TheRealSouthernBelle

Thanks! You are doing very well yourself!

It is really crazy how our bodies work. After two weeks of only 1 pound per week I lost 7 and I only made minor adjustments in my exercise/diet routine. I guess sometimes it just has a mind of its own. Keep up the good work!

If you really want to get Lapband (gastric bypass is SO different) I would probably look for another surgeon. I had my hiatal hernia repaired the same time I had my Lapband put in. In fact if I hadn't had the hernia I wouldn't have gotten the band because I was self pay and received a significant discount(I only paid for the band and insurance paid for anestesia, doctor's fees, etc.). I'm not sure how large yours is, but I would get a 2nd opinion. Good luck!

My insurance had an exclusion for WLS, so I wasn't covered. I would begin calling them often and checking on it. I find that companies tend to "forget" things and misplace important documents. I would make sure that they have indeed received everything they should have and just keep checking to see if you get approved. Good luck!

Maybe the reason that the person your MIL is talking about isn't losing any weight because she still eats a ton. LOL! I wouldn't get discouraged at all. You know you are doing the right thing, that's all that matters.

You will be just fine. Some people do not have a pre-op diet at all! I would make sure to keep it light the night before surgery. Good luck!

This is part of the reason I decided I didn't want to tell anyone that I had surgery, so I wouldn't have to hear their big mouths. I think that when people know you had surgery and you start getting small/regular size they think something is wrong, like maybe the surgery went bad and it's causing you to lose too much weight, but in reality you are right on track with a healthy BMI, etc. I think that no matter if you are 300 or 100 pounds people will ALWAYS have something to say. Just like I see on TV how they call stars "scary skinny", but then I'm like isn't that what you (Hollywood) want. I mean being skinny is how they make their living (get acting roles, modeling gigs, etc.). Let them gain 1 ounce then they are obese and addicted to food. We can't let others bother us by what they say (ex. discouraging us from the surgery, saying we are losing too much weight, etc.) otherwise we would be worried all the time, but then again that is easier said than done especially when it's coming from family and loved ones. We just have to keep doing what's best for us!

My doctor didn't request I lose any weight before surgery and I was very heavy. I have seen this often and wondered what the reason for this is. I have a sneaky suspicion that even if you do not lose all the weight they will still do the surgery (as they want to get paid).

I thought the OP wanted to hear POSITIVE comments regarding the lapband. You shouldn't use your horror story to scare this person off from having surgery. Apparently you don't know EVERYTHING about the ban otherwise that pill wouldn't have got stuck in the first place as it is common knowledge that you should not take large pills with the band. You are correct in saying that they should know all the positives and negatives, but your symptoms are NOT normal or expected.

1. I went to give blood and when they took my blood pressure they didn't tell me it was a little high. 2. All my pants are falling off of me, some even to the floor (it took me forever to find a good belt). 3. I like looking at my self in the mirror, even bought a swimsuit (hadn't had one in over 3 years).

I just had to laugh at the comment people make to you, that you are not "that" big. I think people get very used to how we look, just as we get used to how we look especially when almost everyone around you is heavier than normal (whatever normal is LOL!). I always thought I wasn't "that" big until got up to over 300 lbs. I had never been that big in my whole life and I was so depressed at how I looked and the person I had become (my eating habits were horrible). It reminded me of when I was a fat child and would get teased so horribly, and eventually I got used to being fat (been that way all my life). There was no way on God's green earther I was going to "get used to" being over 300 pounds! It's good that we decided to have the surgery before we were "that" big. Whatever "that" is! Good luck on your journey.

I had my bloodwork done in Irving, Texas at Quest Diagnostics. I am copying straight from the invoice the lab sent me, so I don't know what any of this stuff means: Cholesterol $24 Hemoglobin, Glycosylated $57 Lipoprotein, Direct, HDL $42.41 Triglycerides $33.60 TSH $104.70 Venipuncture $12 CBC, PLT, DIFF $26 Comprehen Metabolic Panel $42.85 _______________________________ Total $342.56

No, he's not an ass (unless you consider a doctor telling you to against the band "rules" an ass). He was willing to answer all the questions I had, was very reassuring to me (that I could get under 200 lbs.), and he came out after surgery and talked to my boyfriend. My boyfriend really liked him. He showed him a picture of my band and told him I was doing fine. I don't have a regular physician either. I don't forsee that being a problem. The only thing you need to bring is your money, just make sure you don't wear any make-up, jewelry, or hairpins the day of surgery and wear some slip on shoes and pants, socks, and a loose fitting shirt. I wore a sports bra, so I didn't have to worry with the hooks. Your body probably is going to be exhausted after the surgery, at least mine was, but I also had hiatal hernia repair. I would make sure that you have already gotten your prescription for the pain meds and take them as soon as you get in the car. Also, bring a comfy pillow and maybe a blanket for the 5 hour drive. I didn't have my actual surgery at the Richardson location, but I do think they do it at the True Results facility. The place where you do the consultation is in the back, but in the front (closer to the shopping centers, I think there's an optometrist's office next door) is where the surgey and aftercare centers are. The surgery center is on the left and the aftercare center (this is where you get your fills at) is on the right. Let me know if you have anymore questions, I'll be sure to answer them!

I haven't had a nutrition class like many bandsters have and I am not a dietician, so I really can't advise you of what you SHOULD be eating. I know the struggles that you are having because I am having them as well. I want to eat healthy, but it's hard. To me the foods get boring or they aren't all that satisfying, so I stay start small. There are alot of healthy substitutes to your everyday food. Instead of eating eggs eat egg substitutes, instead of sugar use Splenda, instead of butter or margirine use the Parkway spritz (it's 0 calories!), light soy milk instead of 2% milk, light white instead of regular bread, and whole wheat Pasta instead of regular. Give yourself some time to explore all the options out there. Soon it will be like second nature. As far as cooking for your family, I am sure this can be tough. I don't have a family to cook for, but I know what my mom used to do to us. She only cooked one meal and if we didn't like it, we didn't eat! I'm sure the family will come around, especially since you need their support.

Whatever doctor you have you will see him March 30th, I am assuming this is your pre-op appointment. Mine with Dr. Marsden was a group setting and I didn't like it. I had done extensive research, so alot of the questions and comments were old news to me. He's also a very liberal doctor and told us to try carbonated beverages and see if they agreed with us. LOL! Make sure you fast the morning of your blood work otherwise they can't do it. I made the mistake and ate that morning, so I had to go to Quest on a Saturday morning (just ruined my whole day waiting). I had the EKG, where they put the sticky things all over my chest and stomach and another test where I blew into a machine. I did get put up in a hotel because I too live in LA, about 4 hours away. Make sure when you come March 30th you remind whoever told you that they would put you up in a hotel and they will book it for you on the spot and print out your hotel confirmation. I am assuming it was your patient advocate, mine was Amanda Bancroft, so just remind whoever told you that. Everyone is pretty friendly and helpful. Although I am still trying to get my insurance to pay for this $300 bloodwork bill. True Results has yet to send them required paperwork. Also, since you are going through True Results they will handle up all your aftercare, so don't be surprised if you never see your surgeon again. I only saw mines 3 times: once for EGD, pre-op appointment, and surgery. The PAs are okay. When I went to my first fill at the Richardson location I knew I needed one because I was still getting hungry the PA told me I shouldn't really be eating Cereal in the morning because of the carbs and then she said something about me not knowing what true hunger felt like. She kinda pissed me off, but I digress. The second one was much better. She complimented me on my weightloss and really made me feel like I could finally lose weight. All and all it's not so bad. Let me know if you have any other questions!

I've heard that it all goes. *Tear* Boobs included! I swear that was the only thing I liked about gaining weight. I went up almost 2 cup sizes. I guess we will eventually find out...

Your family is brutal! I am soooo glad I'm not one of those Virgos. I guess this is why I decided to keep me having surgery to myself, so no one could make stupid comments, tell other people, or ask me dumb questions. Especially my family! This makes me wonder what else are people going to have to say once I'm at a normal weight.

I'm all ears girlie! I had my actual surgery (due to insurance) and first fill at the Hurst location, but everthing else went through the Richardson location. If you need any surgeon/surgery specific information I can ask my friend who was banded at the Richardson location (Dr. Bienvenedes).

I am not sure if they use fluro every time. I only went there for my first fill and they did it that time. I know that the Richardson office doesn't do it at all. I wasn't there long at all. I remember waking up and being in excruciating pain and the nurse telling me it was going to be okay and she gave me some medicine. I got up walked around a little and she gave me some Water. I was so freakin groggy and she helped me put my clothes on (hope you're not shy). She also showed me how to use the thing you breathe in every hour or so (forget what it's called) and they gave me a chance to ask any questions. All in all quality of care was good and they gave me a follow-up call the next day. Just as much as you're ready to go home that's about as much as they're ready to get you out of there. I would probably say no longer than 30 minutes.

You are going through True Results, right? Just don't get dissapointed if you never see Dr. Marsden again. I've only saw him three times (EGD, surgery, and pre-op appointment). But I guess that's a good thing because if I was seeing my surgeon that would probably mean I was having problems. I got my 1st fill at the Hurst location and they do them under fluro. I now go to the Richardson location because it's closer and they are ALWAYS busy over (it's hard to get an appointment)! They weigh you, get your BP and temp, ask you about what you eat on a typical day, ask you if you have any additonal questions, then fill you up. It's quick and practically painless. Also, be prepared for the pre-op appointment. It was a group setting and I didn't learn anything (waste of time).

I understand your need for a backup plan. Unfortunately, my insurance had a WLS exclusion, so there was not even a process for me to go through. I was self-pay, but got a good deal since I got my hiatal hernia fixed at the same time. Maybe you could find out if you have one and work out a deal with a surgeon. There are mixed reviews on surgery in Mexico. I have heard they use an inferior band, the surgeon isn't qualified, or the quality of care isn't up to par. I don't know because I didn't have surgery in Mexico. Some say it's good and some say it's bad, but either way you have to do what's best for you! It is good that you have a doctor that will work with you because I've heard that alot of doctors don't want to touch you if you've had surgery in Mexico. Personally, I think it's a viable option and if I need cosmetic surgery after extreme weight loss that would probably be my only option. I wish you luck in your journey and don't get discouraged or give up. I looked into this in 2008 and gave up because my insurance at that time also had a WLS exclusion. Don't be like me, I could be at goal by now.

Dr. Marsden and the surgical staff will take very good care of you! Just as long as you are doing this for you, you are making the right decision.

Have you tried doing an appeal with insurance company?

I had a hiatal hernia and was praying for it! My insurance has an exclusion for WLS and the only way I afforded this was with the hernia repair. My insurance covered all the fees for the surgery I just had to pay $5500 for the band! Since I was self pay the office threw in a year of free fills! Good luck. You should be good to go.

I was wondering has anyone been to a WLS support group meeting? There is one coming up in my area and I'm debating on whether or not go. It's open to anyone who has had any type of WLS. What has been your experience with these? Please feel free to respond whether positive or negative. Thanks!