Forestcat5

Hello everyone! I am scheduled for surgery on Nov 5th. I got a call at work today from my surgeon's office, and my first thought was "Oh no - what's wrong?!" But to my surprise they were calling to ask if I could change my date to Nov 1st! I immediately said YES! I know it's only a few days earlier, but I've been working towards this surgery since February and I'm more than ready to go! I'm going to change my date on the list........ 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 5th DLW Hungryforchange 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn Hopping to It- Danna 19th Mrs Smartypants 26th kuchiegrl1 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras

Hi Miss Polly! Welcome to LBT! I can't help you with the Mexico questions, but I just wanted to say hello since I'm from Ohio also. My surgery is Nov 5th at St Vincent Hospital. Best of luck to you!

Hi ndmom - Please let us know how things go on Friday. I have been in a similar situation and can relate to feeling like you are on a roller coaster. It's good that you went for your annual exam - we all need to take care of ourselves and still go to those appointments that aren't part of pre-lapband testing. Keep positive thoughts and continue to get things ready for your lapband surgery. You are on the path to better health!

terrisch, The Optifast is deee-lish ......and I've managed to make it through the first day. The only problem I had was I only took 1 to have for lunch, and I REALLY needed another one around 3:00, so I'll do that tomorrow. The chocolate bar wasn't too bad if I drank water with it. Did you like the bars? Don't beat yourself up about the candy - it happens. The guy who works in the office with me brought in a bucket of candy, but I didn't have a problem with it once the Tootsie Pops were gone. I love those things, but apparently so does everyone else because they were gone in a day. And the stuff that's left isn't chocolate, so as far as I'm concerned - why bother? Good Luck with your fill! Let me know how it goes.

Hi Jennye! My surgery is also Nov 5th in Cleveland Ohio by Dr Ben-Meir. Is this your very first time to this site, or have you been reading posts for a while? This site has given me so many answers and information, and quite often - laughter! If this is your first time here, I hope you read everything you can. When did you start your journey? Mine started in Feb, so finally having a surgery date is very exciting!! I start a 2 week liquid pre-op diet on Monday - do you have to do one? Best of luck to you! Forestcat

Terrisch, I start Optifast on Monday. I'm getting 2 thermoses (sp?) and an insulated mug to take to work. And I'll get sf Jello cups to take also. I must confess I'm eating some of my favorite things this weekend (and feel quite ill from it all!), but I feel that I am totally ready to start the Optifast on Mon because it means I am getting closer to my surgery. I was on a total liquid diet through a Dr for a year about 15 yrs ago - so I know what it's like. I do think my friends at work are concerned about me, but it's surprising that they do this now when the surgery is so close. Before, they were all for it and excited for me. But I know it's scary to watch someone you're close to go into any surgery..... And I wanted to point out to my friend all the garbage this guy on the infomercial was saying, but she's not obese, (maybe needs to lose 20lbs) and has no health issues - so she has no clue what I've been through or where I'm going. She said she'd pray for me and I said "Yep - that should cover it!" I'm SOOOO glad to hear they gave you that sponge thing with the ice chips after surgery!! Of course there's the chance I will have a different nurse who won't give it to me - but it helps me so much that at least there's a chance! I was thinking the same as you about my family get-together, eat the lowest cal and smallest amount of something. There will be salad, so that's what I'm going to eat. And for dessert (you MUST have dessert in our family....one of the reason's we are all fat), I'm thinking about putting something little on my plate, then when no one is looking - throw it away! I hate being petty, or deceitful - but I just don't want to deal with the drama that would be sure to follow if I told them. I think you are doing GREAT with no restriction!! You could eat anything and everything you want - but you're not! What day is your fill? I understand about having the horrible day....besides, you are still in the beginning stages and maintaining your weight until the next step - you are handling it beautifully! AND how great is it that you feel like you didn't even have surgery?!? You are all set to GO!!!!!! Forestcat

Hi terrisch! The pre-op visit was fine. There were 3 other women there also, and it was nice to be able to talk with them while we waited. I told them about this site and all the info they can find here. The only thing I found out that I didn't know before was that we can't drink ANYTHING until we have an xray (flouroscope?) the NEXT AFTERNOON?!?!?!? Was that the way it was for you? With my other surgeries it was like they were bringing me diamonds when they brought me ice chips when I got back to my room! You had nothing? I got the Optifast and 2 boxes of bars. This weekend I'll go get all the supplies and other liquids I'm allowed. I have a family get together next Sun (the 28th) and of course there will be food, and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle that. I still haven't told them. It's funny - my 2 friends at work who know I'm getting the band, both pulled me aside this week and told me of people they knew, or knew of, who died after surgery. I asked if it was the full gastric by-pass or the band, and they didn't know. I told them it was most likely the by-pass surgery and that the banding was much safer, etc, etc. And even today one of them told me about a diet book they saw on and infomercial, that said all you have to do is eat this certain substance and it somehow tells something in your brain to stop eating, or not eat fat or something. And how people are being tricked into thinking they could only lose weight if they had weightloss surgery because the Dr's make lots of money from it. I asked what the substance wasthat the guy was talking about, and she said he didn't tell - you had to buy the book, and I thought "Hmmm - guess it's ok for HIM to make money!" But I'm really surprised they are acting this way. I'm pretty sure they are doing it out of concern. How are you doing? Is your fill next week? Are you feeling 100% back to normal? Sorry I'm gabbing so much! Had coffee with dinner and it perked me right up! Monday morning - Optifast here I come! Forestcat

I have cigna and they didn't ask for pictures....I agree with Freebird - call them again. Forestcat

hi jenjen 2675! You've come to the right place to get your questions answered. Read, read, READ everything here that you can. The first thing I suggest you do is find a Bariatric Clinic/Doctor and call them and ask for information, ask if they have a seminar you could attend, or information they could send you. Attending a seminar is an excellent place to start. Also, you need to call your insurance company and find out if Bariatric Surgery is covered. You can go to a thread here from your state and maybe find someone who lives nearby that could suggest Clinics or Doctors.. Best of Luck! Forestcat

sbee - I'm very happy to hear you are doing so well!! You are further proof that the first few days are the worst. I hope I can remember that when I'm going through them! No, it doesn't seem real yet. Maybe after my pre-op testing on Wed it will seem more real. I'm not nervous though....that won't hit until they are moving me onto the operating table. I'll be panicking and fighting the urge to yell "WAIT! I'VE CHANGED MY MIND!" I'll be sure to mention I'd like a valium or something. :eek: Nineteen pounds gone is GREAT! Have you had any PB's or anything? Are you looking forward to your fill? Keep in touch - Forestcat

kuchiegrl1, I agree with IndoGirl55 - try to be positive that your pcp might have seen something on your ekg, and you have time to have it checked out before the surgery. It may be nothing, or maybe it will delay your lapband surgery for a bit - but you will be even healthier in the end! Chances are your lapband surgeon may have given you an ekg in your pre-op and saw the same thing anyway. It's better that your surgeon has ALL the info going into surgery! Please keep us updated, and GOOD LUCK!! Forestcat

Road Queen - I really enjoyed reading about your life in Malawi. I love learning about other cultures. What has been the hardest thing for you to get used to? What was your biggest surprise? What is the weather like? I envy your courage to make such huge changes in your life - getting banded and moving to another country! You are doing great with your weight (sorry you were sick though) I hope you have access to the internet often so you can keep us updated. Forestcat

As strange as this sounds - CIGNA didn't say I HAD to lose any weight, they just wanted me on a 6 month Dr documented weightloss program. I went on the Atkins diet, and lost 20lbs, but made sure I didn't lose any more than that, for the same reasons you are worried about. But it's important that you find out if your insurance DOES want you to lose a certain amount of weight, or do they just want the documented paperwork. I've read where some people don't lose any weight, but because they went to their Dr once a month, got weighed, talked about weightloss, and then the Dr sent the info in a letter to the insurance co - they met the requirements and were approved. So maybe that is what you will be able to do. I am just like you - I can lose the weight, but I can't keep it off! Forestcat

sbee - I read your 1 week out story......how are you doing now? I hope you are improving every day. When is your first fill? Let me know how you're doing. Forestcat

Hi JackieMorris! I had to do a 6 month weightloss with my Dr, and it seemed a bit ridiculous since I've been on diets most of my life, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds. But there was no way I would get approved for the surgery unless I did it. And then, even after I did it - I was DENIED! The insurance co said I didn't have enough documentation from my Dr. Luckily my Dr called them and sent more info and I was later approved. So I strongly suggest you call your insurance co and ask exactly what they require for the documentation. Also read through the Insurance Forum on this site for more information. The 6 months went faster than I thought it would. Honest! I think the insurance companies do this to see if we are really dedicated, and hope we'll be discouraged and forget the whole thing. So use the 6 months to get all your testing done, come to this site and join in and read, read, READ - and before you know it you'll be writing to us and say "I was approved!" Best of Luck!!!!! Forestcat

Hi jamitwins! Congratulations on starting your journey!! Because of my insurance I had to do a 6 month weightloss program, and I went on the Atkins diet and lost 20lbs. Have you ever tried it? You can read about it online, or get the Atkins Diet book. (I also went on Atkins a few years ago and lost 60lbs). Just an idea, if you haven't tried it. Good luck!!!! Forestcat

Hi elizelder! If you go to the forum "Lapband Surgery FAQ's and References" listed a few below "Introductions" it has a GREAT list of things you'll need to get in the house before your surgery. I have it printed out and in my purse for my next trip to the store! Best of luck on Friday!!!! Forestcat

terrisch - Glad to hear from you! I know how it is being busy - I just started to worry a little bit....... It's great that you haven't had any big problems. So you can eat bread and Pasta and meat with no problem? Thanks for the info on what's going to happen at the pre-op testing. I had no clue I was going to have a physical! Do you know if we HAVE to go on Optifast for the pre-op diet? Could we go on the Atkins drink or something from GNC? I know that you didn't like the Optifast, and I haven't read where too many people here liked it. I have to pay close to $1000 out-of-pocket at the pre-op testing, so I really don't want to shell out another $300 for the Optifast. But maybe the other stuff would cost about the same.... Keep up the good work - you are doing fantastic by not gaining weight!!!!! Forestcat

What Dr does Sandy work for, or write for, or whatever it is she does? I came to this site after hearing someone recommend it to someone else in the waiting room of my surgeon. I'm SO glad I didn't overhear someone recommending OH! Forestcat

.....sbee?......terrisch?......hello?

#4 (permalink) hungryforchange Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Age: 40 Posts: 35 I think that we are unable to edit our posts here. So just cut the list, paste it in the message and add yourself. I added you Suebob! I put myself in for Nov 5th! 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy 2nd lizzie_07 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th ndmom 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 8th anw5102 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 29th Sassafras __________________ Currently on Farewell to food Tour '07 Surgery date: November 5, 2007.

Hi everyone! My surgery is scheduled on Nov 5th - I just found out last week! I'm having it at St Vincent Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, by Dr Ben-Meir. On Oct 17 I go for a full day of pre-op testing, seeing a dietician, having informational classes and getting the Opti-fast I will need for my pre-op diet. I will be on the Opti-fast for 2 weeks. I started this journey at the beginning of this year. After my yearly physical in Jan, and seeing that my weight was the highest ever, plus having more joint pain and more fatigue - I started looking into weightloss surgery. I attended a seminar, and the very next day called my insurance (cigna) to see if lapband was covered - and it was. Through the testing I have found out I have a hernia and sleep apnea. The hernia will be repaired during the lapband surgery. And I now use a c-pap machine for the apnea, and it has made a WORLD of difference! I was denied by cigna in early Sept, but then my pcp called them and sent them more information - and then I got a letter last week saying I was approved!!! I'm like everyone else....excited and a bit nervous! As you can see - I have no Ticker or pretty stuff!:rolleyes I plan to work on that SOON. I always think about working on it, but then start reading all the different threads - and I read, and read and read...... I'm glad I found you guys!!!! I'll be back! Forestcat

Hi elainek!! I've only been on LBT for a few months, but the information I've gotten here is wonderful. I just received my surgery date this past week - it's Nov 5th, and I'm very excited! You have done GREAT with your weightloss!! Have you had any fills? Any problems getting all your protein? I plan (hope) to not get weighed very often after I am banded. When I did all the other diet/weightloss/starvation programs, I lost weight v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, and it would make me furious. ( I think that's when I developed high blood pressure! :biggrin1:) Watching my clothing size get smaller and smaller is what helped me. And even though my situation isn't the same as yours, I also have an airplane goal - fitting into an airplane seat buckle w/o an extension. I hope to visit my daughter in England next spring, and I not only want to fit in the seat buckle, but I want to feel good about the way I look, and not be in pain when we do some sight-seeing. Keep up the good work!!!! Forestcat

The plot thickens.........

GO TRIBE!!!! sbee - How are you doing? Are you able to walk more or get more liquids in? Are still thinking about going to work tomorrow? Terrisch - How's it going? You get your first fill pretty soon, right? The last surgery I had I was in my 30's, and now that I'm in my 50's I'm wondering how this surgery is going to effect me. The old body ain't what it used to be. I copied the list of things to get before surgery,so I'll be getting that stuff soon. And I need to find out about getting some of my meds in liquid form. Now I have to think long and hard about if I want to tell the rest of my family about the surgery......LOTS of things going on in the family right now, good and bad. And my parents live on the street right behind me, (they moved by me, not me by them ) and they drive by our house a lot, and stop in sometimes.... Maybe I'll put my dilemma on "Lapband Discussions" or something. I really don't know what to do at this point. I hope you both are doing well! Forestcat