finding me

I went to a support group last Saturday and it was so much fun and so encouraging. I learned a lot. I hope you have a great time. Let us know if you learn any tips.

I grew up in Olathe and now live just south of there. I root for K-State because my husbands family is a big K-State family. My brother-in-law teachs there and my sister-in-law use to work there but I am not sure what she did. I also wanted to go to school there but never made it to college. Some day though when the kids are a little older (they are 13, 5, and 3). Dr. Malley is doing my surgery and I really like his office and his staff is so nice. I went to a support group that his office hosts last week and loved it.

Of course you can join!!!! Welcome....the more we have the more we can learn and support one another! My date is March 25.

Hello fellow Kansan. How great that you lost over 6 pounds in 2 weeks. I am about to kick the pop habit next week. I have cut it down a bit in the last couple of months though. Who is doing your surgery? And sorry I just have to....GO K-STATE!!!! LOL

This is copied right from the paper work the doctor gaev me since I have not started it yet. "You can have 2 protein shakes per day. The product we recommend is Bariatric Advantage. Or you can get any protein shack, brand or flavor, just make sure that it is less than 200 calories and low sugar. Most will be spproximately 20 grams of protein. You can mix the protein powder with 8 oz of skim milk or water. You can also add fresh or frozen fruit (no sugar added) to your shake." Then I can have 1 meal per day that is low fat and low calorie. They suggested either SmartOnes or Lean Cuisine frozen dinners or lean grilled meat and steamed veggies. Then I can consume any amount of Sugar free drinks: Tea, coffee, flavored waters, crystal light Broth-as long as it is reduced sodium Sugar free popsicles and jello Then only 2 cups per day of the following Gatorade, juice, skim milk, sherbert, and diet soda

Well I am not banded yet but I have been on a cruise and know how the food is a major part of the cruise experience. I wish when I went on my cruise 7 years ago I had of had teh band to help me control myself. Since you are wortied about how the rest of the family are big eater maybe you and your sister could excuse yourselves from the group after you both have finished and take a walk around the decks of the boat. Trust me it is a long way around that boat and maybe by the time you are done with your walk then your family will be ready to move on to the next activity.

Welcome Holly!!!! Your date is one week and one day before mine, so I will be waiting to see how you are doing. I think we are all in the same boat excited and nervous all at the asme time.

Woo Hoo!! Exciting!!! You make me want to call my doctors office to see if they can bump my date up. Only 10 days, wow!

I know what you mean. I am already tired of waiting and I have only had my date since last Wednesday. Find things to make the time go fast. Work keeps me busy and my three kids so I am sure the time will fly but right now it seems way to far away.

Welcome!!! I am so jealous over your March 2 date. I feel like my date of March 25 is so far away. I understand the thoughts of backing out. I have been over thinking everything the last few days but still keep coming back to the fact that I have to do this. I need to be healthy and want to see my kids grow up. Plus they deserve a mommy that can run around and play with them instead of lying around all the time. I need to be a better example for them. It will be fine and we are all here to help one another. Once again welcome!

How exciting!!!! What is the "bootcamp"? What all do you do/learn?

Good for you! I know that is going to be one of my weaknesses is holiday candy. I don't keep sweets in the house for day to day eating I just get things for holiday treats. So I guess the Easter baskets will have less candy in them this year for the kids and more fun things like bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Not only is having the lapband going to change my life but I am hoping that it will change my childrens life to.

Ok well I just spoke with the insurance person at the doctors office and she told me what I already knew. That my insurance will cover no part of the lapband nor any other bariatric surgery....that's ok I was prepared for that and knew I would be a cash paying pt so it is what it is....still a little disappointed

msdv.....I wish I could give you a big hug. I think we can all relate to how you are feeling or at least I can. But you know what it is ok and you are ok. You know why.....because you realize that you need the help to lose the weight and you are doing something about it. We are in this battle together and we are going to win. And next time you are in that store you demand their attention! You hold your head up high and make sure they see you and if they pretend they don't make sure you make a stick to get them to wait on you!!! lol...and as far as being called m'am take it as a it is a generic greeting. I answer phones all day long and that is how we address everyone regarless of there age. be it 60, 23, 45, or 98.

Liftingchic....I am sorry your date got move but at least it was only a week. You will still get your band and all will be well. Chin up girl. :biggrin:

Welcome StevieVieth!!! How exciting to get a surgery date so fast. Good luck with your insurance. Hope you hear something soon.

Welcome EdmGirl. I am in the same boat. I will be paying $16,500.00 out of pocket to unless be some miracle the office gets the insurance to pay. But I feel the same way you do. I can't wait anymore. My cost covers everything for the first year including all my fills does yours?

Welcome wycoyle!!! Good luck adn I can't wait to get to know you. I had a message on my cell phone today that came across on friday but for some silly reason it just now showed up. Anyway it was my doctors office telling me to call them back that they wanted to talk to me about what my insurance quoted them???? I thought that I was self pay. I have called my insurance and have been told that it is a plan exclusion. I am so confused. Would the office have called it a "quote" if it was a denial? And if it was a denial why wouldn't the office just tell me that? Well here I sit keeping my fingers crossed, but trying really hard to not get my hopes up, that they will cover at least part of it. How is everyone else doing?

WOW...I am speechless. This is so well stated. Thank you for share this with all of us. And as I get closer to my surgery date and throughout my journey I will remember what you have stated here.

That is a good point. I will have to remember that. I have to pay for all of my surgery up front as well so it makes sense that they would have to refund me the money. Although I guess the office could also bill the insurance for that portrion of the surgery or charge you extra. Hmmmm.....well please keep us informed on what you find out.

After reading this I asked my doctors office if they have to fix a hernia and they bill that to the insurance how much would it change my cost....they said nothing I would still be responsible for the whole 16,500. That amount covers everything for the first year plus surgery.

I am getting banded on March 25 and only took off through the weekend. Returning to work on Monday. I asked the doctors office and they said that should be fine since I sit behind a computer all day. But I was wondering....How long did all of you take off after surgery? Do you think I am pushing it going back after only 3 days...4 if you count the day of surgery?

So I have been reading a lot of posts were people are talking about all these tests and meetings they have to do. I did not have to meet with a phycologist or a nutritionist. I also do not, that I know of, have to have an EKG or a sleeping test done. Are those things only required if you are covered by your insurance? I am I not having to do these things because I am self pay?

My first guess would be gas or maybe you are constipated....just guesses though. How are you feeling today?

Good evening everyone. I went to a support group this morning. The group was surprisingly large. I would say that there was about 35 to 40 people there. It was a group that the doctor that is doing my surgery has started. It is at the office and meets once a month for about 2 hours. I really learned a lot and got some great tips. One of the things that I learned was that my doctor wants you to eat your meals with in 30 minutes..no less and no more. If it takes you less your are eating to fast and not chewing your food well enough. If it takes you more then you are "grazing" and may be able to eat more than you need to. Also one of the ladies that was there, she lost over 100 lbs in a little over a year, said that she went out and bought toddler size plates, bowls and utensils. She said this helped her with portion control and the right size bites of food. Makes sense to me. She said she even carries them in her purse when she goes out to eat. I am starting to fell a little better after going today and can't wait until the next meeting. I even met someone that was just banded last month and she gave me her email and phone number and told me to call her whenever I had a question or just wanted to talk about it. Oh, they also have a clothes closet that is free. As you loss weight you can bring in your old clothes and get new ones so you don't have to run out and spend money everytime you loss a dress size. This was great news as I am self pay and it is costing me $16,500.00 :smile:. But I know that it will be worth every penny in the long run. Wow this got a little long.