stepoffaith

hi laurinda. Was it you that signed in and out of the chat quickly tonight? if so, stick around, i'd be happy to chat awhile. My son turned 18 in Dec - the baby that is. Congrats on getting your band Wed. Keep us posted.

thindolphin: how did the seminar go? were you able to set a date to see your surgeon and get things going? :welldoneclap:

Thanks. I am so excited. I was going to try to make an appt with a dr in Lubbock but after much prayer I just felt I should be patient and wait for the seminar on Sat. Turned out the appt with the surgeon came quickly and I really feel at peace with my decision. The words on this thread have been so encouraging... I only hope I can be the same as I go through these paces. God Bless you all. He is so good.

amen to that joy. I don't want to go back to the 20's. They were ok in some respects but they are gone and thats ok. 40's are good and I am just wanting approval to come fast too. Hang in there joy-it will come.

So glad your dad is doing better Kat, hope the speech prob is temporary and glad we are reconnecting. Can't believe we did it this way and yes it is hard to believe we have our 30th year class reunion this year! i am also having a hard time believing I will be 48 next week but thats just a little denial. I said I wanted a date with the surgeon for my bd and I got my wish - its set for the 24th. I hope your dh and son come around to support you Joy. I have been married 27 years and luckily my dh supports my surgery. Joy, Until he comes around keep coming back here for reassurance. Good luck with your approval.

hi again. I went to Albuquerque today (about 3 hour drive) for my seminar. It was great. The information was basic and not really new but the docs did give us their percentages and experience ratio. The best news of the day was that they actually scheduled me an appt with the surgeon on the 24th of January. I can't believe I got an appt so soon. So now it begins!

I live in Farmington. Have most of my life. I am attending a seminar in Albuquerque this weekend because Lovelace only approves a surgeon in El Paso or one in Lubbock

famous: have you seen a surgeon yet or is that after your upcoming seminar? THey can usually give you a list of what they want and they can call your insurance and ask what they (ins) want. I just asked my PCP for the referral to the surgeon (even though technically my ins doesn't require referrals) and put in a request for my medical records. I asked that they release the MR to me so that I can give them to the surgeons. I don't have my PCP MR but I have all my other MR because I always keep them on file at home. Labs, tests, hospital records etc. If your surgeon has a website they sometimes list what they like you to have on the first consultation or their PR person might be willing to tell you. Depends on what kind of mood they are in and how busy they are.

I am 47, almost 48. Have 4 children (gave birth to 3 of 'em). Two girls, Two boys. Youngest just turned 18 in December. I am married, celebrated 27 years last November. Live in NM and have all my life. Great to meet you all.

Kat : what - really someone from NM. I am so excited. I am also from NM and this wonderful age group. Where were you banded? Nice to meet you everyone!

Some will agree with your decision, some will not. But you can not make this decision based on what others will think about you. I have worried about what others have thought of me for years but I have to do this for me. There are many comments on this site that remind of this fact. There is one that said he told his wife that he was double her size, he would have to lose a whole person and that made her understand. My mother will never understand why I had to quote resort to surgery. But thats okay because she doesn't have to understand. I have to do this for me not any one else. Just make sure you are making the right choice for you - that is all that is important.

welcome. You will find alot of information and support here. Keep asking questions, these ppl have a wealth of knowledge.

Not yet famous. Going this Saturday, 1/12. I started my diets tried list and couldn't believe how extensive it was. Jeepers. I've tried alot. The surgeon won't submit any of my info until after the seminar so I have spoke with the insurance but still waiting til the packet is complete. Let me know how your seminar goes.

famous: so just a few more days til the seminar, right? I went ahead and got a referral from my PCP even though I am not sure the surgeon will want one and I am gathering my MR and list of diets I have been on... stuff I know that they will need in the future. I am real excited to move forward. How about you?

I hadn't even thought about who might be there. I guess I am self-absorbed at this point. I am so excited about this next Saturday. My dh is going with me and I guess I just am anxious to take this step so I can get to the next one. You will be fine. Don't worry about who is there and what they are thinking. I have worried about what others have thought about the fat me long enough. I need to worry about me and what I am doing for me now, not what others think. Good luck.

Hi all you Texans. I am actually from NM. But my insurance will only let me have Dr. Frezza from Lubbock or Dr. Acosta from El Paso do my surgery. Anybody using these drs? I live about 6-7 hours away but I will be traveling!

candy: thanks. I started my letter last night but I added alot since I got your reply. Polished it up and I like the looks of it. I am getting my PCP referral letter (one is not required but its icing on the cake) this week and I got my prior auth form for surgery from my insurance co this past week so my surgeon doesn't have to obtain one-just fill it and fax it with all the requirements. I also am filling out all the forms required by the surgeon. The seminar is next Saturday-less than one week a way. Thanks again.

Suellen, if you have been reading these posts you will notice many refer to this as a journey. There is a reason for this I believe. I, too, have been overweight a long time and thought I might choose the lap band but was sure my PCP would not agree. He has encouraged me to count calories and exercise for years. When I approached him with the idea at my physical this December he said quite sincerely that he thought I would be an ideal candidate. I couldn't believe my ears. I asked him to repeat it. I called my insurance company. They only approve two doctors. Both are about 7 hours from where I live so I contacted both. I am filling out papers for one and attending a seminar for the other, obtaining a referral from my PCP from both. What I am saying I guess is you just have to research, start checking out the possibilities. My family was more supportive than I thought they would be. My mother thinks I could go on a banana and egg diet and lose, she lost her 30 pounds that way back in the 40's- I have 130 to lose! oh well, not everyone understands. I like ceradad's technique to make it hit home. Visit the board often and get more ideas and don't give up IF the lapband is what you want and you really feel it is right for you.

Thanks Candy & Dori. I have sleep apnea, GERD, glucose intolerance but not on any meds for that. Am on CPAP and nexium. Have hip and back pain, see the chiropractor frequently, have seen ortho and received injections for pain, just remembered I might can use that as they discontinued the injections because it spiked my sugars...

Question. for anyone: I received paperwork from the surgeon's office today and they want a *hearts & flower* letter written by me to the insurance compay stating my view of why I want this surgery. The reasons can be both medical and personal. I know there are several reasons but when I start a letter I just can't seem to form it. Anyone else do this. Help please

famous: Sorry I couldn't write back sooner. I work a 12 hour day on Thursdays which usually runs into more like 14. I am glad you want to keep track of this trek together. bigmarathoner: I too am gathering all my medical records as I too have had alot of medical tests during the past year or two, like my sleep study, EGD, etc... any other tips anyone? Thanks everybody.

Song, how are you doing? When you feel better keep us informed. I am pulling for you and most importantly, praying for you. May strength and blessings be yours from the top of your head to the souls of your feet. God Bless

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I love this thread. I am anxiously awaiting. I know God is in control. I was getting discouraged and then I heard Nicole C. Mullen blasting on the cd player this morning on the way to work reminding me all things are possible.

I right with you. My seminar is January 12th. I would do it today too. Frustration huh? My insurance said they would only approve two doctors, one in Lubbock or one in El Paso. Thats 6-7 hours away from me but thats okay. I tried both to see which I could get in first. One said they would send paperwork. Haven't seen it. Other one said attend seminar, luckily in a city only 3 hours away from me. Thats on the 12th. And here we go... Would love to keep up with some one as this progresses but haven't really found anyone interested as of yet. Are you?

OK skinnymini, don't give up on us. I know I am willing to listen and I think sometimes sharing is a big part of the solution. It is hard to admit our feelings to others and you made that first step so don't give up. Your baby is a doll by the way.