Ceparano

Don't do it Debby. Just remind yourself how far you've come. THOSE DEADLY CHOCOLATES might send you right back up the scale!!!!!!! NINE more pounds to go!!!!!!

I think their behavior was beyond selfish. They were looking out for their own interests. They didn't want to lose any new patients. I can see them covering it up to the present patients. What would have been so bad in telling you and letting you decide whether or not you wanted to stick it out and see if they could find another doctor for their clinic. I don't know how I'd feel about someone other than my doctor giving me my fills, and what about anyone who might have had a real medical problem???? Nothing against PA's, but I want an experienced surgeon taking a look at me when I'm having a problem. What if the sugeon who takes his plce decides he does not like their set up???? where will you be then? Legally how long can this place operate without a doctor heading it? I don't know, it all sounds a little too shadey for me. I wish you the best.

I am pre band and would like to know if there is any hope of losing my cellulite along with my pounds. Anyone got any answers????? How's it looking girls?:laugh

Not banded yet. Have the 6 month wait for wls documentation. Impatiently awaiting BandlandRoberta

What would happen if you don't get an unfill?

Toooooo Funnny!!!!!!

I think you guys need to come to New York and deal with the wind chill in the teens all week.

Wow.......You are working that band. Congratz Roberta

Like said before, different strokes for different folks. Life is full of choices and no one should feel badly about their own personal informed decision. If it works for you, go for it. We are all in the same boat, we are just using different transportation to get to our destination. Although I am not Banded yet I wish you all well in your journey! Roberta

Thanks, you guys are the best. Roberta

Can someone tell me the difference between gastric bypass and a DS? They sound like they are basically the same surgery. I am pre-banding and have really appreciated all the different views I have seen on this forum. I too am fearful of band complications, ie erosion,sliding, etc. But....... the issue of malabsorbtion, and the risks of BP surgery scares me more. To me it's all about choices, thank God we all have them. You know what they say,... different strokes for different folks

Way ta go!!!!!:laugh Congratz

well you've scared me to death!!!!!! I hope to be Banded in May and I have a cruise I scheduled since the summer for Nov.2006. I guess I'll have to come with my own napkins and a plastic zip bag. grrrrrr:nervous

Hi, I had the same question a while back. Ladysplenda recommended Ambertose powder. She said she has gotten good results. I'm not banded yet but am concern about any addtional hair loss after my banding. I plan on ordering some from her in the near future. You can order directly from her.

I find your doctor's attitude toward your infection kind of strange. Prilosec is for gastric reflux and would do nothing for an infection. With that infection untreated for so long if it had gotten worse you could have died. I am so glad your feeling better and are still around for your little ones.

Very smart of you to get rid of the Hershey bar. Your so right to start re-thinking your attitude toward sweets before your surgery. God knows there will be enough adjustments...ie remembering to eat slowly, waiting to drink until 30 minuets have passed, chewing longer,etc. Any habits we can break now is only going to make things easier in the long run. Way to go!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! Can you take me with you???????

Anyone out there waiting for 6 month approval from GHI in New York? How long after approval do they book your surgery? Do you know what the copay is?

I have a six month approval wait to document wls. I have also put on weight. I find myself stressed all the time. I never used to eat from stress, it would always be the opposite. I stopped eating when under stress in the past. I don't know what is making this time so different. I hate to think how big I'll become at the end of the six months

I also have a six month wait with my insurance company. Like you I have tried for many years on my own using everything you have tried. However, mine was not documented either. The doctor I plan on using for my Lap Band has a group of doctors in his office who know how the insurance companies work, and know exactly what needs to put in print so as to get approval. So they are actually my advocates. I go back to their office this Thursday, so I'll try and find out if my insurance company has responed yet. I hope everything goes well for you Roberta

Tizag, Thank you so much for your post. I read every line. As one who is not banded "yet"; I appreciate hearing the "good, the bad, and the ugly" part of being banded. I'm so sorry that you suffered so long before they got to the bottom of your problem. I also feel that you have acquired the necessary tools to be successful in your wls. The infection you had was no reflection on your ability to use the band to it's fullest. Sometimes these things just happen. Be thankful that you came out of it with your life. Do you think you"ll get rebanded in the future?

Hi Everyone, Still waiting for approval to join you in Bandland!! I live in New York, and during the evening news on one of our major TV stations there was an ad for Lap Band surgery!!!!! I was so excited to see that the word is finally getting out there so people will see they have options other than Gastric Bypass. Has anyone else seen this ad in their area?

Regarding bowel obstructions. They often result from adhesions; which some people are prone to post op. I've had to have them removed twice.

Barbara, Thanks for replying. I go for my second month appt. with the nutritionist and doctor handling the paper work for GHI next week. I guess I'll find out at that time whether or not I've been denied. At this point I have done all my testing and am just waiting for the six months to run out. This doctor is one of the leading doctors on Long Island doing this procedure, and is very familiar with the drill these insurance companies put you through. so I'd like to stick with him. Did you have a waiting period after you changed insurance companies? Six months is long enough, I don't wanting to have to start the process all over again. I live on Long Island. Where are you? Congratulations on your weight loss, you sound like your off to a great start, except for Thanksgiving :-) But I think that is just related to getting used to the band and realizing when you've had enough to eat. From what I've learned from this forum and different threads here, it is kind of trial and error. I can not wait to be Banded. I am becoming more and more anxious from this lousey waiting period. It is almost an obsession for me. I am on this site every day reading everyones experience with the band so that I'll be prepared, but I don't know if this is helping or hurting me. I hope all continues to go well with you. Keep in touch. Roberta

Hi Carmentorres, I too am new to this forum. I had my first consult Nov.8th. I have a six month wait for my insurance approval so I know what it is to have your stomach in knots from the stress. However, the folks in this link have been so kind to me and helpful, I'm finally starting to settle down......a little. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Best wishes on your Band date......wish it were me.