mandilou

Yeah, _I_ made the decision to not tell anyone until I had moved way ahead and made it work for me (similar to others... not wanting it to be another failed attempt). However, imagine my surprise when I overhear my fiance talking to his mother about it!! :Dancing_wub::cursing::thumbup: Let's just say that things in our house got a little nasty. I was so pissed. I haven't even told my PARENTS about it, and I'm way closer to them than his parents. AAAUUGGHH. I'm still steamed about it, but I told him (in no uncertain terms) that his mother is the LAST person he will discuss this with, and that conversation would be the LAST one they had about it.

I worry about this exact thing as I move toward being banded. People like Jachut and others have been a huge inspiration to me... not because they've lost weight, but HOW they've done it, and how they do not make excuses for themselves, but hold themselves accountable. In a way, I'm glad that I will have to go through a 6-month monitored diet before I can seek insurance approval. I really want to use that period to make the lifestyle changes that will be necessary for me to take full advantage of the band.

The fatter I have gotten, the more I've realized how much it sucks to even make PLANS to go out to eat... I'm always worried I won't fit wherever we go. And I keep wanting to take the step-kids to an amusement park or a Water park, but then I stop when I realize that there's no way I'll fit on any rides. It's sad when your kids' lives are negatively affected because of your "disability".

I have had so many "a-ha" moments, and have wanted the band for about two years now. But one just happened today, which is why I mention it here. I started at a new company about three weeks ago. Today was our "new employee lunch" for our group. I'm in downtown Minneapolis, and we had to walk through the skyways to get to the restaurant. Probably a half mile at the most. By the time we got to the restaurant, I was lagging behind the group, sweaty, and mortified. My back hurt, and I was pretty much ready to cry. I just kept cursing myself because it's MY FAULT that I can't even keep up on a walk to lunch. And of course, the entire way there, I'm PRAYING that we're not squeezing into a booth, or worse yet, we don't have to sit in chairs with arms. I had to subtlety wipe my face with my Water napkin, and suck on ice to try to cool my body temp so I'd stop sweating. On the way back, I was more sore, sweat even more, and now I'm back at my desk... after applying powder on my face to combat the shiny, red face. My back hurts, I'm terribly embarassed, and I just basically make myself sick. I used to be this athletic person... maybe not THIN, but at least in shape. It just made me angry at myself, and more determined to kick my own ass at the gym tonight.

Congrats on turning it into a positive! I'll be starting my "6-months" May 1, so we can support one another. :thumbup: Just remember to DOCUMENT and make sure you visit your GP/nutritionist/dietician to ensure everything is in your medical records, so BCBS can't deny you! :Dancing_wub:

when you say your "walker", by the description it sounds like an elliptical or treadmill of some sort. if so, the pain in the back of your legs could be simply your muscles getting adjusted to that type of motion. Your hamstrings and calf muscles might not be used to that type/range of activity. Walking and elliptical machines will use slightly different muscles, and perhaps when you're walking you're not really pushing a quick pace? What kind of pain are you having? If it's a "sore" kind of pain, and it doesn't hurt WHILE you're doing it, but afterwards, it is probably muscular. I find that even when I'm sore, once I start moving and stretching those muscles out, the soreness goes away by the end of my workout. If it's a sharp or shooting pain, and it happens when you're on the machine, perhaps a join issue? Maybe see your GP and make sure you're okay.

Susan's right... every healthcare provider is different. And even within the same provider, sometimes things are changed/tweaked depending on the employer. I have BCBS-IL, and when I asked about fills, she said as long as your surgery is covered, any post-operative care (including fills) will be covered as well. She did say that whether I'd have to pay a co-pay would depend on how they billed the procedure. Office visit? Co-pay. Outpatient? Fully covered. Good luck!

ah yes, scissor sisters! I LOVE "filthy gorgeous". great for the gym.

luluc- Great suggestions! Some more of my favorites (many of which are on that list) include: Dresden Dolls - "Girl Anachronism" Kenna - "Say Goodbye to Love" and many others White Zombie - esp. "1969", "Thunderkiss 65" Mindless Self Indulgence Linkin Park Lily Allen - esp. "Not Big" and "Knock 'Em Out" Nine Inch Nails Various 80's hair band songs (i.e. Motley Crue, etc.) Sum41 - "Fat Lip" Mika - "Big Girls" Crystal Method I'll have to edit this when I get home from work and I'm actually looking at my music. Now I can't wait to workout tonight! :purplebananna:

I finished reading that with tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal journey. I'm so happy for you that the LapBand has proved to be such an amazing gift. Best health to you always!

Marisa is so right.. I have to do the supervised diet program too, and I'm going out of my way to make sure EVERY LITTLE THING is documented. Just make sure that you visit your doctor (preferrably your WLS surgeon or their office) at LEAST once a month. My insurance provider even suggested more than once a month. They want to see that you can follow up and stay committed, since you'll have to go in for follow ups after surgery. Remember, it's so worth it in the end... you'll get the tool you need to help you maintain your weight loss, and if you manage to lose some weight before the surgery, it's just that much closer to your goal! Stick to it, document, document, document... and make sure your surgeon's office is too! Nothing would suck more than being denied because they were missing information or forgot something important! Best wishes!!

these are some good ideas... I hope they keep coming! I'm always looking for new workout songs.

From what I understand, that's the norm.. putting them in empty. I think that's why once the mushies phase is over and you've had time to heal, a lot of bandsters end up super starving! Which is why I'm hoping this new band is slightly filled to help me out. :tt1:

I just saw this thread, and I'm joining the gym today, so I'm in! Hafta get me one of those tickers. :tt1: I'll commit to 20 hours. Mostly cardio, with a mix of weight training once I put together a plan.

from what I understand, they use the LapBand (as in, the Allergen {sp?} one).

Misty- It's so funny (well, not really) that you posted that, because I just had a lengthy talk with a rep at BCBS-IL re: the whole 6-month diet, etc. She said that the review board will look for MORE than one visit a month with your doctor/nutritionist/dietician, and will expect LOTS of detail. She did mention that they WILL expect at LEAST a five year history of obesity, and said they really really focus on "medical transcripts" - i.e., the actual photocopies of your charts. She said that some doctors write letters or whatever else, and that isn't good enough. I told the surgery center where I'm getting banded about this. She said she was glad I let her know that, because they might have to alter their 6-month plan for BCBS-IL patients. I guess another patient with the same insurance has been getting the run around quite a bit from them. :frown: Ultimately, she said BCBS-IL was the most difficult carrier they've dealt with yet. :tt1:

For me, music is a huge motivator. I can't get a good workout in without it! I'm joining a gym this weekend, and I'm looking to put together a good mix, and I'd love your ideas. Any genre, any song... what gets you moving?

thanks for responding! I was starting to think I was "death to all threads" around here! :cursing:

1) have you read her other posts? Most are nasty and full of attitude. 2) most of you are being WAAAAY too diplomatic 3) I'm willing to bet "she" is a troll... posting to cause trouble and not even banded. 4) in closing? STFU 5) PS - if you're "all for education", as stated in your original post... maybe you should use some and learn how to spell? PS - and I'm SERIOUSLY out of the loop, since I skipped ahead and replied to Ms. Nasty... and didn't read all your yummy talk of Sonic, fries, ice cream... dammit! I'm not banded yet... give a girl a break! :cursing:

I wouldn't fret about discussing this with her. It's YOUR therapy session, so she shouldn't take anything you discuss with her personally. And you'll need the support from her down the road... telling her might help you learn how to tell others and might help you deal with the feelings you have now regarding telling people and how they'll react. *shrug*

:smile: :blushing: WOO HOOO!!!! Congrats, you'll do great!

LV- thanks for the comments. I agree! I really have been happy with them so far. I asked a lot of questions at the info session (people were kinda staring at me because I knew so much - THANK YOU LBT!), and they were very patient. And I spent some time on the phone with them re: my insurance requirements, and it's amazing how hard they're willing to work to get you approved! Apparently BCBS-IL can be a stickler, and they are even willing to change their program up for me to make sure I fulfill my insurance requirements! So awesome. Do any of you workout at Lifetime? I'm joining at the Lakeville location today with my D(future)H, and it'd be cool if any of you in the area worked out there too!

Hi ladies and gents.. I called my insurance yesterday to get some info about their requirements, and they want me going to my doctor/nutritionist/dietician MORE than once a month to show "committment and ability to follow-up". So I want to make SURE that my docs are getting as much info to put in my chart as possible. Having said that, I'm looking for a reliable, web-based tracking method for my workouts/weight loss/nutrition info. I can't afford Body Bug, so any OTHER options would be much appreciated. I've seen them mentioned around these boards here and there, but I couldn't remember their names to search for them. Thanks!! :smile: -Mandi

ENELL are the BEST!! :smile: I am the same size as you (well, 46F) and I swear by them. They may not be flattering, but I don't really care what I look like in it, as long as I can work out in it! And let me tell you, I can RUN with no problems! Virtually impossible with any other bra. They are expensive, but SO worth the investment!!

haha Sounds like my fiance. I was having some symptoms, and withing a few minutes he "diagnosed" me with Celiac disease and tried to make me take lots of Fiber. Hopefully your doctor will calm your fears. :smile: There's a reason they go to school for years. :blushing: