Headhunter

I personally cannot say enough BAD things about "Mayor" V. He is the worst of the worst, miserable, scum-sucking, glad-handing politicians on this planet. I don't often rant about politicians, because they are automatically whores in my book the minute they take office. But V is the worst of the worst. And at a time when city workers are being LAID-OFF, for him to pick up the tab for a funeral is....well, even I don't have words for it. HH:cursing:

Nice. For the couple of thousand bucks these clowns want for the "program fee", I could get my OWN custom-tailored fuzzy robe, a personal chef, and a couple of Hookers on call to take care of my post-surgical "needs". I understand the "spa-like" experience. That would be nice, but for many, many people the WLS issue is one of SAVING THEIR LIVES, not having their toenails painted and knuckles buffed. And, that extra "program fee" PRECLUDES the possibility of many people being able to have/afford this life-saving/life changing surgery. No, it's all a bunch of BS; just another way for these greedy scum-suckers to squeeze some more blood out the system. And those who PAY the program fees are complicit, to a certain degree; every person who accepts these "fees" are encouraging the act of charging them. Eventually, ALL the Doctors will see that they can extract THAT much more money from the patients, and it will become the standard. And as a result, there will be people who really need the surgery that will not be able to afford it. It's a bad situation, and it makes me sick. :wub: HH

Ya know, Threads like these are nice. They are TOTALLY off-topic with respect to the original forum content, but you kinda get to know people in threads like this. I tend to avoid getting to know people in forums, because it sometimes makes it more difficult when you have to tell it like it "is" in other areas of discussion. But, I have found that I really like many of the people here. I even like like some of the people that you might not THINK I would like. I actually had a long response to this MJ thread pretty much completed, because I have some personal experience with him. I worked for many years in the Music industry, and Motion Pictures/Television, and I know a lot of people who knew and worked with MJ. But, writing it all out became a little time consuming, and then I would have to spend the time responding to responses, answering questions, etc. However you feel about Michael Jackson, it does seem to be a hot-button for people on both sides. He did some good stuff; he did some bad stuff. Both good and bad, he did it on a HUGE scale. But regardless of where you stand on the issue of Mr. Jackson, you HAVE to admit: some of the jokes are funny as hell. :wub: HH

Best of luck to your Son, Holli! It's never fun to watch a child go through anything like that. HH

Huh? Your point (or lack thereof) is nonsensical. What my comment "contributed" to this thread is the observation that because we have a long-running and well-attended thread on MJ here at LBT, we are being targeted as potential customers for MJ products, and are therefore subject to spammers trying to sell us their "stuff". That is the way the internet works. Which, I will assume, would not likely apply to you, as you probably already HAVE every piece of Michael Jackson crap available on the market. HH

Incidentally, we seem to have a spammer in our midst.....look under new posts, and a new "member" here called "mjfans" has posted a link to to site where we can buy Michael Jackson stuff..... I am so excited. I can now buy MJ crap through links provided. Perhaps they will have a special MJ signature lap band...... HH

Incidentally, we seem to have a spammer in our midst.....look under new posts, and a new "member" here called "mjfans" has posted a link to to site where we can buy Michael Jackson stuff..... I am so excited. I can now buy MJ crap through links provided. Perhaps they will have a special MJ signature lap band...... HH

A TOUR of the hospital? WTF? Does that include a Wine Tasting and cheese sampler, maybe a massage? The crap that they "include" just amazes me..... HH

Belly, I would find another Surgeon, unless there is some very real benefit to having this guy do it, or some MASSIVE "plus" to paying that OUTRAGEOUS "program fee". Those fees are rip-offs. The Drs get paid very, very well by the insurance companies, and for them to get just THAT MUCH greedier is simply criminal. I would seriously look for another Surgeon. There are PLENTY of other FINE Drs that are NOT in it for the money to the degree that the guy you mentioned is. I get SO angry when I read about crooks like that..... HH

It has been interesting to me as I have gone through this process to note how MANY doctors do NOT give their patients the questionaire that yours did. So many of them seem to "push" one particular procedure over another, regardless of how well it might be suited for the patient. It took me a long, long time to understand all of the differences, and realize that malabsorbtion is, in fact, what it was that I needed, and not restriction. I think that this is where much of the failure and suffering in WLS springs from; choosing the wrong procedure for your particular eating disorder. As an "industry", I think Bariatric medicine has a LONG ways to go in being able to effectively educate their patients (and their doctors, in many cases) on how to choose the procedure that will work the BEST for the individual. "I can say right now nothing is going to taste as good as the new found energy that I have since losing 112 lbs" A wonderful quote indeed. I have heard it stated as: "nothing could possibly taste as good as I feel when i'm healthy!" HH

hmmm....not a good sign. These WLS docs are REEEAAAL good at putting on the seminars, but then they show their true colors in the day-to-day stuff. But, as another poster said, the Doc might not be aware that his staff is leaving you feeling a bit cold. Have a talk with the doc. People really need to understand, though, that even though they may like their Surgeon and have confidence in him/her, the people you will be dealing with the MOST will be the office staff. If you don't like them for whatever reason, well....consider reconsidering. I'm not going to say that you should give up on a Surgeon that you really feel good about because the staff is snotty, but they ARE part of the package. And, I always tell people to really, really research their Doctors well, and that INCLUDES talking to their staff. Some Drs office personnel are downright stupid. They think that they ARE the Doctor. I can tell you form experience that the Staff will sometimes say and do things that the Dr does NOT approve of, and will not know about unless you tell him/her. Just one more reason why I tell people to take your time in choosing the procedure AND the Doctor..... HH So make sure that you include a look at the ENTIRE package before you commit.

I didn't see that particular show. But, I do know that there are many, many people out there who are successful losing weight WITHOUT surgery. And I don't think anyone could honestly disagree with the concept that losing it through diet and exercise IS the best, safest, and healthiest way to do it. AND the most personally empowering and fullfilling way. But, of course, the difficulty is not necessarily in the losing.....it's the "keeping it off" that is often the problem. but it CAN be done,....and it IS done often by people. Take a look at this web site: www.formerfatguy.com I have no affilitation with him, I am just aware of his story. It is quite inspiring. People CAN do it. For the rest of us, well,...WLS provides the long term solution. HH

As I usually do when i see something like this, i've gotta pop in and point out that the Bypass and the Sleeve are meant for DIFFERENT types of people and different eating disorders. It's not a simple matter of choosing one over the other. And as far as the "harm" part, well....there can be "harm" with ANY of the surgeries. If you choose a surgeon that is WELL EXPERIENCED in the procedure you have chosen, and if you stick to the protocol, you will most likely not be "harmed" at all. Except for the band....because it's a foreign object and is, by it's very nature, more prone to diffculties. I bring this all up (again) because I do not want anyone discouraged at picking a procedure that is RIGHT for THEM based on assumptions and info that is not entirely correct. Again - different procedures for different people and eating disorders, and with an EXPERIENCED surgeon and a patient who FOLLOWS the RULES, most always, everything turns out fine. HH

See your Doctor. We're all happy to speculate about what it might/might not be, but the bottom line is, you NEED to see your doctor. Now. HH

Cathy; Try looking at this in another way. Your process does not begin when you get the surgery. It begins the moment you make the DECISION to have the surgery. It's not all about the actual surgery. The surgery is merely one component of the entire process. What I have learned over the years is that the largest component of the WLS process is the "head" component. Because when you get right down to it, Weight Loss (surgery-assisted or not) is a MIND GAME. You need to take this time during which you are going through the hoops and begin eating and acting as though you already HAVE the band. This will make it MUCH easier once you actually have it inside you. Some people complain pretty loudly about the pre-op diet. I see that attitude as an indicator of potential failure. You need to take that time to CONDITION yourself and prepare your mind and your body for the changes that you are about to undergo. The band is NOT going to do all of the work for you. It will help, but it's still up to you, and the sooner you begin living the way you will when you have the band, the more likely it is that you will be succesful. I suppose that what I am saying is that you should STOP caring about when you are going to have the actual surgery, because it WILL happen, and start acting as if you already have the band. It will make everything SO much easier, and will increase your chances for success with the band. And we all WANT you to be successful!! :thumbdown: HH

Your DH will be in my thoughts,....i've had the bypass, and it was THE answer for me. It was not easy in my case, because of all the damage from the band, but it WAS the ultimate solution. It's a little more diffcult of a "ride" than the band, but for many people, it is a much better solution. Give him my best!:thumbdown: HH

Teacher; Sorry to hear you are not experiencing the success you had hoped for with the band. It does, however, happen. ThinknHealthy above made some very good points. First, don't think of yourself as a failure. You need to find out what has made this experience unproductive for you thus far. I would suggest that you seriously consider seeking a second opinion from another bariatric doctor. If you've had that many fills, and you are exercising the way you say, then something is most certainly wrong. It MAY be that the band was the wrong choice for you. I know that it was wrong for me. Doctors often do not do a very good job of helping the patient discover what is the best option for them. But, before you jump to any conclusions, you NEED to do everything you can to make the band work for you. And, and after reading your post, I do think that this means getting another opinion from another Doctor. Do some SOLID research, and find a bariatric SPECIALIST, one that specializes in the Lap band. Doctors who specialize in Band Problems are becoming more common because, frankly, there are more problems arising with band "installations". But do a LOT of reserach and make sure you find someone who is really, really good. They might be able to find a method to make the band work better for you....it has happened. But.....you might also find out that the band was NOT a good choice for you....that is a real possibility, so keep that in mind, BUT make sure that you give the Band EVERY OPPORTUNITY to work for you. Even If the band was not the BEST choice for you, it can still be a very, very effective tool for helping you achieve what you want. You might have to work harder at it than someone else, but it IS doable. I've been through a BAD time with the band, so if you need any help with what you are going through, feel free to PM me. There are some wonderful people here, most are willing to help you through this. But, I DO think the best thing you can do at this point is to consult an EXPERIENCED baritaric professional for a second opinion. Keep us all posted on what happens with you!:thumbdown: HH

It is not a bad thing that you are rethinking your decision. You need to make sure that this is something that you NEED to do. I have long said that the best Weight Loss Surgery is NO Weight Loss Surgery. Taking care of your weight issues in a non-surgical manner is the BEST way, plain and simple. However, it is not always possible. For many people, surgery is the final option. I do firmly believe that WLS is being oversold these days, and many people who probably shouldn't be are making a quick decision to have it based upon what the advertisements are portraying as a "simple one hour procedure". And, MOST WLS patients will tell you that WLS is neither quick NOR easy. So, you DO need to think twice about it. Think THREE or FOUR times about it. And if you have done your homework, made an honest personal assessment, looked at all the options, and STILL feel like this is something you need to do, then DO it. Don't look back, commit to following the protocol to the LETTER, and MAKE it work for you. Also, make CERTAIN that you choose the RIGHT procedure for YOU. Keep in mind that there are a number of WLS options out there, and the easiest and "least invasive" one may not be what YOU need. Choosing the right one requires a fair amount of study, consulations with the Right Doctors, and a great deal of personal introspection to be able to ascertain exactly what kind of surgery would be appropriate for YOUR particular type of eating disorder. So, don't feel bad that you are going back and forth with yourself on this issue. It's an important, life-changing decision that DEMANDS that you look at it from every angle. You NEED to ask yourself the powerful questions, and give yourself the honest answers that will allow you to move forward with confidence, regardless of what you might decide to do. HH

Interesting. It's something I'm dealing with right now. Some people are telling me I'm a bit too thin. I've lost about 180 pounds from my highest. My BMI is just right, about 24. I have some residual skin that may need to be removed from my middle, so that will shed a few pounds. But.....I suppose it's how you FEEL, and not how other people see you. I am quite happy with how I look now, but I'm going to wait a few months before I pass final judgement. I think we need to let some time pass to get used to our new "look", to see if we are comfortable with ourselves. My wife calls me "Bones". But, I think she is a little threatened by my new appearance. She hates the way people "drool" all over me and how much weight I've lost. I have concluded that it really is not all about the weight loss. The loss is merely the beginning. Consider it as a kind of "rip and rebuild". Tear down, and build back up again. Along with fat, I have lost muscle as well, and that needs to be replaced. So, while I have lost all the weight I need to, there is still a lot of work to do. And I'm going to ignore people on both sides of the "too skinny/too fat" issue. I will simply work until I feel exactly right with myself. And it may take some time. I was heavy for so long, that I'm not sure i know HOW to feel comfortable with my new self. HH

Check out Dr Owen's picture here: Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Milton L. Owens M.D. He looks like a freakin' Soap opera actor......:smile2: HH

Charlene; The "set-point" theory was articulated very well in an audio-tape program called "the Neuropsychology of Weight Control" by a company called Sybervision. It was a terrific program that contained all sorts of information about set point theory,and the emotional aspects of eating. Here's the link to the program; it's been in production for over 20 years. The Neuropsychology of Weight Control Main Page HH

Greta; I think you'd be entitled to a refund if things that were included (24 hour access) were not provided. And it sounds like they were NOT provided. I emailed his office to see what this "fee" included (i pretended to be a potential patient and said i had heard about the fee), but i haven't heard anything back yet. It IS a rip-off. And this guy needs to be "named-and-shamed". Can you imagine if their office processes 1000 surgeries a year, how much that would be in ADDITION to what they get from the insurance? People need to made aware of clowns like this. HH :smile2:

Hmmm.... Root canal shouldn't be a problem, really. Funny, I had one this morning! I've had several of them actually, and they are so routine that I can't imagine that having one would create any problem at all. HH

....and we'll be thinkin' of you and Agnes! I'm sure everything will go perfectly. Oh....and Agnes is gonna LOVE her new life....you will too...:biggrin: HH

I saw this thread when it opened a few days ago, and I intentionally avoided it because I knew how angry it would make me. Now, having read it, "furious" just doesn't cover it. I do not have a lot of affection for most doctors I've dealt with, but for them to impose this on you above and beyond whatever the insurance is paying is CRIMINAL. I can see paying a few bucks here and there for administrative costs (actually, i can't....these people make enough as it is....) but this "program fee" is OUTRAGEOUS. I would be very interested in seeing exactly what this clown is "giving" you for this fee. It better be a luxury week in Aruba..... Please post some additonal details, if you can, on what you are getting for this. I DO think you should ask for a refund and look elsewhere. I can only imagine what would happen if there were some complications, and extensive aftercare were needed. I senses that you would be paying a premium for any additonal support. There are some Doctors who become doctors for the RIGHT reasons. There are others who are in it JUST for the money. Most fall somewhere in between. Can you guess which category "Milton" falls into? Seriously. Ask for a refund. See what they say. Think of ALL you can do with that cash. There are plenty of GOOD surgeons out there that will do it with little or NO "fee". And, everyone who PAYS fees like this is encouraging this kind of behavior. I'm not condeming the OP, not in the SLIGHTEST. But as consumers, we all need to say NO to this kind of extortion, or it will become an industry standard. HH :biggrin: