NYSparklegirl

Hi all...good morning,

Its been one of those weekends where there is noplans.Bad idea to have no plans as then there is plenty of time to sleep and eat and eat. Cannot do this again.

Today was not as bad organized my kitchen and got rid of things that were starting to clutter up the small space in my living area. My daugter decided to clean up her room and is still working on it.

My daughter is off this week from school and most of friends are offon some sort of vacation. I am working so we arent. I have the babysitter all week....sometimes I wonder if its cheaper to go on vacation. lol

well...this week I meet with the pulmonologist to get my CPAP, and the nutritionist for a second meeting.

I have started the Prev-pac antiobiotics that the upper GI doctor prescribed after the endoscopy was done...and showed I have some wierd germ in my stomach.Apparently alo of people have this and the main effects are severe reflux...which I knewI had...but the endosscopy proved. It causes ulcers but I didnt have that.

I have to be on two strong antibiotics and prevacid for two weeks!! If I dont he wont clear me for surgery.

I am so sick from this three pac...I have this weird taste in my mouth and my stomach is beginning to hurt. I have been taking acidophilus pills because if I dont ill end up with a yeast infection and that will be yet another reason for surgery to be pushed back.lol so, i will be sick for two weeks. owell

Hope you all well and are having a good weekend...whats your schedules for testing and cosults this week??? let us know sowe can support you!!!

have a great week.....

Jodi

GOOD MORNING LOVLIES!! Well what's left of it. Would you believe I just got up about half an hour ago? I told DH that Friday was going to be my lazy PJ day and I was right. LOL Though I did put on a workout outfit, will go to the rec center and do some therapy on my knee in a bit. I woke up twice in the night with incredible knee pain, but after the last pain pill I must've really slept, never even heard DH get up and go to work.

Well last night DH officially put his hat in the ring for the position/promotion I mentioned. If he gets it and the move package is good (we are worried about losing too much on our house) we will be moving to Salt Lake City. That will make the 3rd time I have moved there and it's my least favorite place to live that i've lived well Delaware was close to that too. It's a beautiful city and close to Denver so that is good, it is difficult though being a non Mormon living there. Now that I am older and wiser maybe it won't bother me so much, but in the past I've had neighbors tell me if I was 'worth' meeting they'd have met me in church and another that I had become good friends with tell me she couldn't be friends any longer because I wouldn't convert. But these things happened in my 20's and 30's I think I am stronger now in who I am and what I believe it won't bother me as much. DH would have to do some travelling in a region with this position and his region would be the southwest so maybe I can tag along some times on his say Tucson, southern CA visits?? hint hint??? So I am leaving it up to God and DH as to whether we move or not. DH was very concerned as he can tell I am not real thrilled about it, but years ago when we first got married and we decided for the most part I would be a stay at home mom I agreed to move whereever his career took us, I get to choose where we retire. And I don't feel right saying no as this is a great opportunity for him and well us. The kids are already talking about meeting halfway in the mountains to go camping and stuff, it's an hour flight away and I fly free, etc. so I think it will work out okay. It's not his position yet either, what will be will be.

I think a lot of my not sleeping lately has been due to number one the knee pain and pain pills, but also I've just had so much to deal with lately I feel like one more thing is just going to overflow my plate. There's my G'ma and my mom trying to direct everything from down in FL, my sisters, my DD's issue with her fiance, the move, etc. so I am really looking forward to FL. I am open for anything but mostly looking forward to just chilling and relaxing with a bunch of great gals and lots of laughing. Oh and I want to find the Ann Taylor Loft outlet stores!! LOL Anyone know if the Prime outlets or Premium or something outlets are close by???

Linda, any chance you can take a day or so off w/o pay and meet us? I was so hoping to get to meet you. Or will they advance you a vacation day??? Pretty please!!

And, Arlene, could your mom come along???

Sparkle, the Soups would be good just avoid the creamy calorie laden ones. Also, right after surgery they might have to be clear soups for a day or so. Every doc is different on their post op diets so check with yours. Mine for 3 days had to be clear liquids only broths would do, but after that I could have the others.

Janet, glad the fill is working well. I think I am keeping my appt next week for another one as this last one hasn't done much of anything. I know I don't want to get as tight as I was for the long haul but definitely need a little more. They haven't even put in yet half of what they took out. I am just so grateful that I am maintaining, I'm teetering though at the high end of my range.

Survivor and Olympics, love them both!! Can't wait.

Well DH just called and we are meeting for lunch, heck I just had breakfast. LOL

Hope the position works out for you! Yes, my doctor has said clear for the first day...second. Jello and then so on.

thanks...for the input.

Good morning all.

Thanks for all the responses regarding "soups" Im excited because I do cook alot of soups....and freeze them for later use...especially in the spring I make for the summer because its so hot! Friday nights its a must for shabbos to have Soup. lol tradition.....Its a little funny but the little boy who I work with everyday he has a feeding tube and is able to eat blended food and mom has described what she prepares for him daily....meat soup, with meat bones, all sort of vegetables, added rice protein...and then she grinds it all up including the marach and the bones and then blends it further. Ive told her....to start making double and ill join in for his meals!! She wasnt at all scared at this prospect...lol

Trying to break these traditions and begin some healthy ones...this is my personal challange...its not going to be easy...as the sabbath comes every week and every month there are at least two holidays or reasons to celebrate.....hard habbits are hard to break and when there are social engagements involved for all of the holidays ..Im guessing...these social situations are going to have to change or diminish esp if its not me who will be doing the cooking and you cant just ask for seperate food when the hostess is allready cooking for at least ten or more people at a time and to invite friends and family over to me all the time..well who can afford to have guests and feed them three to four course meals?? It costs me at least $100 a weekend... just for myself, daughter and one friend. Not to mention the time consumption to cook all the time as a single parent.

wew,, as you can see this is my concerns....how the heck??? but, I must....because the bottom line....if I want to be alive for a long time..further....all socializing, traditional fat foods arent going to mean much!

well....today is DD first day of vacation....I didnt plan on a vacation..and as I will be taking off for for "surgery week" and possibly the following I didnt take off...so Ive arranged the babysitter, my mom and playdates. More work, organization and time running around doing drop offs and picks up. oh not to mention having to cook for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Have a great day all......

Here's my Fill story -

Due to the road closures from all the rain we have been having it took me 45 min when it should have been a 25 min drive

Met the new nutritionist She was nice - they all complemented me on my appearance - Told her that I have been eating healthy but just a little too much and I can't get back to 138 where I am happiest..

My pants still fit but on the tighter side and I have to get a hold of this now - she agreed and liked my way of thinking and it has been 2 yrs since my last fill - The nut said you know week of Soup week of mushies - week of soft - I said ya I know but that I would most likely do a day or 2 ;0)

Last time I was in his office 5/08 I was 157 - Today fully dressed w/boots on - I weighed 151 - so that's right cuz his scales are about 6 lbs heavier than mine (morning weight 144.5) plus I weigh naked ;0) at home..

So he numbs me up hits my port the 1st time and takes out what was in there 5.2 - I swear we determined last time I had 5 - but he said it's not always exact - anyway had me drink the Water - said I was fine - asked him how much he put it he said 1/2 cc so that's .5 - I am ok so far - cooking that soup I got when Phyl and I were in Cabazon (cream of asparagus) and have a pot of Beans cooking too - to make my cream of bean soup -

I told him last time I was too tight and it took a week to get in - he said if I have any problems to call him on his cell and he would get me in for and unfill - I love Doc Bobby..

Bought some vitimans when I was there - Protein Snacks (like cheese puffs) and 2 boxes of pt bars - figured I eat the granola bars anyway - these are 160 but have 15 grm of pt so if I do have good restriction they are great for breakfast at my desk w/some yogurt..

Took along time to get home too

We have a zumbia class and my weight gym but it's too crowded and I haven't tried the one at 24 hr fitness - they are like at 6 and I get off at 4 and if it's an exercise night I have to do it right after work or I won't go..

Apples I have bags too - I will have to try that stuff

Great - I love dr Denise too - but agree it's $$$ right now I am using this stuff I get from Platniumskin somthing that I found online - you can get skin peel stuff and Philosophy - I love their new miracle cream

Yea you are coming to FL !!!

Ok so Laura is picking us up from the airport (me eva julie great)

Ok gang - I know I didn't reply to everyone - but I am hungry my soup is done - lets see how this fill goes - I know the last one it took til the next day to get tight - I never want to be too tight again - it's the pits..

CBL

Hi. Indigo....glad you got your fill in spite of the rain and taking so long.

Regarding the soups...can you eat any soup??? I just found this amazing soup place where I work....and I had the soup there this week for the first time and it was so delcious....I thought wow...if im only going to be eating broths and Soups for the first day or so....this would be soo amazing...I would be soo happy be with lol.

The best so far has been the butternut squash soup.

so my question is again...can it be any soup like you metioned above?? or just clear broths to start??

Well glad you are doing good...and all went well today...

Jodi

Beauty tip for the day...

Since losing weight, I have these "fat pockets" under my eyes and I detest them. It's like they were stretched out from the fat for so long that they will never go away. Kind of like the bat wing thing. They aren't like drooping but enough that it makes me look tired or like I have been crying.

I'm not one to fuss with myself (not a girly-girl) and if I cannot do my hair and makeup in 2.5 minutes, I'm teed. I saw an add in a magazine for this Olay eye roller thingy. Thought it would be worth a try. IT WORKS! It's just a tube called Olay Regenerist in the makeup aisle. You click it once and roll on the cream (very little amount) and roll for 30 seconds on each baggy. Did I say IT WORKS???? I'm all excited and though I would share my find.

Spendy...$18.99, but, IT WORKS!!!!!!!

I think my sister bought this last month as well and she is ranting about it!! My mother told me she looks great and it really does work!

#1. Surgery date? Feb. 23

#2. State you live in? Texas

#3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Felix Spegil

#4. Insurance or self pay? Insurance Out of Pocket: 1,300

#5. Age and height 25 5'2

#6. Current weight and goal weight? 255 goal 150

#7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? HEALTH

#7. Do you have the support of family and friends? NO :biggrin:

Welcome Ms. Cherita!! We will be your support until your family and friends support you and if they dont...then we will be here for as long as you need it!!! I think after a month I can say.,...I truly beleive everyone here would say the same!!!

Welcome aboard!

Jodi

Hi all. I am reposting my initial post....as I couldnt find it before....but just came upon it when someone responded to it!! lol

so here it is.....would love to get to know you all and hear your stories...and share your experiences and be a support system...along this journey.....

so here it is!!!

Ive recently had to change my surgery date from Feb 8th to March 15th due to my sleep study results which demonstrated severe sleep apnea and will need at least six weeks of treatment before the pulmonologist will give surgical clearance.

So I hope you all will allow me to join your thread.....I am now olmost finished running from doctor to doctor recieving consults and having exams....this was so exhausting but apparently necessary!!!! I have just one more consult to schedule...Psych! Saved that one for last. lol Figured if im still sane after all the above.. then I must be ready for surgery!

I decided to band for several reasons. They are really all connected as you will understand as you see......before I married I was a size 12 and 145 pds. I lived in NYC, had no car so exercize by walking was natural. After marriage at 32..I began to gain some weight....then became pregnant.

High blood pressure put me on bed rest for 6 months. The weight continued to 190. My husband wasnt really helpful in the healthy food dept so while on bed rest..fast food was really what we lived on. After the baby was born....ten yrs ago....the weight stayed.

The typical stressers of life after having a baby while working full time set in and the weight still didnt come off.

At the same time my husband at the time decided he didnt want to work anymore and wanted to just sit home and do nothing. well, not nothing but which ammounted to nothing but schemes and pyramids....We divorced after 7 yrs.

Three months after we divorced he had a massive heart attack and died after not following doctors orders about taking medications daily which he refused to take/do. (like work) leaving me and my daughter without any support or insurance.

(just a note to all parents..get life insurance...and never put a minor childs name to be a beneficiary to anything ever)!

Since then....the stressors have increased with being a single parent with no support. So another 20 pounds have added since..the divorce and his passing.

I want my life back!! Ive decided in the last year....it was time to begin to get it back and be in control again.

I want my premarriage/ pregnancy/ high blood pressure/cholesterol/ asthma/sleep apnea status!! Now is the time to do it.....

Ive had all first consult....visits with all the doctors and have recieved all the consults needed except for the psych. I am now waiting for all the written reports to come in and the second consult is next week and surgery set for...February 8th.

Im ready to get my life back in control....so this is the first step in getting a healthier me. Im so glad to see so many others here to share their experiences before and after. I hope I can contribute possitively and help others through my experiences. I also hope that I will be able to get help with questions and concerns that I know I will have before, during and after!!!

To all.....good luck, thank you in advance and and looking forward to sharing!!

Jodi

Date of Surgery: March 17 or March 18

Where Surgery will be: NC

Doctor/Center: Dr. Scott Bovard of Bovard Bariatric Center

Seminar date: Didn't go to one

1st consult date: Dec 30th, 2009

2nd consult: Haven't had a second one yet.

Consults and tests completed: Upper GI, lab work, EKG

Tests still needed: Nutritionist and Psych test

How is surgery funded? Insurance

Concerns? Work, if they will be understanding as to why I will be out for 6 weeks (I'm a CNA and have a very active job) and I can retrain my brain to stop thinking I need to eat all of the time... and to realize that I'm full and that I need to stop.

Reason for banding? I'm 22 and 327 pounds... I think that says it all.

Welcome....Glad you joined. Sounds like you are on your way! Whats a CNA? Listen.....they will understand or they will not.. if they dont..well....Ive got two words lol

Its not about them is it?? Sometimes its hard to deal with all this and carry on a work life, family life etc while we are engaing on our new life...and their will be people who will on board and those who will never be...so just take it one day at a time.

Ive heard that people have gone back to work after a week. Can I ask why you think you will be out for six weeks if its not too personal to ask that is. I am a teacher and work with Early Intervention..running from house to house all day....lifting and climbing stairs? Should I be taking off more then one week? I did let them all know...that I might take the 2nd week off...but im hoping not. well we will be banded the same week..if all goes well from now on.....

Good luck to us.

Jodi

I am hoping to be a March 2010 Bandster! I had my consult last night and with insurance approval (I have BCBS Mass, so they don't think I'll have any issues) I might see a surgery date as early as March! I can't wait!!!

I did check out the pre-op diet "food" last night and . I bought a few samples so that I can figure out if I'm going for all shakes or what. I'll have to do a 2 week pre-op diet to shrink the liver.

Now, it's just the waiting game! (What insurance says, etc.) Hopefully I'll have a date in the next few weeks but was hoping I could "join" your group now. (I know - wishful thinking, right?!) But, I have a feeling that it will move quickly.

So glad you joined.....not knowing for sure...afterall until we are banded its all up to what I call "Beseret: a hebrew word. the meaning whenn and what is meant be!! No matter when...well be here for you!!

Jodi

This is so true - I can't say I LOVE exercising but I KNOW that I have to do it in order to maintain a healthy weight - It seems like it takes some of us longer to get this whole lifetime lifestyle change thing down - it's all about moderation but that something we just didn't get before and we need the help of the band to keep us in control - but the real work of choosing healthy foods and exercise is up to us - I know it took me till I got banded major surgery for the light bulb to finally turn on in my brain !!!!

I am so glad you DD went with you - she's almost 16 right - it's so important for her to learn these healthy habits

I am preaching to my DGDers all the time (15 & 5) healthy

eating - MY DGS is skinny as a rail and can careless about food

How did the sleep study go..

thanks for asking....

funny thing....my dog is seems to be um overweight apparently too (she needs band) shes old and a rescue soo I kind of spoil good food not enough exercize but thats going to change too!!.....not so funny..my daughter is 10 shel be 11 going on 16 soon anyways..so your close!! lol She right now is at a healthy weight and goes to this kids gym we have close by called "Fitwize for kids" it is a simular to a curves with kids size equipment and its a 45 min cycle. She loves it...so she goes here twice a week and to karate twice a week....

all the above costing a small fortune however, I know if she didnt have these mediums shed be sitting in front of TV after school till I got home to releave the babysitter.

Sleep study went so well that im awake tonight still and its 1AM! Im not tired but sure will be tomorrow~i best try and go to sleep!! I used the CPAP it wasnt bad at all....they have a new one thats a soft CPAP and that is what im getting its comfortable and made of cloth supposed to be more comfortable then any other...but we shall see!!

Have a good night..

Jodi

My gas pain was excruciating and frustrating, but I survived it. I walked like a fool. Around the apartment, around the complex, in the middle of the night, whenever.

But it is SO different for everyone, as others have pointed out. You might have a lot of pain, but you might not have any.

Is it like any other operation?? I remember hearing this after I had surgery when I had a cyst in my ear drum...when I had by daughter and when I had something else that I dont remember,,,,,hmm

Don't listen to everybody else, everyone is different. I had people telling me it was worse than childbirth. Not having experienced it yet, if that's "worse than childbirth" I'm popping out as many babies as I can lol..

But seriously the gas pain is usually bad for those who don't do as they're told walk, walk and walk some more. Lil' shoulder pain is normal as this seems to be where the gas settles. The burping to me is the worst part of the whole process.

You should feel like you had a serious ab workout, and then just the bloated, burpy gas feelings. Severe pain, or even moderate pain wouldn't come to mind.

You know how dr's always ask you "On a scale of 1 to 10 how bad is your pain???" I would say 1 to 1.5, at the very absolute worse between pain meds on day 1 and just waking up, I would say a 3.

But again, everyone is different. I know my recovery seemed to be very rapid and painless compared to those who had surgery the same day as me. By day 3 I was off pain meds completely and back to normal for the most part. Day 4 I worked, I got tired easier and walking too far for too long was a lil' too much (thank goodness for those electric shopping carts) but other than that that's about the worst of it.

Some tips:

Surgery day-Day 1: Stay as upright as possible and get up and walk every hour. Even if it's just up and down your hallway. Ideally 200 steps per hour, but as many as you can do. I would suggest sleeping in a recliner and again staying as upright as possible to allow the gas to disburse. Gas-x strips are your friend, however be careful not to take to much as they, much like cold medicine, suppress and not cure what's wrong with you.

Fill your lortab prescription before surgery and have it ready to go. I didnt' get nauseated or use any of the nausea medication. I just used the 3 day patch they put behind my ear in surgery. I had no nausea at all. Foodwise you probably won't feel like much. But be sure to get some ice chips, sip Water or have a sf popsicle or two. This will help with the internal swelling as well as keep you hydrated.

Day 2: Pain meds, gas-x, stay up right and walk. You should get some broth, Jello or something in you today. Remember to take in Water as well... Chances are you won't need the lortab by the end of today, so be sure to have some liquid tylenol on hand.

Day 3: You're probably going to wake up hungry, again follow your dr's diet, get your Clear Liquids in you and if you can stomach it an Isopure drink or something like that to get your Protein up. (I personally moved to mushies on day 3, but follow YOUR doctor's advice for YOU.) Repeat yesterday's diet of broth, Jello, etc.. whatever your dr has instructed. You'll more than likely be able to get around easier, still be a bit burpy but use the gas-x as needed. Again stay as upright as possible and walk walk walk...

I spent my first 3 days/nights in a recliner, not a bed. I did not lay down until the night of day 4. The pain medicine after the first day or so is mostly for the shoulder discomfort you'll have from the gas settling... as gross as it is, let it out.. too many gas-x strips as I said will suppress it and it needs to get out.

The first 3 days is the worst of it...of course you'll read some horror stories on here but don't let that scare you. As I said everyone is different. Even thought we're all taking the same trip, our journeys are quiet different.

This is THE BEST thing I have EVER done for myself. I'm 1 month post-op (had surgery 12/18/09) I've lost 22.8lbs and 7 inches in my waist since surgery and I couldn't be happier....If you include my pre-op weight loss I'm down just over 50lbs in 7 weeks and am 90lbs away from my dr's goal for me. I can't wait for you and everyone else to experience this and know how good it feels. Please don't let some anxiety or someone else's negative experience Detour you from doing something so great for yourself.

Just remember for every bad story you hear/read, there's 100+ great ones...

Thank you so much!!! These tips....the best so far....I know the exp is diff for everyone..however constructive tips.....like these...very concrete to use as guidance has set my mind as ease!!!

I always find it interesting to see what subject you will tackle on a daily basis.

What I really enjoy about this thread is that there isn't too much of the "oh poor me" syndrome here...yes we all rant, yes we B&M about stuff but no one really carries on about how horrible their life is. I don't mind B&Ming because I certainly do it enough, but not without realizing if I have something I'm unhappy about, I'm the only one with the power to change it.

I'm a firm believer in making your own life...no one can make it for you. You choose to be sad or happy and you choose how to react to different situations, I'm not sure it's always consciously, but it is a choice. When I'm doing the pity party thing too much, I have to remember this...practice what you preach.

So on that note, I'm going to B&M...sort of. I've been struggling with food since November. No weight loss, a little gain, not too worried yet, but this is not where I want to be. I always wonder why I cannot stick to a plan. Over the last few days, you guys have let a few pearls of wisdom slip out about food issues, dieting, exercise, etc and I'm trying to incorporate these ideas back into my daily routine. Journaling is one of the things that really bring home where I'm slipping up. I don't want to face the reality of what I'm putting into my mouth. I seem to have a horrible sugar addiction. Once I start eating sweets, I cannot stop. Once I start eating fats, I don't stop. I eat until I'm more than full. I still haven't learned to listen to my band or my common sense. I tell my self tomorrow I'll walk the walk but then tomorrow comes and I'm eating a bite of this and little more of that and I know exactly where that leads me.

I truly am eating less than I used to. I do not eat the massive amounts I used to, but I am not making wise food choices and I know it needs to stop. I'm writing this just so you know where I'm at. I'm going to Tijuana for a fill on Saturday and I'm really hoping this tweak will get me to that place where I can't get another bite down. I know I still will need to work on the head issues, but if I can't eat as fast or as much as I can now, maybe I will get that reprieve from my addiction long enough to get some more weight off.

One more thing is bugging me, then I'll get out of my pity tub...I've started exercising again...not agressively, but 30 minutes or so a day. My back is bothering me and so is my hip. This pi$$$es me off to no end. I want to be able to move easier, get on and off the floor easier, walk longer and maybe even run, but once I start exercising, the stupid back, leg, foot thing starts again and the stress bugs me. It's a vicious circle, if I don't exercise, I'm not going to lose weight, if I do too much I aggravate the disk and arthritis, and I need to lose weight to help the disk and arthritis.....duh............I'm still going to get on that machine in the morning because it feels good to have those sore muscles, but geeze getting through the other aches and pains is a PAIN!!

Sorry I had to let go, but I think it will help me get back on track if I put all this crap out there. Thanks for listening (reading). Nothing like airing your dirty eating issues in public is there?

OMG you have made my day...im not to assure you laughing at you but with you and do truly hope you are feeling better now about things...but what I really wanted to say was...I just finished reading an article about exactly what you were talking about!! Which is why I was laughing as I finished it I saw what you wrote and said..BINGO here it is in the print!

I cant scan this article..as um im technologically challenged however im sure you can find it....I think it would be really Helpful!!!

This is coming from the "Health and Nutrition Letter" from

Tufts unviersity. February 2009.

The Articles research comes from the book "The Instinct Diet."

This is research out of Tufts, "that reveals how to get your food instincts to work for you not against you, in the battle against excess weight".

This article discusses why we crave the foods that we love and the need to continue eating them....as you have described above!!!

Hope this gives you something to laugh about...or at least makes you feel even better!

Hi all....last night met with the nutrtitionist and had my second sleep study with the CPAP. It went okay...however really tired now...not sure why they call it a sleep study....when there isnt much sleeping with all those adjustments!! lol

Good luck....Northern Mist...tomorrow is the 20th!! Hope all goes well!

Originally Posted by Manda87

For some reason, my dr schedules all pre-op tests in one day. We couldn't do the psych eval because they are closed for the holiday. But I could do Upper GI, EKG, Chest x-ray, and labs and the consult with the nutrionist. I was supposed to go to one hospital in Raleigh, but when I got there the lady at the desk said I was scheduled to go to the main hospital which is on the other side of town.

I couldn't see my nutriontist because she was the one that I should have gone to at the hospital that I was supposed to go to, plus I was more than 15 minutes late. UGH. I was and still am frustrated. When I called my dr. I was about to cry. So, they have to reschedule that appointment.

I thought this was supposed to be happy? I'm just frustrated and stressed out. This is the hardest thing that I've ever done. I'm alone in this process. My family isn't supportive and when I talk to them they get negative. I mean, really? They see how big I am, but apparently they don't care? I remember a couple of years ago they cared. I know there are support groups and the such, but it will not replace what I should have.

Sorry to rant...

I so feel for you!!! I have been running around with consults as well....tests and more tests. Unfortunately the consults and med tests are recquired....and I find this the most frustrating of all procedures..but we must be in good health with no complications in order for us to be able to have this surgery...

My orriginal date of surgery was for the 8th of Feb however, when doing the sleep study...one of the recquirements in NY they found I have severe sleep apnea..SO, I need a CPAP fitted which means another sleep study..before and after treatment starts with 6 weeks in between. My sleep doc..(pumonologist) will not give clearance till after this is all done....this will put me at March..15th the new date. He also did a full lung work up and my lungs are not working as well as they should...so he changed my asthma meds.

After the endoscopy the upper GI Doc.,...found I have a germ testing positive that Ill need to take an antibiotic for two weeks straight. This would not have interefered with date of surgery however left untreated causes ulcers.

I needed to go and find my own nutritionist and psychologist...because the centers...didnt take oxford my insurance...and they wanted $250 each...as opposed to a $30 buck copay each..I called the insurance and called anyone on their provider list and asked if they had exp, with LAP-BAND® if yes...how soon can I see them? I got one of each which was all I neede..turned out I really like the nurtritionist so Ill be seeing her on a reg basis.

Im still waiting for the lan results from the endocronologist....and i wouldnt be suprised if they find I have some weird diagnosis...lol but im hoping not! I get them back today.

I was told this is the harderst time period of the whole prodedure...I feel like im running from work to doc to doc to work to home to doc to home to work lol however, it all needs to be done,,,,so im just doing it...

This is what helped me.....perhaps it can help you

I have a pocket calendar, in addition to my blackberry. I write everything down each doctor, date of consult,phone number, address in full....I know ill be calling each to hound them for tests results, scripts and the clearance letter. I do this for every apt..regardless if ive been before ..this way I have the info in several places if needed. (and youl need it multiple of times)

I made an excell spread sheet...(had help here) with all the consults needed and then spaces that I can check off each with the headings....consult date, test done, results, consult letter, in to LAP-BAND® center. at the end of each I put a big check showing everything was done.

In addition to above...I tried to find all the doctors in the same building or area..so if I need to run from some office to another for any reason....I can...and have. In LI, NY this is possible most practices assoc with one Hospital are usually in one location.

This has been a harrowing experience and I can understand your frustration! This all is hard enough with support...I cant imagine it without!!! SOOOOO let us be your suport family. come talk to us...yell with us cry to us, laugh with us..believe me their will be plenty of all the above....so far...Ive been here two weeks...and I thank my lucky stars I fell upon this site....

Dont give up,.just keep going it will be over before you know it and surgery will be just around the corner!!!

Good luck!!!

Jodi

Hi

Wow...its been a heck of a week so far.

Last night...I took my daughter with me to the nutrtionist we started working with. I firgured its important to bring my daughter and start her seing the nutritionist as well.....

I found some interesting new things about my daughter that I thought she had outgrown however, what I discovered that her charachter traits are still the same as when she was a baby however they have just manifested into different areas...one being eating certain foods and how she eats....she eats pretty healthy and has some good habbits...however across the board she is has a somewhat obsessive personality....and she responded to questions about what type her foods she eats and her activities she engages in....it was clear that she when she eats....she eats foods that she likes and only those items until she is sooo totally sick of em and the same goes for engagement in activities, excersize, homework etc....the nutritionist...realized this as well...and we both nodded in agreement....hence this is why I relay this experience....a prelude to the following ideas.....

The focus of what we talked about for the remainder of the hour was about moderation.....

Important of moderation for all our behavior....esp in regards to foods, activities, and exercise..the importance of sheduling in exercise and physical activity into our schedule every day other wise...we might not engage in that as that may not be our favorite activity..to engage in like we do for all activities... homework, cleaning room, reading for enjoyment etc....otherwize we might just end up only doing those things we love.....like reading, knititng, drawing and eating whats tastes good is not a good idea because we must excersize as part of our daily routine whether we like it or not.

Maintaining a balance in our day to include whats important for health and fitness. Eating different foods and sweets and fats in moderation.

I thought I would share this information with all...

Hey!

I'm hoping to get my surgery done in March' date=' also but I won't know if I have to do the 6 month diet until my surgeon submits my paperwork and HIP comes back with an answer. I'm hoping to be done with everything by the end of next month, as far as all the tests go.

What insurance do you have?[/quote']

Amy, I have Oxford. I just started a new full time job so the oxford is new as well....so far they have not denied any of the consults, tests or studys. I was told by the center that they deal with the insurance and I wouldnt need to worry about it....wew that was a relief I certainly didnt want to deal with that as well as all other stuff! How about you??

Hi Amy, Hi Nicole.....Glad to see you guys posted!!

Yes, a social group seems great....I started a social group it has the same name as this thread.....that I started before I figured out how to post new threads...so join it...soon we will have a whole bunch of March Bandsters to support and recieve support in return.

im going to copy some posts that I posted about my experience with the pre-op testing...which im still going through even if I thought I was done! lol

I live in NY. Long Island. Im a special educator. Im 44 and have an 11 yr old daughter. We just went to the second visit with the nutritionist last night...that was fun lol

Learned some very interesting behaviors that my daughter has...involving beahviors, some really good habbits and umm some bad she learned from me. After the nutritionist I went for my second sleep study with the CPAP....which is the reason why I was bumped 6 weeks... for the surgery...

well, nice to meet you both....any information that you think is helpful that you found, heard or learned....post them...so we can all benefit!!

Have a great night

Jodi

Hi all....

To start us off....Ill begin with a little about myself.

I had joined the thread Feb Bandsters...however...Ive been booted to March...as I am being treated for sleep apnea....so I needed to push back surgery date from Feb 8th to March 15th..hoping it stays there!!

Im hoping to connect with others that are on a similar time frame for surgery, for support, advice, education, encouragement and just to shoot the breeze...to share experiences from the first consult if needed to way after being banded...lets get together and share this journey the good, bad and the ugly of it all!!

so.....lets get to know you....by answering some questions that was asked of me before....im passing them on through this group....it was a great beginning. Ill start.

Date of Surgery: March 16th

Where Surgery will be: NY

Doctor/Center: New York Bariatric Group

Dr. Holover/Manhasset

Seminar date: January 2009

1st consult date: Dec 30th, 2009

2nd consult: Feb 3rd, 2010

Consults and tests completed: Cardiologist. Pulmonologist, Endocronologist, Sleep Study, Nutritionist, Endoscopy

Tests still needed: Psych test

How is surgery funded? Insurance

Concerns? How will I ever be able to re-educate my brain to eat differently

Reason for banding? See thread in "Introductions"for NYSparklegirl.

For some reason, my dr schedules all pre-op tests in one day. We couldn't do the psych eval because they are closed for the holiday. But I could do Upper GI, EKG, Chest x-ray, and labs and the consult with the nutrionist. I was supposed to go to one hospital in Raleigh, but when I got there the lady at the desk said I was scheduled to go to the main hospital which is on the other side of town.

I couldn't see my nutriontist because she was the one that I should have gone to at the hospital that I was supposed to go to, plus I was more than 15 minutes late. UGH. I was and still am frustrated. When I called my dr. I was about to cry. So, they have to reschedule that appointment.

I thought this was supposed to be happy? I'm just frustrated and stressed out. This is the hardest thing that I've ever done. I'm alone in this process. My family isn't supportive and when I talk to them they get negative. I mean, really? They see how big I am, but apparently they don't care? I remember a couple of years ago they cared. I know there are support groups and the such, but it will not replace what I should have.

Sorry to rant...

I so feel for you!!! I have been running around with consults as well....tests and more tests. Unfortunately the consults and med tests are recquired....and I find this the most frustrating of all procedures..but we must be in good health with no complications in order for us to be able to have this surgery...

My orriginal date of surgery was for the 8th of Feb however, when doing the sleep study...one of the recquirements in NY they found I have severe sleep apnea..SO, I need a CPAP fitted which means another sleep study..before and after treatment starts with 6 weeks in between. My sleep doc..(pumonologist) will not give clearance till after this is all done....this will put me at March..15th the new date. He also did a full lung work up and my lungs are not working as well as they should...so he changed my asthma meds.

After the endoscopy the upper GI Doc.,...found I have a germ testing positive that Ill need to take an antibiotic for two weeks straight. This would not have interefered with date of surgery however left untreated causes ulcers.

I needed to go and find my own nutritionist and psychologist...because the centers...didnt take oxford my insurance...and they wanted $250 each...as opposed to a $30 buck copay each..I called the insurance and called anyone on their provider list and asked if they had exp, with lap band if yes...how soon can I see them? I got one of each which was all I neede..turned out I really like the nurtritionist so Ill be seeing her on a reg basis.

Im still waiting for the lan results from the endocronologist....and i wouldnt be suprised if they find I have some weird diagnosis...lol but im hoping not! I get them back today.

I was told this is the harderst time period of the whole prodedure...I feel like im running from work to doc to doc to work to home to doc to home to work lol however, it all needs to be done,,,,so im just doing it...

This is what helped me.....perhaps it can help you

I have a pocket calendar, in addition to my blackberry. I write everything down each doctor, date of consult,phone number, address in full....I know ill be calling each to hound them for tests results, scripts and the clearance letter. I do this for every apt..regardless if ive been before ..this way I have the info in several places if needed. (and youl need it multiple of times)

I made an excell spread sheet...(had help here) with all the consults needed and then spaces that I can check off each with the headings....consult date, test done, results, consult letter, in to lap band center. at the end of each I put a big check showing everything was done.

In addition to above...I tried to find all the doctors in the same building or area..so if I need to run from some office to another for any reason....I can...and have. In LI, NY this is possible most practices assoc with one Hospital are usually in one location.

This has been a harrowing experience and I can understand your frustration! This all is hard enough with support...I cant imagine it without!!! SOOOOO let us be your suport family. come talk to us...yell with us cry to us, laugh with us..believe me their will be plenty of all the above....so far...Ive been here two weeks...and I thank my lucky stars I fell upon this site....

Dont give up,.just keep going it will be over before you know it and surgery will be just around the corner!!!

Good luck!!!

Jodi

Wow! So much has gone on since I was on here last. Some good, some bad.

Bad= One of my friends mom's went missing Tuesday night after she left church. I mean totally missing! It appears as though she was kidnapped. It's a huge scandal in our town since our city is extremely safe. So scary. They found her car in the church parking lot with her purse inside with $2,000 inside it. No keys and no cell. Since the church is about 50 yards away from Lake St. Clair, they are also searching the lake for her body. They have no idea what happened to her. I've been a little side tracked with that. Please pray for her and her family. Here is a link to the news story just in case you might be interested in knowing what she looks like, etc Search Continues For Missing Woman - Detroit Local News Story - WDIV Detroit

Please please please pray for her.

Good= My offer on the house has been accepted!!!!!!! We are just putting all of the paperwork together and I should close around Valentines day! So, maybe it's a good thing that I'm not going to be able to go to Florida. I might be closing that weekend! I guess everything does happen for a reason.

Also, I only have 4 more pounds to go until ONEDERLAND!!!!

It's so late. Good thing no school tomorrow.

Melissa~ Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Lori~ I hope that all of the wedding planning is coming along well. And, I totally understand about the cleaning thing! Good thing your husband helps! Andrew is only good at cleaning the bathroom!

Linda~ Sorry you are having a hard time sleeping. Hope that will get better for you soon.

Julie~ I hope you don't get sick! Keep pumping in the OJ and Vitamin C. Several times this year I felt like I was going to get sick and I drank so much OJ. Lots of extra calories, but no sickness!

Laura~ I also saw your FB pics of Miami. Looks like you had a great time!

Sorry, I cannot remember everything, but love to all the rest of you (Janet, Cheri, Apples)! And welcome to all of the newbies whom I haven't read much about, but looking forward to learning more about all of you and continuing on our weight loss journey together! Hope all is well. Way past my bedtime. More tomorrow.

Love all of you!

Meredith

Meredith...I am so sorry about this, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend!!!

Hi everyone, back from my 6 week post surgical visit -- my surgeon is just so amazed at my progress . He had me lift my leg -- with my knee bent and said, "I've never had a patient that could lift their knee up that high this soon after surgery" - well heck, I lift it up during my walking tapes a lot -- to me it's just simple -- I'm very happy that the surgery was so easy for me, I feel very blessed about it. Oh, also had a NSV at lunch -- we stopped at an Applebee's for lunch and my DH was bragging about my surgery to the waitress -- she said, "oh, you're so lucky your not overweight - I've heard it's much tougher when your heavy" If only she knew! Wow that really made my day. Glad DH didnt tell her -- it's nice when people think you've always been "normal sized". He cleared me to return to work Monday so stopped by work and took care of that -- they are thrilled I'll be back -- I'm glad I have a few more days to "adjust". Plan to start going to bed at 10 (normal work bedtime) and then get up at 5 -- regular wake up time when I work so I have time to do my exercises before work -- since I work until 6:00 p.m. it's too late after work -- I'm more like Apples and am a morning person -- my DH is the opposite - he'll start all kinds of projects at 4:00 in the afternoon - not me -- if I haven't started by then it just doesn't get done.

Jodi, thanks for sharing -- you sound like you're a lot of fun. Sorry for the sorrows you've had - and your DD -- hard on kids to lose a parent so young. You are doing the right thing, to get healthy for her. Many of us here made this step to "get healthy" for our grandkids -- I want to be around to see mine grow up -- and it kind of woke me up when my DGD was born how terribly unhealthy I was. Again, I feel so fortunate that I took care of my health BEFORE I had something happen. I have many jewish friends -- love all the traditiions - I grew up eating slovac foods - so very much like jewish foods -- of course all of that is the most delish food in the world -- and I do miss it sometimes, but I also love being healthy and having more energy.

Lori, glad DH helped out with the housework. My DH does a lot around here - I've mentioend before that he is on permanent disability - he was a pipefitter/boilermaker at an oil refinery (in LA) for 30 years and he wore out his hips -- after both his hips were replaced he couldn't return to that kind of work and really didn't have education/training for any other work so he gets a nice check every month to sit and watch TV -- so he does do most of the housework around here -- I still clean the kitchen, bathrooms, dust but he vacuums, cleans the floors and does the laundry -- and I HATE doing laundry - he loves it. He also likes to grocery shop (go figure) and loves to save money using coupons. So I let him have these pleasures in his life. LOL. Only thing is, I still go to grocery store occasionally -- I like to keep pantry stocked up and he is type that wouldn't buy something we were out of if it bit him as he walked by. I also have to go to store if I want to buy pears or any other type of fruit (strawberries) that you have to see the color to tell if it's ripe -- he is colorblind and the last pears he bought (almost 2 weeks ago) are still green as green can be -- I bought some late last week that I've already eaten and they were getting too ripe.

Meredith, so sorry about your friend's mother -- so sad and so scary -- I will keep thinking positive thoughts -- I hope she is okay, my heart goes out to her daughter- how horrible that would be -- I just hope they find her safe some where. What a beautiful church that was (in the video). Congrats on the house -- you'll have a great time -- your first house is always so special - you'll have a lot of fun decorating and making it your own.

Janet, how's the computers at work? Hpefully they got it up and running so you aren't sitting around bored all day -- sounds like they need to buy an entire new system. I'm sure that's not in their budget.

Doctor said sleeping problems are not unusual after surgery - said anesthesia does affect sleep some times for several months. He thinks when I get back to my regular "routine" I'll be fine -- so I will start my routine tonight.

DIdn't have time to exercise this a.m. so am going to try to do a little now -- DH is napping, so it's a good time. CBL. Julie, I just got over my cold (still in my nose a bit) and it was bad, bad - has lasted almost 2 weeks -- so do anything to avoid it. I was miserable.

Apples, you crack me up -- I can just visualize the truck packed with all your totes and the kitchen sink on top -- lol. Your DH probably would NOT be surprised if you did load it up.

Jessica, good going on the attitude - just keep working the program -- please stay away from cheese -- it really hinders weight loss - try the non-fat variety if you must have it -- it doesn't taste as good, but it gives you a little "taste" of it without ruining all the other hard work you are doing.

My weigh in day is tomorrow and I'm anxious to see how I do after the effort I put in to the exercise this week. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Deb, hang in there -- hope you and Cheri had a nice, restful day off. Cheri, I'd love your church -- I love to sing too.

CBL Have a great evening everyone! Linda

Thank you for sharing...Glad your doing so great!!! Nice to see....I have to say that you are truly one of the most enjoyable posts I have read and look forward to reading! Keep em coming....!!

Hi all...Hope you all had a great weekend. I am going tomorrow night for my sleep study with GPAP. That should be fun.

Today I had surprise....Im not being declared insane. He didnt even pressure nor ask me to come back to see him on a regular basis. I had my psych eval..why was I so nurvous? It happens....that the psychologists kids and my daughter went to the same private school and the conversation was very comfortable...after shooting the breeze about the school and principal and teachers the rest of the hour went really well.

I filled my script for the AH, PH or what ever germ they found ilast week in my stomach during the endoscopy. I need to take this for for two weeks...but it wont push my surgery back even further then the March 15th. lol

Im hoping the endoconologists tests...come back okay....cause I have to say....these tests are all coming back with results that arent too promising for that new March 15th date....if those tests come back stating that I have some wierd diagnoses....

Welcome to all those newbys that just just joined.....Looking forward to supporting you and sharing experiences.

Jodi

Hi all...Hope you all had a great weekend. I am going tomorrow night for my sleep study with GPAP. That should be fun.

Today I had surprise....Im not being declared insane. He didnt even pressure nor ask me to come back to see him on a regular basis. I had my psych eval..why was I so nurvous? It happens....that the psychologists kids and my daughter went to the same private school and the conversation was very comfortable...after shooting the breeze about the school and principal and teachers the rest of the hour went really well.

I filled my script for the AH, PH or what ever germ they found ilast week in my stomach during the endoscopy. I need to take this for for two weeks...but it wont push my surgery back even further then the March 15th. lol

Im hoping the endoconologists tests...come back okay....cause I have to say....these tests are all coming back with results that arent too promising for that new March 15th date....if those tests come back stating that I have some wierd diagnoses....

Welcome to all those newbys that just just joined.....Looking forward to supporting you and sharing experiences.

Jodi

Well sleep study done! 2 more appts. surgery date Feb 11th!!! YAY!!!! so close but so far away....

Great news!!! Keep on going.....its just around the corner!!