MamaHerm

I have my family's support, but this site gives me the best support. All of you have the experience of either researching the band or of being banded. Please don't ever feel that you are alone in this journey. We are here with you.

My psych evaluation consisted of the psychologist asking questions about my family, education, illnesses, medications, etc. to get a history on me. He asked me the reason for getting lap band, and the steps that I have taken to get to surgery. He then had me do some kind of test that was about 250 true/false questions. He said the test was initially used to see if patients were ready for surgery. Now it's been extended to include weight-loss surgery. The test was no problem. I had to wonder how truthfully some people might answer the T/F question, "I often torture small animals." ???? Good luck on your getting final approval!!!!

Amanda, I am waiting for insurance approval and hope to be banded in April. I think I know how you feel. I've been wondering if I'm doing the right thing; if I'm going to have complications; if I can succeed in the long haul. I've also been reading the complications thread, and it's kind of scary. However, I do believe all of this thinking to be normal. And it's normal to feel depressed. After all, we are beginning a new, unknown (to us), journey that's scary and exciting at the same time. I'm glad you are feeling better, and have a Happy Easter!:wub:

Terrilen, Don't beat yourself up. Accept that you are human, made mistakes, and let them go. They are in the past. Start from today and look to the future. Begin by making wise food choices, and take it one day at a time. We've all been there. You can do this, and all these wonderful people will help you. Let us know how you are doing. We care!

Did you have to quit Cymbalta because it interferes with the surgery? Will you be able to take it after surgery? Not to be nosey, but I don't think I can quit taking Cymbalta. I'm also taking Theophylline 450 mg ER, which has to be taken whole. It's a really big pill. It comes in a liquid form, but I would have to take 30 teaspoons per day. Best wishes on your surgery tomorrow. Let us know how you're doing.

Wheetsin, Thanks for the advice on telling my surgeon about the pills. I hadn't thought about that.

Kat225, I also take Nexium and Cymbalta. My dietician said that they should be ok, but I also haven't been banded yet. I looked up Cymbalta on the net, and it cannot be opened and sprinkled on applesauce. It has to be taken whole. I hope that I am one of those people who can take pills. Time will tell.

Wheetsin-- To not be able to take pills is really scary! I take a number of medications that cannot be crushed, broken, or chewed, and only come in pill form. I am so ready for surgery, but I have to have my meds. Any advice?

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I took all my questionable medications to my dietician's appointment. She said that the capsules should be about the size of a Tylenol caplet or smaller and the pills about the size of an M&M or smaller. She told me which ones I could take and the ones that I needed liquid for. Then I asked my pharmacist if there are different forms of the medications.

Anyone know if Aetna pays for fills?

Sue40, That seems to be a lot of requirements. My doctor requires a visit with a psychologist, a visit with a dietician, and the lab work and x rays. My insurance company requires the psychologist visit, at least 2 visits with the dietician, and at least three consecutive months of treatment for diet and exercise. It may be a good thing that this center has a lot of requirements because they may want you to be prepared for the lap band way of like, but I don't like the way the lady talked down to you. This is your body, and she shouldn't try to push gb on you. And the requirements may be from your insurance company. Just my thoughts . . .

I've had four major surgeries with severe sleep apnea with no problems! Best wishes to you!

Mine didn't weigh me either.

That's funny! Made my day!

I have COPD and adrenal insufficiency and take hydrocortisone. My endocrinologist has been trying to get me on the lowest dosage possible before lap band. My surgeon wants me to be on 10 mg of hydrocortisone before the procedure, but I can't get that low. Anyone else take these meds and had the surgery?

Dear ApriInTex, When I first saw my surgeon, I was 5'0" tall and weighed 308 (BMI 58). He told me that I had to lose 40 pounds before surgery, so I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 26 pounds so far. The insurance girl in his office told me that my insurance company requires a three month diet and exercise program before it will approve surgery. Since I see my surgeon each month, he is documenting that I am following a three month program. What I'm saying is that when you find your surgeon, his staff will know what you need to do in order to satisfy your insurance company's requirements. If they don't seem to know, then find another surgeon. And about Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc.... I asked my surgeon, "If I can lose 40 pounds by following Weight Watchers, why should I have lap band surgery?" He answered, "The statistics show that only 5% of the people who diet and exercise keep the weight off. 80% of the people who have lap band surgery keep the weight off." This makes sense to me because I know how many times I have dieted and lost weight and then gained it all back plus some. He says that with the band, you don't feel the gnawing hunger the way you do without it. People can be so narrow minded. At my last Weight Watchers meeting, a group started saying how it was horrible that people resort to such drastic measures like surgery to lose weight, that all they needed to do was to follow Weight Watchers. (Like having surgery was being weak and taking the easy way out!) Even a friend of mine who lost 100+ pounds following Weight Watchers, but gained 30 of it back, told me that lap band was a crutch, and she wouldn't do it. I personally am not going to let these people get me down. I feel that both Weight Watchers and lap band surgery are tools that I will use to help me lose weight and become a healthier me. So welcome, ApriInTex! I am from El Campo, Texas, (near Houston), and hope to keep in touch with you.

Hey 2tired2fight, Welcome! I am from El Campo, Texas, about 70 miles SW of Houston. (We're neighbors!!!!) I haven't been banded yet, but hope to have surgery in April. I have breathing problems and my pulmonologist has been pushing me to have this surgery for about a year, but I just couldn't get my mind around it. I finally got it through my thick head that I've got to do something. I keep getting fatter and fatter, and I physically cannot do so many things. Lap band surgery is the least invasive and has the lowest mortality rate of all the weight loss surgeries, but any surgery has its risks. I feel that the weight loss far outweighs the risk of surgery. I personally am tired of not being comfortable in a movie theater, not being able to take my grandkids to McDonald's because I can't fit between those little seats and the table, and of just being physically miserable. All of us on this forum know those feelings, right? I understand how you feel about it being worth it. My biggest fear is not about the surgery itself, but about being successful in the long run. I've tried a lot of diets, lost weight, and regained it plus some. I'm afraid that in the long haul, I'll just gain it all back. I'm really committed to making this work. I know that the band is a tool to help me, and I'm ready to make this journey; in fact, I'm getting pretty anxious to have surgery and get going!! I'm pretty new to the forum, but since I've been here, I've learned a ton of information about the process. Keep reading. The folks here are great! Again, welcome!

I haven't been banded, but I hope to be able to stick to WW once I am. I'm thinking that the post-op diet that my nutritionist gave me will allow me about 880 calories and 12 fat grams per day. That would equate to about 19 WW points. Of course, this doesn't figure the fiber, which would lower the points. I am on WWs now, but am allowed 30 points per day because of my weight. But I won't be able to eat the same volume after I'm banded. That's why I think that 19 WW points per day would be a good starting point. What do you think? I figured the points for the following sample menu for days 7-14 post-op: 4 - 6 T Cream of Wheat 2/3 - 1 pt High Protein Drink 4 pts 4 - 6 T Low Fat Cottage Cheese 1 1/3 - 2 pts 2 T applesauce 1/3 pt 2 T cooked ground meat 2 pts 2 T mashed potatoes 2/3 pt 2 T soft cooked green beans 0 pts High Protein Drink 4 pts 4 - 6 T light yogurt 1/4 - 3/4 pts 4 T cooked, scrambled eggs 1 2/3 pts 2 T applesauce 1/3 pt High Protein Drink 4 pts This totals 19 1/4 to 20 3/4 (depending on if you eat 4 or 6 T of the cream of wheat, cottage cheese, or yogurt)

I have a Medic Alert bracelet because of my many co-morbidities. The bracelet itself is $10, and it costs $20/year to have your medical info listed in their data base. You can sign up with them on their web site, Medical ID from MedicAlert - Medical Alert, Medical ID Bracelets, Necklaces, Emergency Response. You list your current meds, your medical history, your emergency contacts, and your doctors, and you are able to update your information 24/7/365. Your bracelet has Medic Alert's 800 number and your ID number, so that EMS crews can call the 800 number and use your ID to get a printout of everything that you've included in your data. I feel much more secure when I wear my bracelet. I know that if I'm not able to tell the paramedics my history, then they can get it for me. Hope this helps!

Fairy Facade, Girl, if you were offering size 32 jeans with a 31" inseam, that would make my day!! You must be really tall and thin!!! I'm 285# and 5'1" tall. You've done a great job losing weight!!! Keep it up!

Dear Liz1531, I joined WW in December because I have to lose 40 pounds before I can be banded. I've lost 25 so far, and hope to have surgery in April. I'm hoping to continue with WW after surgery because I like its balanced diet, the support from meeting members, and its behavior modification suggestions. I live in a small town with a small WW group, and one decision I'll have to make is whether to tell anyone that I have a band. I feel that the WW leaders aren't all that crazy about lap band because they feel that WW is THE WAY. I feel that the lap band will be a tool for me just like measuring cups and spoons are. I like the points system -- I'll probably just try using 15 to 20 points at first and adjust according to my weight loss. Best of luck to you. Let me know if you're using points or core and what works best for you. Also if you told anyone that you are banded.

Dear Marivi, Did you ever find a doctor to do your fills? Hope so! Let us know.

Dear Jack, Thanks for replying. I have seen Dr. Ponce 3 times, and I do like him. He listens, explains things well, and has a great sense of humor. I have to lose 40 pounds before surgery, have lost 25 so far, so I hope to be banded in April. I will be having my surgery done at the Methodist in Sugar Land since I have many co-morbidities, so the Sugar Land Surgical Hospital is out for me. Saturday I went to a support group of Dr. Ponce's patients and truly enjoyed visiting with those in attendance. Everyone seemed pleased with their experiences. So, tomorrow will be 2 weeks for you. How are you doing? Hope to hear from you soon.

Soon I will schedule my surgery with Dr. Ponce De Leon in Sugar Land, TX. Has he done anyone else's surgery, and what was your experience?