kkarryall

I also live in the Bronx! I was just banded on June 23RD--so I am still inexperienced.....but good luck to you! And feel free to ask any questions.

Did you start your 6 month diet in March 2008? Try doing a low carb diet. Eat mostly protein (like meats, chicken, turkey, steak, etc.), veggies (like salads with dressing) and cheese is allowed too. I find that doing low carb often takes away the cravings for carbs (like bread, sweets, etc.) The first three days is hell--like withdrawal , but after that if you stick to it, its smooth sailing. Good luck:thumbup:

You can do it!! Stay away from the ice cream! You've done so well so far...:blushing:

I am scheduled for the 23RD! Right now I am feeling full after only about 1 cup of liquid, though....I am thinking that will change in the next week...we will see....

I also had to do the 6 month diet. I gained some months and lost others, losing a total of 20 lbs during that time. I did meet one girl who is banded that got around it. She asked people on the forums for a sample letter from their PCP documenting the 6 month diet. Then her PCP basically just signed the paper for her, because he was aware of her diet attempts and struggles for a long time. But you most likely will have to do it. It is a long time, but it gives you time to learn more about the lap band lifestyle. Good luck!

I think this is a very good decision for you! When are you getting the band? Are you self-pay or is insurance covering it? Good luck!!

I am fairly confident it is gas. I have the same thing--had my surgery on the 23rd. Starts in stomach, rises to the throat and is a sharp pain. But I can hear a gurgling sometimes, so I know its gas. I have heard the gas often does not go away for up to 7 days.

Hi there, I just had my surgery on June 23RD. I am still a bit sore, and really haven't eaten much today--although I did just eat a half a can of Soup. How long did it take for you to feel better after your surgery? I had the surgery bc I have been overweight all of my life. I have tried tons of diets, and been successful on some. I lost 70 lbs one time---only to gain all of the weight back. I am 31 years old and I just decided that it was time for me to be more proactive. Thank God my insurance paid for this. Welcome to lapbandtalk!!

Hi, I can't tell you for sure, I have no experience with Albany med. But I do know that Albany med is one of the three Surgical weight loss centers in the entire state! NYU being one of them as well..not sure who is the third. Of course, there are other places that do WLS, but to be a surgical weight loss center you have to meet certain requirements. Also, I know that Dr. Kurian (of NYU) studied at Albany Med, I beleive she did her residency there...and she is one of the best surgeons in the country. So Albany med sounds promising to me. Good luck!

Well I had the surgery and it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined. I don't remember any part of it of course...just waking up. I am a bit sore today; going to go spend a few days at a friend's house to recover. Good luck to all those getting their surgeries in the next few days!! If a hypochondriac/worrier like me can get though it, you all can too :thumbup:

Hey all, I don't have to be to NYU till 1:00 so I will probably leave here around 11:45. I am nervous too, but trying not to think about it. :grouphug: It is helpful to think that other people are going through the same thing. I will post as soon as I can...

Hi all, I can't beleive it but my surgery is tomorrow!!!! I have to be at NYU at 1 pm...I am trying not to think too much about it, because then I freak out! I am really nervous, I have never had surgery before. The anesthesia especially freaks me out--and being intubated. Hopefully, it will all go smoothly.....

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow!! I know it will go smoothly. My surgery is tomorrow also--I have to be at NYU at 1:00. I am excited and am extremely nervous!! Good luck--

I will be banded June 23RD!!!! :confused_smile:

NO I am not being banded at Ellis--but I do know where it is--my mom lives in Cohoes. I am sure you will do great! Good luck! AMY :confused_smile:

I do not have Oxfod, I have GHI and am being banded on June 23rd. If you are looking in the NYC area, you might want to consider Dr. Fielding or Dr. Ren---they are really pioneers in the field and have done TONS of lap bands---they are at NYU medical center. Good luck with your decision! Many insurance companies require a 6 month medically supervised diet, so you might want to start that if its required. AMY :cursing:

I am getting banded on June 23rd at NYU by Dr. Fielding. I am doing the pre-op diet now and I am nervous as heck!! I would love to hear from others that are being or have been banded at NYU..... AMY

Hi Everyone! I am going for my psych eval this month and I was given paperwork in advance to fill out. Some of the questions make me nervous--I am afraid if I ansewer them a certain way I will be denied. I am going to post some here in the hopes someone can point me in the right direction-- 1. What are your preferred Snacks? (My fave snacks are sweets--but I am afraid if I put that they might say I am not an ideal candidate for lapband??) 2. Circle items that you eat at least 2-3 times per week on most weeks (I put **next to the ones that apply to me--choices are--ice cream, **cookies/crackers, fruits/veggies, bread, **chocolate, **cake/muffins, soda, milkshakes, chips/pretzels, leftovers 3. Are you an emotional eater? (yes!) 4. Are you a binge eater? (not sure) 5. How often do you binge eat? 6. Do you beleive emotions have played a significant role in the development of your obesity? --Yes 7. What do you beleive are the primary causes of your obesity? 8. Have you ever participate in therapy with a psychologist? (yes--I am currently) 9. Have you been prescribed a psychiatric medication? Yes--currently on wellbutrin for depression Do you think any of these answers will cause him to think I am not a good candidate? :blushing: Thanks everyone!

Hi all--thanks for the advice---I will answer honestly. I guess I assumed that the purpose of the pshych eval was to deny or weed certain people out!! I feel like if it was a support system--it would be more than just an evaluation. Luckily, I am seeing a therapist for my issues with eating because I know what a dramatic change it will be with the lapband. And no I was not the kid who wanted all the test answers! I was the opposite --hahaha. I am just a worry wart--and I am desperate to get the lapband and I know how devestated I will be if I am denied. So, I am researching and learning all the info I can. I have heard on these boards of several people who were denied due to t he psych eval. I don't want to be one of these!! Thanks everyone!!!! The support of this forum is very important to me during this learning experience! :biggrin2:

I posted thisin the general section, but have gotten no replies so far, so I thought I would post it here... I have a question about the 6 month medically supervised diet. I just went to my PCP this week and he is supportive of my decision to get the lap band, so I am beginning the 6 month diet. I really would like to lose some weight before the surgery and I am motivated to try and stick to a diet. I am 5'2 and weigh 277, so I have room to lose quite a bit and still be over the required BMI. My question is--say I lose 40 pounds. Will my insurance company deny me because I have proven that I CAN lose weight? Of course, I can lose weight, but keeping it off is a whole other problem!

I posted thisin the general section, but have gotten no replies so far, so I thought I would post it here... I have a question about the 6 month medically supervised diet. I just went to my PCP this week and he is supportive of my decision to get the lap band, so I am beginning the 6 month diet. I really would like to lose some weight before the surgery and I am motivated to try and stick to a diet. I am 5'2 and weigh 277, so I have room to lose quite a bit and still be over the required BMI. My question is--say I lose 40 pounds. Will my insurance company deny me because I have proven that I CAN lose weight? Of course, I can lose weight, but keeping it off is a whole other problem!

Thank you guys for posting! I really do want to lose weight because I am going on a trip in April and I'd like to lose a few pounds beofre that. I would love to hear from anyone who was approved by their insurance company and who lost 30+ pounds prior to being approved. Let me know.... Thanks and I will keep you posted! AMY

thank you pippinje---I will try

I have a question abot the 6 month medically supevised diet. I just went to my PCP this week and he is supportive of my decision to get the lap band, so I am beginning the 6 month diet. I really would like to lose some weight before the surgery and I am motivated to try and stick to a diet. I am 5'2 and weigh 277, so I have room to lose quite a bit and still be over the required BMI. My question is--say I lose 40 pounds. Will my insurance company deny me because I have proven that I CAN lose weight? Of course, I can lose weight, but keeping it off is a whole other problem!

Candle--thank you for your reply. I planning on making an appt with my pcp for the week after thanksgiving. Can I get your email so that I can ask you more questions? My email is kkarryall@gmail.com Thanks