Adam

Hi, Dr. Ray did my surgery last November 3rd. I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Ray and his staff. I'm down around 50lbs. since my surgery and have had no problems. I was initially denied by my insurance as well. They said that they "wanted more info" from my PCP. Dr. Ray's office worked with a lawyer out in California, Obesity Law, I think. There was no charge for any of the appeal work... I was told by someone I go to church with, who had gastric bypass surgery, that it would take a year to get it through insurance and he was right. Good Luck, Adam

Hi Everyone, I'm scheduled for surgery on Nov. 6th with Dr. Brad Ray in Bloomington, IN. I had my "diet class" yesterday, which my wife attended with me. On our way home we were talking about what to tell our kids about the surgery I'm going to have. I have a 6 year old girl and a 4 year old boy. My wife doesn't want the kids to get the idea that there's something wrong with being overweight, that all obese people should have surgery. I think that the kids will be OK with me having surgery, but will probably start to ask questions about my new eating habits/patterns...I.E., "Why isn't Daddy eating the left side of the menu anymore?" Has anyone out there dealt with this? -Adam

I was finally approved by insurance last Friday, September26th. My surgery, with Dr. Brad Ray, Bloomington, Indiana, is set for November 6th! It's been a little over a year since I started my journey. I quit carbonated soft drinks on Jan. 1st and beer on Jan. 26th (not as awful as I thought it would be :w00t:). I'm very excited and a little nervous. Ready to go! -Adam

When I first started talking to my wife about getting one, she told me to just sit in our shed in the summer...that it was plenty hot. No bodybugg yet. I don't know if the calories burned (no pun intended...) claim is true, just something I've read on sauna websites. -Adam

I picked mine up used on craigslist for $500...my Christmas and Birthday present for the next few years. They are around $2-3K new... Mine says that it's a "2 person" sauna, but at 310lbs, I pretty much take up all the room ; -) Hopefully, I'll be able to squeeze my wife in there with me soon! -Adam

That's what I thought, but figured I'd better check it out, knowing my luck! The thing I like best about the sauna is that it burns around 600 calories in a half hour session with me just sitting there, sweating... -Adam

Hi everyone. I'm on schedule to be banded sometime in late Feb./early March. I recently bought a used 2 person sauna, the infrared type. I've always liked saunas, working up a good sweat and finally talked my wife into letting me get one. The reason I'm posting is that I read on a FAR Infrared sauna web site that silicone implants will melt at 200 degrees celsius and that you should check with your surgeon before using. I'd hate to have to get rid of the sauna after wanting one for so long... Has anyone asked this question? I can't imagine getting to 200 fahrenheit, let alone celsius...I have mine set around 140 fahrenheit. At 200 celsius, wouldn't you pretty much be on fire . Thanks, Adam

Angie, Try Dr. James Ray in Bloomington. I know it's not too close to Indy, but it's not that far. All he does are Lap Bands. I've had my initial consult with him and see the dietician and psychologist tomorrow. My BMI is 44; 5'10", 315lbs... Dr. Ray has just built a new surgical center and office. They told me that they hope to have final approval to open the surgical center the end of next month. Good Luck, Adam

Paul, I guess my reasons for lap band over bypass are all that you mentioned. I just really didn't want to have anything re-routed, if possible. My father is a retired physician and he is all for me having the lap band, but was (and still is) wary of the bypass surgeries. One of the things that Dr. Ray, the surgeon in Bloomington, IN that I'm seeing, said was that I would lose weight faster with a bypass but I didn't put the weight on in 6 months, and shouldn't expect to take it off that fast. I meet with a dietician and psychologist tomorrow, another step closer... -Adam

Paul, I've just started my "journey" with Lap Band as well. I've talked to my Dr. about it for a while, but just got serious a few months ago. My surgeon told me that I wouldn't be able to drink any carbonated drinks at all. I'm a beer drinker, when I drink, so I'm a little afraid of no more beer...ever. But, as I told my wife, I've gotten my licks in over the last 25 years, what do I really want? Beer/Coke or a longer, heathier life? -Adam