melmarlem

I found out my surgery date at my last pre-op meeting with my surgeon that was called "the history and physical". It took 6 months for me to get a surgery date because I had to jump through 101 hoops for my insurance company. My surgeon's office doesn't schedule surgeries until they receive approval from the insurance company. But if you are a self-pay then it should go more smoothly!

I am not quite 10 weeks post-op, and am down almost 54 lbs. all post-op weight. So far, so good! I would absolutely do it all over again...in a heartbeat! :thumbup:

I asked my surgeon how long before I could fly after surgery and he said 2 weeks. I agree with that. Getting in and out of a car was painful for a few weeks, it caused a lot of pain at my port site.

You're hilarious. Thanks for making me smile! :blushing:

I have only been banded for 9 weeks, but I'm 5'4" and my goal weight that was set by my surgeon and myself is 130lbs. You didn't say how tall you are though?? I think it just depends on your height. For me, I don't want to be a pound over 145lbs because then I'm still considered overweight!:blushing:

Believe me, I know it's not professional behavior to flirt with patients. I'm in my senior year of nursing school and I've already been warned by my nursing instructors, "I better not catch you batting your eyelashes at those physicians!!" He's drop dead gorgeous...I can't help it! He makes me week in the knees! :closedeyes:...AND he's not MY patient!! hehe

Okay, I have a confession to make! I have a huge crush on my surgeon's physician assistant. :seeya: I went in earlier this week for my second fill, and low and behold, the PA was the only one there. Lucky me!! I got goose bumps just from him putting his hands on my belly. I tried not to blush, but it was obvious. I'm almost 23 and I'm guessing he is at least 35. During my fill he was making comments that I took as sexual, but maybe I just have a perverted mind!? Of course I just giggled about it. But before I left he smiled and winked at me. Now what does that mean? Maybe I'm just putting too much thought into it and he really is innocent. Anyone else have a really good looking surgeon or someone that works for your surgeon?? Of course I can't wait to see him again!

My mom is a retired ARMY recruiter and the answer is absolutely not! And I'm pretty sure that goes for all branches of the military...

Best wishes!

You are too cute!! I'm guessing that if he is taking month long vaca's with you...that he is thinking what you are thinking!! Tell him already!! :thumbup: Life is too short!

Yay! Congratulations! I can't wait for the scale to get below 200 (17.8 lbs to go!). Keep up the good work!! :thumbup:

I agree. Most insurance companies have at least some type of hoop that you have to jump through to get approved. But I think it's a good thing. I had to do a 3 month program with Aetna and I'm glad I did. I felt better prepared for my surgery. Look on the bright side-at least your insurance covers the surgery!:thumbup: Good luck!

Actually, we're triplets :crying: hmarko is right there with us!! :thumbup:

What a wonderful idea! I'm game!

If I had to choose between Adipex or being fat, I would hands-down choose being FAT! And I did for 4 years before my lap-band surgery 7 weeks ago! I finally had ENOUGH and told my doc enough is enough :sad: It's not worth it for 25 lbs!!! For me, I was able to lose 34 lbs on Adipex. Hopefully your physician is sending you for cardiac work-ups...Adipex can do some serious damage to the heart valves, especially after 2 years??? It is intended for short-term use ONLY! I'm a nursing student and I don't know much, but I know just enough to know that Adipex is no good! Have you tried Weight-Watchers? I found that WW had a wonderful, healthy program that really worked for me to lose the weight. I just couldn't keep it off long-term :thumbup: Just a suggestion to help you think about healthier choices :w00t:

On another note, about the phentermine. Would that be 37.5 mg of Adipex that you are taking? I understand EXACTLY what you are saying about those diet pills being unhealthy. I took them as prescribed by my physician and they were horrible. I only slept about 4 hours a night, my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest, and I felt irritable and excited all the time. I believe that Adipex is only FDA approved for use for 3 months at a time. My physician would have me on Adipex for 3 months and then off of it and on Meridia for 3 months and vice versa. Adipex= no fun!! If I had to chose between Adipex and lap-band, it would be hands-down lap-band!! I know that just contradicts my previous post though....:thumbup:

Here goes! If I were in your shoes, I would NOT have this surgery...for a couple of reasons. Yes, you are obese...but just barely! If you lose just ONE POUND you are in the overweight category. Also, can you elaborate on your struggles with weight? For the past ten years what has your average weight been? I personally do not believe that this surgery is a good option for someone who does not have at least 100 lbs or more to lose. It worries me that you are taking diet pills, and skipping meals. Additionally, if you are sick of a low-carb diet now, I honestly do not believe that you would be successful if you chose to go through with the surgery as many surgeons, including mine, suggest a low-carb diet. I am afraid that you think this will be a "fix it all" solution. It most definitely is NOT! It is a MAJOR lifestyle change. It worries me that you have NO support. I believe that people with support systems in place do much, much better. Additionally what kind of research have you done? Being a self-pay patient would you be required to undergo a psychological evaluation? I sure hope so. Not meaning to offend you, but I am just not convinced that you understand what you may be getting yourself into. With that said, I wish you the best of luck either way you decide. If you decide to go through with surgery there are many great people on this forum to give you support and direction :thumbup:

Hang in there. It's never too late to start over with your eating habits. I think Sue gave some great advice. I would suggest limiting your sugar intake to 5-7 grams of sugar per serving. Also try to get in 50-60 grams of protein a day and try to follow a low carb diet. I measure everything in 1/2 cup servings and eat 3 meals a day, no snacks except for a no sugar added fudge bar after dinner. Lastly, try to stay hydrated with sugar-free drinks. Be sure to get in your 64 oz. daily. I'm a newbie and have only been banded for 7 weeks so maybe someone else can offer more advice.

I'm sorry this happened to you. I really have no words of advice as I've only been banded for 7 weeks. Thankfully I've not been sick once. I sincerely hope you find the cause of your pain. Hopefully someone here on this site will be able to offer some advice. Hang in there!

Remember that misery loves company. Maybe some people will be judgemental but they are the ones you probably don't need in your life anyway. Don't care about what they have to say. I've told pretty much everyone that I had surgery. Some people seemed shocked but mostly supportive. I've answered 101 questions but I'm glad to do it. I think the more people become educated, the more they are open to the idea of surgery. What really matters is what you WANT and what you KNOW is right for you. It's your health and your life. To hell with everyone else who doesn't want to be supportive :thumbup:. Just my .02.

I forgot to mention that you should follow the advice of your nutritionist. Everything I listed was based on what I was allowed to have. Every surgeon is different!

Protein is important. Aim for at least 50-60 grams of protein a day. It will be hard to get that much protein while you are on the liquid phase but still try. For the liquid phase I recommend thinned cream of wheat, skim or 1% milk to drink, sugar-free puddings, sugar-free jellow, cream Soups made with skim or 1% milk and strained, broths, sugar-free popsicles, etc. Remember to stay hydrated as well even though it will be hard. For me the liquid phase was the hardest. I'm 6 weeks post-op and feel great. Stay focused! It is worth it!! P.S. For the pain I suggest getting up and walking. I know it hurts, but I think I felt better the more I walked rather than lying in bed.

Just thought I'd share with everyone a new drink that I found. Minute Maid has a LIGHT lemonade with 0 grams of sugar and only 5 caloris per can. It is delicious! sugar-free Koolaid is another one of my favorites! The cherry or grape is the best! :tongue2:

I will be 6 weeks post-op this coming Tuesday and I just tried whole grain speghetti noodles tonight. I was under the impression that bread, Pasta, rice, etc. would never be tolerated but my nutritionist said otherwise. She told me that I could try thin crust pizza with pineapple and chicken. She said brown rice would be okay too. I feel like my surgeon and my nutritionist are saying two different things. It can be frustrating!!!

I have the new Realize band which is a 10 cc band. I had 5 cc's added during my first fill a week and a half ago.