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Blog 79244

A blog by shonette

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Everything is Down hill

I've started all my appointments with the different things required by my insurance. I still have a problem with the six months supervised diet by my doctor. I really feel that is just a waste of my time. If I could lose the weight and maintain it on my own, I would not need the lap-band® done. I have researched the lap-band® since feb 09. I am very aware of a lot of different things that I have to do to lose the weight. However, I feel like am giving myself the gift of life. It's like a second chance to make right of all the bad food choices I've made in my past. My BMI was 40 so that alone makes me an excellent candidate for the band. I reallydon't have any type of major health issues outside of my high herenia and joints (knee). Yes, it's all weight related. Thank God, I was told by the Doctor my herenia could be fixed when my procedure is done. That was music to my burning throat/chest! :sad: I know my life is only going to improve in so many healthy ways. I can not wait to start losing this weight and keeping it off for good. I do know the band is only a tool and (baby) I intend to work that tool to it's fullest!:drool: Am positive and I know God is going to work everything out in my favor. Everything from this point is down hill. As long as all of my appointmens are kept, I should not have any problems being approved my the insurance company! "It won't be long now"!:wink2:

January 24, 2010

3

My fat mass has decreased (151) to (129) and the scale did move!

I went to my doctor yesterday for another fill. The last time I was seen by my doctor over a month ago, I had some fluid removed due to being too tight. I now have a great fear of being too tight due to some of the unpleasant things I experienced. If any one has ever been too tight, that is one feeling you will never want o experience again. Therefore, I am very careful to monitor how tight I feel during my fills. I rather get a little less than too much. I have realized that being too tight is just as bad if not worst as being too loose. I currently have 4.85 cc's of fluid in my band. I probably could have gotten a little bit more, but I did not want to run the risk of being too tight. I have more restriction than before my fill yesterday. Overall, I am very pleased with that. I was also very pleased with my fat mass going down. Before my surgery, my fat mass was 151. ( ) and now it's 129. ( ). I was very happy to see that my body is losing a lot of inches. On my last visit over a month ago my fat mass was 133 and yesterday it was 129. For some people that is no big deal, but any time I have numbers going down instead of increasing it’s a very big deal for me. I now know that all of my efforts have not been in vain. I use my electric stepper several times a week, and my kettle bell on alternate times. Overall, I eat the foods I should and my water intake has increased. I do know my weight is coming off, but time plays a lot into my overall weight lost. This site has a lot of wonderful people who take the time to share their advice on how they handle different situations and just the love and support is amazing. Today I wore a pant suit that almost fell to the ground when I put on the pants. I was not expecting that to happen. Everything I think nothing is happening, I can find the small accomplishments and compare them toward my overall success. My clothing seize has gone from a 26 to 18. I do feel pretty good about my weight lost and all the hard work that has gone into it. This band is not a quick fix, but each person has to be willing to put their time and efforts to make it work for them. I thank God every single day for this opportunity to be healthier mentally, and physically as well. I have learned that the scale does not determine my overall weight lost success!!! I do have one big dilemma: I was taking a prescribed diet pill during my six month diet period pre-band. I now have considered getting one more prescription filled to aid my weight lost. I really don’t know if this would be the right thing for me to do. This was one of the reasons I wanted this band was too due away with diet pills etc………. Your opinion (s) would be greatly appreciated!

January 19, 2011

3

The Wheels are starting to Turn

:cursing:Today my first appointment was made to see the nutritionist and to have an initial consultation for the band. 1-18-10 at 1pm will start the wheels to turning. I do realize there is a long road ahead of me, but at least the band process is more of a reality than just talk. I am ready, excited , and somewhat nervous.:ohmy: Overall, am ready to live a new kind of life! Haaaaaa!

January 13, 2010

3

It's Almost Been Two Years Since I Got My Band!

I know it's been a very long time since I have been on this site. In the past I would get on the site at least twice a day, but I slowly started to fade a little from visiting so often once my first year of being banded. I really do miss all of the wonderful post and comments people would write on this site. Actually, things have been very well with me. I have spent a lot of time helping my daughter out since she started her first year in college. I am very proud to say that my weight continues to go down and I have not had any weight gain since the Christmas seasons passed. I do thank God for that. I have learned what do and do not work for my band. Certain foods had to be limited, and I have finally learned what my sweet spot is and what that actually means for me. I have not had a fill in over six months and nor do I need one. I finally have the tool I need to have long term weight success. My weight lost has always been slow, but I continue to lose weight. I really don't and never have used the scale to measure my success, but inches and my clothes sizes are my biggest indicators. I started off wearing a size 24-26 and today I wear a 1x & 16-18. Most of the 18 sizes are too big in dresses so I normally get a 16w. That is a very- very big accomplishment for me. All and all I am very very happy with my band. This relationship has had its ups and downs, but the majority of my experiences have been very positive. The band is really what a person allows it to be for them. It really takes a lot of work and effort to get to where you really want to be. My husband recently purchased a very expensive treadmill like the ones they have at the gym, and that has really aided my success. I try to walk a mile1/2 at least every other day. It takes only 25 minutes so I watch Netflix on my iphone which makes the time fly. I really have to say that my family has been great and they really made this process so much easier to go through when times got hard. I will be banded 2 years on July 21st this year. I just encourage all new banders to be patient and give yourself time to learn your band and how it works best for your success! I am going to make an honest effort to visit the site much more often than I have done in the past. This is truly a wonder site in which a person can gain a lot of knowledge, support, and motivation from others who have figured things out a little clearer than others. My final words would be to stay encouraged, be patient, and never ever give up on your weight lost goals because you are worth it. Always remember that half the battle has been won if you have already gotten your band or started the process to have it done.

March 25, 2012

3

Another unfill (throwing up and the onset of heartburn)!

Last week I was experiencing a lot of difficulty getting things down, and I started throwing up "a lot"! That was my warning sign that something was wrong, and I needed to see my doctor. I prayed to struggle through the weekend and I gave the office a call first thing Monday morning. Thank God, Dan the PA was able to see me that afternoon. I explained to him some of the things I had been experiencing with throwing up and that awful stuck feeling with almost everything I placed into my mouth. I was advised due to the throwing up and pressure of things getting stuck my band was swollen and very irritated due to the forceful trauma I was putting it through. He took out .2ccs and immediately I was given relief! Every single person is different when it comes to their fills and the amount they are able to tolerate in their bands. I happen to be the type of person who’s not able to tolerate a lot of fluid in my band. I am 8 months post band and I only have a little less than 5 ccs in my band. I had my hernia repaired and in eight months I was free of zero signs of heartburn, but this week that weird feeling of heartburn has begun to linger in my upper chest area. That is very disappointing for me, and I feel like it's due to all the throwing up I experienced last week. My PA explained the acid from the throwing up cause’s damage in your esophagus which results in the feeling of heartburn. I honestly thought heartburn was apart of my life I would not have to experience never again. Thank God- I did not throw away all of my acid reflux medication. My symptoms are nothing like I had before, but it's just the fact I have any heartburn symptoms at all. I do thank God for things being as well as they are, but I just feel a little down hearted about the thought of experiencing heartburn in any way. So far so good- I have not had any more major throwing up episodes. So many people on the outside think having any type of weight lost surgery is the easy way out, but OMG they don’t have any idea of the many ups and down we all go through.

March 24, 2011

3

There is "HOPE"

I really don't know why, but I find so much comfort expressing my thoughts and feelings about my weight issues in my blogs. Being able to write these blogs are a emotional release for me. I am so excited because I called the local Doc in Valdosta just for info, and I found out that he do except my husband's insurance. All of my information was taken over the phone & I faxed a front/back copy of the insurance card to prevent any info errors. Ronda @ Dr. McCown's office will get back with me no later than Friday to let me know the overall status is going. Whatever that may be. I really want to get the band in Valdosta. I guess my kids play a large role in me not wanting to be out of town. Being out of town for any type of medical procedures brings back bad/neg memories of me lossing my son. That's one more emotional part of my life I have to deal with. It still give me a lot of hope that Dr. McCown will be able to do my band. My husband is very supportive of me getting the band, because he would like to see the old me from years pasted on. However, my mothere really do not believe in any type of medical procedure to aid in weight lost. Actually my mother would benefit more than anyone if she would agree to being banded. She has not gotten on the scale in years, but I believe she is way over 400+ pounds. I look at my mother and I do not want that to become me in the future. I want to be able to live a active moble life without the limitations my mother has. My mother is one of the biggest reasons I want to be banded. I feel that my family deserves to have all of me for a very long time. Overweight runs in my family and everyone accepts it as apart of their life. I now know that being over weight does not have to be apart of my life. I know things are going to work out for my good one way or another. I do know there is Hope!

January 7, 2010

3

Mixed feelings

I have not posted anything in a very long time. When I first joined this site at the end of last year 2009, I was so excited for this process to start and end. I felt like this time would never come to an end for me. As I look back over these last seven months, I really can see my idea of being band has changed for the better. I was so desperate to find a quick fix and this band was going to be my answer. I now realize that the band is going to be the tool yes a "tool" to lose the weight. I have said it so many times before that I understand my responsibility in this whole process, but looking back I really don't think I did. This is my body and I am responsible for the way I take care of it. For years I have not done a very good job of taking care of myself. It is hurtful for me to be able to admit this, but I really have let myself down in so many ways. I have made so many excuses for things being the way they have been with me physically. I do understand and realize that no one else can or will do this for me. I have developed so many health issues (heel spurs, arthritis in my right knee, swollen feet, and a hernia) that are contributed to me being over weight. I do realize and thank God that I could have so many more serious conditions. However, these conditions cause me enough pain and discomfort. It's not easy to say these things, but it helps me to understand my responsibility in my present condition. I do love myself and my entire family, therefore they all deserve better from me. I will do my sleep study this Saturday, and all of my paper work will be turned in to my insurance company. I have met all requirements, and I really don't foresee any reason they would deny me. I am praying to have my procedure done by mid June. At this points in my life, am ready to make a life long change to becoming a happier, healthier {"ME”}! This site has been such a blessing for me to be able to vent if needed and receive the most unbelievable support any person could ever want or need. Thank you Lap Band Family. My journey is just beginning!

May 12, 2010

2

Good News is worth waiting for!!!!

I was so excited when Dr. McCown's nurse called me back this morning to let me know they would be able to start my initial appointment(s) and all the other stuff that needs to be done. I just want to do absolutely every single thing required of me so a band date can be scheduled. I feel just like my 4yrs old son in the toy center at Wal-Mart. Excitement, joy, and hopes fill my heart right about now. I am very careful not to share my decision with too many people. For some unknown reason, a lot of people have a very negative opinion about weight lost procedures. Every single person make this choice for so many resons, and I know my health and personal well being is my main reasons. I posted a picture of my two beautiful children in my photos today. Those two very special people are my main reasons I want to have good health and a very long life. I started to experience some pains and difficulity my my right knee 2 weeks ago. I really don't know what happened with it, but I cracked this same knee over 2yrs ago from a fall at my old employment. I have had on going issues every since. I feel losing as much weight as possible will only take excessive stress from my knee pains. That's my main goal/ good health and happiness! I have so many things to feel blessed about, and this is one of the biggest blessings of all. (Lap-Band®)! It's so hard to explain but I feel like am getting a new chance on living a more productive and healthy live for the rest of my life.

January 11, 2010

2

Fat mass went from 129 and currently 106- I kicked butt last month!

I just left my doctor's office this afternoon, and I could not wait to see what that little printout had to say. I lost a total of 12.2 pounds overall. Therefore, I averaged around 3 pounds per week. These are my numbers compared to my last adjustment on 1-18-2011: 1-18-2011 / 2-24-2011 BMI: 37.3 BMI: 35.7 Fat mass: 129 Fat mass: 106.21 weight: 282.61 weight: 270.41 I don't want to lose water weight. I want to lose body fat and gain muscles throughout this entire process. Nothing makes me happier than to see these numbers. It lets me know all of my hard work is not in vain and the fat is being replaced with muscles. God is so good to me and this is a long time dream becoming a reality to get off this weight and to keep it off. It's slow but it's coming off!

February 24, 2011

2

The sweet spot (not so sweet)!

For some bandsters this may sound like the silliest thing you have ever heard, but this is my story. I had a fill about 31/2 weeks ago, and I am finally at 5cc's in my band. I think I am very sensitive to fills because I have experienced 2 overfills in the past. This last time I was very careful to follow the post fill diet and eat small bites and chew very well. Ooooh okay, I could really tell my restriction was there but on a good day I could eat a decent meal. Well around the second week I could only eat maybe 4oz at a time. Don't get me wrong because I can hear someone saying- What's your problem? I really don't have a problem but the fat girl inside of me is unable to eat a third of my small meals. I find myself trying to constantly over eat. Honestly, I have prayed for this day and its here! I thought about asking my Doctor to take just a little out, but that is a crazy thing to do. There are some days, I am only able to eat once per day and mentally I am having a hard time handling that! I have to be so careful about the first couple of food choices I eat because I may not be able to eat anything after that. Lately, my energy level is very low because of my low calorie intake. Yes, I do my vitamins but it's also hard for me to do my protein shakes due to feeling full so quickly. I do know some people will kill to be in my situation and Lord it's an experience like none I have ever gone through! From my last fill until now my fat mass has gone from 106 to 79 is that crazy or what. My whole life my mother have always taught me to be careful for what I ask God for, because he just may give it too me! I am going to have to learn to have more self control and remember why I am doing all of this! Physically, I can eat one okay meal a day and not have a need for food for the rest of the day. However, my mind continues to tell me I need food when there is no actually hungry present. I feel like I am missing something but I know I everything is fine. The FAT girl in me is trying so hard to wreck my success! I have faith and will power to put her in check and keep this train moving.

March 17, 2011

2

What am I doing?

All of my documentation was forward to my insurance company this week. I was required by my surgeon to do a sleep study last weekend. That was one of the most unpleasant experiences I have gone through in a very long time. Thank God it is done and over! I have found myself trying to eat a lot of different things I normally would not be eating. It’s like I know in the back of my mind I will not be able to eat those foods for a while or never once my procedure is done. Food is starting to become more of a focus for me than I would like it to be. It really takes very little food to bring me to a filling of being full. I am finding myself force eating, and I hate that feeling. It has taken me a very long time to train my stomach that a little can go a long way. I have started losing the weight on my own, but getting the band would be a wonderful thing tool to have. I understand that my mental state has a lot to do with the physical desire to eat even when I am not hungry. My husband did not even eat supper last night, and I noticed he did not give the thought of not eating a second thought. I don't understand why that does not work for me. I do understand that every single person is created and designed totally differently, but I wish some things about me were different! I have a lot of mixed emotions about being band, but I am still so excited at the same time. Does any of that make sense? I know God is going to give me the strength and ability to be successfully with the band. I feel like some of the bad food habits I've tried so hard to fight are trying to over take me once more. I find myself wanting to eat and I am not even hungry. Is that crazy or what? I read someone's blog and they wrote," Being thin taste better than food"! Those words are keeping me focused when I don't want to be focused. I do want to be thin, and that is a greater desire than eating certain foods. Maybe some of what I am experiencing is the anxiety of waiting for my answer from the insurance company! I have waited so long for my day to come so an extra 15 business days is not going to kill me!

May 21, 2010

2

The long road home!

This has been a very long process with me getting to this point. I called my insurance company today, and after 35 days I have finally been approved. There were a couple of days that me, my doctor’s office and the insurance company was playing fax tag. Thank God it was all cleared up. Some documents had to be resubmitted, but all and all it’s all over the waiting game is too. I was given my pre-certification number (BX8MSVK1) SWEET! I really don't know how I feel to actually know this is really going to happen for me. I have read so many other people’s site speak about their experiences, but today is my day to celebrate my "Great" news! Thank God for being so good to me throughout this entire process. Everything has gone very smooth but the road has been very long. My date to be banded has been set for July 21st and my pre-op is on the 14th at 1pm. I will get all the information I will need to know leading up to my actual date. Today I started my sugar buster diet and it is not as bad as I thought. However, this is my first day on this diet. I am just so excited to know my journey is just about to take a big turn for the better. One of my good friends I met on the Lap band site recently had her procedure done. That is a really big advantage for me, because she is able to give me some personal insight on does and don'ts! The days leading up to my surgery will be very exciting ones for me. I can not wait for my life to take one of the biggest turn around ever. All I can say is God is truly good to me. Thank God! :frown:

July 5, 2010

2

It's always Good to Know!

I was talking with my doctor about some of the problems I was experiencing with my acid reflux condition. He wanted to do an EDG to see if I actually had a high hernia. My test was friday morning at 6am and it was a lot worst than he actually thought. My condtions had gotten to the point that every single thing would cause an acid reflux reactioin. Sometimes drinking water could cause intense burning in my throat. My God sometimes I thought it was a condtion only in my head. Surely, I thought simple things I would eat could not cause that much discomfort but it did. My doctor is really cool and he stayed after my procedure to read the results that friday morning so I wouldn't have to wait over into next week to know the results. My doctor stated my hernia was not the worst he's ever seen, but it was worse than most. I really feel better knowing that I truly have a condtion that can be fixed at the time am banded. :bored: My primary doctor was very supportive that I was working toward getting the band implanted. He was willing to assist me in any way needed to ensure my insurance would approve me being banded. He stated it was only a game the insurance company required, and we would both just have to stay on top of the insurance requirements so I would not be denied. However, my doctor did not advocate me taking any diet pills. He felt that would be unnecessary for me to take them, but he wanted me to continue to watch what I was eating and to work out as much as possible. My last requirement per my insurance company is the psy visit on 2-10-10. My paper work will be submitted once all the documentation has been completed from my other appointments. I pray by some miracle from God the insurance company would go ahead and approved me without the six month monitored diet by my doctor. That would be really cool if they approved it right off w/out the diet. I really trying to lose some weight becasue my liver has to shrink down in order to be banded per my doctor. I feel really excited:biggrin:

February 2, 2010

2

A little Disappointed but patient

Today I was really hoping to hear back from Dr. McCowin's nurse, but so far nothing. I really wanted some good news to carry me through the weekend. Sometimes I have heard no news can be good news.:biggrin: Well, I had not completed my paperwork for the dr in Brunswick. I guess I need to go ahead and complete it before Wednesday for my appointment. Maybe Monday Ronda will give me a call back teling me something either way.:thumbup:

January 8, 2010

2

Juicing and going for an adjustment this afternoon.

Today I am scheduled to have another adjustment at 430pm. I have put off getting another adjustment for several reasons. I am really not sure first of all if I really need another adjustment. I have a difficult time as it is getting certain foods down. I rarely eat fruits like apples/oranges etc, because they always give me a stuck feeling which I hate more than anything. I love to eat all types of fruits and I really miss not having them in my diet. Therefore, I have started juicing to get my fruits into my daily diet within the last couple of weeks. I had a really nice Jack Lalnane power juicer a couple of years ago, but I had a house fire and it was never replaced. My mother is a gadget queen and she purchased a juiceman 2 yrs back which she stopped using once the thrill was gone. Therefore, she pasted her juicer on to me a couple of weeks ago and now I am able to enjoy all my fruits and raw veggies. I juice in the afternoon which give me a late day burst of energy which I really need after a long day. Last night I juiced (2) small apples, (4) carrots, (1) large orange, and (1) grapefruit that really got my digestive system moving. I felt so good this morning once I got up and moving. Now when I find it difficult to digest certain foods I juice as my alternative to getting nutritional foods. I know this does not work for everyone, but it really gives me an incredible feeling of being full and it's good for my body. I do not drink things that don't taste good to me. I am learning that foods are to be enjoyed and I now only eat those things that I really enjoy eating. I am always searching the net for new and tasty juice recipes. If anyone has any I would really enjoy you sharing them with me! Back to my fill- I really think another adjustment will boost my weight lost, but I dare don't want to be too tight like I have been in the past. I want my doctor to be very conservative today with my fill. I think just a little will put everything into motion. More than anything I am very excited to know what my fat mass is going to be today. My last fill was on 1-18-2011 and my fat mass was 129. I am so excited to find out what it will be today when I weigh in at the office. Lately, so many people have been coming up to me complimenting me on my weight lost and asking how I've lost so much weight. My response is a very honest one (portion control and being more active)! I've learned not to mention my band any more because it leads into too many questions that I am tired of answering. I really don't see what they do, but I do thank God Change is taking place in my body.

February 24, 2011

1

One step closer

I called my husband's insurance company 1-3-10 to find out which doctors will cover the lap-bands in my area. There were no local drs in my area so I will have to pick someone out of town. That really is not too bad, but I really wanted to use the local doctor in Valdosta (Kevin McCown). He actually had the lap-band® done on himself. I thought that was really cool. He has a personal experience with the different things a person would be going through before and after being banded. I have heard a lot of good things about him and thought he would be a good choice for me. However, I chose the closer doctor in the areas listed-Brunswick Ga. My first appointment is 1-13-10 @ 2pm. I really have some mixed emotions about getting Banded now, but I feel like a changed needs to occur in mylife for a lot of reasons. There are more out of pocket cost than what I actually realized it would be. I think it was round $1300 for the diet, pycho, and some other things first. Then the actually procedure is totally seperate.

January 6, 2010

1

Two more days

I really do appreciate everyone's advice on handling the remaining balance of my surgery due to my doctor's office error. Thank God everything has worked out just fine with my covered percentage. I have only two days before I have my band. This has been a very long process, but I thank God I am finally at the end of the road. I do understand this band is only a tool, but I thank God I will have this tool to help me to achieve my weight lost goal(s)! Being apart of this site has given me so much encouragement and hope for the future with my band. I now have so much insight on the do’s and don’ts with my band. Wednesday is my day that I will enter into a whole new world (BAND LAND)! I feel a lot of excitement and nervous at the same time. :rolleyes2: I do have faith that everything is going to work out for me during this procedure. :bye:

July 19, 2010

1

Everything is Down hill

I've started all my appointments with the different things required by my insurance. I still have a problem with the six months supervised diet by my doctor. I really feel that is just a waste of my time. If I could lose the weight and maintain it on my own, I would not need the lap-band done. I have researched the lap-band since feb 09. I am very aware of a lot of different things that I have to do to lose the weight. However, I feel like am giving myself the gift of life. It's like a second chance to make right of all the bad food choices I've made in my past. My BMI was 40 so that alone makes me an excellent candidate for the band. I reallydon't have any type of major health issues outside of my high herenia and joints (knee). Yes, it's all weight related. Thank God, I was told by the Doctor my herenia could be fixed when my procedure is done. That was music to my burning throat/chest! :confused: I know my life is only going to improve in so many healthy ways. I can not wait to start losing this weight and keeping it off for good. I do know the band is only a tool and (baby) I intend to work that tool to it's fullest! Am positive and I know God is going to work everything out in my favor. Everything from this point is down hill. As long as all of my appointmens are kept, I should not have any problems being approved my the insurance company! "It won't be long now"!:wink2:

January 21, 2010

1

Pins and Needles

To day am waiting on a phone call from the Dr's office to let me know if my insurance will be accepted by Dr. McCown. I really pray things work out because now more than ever, I really want to get the band. I get so excited for others when they are given an approval or an offical date for banding:ohmy:! I have always heard that if you can celebrate for someone's happiness God always make the same provisions for me :thumbup:! If I have to go out of town, then I will do what I have to do. This morning I mentioned to my husband about being banded. He acted as if that was the very first time he had ever heard the word Lap-band®®®! He stated, "you know I still have until the end of January to make any changes to my insurance"! Okayyyy, now am thinking what was that all about. He always make comments about me losing weight, but in a very nice kind of way. Therefore, why in the world would he not want me to be banded. Honestly, I really don't care if he want me to be or not- if things are approved by any doc am getting it. He better watch out because a new me is just around the corner! By the end of the day I will have good news or Wednesday I'll be on my way to Brunswick Ga. :biggrin:

January 8, 2010

1

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