gentlespirit

Thanks so much for this post. I'm waiting for insurance approval and have wondered the same thing. Thanks to all of you for your honesty...it's helpful. I appreciate knowing (as much as we can before the actual experience) what to expect. I know there will probably be a "what the hell did I do to myself??" stage and that it will pass. It's comforting to know that most of you don't regret your decision and that it's most likely a wise decision for me, too. The one thing I worry about is that, like Candysmooch, I'll be one of the people it doesn't seem to work well for. Then I just do the Dr. Phil thing "how's it working for you?" and know that what I've been doing really ISN'T working, so the band is my best option. I love the way everyone here is supportive of each other regardless of their place on the journey. Thanks! Emily

Wishing you the best and keeping you in my thoughts...I'm sure everything will go well. Emily

Candice~ You mentioned that you stay mostly with vegetables...are you concerned about getting enough Protein? I thought we were supposed to eat protein first and then other stuff? I am waiting for insurance approval and want to get it straight before surgery. Thanks! Emily

Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourself! I'm delighted for you and can't wait until I can say the same thing! Emily

I am getting a little nervous about the slip thing reading all these other posts. I haven't been banded yet...waiting to hear from insurance...but I didn't realize that slippage was as common as it seems to be. If that happens, how are insurance companies about repositioning or whatever they do to "fix" it? I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Is this considered a whole new surgery that has to be preapproved and the whole nine yards? And how difficult is the surgery compared to the original one? Emily

That sounds really good...I printed it out for when I need it. Emily

I'm SO sorry you're going through this...it sucks big time! I agree with the others who have suggested a counselor...they got me through some really bad times. If money is a problem, as it usually is in this kind of situation, Lutheran Social Services has a sliding fee scale and even does some free sessions, depending on your income. They are wonderful and were a Godsend to me. Check with your county social services dept., too. There are lots of options. And don't let him have the control over you that stuffing yourself gives him. You've worked too ha rd for this to backslide. Consider yourself hugged! Emily

You are gorgeous...and I hope you're very proud of yourself! What a success story to motivate those of us who are just starting this journey. Thanks for sharing. EMily

Soluble Fiber is important in keeping the cholesterol down. Oats are the highest in soluble fiber, so maybe adding oatmeal to your diet (the regular kind, not the instant stuff) would help. Other sources are Beans, peas, apples, etc. Maybe even some fiber supplements of some kind. My nurse practitioner really hesitates to put people on cholesterol meds, so if you can hold off and make some dietary changes, you might be able to lower it enough to not take them at all. Emily

I'm waiting for my insurance approval, and this was just what I needed to read to remind me that whatever the struggles are, it will be so worth it. Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts! Emily

I was going to suggest checking obesityhelp.com, too. That's where I looked up the surgeon I chose. It gives the info on the surgeon as well as reviews by his patients, which I found extremely helpful. Emily

Thanks for sharing! That milestone is amazing and you shold be busting your buttons with pride...you earned it!! It's so helpful to hear that people are doing so well...and good motivation for all of us. Can't wait until I'm able to say the same thing!! Emily

I asked the doc that when I went in for my first meeting with him on Monday. He said that if you're feeling nauseous, go to Urgent Care or even the ER if necessary and get an anti-nausea shot...they definitely recommend going in sooner rather than trying to "tough it out" like most of us are prone to do.

Hi~ I'm from southern Minnesota and have heard good things about Dr. Peter O'Brien in Sioux Falls. A friend had him do her band and my sister and I just went to his informational meeting. I have an appointment scheduleld with him on Nov. 7 and am looking for anyone who has been his patient and any feedback they can give. Emily

Good luck talking with your husband. It sounds like you're right that you may both have already left the marriage. But verbalizing it is still a scary thing! And so is economic "necessity"...I stayed way too long because I didn't think I could support my two kids on my own. Just remember that if you're uncomfortable, your son is picking up on that...they are very sensitive to undercurrents. Even if you have to accept help at first, that's OK...just do what's right for you and your son. You';; be in my thoughts and prayers... Emily

Hi, Jessica~ Thanks for the reply! Dr. O'Brien seems very business-like...his reviews from patients all seem very positive. I go in tomorrow for my first appointment with him, so we'll see how it goes. I know they do surgery in Minneapolis, too, but I haven't heard positive things about there. I'm 3 hours from Sioux Falls, and it will be a hassle to go over there, but I have super insurance and if I don't do this now, I never will. Hope things are going well for you post surgery. Emily

Hi~ Deer River must have grown since I was last through there! I lived in Northome till I was 5 and still have relatives there. Also had relatives in Deer River but they have been gone a long time. Interesting how you "meet" people from all over! Emily

A similar but shorter video was shown at the informational meeting I went to in Sioux Falls...I'd feel better if I hadn't seen it. I agree with Super Daddy...ignorance is better in this case!! Emily

Congratulations on being assertive and standing up for yourself! I konw it's not easy, but you did great! Emily

Of course you need to be apart from your son sometimes and have some "me" time! There's nothing wrong with that...in fact, it's healthy...much healthier than spending every minute with him. He needs to know that you can leave and will come back, and you certainly need some time with other adults. If your husband wants more time with your son, he can work something out...we always make time for what's important to us. As someone who had to make the decision to end a marriage (10 years ago, so nothing to do with the band) from which my then husband had basically withdrawn, I know it isn't easy. But one person CANNOT make a marriage work. I wish you the best in this difficult decision. Emily

The flu thing is something else to add to the long list of questions I have to ask the surgeon when I see him next week! Emily

Hi, Amy, and welcome! I'm still thinking about this surgery, too, and have my first appointment scheduled with the surgeon Nov. 7. Don't be afraid to ask anything of these people...I have gotten so much great information...and it's real life practical stuff, which helps so much. Good luck with your decision. Emily

That's awesome...congratulations! I'm encouraged every time I hear that someone is doing so well. Keep up the good work! Emily

Hi, Paul...welcome! I'm new here, but these people are the greatest! Don't be afraid to ask them anything... Emily

Thanks to all of you for responding to LynnAnn's question...I've been wanting to know that also. And with all the "absolutely yes" responses, it gives me more confidence that this is what I need to do. I so identify with the "life half lived" comment...that's exactly how I feel. Now I plan my days around whether my feet will hurt if I walk that far or if there's an elevator, and I want to be able to do what my soul feels without my body holding me back. I saw a commercial the other night that crystallized my thoughts about my weight...I want to be able to walk along the beach and enjoy it instead of thinking about my hurting knees or feet or how I look. There are so many wonderful things out there to do, and it's time I take care of this issue so I can get to them! Emily