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Lumpy, Dr. Batista was fine. He has a surgeon personality if that makes sense. He is pleasant and matter of fact. I would not characterise him as Mr. Personality. But I talked to other folks and he was more"funny" with them? he was better at the hospital and very personable. it may be at the office he is rushed. When I met him for my office visit, the PA already met with me and the paperwork to be approved was sent to the insurance company. To be honest I may have been approved before I had my final pre- operation visit with Dr. Batista. I only met with him once for an office visit before and up to now. I was very pleased with him, his staff and my experience at the hospital. When I went for my fill last week, the ladies there and I all felt that the weirdest experience at the hosptial was when we had to drink the bariam and the lab area. It is not bad, just the way you are processed ina nd out, under meds and not feelign so good. then they make you lay down on this cold table and drink that nasty stuff. then stick you back in the chair in the hallway waiting for a push back to your room. As you sit and feel like your going to vomit...LOL. Good luck with your visit today!!!! let us know how it goes.

Lumpy you described the process to the T! I think Hillary does an outstanding job setting everything up, emailing and sending letters.Good luck with your doctor visit this week!! Corey the visits at the office can be very long. I have had good luck and one time they asked me if I would see Jeanine Moss, rather than Dr. Batista. this was after my surgery. I was happy actually because I was getting a fill and Jeanine does them not Dr. batista. Don't forget that they have other patients other than weight loss and that takes a while. Fills: When you go for your fill in the pain lab, flouro they go fast. My experience with that is that first fill in the lab, 2 &3 in the office, 4th in the lab to check things out. this is if all is going good. Jeanine was able to find my port and do the fills in the office great. so don't worry!! I think Maya came from another weight loss office and has experience too. I also email Jeanine Moss, NP, with questions. She will respond which is nice too. planning I have FBCBS. My doc requires us to write a letter to the insurance outlining several issues that they tell you is needed. Part of that is your weight loss attempts and what happened. I did not have to get letters from weight watchers or jenny craig. BUT I did hear that there are insurance companies that make their patients go on a supervised diet with the surgical group for 6 months before they will approve surgery. I don't recall the insurance?

Missy Your weight loss is incredible! your slip is something we all have experienced. stopping it quickly and getting back to what we need to do is the most important thing to do! wombat I feel I have lived your post!!! I go back to the 6 month point struggles!!! HOWEVER look at everyone's weight loss, it is incredible!! we have to look at the big picture!! Have a great weekend.

Lisa I am glad your fill went well. I am not sure if when the NP to out the fluid and re entered it changed my restriction level? I have been able to eat, but I can feel it. I think my month time frame of the restriction kicking in was unusual. the NP said that the Lapband has a mind of its own and everyone is different! That is why I like this site, because we can learn from each other but not take what we read to be for all of us, but to understand! I saw your doctor on a commercial yesterday! that is the first time I saw it and it was funny because of just learning it from you! Off to a Christmas Parade later, it is at 5:30 which is nice with the lights.

Lumpy You are going to Dr. Batista too? DECEMBER 10!! that is around the corner. What a great Christmas present! How are you doing on the preopt diet? newme10 Lumpy lined up the steps for you. I am assuming then that Hillary, the coordinator, has had you go through the initial steps of the orientation at the education center, the pshych eval and the appointment with the PA to talk review the information, and write the letter that goes to the insurance? Once the insurance approves you, depending on scheduling it could be 2 months. It looks like Lumpy had a quicker scheduling than I. Once the approval comes through you meet with the doctor and attend another informational and nutritional meeting and start your pre-opt. Every doctor's preopt is different. Dr. Batista's does allow you to have food, very specific foods and amounts. I was so excited to just get started, and I lost weight on the preopt!! it was great! I have met another woman on here who is going to have Dr. Batista. If I knew how to connect I will. She is in the beginning process. It is so hard to be patient once you have made the decision to have it done! The surgery was a snap and the gas pains and recovery was not to bad. You heal fast and don't need to take a lot of time off from work. I am pleased to answer any questions so ask away!

Heather GREAT to hear from you and your success!!! Sheila thanks for sharing. I have lost the four lbs I thought I gained, but to be honest I fear the scale for everytime I get on it, it is up and down, and frustrating. I just want it to go DOWN! I am thinking that we are at our 6 months and we are life time dieters. when we get to this month sometimes we fall off the wagon. Even if it is only in little amounts, the bad stuff is bad! I have tried to make better choices on the foods I bring into the house so I don't go there! I now need to EXERCISE!!! I will try to post a picture, but I did not take a beginning photo specifically for that. My doctor did. I do have some old photos, but they won't be a pose like some of you all did!! someone said to me yesterday that " I am waisting away" ! That was nice to hear, but not accurate!! TGIFFFF!!!

Lisa How did your fill go? where did you have your surgery? I had a fill this week too, on Tuesday. it was my fourth. They took out my 6cc and put the same amount back in. I did not need any more at this time, for I have been having real restriction. It is funny for my last fill was Oct. 8 and the restriction did not kick in for a month! I had my first pbing experience over the holiday and it was horrible! So, maybe I am at my sweet spot! It would be nice to get together! Let me know if you are comign this way, as I will to you. My work takes me accross the commonwealth, so if I near Winchester, I will for sure let you know! Ashlee wow what love you will feel for your new BAND! It will be here before you know it.

GOOD MORNING VA BANDSTERS!!!!! It is so nice talking to other LBsters from the area. Ashlee and Jenny, I to live in the Fredericksburg area. I had my surgery done at St. Mary's with Commonwealth Surgeons, Dr. Batista. The two practices do alot of the educational classes and support groups together. CONGRATS on having your surgery approved. I had my surgery done on June 7, 07. I am almost to my 6 month anniversary. I can't beleive it. soso my bmi was low too, I had 80 lbs to lose, but my story is probably similar to yours. I have lost and gained the same 80lbs or more over my life time and have medical issues as a result. I was very happy to learn about the lap band and the hope of never yoyoing again!! Good Luck to you!! Transformer there is a Hampton Roads thread that I talk to folks too. They are a cool group too. this is a great site to learn from each other and build friendships. I have met woman on here and we are now friends, go out for lunch and chat weekly. I look forward to keeping up the thread!!!

Stef thanks for your support! I truly appreciate it. After posting this morning before my shower I got on the scale and I am at 197? so who the heck knows. I will take it! When I went in to the lab for my fill yesterday, there were about 5 woman all waiting, it was all their first. One woman said to me, wow you look great, and did not even think I had it. When people give you what are seen as positive, can turn into a sabotage! Stef do you ever slip into that trap, when your family tells you to stop losing, giving yourself permission to eat? I try to prevent it, but it can give you a green light to be off the goals. Suzzzzie You are doing FANTASTIC!! 75 big ones! that body bug is really giving you the positives isn't it? Julie great NSV, clothes that are smaller makes you feel fantastic!!! thanks for the group support, it is great. Speaking of, where is Toni, Dan, Margo, Heather?

bigbaby GREAT NSV, looking good in our clothes is a great boost! farmerE that is funny, but I can understand about the confusion, it is hard to keep it all straight. I am glad you have it all cleared up. sheila I think everyone is VERY different. The band size, weight, etc. It is different for everyone, and it changes for each of with every step! It is very hard to compare. Stef you look great and agree with waiting to define the goal end weigth until you feel your way to that point. I would think 145 would be harder to maintain. I am 5'7-5"8 and I know 145 is a great weight to get to, but I always had difficulty staying tehre, 155-160 was more realistic. But, hey the band may open up more flexibility! Fill yesterday!! I am a bit depressed and can understand how some of us are on the emotional rollercoaster! I am up to 201 from 197!! I don't understand how I can't lose and gain instead! According to the docs records, I lost 2 lbs, but that is from October 8! I know that some of it is due to choices nad lack of exercise, however I don't eat large amounts of food either?? I have been having problems with food getting stuck and the NP took out my 6cc and put back the same saying that I did not need anymore. She showed me my upper pouch and it was a bit enlarged and asked if I was having heart burn? I said no. then mentioned a hernia? I did not ask enough questions. Any thoughts? We talked food choices, measuring and not eating bad foods because I can't eat what is on the dinner table. she is right. I really need to get my butt working. well, need to run to work. take care all!

sorry about that! typing on my lap top in the chair watching TV! FARMER E You make a good point, I really think it has to be how I am eating and that I am tighter. Up to this point my size of bites and pace was not impacted. I haven't been able to eat real food for several days. I had an omlet and potatoes for brunch today when my dh and I were out. I did get half of the omlet down, however it was hard. I had to really be careful. But I really needed the protein. then for dinner I really wanted some meatballs, sausage and spaghetti. I thought I cut it up real small, but it was stuck after bite two I was able to walk it off , but then gave up eating someting I really wanted. I was depressed. I can sit and eat pretzels and junk but no good food works! I really don't know what to do about the fill on Tuesday. I dont want to not get it and be eating to much a week later? but after what has been happening the past week, I should figure out what to eat and do that first. what do you all think?

bigbaby, GREAT NSV! buying new cool underwear is just as fun!! FarmerE I

ingy, It feels painful, doesn't it?? I could not stick my fingers down there. My son was telling me to do it! I am not one who likes to vomit at all, but who does. I did pressure it to come up but it was weird looking! so strange explaining vomit...LOL where else could or would we do that!! I have 6cc in there now, have a fill appointment on Tuesday. not sure what I will do. I am not losing and I can eat more at a meal when I eat right. I think yesterday I took to much to fast, or something? My NP is different than anyone else's. we are not restricted to liquids, only like for the next two meals, and then she said to start mushies back. where is everyone, enjoying the holiday weekend! we are going outside to put the lights on the house, but my dh hates to do it! tis the season:D!!!!

Hello everyone. I had my first real pbing pain event today! I can't beleive how bad it felt and to be honest I am not sure I pbing 100% of the way. We went shopping with my brother who is staying with me for the holiday. we met up with my son and his wife at Chili's restaurant. They have happy hour and free wings. I ate one chicken wing, and I am not sure how I ate it but the pain! I had to go to the bathroom, when I was in there, spitting up and then this big clump of mucus came out. when I walked out of the stall there was a woman standing there waiting for me to get out because she thought she left her purse in there! I was so embarrassed. she was standing there the entire time! I told her that I was not ill and it was a long story! I was scrared too,it was crazy. I don't know how some of you who experience that often do it! I ate nothing else when we were there and when I got home tried to eat mashed potatoes and gravy and a little bit of green bean casserole. It was hard to go down. so, who knows what is going on today! I did not eat all day. On the fun side, enjoyed doing a little shopping, getting in the spirit! I am mainly getting gift cards and I should stop buying for my grandaughter who is 2! I am addicted. I love buying for her, it is so fun after raising two sons. Beckie T, glad you were able to get those things for your kids! I don't ahve those days anymore hunting for those great toys they want. Have a great night!! Welcome back Lady HR!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE..HOW DID WE ALL DO? I had dinner at my home with my family. I love to cook and have everyone enjoy it. I had a plate of food, little of everything, filling my plate, but nothing like in years past. I think I jumped in eating to fast for I felt pain quickly. So, I waited for it to pass and then ate slowly. It was all good! Later on I really wanted some stuffing and tried to eat it ( like we did in the past, snacking!) and NO WAY! I was depressed but glad. I think you can all relate. it is like you really want it, but in your head you know it is not going to happen. Before dinner I had snacks and I could eat crackers with spinach dip and apples with pumpkin dip. But later in the day, I could not eat a pretzel? why is it so crazy!! I really think I need my fill on Tuesday. I am not sure how much, but a little. I am hoping all is ok too. this is a flouro, I haven't had a flouro since my frist fill. this will be good to see what is going on in there and I am doing ok. I need to get focused and at holiday time it is a challenge. but I feel better than I did last holiday for sure. Last year on this day I was in the hospital. I woke up in the middle of the night with heart pains and had my first ride in an ambulance. they ran all kinds of tests and nothing. it was a freak thing. so, I know that the weight was a factor, although no one said this. Well need to run! hope everyone is having a great holiday!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AFTER!! How did we all do? I had dinner at my home with my family. I love to cook and have everyone enjoy it. I had a plate of food, little of everything, filling my plate, but nothing like in years past. I think I jumped in eating to fast for I felt pain quickly. So, I waited for it to pass and then ate slowly. It was all good! Later on I really wanted some stuffing and tried to eat it ( like we did in the past, snacking!) and NO WAY! I was depressed but glad. I think you can all relate. it is like you really want it, but in your head you know it is not going to happen. Before dinner I had Snacks and I could eat crackers with spinach dip and apples with pumpkin dip. But later in the day, I could not eat a pretzel? why is it so crazy!! I have a fill appointmnet of Tuesday and I am going to go for it. I am still stuck with the weight loss and I know part is because of what I eat and no exercise. I can understand some of our frustrations with thinking that we should be losing, no problems with the band! But it not working as fast as what we would have liked! I am not going to get into the contest threads, as you see I did not meet my goal for November. I don't do well in those target weight things, I need to consentrate on my small goals and what is working and not focus on numbers.... some of you guys may be like me too. well, off to shop on BLACK FRIDAY!!! Talk to you all later....

Diane, Thank you for thie information, I will look for some biotin. I am taking 2 types of vitamins now. I am really trying to get it to turn around. I hope it will. I am glad that you are doing well. How is your mushies going? Hi Gina and Pat, I hope you had a good weekend!

Stef Great slide show. You looked great! I don't have to ask if you had a good time! Vacations go way to fast. How was your eating? Did you get to work out? you are our exercise guru! You probably did a lot of walking. Glad to have you back.

Great Typo's!! And I Was Not Drinking Those Glasses Of Wine!!

Marga WELCOME BACK!!! We missed you. We are all having our ups and downs and hopefully we can use each other to help us through! NV Glad to hear you are doing so well, you have been through so much. 75lbs :whoo: Dan I think you are doing great and food will always be a temptation, regardless. I don't think that will ever change. FarmerE Were the coworkers doing the exercisse worried too? that sounds crazy! I would be scared now. I drink wine, probably the most I have had since fills is three - four glasses and never had a problem. I have not had a problem except getting to tipsy. I don't think beer is the best choice due to the bubbles, gas, I have had two glasses at the most and can feel it bubbling up. I had a water that was carbonated in a meeting and I did not realize until I opened it. Over two hours I think I drank 1/2. however, in the middle of a hearing, i burbed this loud noise in my throat. I was embarrassed. No on knew of course why, probably thinking, WOW, what a pig! Lucy Welcome to Onderland:clap2: GREAT JOB!!!! BigBaby....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I have been very busy this week and I missed you all! I have been feeling good restriction this week. But I am not sure of the weight loss. I hate that scale! Does anyone have problems with your hair still falling out? I wish mince would stop, I really can feel it thinner and it is scaring me. I am taking vitamins and trying to eat my protein. I bought some more owder drinks to make some more protein drinks. any ideas? Have a great Monday!!

Gina GREAT JOB!!! I hope to be near that for my 6mth on June 7th! Hope you had a great vacation!! Diane good luck at your doctor appointment today!! HAIR LOSS I am getting really worried! I am reaching my 6 month and I don't see my hair loss easing up! I was looking at the top of my head and it looks thinner for sure. I have really thick, curly hair and I am lucky to this point that it is hiding this. I really did not notice until last night. I am getting REAL SCARED!! I have not been taking my vitamens as good as I should but will be very sure to do now. any ideas??? I am really worried. well, off to work today. Janine

Hey guys, I just read three pages, I did not get to be on for a couple a days, and you all went NUTS! I think that nuts are a good source of protein, and are good for you BUT that is if you can eat like 2 Tablespoons!!! Who the heck can do that! Dan, I am afraid until we are more in control of our binges, that the nuts should be a redflag and not around if you can help it. I am big chip and salsa craze, which go down just fine. I am not buying them anymore! I can't control myself. Dan I agree about how the band works for one food for one of us works different for another. Also, I found like others, one day I can eat a salad and the next day I can't. I don't even try bread. I can eat pasta, slow and easy. I can't eat lunch meat anymore? it is all weird and unpredictable. When I feel the food stuck, or tight going down, I stop, wait for it to pass and then eat the rest very slow and chew small bites. If it still does not work, I don't eat it. I have yet to Pbing? Sometimes I wonder if that is good or bad? HAHA! I was to have a fill today, #4. But I had to reschedule due to work. It is now on November 27, after Thanksgiving. Which may be better. I feel I need a tiny bit, just to get the full feeling that some of you have after a few bites. I can eat more but do get full about a cup. I just want to be sure to have the feeling to stop, but not to the level of pbing all the time? well, back to work today! You all have a great day. Can you beleive we have one month to our 6 month anniversary!!

good morning everyone. I am in Harrisonburg VA, leaving today to head back to the office. the drive is beautiful, I will drive through the Shanadoah National Park. I hope I don't see any snow flurries! I can't beleive how cold it is. I have a change in my fill appointment. as you know I have been on the fence if I should get it anyway. But my work made the decision for me. I had to schedule a personel hearing with attorneys on the 13th, I had no choice with that. so, I rescheduled my fill until the 27th. which is after Thanksgiving, which is better all around! If I still get it. I have been eating more and have up and down restriction days. Not sure what that is about. yesterday I had eggs and a peice of bacon, peice of pinapple and had no issues. which is unusual for the morning? I just need to be good with my choices and not let that give me a green light to eat more! Hey, the band could decide today to be tight again! Diane, glad you are doing well. the pain in your port will get better. good luck at your appointment. it is an exciting one to begin your real journey! gina and pat, hope you are both doing great and looking forward to a long weekend!

mj that is so cool. I love Josh Turner, he is a hotty! He looks so different than his voice would tell you! It is so deap! I did not watch the awards for I am out of town on business. Heather GREAT to have you back. I really understand your position and frustration. If you go back to some of the pre operation posts and soon after surgery, we all felt this was not the "easy" way out as some outsiders would suggest to us! But more like hte hardest challenge of our lives and a life long commitment!! I think we forget that when we are not losing or we are depressed or lacking what we feel is success. I have not lost but a lb in 4 weeks, but I know why! i am not exercising and I am cheating on bad stuff, which is hurting me.I know this. I think that I am at that boredom stage you go through in a diet after being on one for a while. do you know what I mean? I hope to whip my butt back into shape. So, don't feel so alone, there are many of us who are going through that "dry" time... Having said all that GREAT JOB on losing 10 LBS!!!!:clap2: Hope you stick around!

suzzzie:clap2::whoo:GREAT Job and happy dance away!!! you are doing great!!