Lulu

Well Lenny and Jerry, I guess I've got you all beat. This geezerette is gonna be 60 - although I still feel like a teenager at times. (My dh is still waiting for me to grow up - and he's got a long wait!)

Larry - You bring up a good point about medications. When the doctor put me on anti-depressants 12 years ago, that was when the biggest weight surge began. He said the pills may act like "diet pills." Baloney! They acted like a shut-off valve for telling my body when I had enough. Since then I have NEVER felt full, even after a Thanksgiving dinner. I've gained 40 pounds since then and they won't come off. Hopefully when I "cross over" it will be a different story!

Dear Bandgal, Could it be that your system has gone into "starvation mode?" I have heard that when you eat so little, your body hangs on to what it has in storage. Just a thought..........

Hi Christina, Where will you be getting your band? Who is your doctor? I'm in "Monotony Falls" but hopefully will be banded at Elmbrook. I know it's scary to be put under, but having gone through it many, many times I can only say put your faith in God and ask Him to guide your surgeon's hands. Think about how many others have had this done already and came through just fine. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Coal, you are a diamond already! Anyone who has such beautiful thoughts and can express it so eloquently is a true gem! I also hid far too long behind many different facades, never feeling as though I measured up to other people's standards. It took me decades to realize that I'm OK even with all my excess weight, and am trying to live life to the fullest in spite of it. And now with this new tool maybe my "outsides" will someday catch up with my "insides." I firmly believe that without having gone through these years of frustration, humiliation, and self-loathing, I would never feel the compassion I now have for others - no matter what their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual condition may be. Those of us who go through this metomorphosis will be better people because of what we have gone through. How can you possibly have understanding for others if you haven't experienced it yourself?? You are half-way there already! You go girl!!!!!!!!

Bright, I am soooooooo happy for you!!! The hardships you have lived through in the past two years are more than many have suffered in a lifetime - and yet you have such a beautiful, positive attitude. There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to be totally successful! Thank you for being so open about what you have had to deal with, and sharing with us. Have a super time in Paris!!!!! ;-)

Leo - Thank you soooooooooo much for your post on why it's important to drink Water. I finally get it!!!!

Welcome to the Website!! I'm still in the pre-band process - awaiting the okay from UnitedHealthCare. Dr. Engstrand from The Elmbrook Clinic is the one my PCP recommended; he has a good reputation, as well as the other docs on their staff. There are other bariatric doctors and clinics in the area but I don't know anything about them. Good luck on your journey. May you soon be a happy loser!

Alexandra, Could you please tell me what website you visited to get the "other side" of the story? I firmly believe that to be forewarned is to be forearmed - and by reading the experiences of others I will be more fully prepared. Thanks a bunch - and keep up the wonderful work of being "mom" to all of us!

Dear Victoria, My heart aches for your! I'm waiting to hear from the insurance company, and it seems like a lifetime. But one thing - on a positive note - I'm learning more patience as a result. My first thought is always I WANT THIS NOW! But since it isn't happening according to my time-table and I have no control over it, the one thing I can control is how I eat in the meantime. Trying to lose a little more BEFORE surgery to make the process go faster afterwards. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My psych eval was less than an hour. These doctors are trained to probe for hidden problems, and want to make sure you are a good candidate for this type of procedure, and doing it for the right reasons. All of us have issues regarding food or we wouldn't be on this board. But it seemed that my doc was looking to see if I could make rational decisions, had balance in my life, wasn't just looking for a "quick fix" or an easy way out, that I had a good support system, etc. I didn't feel like he was out to trap me, or make me reveal something hidden in my psyche. Actually, it was kinda fun! Just be totally honest and you have nothing to fear. :D

Your "novel" has something useful for all of us!!!! Thank you for sharing your experiences. Having something to look forward to each week makes it easier to stay with the program.

Onemoment: You have lost 68 pounds - the equivalent of 272 sticks of butter - in eight months. Maybe I'll be thinking different after I get the band, but right now that just sounds so amazing to me. Isn't that also about 4 1/2 dress sizes lower (at 15 # per size)? When I look ahead eight months - if I could be 68 pounds lighter by May 21, our anniversary, I'll cry for joy. Don't get discouraged -you've given me a LOT of encouragement! Thank you!!!

My one-time meeting with Dr. Engstrand was okay; he seemed genuinely caring. I don't know anyone that he has banded, but in our dietary group discussion one of the participants talked about hearing very good things about him and how her PCP said he has a wonderful reputation. Last month there was a series of articles in the Journal/Sentinel about WLS, and he was one of the doctors they interviewed. Wish I had saved those papers!! Hope this helps!

Just want to wish you a very happy birthday...... and I hope in your new year you will be a real loser (bandster style)!! :D

My PCP referred me to Dr. Engstrand. I've had the psych eval and stress test already, and on Monday I will have the dietary and physical therapy consultations. Hopefully all reports will get back to Dr. E quickly so they can send the pkg to the insurance company. Then we wait for approval before we can set a date for surgery. The waiting is so hard. Wish I had known about the lap band many years ago! This sounds almost too good to be true but apparantly it really works. This forum has been so educational; I feel very confident about what to expect - both good and not so good.

I also have Dr. Engstrand! How did you find him - or were you referred? Thanx.

From one Packer fan to another, best of luck on this new journey! I'm really excited about this procedure; most of the pre-op appointments are cared for and then it's the "wait & see" portion with the insurance company. Can't wait to get a date for the surgery.

Can you have coffee or tea "on the other side?" Haven't had the dietary consultation yet, and I'm really curious about this. Thanx!

Hey Amy, Just think of it this way - 42 lbs. is actually 168 sticks of butter melted off of you. That makes quite a puddle! I need to visualize things, and this helps me to cope with the slow weight loss. Lulu

Hi everyone; I've been "lurking" for the past week, gaining valuable information! Had my first consultation, and today scheduled the psych eval and other tests. Can't get in until late in August which is a bummer because I WANT THIS RIGHT NOW!!! Patience isn't a strong suit, but the weight didn't come on overnight so I guess I'll have to be patient a little longer. I'm truly convinced this is the right path for me. I've been overweight for most of my 36 years of married life. My husband has been wonderful; never complained about my enormous weight gain (90#'s) and has always put up with my crazy dieting patterns. I guess that's what true love is. But now I want to get thin and healthy for him as well as for me. Lulu Dr. Engstrand

You have no idea how much inspiration you have given me. The idea of being able to run just boggles my mind! I actually had nightmares that something was chasing me and I was frozen to the spot. I physically cannot do it. Walking is ok if the surface is flat, but any incline, no matter how slight, has me huffing and puffing and going into an asthma attack. To be able to run around with my beautiful grandkids - that is something to strive for!!! Lulu