AnotherMe

Hi Terrilen, are you doing the Optifast 980? I saw an advertisement for that today. I've scheduled my surgery for Oct 10...... and also need to begin to drop some lbs before the procedure. In no way can I be considered a pro on this topic, but I'm sure everyone has the same seperation issues. Some maybe more than others. I'm sure it depends on how food was a factor to you during good and bad times in your life. Rice will be a big factor for me, I'm originally from Louisiana where rice is a staple... great memories of all the holiday family celebrations. Bread and Pasta won't be so difficult for me (although my son loves spaghetti and I make it every week). As I understand it, you'll be able to eat most of what you do now.. but, in smaller and more healthy quantities. My hope is that the Band will help me make the important food choices, and I'll be able to focus on the instrument itself (the Band) to help me lose the weight. Instead of in the past, when it's been all about the food. Good luck and keep us updated!

I'm in Houston and noticed your post on another thread. I too have been on the "fence" about whether or not to spend the money for this procedure. But, in the end I've decided this is the tool for me. I understand your husband being apprehensive about the loan, but this is something very important for your future health and I hope together you can agree to go forward with this procedure. Of course I'm still pre-band (sched for 10/10/05) but, you will read over & over on this board about how MUCH better you will feel... I'm guessing high blood pressure may be a thing of your past, and it can't hurt your knees to not bear the extra 75 lbs. I wish you all the best!

Hi Lu Ann, I sent you a PM... but, I don't mind telling everyone that I chose Dr Spivak! I belive Spydr was looking for a Dr who would perform thru Medicare. I don't know of one in the Houston area, but I wish you luck in your search. I would recommend you also join a local band support group. There are several on Yahoo, I'm a member of the Houston Area Bandsters and there are quite a few knowledgeable people (more than I) on this subject. I couldn't hurt! This (of 'course) would be in addition to the wonderful support LBT can offer from members worldwide.

Hi Debbie, sounds like you had a bit of a rough week. Here's hoping you heal faster than you expect! LBT is a great site! I'm going to recommend that you also join a Yahoo site called "Houston Area Bandsters" -- there are many members who live here, and many others who live elsewhere and come here for their Dr appts.. I suggest this because the next time you need to visit the Dr, someone may be willing to lend you their guest room for the night instead of you having to find and pay for a hotel room with all that's going on. I love both groups, and try to read as much as I can every chance I get. If you have trouble finding the site, send me a Private Message or email and I'll be glad to help you navigate. Take care

I also wanted to chime in with a welcome! I think you're doing the right thing, it's important to research the procedure and find the right Dr for you. I first heard of the Lap Band earlier this year and went to my 1st seminar in March... I filled out the paperwork and never heard a word from that Dr... I even tried to call a couple of times but did not get a response from the office staff. In May I decided to attend another seminar with a different Dr and have taken my time to complete the pre-op work he required. My employer has a weight loss surgery exclusion on our policy, so after much soul searching I have decided to have Band surgery in Oct and I'll be self pay. Keep your spirits up. Remember, your health is most important -- do what you think is best for you. This is a great site, and many people will help with any question you have. Take care.

Brian, wow! You didn't learn about the Band from anyone here in the States? I think it's by far safer than gastric bypass, but the word is just starting to spread. Even without another fill you're doing an awesome job!! Keep up the hard work. I would suggest you go to the Inamed website and search for a Dr in your area... http://www.inamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/patient.html (click on surgeon locator) * also, at the bottom of the LBT home page look for Local Lap-Band Support forum at the bottom and click on your state.. if you start a thread there I'm sure you'll get lots of support. good luck and keep us posted on your success,

Hey Mark! Sending you a welcome from Houston! I know you must be excited that you're just a couple of days away from surgery.. I'm pre-band, just waiting for insurance approval. Even if I have to self pay, I'm convinced this is a safe tool and the right thing for me. Keep us posted on how things go for you during the next few days. Take it easy, take a pillow!! :cheeky (I've heard they're necessary for the first few days after surgery) Karla

Hello everyone, I'd first like to say what an awesome site this is! I can't think of anything more important on this journey than positive support and others willing to share their experiences. Just a little about me: I'm 33 years old, divorced, with one son, live in Houston TX. I've attended Dr Spiegel's seminar here, and am researching other Houston dr's, but in the mean time learning as much as I can about what to expect. I'm at 250 lbs now and feel pretty miserable. Since junior high I've battled my weight, but since my son was born (8 yrs ago!) I have continued to gain. I've had some small successes with fad diets but as you know, it all comes back and then some! When I buy clothes I'm tired of kidding myself, I'm tired of being tired - if you know what I mean?! I'm having difficulty with uploading my pic from my computer, but once I figure this out you'll me able to see my gorgeous mug!! thanks a bunch Karla

Thanks again to everyone! It's inspiring to know that all of you are willing to offer support. Your experience & advice does make a difference. Penni, thanks again for your help with my Avatar:cheeky

Thanks to all for the encouragement! I've been thinking quite a bit about my weight goal... I don't want to make it unrealistic and feel like a failure if I don't get close enough to it. I'm at 250 now and would be quite comfortable in the 140-150 lb range. Debby, that's exactly how I see the band.. just like my mom's pacemaker is a Tool to keep her heart rhythm regulated, the LapBand will help me regulate the amount of food I intake and help me make better choices.

Hi jeo, I have not been banded yet - but I've seen a few doctors here and am making my final decision. You may find someone at Univ of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston: http://www.utmbhealthcare.org/ Galveston is not all that far from Houston, and if you can't find a dr on the island I would check: Dr Erik Wilson: http://utsurg.uth.tmc.edu/div/wilson.htm Dr Felix Spiegel: http://www.felixspiegelmd.com/ Dr Hadar Spivak : http://www.lap-surgery.net/ Keep us updated on your move, Karla

Sherri, I was at Dr Spiegel's seminar on 3/19 also! I identified with so many things he went over... I've done some more research, spoken with a few people who have recently gone through the procedure. I think this is a wonderful site, so many supportive people. I haven't heard back from his office yet, so I'm not sure what the next step would be..... I need to check with my ins. co, but I'm pretty sure they won't cover it and I'm trying to workout self pay options. Let us know how you proceed, Karla