peacequeen

I don't know how old you are but I'm 46 and I have about a dozen different illnesses. Half are due to my weight. I have 3 kids, 3 stepkids and 4 grandbabies. I have missed out on so much and so have they because I'm too fat to do things with them that I want to do. My weight has flucuated my whole life,,my niece made a joke once,,she said,,Karen, I never know what I'm gonna see when I see you,,you are always on a diet and you're a different size each time I see you. And I'm now bigger than I've ever been,,if that tells you the direction all those diets took me. Do yourself a favor and tell your family to stop talking smack about the surgery. YOU have to make the decision not them. I've had my share of surgeries so this part doesn't really make me nervous. I worry about failure so I understand..sort of. I'll need all the support when my time comes. This is your time, don't let worry and negative talk ruin it. Savor it.

I'm a hard stick too. The center of my left arm has 1 good vein, it's deep but if they hit it right, I get lucky.lol Most techs/nurses do the 2 strikes their out and they try someone else. I'm just so used to it, I've dealt with it for 40 years. Pump your fist real good,,I was told I needed to lift weights and work up the forearm more.

Good luck, sleeveme!!

I don't plan on telling anyone but if I did or if they find out..is it more socially acceptable to be fat? I mean, I get stares now along with comments "you have such a pretty face, if only..." We can't make everyone happy and besides, it's our body not theirs. I got myself the way I am and it's my responsibility to get me the way I want me. I can't let others judgements rule my life. I haven't had surgery yet so it's probably easy for me to say but I have to go into it with this mindset because I'm the type of person that let's what people think get the best of me. I'll probably tell people I'm eating alot less.lol..which will be true.

Thanks, Amanda! Owl, hope all went well for you! I know my time will come it just seems unreal till I get a date, I guess. It's just taking so long. I know others have waited much longer though.

Thanks, everyone. longer-life, no..I don't have those type of scars. Most are flat and smooth. But you can feel the hard tissue under the skin. Is that the same thing?

Today I told the office I was originally going to have surgery through, that I was not having my surgery with them. A series of events and giving several chances helped me make my decision. Has anyone switched doctor's/clinic/hospital..etc? If so, for what reason? I've heard so many wonderful stories, but I wasn't having any pleasant experiences with the 1st group. Even though I'm having to start over, I'm very happy I've switched..so far.

I have MG and am currently in the hospital for MG crisis. My question is, since I have gone through numerous tests while here and will be starting plasmapheresis treatment today at the hospital and thereafter at home once a month..will this have any impact on the surgery or even qualifying for the surgery?

Melbanded, the foods you mentioned have high protein content..and if you were doing heavy excercise..it may be you are gaining muscle! Just a thought. Even though we are working to get weight off, weight is just a number. Try measuring yourself, if you aren't already. I would also only weigh in the morning, that is the most accurate weight. Keep your chin up, sounds like you are doing great!!

I've had previous concerns about my surgeons office but blew it off. Now I'm frustrated again but with my surgeon. I'm almost 6 months into this process from the seminar till now. So far I haven't had much hope. I've had one visit that included an all day feast of tests in March. I failed the psych test so I'm in therapy and seeing a psychiatrist for meds (this was their own psych), my therapist doesn't understand it..since I'm already on meds. The nut told me I needed to go on a 6 month diet because my insurance company requires it but I spoke with 5 different people through my ins. co. and they said they know of no diet I need to be on for 6 months. But she insists, so I'm forced to do it. I'm failing miserably,,I'm actually gaining. I never could diet well, that's why I wanted the surgery. Then they want me to do about 10 different "big" tests, I had one,,an esophageal manometry,,not very pleasant but I went through it because the PA told me the doctor will use this test to determine if I will be able to tolerate the band because I have a condition that causes dysphagia. Well I had it over 2 weeks ago and have heard nothing. I called and had to leave a message with a nurse and that was 3 days ago. How can they expect me to get all excited and diet and be at peace about having this surgery if they won't keep me up on what they are doing? My husband told me he thinks I need a different surgeon. That this office seems like they have way too much on their plate and to let patients worry waiting to get a phone call. I know they are busy but is this normal? I do think it's a bit rude to tell me I can't have surgery unless I pass a test, then not be notified if I even passed the test. I'm just getting worse. My eating is getting more out of control, I have no self esteem, I'm disappointed and I don't know what to do anymore.

I was informed that due to swallowing and dysphagia problems as a result of my myasthenia gravis, it is not recommended that I have a lapband. My doctor said that the gastric sleeve would be a more logical choice in my situation. My problem is that it scares me. I just wonder what any of you would do. I know it will take something drastic to get the weight off of me. I have to do something. I can't just diet and excercise is very minimal due to my condition. I could really use some prayers and advice, anything anyone can tell me. I know I will need to convert to the sleeve forum I just feel I know some of you here, if you could help me find the answer. I'm really scared. I never thought I'd have to make this decision.

Russian Bandit,,I did everything you suggested and I am so thankful I did..so THANKS!!! I am switching clinics/surgeon. I went to the new seminar and am very satisfied with this other facility and the staff that I have met so far. I called today to ask questions and actually talked to a real person and they answered my questions! Who would've thought??lol Seriously, I spoke with their insurance coordinator and she said, you don't have a 6 month diet to follow so I called my insurance company for a 6th time and they assured me,,I do not have a 6 month pre op diet to follow that apparently the "clinic" I was going through was requiring this. I understand some insurance companies do require it but mine isn't one of them. I am glad I've had the extra time though, it's helped me prepare. I was told by the new clinic that all the psych stuff isn't necessary if I'm already in therapy but if it is helping that I should continue so I am. I def want my head straight before I go through all of this. The new clinic has promised I shouldn't have to jump through as many hoops and hopefully they could get the ball rolling quickly. I am now feeling more motivated than ever!! I went today to get all of my records from the old clinic, almost everything I provided was missing. I was also told that all the originals were scanned and then they shred them??? That is odd. So I have to start over but I'm ok, it's worth it to know I'm in better hands now. I don't know which surgery I will be having, I was told that I would not be a good candidate for lapband because of swallowing issues..that I would be better off with the sleeve but the new clinic said they would evaluate me thoroughly then I could decide based on their findings. Wish me luck. Thank you to everyone who commented on this post!

Lizzy, I'd love to have plication but my insurance doesn't cover it. It would be my top choice over all. I have medicare and uhc and neither cover it (last I checked). Kristey, if I have wls, I HAVE to have the sleeve..or bypass..which I would choose the sleeve since it's less invasive. I'm not on a crusade to bash the ban, I just can't have it due to health issues..my decision will be to have or not to have wls, period. That's why I was asking for advice. Thank you for your input though. Thank you, mrstlovely, a support group is a very good idea. This forum has been acting as support for me and I'm sure the sleeve forum will also be helpful. Meeting people in person will probably help me make a decision though..seeing people face to face after having the surgery and the results they have gotten will be motivating too.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the support. I'm really educating myself on the sleeve. I'm still undecided but I'm still in the process of the hoop jumping.lol I'll keep you guys posted and check in to see how everyone is doing. You guys are really wonderful and I wish the best for each of you!!!

Sandy, sorry,,I just didn't know if you saw her message,,didn't mean to sound like I was smackin on ya.lol

Sandy1,,Henriikka posted the results right before yours. I'm so sorry you didn't win but in a way you did. You've met some new friends and we'll be glad to support you in whatever effort you take to lose your weight. This is a lapband forum but we're all having the same struggles so I don't think it matters. So I hope you stick around. I know you can do it. I'm still waiting to hear if I will be able to have the surgery due to health issues..so I may end up with the same outcome as you. I'm not going to let it stop me from reaching my goal and fulfilling my dream. We can push forward together. I wish you the very best. God bless. Karen aka: peacequeen

I just sent another vote in. I may not make it to vote tomorrow because I will be out most of the day but I will try. I just know you'll do great! Good luck!!!

I get what you are saying. I personally would prefer to not have all candy coated info about something as important as this. I remember a time, I didn't want to hear a negative thing anyone had to say but I'm listening now. I want to know everything. This is LapBandTalk not HappyWithTheLapBandTalk...,,I love hearing success stories as much as the next person but I want to hear the bad too so I can prepare and make the right decisions. I don't want to be one that says,,if I had it to do over again.,,I guess I should say, I haven't had any surgery yet but the day I was at my pre op consult..I was asked by a nurse if I would rather not have the sleeve instead. Alot of people were getting revisions and the sleeve was more successful.. and this was from the office of one of the largest bariatric institutes in Ky. Is that making me decide on the sleeve,,no, not yet. I'll end up making the choice that's right for me but I do want to hear about both sides.

It's not been a time consuming effort. I don't mind at all,,only takes a few seconds. I've enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm around here. I hope you win! I am a faithful person and believe if it's meant to be,,it will happen,,if not, it won't. If you don't win, try not to be disappointed but use the experience to motivate you even more..a way will come for you, I've learned patience is the key. Continued good luck to you!

That's probably true. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble. Hope things get better for you. Can you have your band removed?

I voted!

onikenbai..does your 4 pound weightloss in 2 years have anything to do with why you are mentioning the band removals? I know there are risks and there are issues as you have mentioned but I've also read 1000's...upon 1000's of successes..over years. I haven't been banded or had any surgery..yet..but just sayin...

I go through spells where my hair falls out to it being very dry and brittle. I have had to splurge and have it professionally conditioned along with my scalp treated. It helps some but the problem comes from within the body but it doesn't hurt to be kind to your hair. Thanks for the link! I look forward to checking that out. Just FYI..I'm on 200 mcg of Synthroid daily. This is likely to change everytime I have my check up..it goes up and down. Synthroid keeps it pretty level,,it also depends on what I eat, how much sleep I get, stress,,etc. I've tried everything else with no luck...I have to have name brand. No generics or natural remedies.