marsha

Well, I have a sister who had RNY. When I told her I was going have the lap band, she made a comment that the sooner I get the band and gain the weight back, the sooner I'll get RNY and be thin for the rest of my life!!!! Can you believe that....this came out of my sister's mouth! My sister's surgery was in March 2003. She has lost 76 lbs along with all her hair! She has the very embarrassing "dumping syndrome" when she eats any sugar and she vomits at least 3 times a week. She feels that the weight loss is worth it! I think "why have RNY when there is a safer way to loose"!!! I'm sticking with my decision to have the lap band because it is the right choice for me. You have to do what's best for you after you weigh all the options and the pro's and con's. Marsha

I'm only 39 and I have to do a bunch of tests... blood work chest x ray esophogeal motility test upper gi gallbladder ultrasound Ekg Then the doctor is making me have a consult with and endocrinologist (to determine if I have diabetes) and a consultation with a pulmonologist (to see if I have sleep apnea)! Then of course, there's the psych eval and nutritional consult! I'm about 1/2 way through! Hopefully, I'll be done by the end of this week! That is if the doctors I have consultations with don't send me for more tests!!!!! I think some of these tests and consults are to determine co-morbidities...the doctor told me the more the better for getting insurance approval. YIKES...I'm a little dizzy! Marsha

Hi Everyone, I'm hoping to get a surgery date soon. I'm also a Cleveland Clinic patient. I was hoping to be a part of the swedish band study but I haven't heard anything about being chosen. I'm not even sure what the criteria is for the study?!?!?! I know they are looking for a certain type of patient but I don't know if I meet the profile. I have a bunch of tests and consults set up for next week then I'll start the waiting for the insurance approval. Does anyone have United Healthcare PPO? Anyone going to the support meeting on the 29th at Cleveland Clinic? It would be nice to meet you all? Marsha

I feel great sadness for this man. His sence of failure must be overwhelming. :cry Marsha

Kelly, I have heard of weird pains in the head following surgery (I'm an RN). A doctor once explained to me that the pain IS related to gas. The gas can press on nerves in the spine or near the spine and can cause pain in other places (such as your ear)! Hopefully, once you get rid of all that gas, your ear pain will go away! Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Marsha (waiting for insurance approval)

Angie, Hi! I live in Florida too! I was trying to get in on the swedish band study with Dr. Rosenthal (at CLeveland Clinic) but they didn't seem to know when the study would actually start at the Cleveland CLinic. Do you know if Dr. Marema is still looking for patients for this study? There are a few people who went to Mexico that have the swedish band...check some of the old posts and I think you'll find some! Good Luck! Marsha

Seanmama, You and I have almost the same circumstances! Your story makes me depressed as well. I'm waiting for insurance approval also. I have United Healthcare PPO and was also told by my doctor that I shouldn't have no problem getting approval. My BMI is only 36! I have GERD, Osteoarthritis, stress incontinence and am a borderline diabetic (controlled with diet). I'm going for a sleep study in 2 weeks to check for sleep apnea! Now, I'm afarid I wont be approved either!! My husband is totally against going to Mexico and he also thinks I should just "go on a diet and exercise". I know I could loose a few pounds in the short term but I also know I'd just gain it back along with a bonus 10 pounds for putting in an effort! :think Have you thought about getting a lawyer? There is a guy on the web that specifically helps with insurance for bariatric surgery...I think the web site is www.obesitylaw.com and he is reasonably priced for an attourney. Others on this site might have more info on him. DON'T GIVE UP!!! Good Luck and PLEASE Keep us informed. You can email me anytime! Marsha

Heather, I had my psych eval last week. I was a little nervous at the beginning too...didn't know what to expect but it was rather enlightening! First I answered a bunch of statements (written, test like) that I either choose true or false...they were things like..."I have thought of suicide" (you answer true or false)..."I take other peoples medications that are not prescribed to me"...stuff like that (there were 120 statements). That took about 30-45 minutes. Then I went in and talked to the psychologist and she asked me questions like "what brought you to the decision to have bariatric surgery","is your family supportive","do you know the risks of the surgery" , "how do you think your friends/family will react when you loose a lot of weight". She also asked about my childhood. That was about it...it was easy!!!!! THen at the end, she told me she would send my doctor a positive report! The whole thing took about 2 1/2 hours. Good luck, I'm sure everything will go just fine! Marsha

Ginger, I just had my psych eval yesterday. I was very nervous about it, too! I felt like "how can someone who doesn't even know me tell if I'm a good surgical canidate?" After the evaluation, I found that they are just looking to make sure you don't have any previous mental illness that might worsen with all the significant changes that can come to your life after banding and major weight loss. They also want to make sure that you understand the risks and changes that might come after the weight loss. I actually found my psych eval enlightening! She told me that I may be the same person, but that others might react differently to the new skinny me (like jealously, envy, etc)!!!!!!!!! (I had never really thought of that). I also paid $300.00! I thought that was a lot of money but then I thought about the hundreds of dollars I've spent on weight loss programs that didn't work for me and then it didn't seem so bad! Good luck, you're on the last pre-op step!!!!! Be honest and it will be a piece of cake!!!!!! Marsha

Candace, I'm also hoping to be banded. I'm in the process of waiting for insurance approval. Most people do great with the band. However, there is a web site on Yahoo groups called "struggling bandsters". I don't go there much because I want a positive outlook. Most of the people there are doing quite well, they just want the weight loss to be faster. Keep in mind, you will loose slower with the band but isn't that healthier? I also have a friend who was banded about a year ago and is struggling to loose. She lost 25lbs in the first 3 months and hasn't lost any weight since. Her doctor refused to give her anymore fills because the band IS working...she is just eating the wrong things!!! She admits that she doesn't follow the rules...she eats a pint of icecream everyday and the amazing thing is that she hasn't gained back any of the original 25lbs lost !!!! She knows she needs help (psychologically) and I'm hoping she'll get help soon! This is really the only negative story I've heard of. In spite of this one case (and considering she is a friend of mine) I'm still going to get the band!!!!! There are sooooooo many others (especailly on this great site) that are doing very well! I wish you luck with your research! Information is power! I hope to see you on the banded side! Marsha

Hi Everyone, I'll be having my psych eval on 8/26. I was wondering what to expect. All I know about it is that it will take 2 hours (that's what the psychologist told me when I made the appointment)....I think I'm psychologically stable (I have my up's and down's like everyone else). I've only ever been for counseling once (when my brother committed suicide, 10 years ago). Any input would be appreciated! Marsha

THanks to everyone! I don't know why that psych eval made me so nervous. It turned out to be a piece of cake. She just asked about my life and weight history. SHe made sure I understood that the band isn't a cure but a tool to loose weight, etc. She said she'll send a clean report to my doctor!! YEAH, it's over and done with! One step closer to my band, Marsha

Thanks to all of you for your replys. You've made me feel more comfortable about the whole thing. I will just be honest and open. I think I'm pretty level headed and know that the band is a tool and I will have to do my part. I'm an emotional eater sometimes (as I think many of us are) but I'm willing to get help if I need it after I get the band. Well, thanks again for all your input! I'll let you know how it goes! Marsha

I'm a little confused...you said you were banded in late July...this is August...and you've already had 2 fills????? It's been about 4 weeks since surgery? You've lost 10 pounds in 4 weeks? Do I have the details right? Marsha

JC, I forgot to ask...what insurance do you have? Good luck with surgery in less then 1 week!!!!!!!!!!!! Marsha

JC, Dr. Szomstein is my dr. too! I know it's going to take a long time. I started in July and don't expect surgery till Dec 2003 or Jan 2004. I originally went to US Bariatrics at Holy Cross, but they only want to talk me into RNY. I have about 85 pounds to loose and I don't care if it takes me 2 years to loose it (US Bariatric's big plug for RNY is that you loose it faster and that it's the "gold standard"!) 4-5 lbs a month is fine with me and a less risky, reversible (if necessary) procedure is why I want the band!!!!! Oh Well....in the mean time, I'm waiting! Keep in touch and GO DOLPHINS! Marsha

Hi Erika, I was in a simular situation. My PCP had never heard of the band, only RNY. I have United healthcare PPO. I went to several "information sessions" by different surgeons in my area. (I figured out who did banding in my area from several different web sites.) Then, I choose Cleveland Clinic for my surgery. I just felt more comfortable there with the people and surgery. I did not go back to my PCP; I saw the surgeon first. He determined that I am a canidate for the surgery, and his office arranged all the tests I need and arranged for me to see a couple of specialists for surgical clearence (and to diagnose my co-morbidities). Once I get all the consults and tests done I will see my PCP for a letter of medical necessity and then surgery will be scheduled. (I'm in the process of all the tests now...it will take me about a month to get everything done). Most surgeons offices will help you getting insurance approval and any letters you need to support your claim for surgery. Good luck!!!!!!!!!! Marsha

Victoria, I don't have surgery the same day ... I just wanted to say that Sept 11 is a good day to have your surgery...you can give it a better meaning in your life! Although we will never forget what happened that day, You can now remember Sept 11 as the day you started your new life! YEAH! Marsha

Hi, Welcome to the site! I also live in Florida and am waiting for insurance approval, then I will get my surgery date! My surgery will be done at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Fl (they also have a new center in Naples with experienced surgeons). I know of Dr. Jawad in Ocala who is also experienced and would be closer for you (I'm guessing you live in North Florida). Good luck and keep us informed on how you are doing locating a surgeon! Marsha

Thanks for all your input. My doctor is going to be part of the US study for FDA approval of the swedish band. If I chose the swedish band, I would be part of the study. Well, I see him next week and will get more info then. I'm also worried about insurance not paying for the procedure with the swedish band because it isn't FDA approved. I guess I'll get some of my questions answered next week. In the mean time, I'm interested to hear any other info anyone has to offer so I can make an informed decision! Thanks to all of you! Marsha

I am also a band wannabe! I thought about trying 1 last diet too, then I took a good hard look at myself and said "What makes me think I'll keep the weight off this time?" I wasn't able to keep it off the last 50 diets...why did I think #51 would be different. I'm tired of the rollercoaster. I'm ready to be healthy FOR LIFE. I also have thoughts about the surgery...but it really seems minor compared to all the other stuff I've put myself through with different diets! My body has been through the ringer with all the different diets from starvation to cabbage Soup (and everything inbetween). At least the band procedure will be monitored very closely by a competent doctor and surgical team! It will be over in a matter of hours and then I will be on my way to a new healthy lifestyle that involves healthy CONTROLLED eating and exercise! YEAH! Marsha

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm new to this site but I've been reading all your posts and find it very helpful! I started looking into banding about 5 months ago and I'm finally ready to take the plunge! I have my first surgeon appointment on 8/13. I'm hoping my insurance will pay but am willing to go ahead with my own cash if they don't (my health is just too important)! I'm looking foward to joining you all on the other side! Marsha

Wednesday, I will be seeing Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic on 8/13! I just hope I'm as successful as you have been! Keep up the GREAT work! Marsha