demsvmejm

Oh my gosh, I'm just sitting here thinking about calling the Dr. office to see when/set up a surgery date! I was kinda dragging my feet with doing this because I wanted 1st off, to make sure I truly could quit smoking. 2nd My PCP ordered one more test because I have a bundle branch block in my lower heart. I just received word yesterday that my EKG stress test came back good. My surgeon won't operate until my PCP signs off that I have clearance for surgery. So that's what's going on. Me, waiting to make that phone call!

I agree. I purchased a copy off E-bay and read it cover to cover in two nights. (I love the (Dummy" books!) I have marked and highlighted all the things I think I'll need to reference more often. Good information, easy to understand, highly recommended.

My nickname from my DH is baby-dolly-wolly-girlie-whirly. I guess I dont' have one for him, sweetheart, babe, a**hole, whatever fits at the time!

Thanks! I can't use gall bladder removal, already had that done 9 yrs ago. My boss just had hernia repair surgery so I thought I couldn't use that one either. cyst it is!

I'm going to need to take 4-5 days off work for this. Didn't your office co-workers wonder where you were? Didn't they wonder why you moved around a little slower than normal after you came back? That's my problem, me taking off that much time in a row will send up red flags in my office, there 6 of us. I think I'm going to "lie" and tell them I needed to have an ovarian cyst removed. Does that sound beliveable?

Cannot sleep nude, just can't do it! I feel, well...naked! Too exposed, too vulnerable, and cold in the winter. I can do tank top and underpants in the summer, right now it's flannel jammie bottoms, fleece long sleeved top and my fuzzy socks. Warm and cozy is the way to go.

Thanks for all the congratulations. Today is 53 days smoke free. The habit thing was hard for about a week. I never smoked in my house (kids) and I rarely smoked with them in the van. I would smoke after dropping the kids off at school, work breaks, lunch, and outside. After I had my stroke two years ago, I didn't smoke infront of my DH. (really mad I couldn't quit!) So when he'd take a long bath, run to the store....bam! my heart would jump and my brain would think "cool, I can sneek another smoke before bed!" But now, smoking doesn't even cross my mind. I NEVER thought I'd say that. I smoked for 20 years and quit three times, this is my fourth and final time. I'm hoping the LB works for me and my eating like the Chantix did for my nicotine habit. I really have been pushing this RX to everyone I know that wants to quit. I can put up with the gas and crazy dreams. I realized I could not put up with the prospect of having another stroke within 3 yrs if I didn't quit. Marissa...keep it up, you can do it!~

gyfts Yes, Chantix is Rx. The warning label lists these side effects: vivid dreams, nausea, headaches, constapation. I did have "vivid dreams" in the beginning, I also had really annoying headaches the first 2 weeks, and the gas is ongoing. I take Wellbutrin XL for depression (same drug as Zyban) Perhaps these drugs in combination have helped my success.

MCO I just read your post, as if I was writing it myself. I would like the band to help me take off and KEEP off 65-70 lbs. I'm 4'11" and 197 lbs. BMI 39 My surgeon said during my consultation. "your not like the rollie-pollies I see in here daily" NEVER heard that before! and thought it was also kinda rude. The psych Dr. made a similar comment. And the nurse during my EKG last week said "your not that overweight" I have been second guessing myself also. Wondering why can't I keep the weight off by sheer motivation and will-power. I've been overweight since I was 8 yrs old. I do have high blood pressure and have been on medication for 5+ years. I also had a stroke 2 years ago at the age of 36. I have been on the fence about this LB for a month. The only thing postponing this surgery is if we can come with an extra $600.00 (BC/BS co-pay) and me calling to schedule the surgery date. I really wish you the best you deserve. We can do this!

Yes. Our cat "tantoe" is called baby kitty, she's very tiny. Our other cat has bad gas when she eats people food. Her name is Annabelle, but my DH calls her stinky-butt-poopie-head.

Off the subject, but it still concerns undergarments. Had my EKG stress test yesterday. Pants, running shoes, paper vest, lots of wires but no bra! Holy cow when they turned up that treadmill and was RUNNING my boobs were flopping like crazy. Surprised I don't have two black eyes this morning! Giving birth is one thing, bouncy boobs is just embarrassing!

When I had my gall bladder removed it really helped to sleep in the recliner the first few nights.

I have said this a few times on the forum...I love Chantix! I totally agree with conroe. You take it for 7 days, on day 8 you QUIT, yep, cold turkey! And keep taking it for 12 weeks. I actually quit 1 day b4 my quit date. I have been smoking for 20+ yrs and have "quit" many times before. This time I can truly say "It's for good!" In the beginning, I would think, I just got in the car, now I need to light up, but it's a habit thing, not a craving thing. I don't even have thoughts of smoking pop into my head any longer. I've been smoke free for 47 days. There are side effects. I have had bloating and gas, and just an overall feeling of not being hungry. Maybe that's just me, but without trying I have lost around 5lbs. since the beginning of Jan. Don't get me wrong, the side effects are worth it! Good Luck, you can do this!

Hi Margi! I'm from Northern Michigan, Traverse City area. Haven't been banded yet, EKG stress test this Thurs. I'm still having wishy-washy thoughts about the LB and if I should go through with it. Good Luck to you!

I've been going through the pre-op testing since December. I'm scheduled for a full blown treadmill EKG next thrusday and if all goes well, PCP will clear me for surgery with LB Dr. I'm still confused if I want to do this :help: When I was at the PCP yesterday the nurse said, "you don't look like you need WLS." The psych Dr.said the same, your not that overweight. I'm 4'11" (that's short!) and yesterday weighed 190 (at consultation in Dec, I was 201#) I wear a size 18 ..I've been overweight since I was 8. I'm convinced that the stop smoking drug I'm on is causing this weight loss without me even trying. Too bad I can only take it 5 more weeks! My DH hasn't said a word about it since we got into a fight. He thinks I can do WW and lose weight and get down the 50% just like the LB stats say most ppl will be at three years out. (according to the statistics) So that would be around 165-170 lbs. If I do do this, he will not support me at all. He doesn't feel this surgery is necessary with such poor research results. I see people here with BMI's way lower than my 39, and they did the surgery. I'm so confused, Do I? Don't I? If I could show him some research results that show a better success rate, I might sway him. Any new research I might have missed? Everyone on this forum is doing great, but most are not even a year+ after surgery. Just looking for a listening ear. :think

Suez I've been researching and doing the pre-op tests since November. I'm still on the fence about this procedure. My DH thinks since I got down to 178 on Weight Watchers, (from 200, I'm 4'11") I should just be able to do it again. Just thought I'd reassure your not the only one that has their doubts of success, and if a complication will happen. Good Luck

So far I've paid around $280 for pre-op testing I consider my insurnace very good. Dr's fee $3,500 Hospital charges $15,000 (ouch!) That includes everything, I'm required to stay overnight. They (BC/BS of Michigan) will pay 90% of everything after I pay a $100.00 deductable. (already met that for 2007) And the co-pay cap is $500.00 So I will only pay $600.00 total. I realize I'm very lucky to have this benefit. I never could do this if I had to self-pay. I also asked how Dr. charges for fills, she said they are billing them as an office copay right now. ($10!!)

Hello Sunnysea, I'm from the Traverse City area. We are about 100 miles south of the bridge along the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are not many people here from the Northern MI area, mostly down state. We frequently visit the U.P. in the summer. Camping is the best family fun! We love the Manistque area and also Munising. We also do our yearly trip to the "Big Spring" and see Kitch-iti-kippi. Last year we took the kids on a three day waterfall tour along Pictured Rocks. Last summer we swam in three of the great lakes! (Superior, Huron & Michigan) Any way, enough of my summer journies! Have you had the procedure, or are your just investigating right now? Good luck

I consider my BC/BS of Michigan plan to be excellent insurance. They do not, however, pay to see a nutritionist, they consider it "educational." It was mandatory for me to see a nutritionist as one of my pre-op appointments. She charged $120.00 and I was there 45 minutes. OUCH! She said I should see her again 4-6 months post-op.

Isn't the port sewn to your stomach muscle during surgery? The pictures I've seen of the port shows four holes to put stitches through. How does it get twisted? Do the stitches break? And the major question....who pays to have this fixed?

This is just my personal opinion: My GP prescribed me Chantix to stop smoking. I have stopped before with the Nicorette patch (twice) tried the gum. Dr. switched me from Cymbalta (anti-depressant) to Wellburtin XL...(the same exact medication as Zyban) Still couldn't stop. When I had my mind set, and started the Chantix, it was all different. I even quit 1 day before my quit date! I know what it is like to be addicted to nicotine. I had a stroke two yrs ago (age 36!) and still didn't quit smoking! I guess I'm saying, just check into it. Perhaps it's the combination of these two drugs that made it easier for me, I don't know. There are receptors for nicotine in the brain. When smoke is inhaled, nicotine attaches to these receptors. This sends a message to a different part of the brain to release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine gives a feeling of pleasure. But it only lasts for a short time. The body wants to repeat this feeling. Based on research, it is believed that CHANTIX™ (varenicline) works by activating these receptors and blocking nicotine from attaching to them. However, CHANTIX does not contain nicotine. (I copied and pasted this from their web-site) Their site has a very good on-line support system, they e-mail you every day with tips and ideas on how to kick this habit. Just my 2 cents! Good Luck!! I've been smoke free for 40 days .....side effects: gas, constapation, nausea (I have not gained any weight in 40 days, actually have lost 5 lbs.)

I'm still going through the pre-op testing (abnormal chest x-ray is holding me up right now, should get a call from DR. today...wish me luck!) DH has been questioning the real benefit of LB. I did my last Weight Watchers session about 2 yrs ago, lost around 20lbs. and was on the road to further WL. But as you all know, didn't/couldn't stick with it to maintain this loss. I was exercising 3x wk, counting my points etc. Here's his thinking: You were doing all this before and succeeding, you're going to have to follow the same eating and exercise guidelines after having the band, so why do you need the band? Just do what you did before and stick with it.. I respond, the LB will control how much I put in my mouth. DH: Well, if there's no guarantee that the weight you lose with LB will stay off, if you can make bad choices again and gain the weight back with LB, why can't you just stay on WW without having surgery and get the same results? I am having a hard time explaining to him why I really want this. He of course, keeps telling me LB is a tool, your still going to have to exercise and watch what you eat...blah, blah, blah! I know that! He says his mom had a nervous beakdown and gained 60 lbs, went to a nutritionist, kept with the recommended diet, ate nothing more then permitted on the menu and lost it all plus some and kept it off. Well good for her! How can I compete with that? She has more willpower? I'm a bad person because typical WL plans haven't worked with me because I can't stay committed? :Banane48: I guess he's making me 2nd guess this decision. What if I really can't do this even, with the band? I'm so confused Any advice?

Yes, He went to the initial seminar with me. They discussed both LB and RNY. In his opinion it was just a huge sales pitch. They charged $25.00 for the seminar, gave you a folder of insurance forms and health forms etc... and had 2 people share their success stories, they were both RNY patients. I guess I don;t understand the statistics they had in the brochure the Dr. gave us. Most of the ppl on this forum are very close to goal even with only having surgery less than 12 months ago. Are the stats saying everyone will gain back half of what they lost after 3-5 years? His whole point is why do all this and 5 years out still only be at around 170lbs. He thinks I can get down to that with WW. I told him sure, but I won't be able to keep it off. He has no understanding or concept of being overweight. I cannot in any way, shape or form get him to say "Hey babe, I know you can do this, I will be there and help you get through this. Together we can be strong and concour this terrible weight issue." Even if he does give-in... and that's just what it will be, giving in, He will be totally angry about it and ignore the whole thing and I will get no support. the first time I say anything remotley negative about the band, He'll say, you're the one that wanted it, so don't be *****in! He has bullied me out of this. He is the only support I have, and if he's not into it, I can't be either.

Well the good news! Dr. called yesterday, x-rays are fine, GP signed a clearance that I passed all the pre-op tests and am ready for surgery. They have an opening next Wednesday! yes, thats 1/31/2007 wants me to have my final consultation on Monday. Bad News! Then DH comes home. He of course went off on how this is too early, I don't have time to get things in order and the Dr. is just trying to fill a slot on his schedule ($$$$$) I kinda felt the same way, as far as getting things together I'd have to cancel teacher conferences w/ DD, try to find someone to get my kids to school, pick then up, get all my Protein shakes and broths etc...So, I thought I could set a date for 2 wks from now. Husband still isn't happy. Wants to know EXACTLEY what this is costing us. Still wants to know what the big difference is between LB and just going back to WW and exercising. Keeps telling me "this is no silver bullet, it is no guarantee that your weight loss will still be there in 5-10 years. Cause you can't eat right and exercise regularly now! What is so magic with this Band that will make that happen? I've quit smoking quite a few times and re-started. He said you can't even stick to that, what makes you think you can do the same with LB? I'm going to have to start eating right and exercising with the LB anyway, so why not do it without the surgery and all the risks?" He looked/read the statistics in the LB book I received and says after 3 years the stats say LB patients will have lost/kept off around 50% of the weight they need to lose. 50% for me is around 30-35 lbs. (BMI 40, 200 lbs now/goal weight would be 140) so why can't you just do that with WW all by yourself? I'm just in tears! He kinda has a point. From what I've seen on this forum, most people are losing and keeping it off way above the statistics of the LB Brochure stats, but then some are not. He wasn't happy when he left the house this a.m. Said he needed more information, more research. I'm probably going to give up on changing his mind. He is very stubborn and will argue and argue with everything I have to say positive about the band. Then he says, your not looking at the good with the bad, your not telling me all the bad things and dissappointments people have had. Right now, at this moment, the Lap-Band is not going to happen for me.

Sorry for your insurance complications! I called my insurance (BC/BS of Michigan) and gave them all the codes the Dr. office gave me regarding the procedure. They said they cover all of these codes. With a weight of 100 lbs overweight and Dr. note saying 1 yr of trying dieting. I called my surgeon and asked if she submitted my pre-approval info to the Ins. yet. She said since I called and they approve this procedure, that she didn't have to.??? I really would like to know upfront if there will be any surprises. She I insist they submit pre-approval papers?