CallMeAl

I have Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and high Tryglycerides. This is what led me to WLS in addition to all the weight I needed to lose. Prior to beginning my pre-op diet, my blood sugar levels were around 295. Taking insulin, contrary to what my doctor said, would immediately make me gain weight. My blood pressure was high as were my Triglycerides (over 440). After two weeks on the pre-op diet, my blood sugar levels were around 85. My blood pressure is low/normal at 110/65. I'll find out about the triglcerides in about a month when i have my next blood test. I entered the hospital taking 8 medications and left the hospital taking only one which I hope to stop soon as I lose more weight. True, I saw these changes from following the pre-op diet prior to surgery, but I sincerely believe, that without the band I would not be able to stick to such a strick diet regime as I currently do. As of today I have lost almost 45 pounds since the start of my pre-op diet. Hope this helps.

I was also banded on May 20th and am also doing very well. I never had any of the bad consequences that people have had and am losing weight very quickly as are you. Continued good luck to you!

I'm newly banded (May 20th) and can tell you that it is a dramatic change in my life and lifestyle. Not that that is a bad thing. Being overweight (ok Fat!) with Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and High Triglycerides...I needed to do something dramatic if I wanted to live and take care of my family. So far I've lost 40 pounds including the pre-op diet, etc. Most importantly however, is my blood sugar is almost normal, my blood pressure is now low normal and I'm not sure on the triglycerides, etc, but I'd venture to say that they are normalizing as well. I went into the hospital on 8 medications and am now only on 1, and hopefully that will go away too. I miss the social aspect of eating, but that's the only thing. As Weight Watchers are fond of saying, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin looks and feels." Well for me, nothing tastes as good as living long enough to raise my children will be.

First of all, I'm a man and you are very pretty. The comment about breast size and your butt...ignore that. If that is the guy is looking for, that's not the kind of guy that I think you are looking for. I'd suggest that you either open your eyes and look around you as the guys that are interested are already there and you just don't see it. The other thing, and this is how I met my wife, is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Go to different places...hang out with different people. Try a different church. One with a good sized singles group. Trust me. Think of what qualities you are looking for and don't settle for less. It will happen.

I just had my surgery on May 20th and my doctor also required an overnight stay (which I highly recommend). The hospital had free Wi-Fi and I also brought my laptop with movies, etc. However, my room had a TV with cable including Encore, Starz, etc., plus several "Free Hollywood Movies." The choice to watch included Hairspray, Harry Potter, Evan Almighty, Wild Hogs, No Reservations, Elizabeth, among many others. Encore (east and west) had several good movies too.

I was banded yesterday and am waiting to see the doc and dietician before being released. I'm doing great and hope your experience will be as good as mine. No pain...just feels like I've done a bunch of situps. We'll keep you in our prayers!

I was banded this morning and all is well. No pain...just feels like I've been doing situps. My doctor requires an overnight stay so that's where I'm at. Just relaxing and watching TV. Thanks for all the prayers. Today is the start of my new life!

I scheduled for 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. Please keep me in your prayers.

You might want to try Dr. Cribbins or Dr. Hamm in Plano. They operate at Plano Presby which is a Center for Excellance which I believe Medicare requires. If they don't, the bariatric coordinator at Plano Presby might know.

I have to agree with the issue regarding bariatric surgeries or "Morbid Obesity Treatments". With my insurance (UHC) if you are diabetic or have a plethora of other diseases, they require you to participate in their managed care program or they can refuse to to continue coverage. Their managed care program is speaking with one of their nurses every couple of months or so by phone. The issue that irritates me is that they cover one "Morbid Obesity Treatment," although that includes "body sculpting" which I'm hoping is possible plastic surgery when I reach goal, and only pay at 50% unlike the 70% they pay for everything else. Plus, none of your costs count towards your yearly out of pocket maximum! However, if you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, they will pay 70% for up to 3 treatment episodes and it all counts towards your yearly out of pocket maximum. What's up with that? Obviously they don't realize the cost of obesity and obesity related illnesses.

I'm in the same boat. I've done my 6 months and am waiting for approval. The issue for me is that I didn't have an appt in November because I had an appt Oct 29 and then Dec 5, so it looks like I missed a month but in all actuality, I couldn't get an appt on Nov 29, the earliest was Dec 5. Sorry I can't adjust the doctor's schedule to my needs. I did get my 6 visits in during the 6 months though so we'll see what the insurance co says.

I just spoke with my bariatric coordinator. She has my PCP records and was concerned about my "6 months" of medically approved diet. Although I went to the doctor monthly (with minor exception) for the required 6 months, there was one month that I didn't make it within the 30 days since last appointmen. That was due to scheduling conflicts, etc. and I got in as soon as scheduling allowed. I guess we'll see what happens. I can go back 15 years documenting my weight and comorbidities, but I'm half way expecting them to deny and make me do it all over again. But that would have been my fault. I find it interesting that my insurance will pay 80% for 3 seperate treatments if you are a drug addict or alcoholic, but only 50% for obesity treatment (only once). Not only that, if you are an alcoholic/drug addict, your portion counts towards your out of pocket maximum for the year. For obesity treatment, it does not count towards your out of pocket maximum, but it sure does count towards your lifetime benefit! Just needed to rant for a moment.

I don't work for Dallas, but in a suburban department. Photography is one of our primary functions in Crime Scene, but not quite the kind I like to do in my side business.

I'm a Crime Scene Investigator and have a Photography business on the side.