Sooverit!

Hi all: I've noticed this topic doesn't get talked about all that much here and I'm thinking it's because there are countless forums dedicated to it. However I need to ask specifically regarding the lap band; I was wondering if anyone has gone through monopausal symtoms during the beginning of your banding journey? I am asking because I am turning 50 in March and missed my first period..(a good thing) But..I'm on a roller coaster ride....moods and appetite .I'm all over the place but managing to control some symptons with herbs, yoga exercise, antidepressants. Just wondering though if I will not lose weight like I should or get too wacky not being able to eat like I do now (like I'm starved all the time or pregnanant or pmsing) being I am smack in the middle of all this hormonal turmoil. I know only I can answer this for myself but would truly appreciate any feedback regarding menopause and lap band weight loss. thank you in advance.

Bmaria: Don't be scared...have you read Researching Surgeons in Mexico article by Wasabubblebutt in the Doctors and Hospitals thread? I think the more informed you are the less fear there will be.

Thanks Amalta: Thanks for your feedback. It does seem crazy to go alone when you put it that way. Did you have a negative experience there ?...can you tell us who your doc was? I think it would be scary in a NYc hospital as well...where I was orignially going to go. I just don't have anyone to go with me in February .....and I have no alternative but maybe I will re think it now. You do get caught up in all the positive feedback about being treated better there and Mexican docs being more experienced etc....

I'VE HAD it with the ins companies I've decided to go to Monterregy MX to be banded by Dr. Rumbaut. I was wondering if anyone could offer advice on if it's okey to go alone. I'm pretty independent and healthy at this point & don't mind travelling alone, but my concern is the recovery. Wondering if I will be okay by myself in the hotel room? I had heard the staff will "watch out" for patients? Any comments> I would be staying at the San Juan Hotel I believe it's called?

Wow Nume Impressive weight loss! way to go. I am particularly impressed because we are the same age I am pre banded and geez if I look at food now I GAIN weight ...all in my gut of course and boobs. I'm so hormonal lately and worry the band won't work for me as I'm starting "low" bmi 35 and nothing has works for me at this age. I love to exercise and do it as much as possible but I eat like I always have but I am learning that during this meno time eating like I always did (alot and never gain weight) is not an option~!

Did anyone meantion the Lithotripsy proceedure to you>? I had it last year it's painless (your under what they call light anathesia..but I was out cold) and passing them after they've been blasted was a breeze except for ocassional nasuea nothing serious. Just wondering if taking care of this problem first would ease your mind and not cause additional stress of getting banded and worrying about the dehydration. Of course your insurance would have to be a good one I thinkn the proceedure runs about 12 grand and of course my ins co covered it no problem now the lap band they are digging their heals in about covering. Good luck to you!

I am pre banded so I am learning...so I'm just going to ask you...Can't you call your fill doctor and ask their advice? I hope they are available to you. I also hope you are feeling better now? THAT beautiful baby needs you I'm sure...love your photo....feel better...pls keep us posted!

Just found out my regular Doctor: Dr. Roberta Bianco on Rt. 111 in Smithtown will be training in September to be a fill doctor for Fill Center USA! I was afraid to tell her I was getting the lap band but she said she deals with lap band patients all the time so much so that she decided to do fills! Wonder how much experience a doc needs to be "good" at it?

I am exploring the option of going outside the states or at least NY to have my LB surgery done but do not find too many fill centers here. Does anyone know of a Lap Band Fill center in Western Suffolk County L.I. New York or anywhere on Long Island?

It's funny how those closest to us or in our karmic circle can trigger the areas in us that need healing. My one sibling can do this to me every time I talk to her. I realized I have to be in a calm place before I can talk to her or she hits all the triggers. I think he just sounds sort of envious that he can't have icecream and you can.

I've always loved cycling and this morning I rode for an hour at 6:30 am. at the park for the first time in almost a year. I feel like a new person after doing this also did an hour of yoga and what a difference in the way I feel about everything. My appetite is pretty tamed too. I can feel my legs and glutes feeling tigher already. Biking is the best!

I agree it's not fair and as others prob said already ..go to obesitylaw.com to appeal your decision. It's really a shame that the insurance companies want people to wait till there really sick before helping them. Just terrible.

quote=MacMadame;929402]When I looked at Mexican Docs, Rumblaut stood out to me too Hi MacMadame...Glad yoou found your man! I enjoyed reading your blog...read every word! Good reading. I am assuming you have been researching Mexican Docs and wondered why you didn't choice Dr. Rumbaut? He's in Monterrey but you gave me the idea to stay on top of the news there too..can't hurt. I have to wait till Feb for my surgery ...I too have a young daughter and I'll be 50 next year and can see that medication house of cards/horrors you talked about. I need Crestor for Cholesterol and Crestor caused elevated liver engymes...which leads to ... . Anyway, be careful about Tijuana. There has been a lot of violence there in the past few months or so. Something about drug cartels and organized crime going on shoot sprees and also kidnapping people. It wasn't as bad this time last year, IIRC so maybe it will die down a bit before your surgery time draws near, but if not -- it's something to think about.

oops forgot to mention peaches that I kept that weight off for 8 years until my 2nd pregnancy at 39 but that weight wouldn't come off. You are ahead of the game since it's your last pregnancy.

I too was 140 most of my life...and 130 5 ft 8 on wedding day..at age 32 you can lose the 40 lbs...just give yourself time after the pregnancies..it took me a year after I gained 75 lbs with my first pregnancy but I lost all of it and some in about a year by exercising land cutting down like you are doing now.

Hey KF: I'd hate to see you go through the same dissapointment and hassle I went through for a year with my Cigna policy. I had the same situation as you same BMI and same co mobities and they declined me twice due to BMI being under 40 and or not having 1. High Blood Pressure - not controlled by meds 2. Diabetes - not.. 3. sleep Apnea those are the 3 cos they like best. I too thought MX was out of the question until I fully researched it and was surprised to find out how much more experienced the docs are and treatment is superior to the states. THat does not apply to all the MX LB surgeons of course.

It's taken me almost a year and a half of work but it's over at least. This...meaning insurance approval with Cigna. I was Denied because I was shy a 40 BMI by 10 -12 pounds when I submitted everything they were looking for I jumped thru every hoop and paid out every last cent to docs. etc. but I should have know (and not listen to people on this site that said Cigna does cover with no co mobidities - NOT TRUE) they clearly state that they do not cover those under a 40 BMI unless you have grave illness that don't respond to meds.. Not only that but they will not approve any claim even related to this one in the future. Meaning if I gain 10 pounds in the next year.even if I maintain that for a year and..easy to do at my age...they won't even consider it. My fear is of dying of a heart attack like my twin sister did of obesity last year. My chest is so huge it strangles me at night and causes sleep apnea that doesn't appear on the "test" ...another few hundred bucks there. My warning to those seeking insurance approval with CIGNA....if you're not starting out with a 40 BMI save your money until you are or get a loan unless you can clearly prove a comobidity.

Thank you so much Wasa your information is so valuable to all of us making the venture to Mexico for surgery. I have printed out your incredibly information list to pick Dr. Rumbaut's surg. coordinator's brains. She's gonna think I'm an expert in this! You really should write a book on this topic! Thanks again!

Hey Dolittle: So good to hear your positive words.. 90lbs.! you rock! You must feel wonderful. I am saving so much going to MX compared to NYC which is almomst 27,000 dollars. I notice on the weather channel that there are hurricans predicted for Mexico tonight. Think I'll go in February! thanks again...

Hi there....Anyone here have Lap Band Surgery with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey ? I'd love to hear your experience. It's funny there are so many experienced surgeons there but for some reason he stood out to me as well as the San Jose Hosp facility. Also is there a "best" time of the year to go to Mexico?....I'm thinking February or this August but I'm thinking it's very hot there in Aug?

I was the thin one in the family so my mother emptied the other plates on to my plate to fatten me up when the others were finished. she always said "God bless her appetite". I was proud I could eat more than everyone.....and still be thin. Not after age 40 tho~

Marybee...could have been worse in NYC the cost is close to 28,000 but that includes fills .:thumbup:

Karen I noticed that you switched to RNY recently do you care to share why? Great job either way on getting to goal weight

Do the bariatric surgeons that we call to see if they do other doctors fills, as per Kira's excellent suggestion, have to know where we got our band? I am almost tempted not to tell them I was (will be) banded in Mexico. People have so many misconceptions as I did 2 years ago before I did the research.