stargate713
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Everything posted by stargate713
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what if i fail....?
stargate713 replied to trishfish's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ditto! I was in my bariatric nurse's office 3 weeks ago crying my eyes out "why should I think this time will be different?" First she reminded me that only 5% of the people who lose it on their own keep it off, and secondly she told me if I weren't having these feelings she'd be worried about me, that I wasn't being realistic about the process. I felt much better...especially knowing that she believed in me...even if my own resolve was wavering. My surgery is Wed.....and at this point I'm feeling a sort of "calm resolve"......that I'm about to begin the rest of my life. -
Just starting journey...couple of Q's for you folks
stargate713 replied to Incyder38's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi Eric! Welcome to the fold...lol. Your BMI for insurance purposes is what you start at, so if you lose weight it will not effect your approval, but some docs do require you to lose weight prior to surgery, and they definately don't want you to GAIN. Any weight loss prior will only make the surgery go easier. Your doc will give you guidlines to follow. As for the approval letter, it probably varies from insurance to insurance, but mine did send me a letter, although that wasn't until after I submitted all my documentation, and completed my 3 month supervised diet period. You can always call your insurance to be sure....one piece of advice...don't assume anything! Always check to comfirm things have been done or submitted as needed every step of the way. Will save you a lot of greif in the end. Good luck! -
Thanks Betsy....we were just having this dicussion in my support group tonight, but no one knew the dose. One thing they (the folks that have already been banded) all agreed on was they all had some degree of hair loss between 3 and 9 months post op, but as you said it does resolve. Thanks again!
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Hi Betsy,
I'm also a nurse...have seen many of your posts and they are always helpful. I have been searching for this info and cant find an answer anywhere...do you know what dose of Biotin they reccommend for the hair loss issue? I see at GNC it comes in 500, 2500, and 5000. That seems like a huge dose range to me. Also have you heard anything about taking it to "prevent" the hair loss? Any info you have come across would be greatly appreciated! Also, may I add you as a friend?
Thanks, Cindy
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how soon after being banded to start ab workout?
stargate713 replied to L_A_U_R_E_L_I's topic in Fitness & Exercise
Don't forget it takes your body 6-8 weeks to heal from surgery (any surgery). Definately follow your surgeon's giudlines. Some complications of exercising or even lifting heavy objects too soon is hernia at the incision sites or issues with the port if not completely healed into place. -
Hi Sherry, I just saw your posts giving advice to people with vomiting problems, and saw your story about having your band removed. I'm an RN, so I'm aware of many of the complications. After all you have been through what are your feelings about having the proceedure? and did all the band slippage do any permenent damage to your stomach? My surgery is a week from tomorrow. I'd appreciate your insight.
Thanks, Cindy
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I don't want to wait
stargate713 replied to KarissaLynn's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Like everyone else said....use the time to prepare yourself mentally and physically for this journey....because it truely what it is....a journey....just like life. -
You need a prescription from the doc for the UGI, then you call your out patient radiology center or hospital and schedule the proceedure
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Seeing if this is for me?
stargate713 replied to adwells6637's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi! well...you have a lot if medical issues going on, and as you already realize a very high BMI. Your first step when you get your insurance coverage is to call them and make sure there is no "exclusion" for weight loss surgery in your particular plan. The next step should be to go to an informational seminar for a surgeon in your area who accepts you insurance. There you will learn a good deal of information to help make your decision. Then you will need to have the eval with the surgeon to see if #1 you are a candidate for the surgery, and #2 if this is the best choice for you (ie band vs gastric bypass). In the mean time, continue to read these message boards...you will get a wealth of information from people who have had the proceedure and what their sucesses and challanges have been. Good luck in your journey. -
Surgeon disappointed in weight loss / Bandsters a Dying Breed?
stargate713 replied to A New Woman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
OMG! and I just looked at your pics on your profile.....you look fantastic! And so much more happy than in your before pic....no matter what the scale says you look like you lost more. (tell the surgeon to.....well you know...lol) -
Surgeon disappointed in weight loss / Bandsters a Dying Breed?
stargate713 replied to A New Woman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
maybe business is slow for him and he's fishing to convert you to a bypass. I thought long and hard over this decision, and if it were not for the fact that the band is reversable in the event of a serious complication I would not be having surgery at all. Loosing 52 lbs is no small feat and you should be proud of yourself, and as you said you may have in all reality GAINED over past year without the band. I think the suggestion above to see the nutritionist is sound, just to see if you can improve in any areas, and the other thing would be that you didn't mention exercise. If you are not exercising you are missing a big part of the puzzle. Best of luck .....and keep up the good work! -
Yes, she's here on the forums, she posts fairly frequently. Enjoyed reading your surgery day surgery maybe because I'm a nurse and have a different perspective. Hope you are doing well....will be joining you on March 31.
Cindy
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Hi....I read your post today...I'm in South Jersey, but if you are looking for support in NYC you should check out Catherine55's blog. It was the first blog I checked out and now i'm hooked. Here's the link: Chronicles from Band Land
Good Luck tomorrow!
Cindy
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Hi Cindy! Was so happy to get your message, and would love to get to know you. I'm in Burlington county and am having my surgery at Virtua in Marlton. I'm the same as you, i didn't get my date untill the surgeon got my insurance approval. I had to do a 3 month program, which has actually dragged out for 5 months! I first saw my surgeon at the end of Oct, and finally got my date (March 31) 2 weeks ago. AND the only reason i got that date was I snatched up an appointment with the surgeon during one of the snow storms when another patient canceled. Otherwise I wouldn't have even gotten in to see the surgon untill the end of March for my pre-op and wouldn't have a date till end of April. (sorry...I digress here...lol) There have been several delays, all on doctors ( my primary, the cardiologist) and it has been frustating......but I'm finally on the home strech! Feel free to contact me anytime. if you are on Yahoo and want to chat my ID is stargate713.
Cindy
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Your doctor should be able to modify the diet for you, and or make changes in your meds as needed, you need to discuss it with your doctor. Best of luck!
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OFF THE TOPIC.....Any Avid Readers out there..???
stargate713 replied to Majj's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Yes am a big fan of her books as well.....it's called the "Outlander" series here in the US. I have been in love with Jamie and Claire for years! It's a guilty pleasure...boarder-lining on "cultish" I'm afraid.... -
Hey I made the news lap band
stargate713 replied to scottyd's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You GO Scotty!!!!! Wow, that was a great piece, you did a nice job! -
Hi Dawn! Thanks for adding me as a friend....so good to meet other South Jersey gals. I'm an RN....so I can appreciate what you have been through so far, and I admire your courage in having this surgery. It sounds like you are doing great. Thanks again for adding me
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Thanks for adding me as a friend! My surgery will be at Virtua Marlton, my surgeon is Dr Adam Goldstein (he already took my gallbladder out in Nov, and that went well). My Pre-op program and support group is the New Beginnings program at Virtua in Voorhees. Where are you having yours?
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Anyone from the south jersey area?????
stargate713 replied to jen36's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Jen! I'm in Burlington County...My surgery date is March 31. Feel free to add me as a friend (i need friends....lol) -
anyone denied cuz of stress test?
stargate713 replied to sharcorb's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The stress test is the next step for your cardiac clearance for the surgery. It's to make sure that you don't have any blockages or undiagnosed heart condition that would make the surgery too risky for you. My cardiologist did EKG, stress test, and Echocariogram before giving me clearance because I had boarder-line high blood pressure and a heart murmur. Try not to worry, it's all part of the process and for your own safety. As far as the test "going well" make sure you follow any prep instructions your doctor gave you -
Diet History not good enough?
stargate713 replied to amey_idaho's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes...Betsy hit the nail on the head...you must read your own insurance contract and fulfill their requirements. Even the same insurance company's policy can vary from employer to employer. I was able to find all the details on my insurance company's web site, but it took some time and digging. Then I printed it out and kept it with my "lap-band file" that i took to all my meetings and appointments. I know it sounds like a lot of work...and it is! But the bottom line is that if you don't get the ok from the insurance you don't get the band unless you can self-pay. Good luck.....and stay the course!!! -
Hi! I'm in South jersey too...my date is March 31. Please feel free to contact me any time! Best of luck with your journey :biggrin:
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Protein Shake Alternative
stargate713 replied to Deathstroke's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I like the GNC 100% Whey protein...they have 21G protein/ 120 calories. -
March 2010 only please
stargate713 replied to btrieger's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Because of issues with doctors and info being submitted to insurance i thought i was going to be pushed to April......but I just got in under the wire...My date is March 31!!!!