Dody

I was wondering how you are doing and if you are getting all your supplies in. You'll be able to tell me by the time I have my surgery what I need. I'm going to be pretty lost I think. I'll be thinking of you on the 24th and sending prayers your way. Dody

So glad you are feeling good and you toughed this out. You are right, I think you've turned a corner and I couldn't be happier for you. I don't know anything about the eating aspect, because I'm not banded yet, but now I know when I am you can be there to tell me not to give up.

Poor thing, you seem so stressed out. You need all the support you can get right now, and if hubby isn't giving it we will. I'm sure these things happen with the ports (although I have no idea how often). I'm not banded yet, but I know how I would feel if I had to go in again just a short time later and be put under. It's enough stress on you without hubby not helping your state of mind. You are right though, he probably is just not thinking of anything but the expense and the inconvenience. He will probably be sorry by tonight. MEN that's how they work...nervewracking, but anything that puts a glitch in their ordinary life kind of sends them off the deep end sometimes. Just get this taken care of and start feeling better real soon. You didn't do anything to cause this, and I have no clue if it has anything to do with the surgery, or it was just a fluke. It doesn't matter at this point. What matters is it has to be fixed. I hope you stay on good terms with your dr. because you require followup care and fills and you want to have a good relationship, so tell hubby go easy on the doc and just ask what may have caused it. Good luck to you and I'll keep you in my prayers.

I have never, ever heard that anesthesia causes hair loss, or I guarantee you I would be bald. I had a 9-hr. heart bypass surgery...no loss of hair whatsoever. I've had a C-section, gall bladder surgery, and 2 other surgeries and never lost any hair. I don't think anesthesia has anything to do with it. I believe it's the diet afterwards from lap banding or bypass that causes the hair loss.

In my thread I had said that bypass fails in about 3 years. I got chewed out for it and didn't mean to speak for everyone in that situation. I offended someone on the board by stating I didn't ever see any good and lasting results of bypass and this person took it personally. I just wanted to clarify that I am speaking only from my own experience, but I do agree with you 100% that from what I've seen I would never want bypass surgery. Anyway, it's not for me either, but everyone is entitled to their own options. For a few on here the lap band hasen't worked from some reason and they needed to convert to another type of weight loss surgery. I hope everyone on every journey succeeds in obtaining a healthier lifestyle, but I personally didn't want to suffer the malabsorbtion issues and some of the other problems. I have a friend that had bypass and she looks sickly. She is also gaining weight back and stretching her pouch out. I like the fact that even with the problems that can occur with the band most or all are reversible. Thanks for your input.

One of these bars is a meal. I don't think anyone could say that 210 calories is a lot for a meal. I don't mean you have to eat them all the time, but when you have that craving for a candy bar (and I do, it's my weakness) these really are a lot less calories and more protein then I could dream of in a Take 5 candy bar. I'm addicted to the peanut butter/chocolate ones and that 210 calories for a meal doesn't make me feel guilty in the least. I would much rather eat something then drink a protein shake. Sometimes you need the chewing aspect as well.

Paula, they still have a huge display at my Walmart, but they also have them with all the other Protein Bars near the slim-fast, etc. Ask for some help. I truly think you will enjoy them. I'm pretty sure if one Walmart carries South Beach products (protein bars and frozen foods) that all of them do, but I could be wrong. Grab a salesclerk next time you are in your local Walmart and have them help you.

I've had trouble getting here all day and posting anything until right now. I had to refresh 3 times even to get here. Anyone else having problems with the forum being slow? How do we get it fixed?

I'm from Idaho too. I'm going to Tennesee to Vanderbilt Hospital for my surgery to be with my family. Did you figure in the cost of the hospital in your figuring. I know the two doc's Anderson and Cahn that do the surgery. I've heard if you are paying right up front you can get Anderson to knock about $4000.00 off the surgery. Who is doing your surgery?

I should have stated that from my own personal experience in dealing with people who have had bypass surgery I've seen them all gain 3 years down the road and stretch out the pouch. There are probably some successes out there, but I haven't seen any yet. I certainly didn't mean to offend you. I'm glad you are happy with your DS revision. I know nothing about that surgery at all, but wish you the best. I probably should not have put all bypass patients in the same boat for sure. If you know of people 3 years out that have kept it all off by all means that is is wonderful to know.

There are some great new sprays on the market for bad breath. With mouthwash you have to always be near a bathroom where you can spit it out. With the new sprays you can use them anywhere and anytime without worry.

I'm not banded yet and don't have a definate date yet, but expecting the early part of May maybe. I'm scared too for many reasons, but strangely I haven't given much thought to the food part of it. I'm scared because my health isn't very good overall. I've had 5-way-bypass and although I have clearance from my cardiologist I'm still scared. I guess I've made the decision to have a surgery that a lot of people feel isn't needed, but I feel is desperately needed for me. My cardiologist feels I'm having elective surgery, and I feel I need to lose weight for my heart to be healthier. My problem. I don't drink Water...despise it. I have loads of bladder infections and you would think I would have learned my lesson. I buy bottled water with good intentions and it's all sitting in the fridge. I would much rather reach for a diet soda anyday then water. I have no idea how I'm going to turn this around. I hate iced tea; don't care for koolaid; and I know I have to get that water down somehow. I'm just afraid of not being able to do it. The thought of giving up my diet drinks bothers me far more than the thought of cutting down on food. I'm OK with that, because I'm a night eater who doesn't eat a thing all day (another not so healthy way to do things) and I'm just worried about changing my whole lifestyle. Anyone got any ideas on how to come to grips with this? The surgery itself doesn't scare me, except for my health issues, but the thought of having to adhere and change my lifestyle after banding is a big worry.

Perhaps the surgeon who did the banding could give you names of doctors in that area that do fills. That's where I would start.

All seems well now. I don't know who Alex is at all, but the board seems to be working OK now.

I leave for Tennessee on Apr. 10 and see the surgeon on Apr. 26. I don't know the exact date of surgery. Did you remember Christopher Walken's birthday was this week? I heard it on Entertainment Tonight. I'll be hear looking for support after banding, of that I'm sure. Hope you are feeling lots better by that time.

I got mine from QVC too. I think they are called atomic clocks..not sure. Glad to see someone else does some shopping there too. I buy a lot on there......waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much.

I'm going to be in Tennessee at my daughter's when I have my surgery, so of course she knows and is very supportive of me and the surgery. I haven't kept it a secret at all from my kids. They are very supportive and know I have been depressed since my husband died and my open heart surgery, so they are glad to see me taking an interest in my life and health again. I don't know my neighbors, and of course wouldn't share the news with anyone like that, but everyone has to make a decision based on their own family/friend situation whether to tell them or not. For me it was a no brainer that would have been impossible to keep from my family. You have to know and trust your friends and have a very supportive family to share this journey with them. If you don't have that kind of relationship maybe it's better if nothing is said. I don't feel like a failure because I need the band, I just feel I need a little extra push. I can't do it myself, and thus I need this tool. There is no shame in needing help of any kind at some point in your life, just be sure you trust in people you tell and not make it every casual acquaintance you have, because then the gossip hits the grapevine and there is no stopping it. Good luck.

Thank you :eek: I think he's pretty special myself. Without him I wouldn't be here today. You're really sweet to say that.:eek: When I told him all about this surgery he not only gave me all the time I need, but promised to be there to hold my hand. Now that is a boss anyone would love to have.

That's a big statement to say that hospitals in the U.S. use things more than once, and it just isn't true. Sterilization and cleanliness are of the utmost importance. You can't even compare us to Mexico when it comes to cleanliness. You get what you pay for. As a nurse I know for a fact NOTHING is ever used more than once on any patient. There temp isn't even taken without putting a new cover on the thermometer. The FDA has guidelines for the hospitals and massive inspections that can happen at anytime. No one in the U.S. would risk losing their hospitals because of misuse of any instrument or anything else. Just want you to be informed, and not in any way going to bring this subject up again, but it just ain't so....that's all she said!!

Dr. Patterson is a great person, and one who accepts Medicare patients. It's true she won't band smokers, but that's true with a lot of surgeons. She taught the two surgeons doing banding in Idaho how to do the procedure and she is considered an expert on lap banding. She has done far too many to count. She is wonderful with older people and getting them the band. She also is at a Center Of Excellence which cuts to the chase. I really don't know what she charges for fills, or if it is included in the cost of the surgery. With a lot of dr's. their fills are included. If you are already banded by someone else I don't know if she would do the fills for you or not. It is always worth a phone call. You will like her very much. I do know for a fact she only requires a couple weeks of supervised dieting and a meeting with a dietician. I don't think the requirement is 40 lbs. That's a great deal of weight to lose on your own. If you could accomplish that you wouldn't need the band. I'm guessing it's around 10 lbs. to show you can do it. Jack goes to that clinic, and I think he would know the rules. Most are the same by all the doctors in that Clinic. Hey Jack chime in will you about how much weight you had to lose before surgery, etc.

I was having my surgery in Marysville, Tennessee at a small but very nice hospital (but not a center of excellence). They told me honestly they have supplied the paperwork, but it takes someone from Medicare to do a completel evaluation and walkthough before they will even be considered, and it could take a year or even longer. I've already waited a year, so I shifted gears. I was about ready to give up when my daughter called me and said she had called Vanderbilt in Nashville and gotten me an appt. with a surgeon there. The good part is the surgeon who was originally going to operate will be right there around my daughter and will do the fills and maintenance of the band if there are any problems, and their ER is familiar with lap banding patients. Nashville will be a 3 hour drive and I go to see the surgeon on Apr. 26, and I'm not sure what he will require from me. I've had all my pre-testing done in Idaho where I live....everything you could imagine and more. I have documented weight loss for 2 years; psych eval; upper GI; clearance and letters from my cardiologist and GP; echos, EKG's and anything they can and would require. I hope the appt. goes well and that it won't be long before the surgery is scheduled. Everyone has applied to be accepted as a Center Of Excellence. Do you know how many smaller hospitals do this procedure? It is going to take a long time to qualify them, and they may not meet the qualifications in the end. I don't want to wait all that time again.......I'm tired of hassleing with insurance. I hope your hospital gets approved, but I know it is going to take a lot of time. We are talking about every smaller hospital in the U.S. It is hurting the surgeons that operate out of these hospitals too, as it also includes RNY patients. Everyone is on hold and has been for about a mo. and I think it's going to be a lot longer. I'm fortunate to have found a Center Of Excellence and a surgeon that will accept Medicare. Maybe something is finally starting to go right. I'm tired of being on HOLD!!:eek:

When I go to the store someone mysteriously puts Reese's Peanut Butter eggs in my basket. It happens every time. Wish I could find out who the culprit is. :eek:

Lots of prayers coming your way. What a magnificent accomplishment. I don't think you are vain at all. I think after losing weight that sometimes in order to feel really good about yourself it's essential to get rid of the loose skin. I say more power to you. Let us all know how you are doing.

I think when you are dealing with insurance patience perseveres. I have Medicare and finally they began covering the lap banding. I worked months trying to fight them on this surgery and then BAM they decided to cover it. I found a good dr. and was all set, and just a mo. or so they through another clink into the process by stating they would only cover lap banding at a Center Of Excellence. It took me only a short time to realize my dr. didn't operate at one of these. He operated, as many lap banding surgeons do, at a much smaller hospital. I think in one sense Medicare is protecting it's patients, but on the other hand they make things tough. I'm traveling to Vanderbilt in Tennesee and staying with my daughter to be at a Center Of Excellence. If you really want to have it paid for and you are entitled to it then I would dig in my heels and fight them.

Medicare does cover the band, but only in what they call A Center Of Excellence. This is tough to find in a lot of places and limits the hospitals that are equipped to do the surgery. A Center Of Excellence would be a full-service, five-star hospital that does open heart surgery for one. It would also be a hospital that has done thousands of lap bands and RNY's. If Tricare follows Medicare and makes that ruling, it could be tough. A lot of surgeons are not doing the lap banding for Medicare patients because they are with smaller hospitals that have not been approved and may never be approved. In my case I'm going to my daughter's in Tennessee to go to Vanderbilt which is a Center Of Excellence. Please make sure and google this before proceeding with your choice of physician/city and make sure you have one of these Centers or be prepared to travel to one. I wish you the best of luck. I have a friend who has Tricare. They approved her for bypass when she wanted the lapband; she fought them but she didn't win; and she had the bypass. She's had lots of problems that don't come with the band, but the band has a different set of problems for some and for others it seems they have few problems. Tricare pays for plastic surgery one time after your weight loss, which is a great thing, but this is on RNY. I'm curious if anyone on here had Tricare and fought and won to have the lapband. Maybe if you are tenatious as a bulldog you can get them to do it.