harmony8411

Hi everyone, I'm a special education teacher and hopefully I'll get my surgery date soon. I wanted to know how much time did lapband teachers take off? Did you try to schedule your surgery around Christmas and spring break or did you wait until the summer? Also, how much info did you give administration and how far in advance did you notify them of your expected absence? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hi Moonstar59, Welcome to the board. I'm not from Jersey. I'm living in Virginia, but raised in NY.

Thanks Moosic. It will be nice to lose with someone. I'll keep in touch.

Thanks all. I'm going to try to get it scheduled the week before spring break. Hey Moosic, we're about the same starting weight and have the same goal weight. I wish you all lots of weightloss.:wink:

Hi to everyone. I am a 33 years old female who is in the preop portion of bandster land. I am 5'6" and 273lbs. I began my journey into learning about the band in October. By the end of January, I will have completed all required tests and evaluations. Hopefully, I will be banded in March. My surgeon appears to have a wait list. I live within the Hampton Roads area. This site is wonderful. It is full of knowledge, insight and support. My excitement about regaining my health and self esteem is overwhelming. I just wanted to introduce myself and join in on the chats.

Hi Heather, glad to hear from you. Who is going to perform your surgery? I using Norfolk Surgical Group. Let's encourage each other.:clap2:

I'm 33 and live in Virginia. I hope to be banded in March. I'll be finished with my preop stuff in two weeks. I'm nervous and excited! Can't wait to start losing.

Hi, I 'm interested in purchasing an elliptical. Does anyone have one that they love? Please recommend any that you like and where to purchase them? Thanks for the help.

Hazeleyegrl1 I'm 5'6" and 273lbs so joint pain is a real possibility. Thanks for mentioning craigslist. I will check it out.

Laphappy40, how can you be a failure when you are losing? Please don't be so hard on yourself. Failure would entail not having the surgery, not doing anything to stop the cycle of weight gain and yo-yo dieting. Just getting the band is a huge step towards victory. I am awaiting insurance approval and your weightloss along with everyone else's is a great inspiration to me! Keep your head up your headed towards the finish line. :clap2:

That's wonderful. It sounds like you are gaining a new sense of self. Enjoy those benefits.

Thanks everyone for the great info. I'll look into the models that you suggested.

Boo Boo Kity Thanks so much for sharing that post. I am still going through my preop tests. Your post was so encouraging. Congratulations and job well done!!!!!

wish I could give you a hug. You're doing great. Beginning the new year with a new lease on life. Way to go!

How are you doing since your surgery? Hope you are well.

Making a decision to have WL surgery is a difficult one. However, the fact that you are even considering it means that you are probably seriously overweight. That is not a condition that you should chose to just stay with. The lapband may not be right for you or it maybe perfect. What ever you decide don't let fear be the driving reason for your decision. Do what is best for your health. If at all possible go to a lapband and a gastric bypass support group and talk with the people their. Maybe that could help give you insight into which procedure would be best for you. Did your primary care physican recommend one or the other? Hope this helps. Don't give up your fight to regain your health!

Congratulations Dave! That is awesome. You've lost 100lbs since July 2007? What is your food and exercise routine?

Rakes4321 go to the site realizeband.com. It compares the Lapband and the new Realize band.

I went to a HI-Profile Banding Doctor in Houston and I am wondering now that I am approved by insurance, should I go to the most experience doctor? :confused: I think experience outways profile anyday.

bandster 1007 I agree with you. This is a forum where you should be allowed to express yourself. You have done so and seemingly thought about the replies that you received. I do not believe that you cannot express your frustration for fear of upsetting a potential band canidate. If they don't take the time to read through your entire post that is their issue. You expressed yourself well and said what you needed to say to deal with your pain. As a person waiting to be banded, I was not scared away by your post. I was saddened and wanted you to get the encouragement you needed. Most people gave you that. Continue to take steps to more forward working with and not against your band.

Thanks for sharing. That poem sums it up perfectly!

Did you specifically ask if your employer have an isurance rider for weight loss surgery? Sometimes the policy states that weightloss procedures are not insured, but your employer will purchase a rider to cover the cost anyway. My policy states that no weightloss interventions are covered. When I called the health insurance rep she said I was'nt covered. When I called another time I was informed of the rider. Soemtimes it is all in how you word the question and who is helping you on the other line. Hope this helps.

babygrl1234 I agree with you. I love Christmas. I love given gifts that express the love and friendship that I have in my life. I don't feel any pressure at all. I enjoy this time. As for fake people. I find that fake people are fake all the time not just at Christmas. I just don't deal with fake people anytime!