jazzygirl40

Hey Laura, Thanks for the info on the cookbook. I've been thinking about getting it and your idea about looking at it in a library prior to buying it is a great idea. Also another good place to look if you have one available where you live is Half Price Books where you might be able to find the book even cheaper. I have always found their used books to be clean and in good condition (just an idea). Donna

Well, It has been a while since I posted anything, I've mainly been reading. I have finished the 6 month process and my surgery is tomorrow, 01/21/08. I am very excited about it and at the same time its almost like being in the twilight zone (I can't believe its finally happening, it almost doesn't seem real). I've had alot of support along the way from family and friends which has made the whole process easier, and especially reading the posts on this site has been very helpful. Hopefully someone will tell me how to set up my ticker tape so that I can show my progress along the way. I'll post again sometime this week and let you know how things are going. Thank you to all the people who have willingly shared their experiences with everyone (good or bad). You don't know how much of an inspiration you are to each myself and others on this site. Donna W (Ft Worth, Dr Adam Smith)

:rolleyes2: Well I did it!! I had my surgery on Monday, 01/21/08, and was told everything went well. I feel alot better today. Still have a little gas pain and kind of tired. I only used my pain meds the first day and after that I was fine. I did have a little nausea which the doc had given me meds for so that wasn't too bad. I honestly don't have much of an appetite so its a little bit of a struggle to make myself drink the broth and soup like I should. I've mainly been munching on popsicles and sipping on Vitamin water. I did make myself drink some tomato soup and eat some applesauce though. I have my first check up next Monday and then should be getting a fill 3 weeks from then. One of my incisions is itching the heck out of me and there's slight soreness at the port, but nothing I can't handle. I just can't believe it was over so quickly. I went into surgery at 0930 and I was home by 12:00!!! I just want to say thank you to everyone for the good luck wishes. I started the process in June and once I finished everything in December, the approval itself only took a day or two after all my paperwork was turned in to Aetna. We did have a written exclusion at one point, but because the lady over our wellness program for the city where I work fought for it, it was covered as long as we went through the 6 month process. It really did go by fast. Now here I am on the other side!! Woo Hoo!!!.

:mad:Reading your post makes me angry! Not at you, but at your surgeon. How dare they try to discourage you from the lapband. Maybe its me, but the bypass is the more expensive procedure so it makes me wonder why the doctor seems to be promoting it over the lapband. I haven't had the surgery yet because I have to go through a 3 month process of meeting with the surgeon, psychiatrist, nutritionist, etc.., but after much research on the internet, talking to my doctor, and going to both the lapband and bypass seminars, I made the decision to go with the lapband and have stuck to that decision. This website was so helpful in me making my final decision. It took me two years to make a decision. If I had known about this website then, I guarantee you I would have had the lapband by now. I hope to have my surgery by the end of October or early November, and I am so excited and looking forward to it. I encourage you to read everything you can on this website and ask as many questions as you want. So many people are willing to share their stories and experiences and provide support and encouragement. If you can't get that from your doctor or family, you can definitely get it here. Just think of everyone here as your "extended family". It doesn't matter if we don't know each other personally, we care about each other as bandsters and future bandsters. So please take advantage of everything on this site. Its worth it and so are you! :eek:

Hi Cortney I am in the second month of my 3 month approval process so I haven't had the surgery yet. I will say though you have come to the right place to get answers to your questions so you can make a well informed decision. As a person who was the "perfect" weight at 17 and who definitely isn't now, I think that you wanting to get things under control now is a good thing. I am 41 and have type II diabetes which I know was brought on by my weight as well as hypertension and sleep apnea. Once I made the decision to have the lapband versus the gastric bypass I haven't had any feelings of doubt whatsoever. Since I have started the process I have been so happy I can't stand it. It took me two years to make a decision so it wasn't done overnight. I did my research, found this website, and have talked to many people. I did this as a birthday present to myself this year because I feel I'm worth it. I don't have the highest self esteem, but I love myself enough to want to stick around for a long time. I have a good support system with my friends, family, and now my "extended lapband family". So Cortney, ask as many questions as you need to make you comfortable in making your decision. Let your mom know about the website and let her take a look at some of the information as well. Good luck in whatever you decide. One of the questions you asked about was drinking soda. I was a heavy soda drinker myself, 4-6 a day. Its not for everybody, but I quit cold turkey. I had gone to diet sodas, but I believe it made me retain water. So I just told myself no more sodas. I drink tea (there are so many different flavored sugar free teas on the market), Crystal Light (I get the generic brand from Walmart) and water. I haven't always liked water, but I drink mine with alot of ice. Wylers also has a drink mix similar to Crystal Light (Crystal Light is very expensive) and there is also a brand of fruit drink called Fuse thats pretty tasty. I also drink alot of Vitamin Water (the one Kelly Clarkson promotes) and its pretty good also. Hope that helps. Let us know what you decide. We're here for you. Donna W :clap2:

Hey Pamela , Thanks for sharing your story. I am going through a 3 month approval process and am in my second month. I'm doing the lapband with Dr Adam Smith here in Ft Worth, Tx. I am very steadfast in my decision, but if I did have any doubt your inspiring words would have removed any and all doubt. You have apparently had a good experience so far and I hope it continues. I have heard both negative and positive on this website, but I have to say I have heard more positive feedback than anything. I am so happy to have stumbled onto this website and found such a wonderful group of people. Again thanks for sharing and I wish you continued success! Donna W:clap2:

Hey Misty I'm in Texas too (Ft Worth). I saw the nutritionist yesterday, 08/17/07, and she gave me a few homework assignments (we have a 90 day approval process), one was to take my medication one at a time, 5 minutes apart, some form of excercise, and chewing. Some people say that you should chew each bite 25-30 times. She basically told me to practice taking small bites and demonstrated on a pen the size bite I should take (I almost fell over:faint:). Then I am suppose to chew it to the constistency of applesauce. Its going to take alot of work, but it will be worth it in the end. I actually started practicing chewing before my appointment, and I didn't realize how big a bite I was taking and how sometimes I barely chew my food before inhaling it. What a surprise! Good luck on your journey. :ranger:

I am so sorry that you are not receiving the support you need and even sorrier that you felt you had to cancel your surgery. Were you required to attend a seminar? If so did anyone go with you? I was required to attend a seminar for both the lap band and the bypass so that I could make an informed decision and then make my choice. I was told I could also attend some of the support group meetings and ask questions. Do they offer support group meetings there? If so maybe if you took your husband and sister with you it might help. Also you said your sister was negative about the doctor. Did she give you any valid reasons? And if they don't want you to have the surgery (although its not their choice), then what are they suggesting you do? I hope you reconsider. You will have alot of support here from beginning to end. You didn't mention friends. They make a good support system as well. One of mine went to the seminars with me and has been taking me to my appointments too! Take care and let us know how you're doing. Donna:car:

Hi Lessnless, Thanks for responding. I called Dr Smith's office yesterday, 08/15/07, to set an appointment for my first consult. I'm meeting with the dietician on Friday, 08/17/07. I am so excited to get an appointment that quickly. The lady who set up my appointment was very nice and she told me once I get past the first visit, the entire process takes 90 days and that the time goes by very quickly. I'm so happy I feel like I'm about to jump out of my skin. I've been walking around smiling so hard my face hurts. I feel like I have taken an important step in taking control of my life and my weight. I have a wonderful support system and couldn't ask for a better group of people to be in my corner. Any insight, inspiration, words of wisdom, etc.. that you can pass along since we're using the same doctor would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Donna W.

:clap2: Congratulations!!! Keep us posted on your progress. I'm starting my 3 month process for the lapband and Dr Adam Smith is on the list of doctors used by the City of Ft Worth for their employees. I'll make my decision between him and Dr Green who also works out of the same hospital. Have you had a chance to meet Dr Smith and his staff? If so how did you like them? I am so excited for you. Best of luck. :whoo:

:help: I had my initial meeting with the manager of our wellness program where I work. Part of my "homework" prior to getting started is to attend a seminar and support group meeting for both the lapband and gastric bypass procedures so that I will be fully informed when I make my decision. I had pretty much made up my mind to have the lapband prior to attending any of the meetings, but I also have a friend who did the gastric bypass in April and she has now lost over 80 lbs and looks great. So my question to those of you who have had the lapband, what were some of the deciding factors in choosing the lapband as opposed to the bypass?

I just want to say thank you to everyone for the feedback. I took everything in and then prayed on it and I have decided to stick with the lapband. I felt it was the right decision for me from the beginning, but I think it was temporarily swayed by the large amount of weight loss from the gastric bypass in such a short period of time. I stumbled onto this website by "accident" and I'm glad I did. There is so much information and so many people are willing to share their personal experiences with others. Its greatly appreciated. Its good to know you're not alone not only during good times, but also when things aren't going so great and you need that extra inspiration. I emailed the Wellness Program manager regarding my decision today and I can't wait to get going on the 3 month process. :Banane21: Donna

:whoo:Congratulations to you on your band date. I just recently went to one of Dr Smith's seminars in Ft Worth (I also live in Ft Worth) and I was very impressed. I work for the City of Ft Worth and Dr Smith is the doctor who does the lapband for our employees. I have a meeting with our Wellness Program director to get started on the 3 month process for approval. I am so excited (my meeting is on 07/11/07). And about Simply Fondue I've been wanting to go, but just haven't made it there. Is it pretty good? Anyway, good luck on your weight loss journey and keep us posted as to how you're doing. It would be great to follow your progress as a patient of Dr Smith. :clap2:

Thank you for sharing your story. Thats what this site is all about, people sharing their OWN personal experiences. There is no right or wrong, things just are (it is what it is). With all the posts and responses I have read so far, I'm very surprised at the lengthy response you received that basically took apart your thread sentence by sentence and dare I say a tad bit rude and abrasive. With all the words in the English language to choose from you would think.... We all don't have to agree and we all won't agree. I understood the point you were trying to get across. You do need to consider what would happen if complications came up and your doctor is a great distance away. Makes sense to me. The MOST important thing is that you and your child are healthy in the long run. I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. I hope you will have better success with the procedure the next time around. Hang in there.

:faint: OMG, I think I've heard it all! Travelgirl your response was hilarious. I just woke up and was still somewhat sleepy, but this thread definitely woke me up. I haven't been on this site long, but I love yall already. Everybody is so open and willing to answer ANY questions someone might have. I am so glad I found this website. I'm waiting to get started in the 3 month approval process (I have every problem in the book so I don't think that will be a problem) and I look forwarded to getting banded!!:speechles

:clap2: Congratulations!! I'm new to the site and I'm so impressed with the wealth of information I am finding. I would like to hear about your progress so keep us updated. I think its great to hear from someone who just had it done so recently. I'm waiting for a meeting with the person who is over our wellness program at work so I can get started on the process. I've already turned in my paperwork showing I am a candidate for the surgery. I am so excited and can't wait to get on the road to a healthier, happy life. So congratulations again and let us know how you're doing.

First of all congratulations on getting banded. I'm getting ready to start the paperwork to go through the process. I work for the City of Ft Worth and they just recently started approving people for weight loss surgery after it being an exclusion on our insurance. I noticed that you are located in Ft Worth and went to Dr Smith. He is one of the doctors on our plan that does the Lap Band surgery. I have heard so many good things about him. So anything you can tell me about your experience so far would be great. You can email me at d.washington40@hotmail.com whenever you get time. Hope you have a great vacation. Donna

Hi Everyone. As you can see I'm a new member as of today, 06/07/07. I am filling out papework to go through the process required before getting approval for the lap band or gastric bypass. I think I have pretty much made up my mind that I want the lap band. I was surfing the net for information when I came across this website. I'm glad I found it because it looks like I can get alot of questions answered here from people who have already had the lap band. I look forward to talking to everyone!