kourtany93

Set the drink across the table or if possible, the room. With me, once I'm comfortable, I'm most likely not wanting to get up just to go and get it. Or think of it as you've got to earn it. Pretty elementary, I know. Goodluck

I believe that would be pushing it a little too much. If you lost the weight that fast, you would have way too much excess skin and plastic surgery doesn't come cheap. A lap-band is there to help you to achieve your goals - mostly in the next 5 years and in that to also maintain your weight. I would take it day by day and not worry too much about how many pounds you shed. They'll all come off in time with the directions given to you by your doctor. If you follow those and stick to excercising, you won't have to pay attention to the time going by. I also suggest www.realizeband.com because there you can keep trap of your food and your exercising. I also noticed that your from Louisville, I would likely go to Norton Hospital. So far, to me, they've had the best care. I haven't had surgery yet and now i'm currently weighing at 275 lbs. They're extremely fast in getting you through this process. I've got the ball moving last week and now my surgeon and I are trying to get all the tests done before the end of January. I only started this process of seeing my surgeon, nurse, dietician and therapist about a week or so ago. Goodluck on your journey!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up all the wonderful work. I wish I was there

I'm a teen having lapband done soon.

I got to meet my surgeon today. It wasn't a very long visit but I somehow enjoyed that this process was moving along. I have to go a few more tests and then I'll finally be able to get my surgery date. My doctor believes that this is the right surgey for me because I have more than two co-morbidities. He pretty much told me because I have that to not worry much about my insurance; he would take care of them. He also said that I was "young and really smart," for going ahead and having this surgery. He believes that it will lower my problems very soon and of course, I got the amazing lecture - one hat I've read over and over again these last five months. I'm still a little nervous about all of this but at least I'm moving along, rather than staying still like I was waiting around for the next primary physician appointment to come along. Can anyone share their experiences about their first surgeon visit? or really the enire process? I'm hoping this might ease some of my nervousness and worries.

I got to meet my surgeon today. It wasn't a very long visit but I somehow enjoyed that this process was moving along. I have to go a few more tests and then I'll finally be able to get my surgery date. My doctor believes that this is the right surgey for me because I have more than two co-morbidities. He pretty much told me because I have that to not worry much about my insurance; he would take care of them. He also said that I was "young and really smart," for going ahead and having this surgery. He believes that it will lower my problems very soon and of course, I got the amazing lecture - one hat I've read over and over again these last five months. I'm still a little nervous about all of this but at least I'm moving along, rather than staying still like I was waiting around for the next primary physician appointment to come along. Can anyone share their experiences about their first surgeon visit? or really the enire process? I'm hoping this might ease some of my nervousness and worries.

Well I finally got to meet my surgeon, Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, today. He was pretty awesome. I drove for a good 2 hours and only saw him for about 10 minutes but it was great. He's really pushing for me to have this surgery since I have diabetes and high blood pressure (today's was 146/96) and he's says that it'll hopefully fix my problems in the future. But every time I go somewhere, I just can't do it without embarrassing myself at least once. You walk into this room and they want to take a picture of you with this sign held high, just below your face, with your name and other info. I did well with that but when it came to her asking if I could turn sideways, well... That's the funny part. Instead of understating to turn myself sideways – I turned the sign upside down. Yea, there were about four different nurses in the room trying to get this one camera to work and just my luck, they all laugh. I was extremely embarrassed but it's just going to be one of my memories of this wonderful experience. Anyways, when I met the surgeon he was very straight forward. He made sure this surgery was right for me and of course gave me the "lecture" as he puts it but it was fine. I've read so much about this and dreamed of it for years, hearing it again, this close to when I'm supposed to get a surgery date. He told me that I shouldn't worry about my insurance since I have more than two co-morbidities. That was definitely a relief to hear! I go to my normal doctor on January 4th and from there my surgeon has this list of seven different tests that he wants done and then when they get all that done at my primary physician's office, I get to go back to my surgeon and have a Colposcopy (where they shine a light to check your stomach – to make sure you can handle this surgery). Not looking forward to that but it's alright. This has been moving so fast and I just can't believe it. I'm nervous about it but my surgeon has strength in me. He told me, "You're young and a really smart girl," I didn't really understand it but then again I guess where so many adults nowadays are having this surgery, it's good to start out young and have it before you get any more problems.

Well, I have to say, with all of my nerves bundled up and everything, it's about time. I'm finally able to meet my surgeon today, for the first time. It's a two hour drive to Louisville, KY from where I live. I'm not liking that but I think it's all going to be worth it. I'm just nervous about meeting him. My nurse told me over the phone that she wanted me to get through this process and testing as fast as she could. That was yesterday, for some reason I get the phone call the day before with an opening for the next day. Hey, I'm not really complaining, I've been waiting almost four years to finally getting this ball going. It's kind of like I'm on a roller coaster and so far I've only been going up hill and now I'm finally starting to make the big jump into the next scene. Nervous about today ad hopefully on nerves, I can get by.

So I've been reading other peoples topics and their blogs and I've come to a conclusion; most people don't really know how insurance places work, well some do. But anyways, does anyone really know how long it takes for the APPROVAL of this life changing event takes place? I know it's different for each insurance place and the person but just as a prediction. I'm extremely curious and really worried that mine won't approve me, even thought I have at least 4 or more co-morbidities. I have yet to even start the process of getting approved but I'm the type of person who likes to have everything, and I mean everything, planned out with tiny loopholes. So if anyone can make an educated guess or when they went through the process, how long did it take for you to be approved?

Most people know that most insurances require 6 months of supervised doctor visits by your primary physician. Anyone who had had to get these done, have you been approved for surgery and given a date - before or after the entire 6 month period?

When you can, let me know how it all went. It may decrease all my worry jitters

It will most definitely help you. I would take the time and go to www.lapband.com to see more details about the surgery before you make your final decision. And if you've already done that and still are having difficulties on deciding, ask yourself these questions: 1. am you willing to give up some foods that I eat? (mostly sweets, breads, pastas, etc.) 2. this isn't just a diet, this surgery is for life. are you willing to go the distance? 3. you will need lots of support. do you have the support that I know I'll need? (this website gives you plenty of support!) You are guarenteed to lose weight but how much is up to you and how determined you are to lose weight. This surgery isn't as invasive as the gastric bypass and you'll have less healing and hospital time too. I knew that this surgery was right for me when I couldn't stand to look at myself in the mirror anymore and regret everything I ate. I'm close to having my surgery and I know that I won't regret it. There are lots of people who wish they had this surgery done years prior to their ages now. This is a wonderful opportunity but make sure you are willing to be a huge participant towards reaching your goals.

how long did it take you to get your surgey date?

how long did you have to wait to get your approval?

Oh you need to quick beating yourself up over the small things! It's your life and you've only got one to live. You've already made the right decision to have this surgery. It's the holidays and eating foods you don't normally eat is exactly what you should be doing, mild preportions like you did. It takes a lot of strength to get through the holidays and I praise you for it. This is all about a change in your lifestyle. You don't have to give up everything. All you've got to do is take it slowly and watch everything that goes in your mouth. You did wonderful and think of this as the small tiny steps which will lead you to the big ones.

My dietician gave me this binder on my first visit last week; I hope this helps. I've been reading more of it, I just can't seem to put the thing down. As I continue to read through it, I'll be putting up helpful information if any needs it. All of this information is based on MY surgeon, so make sure you check with your surgeon as well. Grocery List: (After surgery) Sugar free popsicles (less or equal to 5 grams of sugar per serving) Sugar free Jell-O or gelatin (any flavor) 100% Fruit Juice with no pulp (limit 2 cups per day) Crystal Light (or equivalent) Flavored water (non-carbonated and sugar free), less than 10 calories per serving Fat free or 1% milk Chicken or vegetable broth Tomato or vegetable juices Diet V8 Splash Variety of canned soups such as chicken noodle, beef vegetable, tomato, cream of chicken, etc. (must be strained and blended so that the soup appears “liquidy”) Propel Fitness Water (or equivalent, NO Gatorade) Soy milk Decaff coffee or tea Artificial sweetener of choice (Splenda, Sweet-N-Low, Equal or equivalent) Protein: (After surgery) **Remember no more than 200 calories and at least 20 grams of protein per serving. No Boost or Ensure. Protein supplement can be premixed product or powder. Examples include Slim Fast Low Carb (not the Optima or High Protein), Glucerna, EAS, Zero Carb Isopure Water, Muscle Milk Light, Whey protein powder, Soy protein powders. Check Out for Help: www.unjury.com www.bariatricadvantage.com GNC pharmacy Vitamins: (After surgery) Multivitamin which provides 100% daily value 1200 mg calcium + Vitamin D Optional: B complex vitamin *Choose multivitamin which contains 100% of daily value for at least 2/3 nutrients * Begin with chewable or liquid vitamins and progress to whole capsules as tolerated (For best results, stay with the ADULT CHEWABLES, instead of gonging back to whole capsules because they are too big for the new stomach) * Avoid children’s formulas that are incomplete * Do not mix multivitamin containing iron with calcium supplement; take at least 2 hours apart

My dietician gave me this binder on my first visit last week; I hope this helps. Grocery List: (After surgery) sugar free popsicles (less or equal to 5 grams of sugar per serving) Sugar free Jell-O or Gelatin (any flavor) 100% fruit juice with no pulp (limit 2 cups per day) Crystal Light (or equivalent) Flavored Water (non-carbonated and sugar free), less than 10 calories per serving Fat free or 1% milk chicken or vegetable broth Tomato or vegetable juices Diet V8 Splash Variety of canned Soups such as chicken noodle, beef vegetable, tomato, cream of chicken, etc. (must be strained and blended so that the Soup appears “liquidy”) Propel Fitness Water (or equivalent, NO Gatorade) Soy milk Decaff coffee or tea Artificial sweetener of choice (Splenda, Sweet-N-Low, Equal or equivalent) Protein: (After surgery) **Remember no more than 200 calories and at least 20 grams of Protein per serving. No Boost or Ensure. Protein supplement can be premixed product or powder. Examples include Slim Fast Low Carb (not the Optima or High Protein), Glucerna, EAS, Zero Carb Isopure Water, Muscle Milk Light, whey Protein Powder, Soy protein powders. Check Out for Help: www.unjury.com www.bariatricadvantage.com GNC pharmacy Vitamins: (After surgery) Multivitamin which provides 100% daily value 1200 mg Calcium + Vitamin D Optional: B complex vitamin *Choose multivitamin which contains 100% of daily value for at least 2/3 nutrients * Begin with chewable or liquid Vitamins and progress to whole capsules as tolerated (For best results, stay with the ADULT CHEWABLES, instead of gonging back to whole capsules because they are too big for the new stomach) * Avoid children’s formulas that are incomplete * Do not mix multivitamin containing Iron with calcium supplement; take at least 2 hours apart

Today I would have to say was the best day of my life! I went to my appointment in Louisville, KY, today expecting that I would be seeing my Registered Nurse. Instead I saw everyone expect my surgeon, of course. I got to see my Psychiatrist, Dietician and my Registered Nurse. I thought that I would have to go back at different times to see them since I’ve read other people’s blogs and that’s what they’ve had to do. I was shocked when they sat me down and said I would be seeing all of them today. I love this place! They were all extremely nice and between each one of the specialists I had to see, the waiting time was less than ten minutes! Today they gave me some more informational packets that are truly beneficial. They told me about the before, during and after procedures that would have to take place around my surgery, which I’m going for the LAP-BAND (REALIZE BAND). My surgeon mostly does the REALIZE BAND instead of the LAP-BAND AP system because the REALIZE BAND causes fewer problems because one size fits all. Here is some beneficial information Norton Hospital gave me: (For support groups, info about obesity) American Obesity Association http://www.obesity.org American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (ASBS) http://www.asbs.org What to expect day of surgery: Blood drawn – at surgeon’s expense X-ray Blood sugar testing **All of the testing is made by what the surgeon orders prior to the surgery I am literally too excited about January and the months that continue. I’m ready for my new life and I’m willing to go any distance to have it, within reason of course. I’m going to continue to read this informational binder and put more details into my blog!

I have to say, it's been a while since I last wrote anything. Not much has been going on in my life. I've went through another doctor's appointment in December 14, 2010. That was my fourth month, thank goodness! Time seems to be going by pretty quickly and I love it. I'm the kind of person who loves list. I have OCD and I'm addicted to them. Recently, I have been making a list on what to expect these next two months. I know in my books they've got plenty of lists but this one is for me. 1. Researching more information – you can never be too prepared 2. Finding my BMI ( which is 48.7) 3. Learning on what to expect before and after the surgery 4. Mentally preparing myself – I've been wanting this for the last 3 years, there isn't much more preparing needed but it's definitely welcomed 5. Going to EMMI (my-emmi.com) **Highly recommended 6. Pros and Cons of surgery 7. What happens to my body 8. The surgery itself 9. My surgeon This is just one of the small lists that I have going right now. I'm more excited as each day passes. I only have two more months to go and I'm hoping they will get here without any problems. I'm practically sitting at the edge of my seat. I'm kind of nervous about my surgeon though. When I went to the seminar, I knew that he was the right doctor for me immediately. He's the kind of doctor that doesn't listen to excuses and he's hard-headed. I need that. I want someone mean who will tell me what I'm doing wrong. This isn't the type of surgery where I want someone to hold my hand, it would only seem as another diet to me. I don't want him to take one look at me and decide I'm not really needing this, I'm now at 275 lbs. I need this badly; I'm only 17. On January 1, 2011, I will, finally, be 18 and be able to get the ball moving some more. My next appointment is January 5, 2011. Its short notice compared to my last doctor's appointment in December but it was oneof the only times available they had and I was willing to take anything rather than wait until February and possible push this surgery back. I'm excited about everything that has been going on. School has been perfect, I'm a senior, not much more to expect. Half of my year has gone by and I just can't wait to be perfect "normal." I don't want to be the odd person out anymore. I've come to realize that I don't have to "fit" in by anyone's standards. I can create my own but I was a normal last year and I'm hoping by the time May rolls around, I'll be able to be who I've always wanted to me. I need all the support I can get.

Thank you so much!