CarolAnne

One year ago, I started the process to get banded. I did the six months with the dietician. I can't really call it weight loss because I honestly wasn't really trying. I needed to do the psych visit, cardiologist and pulmonologist. Then I was good to go. I am MRSA colonized and despite working with an infectious disease doc, have not been able to get rid of it. It has been a stressful year for my family in many other ways as well. Now, one year later, I've gained back all the weight I lost and then some. I think I'm bigger than I was when my last child was born. sigh.... I'm still scared of the surgery. Guess I need to get more scared of being fat and sick for the rest of my life. Sorry to be such a downer. I'm just trying to figure out what in the world to do and hope this was a safe place to look for some support.

Thanks Tap Shoes. I think you are right. I just wasn't ready. Don't know if I ever will be. I said I wasn't trying, but I guess I was. The dietician was thrilled with my 11 lb loss. I didn't give myself credit though. I lost 11 lbs on my first week of WW. Of course, I didn't keep it off. I'm as afraid of not being able to take advil or drink coffee again as I am of the surgery itself. I guess until I can get my head back in the right place, I should wait. Libby Jane! Thanks for the encouragement. I'm so glad you are having success. I've had 10 or so surgeries in my life. 6 on my abdomen, so I'm not that afraid of the surgery itself. Although i do admit I hate the time in the recovery room waking up from anesthesia. Not really sure why I'm not ready. I guess maybe I'm afraid of going through all the hassle/pain of surgery and then not being successful. Or being one of those people who has initial success and then gains it all back.

Another Jersey Girl here. NJ would work better for me depending on where, but I can do the city too. No hotel necessarry.

I'm in West Orange. I know at least 2 people who have used Nussbaum, both for bypass and were very happy with him and with his office. Good luck on your journey and don't get discouraged with the waiting. What a great way for you to start the new year! Carol Anne

Hi Cari! I live really close to you in Jersey. I have one month left of the 6 months preop required by insurance. If I rushed it, I could have the surgery by the end of this month. I'm going to wait until October to make sure the kids are well settled in school and the routines are in place for them in case my recovery is harder than I anticipate. Who are you using? I'm going to Nussbaum at St. Barnabas.

I'm considering getting banded. A friend used Dr. Nussbaum for gastric bypass and loved him. I went to the information seminar and liked him too. Then my allergist told me not to go to St. B's that she has a great doc in the city with lower complications. Did anyone use Dr. Nussbaum and can someone give me a clue how to research a surgeon? Thanks! Carol Anne

Livingston is actually in Essex county. Isn't Dr. Andrei a colleague of dr. nussbaum? Dr. Nussbaum has done two of my friend's bypasses. He will be doing my band

ah, I see now. When I logged in this was the first post listed on the home page (I guess because thats the recent posts and this is a popular one) Anyway, I didn't realize which section it was in. My bad. Rant away

oh dear. I'm still in the pre surgery satisfying the insurance company stage. I came back here for some inspiration to stick with it. This is the first post I saw. made me a little scared to stay. Anyone know of a "safer" gastric band forum?

I'm near the beginning of this process. My insurance company requires 6 months of medically supervised weight loss. Even though my pcp wrote a letter saying he has been treating me for obesity for 4 years and I have failed at supervised weight loss, I still have to do the 6 months. Because I didn't see him every single month, they won't except it. Anyway, I met the dietician last week and she gave me a sample meal plan. I started Monday and am so frustrated. If I could manage to only eat 1200-1500 calories on my own, I wouldn't need the band! I feel like if I can do this for 6 months unbanded, why can't I do it for the rest of my life? Will the band really help that much? Anyone else with this experience? Thanks for letting me vent. Carol Anne

Lucky you! I have cigna too. My pcp wrote a letter stating that I have failed at 4 years of medically supervised weight loss, but I still have to do the 6 months with the diettician at the surgeon's office. I'm trying not to be frustrated about it. My doc is out of network, but the hospital he operates at is in network. any clue if this matters?

I won't miss saying "Not today, honey. Mommy hurts too much" when my son's ask me to do something the least bit physical

What should I expect? What questions should I ask? DH is actually taking part of the day off work to come with me. I'm not 100% sure I want to do this, but I know I have to do something. I'm nervous!

so glad you asked this. I am just starting to explore lap band surgery but am concerned about how we will handle the kids. I have a 7 year old a 4 year old and a 17 month old. I guess by the time I jump through all the hoops he will be closer to 2. Not sure how we will manage it all, but I know my boys deserve a healthy mommy!