 and spinal stenosis currently. I now walk 2.5 miles every morning before work and 3 miles on Saturday mornings. I look like a different person! Best thing I EVER did for myself. Slow loser or not, I don't regret getting the lap band for on second! I am healthier than I have been in 30 years. I wish I had done this at 50 ... or even younger. Good luck to you! ~Fran

I know how you feel Jennifer. A several years ago I went to my then PCP, I was so miserable with my weight that I wanted something, ANYTHING to help (i.e., diet pills or whatever). This woman looked me in the face and told me that I needed to push away from the table. Here's the kicker: SHE WAS ABOUT 100-150 LBS OVERWEIGHT!!! As I looked at "Jabba the Hut" sitting there telling ME that I need to push away fromt he table I got so angry I wanted to explode ... but, at the time I was also so miserable, and feeling so bad about myself because of my weight I just hurried out of her office and cried in my car. I NEVER saw her again! Good luck to you with your surgery. Give some thought to finding a new PCP. I know it's hard to change. My current PCP is a real sweety, but I don't think he is very thorough ... so I am going to find a new doc, even though I don't want to. ~Fran

Dave is right, a surgical binder just might do the trick. You can purchase one at CVS Pharmacy or probably any pharmacy. My ortho gave me a back brace yesterday because I have been increasing my power walks and having back pain (back surgery 2004), and it was great support when I walked yesterday afternoon and this morning. Hope it helps. ~Fran

I am a slow loser but I would do it again in a heart beat. My life has changed dramatically in wonderful ways ... getting to those changes have sometimes been painful (i.e., facing my food issues and working to conquer them -- still working on it). Do I PB? Yes. That has much to do with my food issues. I find that when I am well hydrated and I don't try to eat more than my pouch can handle, I don't PB. I am learning one day at a time. I went from a size 26 to a size 14/16. It wasn't a fast process, but it happened and I continue to lose so I am happy. Lap band is not for everyone, but I am so thankful that it IS for me. All the best to you on your journey. ~fran

Ditto: the above posts. It is truly sad when those that lose quickly are smug. I am a slow loser and once I came to accept this I started pulling out the positives of being a slow loser. For me they are: 1. The usual ... the longer it takes to come off, the longer it will stay off 2. I am older so I have less elasticity in my skin; as a result the slower I lose, the less sagging skin ... gives me time to tone as much as possible. 3. As I lose slowly I am learning so much about my relationship with food and slowly I am able to let go of bad eating habits and take on new, good ones. 4. I had back sugery in 2004 and I have spinal stenosis (arthritis of the spine) which means I cannot do strenuous exercise. I am though, learning just how far I can go with exercise, and I am strengthening my back muscles in the process. This is a really good thing. 5. I am learning to stay out of others' heads and to keep positive thoughts in my own head. I don't think about whether others think that I should have lost more weight by now, because when I get in their heads and think "what must they think of me and my slow weight loss", it brings me down. How on earth is that going to help me reach my goal. So, I work on concentrating on me and my journey. The bottom line is that I am a slow loser. I do what I can to continue the weight loss and I try not to let it get me down. Drasan you are losing, that is soooo much better than before the band, isn't it? It took me 7 months to get to real restriction so I know how you feel. Don't let these people get you down. Hang in there, you will get to your goal weight ... we both will! Good luck to all of us "slow losers"! ~Fran