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I am supposed to have my gallbladder removed by him and I was just informed of the same thing. Does anyone have his actual NEW phone number because he is covered by my insurance.

Thank You all for your help.

Hi. I am an RN and of course I am obsessive about looking into surgery before I will go under the knife. Hence, I have been researching the lap band for almost a year. I was scheduled to have it done in September but in late August I was informed that a new gastric band will be released in the U.S. sometime in 2008 and will have no port and will be adjusted telemetrically by a remote control device outside the body. I cancelled my surgery to wait for this band since the thought of having a port infection or complication freaks me out. However, the thought of the gastric band becoming a reality is making me almost have panic attacks. Yes, I am slightly afraid of the surgery itself but I am mostly afraid of the life change. I am not that worried about the thought of not being able to eat certain foods. When I really start to think about it, the thought of looking great kind of scares me and I can't figure out why. I can't figure out why I feel so much more normal and safe in a fat suit. I need to get to the bottom of this so that I can truly work on my root issues or I will not be successful. Did anyone feel this way? Could you please share your thoughts on what scared you about the surgery , the life changes, compliments, and unexpected feelings that would happen after surgery:ballchain:. I would love to hear how you overcame the mental challenges that arose from having the surgery, losing weight, and how you handle stress now. Maybe if I hear enough stories then I will have an "Ah Ha" moment and be able to really identify what is at the root of my insecurities. Thank You So Much in Advance, Cheryl

If you have a complication the insurance companies WILL pay for it. They could not deny a legitimate complication. The same goes for elective cosmetic surgeries and procedures that are self pay. If there is a complication and reason to remove the lap band the insurance company will even pay for that surgery but will not pay to have another one put in.

Taismommy - Thanks for the article. Does anyone know a projected start date? My doctor thinks February or March but he does not know for sure until the company notifies him. I thought that maybe someone knows a doctor or someone who works at the company who has more inside information. Oh well, it was worth a try.

It is a new type of gastric band that has no port. It has a hydraulic system within the band which is adjusted by the doctor from a remote control on the outside the body. It was trialed in Europe for about 4 years and had been trialed here in the U.S. for a year. The results have been about the same as the lap band but minus all the port infections/ flippage and 2nd surgeries to fix the port problems. The company has applied for FDA approval because of the positive results and it is expected that it will be approved for use in 2008.

Dear Cookielover, I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I wish I could leap over there and give you a big hug. I think it was cowardly and reprehensible that after 25 years your friend dumps you in an email. The least that she could have done was have a phone conversation with you. I do however understand that she obviously has some deep food issues as a child with her severely restictive mother. Maybe when she saw that you are being really restrictive in your carbs and sugar she was re-living her childhood issues. But frankly, she may be jealous that you are taking care of yourself and are possibly a happier person. The other option is that you might be talking about food issues, restictions, exercise, etc. so much that she might view you as a different person from the one she has known all these years and is not enjoying her time with you in the same way she use to. Either way it is my opinion that you should pick up the phone and talk it over so you don't wonder for the rest of your life Why she really stopped being your friend. It is a sad thought but sometimes we outgrow our friends. Maybe your friendship with her will end but you WILL make many new friends along the way that will have your new interests and new positive outlook in common. Good luck with the situation and I will keep you in my prayers. Cheryl

Hello fellow nurses. I have been a night shift RN on a pediatric oncology unit for almost 11 years , but I just got a new job as a clinical care coordinator which I start monday. I can't wait to work days and NO holidays or weekends!!!! I am not banded yet because my doctor said that the telemetric gastric band will be FDA approved in 2008. He thinks around Feb. or March. If anyone knows anything please share. Wasabubblebutt- Thanks for the travel food tips. I can't wait to try them as soon as I get my band. I have never heard of dried cantaloupe. Sounds Yummy.

I hear that the telemetric gastric band is going to be FDA approved in 2008. Does anyone know which month for sure? I am waiting but getting restless.:help:

Dear Serena, You have been through an unimaginable experience. I am so sorry that your life has been turned upside down. You said that your life has no meaning,however, you can bring NEW meaning to your life. Think about what new things interest you and focus on bringing one smile to your face a day. Pretty soon you will have a new focus, new hobbies, and know that people care about you. You have a new chance each day to find your passion. Be angry, grieve, and then pick yourself up and find your new passions. You can do this!!!!!!! Please know that we are always here so that you can vent, share your struggles, your blessings, and even your one smile moment for the day. My heart is with you and you will be in my prayers every day, Cheryl

Cosean, Thank Goodness that you are ok. You should ask your doctor about prescribing the Epi Pen for you. It is an emergency shot of epinephrine that you carry in your purse and have in the house to inject yourself with incase you have trouble breathing. It comes with easy to use directions. Better safe than sorry. Stay away from those KIWI for life!!!!!

You are a really lovely person!

I agree 100%. Well stated.