Baron Patrick

Well, I found a doctor who is sympathetic to my cause - my wife's doctor! So, I've had a couple visits with her, and got the results of my blood tests - I'm now diabetic. She has me on meds, and I have to check my blood twice a day. She also told me I need to start doing cardio. Don't worry about weights or anything like that, she wants me to strengthen my heart (could it be - shes getting me ready for surgery?! I also told her about my back injury from the military, the difficulty I have exercising, and even moving around, and that I have a disability rating from them as well. She wrote all this down in my charts! she doesn't just smile and nod, she actually listens and documents! I'll also be starting weight watchers this month and have also started a food diary, recording everything I eat. So, I feel confident I'm well on my way towards approval for banding - this spring or summer!

DeLarla! Very good post, I respect that. Personally, I WOULD LOVE to take on the Dr. Phills and Dr. Laura's of the world. Heck, I even want to debate Tom Cruise on depression - it just makes them look like an idiot. I myself have no problem when people make stupid non-informed statements. I love it when someone mentions within my earshot that wls is a "quick fix", or an "easy way out." I'd like to see Dr. Phil live a week in a fat suit. It still makes it easy on him since we've had to do it MOST OF OUR LIVES! But then again, I'd like to rip cell phones out of peoples hands and pitch them when they are holding up a line at the store, or traffic. But that's another topic!

Not the way she was sitting / laying / spreading!!! She is absolutely the most irritating, grating, and number one hypocrite I've ever heard. She doesn't even take her own advise!

Quote: <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">I've been researching wls for months. I personally want the gastric bypass, but my insurance will only cover the LapBand, which I am more than happy to have. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> Really? that's the first time I've ever heard of an insurance company doing that. I'm curious - who is your carrier? Cigna is my carrier. They did cover gastric bypass because others here where I work have had it, but they all had it done a year or more ago. I'm going to HR and find out why, since they are the one's who direct the coverage.

Dody; Your a sweetheart, and you never need to apologize for "coming on so strong." Your very passionate about your stand and I very much respect you for that. Your so right, it's a matter of choice, and people need to educate themselves before making a decision. Honestly, I have no choice to go with the LapBand (because of insurance), and I'm fine with that. If it doesn't work FOR ME, I can always have it revised later. Take care Dody - Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!

Hi Dody! I do understand where your coming from, and no I don't have a medical background. As for being out on a limb - I do all the time! As an ER nurse, I would think you are seeing the worst of the worst, only one side of the issue. I still attest that there are many more successful people who've had gbs than those who have had problems - and yes, I know there are issues with the surgery. There is a risk for any type of surgery. Dumping syndrome, ah yes, I have heard of this very well. Okay, let's take a look at it. Dumping can come from almost anything from eating to much, to eating something extremely rich, to Water. Each person is different, as well as the foods they eat that cause dumping. It's an educational process to find the foods, and just how much of each food you can eat. Of course a food you eat today may not bother you, but will cause problems a week later. Yes, it's a gamble, but one I personally am willing to take. I'm not challenging your statement, but I've never heard that laproscopic gbs won't create as small a pouch as open. I'll check into that. Not saying your wrong, just want to verify it. I also understand the potential is there to stretch the pouch but one would have to work at it, and be determined to stretch it out (unless of course, there are medical complications). When people decide to have gbs, they need to know all the facts, including the loose skin and other "side effects." They need to understand exactly what they are walking into with their eyes wide open. I may be an advocate, but I will never say this is the answer for EVERYONE. Gastric bypass is NOT for everyone, anymore than LapBand is. Follow-up and support is also critical. You can't do it alone. If I could lose the weight and keep it off myself, I wouldn't have to turn to weight loss surgery. After-care is so important, and I mean VERY important. If a person doesn't have this, their chances of success diminishes. I tell you, I'd rather have the gbs and take vitimins the rest of my life, than have to take various medications caused by my obesity. The bottom line is, this is a very hard, personal choice, and one needs to make an informed decision about it. You can't rush it. Yes, it is an absolute last resort. My "Wake Up Call" is realizing I can't do this alone, I need a tool that I can use to help me. Regardless if it's gbs or LapBand.

I've been researching wls for months. I personally want the gastric bypass, but my insurance will only cover the LapBand, which I am more than happy to have. One thing that really bugs me, is the comment from your ww counselor saying that gastric bypass is a "quick fix". Granted there are people who have had the surgery and "it failed them." I'm sorry, but any weight loss surgery is a tool - not a cure all. You can't have the surgery and think you can go back to your old eating habits. It takes a major change in attitude and desire on your part for it to be successful. IMHO, I feel that people who failed at wls didn't give it a chance, understand, or had the correct follow-up and support. Yes, I have also talked with people who have had major complications due to gbs, and some who have gained some, if not all, their weight back. One interesting thing, I've never met one person who said they regret having the surgery. Yes, I am a wls advocate of the hardest line. I've spoken with people who've had both gbs and LB. They are both major surgeries and they both carry risks. Granted, the gbs has more, but I personally am willing to take that chance. The advances in medicine has shown statistically that gbs is much safer than it used to be. Make your decision carefully. Do the research and come to your own conclusions. Talk to people, talk to doctors. Talk to advocates, talk to people who are against it. Above all, get credible, verifiable information. No matter what decision you make, it's going to affect you the rest of your life. Are you really prepared to make that life changing decision?

Hi All; Well, I'm finally "in the system." I saw the Dr. yesterday and she's on board with me and my goal for wls. She told me I need to have documentation. Okay, I can handle that. Soooo, lilke the others here, I'll be going through that wonderful 6 month odyessy with weight watchers. The Dr. suggested them, and they are the cheapest I've found. This brings up a question. I understand WW provides the paperwork for us to track our weight, food points and all that stuff. Did anyone keep a separate journal to document your general health? I'm considering a daily journal every time I have a migrane, dizzyness, back problems, anything I can possibly relate to my weight. Will this help support the "official" documentation?

Hi All; got a couple questions for the "bandsters". Is the band on for life? What is the life of the band itself? I have my first dr. appt. to discuss this on the 28th. Actually, there will be no discussion - I'm telling the doc I AM going to have this, and either you support and help me, or I see someone else who will. Period. End of story. Either way, it's going to happen!

Absolutely! It's your health, and your decision. I'd do the same thing. In fact, I'd call every day until the letter is sent! I'm not one to wait until someone comes back from vacation or anything else if I need something done before they go. When I see my dr. at the end of the month, that's exactly what I'm going to do, is ask her to write a letter. You can bet I'll be following up on that on a regular basis.

Okay, this is the thing .... My insurance - Cigna told me they do not cover gastric bypass, but they will cover the LapBand, BUT, (and the person on the phone made this emphatically clear), ONLY IF IT'S A MEDICAL NECESSITY. Okay, if it wasn't a "medical necessity", I wouldn't be asking about it. Or, do they think I just want to have unnecessary surgery because they'll pay for it? Soooo, I went to my doctor, who is NOT a supporter of weight loss surgery, and would not support me. Fine, I'm seeing another doctor later this month. I'm going to let this doctor know bluntly I'm having this surgery. You can support and help me with this, or I will find another doctor who will. I'm not playing games here. I'm 120 lbs. overweight, cant' sleep on my back, and my knees and ankles are beginning to feel the effects of the weight. I also injured my back in the military (many years ago) and receive a medical pension. They diagnosed me with degenerative arthritis so trying to exercise makes it a problem as well. If the insurance will not cover this, then I'm going to the doctor for every lilttle thing I come up with - and it WILL be weight related. If they want to play the game, so will I. They are going to get so fed up with me - they will approve me just to get rid of me!

Okay, I looked it up. EWWWWWWWW

Hey all; I've a question. Did any of you try the so-called fat blockers, Cortislim (and the like). What results did you have (if any). I don't believe in them, although I do love watching the commercials, especially the testamonials with the disclaimer "Weight loss not typical." Thanks!

Hi All; I've been on another forum for a while then heard about this one! I wanted to get gbs surgery but our friends at CIGNA doesn't cover it. They told me they DO cover LapBand, but, as the person at the other end of the phone emphatically stated "ONLY AS A MEDICAL NECESSITY." Okay, I'm fine with that. One problem I have is my current doc doesn't believe in weight loss surgery, and said I need to eat less, eat more fish (my wife is from the Philippines - I already DO eat a lot of fish!) Sooo. I have an appointment with my wife's doctor. I'm simply going to tell her "It's like this ... you can support me, or I find another doctor who will. I'm going to have this done, so please work with me." Another thing, if Cigna wants to play games with me, I will be more than happy to play! I will see a doctor on every little thing, every conceivable ache and pain I have - and it WILL be related to my weight. They will get so sick of hearing about me they will give me the LapBand just to get rid of me. Glad to be here and make some new friends!

Thank you all for such a warm welcome! It's nice to be with a group of people who understand and have "been there, done that."!