RoseNewLife

Bandland, here I come! :whoo: now that Christmas Day is over, it seems a little closer. I'm both excited and nervous, but definitely more excited . . . whatever (possible) troubles the band may bring, I know it's much better than feeling uncomfortable, unhappy and unhealthy with all this weight. Sugary foods followed you too? OMG! I knew those Christmas Cookies were out to get me, and I have no restriction or resistance to them, lol. Proof now that I'm not the only one who knows those things jump into your mouth! January: diet, exercise, and the lap-band, here I come! Good luck with your fill! I think you are going to the Port Huron doctors, yes? They sound awesome. I would have gone with them, 'cept the drive woulda caused some problems for me. I would have loved going back to Port Huron though . . . lots of good memories, I was born at Port Huron Hospital, and grew up there.

Thank-you so much for all your support and prayers Marilyn! It is very much appreciated. I'm still working towards my goal of being banding in January (or even early February, I had a few appointments get delayed). I had a scare with possible breast cancer but it turned out to be ok (something called a fibroadenoma, no type of cancer at all). Praise the Lord! So I'm happy and healthy and eager to get my lap-band and start a new life! I hope you are enjoying the holidays, and everything is going well for you! Please keep in touch, and may you have a happed and blessed New Year!

I just wanted to say Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone, I'm very glad to have found this thread in the Lap-Band forums! I hope you don't mind if I come in and snuggle with all my fellow Christian brothers and sisters here - God Bless you all!

Nicely said. What horrible experiences that little boy had to endure, terribly sad. At least he had you in his life to help him. We could all learn so much from the uncomplicated thoughts and simple beauty of children.

If I'm a fool for believing in a pregnant virgin, then color me foolish if it pleases you. I will never stop believing in the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, nor am I ever going to sit down and be quiet about it either. You don't have to believe in what I do, Jesus gave you that choice. Jesus was mocked, and as a Christian I expect nothing less. But I'll never let anyone take away the warmth, peace, and love that only someone who accepts the Holy Spirit into their lives can understand. Of course you think it's foolish . . . like a blind man cannot describe the beauty of a rainbow, you can't understand the true meaning of Christmas. This was the choice you made, in which you were free to do. Please allow me the freedom to believe as I do. Whatever your beliefs, cherish them, as I do mine. I realize we are all different. I really wish we could embrace our differences instead of throwing rocks at one another. It pleases me to hear that some find joy in Christmas, even if they don't believe in the religion behind it. Does anyone really need to step on someone else's beliefs? Does it make you feel better? I will keep you in my prayers. Jesus gave so much yet He asks so little of me. To share His everlasting love is all He ever really asked. I can do that, regardless of beliefs. I am not better nor above anyone. Indeed, as a Christian, I am the least of all. Peace.

Hey Karen! Good to hear an update from you, and that things went well! It was rough finding someone to fill Dr. Deol's shoes, finding Dr. Krause was a relief. Your question to him about leaving is funny! :bounce:Makes me wonder if he as any contact with Dr. Deol still, and they talk about it! I'm still having some trouble getting in touch with Beaumont's Weight/Health center, I do need to make appointments with one of their doctors and nutritionist. So far nothing but phone tag . . . not their fault, but I just can't sit home and wait for a phone call! Frustrating. I'm just biting my nails over it, 'cus I really want to have everything DONE before January hits, I don't want to wait any longer for my surgery! To top it off, I just had my mammogram, and "they saw something". OY! Now I have to go in for an ultrasound. Hopefully it's just a cyst . . . anyone that prays out there, I'd appreciate any prayers you want to send my way! Anyway, not jumping on the self-pity wagon here, lol . . . I just want things to stay good so I can get my surgery, and start my new life, and start feeling better! Arrrghh!

Congratulations! And you are totally worth it! And never stop bragging, that's an awesome accomplishment, plus an inspiration to people like me just beginning this journey! Well, after almost a year of research, pre-op tests and switching doctors, I don't feel so new, lol . . . but surgery is right around the corner for me! Gratz again, enjoy those new shoes and keep up the great work! :whoo:

Amen to that, Harmony, well said. Myself, I LOVE this time of year, but I choose to have fun with it - I love seeing my son's eyes light up when we put up the Christmas tree and all the lights. It's the little things that make it worth it. Maybe for those who are sick of Christmas - try something different this year? Make your own traditions and try some new ideas. Forget shopping and wrapping - several members of my family and I share our favorite charities, and we donate to them (even $5.00 helps). No shopping, no crowds, no wrapping, and you help someone at the same time. And it's in the true spirit of giving. Try listening to some different music - there's a lot of it out there. Even though I love this time of year, I too get tired of the same old music - I listen to Trans-Siberian Orchestra (my favorite!) . . . new and old Christmas songs spiced up with jazz, rock, classical . . . it's great! Try searching for other different music on Amazon . . . there's lots of different stuff out there. Explore! Life's too short for the same old tunes. Try decorating differently . . . every year, we put out a beautiful wire-frame deer with white lights (you must have seen these, they're so popular) . . . and every year I never see it, 'cus it's in front of my house (only when I'm coming and going do I see it). This year we put the deer in the BACK yard . . . now I can enjoy looking at it every night, through our doorwall! Who says you gotta decorate the front yard only? Anyway, just a few suggestions. Do something different, treat yourself, try a charity! For those who believe (and bless you anyway if your beliefs are different) try praying. Jesus is the reason for the season. There's enough hate and bitterness in this world . . . it's your choice as to whether or not to let it sink in. Peace!

Hi Michele! I cannot wait for the day when I eat one scrambled egg and feel full! Hunger is always my problem :hungry: Dr. Krause did not mention any support group fees, but it was one of my questions for him - I want support. I will be going to visit Beaumont Hospital's Weight Center. Something I do have to do during the month of December, so it was good to wait a month or so anyway =) This weight center has doctors, nutritionists, support group meetings and even exercise (consultants?) - all designed to help with weight loss after the surgery. There's a free seminar you attend first, then I'll need to make appointments with the nutritionists and one of the doctors. I'm really not sure how it all will be, once I visit I'll elaborate more here. I'm happy Beaumont has such a center, 'cus I know I'm gonna need the help of a nutritionist, support, and exercise . . . we all know the band doesn't make you lose weight by itself! I don't know what the cost will be for the center yet, or if my insurance covers it. I'm not expecting insurance to cover it, but if a weight center is the only thing I have to pay for out of pocket, then I'm all for it - it's an investment in my health. The Lap-Band surgery itself now, yes that is covered by my insurance 100% (I have BC/BS). I could never afford it otherwise! I don't have a surgery "day" yet, Bree just told me to give her a call in late December/early January and let them know when I was ready, and they would get me started with the pre-op diet. Gotta shrink that liver! I admit I'm not gonna like that part, 'cus I know I'm really gonna be cranky and hungry, lol. But I don't want any troubles during surgery with a "fat" liver, so I'm really gonna try super hard and stick to that diet! It is strange how doctors differ in the pre-op diet . . . I think Dr. Deol said 3 (or was it 4?) weeks prior to surgery, and Dr. Krause says only 2 weeks. Anyway, I'm curious about this Weight Center . . . again, I'll post more info after I've been there and know more.

Thank-you Wendiss! I'll be in touch, I just love talking to everyone here in the forums. I hope to cross paths with some of you in real life! You never know =) Michele! Wow! 68 pounds since June! You are awesome. Congratulations! I'm happy with my decision to wait until January for surgery (I just love the Christmas season, and I didn't want to include surgery in it, lol) . . . but after reading posts like yours, it really gets me excited to get this surgery going! I'm so unhappy right now at 5' 2" and 252 pounds (oy, my heaviest) . . . I can't wait to get under 200 lbs. Big congratz again to you! You are an inspiration! I never got to the point where I had to pay the $800, I hope those of you who did, get at least some of the money back. Did anyone ask Dr. Deol about it before she left? And I'm no expert by any means Michele, lol . . . since I'm not banded yet. But if you've lost 68 lbs, (and I'm assuming you're not hungry) . . . then maybe your band is just right? I never like the word "normal" . . . we're all so different (and and I'm thankful for it!). Maybe some of these more experienced lap-banders can share more info for you. If you're losing weight and not hungry, maybe the 2.75cc's are all you need. It really sounds like you're doing great! Did you ask Dr. Krause what he thought? Thanks for the inspiration! =)

Hello, Yes you're right, it is easier to contact Bree to get to Dr. Krause. She works Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. If you call the number that Dr. Deol gave you for contacting Dr. Krause, try staying on the line (don't press the number for Bariatric surgery), as in: "stay on the line and someone will help you" . . . I got a hold of Bree that way, she was the one answering the phone. But I could have got lucky. If you press the number for Bariatric surgery, you'll get about 10 minutes of information . . . hang in there until you can leave a message, Bree will get it. Make sure to mention that you are/were a patient of Dr. Deol's. Bree will get back to you, she's really nice. They have been busy taking on so many of Dr. Deol's patients, so if Bree doesn't get back to you as soon as you like, keep calling. It is worth it, I really liked both Bree and Dr. Krause. And Beaumont is an awesome hospital, I know from patient experience before, and as a nurse myself. Good luck, keep in touch, & let us know how you do!

Awwwww, thank-you so much Marilyn! Your support and the support of others in this forum has really meant so much to me! You are so sweet, big hugs! :hug: I admit I felt really lost, nervous and upset when Dr. Deol left, I just didn't think I'd find anyone as good/experienced as her. Dr. Krause was just so nice and the way he explained details of the surgery and what we'd feel afterwards, just left me so happy and feeling peaceful! I'm gonna relax and enjoy the holidays then look forward to joining you in band-land in January! :whoo:Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing too! I know it's been a rough ride for all of us losing Dr. Deol. I hope everyone can move on and find good doctors that they are happy with again! Warm Hugs!

Well, I finally have an appointment next week with Dr. Krause (Beaumont Hospital, Royak Oak) :whoo: and I'm really hoping this will work out for me, and I have a new doctor to perform my lap-band surgery! I would really love to hear any other lap-band patients of Dr. Krause, (or those now getting their fills from Dr. Krause) please say hello and tell me of your experiences!

Hi James! Well I met with Dr. Krause today, and I have to say I'm VERY impressed and pleased! He was very knowledgeable, pleasant and very open to all questions. He gave a very detailed discussion/presentation of the lap-band surgery itself (to me and a few other ladies wanting to have the surgery), then we each saw him individually for a check-up and to discuss our concerns/questions. I think his explanation of the actual surgery itself was even more detailed than what I learned from Dr. Deol. He has been doing lap-band surgeries for almost 2 years, he says they are about 25% of the surgeries he performs - he said he does about 2-4 surgeries/day, 50% are gastric bypass, 25% lap-band and 25% other various laproscopic surgeries ( he's been a surgeon for over 13 years). He feels the number and percentage of lap-band surgeries will soon be a bigger part of the surgeries he performs, as it's growing in popularity. He showed us a model of the new/improved lap-band now on the market, and I'm bad with names of things like this, but it did look different than the one Dr. Deol showed me. He stays on top of the latest technologies and does research (I volunteered to participate in the lap-band study there at Beaumont Hospital). Over all, a very nice guy and excellent surgeon - I got a chance to talk to one of his patients while in the waiting room, she said he always shows great care and concern for his patients - even called her at 10:30pm one night to see how she was doing. So I feel happy that I found a good lap-band surgeon - two things I look for in a doctor are experience and personality. It's important for me to have a caring doctor that is easy to talk to, he was both of these. And OH! LOL . . . I did ask him if he was staying put, LOL! :bounce:I told him what happened with Dr. Deol leaving, and he assured me he was going nowhere else . . . Michigan is his home, his family is here, and that is what is most important to him. (I like that!) His office staff (you probably spoke to Bree) was also super-nice. So I hoped this helped you James . . . as you can tell I had a very good experience at my appointment . . . good luck with your appointment, and let me know how you do! I have decided to hold off my surgery until after the holidays (and Dr. Krause was fine with this) . . . so I will probably have a January date for my lap-band surgery. It's a good time to start a new life! :whoo:

ROFL Devana! :biggrin1: I think you're right! I had to shudder myself when I heard that singing!:lalala:

FWIW, here's what snopes.com says about this, plus a video of the event: Urban Legends Reference Pages: Barack Obama and the National Anthem The article at Snopes.com makes some good points, and I agree that people should always question (stop and think!) before making assumptions.

Debbie called me last Thursday (October 4th, my wedding anniversary even:think) and told me that Dr. Deol had to leave soon, and there was no time to set up another doctor or group of doctors to take her practice (Debbie said these things "take time"). Debbie also said she had to look for a new job so I guess she's still in limbo like us. I had talked to Dr. Deol herself a few weeks back, and she gave hope then that a new doctor would take her practice, and I could just continue on there, but obviously this didn't happen. I have an appointment to see Dr. Krause, I like the idea that he is out of Beaumont hospital, and if I ever had an emergency he would be close by. However, does he have the support group, the nutritionist, all the things similar to what Dr. Deol had set up? I know this is going to be a life long commitment, not just a quick-surgery-and-it's-over-fix. I need the support afterwards as well. I have no idea if other lap-band doctors will be as good and supportive as Dr. Deol was, and offer similar services. I'm not impressed with Dr. Krause at the moment, I talked to the lady that sets things up for him (I forget her name), and she says he is accepting Dr. Deol's patients, but he's only doing "group appointments". What the heck does that mean? I have to share my appointment time and all my questions with other patients? Plus spend $250 to do it? (This is what I was told on the phone, there was a $250 doctor visit fee that's not covered by insurance). I just don't like the sound of that. If I'm paying $250 for an office visit, I want it to be a personal one. (sigh) Anyway, I guess I'm going to have to go that route, there doesn't seem many other options. The $250 will have to be another investment into this mess. If I don't like Dr. Krause, I may consider the Port Huron group. But that's a big risk for me . . . our family only has one vehicle that could be trusted to drive that far (my husband would have to take a day off work every time I needed a fill), plus I'd need to make arrangements for my son (who has autism) to be watched. For those who don't understand autism, he just wouldn't be able to sit in the car that long. I don't need the added anxiety of my son having a meltdown. So driving to Port Huron isn't just about me - I would feel so guilty putting my husband and son through all that. Anyway, I need to get off the soap box of self pity and whine, yes I know. I really appreciate all the kind words everyone has written, thank-you all so very much, it means a lot and really helps. I know a lot of you are in a similar situation without a doctor to care for you now. I'm glad we have this forum to help one another and give each other ideas. Hugs to you all! :girl_hug::grouphug: I'm going continue my Quest for a healthier body, but it sure feels like I'm fighting uphill and moving through the fog-of-uncertainty right now.

Yeah I hear you April . . . I too got "dumped" by Dr. Deol. But at least some had their band surgery with her already . . . I have worked hard all this past summer, doing nothing but going to doctor visits and getting those pre-op tests done, getting ready for the surgery. I gave up any chance for a summer vacation because I had to work my schedule around doctor appointments, plus I was anticipating the money I'd have to spend on the support group ($800) and the money for the opti-fast pre-op diet. But it was all ok, back then I had a GOAL . . . to get banded and start a new life. Now all that is suddenly stopped . . . all I have right now are my medical records and a fat body that didn't get the help it was looking for. My enthusiasm for this surgery has flopped.:faint: I'm crying as I write this. :think YEAH, I know bad things happen in life, and I know I can find another doctor, but right now I'm just feeling very very down. I did so much and came so far, only to hit a brick wall. Somehow it just all seems so wrong. Yes I understand she got a better offer in Chicago, and I don't blame her for taking it, but just to dump your patients so quickly and take off . . . what's that *really* say about her as a doctor? Building your own dreams on the broken dreams of others is just wrong. If she wanted to make a change it should have been done more gradually . . . making sure your patients were taken care of before you left. I'm sorry if this all sounds so bitter, whiny, and self-centered. I'm just feeling the pain right now. It's tough starting again. I haven't seen many positive things said about the doctors she recommended. The Port Huron doctors sound wonderful but driving an hour and a half one way to get surgery and then fills does not. I'm hoping things will turn out better eventually, right now I'm just stuck in blues. I hate this fat body and I want OUT of it. It's causing more than bad health, it's smothering my life, my spirit and my soul. :think

Hi all Michigan Lap-Banders! Well I just found out today that my Lap-Band Doctor, Dr. Zoe Deol, will be moving out of state, and I need to find a new doctor. :faint::think I'm very sad about this, I was looking forward to having Dr. Deol as my surgeon. I have been working all summer on my pre-op doctor visits (I am not yet banded, and I had just one test to go! ) So now . . . I need to find a new Lap-Band doctor, someone I trust to do surgery on me and all the follow up stuff. Dr. Deol's office gave me some referrals: Dr. Krause of Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak) and Doctors Meguid & Hanasli (I'm not sure I spelled those correctly) of Bon Secours Hospital. Is anyone here familiar with any of these doctors, and maybe had your lap-band surgery performed by them? Any information on a good doctor would be most helpful! I'm really at a lost right now, I've done so much work and research since January of this year, now I need to find a new surgeon I can trust. Please help!!!!!:help: Is any one else here losing Dr. Deol as well?

Thanks for the info, Faithmd! The website you gave is a terrific one, another excellent source for information. I'm gonna use this a lot. Good place to look up the doctors. My insurance is BCBS, so *most* doctors will accept this, but it's always the very next question (after finding out about a good doctor). I talked to Dr. Deol yesterday after I wrote my above message, and she highly recommended Doctor Meguid of Bon Secours Hospital (she learned everything she knows from him), and he was accepting all of her patients. (I don't have any info about accepting new patients from Dr. Krause yet). Both accept my insurance though. The groups in Flint and Port Huron would really be too far for me (I'm near Pontiac). I won't go to DMC ever 'cus I used to work there for 10 years. It would just feel funny, lol. Anyway, a new option has opened up as well . . . Dr. Deol says there may be a new group coming in to take over her practice. She's not meeting with them until next Monday, so I will talk to her on the following Tuesday, and see if this new group will work for me. I look for experience and personality in a doctor first (as well as insurance). It's a pain to have to switch doctors right now, plus I will just miss Dr. Deol a lot. She is a great person to talk to, plus she kept on top of the latest in lap-band technology. I just hope I can find a good doctor to replace her! I am not banded yet, so at least I don't have to worry about another doctor not accepting a "strange" band. thanks again for your help!

Beachgirl, Congratulations for going back to school! :clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: You are NEVER "too old" to go back to school, and never let anyone else's narrow-mindedness stop you from achieving your dreams! You go back to school and get that RN degree, and I bet you'll be the best student in your classes! and then a top-notch nurse after that. Trust me . . . you have 43 years of life experience, and that's something way above what the kids coming out of high school don't have. That life experience will make you a better, more caring and compassionate RN. I'm an RN myself, I've been in the nursing profession for 20 years, but I'm currently "retired" . . . mostly because of my health problems and weight. I'm hoping once I lose some of my weight I can get back into nursing. It really is a rewarding experience and career. Big hugs to you sweetie :girl_hug: Just always remember, this is YOUR dream . . . never let anyone get in the way of that! If things get difficult, c'mon back to the forums here and grab some support . . . I'll be praying and cheering for you! :whoo::whoo::whoo:

Congratz on your new lap-band Lennyboy! It sounds like you're doing well, up and walking and all. I hope the walking and meds help your pain. Did you go home the same day after your sugery, or did you just get home today? It's good to hear when people up and moving the next day! Take care, and let us know how you are doing!

I just wanted to say hello to all fellow lap-band patients here in Michigan! I'm new to these forums, and hoping to get to know more people who've been had this surgery. I have not been lab-banded yet, I'm in the "testing phase" before I can get a surgery date. My doctor is Dr. Deol, I've been to her seminar, had my first consultation, and I can just say she's wonderful! I feel whatever lies ahead for me, I'm in good hands with Dr. Deol. She really stays on top of the latest lap-band technology, and everyone in her office is so kind and helpful. Anyone near the Waterford / Pontiac area of Michigan?

Thanks for the tip Maria! I love chicken soup, it'll probably be one of my favs too. I'll have to consider the costs of 3 weeks ready-to-drink Optifast . . . if its better and will keep me on the diet, I might try it. I just keep telling myself any of this is worth the money, considering the cash I've dumped down the drain for all those other wasted diets and wasted time. Sometimes I wonder if I had never dieted at all, would I be this heavy now? It always seems when you gain weight back after a diet, those fat cells bring friends! I'll keep in touch! I love this place! I just wish I could get things moving faster . . . gotta wait until next Monday for my Cardiology appointment. One day at a time! Good time now to be learning

Please call me Rose! I'm so happy to have found these forums, I feel like I've been on a very lonely and scary ride. I do have an excellent lap-band doctor (Dr. Deol in Michigan) and I've been to her seminar, had my first consultation, and I'm currently going through a lot of tests from other doctors, to make sure I'm healthy for the lap-band surgery. I've seen many doctors so far, but still have a ways to go, no surgery date yet. My starting weight is 248 pounds, my height is only 5'2", making my BMI 45.4, putting me into the morbidly obese catagory (sigh). I have a lot of health problems in my family history, including diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. My current problems are "only" high blood pressure, degenerative joint disease, and *possible* coronary artery heart disease, but this has not been confirmed yet (seeing my cardiologist next week). I want to lose this weight first to improve my health, and hopefully avoid further health problems, second to improve ENERGY (don't we all need some of this! :whoo: ) and last just to look and feel better about myself! I'm so tired of baggy unattractive clothes. Being short, it's even harder to find clothes - I think the clothes stores assume all heavy people must be tall! So that's a little about me . . . I'm hoping to get all these tests done and get banded SOON! I could use any support and suggestions anyone cares to offer :help: I don't have much in the way of family at all, and could use someone to really talk to. My husband supports me 100%, and he's a good listener, but he's just not the best talker. I have an 11 year old son that has autism. I just need someone who really understands all of this! Thanks so much, looking forward to talking to all of you!