magic699

Well, those of you that know my story remember that I have really been busting my rear to get everything done in order to have my surgery. I got my approval this a.m. and then called Dr. Bauman's office to tell them. He does not have an opening to do it before my insurance quits covering. I knew this was a possibility- but it is still hard to accept. I have worked so hard to get everything done. I was really hoping this would be my Christmas miracle. The only chance I have is for someone to cancel or reschedule. I have really enjoyed this site. And have learned tons!!! Thank you for all the support you have given me. My prayers will continue to be with you all.

Sorry, I have had so much going on the month of January! First- I am a new Nana!!!! I had a new grandson born on January 9th. His name is Cole and he is the cutest little thing. (of course, lol) And then we went on a cruise. We had a great time but I didn't follow all the rules. I gained about 2 lbs. When I got home, I went on liquids for a few days and got it back off. As of this a.m. I have lost 23 lbs. I am so thrilled I had this surgery. My band is worth a million dollars to me! I'm also sorry I missed the Jan. get-together. It looks like I will be missing the Feb. one too cuz we have to go to Fla. on business. But sooner or later I will get there and be able to meet you guys. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I am wearing my size 18 jeans!!!! My 20's were tight before the band. And I have on a shirt I haven't been able to wear in 2 years! I'm so excited I can't stand it!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for the encouragement! I have been on a cloud all day! Now I have to do good on my cruise next week. Can't screw up now! Ya'll are the best!

Angie- you look gorgeous!! You don't even look like the same person. I am so impressed. You go girl- you are knocking 'em dead! Congratulations!!!!!!

Actually, I live in Granite Falls. What a small world! So glad to meet you.

and I already well enough to take 1 1/2 hr. trip to see my family. Not too shabby for a 47 year old with rheumatoid arthritis! A message to future bandsters- it's not too bad!!

Thank you. No baby yet- false alarm!

Hi Denika! I am from Hickory- so we're not too far apart. D. B did my surgery too. I am a newbie- 12/20 was my day. I'm planning on going to the lunch too for the first time. Hope I get to meet you there. Congrats on such a great weight loss!

I wrote a long post earlier and when I clicked to send it- I got an error message and my post was gone. So aggrevating! Anyway I am doing great. I have lost 15 lbs. in 13 days. Tomorrow I get to start adding a few mushies. I've gotten used to the liquid and it's gonna feel funny chewing again. I am going on a cruise Jan. 15. I had to talk to the nutritionist about it. She went ahead and added fish this time so I would have something to eat on the cruise. I will just have to have a lot of will power and determination. I think I'll do fine. Now Kathy, how are you doing? One more thing- my daughter-in-law is in labor! I may be a nana again tomorrow! I'm so excited!

I pray that all of you have a blessed Christmas! Even if some of us can't have Christmas dinner.

I got home Tuesday night. Yesterday was pretty tough. I'm not as sore today, thank goodness. When did ya'll start feeling normal? And can we really live 2 weeks on liquids and not pass out eventually? Would ya'll tell me what fluids you drank the first 2 weeks?A word of advice for future bandsters- if you live an hour or more away from your hospital- don't try to go home the same day. I did, it took us over 2 hrs. and it was the worst part. Dr. B told us to stop so I could walk midway home. It was definitely a "what in the world did I do?" moment.I know it's going to get alot better!

I am so bleesed to have found you all. Thank you soooo much!

My surgery tomorrow has been changed from noon to 9 a.m. Hopefully, that will mean I get home sooner. I'm not the least bit nervous. I may be in the a.m. I am just so excited. I will post as soon as I feel like getting on the computer. I'm almost a bandster!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!! Ya'll are shrinking! Congratulations!!!

Yay!! Another step forward! It was nice of him to call you.

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's another thing you can mark off the list!!!

Karen- I am rooting for you and you will feel better once you have your approval. What insurance do you have? If you ever need to vent- I'm here. Betcha our surgeries won't be too far apart! xxxxxooooo

I thought this deserved a new thread- Dr. Bauman is doing my surgery Tuesday, December 20th at noon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've cried so hard I've hyperventilated! Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement, and good wishes. Now I get to be one of you. I have been blessed way beyond my wildest dreams! I go tomorrow for my pre-op. You better believe in miracles! I do! Merry Christmas and much love to all of you! (I can't wait to come to a Saturday meeting!)

If there was any possible way to be there Saturday- I would! I have been going non-stop today to get things done. And I have a feeling- it's going to take the entire week to finish. But you can count on me in January. I can't wait to meet you guys. "DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC" I love that!!!!! Before I go any further- if any of you think my name sounds kinda porn-ish- it's not! LOL I got married in 6/99 and I have had several friends delete my emails b/c they thought it was something from one of "those" websites. LOL God has certainly blessed me! Karen- you have been so encouraging to me- now it's my turn to encourage you! Where does your surgery stand right now?

Where is Dr. Voellinger? I remember calling his office when I first started, trying to find a dr. But I think they told me there just wasn't enough time. How good is the office staff there? Those of you that has dealt with them- is there anyone you think I should talk to? Dr. B is taking off the week before and the week after Christmas. That is why his schedule is so tight. Is there anyone here that has gotten into a pretty good relationship with someone who works there that might would try to help me? I am really drawing at straws, huh? At this point, I can't be embarrassed- I'm to the point of begging. Swallowing my pride. It looks like December would be a slower month for surgeries. A little background, I am a 48 year old mom to 4. 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Immediately, it grabbed hold of me and has turned me inside out. I have ALOT of pain. I am currently taking a medication that is $6000 mo. Thank goodness my ins. co. has been paying it. I only pay $35 as a co-pay. There are lots of days I cannot walk well or even walk at all. This lack of being able to move my body around is what has caused my weight to go up, up, up. I wanted this surgery to help get weight off of my joints so that I can live a part way normal life. I'm just not ready to be in the bed or wheelchair yet. The dr. says the one thing he would guarantee would help with this disease is weight loss. I was seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and it's just hard to have it taken away from you. I've always been the type to want to lose by a mile than by an inch. Too frustrating. You all are more than welcome to find me a dr. tomorrow. LOL Not any dr., a dr. with openings!!! :)

Karen, you are so sweet. No, I really don't know what to do. Especially with this being the 12th of December. I guess I just need to pray for a miracle.

Well, I have all the pre things done. But I got an email from Kim saying the only way I would get to have surgery is if someone cancelled or had to reschedule. I only have this week and next b/c Dr. B is not doing any surgeries the week before or the week after Christmas. At this point, I wouldn't even mind asking someone to switch with me. This is my last chance unless I go self pay- which is not going to happen. Please pray this will happen for me. All I want for Christmas- is my band!!!!!!!!

I saw Dr. Bauman yesterday and really liked him. I only lack my upper GI- which I do tomorrow- and my nutritionist appt. He said they would do their very best to help me before my insurance stops covering. So....we'll see.

Ya'll are the best. Thank you for the encouragement. Believe it or not, the only thing I lack now (had upper GI yesterday) is my nutritionist appt. I go next Wednesday. I had my psych eval done here (Hickory). I know how close I am cutting it- I just keep telling myself if it is meant to be- it will be. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I'm especially thankful for you guys and this site. God Bless.