candy8360

to Dave - mreagle5, I was a little anxious, but not really scared. I'm the type of person that when I make up my mind for something, nothing can change it. I had made up my mind that I WOULD have this surgery, and I wanted it SO bad that those emotions took place over being afraid. Of course, I had the fear as in any surgery that there could be complications. I think I had more fear afterwards when I had redness around my port that wouldn't go away. I was laying awake in bed and thinking all these thoughts wondering if my port was infected or if my body was rejecting it and what if they had to take it out? Then I was scared that they wouldn't fill me if it was red. Turned out that everything was fine. I did have a little more redness than usual, but my body just had to adjust. I knew though from the beginning that I wanted this surgery and wanted the help it could give me. I hate the battle that I've fought for all these years. When I was a teenager and a young adult, I was smaller (size 7 pants, around 113 - 118 average weight). I want to be close to that again. I don't know if I can get that far, but my goal is 125, which is the ideal weight for my height. I know without this surgery I wouldn't have a chance. I'm also very thankful that my insurance covered the cost and covers my fills. Thanks for asking.

I had to do the same seminar. Not sure if each doctor does his own, but Dr. Davis was the one who did mine. You will probably find a lot of it repetetive to a lot of things you have already learned here, but it is a prerequisite to using emory. I did mine at the end of June and then made my first appt. with Dr. Davis that next week, the week of July 4th. One of the things that took me so long was that I had to schedule all the preop stuff, had to have a current physical, and my last physical had been over a year before. I had to wait like 6-8 weeks for my physical. Then set up my psych appt. Had to wait a week or so on that. I was under the impression that my insurance didn't require a nutrional evaluation, but emory insisted on that, so when I thought I had everything done, I had to do that as well. Then they submitted me for approval. I was approved in a week, and then had to go in for an endoscopy. I did that on Sept. 27. After that I had to go to a 3 hour nutrional class which you have to pay for out of pocket. It cost $180. I had to wait for the money to cover that. I FINALLY got it all done and my surgery was scheduled for Nov. 27 but then the surgeon had an emergency and they rescheduled me for Dec. 4th. Was quite a journey, believe me!!! But, I made it through. Hopefully it will not take you as long. It all depends on your circumstances. But I am sure you will have to follow the same procedures. Let me know how your seminar goes!

didn't mean to post the same thing twice, I need to restart my computer. sorry.

I had a lot of redness around my incision port and around the Christmas holiday was unable to get in touch with my doctor and was worrying myself sick. I was over analysing, and telling myself, "What if it is infected", and "What if your body is rejecting the port", and "What if they have to take it out?" I finally got back to the doctor's office the day after Christmas. He did say it was redder than usual, but it was not anything to worry about, and that I looked fine. He gave me 5 days of antibiotic, and the redness degree went down a lot. It still has not completely gone away, and when I went for my fill last thursday he said it still had some redness, but it was not infection. Mostly inflammation and my body just has to get used to it. He still gave me my fill and did not seem overly concerned. Believe me, I have slept SO much better since then, and haven't been worried like I was. Just get in touch with your doctor if it persists and find out for sure your circumstances. Everybody can react differently, and only the doctor can say what needs to happen, but don't lose sleep over it and worry too much like I did!!! You need your energy.

I had a lot of redness around my incision port and around the Christmas holiday was unable to get in touch with my doctor and was worrying myself sick. I was over analysing, and telling myself, "What if it is infected", and "What if your body is rejecting the port", and "What if they have to take it out?" I finally got back to the doctor's office the day after Christmas. He did say it was redder than usual, but it was not anything to worry about, and that I looked fine. He gave me 5 days of antibiotic, and the redness degree went down a lot. It still has not completely gone away, and when I went for my fill last thursday he said it still had some redness, but it was not infection. Mostly inflammation and my body just has to get used to it. He still gave me my fill and did not seem overly concerned. Believe me, I have slept SO much better since then, and haven't been worried like I was. Just get in touch with your doctor if it persists and find out for sure your circumstances. Everybody can react differently, and only the doctor can say what needs to happen, but don't lose sleep over it and worry too much like I did!!! You need your energy.

I agree. I had a cousin that had the RNY and she had such a hard time. I've heard of so many people that have major complications afterwards. I didn't hear that about the lapband. That is part of the reason I chose the lapband. Some people just DON'T know what they are talking about. That nurse has problems. I wouldn't even give her another thought. Just hang in there, and know that there ARE people here who understand.

Dave, you will do FINE! Just think positive!!!

Welcome to CTman and ceradad CTman, looks like most of your work is done for the preop hoops you have to jump through. It's just a matter of time. And ceradad, WAY TO GO! I can't wait until I can say that I've lost 75 pounds. What a huge success! I will certainly be praying for both of you. Leaving right now for choir practice and church tonight. All you guys on this thread will be in my prayers!!!

for Step of Faith: Here is a sample letter that might help you in writing your letter. To whom it may concern: My name is ___________. I am asking for approval for lapband surgery. I weigh ___________ and my BMI is ___________. I am concerned about my health because I know that my weight is a factor in many of my health problems. I have sleep apnea, suffer from GERD, have chronic hip and back pain related to my weight, and have to see my chiropractor regularly. I am taking Nexium, CPAP therapy, and was receiving injections for my hip and back pain but that had to be discontinued because my sugar levels spiked. I have done much research that proves that my weight is a huge factor in all these problems. I have attempted to lose weight many ways in the past _____ years. (List some of the things you have tried.) I have been unsuccessful, as have many others that have tried as well. These weight loss methods are fine if you have to lose 10 - 20 pounds, but not very successful for people who are considered morbidly obese. The amount of weight I need to lose is so great that it is overwhelming. It's not possible to see success when you constantly see yourself failing. I know that it would benefit me and the insurance company too if I were approved for the lapband surgery. Since my health problems are weight related, they would only improve with my continued weight loss. I have also researched the surgery and see many many successful people who have lost major amounts of weight and have been able to keep it off long term. I too want to be one of those successes. Please consider me for approval. As I said, it would benefit you as well as me. The financial implications of being overweight and the continued healthcare I would need are just one of the benefits that would be gained from allowing me to have this surgery. Plus, the benefits to me are more than I can say. This surgery would give me a chance to get my life and my health back to what they should be. I want the chance to be able to run again, to go on hikes, to be a more physical person and enjoy my life in a positive way. Thank you for considering me for this surgery.

I'm so glad to see you have such a positive outlook! Time will fly by and before you know it, you will have joined all us that are banded already, and then you will have other things that will occupy your time, like, when will I get my first fill? I think the waiting for the first fill was almost worse than waiting for the band!!! But, thank God, I'm doing fine and I'm sure that you will too! Good luck on your upcoming surgery.

Hey everyone. Glad I found this thread. I had surgery on 12/4/07 but did not know at the time what kind of band I had. I went in for my first fill on 1/3/08 and was told I had a vanguard 10cc band. He said there is another band (not vanguard) that is a 10cc band, but only holds 4cc's, with that one the 10cc's is the circumference of the band, not the amount it holds. My first fill was 3 cc's and so far I'm getting pretty good restriction, which is really good because I felt NO restriction before the fill. I feel things going slow, and the restriction I feel is in my throat or my upper chest. I find that I feel it more if I forget to chew really well or take too big of a bite. If I eat really slow, It doesn't cause me as much discomfort. But, its only been 2 days since my fill, and I am wondering if I will change and start getting less restriction or be able to eat more as the band settles. I really feel like I have a good doctor and when I ask him he really explains things well to me. I go in for another fill on 1/31/08. I do not know how much he will fill at that time. If I get to that point and my restriction is less and I'm eating more, I will just tell him how hungry I am and ask that he give me a fill similar to my first. It took me two days to read all the prior posts, and some of you guys have been through hell getting only small amounts of fill. I am also very fortunate that my insurance covered my surgery and is covering my fills. Plus, the doctor is easily accessible and I don't have to wait long periods of time to be able to get in to see him. Thanks so much for this thread. It is good to be able to read what others have gone through and prepare myself to what I'm getting into here. My weight loss hasn't been that much since my surgery, most of mine I lost on the liquid preop. Hopefully that will change now that I am feeling restriction. Good luck to ALL!!!

my psych exam wasn't that bad. Just talked a lot about how I felt about having the surgery and why I wanted it. Talked about why I ate so much (mostly comfort foods). Talked about wanting to make positive changes and had to fill out a questionnaire that took FOREVER. Only two questions that I didn't completely tell the truth on. Even before I took the questionnaire the doc told me he was going to recommend me for the surgery.

I didn't have to do it, but am pretty good at writing letters. If you tell me some of your medical problems and the name of your insurance co. I can probably help you write a letter if you'd like. also include how long you've been trying to lose weight and some of the things you've tried.

the girls that were talking about being so hungry ... I was too. Had my first fill on 1/3 and I feel MUCH better. Haven't wanted to eat near as much. I know it will settle some. It has helped a lot though. I go back on Jan. 31. And, my port feels like the size of a silver dollar and sticks out when I get up and down from bed. It feels like a little alien head like in the movie alien.

thanks for that. I was trying to search for it but wasn't having much luck.

Polo loco ... I LOVE that place. Every time I go to Miami, I HAVE to eat there. they have the BEST chicken ever. I would love to have a recipe similar to theirs. Any ideas???

Hey girls, just don't give up! Our time and God's time are different. I too believe He would not have allowed us to get the band if He was not going to give us success with it. Just know that you are not alone!!!

I love this thread! I have gotten more encouragement from you guys than any other that I've posted on. THANKS so much. But then, God knows what we need and He led me here!!!

HEY EVERYBODY - I GOT MY FIRST FILL! The doctor said everything looked good. I FINALLY found out what kind of band I have. It is a vanguard 10cc band, and today I got a 3cc fill. He said that was the max he ever gives. And, I have an appt. set up for Jan. 31st to see if I need another. I am SO happy. Maybe this will be the start to the end of my hunger pangs. He told me to stick with mushies today and just take it easy. And, I had lost .6 pounds from the last dr. visit the day after Christmas. Not much, but every tenth of a pounds COUNTS!

Hey Princesstracey, I am new here too, but already know that I love it! I have sensed much more friendliness and a sense of belonging than any of the other threads I've been posting on. Have you gotten a fill yet, or a date for one? I know I am supposed to get mine TODAY!!! I am NOT good at waiting on things, either. But, I'm learning patience ....

Hey Song in My soul, don't feel overwhelmed. It's much easier than you think. when they first told me all liquids, I almost freaked! I am totally a meat eater and the first couple of days were rough, but it DID get easier. So, just hang in there, we are TOUGHER than we think!

Hey Wombat, it's SO nice to be with friendly people! I have started back on solids, but haven't ventured beef yet. I get my first fill TODAY (I hope!!!). I still have a little redness around my port incision, so I'm trying to prepare myself in case the dr. doesn't want to do the fill yet. But, I am very hungry and am looking forward to not feeling those cravings! Thanks for the prayers and the encouragement and the welcome!!!

I am so glad to see this thread too! I answered a post about being afraid of death and was blasted by another member because I said that I believed that if it was our time we would go regardless of the circumstances. I am glad to know there ARE other people who also feel that our lives are directed by GOD!!!

I had two natural childbirths. The pain was nothing (lapband surgery) compared to my experiences with childbirth. I really didn't have that much pain from my surgery, only gas afterwards in my left shoulder and some touchiness at my port incision. I slept day 1 and day 2. Day three was up but not that perky. Day 4 I woke up full of energy and cleaned house and went to the gym and walked a mile and a half. I did get tired more easily afterwards. I think it was due to the major calorie reduction. But, different people react differently, as you can see from the various stories. GOOD LUCK with your surgery.

glue - but there was no problem. All incisions stayed together fine.