sue3

Guys, My procedure is 06 October an I am getting very scared. Can anyone tell me EXACTLY what to expect? Can u share your experience with the actual procedure? I can research all day, but I want to hear it from the horse's mouth. Thank you sooo much in advance for any words of wisdom. Sue3

Wednesday is fast approaching. I want this; I need this. I will let you know how it goes. Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it. Sue

Thank you all. Doesn't sound like it will be too bad. We'll see. Sue

Thank you. You both have been very helpful. I am nervous, but when I got home from work, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Seeing myself instantly motivated me for the procedure. I'll let you know how it goes. Sue

I will keep you posted. I hope someone replies for me. I'm really scared and need info. I'm sure you can identify.

I had my pre-op testing done last week. When they stuck that tube down my nose for the esophegeal manometry, I pulled it out. I just freaked. I could feel it in my throat and began to gag and then I grabbed it and yanked it out. I know this wasn't a good move and I am not proud of it, but I was just wondering if anyone else had a problem with that test. I just have a nasty gag reflex and can't even go to the dentist without gagging 5 or more times. Anyone else have problems or am I a psycho? Sue3

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I thought I was alone. They told me that no one has ever done that before. B.S. Instead of that, I had to eat tiny marshmallows and have them watch me swallow them on that barium swallow machine. I'm glad, well, not glad, but comforted that it happened to you too. If they try coming at me with that tube again, they'll be sorry. Thanks Sue

I am having my lap band done in October and I have no intention on telling anyone. Only my husband and one of my wonderful sisters know. That is why I joined this site. Most of the people here are great and very supportive. I am counting on them to be there for me post op. Your procedure is your business. I hope that you do not expose it, if that is not what you really want. Best of luck.

Teresa, My mistake. You two still are adorable. Sue

That is a really nice photo. You make a cute couple.

Teresa, Congratulations on your weight loss. How awesome! I am glad you'll be finishing up your degree as well. What an accomplishment. You should be very proud of yourself. Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Again, thank you for everything. And, yes we must keep in touch. I am going for the pre-op testing on Wed., 08 Sep. Wish me luck. From there, I will schedule a date for the procedure. Although I have researched, maybe you can help me know more of what to expect from the procedure, weight loss, etc. when I get closer to my procedure date? New Hope, Thank you for the pat on the back. Although I feel stressed at times, I feel lucky that I have the luxury of job security and an educational opportunity. I think it would be hard for me if I had kids to worry about in addition to school & work. But I don't, so it's really not that bad. I just wish I could lose this weight. Then, I could say that I am truly happy. Thanks again. Sue3

Hi. I am new here and I could use some advice. I am going to have the band procedure and insurance is not going to cover it. I have to pay out of pocket. My husband is not happy about the insurance issue. The procedure has now become an argument. He has even accused me of not trying to lose weight on my own. That is why I need advice...How do you make someone understand the emotional stress of being overweight? How do you prove to them that you have tried hard enough on your own? How do you explain to someone the psychological stress of being overweight? He just doesn't get it. He is basically accusing me of being lazy. My BMI is 30. That doesn't mean that I feel less pain of someone with a BMI of 40+. Being overweight doesn't make me lazy. I am very distressed and I told him to "Go Scratch." I am having this done with or without his support. I will work a second job to pay for it, too. I am not worried about him being mad at me right now because he pissed me off..and pissed me off good. I told him, "Gee, should I stick me finger down my throat like your sister?" That's cheaper. When he wanted to buy a boat for 30 grand, it was no problem. Why can't I have something? Any advice on how to get someone to understand weight issues? Thank you for listening, Sue3

Theresa, I am sorry that you are emotionally stressing. I do not disagree that weight loss is part of the equation. I am not much older than you (33) and am a student as well. With my job as a Police Officer and working on my dissertation at the same time, I get frustrated and stressed as well. Just try to keep things in perspective, if you can. It's difficult when there is so much going on. To speak for myself and only myself... I deal with all kinds of people (if you want to call them people,) issues and events in the City of Chicago by night and by day, I deal with professionals (Professors and fellow Phd. students.) Sometimes it is difficult to flip flop my mindset, if you will. I would dare to say that "We All" have issues in our lives that produce stress and emotion. I won't say that, though. I know that you and I have many stressors and I am sure we are not alone. Just remember that in the event you pass or fail a course or if you are fighting with your husband...if that is the worst part of your day, then you're doing pretty well. I am not disregarding that you have feelings, but just try to keep things in perspective, that's all. I will do the same. And my advice to you regarding what you write in here is to write what you will write and say what you will say. If in fact, you do not use the most politically correct choice of words, do not sweat it. As long as your intent is good, and I believe it is and you do not write to belittle anyone, I think most people will not take offense. Intent is everything with me. Everyone (and yes I said everyone) makes mistakes, but the intent behind those mistakes makes or breaks them with me. Some of course will not agree with me, you or anyone for that matter, but don't feel bad. Just be yourself. Thank you for making me fell better with my lapband situation. You seem like a very kind person. Take care of yourself, Theresa. Sue3 By Dec. I will be Dr. Sue3---I can't wait!! Not so much to be Dr. Sue3, but to be finished with school for a very long time, if not forever. I am sure you can relate. Enough is enough.

GeezerSue, I understood what Theresa wrote. Clarifying, modifying, reiterating or outright contradicting her statement was unnecessary. (I am not sure which, if any of the terms above, reflects the purpose of your reply.) I do not believe Theresa intended to speak for everyone. To All, Thanks to all for the encouragement and support. I will certainly keep you informed of my progress...and I intend to majorly progress!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, again! You've been fabulous. Sue3

Thanks for the kind words. I'll let you know how everything turns out.

So, you have had the procedure? How do you like it? Great strategy---gall bladder!! You crack me up. My husb is fine with it now. He didn't undersatnd the insurance thing. But, insurance is still operating by 1991 guidelines. With that, I will not be approved. I am scheduled for the pre-op tests on 08 SEP. I am very excited and know that I am doing what is best for me. My husband is fine with the situation now and knows that this will help me mentally, etc. Thank you so much for a positive post. I thought for sure someone was going to tear me a new a$$hole after what I wrote. Tell me more about your experience when you have time, Ok? Sue

I thank you all for your replies as I am sure they were written with good intentions. Some of the replies, however, do not answer my questions. It SEEMS as though many replies regard: opinions about my BMI, imply that I haven't researched, question comorbidities and imply that I must have a schlock Doctor. If you re-read my post, the questions that I asked were pertaining to helping me to help my husband understand the pain of being overweight. Since my post has changed gears, I may as well defend my position. 1) I have high cholesterol 2) I have diabetes 3) I have a fantastic surgeon/professor from the top university hospital in Chicago 4) Since I have had radiation on my thyroid and have only a synthetically functioning thyroid, it has been IMPOSSIBLE for me to lose the weight I just want to add how ironic it is for some to sit in judgement of me. I have every right to have this procedure and that is what I am going to do. I wansn't writing for your approval, I needed help with explaining to someone who does not have a weight problem, the sadness of having one. Unfortunately, that is not what I got. Like I said, I am sure some of the replies were with good intentions and I thank you for that. As far as your opinions abut whether or not I should or should not have the procedure, thanks, but I am comfortable with my decision. My husband is on board, by the way. Since that is how this thread started, I figured I should let you know. I hope I am not to harsh in this post, I really do not mean to be. It's just that, "People in glass houses should not cast sones."

I didn't mean to start a controversy. i apologize if I offended anyone with a higher BMI. I think 30 is my breaking point, and we all have one. I was just trying to convey that I feel pain, too. I know now, that my pain is different (and I am thankful for that.) I also did not mean to come off that I felt the Lap Band is a quick fix. I hope I didn't sound like that and I know if someone insinuated that YOU thought it was a quick fix, you wouldn't appreciate that. Thank you for reading my post and for the advice. SUE3