Penni60

I have Pacificare PPO and was told they do not cover the band but might cover the bypass. Can you guys tell me whether you have a PPO plan or an HMO plan?

Does any of their sexual behaviors "really" affect how they handle their offices? Have there been any discretions in that arena? I could care less who is screwing who as long as it is consentual (sp?). I care more about how the affair or whatever you want to call it affects his or her duties of the office they perform. Do I agree with the shenanigans committed by past and present elected (appointed or court order) officials? NO I think it is morally wrong. Should we as the public know every detail of their personal lives including who screwed who, again as long as it was consentual? No I certainly don't want them to know what goes on in my personal life past or present. The bottom line is as long as it doesn't break any laws who cares who screwed who? I have so many other things to get my dander up regarding our elected officals. Global Warming Arctic Drilling for oil High Gas Prices Education suffering Social Security dwindling away Trillion dollar deficit Health care outrageous Patient's Bill of Rights The War in Iraq Halliburton getting all the rebuild contracts The aftermath of Katrina and how that was handled These are just some of the things that keep me pissed off at the government. Not who they slept with or who they didn't sleep with. Also, it is NOT our place to involve ourselves in that aspect of their lives people. The only ones that should be concerned about that is their significant others and their families. I want to state again that "as long as it does not break any LAWS I don't care who they screw or have relationships with." Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Here are some good questions to ask before or at your initial meeting with you band surgeon. I found this when I was cleaning out my computer of all band related items. Seems to be a pretty good list actually. I will make this a sticky for all future bandsters. Questions about surgery About the surgery What is the exact name of the surgery and how is it done? Write down the name if you don't think you will remember it. Why do you need the surgery? Will you be able to go home the same day of the surgery (outpatient surgery)? If so, will you need to have someone take you home after the surgery? Does the surgery require an overnight stay in the hospital (inpatient surgery)? If so, how long will you be in the hospital? What will you need to do to prepare for the surgery? What are the risks and benefits? How often is this surgery successful? What does a successful outcome mean? What can you do to improve the likelihood of success (such as changing your diet or beginning certain exercises)? What is the risk of death or disability? What is the next step if the surgery fails? What is the likelihood that your problem will return after surgery? What kind of anesthesia will be used (local, regional, or general)? How long will the procedure take? What is the cost of the surgery? Is it likely to be covered by medical insurance? About your choices Consider your preferences for treatment. If you are not sure what treatment is best for you, get a second opinion. Have you considered all your options? Are there any nonsurgical options to consider? How critical is the timing of the surgery? Is there any flexibility in when it is scheduled? Be prepared to discuss your scheduling preferences. About your surgeon What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure? How many procedures has he or she done per year? What is his or her success rate? Does the surgeon have board certification in this area? Will another doctor be assisting your surgeon? Will the surgeon be using a new instrument or piece of equipment during the procedure? Has the surgeon been fully trained in the use of the instrument or equipment? Who will be giving the anesthesia? Discuss the anesthesia options with your surgeon ahead of time. Will anyone be in the operating room other than the doctors and nurses needed to perform the surgery (such as a person involved in training the surgeon on a new piece of equipment)? About your recovery What should you expect during the recovery period? What is normal? What kinds of self-care could you be doing to help your recovery? Will your activities be limited during the recovery period? If so, which activities and for how long? What help might you need while you recover? What symptoms should you call your doctor about? Partnering with your doctor Tell your doctor your preferences for treatment. Are there other options you would like to consider other than surgery? Discuss your biggest concerns about the surgery. Tell your doctor the results you expect to get from the surgery. What outcome would you consider to be a success? What would you consider a failure?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Lindsey: I just sent you a PM. Please do take care of yourself. That infection is nothing to sneeze at. It can easily get out of hand. Praying everything turns out fine.

Today's plan accomplishment: I will follow my meal plans (1200 to 1500 Calories per day). (I am recommitting to this plan of action every day. It is so hard to stick to this goal but I am making a valient effort. Will attempt to journal every morsel that goes into my empty cavern.) Breakfast: Missed ( I know that was bad of me ) Lunch: Bologna sandwich on whole wheat bread w/ mustard 20 oz of Plum Tea (Arizona Green Tea) Dinner: 3 oz of Pork Roast, 1 cup of mashed potatoes w/ pepper, 20 oz of Plum Tea (Arizone Green Tea) I will exercise for a minimum of 20 min a day 4 days a week. (Today I walked about a 1/2 mile. Hopefully I can get more motivated tomorrow.) I will lose at least 1 lb a week. (Not even gonna stress over this one for a long long time. Just gonna walk the walk for now and whatever I get is gravy.) I will drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. (Getting in the water is easy.) Positive reinforcement mantras: I will continue to eat healthy and hope to lose weight. I will continue to exercise and hope to lose weight. I will continue to be proud of myself with all the accomplishments to date.

Here is my committment to myself. Anyone wanna join me? I will follow my Nutrisystem meal plans. I will exercise for a minimum of 20 min a day 4 days a week. I will lose at least 1 lb a week. I will drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day. I cannot continue to eat unhealthy and expect to lose weight. I cannot continue to not exercise and expect to lose weight. I cannot continue to buy pills, buy exercise equip, etc then not use them and expect to lose weight. I cannot continue to feel sorry for myself because I do not have the band anymore. There is that good enough for you? I am talking to my excess weight demon. Yeah you - you good for nothing bad seed. To quote the almighty, "Get thee behind me, (excess weight demon)!" __________________

I had a 'feeling' 'hunch' but nothing substantial to tell me that my band had eroded. I was at the 18 month mark and several of my friends that got banded the same time were starting to erode (very peculiar coincidence). So for peace of mind I asked my band surgeon to do an Endoscope to rule erosion out. Some people do have symptoms but I was one that still had restriction, no pain, and no other signs or symptoms of Erosion. Since surgery to remove my band I have lead a normal life. No complications at all. My band doc put me on Nexium for the first 6 months to keep the stomach acid down while my stomach healed from the surgery. So far I have no issues other than I gained 30 lbs that I lost with the band. UGH!! He said he would consider rebanding me in the future if that is what I want. He said it could get tricky due to the scarring from the initial surgery, but he would consider it. He suggested I get a RnY instead because he thinks I would do better with that type of WLS. I am not considering any type of surgery at this point. I just want to have a normal life for the next 50 or so years. Of course as a woman I reserve the right to change my mind in the future. LOL!!

Yes this is dating me some but I loved this one particular album of theirs. It was called "Transition". It was released in 1971 on Reprise Records. They don't have it in their vault. There was ONE song in particular I fell in love with. It was called "Two Little Boys". I have been searching all day long to try to find it and all I come up with is on Ebay where a few people are selling the Vinyl. I would like to find a CD but know this might be impossible. I have searched all the possible venues: Musicmatch, iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster, AOL Music and NONE of them have the track. I want it and I want it now. The song was written in 1902 as a poem about the Civil War and Kenny's version of it is very soft and mellow. It brings tears to my eyes just remembering it. Any suggestions?

Today's plan accomplishment: I will follow my meal plans (1200 to 1500 Calories per day). (I am recommitting to this plan of action. I am committing to eating healthier and making better food choices. Will attempt to journal every morsel that goes into my empty cavern.) So far so good. Breakfast:Small bowl of Heart to Heart Kashi w/ 1/2 banana and 1/4 cup of milk Cup of coffee 16 oz of Water Lunch: 1/2 California Citrus salad with NO dressing; 1 cup of Potato Soup Two 12 oz cups of Hot Earl Grey Tea with Equal 16 oz of water Dinner: 1/2 California Citrus Salad with NO dressing; 1 med Apple 32 oz of water I will exercise for a minimum of 20 min a day 4 days a week. (Working on this today is not gonna happen. Does working my fingers while typing count? I will make an effort to at least get on my treadmill today. Tomorrow is anutha day.) I will lose at least 1 lb a week. (Not even gonna stress over this one for a long long time. Just gonna walk the walk for now and whatever I get is gravy.) I will drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. (Getting in the water is easy.) Positive reinforcement mantras: I will continue to eat healthy and hope to lose weight. I will continue to exercise and hope to lose weight. I will continue to be proud of myself with all the accomplishments to date.

Yup sounds like it to me. Maybe instead of having your daughter slap you on your back, although she might enjoy that, LOL J/K, try eating smaller bites and chewing more. Food should be the consistency of liquid before you swallow your food. So chew chew chew.

Yes my Mexico surgeon used the OLD tech that Inamed strongly encourages against using since it has the potential to cause complications. The one thing I learned while going through my Erosion and removal and then speaking with Inamed is that they have NO control over what technique is used outside of the States. They can strongly recommend the pars flaccida technique is the only one used but some Mexico surgeons will use whatever technique they are most comfortable with and just hope for the best. It has not been fun dealing with all my issues but hopefully I can get a handle on it someday.

The band itself does not erode. The term erosion simply means to break down. What breaks down is the stomach wall. It can happen from the inside of the stomach to the outside or start on the outside of the stomach and work inward. It is so unclear how erosion begins because we just can't catch it in it's early stages. Most times, like in my case, the band was between 40 to 60 percent into my stomach. Yes I had a hole in my stomach wall and the band was plugging it like a finger in a dike. My doc thinks the reason for my erosion is due to a stitch that was placed wrong and simply became irritated from being rubbed by the band and caused a breakdown of the tissue. He also mentioned a differing technique used by my Mexico surgeon that has been not used here in the states by recommendation from Inamed. Hope this helps clarify that the band does not break down. The stomach wall does.

Lory: I was banded in Mexico then developed some complications and didn't like the aftercare so I went to see Dr. Billy. He is a wonderful, kind, and caring surgeon. He knows his stuff. His staff is just as caring as he is. Everytime he accessed my port he hit it the first time. Even when it was tilted. He does not use Fluoro unless he has concerns or can't access the port. He is fast too. He removed my band when I was diagnosed with Erosion in Dec of 2005. Can't seem to say enough good things about him either. PM me or email me if you have anything specific you wanna know. penni@pennimerrick.com

La_madam went to Mexico like I did for our surgeries. Sometimes they will give you a break for complications and sometimes they won't. They are more likely to do that than a US doc due to Insurance and Hospital costs. I was lucky that my Insurance took care of all but $900 of my band removal. It just depends on how your US doc codes the surgery if your insurance will cover the cost. My insurance will NOT cover a rebanding. I was self pay to have the band placed in Mexico. I lost mine due to Erosion.

My art is making jewelry. I also do abstract acrylic painting. I write poetry and have been published. I love photography. Here are some of my photos.

Leatha I think what Babs meant (correct me if I am wrong) is that if they wanted to try to save the old band she would need to be open. When they remove the old band they typically cut the off thus making it useless. So if they want to try to save the old band she would have to have the open procedure. Which would take longer to perform and have more risks too. Removing it Laporoscopically is the usual procedure and does take less time with less risk. Babs I am so sorry for all your band issues. I know it isn't fun. I just hope and pray they can replace your band and you get back to losing. I will keep you in my prayers.

Unfortunately she may not 'get' the message even after she reads the book. Hopefully she will. If not then you can't really 'do' much about the situation. If she does marry him then you and your family will have a dilemma. Do you cut off all contact with her and possibly any kids she might have because of him? Or do you support her as much as you can and tolerate her hubby? It is a dilemma for sure. If he is as bad as you say he is when she realizes that she will need her family to support her and not say I told you so. Not saying that you would do that at all so please don't take it that way. I feel for everyone involved. I hope she does see the light.

I am taking Meridia to help curb my appetite. It is working so far. I just have to remember to eat. LOL!!

In light of recent postings and my admission in a past mistake I am humbly submitting my resignation as Moderator. Some members have expressed a strong opinion that they cannot respect nor trust the actions of a Moderator that acted the way I did in the past. I have to respect their conviction and must say I tend to agree with that sentiment. I am saddened and ashamed of my past actions and more importantly I have learned from those past actions. I want to apologize for my past actions as a moderator. AS I have not yet heard from Alex as to my status as a moderator and not sure if he has even read my emails, I will assume that my resignation is effective immediately. Thank you for the time and opportunity to be a moderator on this great Support Board. You guys are the greatest. Love you all.

Still deciding. I am not going anywhere just yet.

Thank you all that have replied for your comments. I still have nothing but love for you all. You are really wonderful beautiful special weight warriors.

Curley: Thank you for the suggestion of speaking to your doc in Australia. IT does sound encouraging but the same issue with the insurance is a factor to consider. If the insurance doesn't cover the cost then I can't get anything done. I do appreciate the suggestion. I really do. Sunta: WOW!! Thank you for the compliment from your husband. That actually made me cry. I am still struggling and working on it everyday. I am doing some soul searching right now and doing some internal work related and unrelated to my weight issues. Hopefully I will come to some epiphany during this process. LOL!! I appreciate all the support and kindness shown to me during this time in my life. This weight loss struggle is no joke and is such a battle for me as I am sure it is for others as well. Emotionally it has been a rollercoaster. Just when I think I have hit the top and ready for success I plunge down the spiral and hit bottom all over again. Just when I think it can't get any worse something happens to bring me down again and to question myself. Anyway, we are all walking this journey in our own way and in our own time. I am one that likes instant gratification, guess that is one reason why my weight loss is on the upswing instead of down. LOL!!! Thank you all again for the support and encouragment. I will keep you posted.

Jack yes the smiling pic was while the leering tattoo artist was inflicting pain. LOL!! And yes it hurt like a mo fo. But once the outline was done it wasn't that bad. I do want another on on the other foot now. I also want to get a bumble bee and a honey pot around the sunflower to represent my other grandfather. Thanks for all the Birthday sentiments. I had a blast. Glad you like the New Avatar, Vines.

Hey guys, Tuesday the 5th was my 46th birthday. Guess what I went and did? YUP got me a tattoo, my FIRST one. I LOVE IT!! My grandfather always planted Sunflowers when he moved into a new house. So I got one put on my foot to help ground me. Here is one of me getting the tattoo. Then one of the guy who did it. Then the actual tattoo.

How did I miss this thread? WOW!! I had a great birthday guys thanks. My daughter, her hubby, and John took me to a steak restaurant in Orlando called Shula's. I got a great Filet then we all shared a CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE & CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE. YUM YUM!!! HUGS and thanks for the Birthday sentiments.