Tricia K.

I went through a period of time post-banding where I was having trouble falling and staying asleep. This really bothered me because I have always been a heavy sleeper as well as one that could sleep for a very long time. Like Alexandra, I started taking melatonin and it worked wonders. It didn't take long before the bout of insomnia was over. I'm now sleeping like I was pre-banding. Good luck!

4 miles on recumbant bike

Congratulations and welcome to bandland!!

:biggrin1: :biggrin1:

Plans for today: Abs of Steel (1st & 2nd levels) & Buns of Steel (1st portion) videos 150 toe (calf) raises 150 bicep curls w/ 4lb. weight 150 tricep curls w/ 4lb. weight 150 lateral raises w/ 2lb. weight 150 butterfly curls w/ 2lb. weight

I understand your concerns about spending money but spending it on yourself to improve your health is one of the best decisions you could ever make. You shouldn't feel guilty about it. After all, you're extending your life by doing so. Additionally, there are doctors in the US that do the surgery for less than what you've listed. My surgeon, Dr. Thomas Lavin, is well-respected, experienced and was one of the first 4 proctors for Inamed. His outpatient, self-pay package price is $12,900, which includes a 23-hour hospital stay, the surgery, anesthesiologist and 1 year of follow-up care/fills. You can find more information about him and the self-pay program at www.whyweight.com. I've also read about the Wish Center doing the surgery for non-insured, self-pay patients for $10,700. I don't know anything about them so I wouldn't feel right recommending them to you. But, I did feel it would be beneficial to pass the information along to you. http://www.wishcenter.org/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/wish_center_lapband_special.html?D=081905

Welcome to LBT and thanks for sharing your story. :rant:

*evil grin* I'll never tell. :biggrin1: But, here's another one.

FYI - leaving out pertinent medical information when applying for group or individual health insurance, such as previous surgeries, could be and probably is against the law in your state. HIPAA laws were passed to "secure patient records containing individually identifiable health information so that they are not readily available to those who do not need them." With that said, withholding information about previous surgeries will only hurt you in the long run. Imagine that you have a major illness or require surgery and are admitted to the hospital. As soon as the doctor examines you, he'll/she'll know that you've had surgery and will require that provide him/her with information regarding this surgery. Now, because you've withheld this information from your health insurance provider, you will most likely not be covered for anything and have a good chance of being dropped from your carrier. Do you really want to risk that?

I prefer Country but listen to other genres as well.

Yay, Diane! I'm currently 32 pounds away from my goal and it seems so surreal. I could just imagine what it's going to feel like being 22 pounds away. :rant: :hug:

I've been slacking on my exercise the past few days. I'm going to get back into it today with a 4 mile recumbant bike ride. BTW Telly, you rock!

Ok, it seems to me that your doctor is a bit contradictory if he's allowing you to have cheese but no milk. I mean...hello...cheese is made from milk. Plus, milk is an excellent source of Calcium, which every woman needs. Anyway, my doctor is fine with my having milk and milk products, as long as it's in moderation. I have 16 oz. of skim milk almost every morning in my Protein shake. If I were you, I'd ask your doctor to clarify his recommendations/requirements. As far as sugar is concerned, you should typically stay away from it. However, as my doctor suggested, don't deny yourself a little treat every now and then.

My goal weight is 160, which is 17 pounds above the top number of my "ideal" weight. This still has me in the "slightly overweight" category but I'm perfectly fine with that. I have never wanted to be skinny but rather healthy. Plus, I like my curves and don't ever want to lose them.

FYI - I live in Louisiana and have been denied individual coverage from 3 different companies because I had lap band surgery. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana did say that I could re-apply after my 1 year bandiversary and they would consider me again. The other 2 flat out said that they will not cover me because I've had the surgery, regardless of how much time it has been. This was after I went through the application process, not from a simple phone call.

Mmhmm...from day one.

LOL...just like I told Telly last night, I never discuss politics (or religion) with friends.

:hug: I'm sorry that you're going through such a tough time, Amy. I sincerely hope that it gets better very soon.

I waited several months before I tried sushi but have no problems with it. Whenever possible, I do ask for 1/3 of the usual amount of rice for the rolls though.

I picked my goal and my surgeon agreed that it was attainable. As far as fills are concerned, the nurse practitioner at my surgeon's office does them all.

You bet! I do it every day.

I had a great time in NJ visiting my friend Jody but am truly disappointed that I didn't get to meet NJChick while I was there. My flight was delayed so I got in late and then there was a bit of a crisis with Jody's family. Eileen (NJChick) waited for me at the karaoke bar but I was soooo late that she went home. I'm so sorry, Eileen!! I hope to meet you the next time I'm up there. Here are some pictures.... Me & Jody Me & Debra (Jody's sister) Me & Alicia Me & Bill (do you recognize him, Eileen?)

Thanks, guys. *blush*

Congrats, Telly! :love: :hug:

I'm 5'6" and my goal weight is 160 (I'm 33 lbs. shy of it), which I imagine will be about a size 10/12.