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Everything posted by BellaPerdente
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Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hi everyone, Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I was so frustrated about my financing falling through and having to cancel my surgery. I would have had my surgery yesterday!! Anyhow, I am rescheduled for March 20 and I hope this new financing opportunity works. After canceling my surgery, I decided I will do this on my own. I went out and bought good food and started watching my portion sizes. I was doing so good for about 4 days....then I slowly started eating bigger portions and that was it. I couldn't stop eating. Of course, PMS didn't help. Right then, I realized this was not going to happen without some help. I am going to do all I can to get the money and have this surgery. My doubts are not there anymore. Like you guys have said before...you still want to eat and some can still eat anything but never has much as before. I need that. I never feel full. If anything, this surgery will help me with portion control. I have also started going to water aerobics. This is great for me because I have bad knees and ankles. They still hurt a little but I don't huff and puff like regular exercise. Well I am glad to be back and can't wait until surgery. -
Hi everyone. I am 45 and the forties started out great with a new son. Things went down hill from then. I lost my husband 2-1/2 years ago and my mom this past summer. I have two daughters (17 & 14) and my son is 3-1/2. I was supposed to be banded on 2/13/08 but financing fell through. I rescheduled for 3/20/08. I am hoping to start living again after the band. But can you really "start" living at 45 or is it too late. As much as I miss my husband, I don't want to be lonely forever.
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Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I want to thank all of you for your support. I do feel like this is the right thing to do. I didn't cancel my surgery....I rescheduled for March 20. I am working on a different way to finance. L.A. I was sorry to hear about your dad. I say the same thing about my husband and my mom. I would give up any material possesion I own to have them back again. As far as my daughter is concerned, I think she will qualify for financial aid and she will have to get student loans for the rest. I can help a little. I wished my daughter had your attitude. She thinks it is a parents duty to pay for EVERYTHING. Hopefully that changes when she gets older. Tied2bfit: So glad you are doing better. I wished Dr. K kept all his patients overnight. I worry about the pain once I go back to the hotel. Well you are on your way. Your whole life will change now. This is a new beginning. I think about that all the time. I have been obese for so long that I can't picture myself as a thin person and all the changes that will come from that. Good luck! Viridescense: thanks so much for your advice. I think maybe the "sign" is that I needed more time to do some soul-searching. Maybe the loan didn't go through so quickly because I wasn't ready yet!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy to have you guys to talk to. THANKS!!! -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hey guys: have you ever felt that if you hit so many roadblocks that "someone" is trying to tell you it is not the right thing to do. My brother tells me all the time that if things keep falling through....there is a reason. It was not meant to be. I feel so guilty borrowing such a big amount of money for this. I am a widow living on a fixed income. Maybe my brother is right. I feel like such a failure not being able to do this on my own and having to borrow money. I have a daughter starting college soon. I AM SO CONFUSED! My brother said I could make this happen if I work hard enough to find someone to finance this surgery but I would be ignoring all the "signs" that told me that it maybe wasn't the best thing. I need advice! -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Well guys, I am only 13 days away from surgery and it looks like my financing is not working out like I had planned. I am sooo bummed!!!!!!!! I am probably going to have to postpone my surgery for awhile. I really don't think I can do this on my own. Not for a long time anyway. I know I have read some threads regarding the best tasting protein drinks that help suppress the appetite. Any suggestions on the best? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hey guys: Getting nervous!! I can't seem to get my mind around this. Part of me feels like I don't want to give up my "friend". I don't know if anyone else felt this way so close to surgery. I like eating! I like cooking! I don't like being fat. Any thoughts to get myself mentally ready for this big change? I don't want to fail! For those of you who traveled to Dr. K, what did you do if you had problems? Like with incisions, or the port? Did you see your PCP? I can't afford to fly to Denver too often. Good luck to tied2bfit. I am thinking about you. -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Dear Tied2Bfit: Are you paying extra to stay overnight at the hospital after your surgery? -
Did I eat too much at once?
BellaPerdente replied to mindyemt08's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Way to go Krista! There was a right way and a wrong way to approach the question and you hit on the spot. Since most of us are not experts at this, I guess trial and error is the right way to approach along with helpful suggestions. -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I can't even imagine running a marathon. I went to have a stress test done a couple of days ago and I couldn't even walk fast without breathing so hard. I felt like passing out. I guess I will need to start out very slow. I was thinking about water aerobics. -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
What is a bodybugg? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Viridescense: I am having mine in Parker also. I will check it out. Maybe we will see each other. My surgery is on 2/13. Tied2bfit: You are so right about the touch being important. I used to do that sort of thing for my mom all the time. Drop her at the door and park the car. Get her the riding scooters at the store. Help her with her groceries at home. The kiss and hug when I left. How I miss that!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Angie: thank you sooo much for your response. You hit it right on the money on how I feel and you are soooo right. My mom passed away this past July and her name was Angelina but everyone called her Angie. Hi everyone! Well I had my phone consult with Dr. K yesterday. You were right, he is very nice. I asked him about the lower port and he said it is possible for an extra $695.00? but that noone has ever wanted to spend the extra money and he doesn't see that it is necessary at the beginning. You would have to lose alot of weight before it would be a problem and you should deal with it then. I don't have to do a liquid diet before...only 10 days of Atkins diet (high protein, low carb). I can still have my regular coffee. YEAH! He has no problem with coffee. For you out-of-towners, where did you stay while there. I am thinking about the Tech Center. Is that too far away? Did you rent a car or take taxi's or what. Let me know!!! Counting down!!!!! -
I am getting really nervous about my surgery on 2/13/08. I guess I am having second thoughts. I read about how so many people are still hungry after surgery. I read about the honeymoon period and wasn't sure if that applied to lapband surgery or gastric bypass. I have such an gi-normous appetite right now and I am a stay-at-home mom and all I do ALL DAY is eat. I am sooo afraid that I will not be able to mentally resist eating. I know that with any diet, you have to be committed. Well, I know that I want to lose weight but food as such control over me I am scared. I felt that lapband would help me NOT EAT and eventually my appetite would go down. But if people are still hungry after surgery, what is going to help me resist my strong desire to eat. Am I not ready????? I feel I will never be 100% ready. Do I have the surgery and then deal with it as it comes? Help!!:redface:
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I'm scared!!! Is lapband weight loss too slow?
BellaPerdente posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I just joined forum today and the few threads I have read, weight loss seems very slow. I am afraid that losing that slow will make me lose motivation. I can't seem to comprehend that some people have only lost 2 lbs - 20 lbs in a year! Doesn't seem worth paying $20,000? Has anyone found a place that is cheaper but SAFE? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Do I have to give up my morning coffee. I read that I can't have any caffeine. Is that true????? -
Struggling with Postop Diet - Help Me!
BellaPerdente replied to Jeni's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Where did you buy the muscle milk? Also Jen from PA: where did you have your surgery. I am from WV and I am flying to Denver to have surgery with Dr. K and was wondering if anyone from PA does fills? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Mal: thanks so much for your response. I already ordered the book. I can read it while I am on the plane and recovering in Denver. Thanks again. Well, tomorrow I have my phone consultation with Dr. K. How long does that usually take? -
I AM HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS!
BellaPerdente commented on BellaPerdente's blog entry in Fatwidow's journal
I am getting really nervous about my surgery on 2/13/08. I guess I am having second thoughts. I read about how so many people are still hungry after surgery. I read about the honeymoon period and wasn't sure if that applied to lapband surgery or gastric bypass. I have such an gi-normous appetite right now and I am a stay-at-home mom and all I do ALL DAY is eat. I am sooo afraid that I will not be able to mentally resist eating. I know that with any diet, you have to be committed. Well, I know that I want to lose weight but food as such control over me I am scared. I felt that lapband would help me NOT EAT and eventually my appetite would go down. But if people are still hungry after surgery, what is going to help me resist my strong desire to eat. Am I not ready????? I feel I will never be 100% ready. Do I have the surgery and then deal with it as it comes? Help!! -
Well my surgery date is February 13, 2008. I can't believe I am going to Denver to have the surgery. I started out at WVU but the program was stopped because the surgeon left. I then went to UPMC and was scheduled to meet with the surgeon when I stumbled across this site. I was going to pay $20,000 for the surgery and now I am only paying $10,000. I have heard good things about Dr. K.:redface:
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SURGERY DATE IS SCHEDULED!!
BellaPerdente commented on BellaPerdente's blog entry in Fatwidow's journal
Well my surgery date is February 13, 2008. I can't believe I am going to Denver to have the surgery. I started out at WVU but the program was stopped because the surgeon left. I then went to UPMC and was scheduled to meet with the surgeon when I stumbled across this site. I was going to pay $20,000 for the surgery and now I am only paying $10,000. I have heard good things about Dr. K. -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
i wanted to know how you start a blog like L.A. Can anyone help me? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Thank to all who responded. I needed that. I admit that I need counseling. I have dealt with two major tragedies in less than three years and I am also having trouble with two teenage girls who think that I am a wimp and they can push me around. Constant fighting. I also have a three year old son who is being influenced by all the fighting. I have tried some counseling but didn't stick with it. He didn't seem to say much at all and I didn't think he was doing any good. I was talking to my brother (he is my best friend...we are twins) and I told him that I am still so emotional that maybe i wasn't ready, but I think this surgery will make me finally face my problems head on instead of feeding them. Who knows. I am going to go with my gut and have the surgery. Thanks for listening! -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Bahotmomma: thanks for the reply. Sorry to hear about your mom. It is hard without her to talk to and my husband giving me advice. He was so good at that. Do you have any regrets? How is your appetite? -
Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum
BellaPerdente replied to Shesha's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hey guys, I am getting really nervous about my surgery on 2/13/08. I guess I am having second thoughts. I read about how so many people are still hungry after surgery. I read about the honeymoon period and wasn't sure if that applied to lapband surgery or gastric bypass. I have such an gi-normous appetite right now and I am a stay-at-home mom and all I do ALL DAY is eat. I am sooo afraid that I will not be able to mentally resist eating. I know that with any diet, you have to be committed. Well, I know that I want to lose weight but food as such control over me I am scared. I felt that lapband would help me NOT EAT and eventually my appetite would go down. But if people are still hungry after surgery, what is going to help me resist my strong desire to eat. Am I not ready????? I feel I will never be 100% ready. Do I have the surgery and then deal with it as it comes? Help!! -
Well, I did it! I started on this site yesterday and today I scheduled my surgery with Dr. K. I'm saving $10,000:thumbup: Yeah!!!!! The hospital here at home was charging me $20,000 for self-pay. I am soo nervous about flying to Denver for my surgery. Can anyone give me some advice about this Doctor and having surgery away from home? What about follow-up visits? Do you get fills at home? I hope I made the right decision. How long did you stay in Denver? My surgery is Feb. 13 which is the day my (late) husband and I had our first date. It would have been 21 years. I can't believe we would have been married 20 years in May. Since I am new, here's my scoop. My husband died of pancreatic cancer on June 1, 2005. He was only 46. I have three children at home: 17, 14 and 3. My mom just died in July and I have had a hard time lately. My mom's death brought up painful memories of my husbands death. I don't have a lot of people to talk to about this and that's why I am glad for this site. My kids are afraid of losing another parent so that is why I am ready for a change PLUS at 45 years old, I need to be healthier for my little one. Sorry so long!