Any Long Islanders?

[Candle 11]

Thanks guys. I never said I was "comfortable" in public in a bathing suit - just that I actually wore it

I haven't worn a bathing suit in a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng time. It's so much easier these days - the little skirts or shorts are the style, so I had pretty good coverage on my thighs and butt. I also picked a top 2 sizes too big, so it wouldn't cling and accentuate my muffin top

Splish Splash really was awesome and I recommend it as a "goal". The lines can be long. (we went to Disney in the fall - nothing trumps those lines!)

------

elisa - I'm not really sure why some do better than others but for ME - I really dedicated myself to a lifestyle change, including exercising almost every day. The band will take care of the hunger and Portion Control. I still struggle with a sweet tooth and making proper choices but once I got used to seeing the big numbers on the scale, a new motivation took over.

[healthysue 0]

I too am a patient of Dr. Geiss, I am due to have my band done on July 31st. I am very worried about making the lifestyle change. I have not been dieting or watching what i eat at all. I also have a memebership at a local gym but i just can not seem to find the energy to go. I also want to say i can't find the time but we all know that if i really wanted to find time i would. When you have the band do you just go and go and almost forget about eating because you are not hungry. Does your desire to eat out of boardum go away at all? I worry about making these changes.

[elisa 0]

Hi sue! It's Elisa. I'm glad we were able to meet and don't worry. Once we eat smaller and smaller amounts our stomach should adjust. I hope Candle how does it work?

[ssankofa73 2]

Hi Healthy Sue,

You're desire to eat out of boredom has to do with your mind, not your stomach. On this site you will find people that write about knowing the difference between head hunger and real hunger. Head hunger is what leads to eating for emotional or psych. reasons like boredom, stress, etc. Matter of fact, 1 of the PA's that does my fills recently asked me if I was paying attention to the difference and to be honest, I wasn't. You will have to do lots of work emotionally to stop eating due to boredom. I'm handling this now by going back to weight watchers so that I can have some accountability. Thats a form of group therapy for me. I started Sunday and already lost 5 lbs. just by journaling and keeping tabs on staying within my points range. I see now that I will struggle with knowing the difference between head hunger and real hunger at least for the next few months while I adjust to doing WW again in conjunction with the band. Maybe you should look into Dr. Geiss' support group, working with Willow, his psychologist, or doing another type of therapy to help you deal with the eating out of boredom.

[msjessy 0]

So I called Dr. Geiss' office a few weeks ago and they informed me that they had received all of the paperwork/info completing all of their requisites. The staff promptly sets up my surgery date and said she would mail me some paperwork that had dates, that I needed to fill out.

Let me just say that I have had several problems with my Insurance paying for my (and my daughter's) doctor's visits/procedures (even though they are all covered). I have a liason that my company uses in case we have trouble with the insurance paying for covered benefits and have had to call upon his services 3 times in the past 6 months of having this Insurance (Amerihealth/Multiplan).

Now I received my surgery date three weeks ago (for Aug21), and I have been checking on the Insurance website almost daily for any record of even a pre-authorization filed. There is none.

I then called Dr. Geiss' office to see what was going on, and the staff said to me, "Oh its too early for us to file your paperwork thru insurance. Your surgery is more than a month away." WHAT!! WTF!! I have been on pins and needles since they gave me a date and they haven't even filed!?!!?

What happens if the insurance stalls for the 30 or so days before approving? What if they deny and want additional paperwork? Am I supposed to scramble last minute for stuff before my surgery?!! What if I need the assistance of my liason and he goes on vacation (it is the summertime you know!) and I can't get in touch with him. I have to put in PTO time at my job and I don't even want to do that yet until I get approved and its a go ahead for the surgery.

UGH. I swear, I think this is going to give me an ulcer.

**And yes, I know I am ranting, but this situation is just stomach-turning.

[OIC108 0]

I feel so left out it seems like this is the Dr. Geiss sight. lol I was banded by Dr. Mehta in Patchogue and she was fantastic. It is just great to hear about the success that local people have had. It's funny because once you tell someone you have been banded they always say "I know someone who did that." It's great to see how many of us there are. :biggrin2:

[ajoneen 0]

msjessy give the office a call and let them know your concerns. They might have a better handle on this and can help calm your fears.

[ajoneen 0]

Welcome Kathleen! I wasn't banded by Dr G.

Im glad you're finding your LapBand experience a good one.

[msjessy 0]

You know what? It must have been my hormones ranting and raving because....

I"M APPROVED!!! AAHHH! I can't believe it! I got the letter in the mail today. I am SO FREAKING EXCITED!!! I've never been this excited to start a diet in my life!

August 21...HERE I COME!

Thanks to you all, especially ajoneen, for all of your support, hand-holding and consoling. You have truly gotten me thru this, and me and my lapband will get me thru the rest.

[ajoneen 0]

Jessenia

It's great that you are approved!!

Remember this is a lifestyle not a diet(well there is the pre-op diet). Mostly there are band guidelines.

You're going to do wonderfully!!

[ajoneen 0]

What is everyone up to? Or down to as the case may be.

[Candle 11]

Congrats msjessy!!! :biggrin:

[twiceblessd 0]

Hi,

I am new here, I have just begun my appt jouney in hopes of being banded by Dr. Cussatti. Has anyone gone through the process with him? What was your experience like? I am excited but this may sound bad but I am afraid to tell anyone I am dooing it out of fear that i will be judged and then the what if it does not work, there will be even more questions. Am I overthinking all of this? What can I expect as far as post op? Did everyone have to stay overnight in the hospital? I have 3 yr old twins at home will it be hard to manage post op?

I'm so sorry to ramble. Any info would help.

Thanks,

Nicolle

Edited August 1, 2008 by twiceblessd

[elisa 0]

am not telling anybody either. I am having my band with Dr geiss on 8/28 th 2008 . I am going to have my parents watch thethem and even they dont know. I told them I have a workshop for a school I work in.

[ajoneen 0]

Nicolle

If you search in the general threads about this topic, to tell or not to tell there is alot of chatter. Everyone has their own reason for their decision. Me I told my support people. Close friends and family members that I know would be supportive. I didn't tell folks that I knew or feared would have a negative reaction. After the fact and 5 months out I have told a few more folks, mostly ones that might benefit from the band themselves or know someone that would.

Don't treat this as a shameful experience. If you got laser eye surgery to help you see better would you be embarrassed? Really the same thing with this.

I don't think you can 'over think' this. Just don't obsess on any one point. Get the information you need to make an informed decision and to put your mind at ease. Know what you are getting into and have a good support system in place before the surgery.

Good luck on your journey. Ask all the questions you need.