Veggestyle

Hello This thread is regarding the psych. evaluation that is mandated by my surgeon. I am going to a local psychologist on Monday to be "evaluated." I am nervous about this b/c I dont want to say the wrong thing or reveal too much and then for some reason based on the eval. I am not approved for the surgery. Now, of coarse, I want to be honest, open and be evaluated appropriately and accurately...I was just wondering if there is some info. that maybe I should with hold a bit on or be careful what I say on a particular subject just so that I am not overjudged...Any advice please??????? :rolleyes

I received my tests results back from the motility and esophagram tests, and all was well except for a "very small" hiatal hernia. Would someone be able to give me some more information on this? Also, how does a small hiatal hernia affect your health and your lapband?? I spoke with the bariatric coordinator about this and she know very little about it. I was told that it would be fixed during the lapban surgery...:mad:

Hello, I am an eighth grade lit. teacher and I start all of my before school meetings next week :bored and then begin teaching on the 28th! I haven't done nearly as well with trying to work out this summer as i would have liked. However, I did get a new puppy at the beginning of the summer and he has kept me on my toes. I think I need to put my treadmill to use that I left at my parents house, I just dont know where to put it!

Hello BlondeB-I am 23 and am just beginning the process of being banded. Check out my journal, I am using it to document my journey and am detailing it so others can see what I have been going through so far...I think that the procedure is amazing and so life changing, especially with everything that i have seen on this board. I know it will be challenging, but I am really looking forward to being banded and being more healthy...not i just have to quite smoking...:straight

I am glad to see those poll results. The day of me getting banded is coming nearer and nearer. There is not a surgery date set yet, but I have already jumped through a lot of the "necessary" hoops! Good luck to all!

Today I went to the hospital to have my two, mandatory, pre-op tests done : the motility test and the esophagram. I would recommend to anyone to read up on both of these tests if you need to have them done in order to prepare yourself, especially the motility. However, I also want to send encouragment and say that you will survive it, you will get through it. I had these tests done this morning and I am already feeling just fine and it is already becoming just a memory instead of the difficult experience at the time. Whenver I know something in life is going to be very difficult, I tell myself soon this will be just a memory... The motility test is done in order to check the strength of your esophagous and make sure that it is properly functioning. Well that is important, especially for this surgery, but in order to do that...they need to stick a thick tube down your nose, past your throat and into your esophagous (i must spell that word different each time!). I was very very freaked out about this...luckily my very supportive boyfriend was with me and everyone at the hospital has been so kind and patient. My best advice for you while going through this test is to relax. I wouldnt say that it is terribly painful, but just very very uncomfortable. While you have the tube down your nose, you have to swallow small sips of water so they can check the function of the esophagous, which causes quite an uncomfortable feeling with that tube down your nose. The worse part was when they first inserted it and I kept gagging, but soon my body got used to the foreign object and my system called down, now remember, as long as I calmed down. The test took about 20 mins. and then it was all over. The doctor gave me a numbing nose gel and spray which helped, but I felt a stinging pain in my nose for a few hours afterward, but nothing unbearable. Whew...I am glad to have that all over with! I have my nutrionist and psych. appts set up and everything is going smoothly so far! :mad:

Today I went to the hospital to have my two, mandatory, pre-op tests done : the motility test and the esophagram. I would recommend to anyone to read up on both of these tests if you need to have them done in order to prepare yourself, especially the motility. However, I also want to send encouragment and say that you will survive it, you will get through it. I had these tests done this morning and I am already feeling just fine and it is already becoming just a memory instead of the difficult experience at the time. Whenver I know something in life is going to be very difficult, I tell myself soon this will be just a memory... The motility test is done in order to check the strength of your esophagous and make sure that it is properly functioning. Well that is important, especially for this surgery, but in order to do that...they need to stick a thick tube down your nose, past your throat and into your esophagous (i must spell that word different each time!). I was very very freaked out about this...luckily my very supportive boyfriend was with me and everyone at the hospital has been so kind and patient. My best advice for you while going through this test is to relax. I wouldnt say that it is terribly painful, but just very very uncomfortable. While you have the tube down your nose, you have to swallow small sips of water so they can check the function of the esophagous, which causes quite an uncomfortable feeling with that tube down your nose. The worse part was when they first inserted it and I kept gagging, but soon my body got used to the foreign object and my system called down, now remember, as long as I calmed down. The test took about 20 mins. and then it was all over. The doctor gave me a numbing nose gel and spray which helped, but I felt a stinging pain in my nose for a few hours afterward, but nothing unbearable. Whew...I am glad to have that all over with! I have my nutrionist and psych. appts set up and everything is going smoothly so far! :laser:

Thank you Mo, I really appreciate all of your support! Good luck to you too with everything!

:dance: Yesterday I had a really great experience at my pre-op consultation with the surgeon, and I was even paid a compliment. I really like how confident and excited the surgeon, Dr. M, is about this procedure and how happy he has been with the results from his patients. He seemed proud of me for making this decision at a young age, hoping to turn my life around, and making healthier decisions. He was even surprised by how much I weigh and said "you carry your weight really well." I do look overweight, but the numbers are surprising... Even so, it is there, wearing and tearing on my body. I feel really confident about Dr. M doing the surgery even though he has only performed 35 lapbands, and has only been doing the procedure for 11 months. He explained that at first he was reluctant to get on board for the surgery, but after educating himself more and going to more seminars he felt confident in adding it to the WLS surgeries he performs. He was really open, honest, patient and let me ask as many questions as I needed to. I was surprised at how easy I found it to talk with him about this very personal decision. I even was bold enough to ask him how my breasts would look after the surgery and were I may need plastic surgery. He even brought a band with him to show it to me and exactly where it would be placed on my body. I was nervous about meeting the surgeon on my own, but it all went really well, and I feel even more confident about this decision. On Monday I am scheduled to have the motility test and esophagram at the hospital. Thankfully the surgeon's nurse was able to pull a few strings and get me in, since I will begin teaching on the 23rd, not too much time left! :rolleyes

:dance: Yesterday I had a really great experience at my pre-op consultation with the surgeon, and I was even paid a compliment. I really like how confident and excited the surgeon, Dr. M, is about this procedure and how happy he has been with the results from his patients. He seemed proud of me for making this decision at a young age, hoping to turn my life around, and making healthier decisions. He was even surprised by how much I weigh and said "you carry your weight really well." I do look overweight, but the numbers are surprising... Even so, it is there, wearing and tearing on my body. I feel really confident about Dr. M doing the surgery even though he has only performed 35 lapbands, and has only been doing the procedure for 11 months. He explained that at first he was reluctant to get on board for the surgery, but after educating himself more and going to more seminars he felt confident in adding it to the WLS surgeries he performs. He was really open, honest, patient and let me ask as many questions as I needed to. I was surprised at how easy I found it to talk with him about this very personal decision. I even was bold enough to ask him how my breasts would look after the surgery and were I may need plastic surgery. He even brought a band with him to show it to me and exactly where it would be placed on my body. I was nervous about meeting the surgeon on my own, but it all went really well, and I feel even more confident about this decision. On Monday I am scheduled to have the motility test and esophagram at the hospital. Thankfully the surgeon's nurse was able to pull a few strings and get me in, since I will begin teaching on the 23rd, not too much time left! :rolleyes

he he...well, I will feel intimidated, I wish that someone was going with me, but this appt. I have to do on my own...

Today I went to the hospital to have blood drawn. My PCP wants to check my thyroid, blood suger and cholesterol levels. Everyone was super nice there and made me feel really comfortable. As I was walking down the maze of the hospital I happened to get a glimpse of the surgeon who would be doing the surgery. I only saw him for a few seconds but he looked kind and gentle. He had smiling eyes and was casually talking to a co-worker. Right after I had my blood drawn, I went to get the oil in my car changed. My phone unexpectedly range and it was the surgeon's nurse. She told me that they had a cancellation and I would be able to see the surgeon today for my pre-op consult! eek! I took the opportunity as I will be beginning to teach in a few weeks and will have very limited time for all of these appts.! I was not originally supposed to see him until Aug. 21st!!! Wish me luck, I will be leaving in just a bit, armed with quite a list of ?s from the board! Thank you!

Today I went to the hospital to have blood drawn. My PCP wants to check my thyroid, blood suger and cholesterol levels. Everyone was super nice there and made me feel really comfortable. As I was walking down the maze of the hospital I happened to get a glimpse of the surgeon who would be doing the surgery. I only saw him for a few seconds but he looked kind and gentle. He had smiling eyes and was casually talking to a co-worker. Right after I had my blood drawn, I went to get the oil in my car changed. My phone unexpectedly range and it was the surgeon's nurse. She told me that they had a cancellation and I would be able to see the surgeon today for my pre-op consult! eek! I took the opportunity as I will be beginning to teach in a few weeks and will have very limited time for all of these appts.! I was not originally supposed to see him until Aug. 21st!!! Wish me luck, I will be leaving in just a bit, armed with quite a list of ?s from the board! Thank you!

Thank you for the advice! I really appreciate it!

That is awesome! I am also a vegetarian! How did you like the profession???

Great idea! I was thinking about taking the before photos and obvioulsy the number that is on the scale is looming over me, but I never would have thought to take my measurements! Genious!

My general doctor, PCP, requested to see me since I was considering WLS and asking her to send in medical info. to my insurance company. I was a little nervous going in today since her nurse did not specifically state why she wanted to see me, but I had some idea. It is not terribly easy talking with my doc about the WLS since she is a very "traditional, old school" doctor and has very little experience with WLS. Usually, my doc. is rather understanding and supportive, but during our discussion today about WLS she was rather distant. I think it is time to find a new PCP, especially since I moved quite a bit away from the doc. and it would be nice to have a doc. that knows more about WLS, since it is a life long change. I shared with her info. that I received from the hospital I would be getting my surgery at. All she really had to say was how she was concerned about the risks, and really did not say, but the risks of being obese....She checked my thryoid too since that is a big concern since my sister having thyroid cancer, all seemed to be well there. I shared with her my dieting history and problems that my fat is causing me, which at this point is mostly emotional, and some joint aches. Truly, I am concerned about the long term risks and effects of my excess weight. She wants me to get some blood work done before she writes a letter to the insurance company for me. She said that she wants to check my blood sugar and thyroid levels along with my cholesteral. At the end of the appt. she said that she will help me through it. The doctor also shared with me that perhaps the Paxil that I am on could be causing me to gain weight. We looked through the records have I have gained nearly 40 lbs in a year since I have been taking Paxil, eeeek! However, i can't go off of Paxil, so I guess we wont really know, unless there is another anxiety medicine I can take. :rolleyes

My general doctor, PCP, requested to see me since I was considering WLS and asking her to send in medical info. to my insurance company. I was a little nervous going in today since her nurse did not specifically state why she wanted to see me, but I had some idea. It is not terribly easy talking with my doc about the WLS since she is a very "traditional, old school" doctor and has very little experience with WLS. Usually, my doc. is rather understanding and supportive, but during our discussion today about WLS she was rather distant. I think it is time to find a new PCP, especially since I moved quite a bit away from the doc. and it would be nice to have a doc. that knows more about WLS, since it is a life long change. I shared with her info. that I received from the hospital I would be getting my surgery at. All she really had to say was how she was concerned about the risks, and really did not say, but the risks of being obese....She checked my thryoid too since that is a big concern since my sister having thyroid cancer, all seemed to be well there. I shared with her my dieting history and problems that my fat is causing me, which at this point is mostly emotional, and some joint aches. Truly, I am concerned about the long term risks and effects of my excess weight. She wants me to get some blood work done before she writes a letter to the insurance company for me. She said that she wants to check my blood sugar and thyroid levels along with my cholesteral. At the end of the appt. she said that she will help me through it. The doctor also shared with me that perhaps the Paxil that I am on could be causing me to gain weight. We looked through the records have I have gained nearly 40 lbs in a year since I have been taking Paxil, eeeek! However, i can't go off of Paxil, so I guess we wont really know, unless there is another anxiety medicine I can take. :rolleyes

Hello! I am looking to begin Massage Therapy classes at a local community college. I am really excited about getting a certificate in massage therapy, I just had a few questions about the field if anyone would like to share! Have a great day!

Well, I am going to see my PCP today... I was not told specifically why she wants to see me so I am a bit nervous about that, but I hope it is a meaningful appt. since I have to drive over an hour to get there. I am going to bring the info. with me that I have on the lapband surgery. Wish me luck and thanx for your support!

Lately, I am having trouble sleeping. I fall asleep easily and then around 1 or 2 am, I am wide awake and usually dont feel that well. I wouldnt call myself a worry wort, instead I think I internalize what I worry about and then it "gets" me in ways like this. :cry I am worried about going back to teaching in a few weeks. I have been trying my damndest to find a new job, but to no avail so far. I had an interview a few days ago that went really really well, but with no luck... I am worried about keeping on top of my bills, I am a recent homeowner and am still getting the hang of it all. I am worried about making this life changing decision to have the band. To be or not to be banded? I have called to make the appt. for the consult with the surgeon three times...and have hung up three times as well...oh dear

Lately, I am having trouble sleeping. I fall asleep easily and then around 1 or 2 am, I am wide awake and usually dont feel that well. I wouldnt call myself a worry wort, instead I think I internalize what I worry about and then it "gets" me in ways like this. :cry I am worried about going back to teaching in a few weeks. I have been trying my damndest to find a new job, but to no avail so far. I had an interview a few days ago that went really really well, but with no luck... I am worried about keeping on top of my bills, I am a recent homeowner and am still getting the hang of it all. I am worried about making this life changing decision to have the band. To be or not to be banded? I have called to make the appt. for the consult with the surgeon three times...and have hung up three times as well...oh dear

Hello All! I live about 1 1/2 hours west of Chicago near NIU campus (just moved here a few months ago and loving it). I am currently working with the bariatric team at Kishwaukee Hospital and am on my journey to be banded, unless I .......back out. my thoughts on having the surgery go up and down every day basically. Have a great day!

Congratulations!!! How has your life changed due to the band?

I am still wondering why the doctor requested to see me...maybe she has to give me a physical, I just hope that she is not hoping to talk me out of it...I know that my PCP knows rather little of this surgery... I am also questioning her wanting to see me, b/c it is about 1 1/2 hours drive for me to the office...