maryrose

Hi, I have two questions actually. This is such a great site...and thanks so much for your support! I was just wondering if there is an average time between your first consult (mine is 1/17) and the actual surgery date assuming no glitches with the insurance company? They do require 3 meeings (one informational), which I already did and 2 post-op support meetings. From what I have read seems like maybe 3 months or so? :bananapartyhat: I hope this is not too vague a question. I know every situation is different, but I guess I am just looking forward to this and am anxious. Also, I was thinking about looking into a diet support group on top of the band support groups. Overeaters Anonymous is one I am intereted in, but wondering how this works out for the bandsters? Thanks again.

Thanks so much for your replies...that was the general time period I had in mind...about 3 months seems like with no glitches. Thanks again.

Hi Amy, Nice to meet you. My first visit is Jan. 17 with the Weight Management Center here in Mass. I have always been "meaty" also...lol and just want to look good in my clothes and actually be able to shop for some cute things. I can't wait. I have about 130 lbs to lose, but would actually be happy to be back in a size 12/14....I would be thrilled actually. Yes, I do agree with this being a tool..and it's going to take work, but I figure the technology is out there and I'm going for it..so there!..... Best of luck to you. BTW..what a pretty picture...you are already georgous..you are going to look fantastic!

Hi Ajnonn, I can relate to your feeling that way. I don't see it that way anymore, maybe because I have been researching it for so long. And this board is just wonderful. My daughter is also and RN and works with 4 women (3 nurses and 1 tech.) that had either gastric bypass or banding and she is fully supportive of me. I don't look at this as a failure, it look at it as accepting the help that I need. I figure the technolgy is out there, my insurance should cover it and banding is safe...so I'm going for it. My doctor acted quite odd to the idea the other day, but I put in for a referral and we'll go from there. I booked my first consult in Jan. If she will not support me, then I will go elsewhere. Good luck.

Hi Bleb Good luck with your surgery. I just made my first appt. today with the Weight Management Group...I can't wait to get this thing started. I noticed you have NH in your signature...howdy neighbor, I live about 10 min. from the NH border in Mass. We also have to drop 5% of our weight before the surgery, I didn't know it was because of the liver, I just thought they wanted to jumpstart us with healthier eating habits and get us started on the weight loss.

Hi Bret, I am looking in the lap band and have been obsessed with this complication lately. I just started thinking, OK, you have this foreign apparatus banded around your internal organ, wouldn't it have some type of effect on this organ after a while, ie ulceration, stricture, etc. What are the symptoms of band erosion? How would you know you have it? I'l guessing pain?

Bexl...you go girl!....lol.. :grouphug: Best of luck on the 20th....What a great christmas gift to yourself!

Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. I have been more than researching the lap band. I went to an informational meeting last Tues. evening. I have been reading this site for a few weeks and find this an excellent site with great people. I am over 100 lbs. overweight. My doctor knows this is an ongoing problem, as I have been seeing her for years. I brought this up to her this morning and was totally shocked at her negative attitude regarding this surgery. I only mentioned that I went to the meeting and wanted to look into seeing the Surgeon and she bluntly told me she did not think I was a good candidate. Obviously, she has not been keeeping up to date as far as I'm concerned with the problems we face. She mentioned she has extremely morbidly obese patients that should refers almost as a last resort, but she did not think my health was being compromised enough....in so many words. I look pretty good, I carry my weight well, and exercise 1/2 hour a day, but the weight is there and my BMI is over 40...I just don't know what to do. I don't understand why she would think a 280 lb. woman is not a good candidate for lap band. She think I need to try harder to lose weight.....I am so discouraged I cried all the home in my car. :think Any advise? I am reasonably healthy, high cholesterol, HBP, nothing hugely drastic. Thanks for listening...you are all a great bunch.

:grouphug: I can't thank you all enough for your support! I was really ready to hang it up, but this site has helped so much. I am so fortunate to have found just a great group of people that would take the time to respond. My next step will be calling the Weight Management team and go from there. I am sure they have dealt with this issue and will guide me in the right direction. Thank you all again. You guys are the best

:grouphug: Oh my gosh...I have been going through the same thing. Hang in there, I plan to. I think a lot of the negativity is not knowing enough about it and actually being concerned for us. My doctor's negativity really threw me off guard, but it's my body, I need the help and I'm going to accept it and take it to the next nevel. So there!...lol. You go fot it. I plan to.

Thanks so much for your support. I decided to start keeping a journal and may send this first page to my doctor. If she cannot accept this, then I am out the door looking for a new doctor. Gastric banding. Why would anyone consider this surgery? This does seem like such a drastic measure to take. Well, I have been researching this approach for a few years now. Roux NY/gastric bypass is a permanent approach I would never consider; too risky and anatomy altering. Having worked in radiology and transcribing GI’s following this surgery for complications, I would not even think about this drastic surgery. Gastric banding is just a tool to losing weight, hopefully, permanently. First of all, the surgeons at Weight Management will not even look at you until you have gone to their seminar. This is a 2 hour long informational meeting. Also, you have to attend two of their post-op support group meetings. You get to actually meet patients that have had the surgery, see the results for yourself and ask any questions. This is quite an involved process requiring counseling before, during and after. You have one-on-one visits with weight management and counseling. You have to meet with a dietitian, lose 10% of the excess weight on your own before you can have the surgery, this gets you started on healthy eating and smaller portions that you will carry out for the rest of your life. You also get hit in the wallet for 400.00 (not refundable and not covered by insurance) to cover the extra costs of Pre/post-op support meetings, etc. The fact that the band is a safe procedure. Initially it is just inserted unfilled, until your body heals, then the band is adjusted to your personal specifications. This takes a few visits from what I had read til they find the right fit. I like that approach. If you are not losing enough weight, this can be adjusted to your needs. So, how does a person get into such a “mess” to begin with. Well, for me, overeating is an addiction plain and simple. If I said I don’t know why I am overweight, I would be lying to myself and others. People are addicted to cigarettes, drugs, etc. food for me is a crutch. For example, I challenge anyone to try to lose 10 lbs. Even an average weight person. Well, OK, lose the 10 lbs. That’s actually not too hard. We know, I have lost weight and gained it back so many times it’s not funny. Now, try to keep it of and try to X’s that by 5, 10, 15 or whatever the amount an obese/morbidly obese person needs to lose to get healthy and keep it off for life. I’m not talking losing weight to just to fit into those jeans. How about losing half that amount just to get healthier? It’s not easy, otherwise there would be a heck of a lot of thin people out there. A favorite line we hear a lot is “ Get some exercise, just push yourself away from the table”. Or the attitude that obese people are lazy slobs that just can’t control ourselves. What about exercise. OK. Being overweight is very painful. Try walking 1 hr. a day ( or even 15 min.) when you can hardly get out of bed because you feel tired and achy all the time. Sounds like a lot of excuses doesn’t it. Well, this is a big mess because I just can’t do it on my own. Whatever the reason, if I have to admit my weakness, then I guess I admit and own up to it. I have always considered myself a strong and independent person and that means I am owning up to my problem and doing something about it. So, at age 52, I have come to the point where I am going to accept some help for my “problem”. And that is where gastric banding comes in. It is just a tool. I will have to go to the meetings and lean what I can do and not do. If this things gets off the ground ( I hope) and the weight starts coming off with help from the band and a lot of work on my part, my goal is to get up and start moving, which will be a lot easier with that extra 40/50 lbs. off and more to come once I get myself into gear and start moving. Improved health is my goal. Being able to cut down on some of my meds is a bonus. This is the first time in a long time I have actually been really excited anticipating a good thing and I’m hopping on. I figure, the technology is there, gastric banding is safe, the insurance should pay, and hopefully I will be accepted into the program. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Oh My gosh, that is exactly what I told my daughter last night. If we were all at our correct weight and healthier, they would be out of business!!! Thanks mykdsdad.

You guys are awesome! :faint: kwen....yes, I totally agree. After speaking to my daughter, she is an RN and goes to her also, we came to the conclusion that she is just overly cautious and does not know enough about this and the actual banding. She did ask me "and what is this supposed to do for you"....I don't think she really knows how great this particular group really is and the excellent post-op support groups. She thinks I need to get to the "root" of my problem, exercise more, the usual you know what. Well, we all know how difficult it is losing just 1 lb. and keeping it off...she does not get it obviously. girlinny...I live close to Boston actually. We have a lot of great doctors. I'm just a little thrown off right now. Thanks for your good advise. You guys are great. BTW..I'm 52 and have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, had huge babies (which is a precurser to diabetes), so yes, losing weight is definitely something I need to do for health reasons.

Thanks kwhen and Julie....I agree. I just wanted to get some feedback and also to see if anyone else has had to deal with this type of frustration. You know, I don't think a male doctor would take this approach....correct me if you think that statement is out of line...My gyn doc (male) has suggested the lap band procedure to me with plenty of support. He knows the struggle I have been going through. She just totally floored me with her response...she said she had a male patient that was in such bad shape he was carrying his own urine bag and that is the type of person she feels needs the surgery. Honestly, I think I caught her by surprise and she really does not know very much about the band, but I'm sure she will be hearing more and more about it. Her suggestion -- nothing----see me in 3 months. With my HMO I need a referral from the PCP.

Thanks so much for your support...I was starting to think I was losing my mind. Woody, you know you made a good point about the doctor watching your health improve. This sounds crazy, but my doctor and I actually get along very well and she has in fact has offered me a job in her office in the past. I could not help but wonder if subconsciously she does not want me to get better......crazy....but seriously, if my BP improved and cholesterol, and the other problems my weight is contributing to my overall heath, I would need less and less appointments in the future. Just a thought that ran through my head. Flabulous..I just love your name....lol. Well, I am going to call the clinic anyway. I have all the information from the meeting and paperwork to fill out, and we'll go from there. If she will not refer me, problem is, I have to make sure the next doctor will. 280 lbs. and holding tough!!