KJK

Well, after waiting and for my consultation, I found out today that I would have to lose 45 pounds before my insurance would pay for the lap band surgery. So the dr won't even see me for another three months. And that is if I can lose the weight by then. Well, if I can do it without the darned lap band, why would I do it at all? They steered me towards the gastric bypass, and I guess I will look into it, but it scares me to pieces and my husband is very upset. He agreed with the lap band because of the safety issue, anyone have a good thing to say about gastric bypass? I am about to call and cancel all my appointments because all I can do is cry over this stupid situation. This morning I was pumped and ready to go......Anyone else in the same boat? Thanks. Kathy:think :cry

I thought about a liquid diet. What does that involve for the pre-op? What did you guys eat that have done that already?

"I think the LB is the way to go~ Obviously you do too~ My sister is having the same issue-- she has to lose weight before her surgery too- it's a safety issue due to too much fat around the liver.. Can the doctor give a plan to follow for those 3 mos? maybe that would help-- although I know it's hard- best wishes" Thanks, I am a bit less freaked now than I was the day I was told I needed to lose weight to lose weight...grr....I just don't want to take what will probably end up being another 6 months of my life in this same situation, but if I put a spin on it and start eating different today like I have started, then it hopefully won't take 6 months. I am on and off on the panic thing and I absolutely am scared to death to try the gastric bypass. Lap band is all I want. The dr said himself, he feels it is unfair for an insurance company to try and tell us what we can have when it is a benefit we are paying for. Also, it has been proven that the weight loss between the two levels off after about 2 years to be almost the same for either surgery, so forcing us to have one or the other isn't really right. OH WELL, I will just be glad my insurance covers it and start that wonderful watch what you eat thing...... Thanks everyone.

Thanks, I actually started, very committed, even if I don't see the dietician until next week, I decided if I were going to do 40+ pounds on my own, I would start now. so far so good. I am disabled, so it isn't the food I have a hard time keeping away from, it is getting a form of exercise in that will do any kind of "heart rate" increase to burn calories. I can get around, but don't have full use of my right leg and arm, so running of any kind is out and lifting is out. I want to go do water classes. It is about 20 miles each way, but I think it might be worth it. I loved it when I did them at the hospital pool with the therapy people. Thanks!!

Oh, my miss info, it is his dietician that I will be seeing. He just won't schedule me again until I have lost the weight. Then we can talk again. I was writing right afterwards, so may have not made a lot of details as clear as I should have. Thanks!!!!

Thank you for the responses. The reason I have to lose the weight first is to get my BMI down under 50 for insurance to pay for the lap band. The liquid thing prior to surgery will be on top of that and I don't mind the thought of that at all, my thing is, insurance is dictating which one I have to choose if I want it soon. Because of my health, putting this off 6 months or a year just seems wrong. Insurance will pay for the Gastric Bypass one, but not the Lap Band until I am under 50 BMI......That is why I am bummed out.....

Well, I went to the info meeting. They are very honest that even though Gastric Bypass may be faster weight loss, this is much safer. The Dr said he normally does his procedures on an outpatient basis. Is that normal? Said he only keeps them over night if they are throwing up. WOW. I was glad to know I wouldn't have to stay more than maybe 1 night if even that. I don't know much about the BMI info, but I am 57.9, that scared me and I don't even know all the details about the number, but I knew it was high. Well, here I go. The ball is rolling and I am so glad that my husband's insurance covers morbid obesity treatment. That was a huge relief. I am going to try and figure out how to get the ticker on here so I can keep things updated. Have a very nice weekend. Kathy

OK, here is my try to add a ticker, hope it works. weight ticker.bmp

Hi, I have only told my husband and 1 daughter that I am going to the meeting to see about the procedure. My dad already love guilt talked me out of this once and so we are not saying anything to my parents. Dad felt that it was to drastic of a risk and if I died while in surgery or from the surgery, he would rather have me here as is. I know what he means, but when I need to lose over 150 pounds and have a bone disease, this excess weight is what is killing me. So anyway, no one will know as far as I am concerned except my hubby and kids....I will tell the rest of them when I know a date. Sounds like the surgery won't keep you in the hospital more than a day or two so if I take my lap top to keep in touch with people, they will never now. Maybe down the road.

Wow, you sound like you have been through a lot. On a positive, congrats on the weight loss you have had. Looks like 65 lbs....wow! I hope you feel better soon and can find a dr that will be able to help you in what ever direction you go with you weight goal plans.

Wow, 3 and 4 year old....you are a busy mom. We have 4 kids and the closest in age are the younger two, 14 and 16. They are like best friends though being so close in age. Now that they are getting older, I thought things would slow down, but they go constantly.....Good luck to you and have a great time full of fun chasing those little ones around! They truly do grow up fast. Also, a big thank you to you and your husband for serving our country! My son is in the military also, so I understand a little bit about that strain also. Again, best of luck and prayers!!!!

Wow, I am new to this board, but I wanted to say that your message really sounds like a positive step for you and what a wonderful way to do something for yourself and the loved ones around you. Taking care to make sure you are as healthy for yourself as you can be, as my kids say, we all count....every last one of us, big small, short, tall.....no matter who you are, you count!!! Good luck!

Hi, I am from Iowa, 41, been married to a great guy for 23 years and we have 4 great kids that I am very proud of. I have been dealing with weight issues for about 20 years. It started after our second child was born and my thyroid quit working. It took 2 years for a dr to do the right test and surgery, but by then I had already gained 75 pounds. I tried to get back into working out and dieting, but frustration always led me right back to my habits of food for comfort. About 4 or 5 years ago, I became unable to use my right leg correctly and found out I have nerve damage in my spine and so weight is a big/huge issue...no pun intended:) I have other problems because of this and so weight control/loss would only help improve the discomfort/pain and hopefully improve my ability to get around a little easier. I get around the farm on a golf cart to see our critters and a cane helps me when we are out and about, but at 41, I shouldn't be using a cane. The surgery won't really help with my ability to get around, the weight wasn't the reason it all happened, but less weight to try and climb into a car or for getting up and down has got to help a lot!!! High blood pressure is another issue. Would love to get off those pills!!! Will enjoy watching the progress of others as I start this journey and will try to share as I can too. I start all of this with a prayer and a lot of confidence that He will lead the way for a better future that I can share with my kids and their future lives.

Hi, I am new to this board and have been looking over a LOT of messages and yours really made me think of my "extra" person....I am just at the stage of going to the info meeting and then forward, but I wanted to explain a little of why I have waited for so many years to do anything about my weight.....about giving up an entire person that I have been carrying with me, for years. I have finally decided it is time for this other person to leave and take on the form of a memory. I have lugged the extra 150 pounds for way way to long and as I say, "the other person" over the years, has been a great escape for me, I would let the 300 plus pound person come out to defend me or comfort me and the 150 pound person trying to get out would just stay tucked away inside. Well, I quit carrying my kids at about the point they were able to walk.....about 30 lbs or so and today can not even pick up anything over 8 pounds because of my back......so saying goodbye to a 150 is going to be my peace. And saying hello to the new 150 will be life changing. I truly wish you all the best and hope you know that even though I am new to this forum, I am not new to the emotion envolved. Prayers and thoughts are with you and all of the absolute best is wished for your future with this wonderful achievement and choice you have made!!!!

Hi Deb. I am from Iowa also. I just found this forum today. I am going to listen to the info seminar with Dr Eibes at the beginning of May. I would sure appreciate any feedback you feel comfortable to share about Dr. Eibes. I am trying to read as much as I can and become somewhat informed before the meeting. Nervous and excited. I sure do wish you all of the best!! We live just south of Indianola, so close to your area. Will be sure to check back and see how you are doing and as soon as I have something to share, I will do the same. Take care.