tomorrowsdream

I wonder when Sue says she is praying to survive a surgery who she is praying to? I'm just sick of getting atheism crammed down my throat. This isn't a religious board, but almost all her post boast of being an athiest. I happen to believe a different way and I get a little sick of hearing about the atheism. Sorry if it didn't set right with you.

I guess if you have never died on an operating table Sue, and actually saw people on the other side and touched the hand of God, you can call yourself an atheist. Maybe that is why all of your remarks to others are so sarcastic. We discussed Wynonna because she discussed herself why she decided against gastric bypass and her love of food. I love Wynonna Judd's voice, whether she is big, little or inbetween. She has one of the most beautiful voices in all of country music. Nothing was said to judge her at all. I think it is how you perceived it. I wish you luck. An atheist is simply someone who is afraid of believing.

That's rediculous at that age and her physical state they wouldn't authorize the surgery. I see no reason for half of what they do or don't do.

Has it caused ulcers to form on your lips? I'm surprised they didn't first try a steroid creme. Prednisone is the best treatment for this but it definitely has it's drawbacks. Usually the disease itself causes weight loss, but when it's being treated with prednisone it won't have that affect. I have no idea how it will affect your band as you have to take the drug to keep this from spreading to your esophagus or other parts of the body. It's very important it gets stopped before it gets a real head start. It's rare to get it, and you had to be one of the unlucky ones. Your dr. should be responding to your really valid concerrns. Try googleing it and I think you will find a lot out about the disease and the treatment and complications of not taking the prednisone. Good Luck.

Wynonna may or may not benefit from the lap band. I have a feeling she would be in having it removed. She is plain and simple addicted to food and as she said loves room service (of course she can afford it). She isn't willing to help herself, so how can she be helped by a device. She would make herself sick and in the end have the band removed because she has no willpower over food. She needs to hand herself over to God and ask him to help her make the right decisions. She is a beautifully, talented woman who unfortunately has a beautiful (but bossy) mother and an incredibly beautiful sister in Ashley Judd. Wynonna has said more than once she is the black sheep of the family. She eats for a reason. She just has to dig deep and explore it. Oprah even offered her the personal trainer that helped her and Wynonna said no. She has a loving supportive husband, but not sure a husband should support you being overweight (although he certainly should not pick on you by any means) but he should be encouraging her to seek help to find out what has caused her serious problems with using food for comfort.

Thanks for the info. I better hurry up this surgery. I'm very thankful I'm not 65, but I think it is unfair for our senior citizens not to be offered lap banding. That is segragation. They are much more liable to die from the effects of being overweight as their younger counterparts. That just isn't a fair decision. I've put my 2 cents in and hope others do the same. Thanks for the site Cindy.

On my way now to read it and send in comments Cindy. I feel as strongly as you do about Medicare and coverage. I knew they were going to be making some sore of decision this month, and supposedly on Jan 1 were going to be covering it. I will have to read and see what it says. Medicare-dammed if it doesn't make you mad that they consider alcoholic a disease and pay disability to the drunks and will deny us benefits. I love a good fight too. Back again....soon.

I could feel the pain when someone mentioned it in their breastbone. Sorry mine is taken up by a huge zipper that to this day is itchy and hurts and isn't a pretty site. I sure as heck don't want anything else there, but I have heard that it is the easiest place for it when it comes to fills. In my case I sure can't have it there, and honestly don't think I would want it there. In any case I hate bras...but I make an exception for when I go out

I found the gastric pacemaker facinating. Strange it has been in use in Italy for years and not even approved here yet. It would be a great remedy for people whose bands have eroded I think, as it has absolutely no side-effects and the battery lasts for 7 years. It might be an answer for those having trouble with the band. I found it odd they didn't even mention the lap band. I never knew Wynonna had gastric bypass scheduled and opted against it. She just says her addiction to food is so great she doesn't think she could give it up. As for Carnie Wilson she is proof that the gastric bypass pouch can surely stretch. She is up 40 lbs. from what she originally lost (please no she had a baby that was 7 mo. ago). Carnie was putting on weight before that. She has that recipe book out with 5 cheese macaroni. OMG it looks so good. Why would she torture herself like that. The whole hour was interesting, but disappointing as the lap band didn't even get a nod in any sense from them. No one knows about us....................except us.

Sweetie, the first thing I thought of was the surgery probably caused it because of the liquids; secondly the hospital is the worse place in the world to pick anything up and you could have got a touch of stomach flu; that's a possibility too. I hope in working in the medical field for 38 years I'm giving you some helpful advise, but I would suggest Pepto-Bismol and suppositories for hemorroids. Get some hemorrhoid ointment also and put it on the suppository...oh instant relief. You can also buy tucks pads to wipe with. This should clear up the problem, and congratulations to you for taking the big step. I still have it to look forward to, but I'm learning all of what can happen here. You sound like everything is just working a little in overdrive, but liquids can do that to you. I wish you lots of success.

Brian, 5 years ago I had open heart surgery; 2 years later I had my gallbladder removed; and now I'm looking at the band. At the time I had my gallbladder out I haden't heard about the band or I most definitely would have done both at the same time. By the way I'm a 63 yr. old female. Age is just a number. I had durabond and steri-strips for my gallbladder and was up and around the same day. I came home the same day as a matter of fact. I had little pain and I can eat anything I want. I personally think given our option I wouldn't hesitate to have both done at the same time. Why get cut twice? It makes no sense. They are both laparoscopic surgeries. I'm not sure where you got the Medicare info if it was Medicare but it is gastric bypass that they don't want to do after 65. As of right now Lap Banding isn't even covered, although it probably will be by the first of Jan. Regardless, we will have to pay what Medicare doesn't. All the surgeons I've consulted have told me that. You on the other hand might get the gallbladder surgery paid for and the anesthesia and OR. That would be a great help to you I'm sure. This is just my opinion, but trust me you aren't going to miss the gallbladder and while they are getting it out let them band you. Good luck to you.

That is what I needed to hear. It is such an expense and the upkeep afterward in having adjustments, etc. had me wondering if it was going to be worth it after all. It seems it is. I just needed to hear from some people that they are happy with their decision, and it therefore makes mine a lot easier. Thanks.

I've heard of people over 400 lbs. getting the band. They come in different sizes. Actually "super obese" sounds better than "morbidly obese" which always makes you fell like you are at death's door for some reason I think someone informed you wrong....do some more checking. I've never heard of anything like this before. If you could lose weight on your own, you would have done it. We all would have, and then no one would need the band. Doesn't make any sense.

It really depends on the part of the country you are from. You can go to Mexico for from $7500-10500 if that is an option. Salt Lake City is $12,000. That is the most reasonable I've found out here near Boise, Idaho. Seattle is outrageous, as they quoted me between $24,000 and $35,000. Portland is $17,000. I think you have to start calling phone numbers to dr's. near your area. I'm probably going to travel the 5 hours to Salt Lake which is a very short distance by plane. I still have Mexico in my mind as a backup plan, so until after the holidays I'm not making definite decisions. I hope this helps you somewhat. It is only in the areas in which I live. I bet other people on the board could help you from just about all over the country that were self-pay. I hear Dallas/Fort Worth are reasonable also. Don't give up. I'm still searching myself, and if something is important enough something will work out. I've seen several sites where you can work out payments. Google some of the lap band sites on the internet; make some calls, most have 800 numbers, and find out if you can make payments. Maybe you can just come up with a down payment, but for gosh sakes don't give up. Lots of luck to you.

I know you are going through your own private hell right now, and I feel for you. I'm not yet banded, but am going to be soon I hope. I'm going to ask lots of questions. It seems to me the biggest bands are usually best even though they may require more fills to get to where they belong. Jonathan, can you contact a lawyer who might take this pro bono. This isn't right. I think the surgeon is responsible and knows it. That is why he is avoiding you. Hit him where it hurts. Sometimes all it takes is a letter from a lawyer to let him know you aren't taking this sitting down. I would start calling attorneys who do this for a fee at the end. I think you have an excellent case. Best of luck to you, and YES the doctors need to take the responsibility for fitting you with the wrong band.

What horrible news for you. Should I assume that you were banded in Mexico and that is the reason for some of the other threads that are springing up. OMG do I ever have to rethink everything again. I'm in a position where I have to hope by the first of Jan. that Medicare DOESN'T cover it now, because if it doesn't I can get my surgery in Salt Lake City...otherwise I'm stuck except for Mexico. I wish you only the best.

As you know I came on here dead set against being banded in Mexico. I still feel strongly that it isn't what I want, but everything here is beginning to take it's toll on me. I do know one thing. The lap bands used in Mexico are not FDA approved. I learned that from my own dr. who has researched it. Now, once again I'm rethinking my options, but they seem so limited. I'm glad you posted this though. I was thinking of Dr. Rumbolt in Mexico and talked to his person here in the states. She has been banded for 5 years with no problem, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot that get eroded. I'm right back at square one in my thinking. It seems like anytime I say anything about banding in Mexico it gets removed from the board..........not sure why. They are merely questions that I have, and they are legitimate.

You are gorgeous. I never would have recognized you. The change is incredible and you are beautiful. You must be so proud of yourself

In a few mo. you will probably look at this as having lost the weight of one whole person (whatever hubby's weight was). You could find out you are a whole lot better off. Been there and done that, then met the love of my life and was married for 18 years. Lost him to an automobile accident...now that was stress, but losing a load you are carrying that is holding you back is not a bad thing Keep your head up high. He will eat his heart out someday when he sees you.

You poor guy...and I thought I was having it tough just trying to schedule surgery. I do know that I found out today that if Medicare starts accepting Lap Banding on Jan 1 I can't have it done, because they say Medicare and BC/BS do not pay enough. They claim they only get $1000 from BC/BS and won't get anymore from Medicare. I can't even go self-pay and forget about the Medicare. OK, all my crapping and carping and I'm about ready to chuck the US and get on a plane for Mexico and keep my fingers cross. It seems people who get the band here in the US are having troubles with things happening also. I've been in contact with Kathy who is Dr. Rumbolt's associate here in the states and darned if she doesn't live right here in Boise. I talked to her for over an hour, and I felt far more reassured. I think me the person that would never go to Mexico is finally so fed up with the US and their stinking insurance crap that I'm taking my chances in Mexico. It isn't what I wanted, but like I said I hear lots of complaints from people who have had the band in the US, so there is nothing guaranteed anywhere. Mexico seems like a lot less hassle right now to me. (I never thought I would hear myself say that). I've checked with Portland, Seattle, and Salt Lake and get the same story everywhere. If Medicare doesn't cover the band on the 1st of Jan. I can have the surgery and self-pay. If it does cover it I can't get it because Medicare doesn't pay what they want. I'm ready to tell these dr's. here just where they can put it where the sun don't shine. Kathy tells me there are lots of dr's. here that do fills, and I don't mind driving to Salt Lake or flying there for a fill. Fed up just like you are fellow. It's a horrible mess. Why aren't these dr's. responsible for fixing things, especially if they put in too small of a band. It wasn't your fault. They should pay for fixing it. Raise a lot of hell....call a lawyer...scare them. I think you have a great case.

It looks like I will be traveling out-of-state for my surgery, and my worries are this. Will I need to stay in a hotel for a couple days after the surgery? Will I be able to fly home OK after having surgery? The traveling back and forth for fills doesn't bother me because I won't be in pain but I'm totally unprepared for how I will feel to travel home and how long I will need to recouperate where I am. I am thinking either Portland or Seattle for the surgery. I have all the tests completed...right down to having the psych eval and dietician scheduled, so I have to go and see the surgeon and then I have to go back for the surgery. I think this is on hold till Jan 1 at least when I see if Medicare will cover it completely, but I'd like some info in the meantime. Thanks.

The doctors here in Boise, Idaho won't accept Medicare even if they begin paying for it, which is fine with me considering they have just learned the procedure and have only done 100 lap bands between them. That doesn't instill a lot of confidence. A Dr. Emma Patterson of Portland taught them the surgery, and I am thinking of going there or going to Seatttle to a Dr. Montgomery. I have to make sure first that Medicare will pay, because these physicians have been paid for gastric-bypass (which my dr. says an absolute no to) and not been paid anything for lap banding, so it's self pay as of now. Can you give me an idea if I'm going about this right. I have had all my tests...sleep study and yes I have sleep apnea and am on C-pap; blood work; ekg, electrocardiogram; CT scan (because my dr. wanted one to check the size of a triple A which is very small still). Will this in any way interfere with my surgery. My dr. doesn't think so but isn't sure. Can you answer that. Also The CT is to check my liver as it hurts. She isn't sure if it is a cyst or just a fatty liver. I imagine if it is fatty I will have to diet to shrink it down on liquids. Would a cyst make the surgery inoperable? I realize I've asked a lot of questions, but I need some real answers from an expert. Also, does this new coding mean that lap banding will be covered under Medicare for sure? That is all the surgeons are waiting to hear. Thanks so much for your help. I realize this is merely your opinion, but it would be much appreciated. Do you have any idea why a liver would hurt to press on it and not hurt if you didn't touch it. I've had my gallbladder removed and the surgeon said she nicked the liver and put dura bond on it but that was 3 years ago, and it didn't hurt then.

My advise to you if you try Xenical (and I don't recommend it). 1. Always be within 15 ft. of a bathroom. (Having your meals served with on the latrine is always a good option) 2. Think seriously about adult diapers (and don't think people won't notice you are wearing the bulky things) if you leave home for any length of time. 3. Don't eat while you are out unless you are prepared to spend about 15 minutes in someone else's bathroom (and if you are throughtful you will always carry room deordorizer with you) 4. Buy loads of Preparation-H. You will need it. 5. Buy truckloads of toilet paper on sale. You will go through it. These are just 4 of the reasons I stopped taking it, but I'm sure others could add to the list. If I was banded I never would have tried it. Actually, you couldn't pay me enough to try it again. It constitutes eating 2 boxes of X-lax at once...that said I'm done. Oh, after 3 mo. of this I had lost maybe 5 lbs. The journey was interesting but not worth it.

I've been waiting this out with Medicare as I was assured as of the first of Jan. it would be covered. This gives me further hope that the people I heard this from knew this and were not falsely giving me hope. Thanks for putting a ray of sunshine in my day and letting me think I am one step closer to the Band. God Bless for keeping on top of these things. Medicare didn't per se have an exclusion or inclusion for the lap band...it had nothing, but it was allowing gastric bypass in instances I understand. Please don't misunderstand, because I'm sure what criteria had to be met. I was told it would cover lap banding and be self-explanatory in January, so this is excellent news.

Best of luck to you and please add Gas X to your list of medications. You will be happy you did.