kaytiebugs

If you went for a informational seminar on one of the "top doctors" in your area (say, Atlanta...) but there practice and the hospital they perform in was in a bad area, would you still consider them for your surgery? My response? No. This happened to me. I went for a seminar for Dr. Titus Duncan/Dr. Hobson Peachtree Surgical Center & Bariatrics. I didn't even go to the seminar. I missed the turn into his office (which the seminar was actually at a different location, but I didn't realize that until I already went to his office building). I went down two blocks and there were housing projects and all kinds of scandalous looking folks walking down the street. There were homeless people (which isn't unusual for Downtown Atlanta regardless of whether the area is nice or not). It just looked so... uuh... ghetto. I thought to myself "Do I really want to come here for appointments, surgery, fills, etc???" I thought about it then I decided that honestly I never wanted to come back to that area again in my life. I'm sure the doc was great and all... but there are like 70 bariatric surgeons in the Atlanta area... way too many to choose one where I feel the need to lay a gun in the passenger seat before getting off the highway. What are your thoughts? <sorry if this should have gone under the docs and hospitals section, that section appears to be more area/doctor specific versus general discussion.

From what I've observed over the years being active on forums, PCOS is prevalent in obese women. I have overcome all of my symptoms after being banded. My periods regulated after the first 30lbs lost. I still wasn't sure if I ovulated or not though.... but found out that I do indeed ovulate when I discovered I was pregnant. I'm 17 weeks now.

I did it. I called it "Last Supper Mentality" lol. I got my date in September for January surgery (had to save more $$ than I expected so I needed to have my surgery scheduled for a few months away). In those 3-4 months I pigged out and ate everything. I gained 4lbs!! I've seen a lot of people do things like that.

I wish I didn't tell coworkers. Now the only thing anyone ever wants to talk about is how much weight I've lost, asking questions, giving me unsolicited advice, watching every bite I take, etc. I told just a few people now the whole office knows. I don't care that my friends and family all know because I love them and they are really supportive and not judgemental at all.... but I really wish no one at work knew.

I chose realize because supposedly the port is less likely to flip... or so they claim. I could live without the site, I prefer sparkpeople.

They repair hiatal hernias when they do the surgery, so it poses no threat post op.

Those docs see people like you all day every day. It's what they do. They won't be judging you. I remember feeling embarrassed when I had to take my clothes off at my pre op appt for an exam and I was so embarrassed about my surgeon seeing my body. Then I remembered he sees people like me all day every day. As for losing weight, it won't hurt to start unless your BMI will drop below your required level (which is typically 35 or 40).

Whenever I lay down I feel pain when I breathe. The doc said this was typical of patients who had hiatal hernia repairs (which I did). Its like I can't take a normal breath, I can only breathe shallow. When I'm sitting up I can breathe normal but not deeply. Is this normal????? Are abdominal muscle spasms normal (you know, wehere it feels like a baby kicking but theres no baby) How much broth should I be able to eat? Does it slide right through the band?

I asked my PCP for a script.... that's when she referred me to my bariatric surgeon.

My doc submitted to insurance on Thursday, they called and gave approval today!!! That's two business days!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My out of pocket- $3,750.... =( I was originally told it would be $2,000. So now I had to schedule surgery for Jan 22nd so I can save up the extra $1750. Ugh....

I'm on day two of the pre op liquid diet. If I made vegetable Soup, I couldn't blend the ingredients to be liquid, could I? I have a family and I'm scared to try cooking a meal for them because I dread the urge to take a bite. I've been making them quick and easy meals, but that's not exactly healthy. Anyone have suggestions for things that we can all eat? Thanks!

My initial thought was that I was going to tell everyone. Then I had a run in with a judgemental B#$%H... then a second one... and at that point I said "FORGET THIS!" and I stopped telling people. The people that judged me were acquaintances so I politely asked that they not tell anyone. It's been a lot easier. I've been at my job for 5 years and I'm close enough with my supervisors to feel comfortable being honest with them. I talk about it with a small handful of friends at work. Most of my family and my husbands family know. You think (not *YOU*... just you in general) that you are prepared for the criticism, the scrutany, the people asking questions, the judgements, the explaining yourself, etc...... but it's different when it actually happens. If you know certain people are judgemental and fit the above description, you may want to avoid telling them. But remember this- at the end of the day, YOU are the strong one. THEY are the ones that are insecure and feel the need to belittle people to make themselves feel better. Sorry if I sound bitter... I had a run in today with one of the two people that made me feel this way today. She asked me the same questions that she asked me previously that made me not want to tell people. I wish I never told her.

It isn't the best protein but it isn't horrible and my nutritionist said it was fine to use. I use body fortress from walmart. I believe it's 20ish grams of protein and 6 carbs i believe.

I start my pre op liquid diet this coming Wednesday. I'm semi-starting it today... eating liquids for some meals and eating solids a bit. How many liquid meals am I supposed to have per day? Three? I have a binder with guidelines, but it doesn't say if I'm limited to three meals or if I can have Snacks in between. What's the typical caloric intake supposed to be?

I know people in general treat thin people differently than obese people. I've heard people talk about how this has happened to them. I can't help but feel like I'll hold a grudge against society as a whole once I'm thin... and basically feel like they should take there sunshine and shove it because no one treated me like that when I was big. If I weren't married, I'd probably be scouting out guys who were attracted to me now instead of waiting to find Mr. Right whose only attracted to me as a thin person. It really bothers me how obese people are treated. Obviously not all people do this... but a lot of people do. Even if they don't notice. Just a rant really.... feel free to share opinions and thoughts....

Hi all! I saw that the Wii fit has a step exercise part. Can you put the wii board on an actual stepper (not a stair step machine, just the big plastic board you use when you watch a step video)? It seems like the game is awesome for everything except cardio. Also- It says there are 40 things- does this mean there are 40 different activities, or does the 40 include each yoga pose, each strength training thing (push ups, different push ups, etc.)? I'm just wondering if I'll get my $$ worth! TIA!

I am hypo too... and it didn't hold me back at all. HOWEVER.... a friend of mine is going through the hoops of pre op and her PCP is giving her crap because they think she's hypo, even though she's had a blood test and an ultrasound on her thyroid, both of which were negative. Not sure how they have come to that, since everything is negative. My doc had no problems at all with it... she's the one that recommended it!

My moment was when I went for followup after my labs tested positive for PCOS and I asked for phentermine.... and my doc basically said HELL NOOO! I had tried it all... and I had gained so much in such a small amount of time. I have gained 40-50lbs in the last year alone. Something has to give....

I just noticed the questions, I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner!! Yes, my doctor requires me to pay everything up front. Radar, I replied to the message you sent me. =)

I originally thought my surgery was going to cost me $2000. I was thrilled about that. Then my insurance figured out that they mis-quoted me and told me it would be $3,750. I was shocked. It was like someone punched me in the gut repeatedly. But I found a solution... and I wouldn't be able to get the money until January. Fine. Surgery is scheduled for January. I got my 2009 insurance benefits package in the mail yesterday.... my out of pocket is now $4,750. I was pissed all night last night. I'm still fuming. I mean, I'm glad I have insurance, but I am really pissed at my employer. I've been with this company for five years and have worked my ass off.... and this is what I get? A higher premium and more expenses? I will have the amount necessary, but it'll basically wipe me out. So now I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place..... go broke to have surgery.... or don't have surgery and struggle with my health for the rest of my life? I think I'll go broke... but damn this is a lot to deal with.

I've applied for carecredit and capital 1... both denied because my credit score is like 640 and they want somewhere like 675++++++. =( I don't think I'd have much success applying for a personal bank loan either, but I'm considering it.

Thanks for posting this. I really need it today =)

My surgery date is 1/22/09 but I want to start exercising/eating right NOW. My only problem..... lack of motivation. I'll be good for a few days or a couple of weeks, then a weekend comes and ruins everything. I didn't drink soda for three weeks... now I'm slipping it back in here and there. What do you guys do to get motivated???????? I need a little kick in the pants!!

Do you have a song that you relate to your lap band surgery/journey? Something that motivates or inspires you?

The last few months have been incredibly emotional for me. I go from extreme high to extreme low. I know I'm bipolar but all of the excitement and stress of the surgery have driven my emotions crazy! Anyone else like this?