mvg1269

Hi all, I'm from BK also--was banded on Dec 31, 2007, by Dr. Ren at NYUMC. I've managed to lose about 30lbs since first starting the liquid diet on Dec. 17th (now two months gone). I've hit a sort of plateau right now, which is fine, I guess. I had my first fill on January 22nd or thereabouts. I had been having restriction up til then, but I pressed my luck. It seemed as if right after I got the fill, I could suddenly eat alot more than I used to be able to eat. It was like the saline they injected into my band had voodoo juice in it, and all the junk I'd been able to successfully cut out of my diet, I was craving like mad. My discipline has taken a huge nosedive, and I'm feeling a great deal of disappointment in myself lately. I know this is just a phase, but it still really bothers me. Plus, I got some bad news today on my insurance coverage-seems that our coverage has been suspended because OXHP raised their monthly rates via COBRA; we needed to pay an extra 17 bucks per month back in December, but the news about the rate increase somehow never made it to our mailbox so we had no idea about it until they unceremoniously yanked our coverage this week for non payment of said 17 dollars. What??!! We're fighting it, though, so wish us luck...but I don't have any expectations that they'll restore our coverage, unfortunately. The nature of the beast is to try and get as many of us who desperately need coverage off the rolls. I'm trying to see if we can qualify for individual insurance, but that may be too expensive, too. Ugh! well, just wanted to vent a little about these frustrations...but if asked if I'd do this all over again, I would--in a heartbeat, even if I only lose these 30lbs!! Good luck, fellow brooklynites, Maribel

Hi all, Well, today's my birthday...I'm a little sad that I won't be able to eat any cake or ice cream, no solid food for at least another month. Right now, I'm on liquids--it's day 10 today and I can't believe I've made it this far. The thing is, I just got a HUGE gift basket from a good friend who lives out in Arkansas--she has no idea I'm getting banded in a few days, though. But it was stuffed with all the things I love--Godiva chocolates, cookies, gourmet cheeses and olives...crackers and brittle. It must weigh at least 10 pounds and yet, I cannot indulge. I had a truffle, chewed it and literally spat it out. I just can't allow myself to get off track so close to surgery. I feel sad that I won't be able to enjoy the food, but dammit, this has to come first. I've already lost 10 pounds on liquids, and I feel pretty good about that small victory even if it's just water weight. I can't wait till this is all over so I can start enjoying life again, and not feel like I'm spinning my wheels, going year after year weighing over 200lbs and feeling worthless and disgusted with myself. Anyway, I hope I haven't vented too much and turned anyone off! I just wanted to prove to myself that I'm serious about losing weight, and I'm serious enough about it to spit up a chocolate truffle!! No pain, no gain, right? :nervous Anyone else have a similar story of a potential setback that could have wrecked your surgery that you overcame? I want to simply inspire those who have this surgery coming up that you can beat your old habits and gain a new perspective on your life. We can do this, it's all about ur attitude. Keeping my chins up, Maribel

Yes, good idea! I actually thought I'd bring it to some family members, one of whom is a nurse-she could probably bring it to work with her and give out some treats to the patients on her ward.

Hi all, I'm sort of a newbie--I've read the posts here in the past, but never really written anything until now. I'm being banded on 12/31 and I'm excited about this new chapter of my life, but I'm also really nervous. I've been on the liquid diet for the last 4 days, and it's been quite difficult but somehow, I feel ok. I've been trying to avoid reading any negative posts, but it's helpful to get a broad range of perspectives from people who have had this surgery. Somehow, I feel like my life is starting over again, like this band will give me back my life and future. I've researched this procedure and gone through all the required testing and in about a week, I'll be on the other side. Throughout the last week, I've become more mindful of the fact that I was eating to deal with stress, sadness, boredom, etc--and I didn't know that til I started the liquid diet. I think all the stress over the holidays will definitely make it harder, though, to stay on just liquids, but I'm really hoping that I'll find the inner strength to carry this through! I'll definitely be reading the posts on this forum, though, to stay motivated and on track. I just wanted to say good luck to anyone having this procedure this month--it's a tough decision and a hard road, but we can do this if we just believe in ourselves and in the power of positive thinking! Good luck to all!! Maribel

Hi there, I know it seems difficult right now, but have some faith. I've gone through the same ups and downs, and it finally dawned on me that I have to do the leg work to make sure everything goes through-from paperwork to meeting with nutritionists, psychologists, doctors and insurance coordinators! Alas, anything worth having is worth fighting for-so you've got to keep pressing on and fighting for this if it is really what you need/want to stay healthy and see your daughter grow up. It's hard, but keep fighting until you get what you deserve. No one has the right to take this away from you, especially since you're doing it for a better future! Best wishes, and good luck! Maribel

Hi there--I'm also being banded, December 31st at NYU. Dr. Ren's performing my procedure; I'm on liquids right now. It's tough, but being overweight and unhappy is even harder! Much luck to everyone facing this new and exciting challenge. I hope we're all healthier in 2008 and for the rest of our lives. Blessings! Maribel

Hi all, This is a new experience for me-I'm still contemplating getting the band, so I've been doing alot of research online and I'm hoping that I can get off the fence and start putting thought into action. I am on "step 2" of the 5 steps to getting the actual surgery through NYU, which is to get an appt w/the psychologist. I'm having mixed feelings about meeting with this new therapist. I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing and then having this doc peg me as a psycho. I'm totally not, but I'm afraid I'll let something slip about how badly I feel about my body, how much I turn to food for comfort, etc and have him interpret that as a severe mental depressive, etc. Has anyone else experienced these feelings of walking on egg shells just to get the approval? What did you do/say that really made you think that you would not be getting approval? Any comments soooo welcome... Mari

Hey Pamla68, Love your tagline--that's Jill Scott, right? I'm new to all this myself-just had an information session last week and it solidified for me what I need to do to get going with this process of having the insurance approve me for the surgery. It's scary, but so worth it. i think it's a bit more scary to find out in 30 years that the extra weight was a contributing factor to your early demise. I'm scared of living in the shadows the rest of my life, I'm only 37 and I feel 10 years older. let's make this journey together, I'm ready if you are! Best, Mari

Hi there, I attended an info session conducted by Dr. Fielding and I agree-he seems like an incredible doc. This was just last week, and I'm still pondering the whole surgery. How did you feel about the sessions with the nutritionist and the psychologist? I'm trying to get an appt as soon as possible with Dr. Huberman, so any feedback on the entire process leading up to the approval would be very much appreciated. Thanks for any suggestions, information, and help you can offer, Best, Mari