Hebber

Have not heard how things are going? Are you doing well? I was wondering, when on theliquids after surgery, can you swallow pills? Vitamins or the pain meds? Did not know how that is working? Look forward to hearing how things are going....

I am excited and going to my first seminar tonight as well. My mind has already been made that the band is the way to go for me. Been looking into it for over a year now. Had a slight set back last year now I am back on track. AS far as the attention issue: I was an pretty nice size 10 about 8 years ago. I think I have had more attention on me since I have been morbidly obese. Can she fit in the booth? Can she fit on the elevator? Does she need help getting up the stairs...? All of that mess. I hate it. I felt SO much more normal being a "normal" size. I am 120lbs over now and ready to get rid of it. Trust me..if it is a cat whistle or a compliment from a stranger, it's a WHOLE lot better than the attention we get for being very large people.

Hey Guys, Has anyone lost 100#s or even more and the skin seemed to tighten as the weight was lost? If so, any secrets? Lotions or oils used to keep the skin elastic? I am sure the age of the person will make a difference as well... Please share your thoughts and experiences... Thanks a bunch!:confused:

Diane, That picture is pretty convincing that it works! wow! Have you started working on your "pannis"...or the personal fanny pack? I have some wooden foot rollers that may work without the sore arm issue. I may have to give it a try. One arm only....just to see if it works. Awesome idea!

Did you have any knee problems or Plantar issues? Walking for long distances is pretty painful for me...until I get this extra 120 off my frame. Is it just the cardio you are trying to keep up? Yoga may be my answer so it takes the load off of my knees while still get a work out.

Hey Guys, You all have been so wonderful in sharing your journey. I am just starting my journey. The most difficult part is deciding to move forward with the Lap Band Procedure. That is done :eek: Moving forward.... The second most difficult is finding the right Doctor to perform the procedure. I did attend a seminar in Hampton last year with the Weight Loss Center. Very nice group. My journey ended with the death of my younger sister. That put a hold on my entire outlook on a lot of things. I am back on track again. I was hoping to find a group closer to my home in Chesapeake. LoserwannaBe worked with the Norfolk Surgical Group. I am looking forward to hearing about her whole experience. Gina has given me some wonderful information to consider as well for making the best decision. This forum really is the perfect tool in getting this type of information without all of the marketing garb that can go along with it. Just the facts and the true to life experiences. That is the best possible reference I could ask for. Please let me know what "made " your decision about the Doctor you chose. Thanks so much! Heaher

I guess I need to wait. I am going to the seminar tonight on Princess Ann. Do they weight you in at the seminar Gina? Wondering if that is the starting weight for the whole process Gotta keep the BMI at 40 at least so I do not have insurance issues. That is pretty sad to have to worry about. Insurance Companies sets the standards

:faint:Hey Guys, I just got off the phone with a Surgical Group. This nurse basically told me that the Lap Band is not proven for long term success...over 10 to 20 years. She said that most Doctors recommend the Gastric Bypass for long term success. That really upsets me. Has anyone on this forum had their band for more than 7 or eight years? Not sure how long this procedure has been active. Please let me see that it can be a long term success..... I am not at all wanting to have my organs cut and rerouted to help me get a grip on this weight issue. Please come back with some great years of success..... :help:

as far as the prerequisits, did they let you begin that without the Insurance approval? I am in the same boat. My insurance that will cover it activates Jan 1st. I would hate to have to start that whole process in January. I am anxious as well

That makes sense. The Big $$$ is a pretty good incentive. I have heard that the bypass sometimes fails as well....now you have a re-routed cut up digestive tract that cannot be reversed. I personally think the Band is the way to go. I want to continue on that track. Hopefully those older bandsters will continue to keep us all posted on their success.

Mexican is one of my favorites. Onion , refried Beans and cheese stacked enchilanda. Hopefully the onion is do-able. Came up with a few more questions Did you stay overnight after your surgery? What did you think the longest part of this process has been? Do you submit your Insurance Inquiry in the very begining? Just trying to understand the gameplan.

Those little Fudge Stripe itty bitty baby cookies in the 100 Calorie grab bag is great for a fix.

yuck..they actually have a name for that thing that hangs down off the stomach. Pannis :confused: I would love to see how your massage works. Is it a special massage or just stimulation of the skin? I can definitely handle a massage routine if that works. Just trying to get a good game plan when the weight starts falling off To bad the extra skin doesn't just fall off too

That is wonderful! My knees are really giving me a time. I was explaining it to my sister-in -law this weekend. It is like stacking on 2 50lbs feed bags to each each shoulder and a 4 5lb bags of sugar and then walking around. Your body is just not made to carry that extra weight. I am really looking forward to that relief! Riding the Sea Doo's again..simple little things I use to love to do before all of this weight piled on. That type of incentive really makes me want to get this done as soon as I can. New clothes!!! I can't wait Are you off the liquids now and into the mush? What are your favorites so far?

15 Ibs! that is still awesome! The insurance coverage was my possible set back. The new program is not active until January 1st 2008. I am not sure if Dr. Fontana will let me work through the process eventhough my insurance will not be able to cover until Jan. I hope we can still move forward. If 7 months was your time line, that will cover the January 1st date. I was concerned about the Reflux problem. If I miss a day of Prilosec now, I am hurting all day. I hope this surgery will not make it worse. I was told I have a small hernia in the throat as well from the erosion problem. The throat issue kinda worries me a bit. I am sure they take a careful look at all of that. Did you go ou for your last huuuraah before the liquid diet kicked in? It makes you feel that you will never be able to have certain things again. I guess each person is different. Have you ever been a healthy size?... or has this been a struggle for most of your life? I started jumping up at 29-30 years old. After my baby in 2002, it just went through the roof. If it is 20 30 or even 50 lbs...I could probably stick with something long enough to drop...but 110 is just to far off the mark...and too many unsucessful diet plans ago. It kills me, at 25 I thought my size 10 was huge. What I would do to see that again..... Did you just have the Lap Band installed? Not any other procedure? The Norfolk Surgical Web site does not mention the actual Lap Band under surgeries. They do mention a vertical Band ....were they do cut.

That's awesome! I just registered at the Health Campus on Princess Ann for his seminar on the 26th....next Wednesday. He has one this weekend, but I will be in Wilmington with the family. You lost 28 lbs in a week? Goodness! I do know this is what I HAVE to do. Both my sister and I have been struggling with our weight for years. It just keeps creeping up. She passed away unexpectedly last year. She went to the Seminar on the Pennisula with me. I know she is loving life now since she can pick her own dress size since she is in heaven. Crazy. It was feeling that the only way I could lose this weight is if I passed away. It was getting that bad. Just tired of fighting it. I want to ride a roller coaster with my child ..... I want to be able to walk onto an elevator and not be nervious that it jumps up..knowing everyone is looking at me...Boarding an airplane praying that the seats are large enough fo me to sit in....I want to walk across the parking lot and not have to catch my breath before I start my car... It truly takes the life right out of you. I am ready to take my life back. If my will power has failed me in the past, it's time to make my body NOT give me the choice to overeat. Sad to say it has to come to this.... This obsity is a disease. Your experience sounds so positive. I am ready for that.... My employer is upgrading the Insurance Jan 2008. The upgraded version of our Insurance will cover my surgery. BMI 42, Heart Issue, Reflux. Hoping that will not set things back to far. Not sure how they will move forward with that issue. How long did it take you...from Seminar to surgery? Timeline?

Sounds like you are really happy with this group. That is exactly what I am looking for. Do they do your fills at that Chesapeake office as well? Do you know if they use a numbing agent? Sounds like Gina had a pretty ugly experience with her second fill. What Hospital will he work out of for the actual surgery , Chesapeake General? That would be great...right around the corner. Do they keep you overnight or out the same day? Just curious. Looking forward to hearing about how you are getting along. I know I will have many more questions to come :confused: Thank you! Heather

Hey Gina, You mentioned the Flora Fill? What are the differences in the fill ingredients? Any to stay away from? Also, any insight on the Reflux issue I have? I am hoping it will not prevent me from being able to move forward...

You will have some healing time now. Can you feel the band at all? ....or just inflamation? How much time away from work have they recommended? Do you know how many Lap Bands Dr. Fontana has installed? What made you decide to go with his group? I am just trying to narrow down my choice. Any info would be REALLY appreciated. Hopefully you have a wireless connection so you can email while relaxing :eek: Looking forward to your reply.... Thanks a bunch! Heather

That is exciting. You are on the home stretch! How long have you been looking into this option? I did not see a weight loss goal. How many pounds are you going for?

Hey Gina, Hickory is my home. Off of Hanbury Rd just before the Bypass Toll. Not to far from you. Great info to make sure I have covered as far as finding the right doctor. Its all new to me. I keep seeing this Lap RNY? What does the RNY represent? Are you not able to eat certain foods at all? I was curious. Also, I lov a glass of wine now and again....is alchol a problem? One big concen I have is a reflux issue. Does it get worse after the band is inserted? I have erosion and a small hernia in my throat as well. Just kind of worried about that. Basically the throat doctor told me it was from the extra weight on my mid section. What do ya do? What was the most difficult change for you after the band? Can ya tell I just want to know everything The weight loss for you looks great!

I just started my journey over again. Last year, Insurance would not cover.The good news is my new Insurance policy that takes effect Jan 1st will cover me. I guess another few months will not hurt. This Norfolk practice sure would be easier for me. I am from Chesapeake and that Hampton trip is rough from this side of the water. I would love to hear more feedback about the Norfolk Docs...good and bad. Jus trying to narrow down the practice. The band is definitely the way I want to go. It is time to do something about this...for me and my family.

good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing! It's a new and beautiful horizon AWESOME!

Hey LoserwannaB, I am from Chesapeake. Looking for a local doc around our neck of the woods. Who did you decide on for your surgeon? I have had a hard time finding Docs that have been doing this Band Procedure on this side of the water. Please let me know who you found and any great stuff about them Thanks so much! Heather

Zannie, How is it going? I am from Chesapeake and looking for a great Doc for the Lap Band. How was your experience? Are you still going down? I have noticed that you have not logged in in quite some time. Let me know if everything is OK...... Best of Luck.....and please let me know how things have been going for you! Sincerely, Heather