panda

((not sure if i did that right, but we'll see!)) This had me trying to keep my giggles under radar here at work!!!! TOOOOOOOOOOO funny! :spit:

I was talking with some of my co-workers about my surgery today and I was telling them that since I started making the changes needed for surgery (I'm drinking the low carb/high Protein shakes - adkins, advant edge, slim fast, etc. twice a day, plus green Beans at lunch for Vitamins and regular dinners - still LOW carb, absolutely no sweets/breads/rice/pasta) I've lose 7 lbs in the last week doing this. I was excited needless to say and wanted to share - I spend more time with these women than I do with my husband and I see them almost like sisters. Well, they started congratulating me and were very happy for me:clap2: , but then they started saying "Well, if you did that for 4 weeks, that's 28 more pounds...If you keep it up indefinitely, you wouldn't even need the surgery..." And they started saying how maybe I should re-consider since I'm losing on my own right now. I tried to explain to them that I have things going on with my health that I would never be able to keep it off or get all of it off on my own - that I've tried (ok, so not quite THIS hard before - but I have to get my liver ready for surgery, plus if i gain more than what i weighed at my first appt, he won't do the surgery at all). I explained that the "life or death", "he might not do surgery if my liver is all fatty and he can't get to my stomache" is actually my motivator. Having that hanging over my head is what's working. I want this surgery so bad that I'm able to stick to the plan and do things right, FINALLY, for once in my life. And they didn't quite get it. :think So I finally said, "I love you guys, and I know you're just worried about me and worried something will happen during surgery, but just know that I've been debating this, and working towards it, and praying about it for 2.5 years. I know what I'm getting myself into. This is what I need." I went on to explain - again- about my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and how I would never be able to keep the weight off because what I'm doing to get ready for surgery (and what's making me lose right now) could not be kept up with life-long. They still don't quite get it, but they backed off. Unfortunately, now I'm wondering if I could do it on my own. Apparently I can do it a little bit (lost a total of 11 lbs in the last month - which is just...WOW for me...never happened before). I'm not changing my mind. I know deep down the surgery is right for me. I have too many issues going on hormonally that I know it'd never stay off (even my doctors have told me this - my primary brought up surgery with me 3.5 years ago and BEGGED me to consider it because I was adament i wasn't doing it! LOL). ..but...I'm wondering why I was never SO dedicated before? I know if I lost the inspiration of this surgery, I'd lose my dedication. Why was nothing else I wanted important enough for me to stay on track? You know? I had some REALLY big motivators in the past...((and granted, the surgery is going to help me achieve all those as well and they are the reasons I want the surgery)), but I just don't get why the surgery is what has finally got me to that, "I am NOT going to let ANYTHING mess me up - NO piece of chocolate/cake/bread/rice/etc/etc is worth losing this surgery". Anyone else had this happen, or something similar? Not exactly second thoughts, but just......wondering?? :straight

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the words of encouragement. Again, I never wavered in my decision for the band...it just stumped me that I am finally losing before getting it! LOL. It was just weird to me that nothing else was strong enough to make me REALLY stick to something. But at least I have that motivation.... And now.....if only I would get word that I'm approved and get my surgery date! That would be awesome! This waiting for aproval thing is killing me!! :frusty:

I made a post today "Not changing mind, but wondering if they're right?". LONG story short...coworkers tried to talk me out of surgery this morning when I told them I'd lost 7 lbs this week. Yeah, by the way, I've lost 7 lbs this week!!! :-D Gulping down those nasty protein shakes (and green beans) at lunch is working! This gets me to a total of 11 lbs since seeing Dr. Cywes the first time :clap2: :mad: :biggrin1: But...it just kinda bothered me that they just don't get it. And it got me wondering if they were right. That I could do it on my own. Well, I realize now that I could probably do it on my own, but I'd never keep it off because what i'm doing (1 shake for breakfast, 1 for lunch with green beans, regular LOW/NO carb dinner and as little snacking between as possible) is not something i could continue for the rest of my life. And I know it. (((plus, it's probably not very healthy long term))). Anyway, i just had a rough start to the morning. But I'm down to a size I haven't been in at least 3.5 years, possibly 4....!!!! :mad: :first: :whoo: So i'm out :mad: -Panda-

I made a post today "Not changing mind, but wondering if they're right?". LONG story short...coworkers tried to talk me out of surgery this morning when I told them I'd lost 7 lbs this week. Yeah, by the way, I've lost 7 lbs this week!!! :-D Gulping down those nasty protein shakes (and green beans) at lunch is working! This gets me to a total of 11 lbs since seeing Dr. Cywes the first time :clap2: :biggrin1: But...it just kinda bothered me that they just don't get it. And it got me wondering if they were right. That I could do it on my own. Well, I realize now that I could probably do it on my own, but I'd never keep it off because what i'm doing (1 shake for breakfast, 1 for lunch with green beans, regular LOW/NO carb dinner and as little snacking between as possible) is not something i could continue for the rest of my life. And I know it. (((plus, it's probably not very healthy long term))). Anyway, i just had a rough start to the morning. But I'm down to a size I haven't been in at least 3.5 years, possibly 4....!!!! :der: :first: :whoo: So i'm out :mad: -Panda-

Thank you so much I wasn't going to change my mind...I'm dead set on getting the band (even if insurance doesn't cover it - I will find a way to self-pay, even if it takes years to save for it). I was just bothered by those thoughts. I've never been able to lose weight (at least not more than like 5 lbs over 3 months...). So this sudden loss just got me wondering why I was never so dedicated before. Why now when I'm about to get surgery to help me? I don't know. Oh well. Again, thank you for your story, it really makes me feel better knowing someone else has been there. And by the way, I agree with you....Vacations are for enjoyment - not diets!!! :hungry:

Of course.... you've got it

Be warned, mine is long like bwaydiva's!!! 1.) Not take meds every day / generally be healthy for once. 2.) Finally be able to have a baby (currently have been officially battling infertility for 4 years). I can't wait to feel what it's like to be pregnant and know I'm carrying my hubby's child (actually, i want to be a breeder - I want like 6 kids! lol...Hubby says 3 right now, maybe 4) 3.) ROLLER COASTERS!!!!! I miss them! (on my honeymoon i tried to ride "the hulk" at universal's island's of adventure....waited in line 2 hours...couldn't fit...left my new hubby on the ride so one of us could enjoy it.....that was the most embarrassing moment of my life...) 4.) NEW WARDROBE! 5.) I will buy and wear an "itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini" to the beach and look (and feel) good. 6.) catalog/internet shopping for clothes! (no more guesswork "will this fit?") 7.) Be able to wear bras that actually fit (they don't make the size I am - too big around, not enough boobs) 8.) Travel 9.) Hike the mountains 10.) Like someone else said, not worry about public seating (if i'll break it!) 11.) More confidence 12.) (sorry for this one, but....) Sex, sex, and more sex. New positions, new places, confidence to give my hubby a lap dance.....can't wait (neither can my DH!! lol):heh: :heh: :heh: :heh: 13.) No more aching feet, ankles, knees, back, etc. 14.) Can we say HIGH SCHOOL REUNION?!?! ((10 yr for me is coming up in 3 more years -- can't wait!! I was always big, so a skinny me would floor most people)) 15.) If i don't have the saggy skin I'll get my belly button pierced (just to say I did it..lol) 16.) I live in FL....shorts and tanks that fit and look cute on me! 17.) knowing I'll live past 40 ((this is a big one)) 18.) sleeping better (undiagnosed sleep apnea) 19.) Dancing lessons - as someone else said, I wanna learn how to shake it like Shakira (i've got the hips under all these rolls!) 20.) Coming out of my wallflower shell in general 21.) More Energy 22.) I'm going to renew my vows to my hubby (so I can have healthy/fit pictures in a wedding dress!). 23.) Not having people snicker and look at me funny in public 24.) Feeling as though I'm a trophy wife to my hubby (he says I already am, but I don't feel it). I wanna feel confident when he shows me off to people, right now I just want to hide behidn him. I love showing him off too though... 25.) Being able to run! 26.) Being able to cross my legs (never have been able to do that the "lady" way...always had to do it the "guy" way). The treat I'm going to give myself (and hubby) when I reach goal is going to be a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line - like 8 days long, and I'll have my own balcony! (yeah, gonna go broke on that one, but that's ok!). :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: Great thread for inspiration!!:clap2: :clap2:

I know everyone's different and has different experiences, but I'm one of those who is telling the world. Most of the people I work with (about 40-50) know, my whole family, most of my friends. But then again, they also know that I've been battling my health and weight problems for a long time. Everyone I've told has been so supportive and encouraging...I don't know what I'd do without all the support. And the more people I tell, the more I find out that people don't know as much about the surgery as you would think. They think it's just like the bypass and (as we all know) it's far from it. I've had to really go into detailed explainations with some people before they understood completely. So i feel as if i'm doing a public service and getting blessed in return (everyone is praying for me to get my final approval and have surgery). And one girl I work with is telling her cousin about it (the cousin is in our boat, overweight, health problems, the whole deal - but doesn't know about the surgery). I do understand the constant questions thouhg. Every day someone asks what my status is. But it keeps me encouraged. It keeps me on track knowing that THIS many people I interact with on a daily basis are going to be holding me accountable. It will keep me straight as far as diet goes, and again, will keep me encouraged. Already my direct co-workers get on to me if I talk about eating something I shouldn't be, and I appreciate it...:clap2: But, if you're going to tell people something else, be as vague as you want...I'd just say tell them you had to have some surgery, non life threatening, assure them there's nothing to worry about and that you just don't feel like discussing it. if they prod, go with the 'female issues' excuse. or say "personal female issues"....that should stop them in their tracks Good luck in whatever you end up telling them!!!

Ok, so I found out some bad news today (not horrible, but irritating). I got a call from the surgeon's office asking me which psychologist i went to. I told them and they said that my packet hasn't been sent off yet mainly because the girl who does them at their office had been out sick, but also because the psychologist hasn't sent the info from my evaluation yet!!! That irritates me because I saw her 4 days short of a month ago!:faint: I mean, come on, how long does it take to fax over some paperwork? NOT THAT LONG. *sigh* Anyway, so I've had a minor setback, but it's still bugging me. I was hoping to hear I was approved when Jody called today, and I heard that it's still pending. My mom's packet probably hasn't been sent out either and she's a bit bummed/irritated too, but again, we understand people getting sick...heck, i missed a whole week of work a few weeks back (i had that major cold everyone has had). But I'm going to try to just keep looking forward and I'm just going to remind myself again that God will get me through this, I have faith in him. Anyway, that's enough for today...just wanted to document my latest update -Panda-:straight

Ok, so I found out some bad news today (not horrible, but irritating). I got a call from the surgeon's office asking me which psychologist i went to. I told them and they said that my packet hasn't been sent off yet mainly because the girl who does them at their office had been out sick, but also because the psychologist hasn't sent the info from my evaluation yet!!! That irritates me because I saw her 4 days short of a month ago!:faint: I mean, come on, how long does it take to fax over some paperwork? NOT THAT LONG. *sigh* Anyway, so I've had a minor setback, but it's still bugging me. I was hoping to hear I was approved when Jody called today, and I heard that it's still pending. My mom's packet probably hasn't been sent out either and she's a bit bummed/irritated too, but again, we understand people getting sick...heck, i missed a whole week of work a few weeks back (i had that major cold everyone has had). But I'm going to try to just keep looking forward and I'm just going to remind myself again that God will get me through this, I have faith in him. Anyway, that's enough for today...just wanted to document my latest update -Panda-:straight

I haven't bought GS Cookies in forever, because I know they will only last a few hours *embarrassed*. But I must say, I will dearly miss them after surgery ((i almost bought some this year just before all the good news that i would most likely be approved -- still waiting on final word)). but I would do the same if my neices came selling them, i'd buy a bunch, but then I'd make others eat them!!! So I agree with the one person who replied and said to get them out of the house immediately!!! You can do it! :clap2: Where I work, there is ALWAYS some type of goodie in the break room screaming my name....well...I'll be the one supplying instead of eating from now on!! :confused: Good luck!!!!

Well, I just discovered this journal here on LBT. I've been being told by countless people I needed to start one specifically for this surgery. I'm not so good with the paper and pen though. My mom bought me a beautiful paper journal...but..it's still empty :-( So, right now, I'm at the stage where I'm waiting for approval from my insurance company. Even though I have faith in God and I know he would not get me this close and cut me off, I'm still worried I'll get denied. He made me this way, so I hope he understands that I just can't help it, but when things get too bad, I just tell myself over and over again, "Have faith and God will provide." Other times I remind myself of Phil. 4:13 (i believe that's the right scripture number)....."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It helps, but it's hard. My mom and I are both going through this at the same time. So she's waiting for approval as well. However, we know hers is going to get approved and it's going to get approved fast. The surgeon's office even told us that. Mine on the other hand is some off-the-wall, hole-in-the-wall company and everyone i work for says that if i get approved it'll be the first time they've seen this insurance work for someone. So that's why I'm just a tad bit nervous. But even right now, I keep tellin myself "No! God is going to get this approved for me because he's brought me this far". I know I have to show faith, it's just that the wait is nerve wracking and Satan knows how to push my buttons. Anyway, other than that, I've been trying to find one of those protein shakes I can actually stand! I've tried Advantage, Advant Edge, and Slim Fast-Low Carb Diet. Several flavors of each...and YUCK! *sick* They may be hard to get down, but I'm forcing. And so far, I've lost at least 4 lbs. Possibly more. Which is even better because If i weigh more than I did at my first appointment by pre-op visit, he won't do the surgery :-( But considering I'm at a weight I haven't seen in at least 3-4 years...I think I'm doing good :-D Over the last year I've lost about 15 lbs. on my own...so I'm excited :-D means I'm doing something right! So, here I am, waiting...........and waiting.................jumping every time my phone rings. I'll be alright. Hopefully the next time I write an entry it'll be about being approved :-D:clap2: -Panda-

Well, I just discovered this journal here on LBT. I've been being told by countless people I needed to start one specifically for this surgery. I'm not so good with the paper and pen though. My mom bought me a beautiful paper journal...but..it's still empty :-( So, right now, I'm at the stage where I'm waiting for approval from my insurance company. Even though I have faith in God and I know he would not get me this close and cut me off, I'm still worried I'll get denied. He made me this way, so I hope he understands that I just can't help it, but when things get too bad, I just tell myself over and over again, "Have faith and God will provide." Other times I remind myself of Phil. 4:13 (i believe that's the right scripture number)....."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It helps, but it's hard. My mom and I are both going through this at the same time. So she's waiting for approval as well. However, we know hers is going to get approved and it's going to get approved fast. The surgeon's office even told us that. Mine on the other hand is some off-the-wall, hole-in-the-wall company and everyone i work for says that if i get approved it'll be the first time they've seen this insurance work for someone. So that's why I'm just a tad bit nervous. But even right now, I keep tellin myself "No! God is going to get this approved for me because he's brought me this far". I know I have to show faith, it's just that the wait is nerve wracking and Satan knows how to push my buttons. Anyway, other than that, I've been trying to find one of those protein shakes I can actually stand! I've tried Advantage, Advant Edge, and Slim Fast-Low Carb Diet. Several flavors of each...and YUCK! *sick* They may be hard to get down, but I'm forcing. And so far, I've lost at least 4 lbs. Possibly more. Which is even better because If i weigh more than I did at my first appointment by pre-op visit, he won't do the surgery :-( But considering I'm at a weight I haven't seen in at least 3-4 years...I think I'm doing good :-D Over the last year I've lost about 15 lbs. on my own...so I'm excited :-D means I'm doing something right! So, here I am, waiting...........and waiting.................jumping every time my phone rings. I'll be alright. :der: Hopefully the next time I write an entry it'll be about being approved :-D:clap2: -Panda-

I can honestly say I hadn't even thought about this issue *blink*blink*:faint: yeah, makes me a bit uneasy, but I see why they have to do it. And I'm with most of the others....whatever they gotta do, i'm game for it. At this point, I'm at the "hurry up and wait" part (went today to drop off all my info for my insurance packet...waiting on approval now...). When I get approved, I won't care...in fact, I don't think it'll hit me what I'm doing/having done until after I wake up from surgery!! LOL. It still seems like a dream that I'm finally making it happen! So it won't be until I'm in pain from the surgery that it'll sink in that "oh my gosh, I finally got it done!!!" ya know? LOL. But good luck!!!:clap2:

I'm glad to hear that!!!! All the meds I've been on (keep in mind I'm only 25 as of this coming sundday -- but i've been on and off a medley of prescriptions since i was 17 --) keep me from even thinking about getting close under the covers, yet alone actually wanting it. Poor hubby deals, but i know he gets miserable at times. So one of my secret hopes of this surgery is that losing the weight will make me want it more (preferably a lot more!!). Which in turn will make hubby happier!:clap2:

Yet another cyster here :-D By the way, have any of you been to soulcysters.net? I've been a member on there for years. It's the largest online support group for PCOS that I've hard of. Everyone is great, and there are boards for WLS cysters as well as allllllll sorts of other groups/boards. You should all check it out I was officially diagnosed just before my wedding in '03, but knew i had it for years before that. I've got every nasty symptom there is and have been on meds for blood pressure and cholesterol since i was 17 (i'm 24, will be 25 next month). Or had been on them anyway. Mid 2005 I couldn't afford my meds, felt better NOT taking them, so I didn't take them anymore, then lost insurnace......fast forward to now and I've got insurance again and I'm trying for the band again. I'd had United Health Care originally, but it was a written exclusion in my policy :-( booooooo My new insurance will cover it since it's a medical necessity though (just found out on monday!!!!). I got lucky and was able to get in to Dr. Cywes's office this coming Monday (the 11th) at 2pm!! Go in in less than a week!!! Amazing! Next week I'll be jumping through alllll kinds of hurdles and hoops I'm sure trying to get all my tests/evaluations done, but I hope I can get them all done next week. I'm praying for a band for Christmas (as in, that week sometime). But we'll see. It's all in the Lord's hands. He's opened this door and I'm jumping through!! I*'ll keep you all in my prayers too I'm at work so I gotta go for now...ttyl!! -Panda-

Hello fellow bandsters I first joined this site a LONG time ago, but am just now posting because originally the insurance I had would not cover the band (or ANY bariatric surgery for that matter) and I got discouraged. Well, fast forward, new job, new insurance. I just found out yesterday from them that as long as it's deemed medically necessary (which it obviously is already - my primary doc brought this up with me, not the other way around), that it'll be covered!!! Obviously there are some hoops i have to jump through, but nothing major. I just wanted to finally introduce myself I'm Amanda (or Panda - whichever you'd prefer), I'm 24, will be 25 next month. I live in NE Florida and I've been married to a wonderful man for 3.5 years now (and he is 1000000% behind me in my decision to get banded---he wants me to be around for many years to come!). We have 5 'furbabies' (1 dog, 4 cats), but we are definitely ready to have babies of our own. My mom and dad are going to see about being banded in the new year as well as my sister (her hubby doesn't want her to have it though). It seems all our prayers are being answered because their insurances are going to start covering the surgery in the new year as well. I just called Dr. Cywes's office in Jacksonville today (the doc I'm looking at for my banding) and I got a consultation appointment for MONDAY! I couldn't believe it! I'm so excited! Granted, with my insurance, I still have to pay 20% of everything, but I'm hoping maybe they will arrange a payment plan with me so I don't have to pay everything up front -- that would severely delay me getting banded. Anyway, if anyone else is in the NE FL area and would like to talk, please feel free to email me :-D Take care everyone!! -Panda-

Thank you for all the well wishes, and I'll keep you all in my prayers! :eek: I'm just so excited I could burst. I know the band is not perfect and that it's not a magic pill of sorts, but to know that I'll finally have something to help me, it's just amazing. I've battled my weight since I was a child and have been on medley's (sp?) of medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc, etc, since I was 17. The thought of FINALLY not having to take 5 or 6 medicines a day and still be healthy is almost too much to imagine. I don't think it'll truly hit me until I wake up from surgery one day, LOL. Anyway, I have to be to work early tomorrow, so i have to end this here. Have a great night everyone! -Panda-