JudyAnticola

YOU are doing something about it, don't feel ashamed if it does not work quickly. Honestly, everyone I met has some level of success. Again, we are similar, my BMI is 39, so our weight losses will be smaller and we can't measure ourselves against that. But guess what, OMG, I FINALLY LOST SOME WEIGHT ON SB. Just about 5 pounds, but I dont really care as my insurance does not require weight loss. I just did not want to disappoint Dr. Hoffman when I see him, also, I really did eat minimal carbs so I thought I should lose. I am so psyched, I am so glad I checked today. Two more days and then I get my surgery date! Take care!

Linda, I think you are a very strong woman, I can learn a lot from you. It looked rainy but Nicki and I did walk today. Hopefully you will walk with us soon. We are about the same age, I am 56, so I am happy to meet someone in my age group who is doing this. Take care, enjoy your vacation.

They probably look at each case separately, I am sure they will work something out with you. I have not heard from anyone who has been turned down yet!

Linda, did they give you an idea of when your surgery will be? Sounds like you have almost everything done. You did so well on the weight loss, I have not done so well. Based on the success for Loraine, Nicki and Val, I am hoping the surgery will give me that extra push. Most of the people at the support group did really well too. How did you feel about South Beach (if that is what you did)? It seems pretty good. I have not had much trouble staying away from the big sins, cookies, bread, desserts, pasta. A few slips but overall I was better then I expected. Just wish I had a little better result. Enjoy your time with your family.

Brubear, how are you and your husband doing? Are you feeling better? Did you take much time off from work? I can only be off a week so I am hoping that will be enough. How is the eating going? Do you feel like things are different? Do you think you will stay on South Beach even after the surgery? Gosh there are so many questions.

You have to have an exercise program in place prior to the surgery, just FYI, or at least I am told. On the 3 hour blitz they put you on a pretty rigorous exercise test. I had to run on the treadmill for 12 minutes for as fast as I could. Had to do pushups, squat thrusts and one sit up. Perhaps they modify it though, depending on what you can do. I have spinal stenosis, so walking and jazzercise is what I usually do. Maybe some others will give some input as to their physical fitness assessment. Part of the application process is a statement from your doctor saying you can participate in an exercise program.

I think Hoffman is off for part of the summer, not sure. You will like him though when you get to meet him. Come to Delaware park and walk with us, he comes sometimes, you could meet him sooner perhaps.

PBJ, are you getting your band on Monday? If so I wish you the best of luck! Let us know when you are home.

My sister had the gastric bypass with Caruana, I think she liked him ok. My friend is his dietician, Maria, she is great, and she thinks highly of him. He does not require the weight loss from what my friend told me. But everyone is right, he has hired a guy to do lap bands. I can not really explain why I chose BGH over Caruana, just instinct. I have a feeling that his process is a little faster. I hear he has a killer gym facility for you to use to work out.

Linda, it is hard to really pin down a timeline, it seems like they see you about 4-6 weeks after the seminar, then 4 weeks after you see the dietician, then 4 weeks after that you meet the surgeon, and then depending on what you need they schedule surgery. If you do not need any testing it seems like you could possibly cut it down to 4 months. Wait--you must have had the blitz by now, so tell us, what happened, when will you meet the surgeon? Do you need any other testing?

It is normal, the process is that slow. I called for paperwork in early February and I think I received it mid-March. Went to a May seminar. Call, fax and mail!! Hang in there.

What did you mean by saying you had shoulder pain from the gas?

I am jealous, I have not lost anything on SB as far as I can tell. I think I am eating too much protein, i do not think I am eating many carbs. Any special hints Linda?

Val, the dexamethasone reduced my cortisol, so I do not have a tumor or Cushings. I will probably try to deal with the abnormal cortisol after the surgery. all they care about from clinic is that the dexamethasone caused it to drop. So, will deal with it later. My primary care called, I did not hear from the Weight Loss clinic about it. Not a big surprise there.

I would not rush out and have an abdominal ultrasound. After the seminar you probably have 4 months to get the testing done, whatever they need, so be careful not to overdo it. Many of us have had to have specific tests because of other problems. I brought in whatever tests I had, but I did not have any tests done until the clinic told me. You dont want to be stuck with paying a bill you do not need.

Daniella, BMI is 40 or 35 with two or more comorbidities (diabetes, HTN, sleep apnea among others). yes, keep a copy of everything. they have lost everything of mine up on 15, it has all had to be replaced from my own stash of documents.

Forgot to tell you, the Juicery opened up in Delaware Park, was opened after the second time around. They have COFFEE as well as other things.

Funny thing, he is the guy I was seeing who put me on the Aldactone, which raises cortisol. I forgot about him, he was very nice. I will keep that in mind. How was your garage sale, how is Donna? Good luck on your weigh in Tuesday, you look good, I think you will do well. My flight to NYC was canceled, all flights to NYC out of Buffalo were canceled, I have to be on a flight at 6 am, which means waking up at 3!! Maybe I do not always LOVE my job! I am a little annoyed because I wasted a whole day. Thanks for being so supportive during my "wait". I am going to pray to God for patience, but I hope he hurries! Take care.

I surely dont mind a stroller, and if you have a baby in it, even better!

I almost forgot, Good luck next week BruBear and RainWii, come on line as soon as you can to let us know how it all went! The beginning of your new life, very cool!

When are you having surgery?

so they did not make you go to an endocrinologist then? Are you coming tomorrow to the Park? It should be a good day.

Bloomerific, that is so cool!!! I am so happy for you, you must feel so great right now. I do not know if I lost anything yet, my scale is not moving too fast. I see Hoffman in July and hope to set a surgery date at that time. Has anyone else scored high the urinary cortisol test? I did, and had to go for a special test, should know on Monday. Hope it will not hold back the surgery. A few of us will be at Delaware Park at 8 am if anyone wants to come. Again, way to go Bloom.

You mean high on the urine, and then they came back low on the dexamethasone supression test?