Bermuda

You know something, I havent been banded yet but I am telling every one! and almost EVERY single person had exactly the same reaction or they said "why would you risk dying during surgery for that". Everybody has the answer to everything. That is a teenagers mentality the "I know everything" attitude. No one knows anything about you, even your closest friend. You do exactly what you want because in reality you may have very good friends and a great family but you ultimately only have yourself. You know what it is like to struggle with your weight. If you want to struggle less than why shouldnt you. Thats why Im doing it. I just cant do one more diet program ever again and feel like Im starving. I dont know ONE person that wasnt happy with their choice to have it done. Dont worry about what people say. To tell you the truth no one is really that interested in you anyway, you are just part of the passing show. Think about how interested you are in other peoples problems, not much right? So dont let their opinion take over your thoughts. Do it and be proud of it. It takes a tough person to make a decision and go thru with it. Yippy for you!:smile2:

My husband is afraid of the surgery I am going to have but I felt great when he told me that I should do what I want to do. He also said he thinks I look great the way I am and physically he wouldn't care if I was heavy or thin. That went a long way with me. Dont worry and just be yourself and get her everything she asks for. Dont forget to clean the house and get your own meals and she will be thrilled!

PS how do you post a thread? I cant figure it out?

Also insurances want documentation of weight loss attempts- be sure to know exactly what they want documented by your doctor or dietician. Mine was 6 mos of back to back diet programs with monthly weigh ins. Another insurance wanted 2 years of a documented BMI over 35. Start doing your testing requirements as soon as you can because it can be a long process. Dont just throw it together hoping you will be approved. Do it right the first time. exactly the way they want so you wont be disappointed if they reject you for surgery. Good Luck!

for insurance approval I need a letter and some tests from a Pulmonologist, a psychiatrist, endocrinologist, cardiology-stress test, nutrtionist, sleep study, GI endoscopy. Concerning just the surgery you will need whatever presurgical testing is done by that hospital/doctor (blood, ekg, echocardiogram/stress test)

Before you go to your consult check with your insurance what they require. They are pretty strick with what they want.

Hey Michelle! you got your date moved closer! maybe we will all be banded soon! I have been trying to get my BMI up to 40. I made it up to 39 and tonight I went out, had 4 beers and Mexican food. I feel like me neck is strangling my esophagus. After my consult Wed the 9th I hope I can get some of this off of me. Its way too much and I am so uncomfortable. I wonder if they use the weight at the first weigh in at the Doctor. Because if I have to keep up this weight till surgery I am going to drop dead! Boy am I full!!!!:wink2:

So glad you are feeling well so far! Great! When you feel up to it tell us how its going. I hope you can make it on Tues to the seminar but you may not be up to it, take it day by day. JoANn

Hi Michelle and Amanda! I just registered for the seminar at the Ritz on the 8th. I have my first consult on the 9th. Amanda, Michelle told me you will be 6 days out from your surgery!!!! That is so great. Dont be nervous because remember you are going to get to have that really good anesthesia sleep. I love it. Plus they give you a warm blanket and are so nice to you in the OR and recovery room.

I cant wait to meet you and Michelle. I am not using Dr Geiss. I am using a guy named Dr Holover and Dr Garber. I work for a doctor- Im an echo tech- so the doc I work for told me to go to this guy. ANyway I cant wait to meet both of you. Michelle, try and get the presurgical stuff done, the sleep apnea study takes the longest because you have to stay overnight and if there is something you might have to go back. That was my experience when I did it. Talk to you both before then, Good luck Amanda:thumbup:

Thankyou so much for your help. As I said I am new to the website and I didnt think there would actually be people interested enough in each other to try and help. I really appreciate that. I understand what you all said.

I used to be a weight lifting head and running lover but since I gained so much weight I have been out of it. It is so good to see someone doing bootcamp. I cant wait to do that stuff again.

Thanks for the good descriptions of "full" I know exactly what you mean. Thanks again

I was wondering how full will I feel after the band. I rarely eat when Im very full, will I feel very full?