Hello everyone! I am super new to this and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tricia, and I am a 37 year old mother of 2. My son is out of the house now and about to give my a grandbaby in October! My daughter is a teenager and very supportive of me. I smoke, which is something everyone wants me to give up...but what about the weight gain? Maybe the band will help me with that also. Has anyone else given up smoking after the band?

I am very excited about going to see Dr. Spivak on Wednesday. I am also very nervous. I know I am ready for this, but if one more person asks me "Are you really sure you want to go through with it?" I think I will scream. Of course I am ready. I have been overweight since I was in high school well really junior high but very overweight since high school. I am 5'3" tall so 10 pounds looks like 50. I am so tired of looking in the mirror and being disgusted at what I see looking back. I am normally an upbeat person, but I am miserable when it comes to my body.

I really hope they approve me for surgery. The only other stomach surgeries I have had are my two babies by c-section. I totaled my BMI and it was 38. I've heard it has to be 40, but on one of the websites I went to it said I was a candidate.(I guess because I'm short!?) Anyway, I feel like if they won't do it because I'm not at 40 I will just cry...fall into a deep depression and eat my way to 40. Not that I want to, but I'm afraid that is what would happen.

I want this so bad! Not just to be able to look in the mirror and be happy, but to be healthy for myself and my family. I want to be able to walk normal again, without swelling and pain. I had reconstructive surgery on my ankle about 5 years ago and fusion in 2004. I feel that the more weight I can take off my weak ankle, the more active I can be.

One more thing before I go. I have been doing alot of research on doctors close to me. A friend of mine used Dr Spiegel and loves him. I'm sure I would feel the same way, but I have chosen to go with Dr. Spivak. I could not handle the office staff of Dr. Spiegel. After my first emergency surgery on my ankle, I LOVED my doctor. BUT...The office staff there was so rude and uncaring that I would cry on the drive to his office. People need to understand that we are going through a major life change and a little smile goes a long way with some.

Sorry this was so long. Good luck to everyone!

Love and Laughter,

Tricia:nervous

Good Luck! I used Dr. Speigel for my lap band. I haven't had any problems with his office. I must say I LOVED the nurses @ Univeristy General Hospital. I was there just one night and they made all the difference. No matter where you get your band it will change your life for the better. I would do it again in a heart beat!

hi tricia,

i have to say this is the best thing i've done for myself in years....i used dr spivak and i must say i am thrilled with both him and his staff.

i've had a few issues (of which i caused) and they have been super in helping me.

dr spivak is extremely knowledgable and practical which i love.

the insurance depends on how your policy is written. i was self pay but mine would approve under 40 BMI if you have co-morbidities (ie. high blood pressure, etc)

anyway good luck.....

Hi Tricia. I am going to be using Dr. Spivak also. I am scheduled to get my band this week on the 8th. I like what I have seen from him and his office so far and I have not heard anything but good opinions about him. I decided to use him over Dr. Spiegal because I am self pay and Spivak was close to $3000 cheaper. Good luck in your pursuit to get the band.

Pam

Thanks for the positive feedback. I don't know why, but today has been a yucky day for me. Must be hormonal...lol! Or it could be that I was stupid enough to go look at the LIVE SURGERY that is posted on this site. I think it bothered me to see and hear the doctor say "Oh and as you see here we have a perfectly beating heart" as he is pointing to it with a pointy thing. Oh my goodness, that scared the Cr@p out of me!!! I think I may need some more encouragement, I may just hyperventilate(sp?). Thanks everyone for your help.