Kat56

My Doctor told me that I would have to wait four weeks. Kat

I am so sorry that you didn't get approved for your surgery. I know that you asked for help/advice and I don't know if I am approved yet or not but I did want to reply and let you know that you are in my prayers for an approved appeal. hugz 2u, Kat

Since I am so overweight, even walking up and down the stairs to do the laundry leaves me out of breath. I end up just staying in my room, laying on my bed and watching TV, everything else is too strenuous for me to do, does anyone have any advice as to how to get a full blown "bed potato" into doing something that won't leave me afraid that I won't be able to make it thru. Walking is hard because I am disabled and have a bad left leg, in a pool, I can walk but to get the energy to go to a pool seems like an enormous effort, everything I do is an enormous effort, even a shower, any help is needed, I'm tired all of the time also.:smile2:

A big thanks to all of you who replied to this post. I have been offline for awhile and I didn't get back as soon as I would have liked to. You have all given me much hope and great advice and I wish all of you well, thanks again for taking the time to read my post and for your honest answers, you're the BEST! Kat

Is anyone's doctor using the "realize" band? Kat

I asked my doctor how long I would have to stay out of water after the surgery and he said "four weeks." Did anyone go swimming sooner than four weeks after their surgery? Kat

Hi Everyone, What tests did you need pre-op? I had bloodwork done, a chest x-ray, stool sample and other blood work where they took blood from an artery. I also have to see the nutritionist and a psych before I have my appointment pre-op with my surgeon. I have to go on a five day liquid diet prior to surgery. What were your pre-op requirements? Kat

Thanks to everyone for their input! I'm thinking that my house is not air-conditioned but I do have an above ground pool that will be opening this coming week-end, I use it to walk/run in for exercise but I would not want to take a chance getting an infection, I guess I can sit on the edge and let my legs hang in to cool off. Kat

If you have the same surgeon, I would call him with your question. My opinion is that since the tests were last year, you would have to have them done again. Kat

I asked the nurse who handles appointments and pre-op visits how long the process would take and she said "anywhere from three to six months." I am sure that you can get it done in time to recoup during the summer if you are on the ball with all of your doctor's requirements and you could let your doctor know if there is an earlier cancellation, that you would be interested in taking that appointment. Good luck, Kat

Yes, it sounds like we are about in the same place, I also wanted to wish you blessings on your journey to your NEW LIFE!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!! Kat

I forgot that I had an EKG also. I have been dieting since I had my first consult and have lost 9 lbs, at the seminar, the nurse said that we would have to lose 5% of our body weight but the same nurse did not mention that to me when I went in for my consult. She also mentioned a class that I would have to take and an exam yet on the day of the consult, she said nothing, it's not on my list of things to do. My surgeon is away until Wednesday, I am going to call the office and update them on what I have already done and see if I have any other tests to take, I also want to ask them if they can move my appointment up since there's a two month time span from when I should have everything done and my date with my surgeon. I also forgot to mention that I have to attend at least two support groups, the third Tuesday of each month is when they are held so I'll be going to my first one on May 20th. The nurse said there will be no support meeting in July and if I make one, that is fine. Kat

Thank-you for all of the information about the realize band, I appreciate it. I am going to be a part of a clinical study for the realize band, I was asked to participate at my first consult. Kat

I agree with checking your BMI. Are you sure that you are as tall as you say that you are? Seriously. When is the last time that you had your height measured, hey, it's a long shot but it's worth it. Kat

That is the key, it should be a "Center for Excellence" and Medicare covers it with no problem. I am going to have my surgery at a Center for Excellence, however, I don't live in the Dallas area, I'm way up North. Kat

I don't think that I could add anymore than what others have posted for you, especially Molly's post. All of the input that you have gotten has been great, I think that the people who say things like "why are you doing that to yourself" have no clue at all as to the procedure, the benefits of being healthy and the ease of the surgery. I am disabled, I have had alot of surgery due to a horrid car wreck, I have diverticulitis and had to wear the colostomy bag, then have it reversed, to me, this surgery equals a dentist appointment and I am not kidding anyone at all, it's not so invasive as most people think. Remember the fact that you are doing this is for your "health" benefits. I don't think that alot of people know all of the medical problems associated with obesity, I learned alot at my Seminar and it scared me. I would not talk about it anymore to anyone but one or two close friends, the others will forget as you converse about different topics. And talk to us here about this situation! Good Luck & Blessings, Kat

Hiya, Welcome and Congratulations on being banded! I do not have a date yet, I am just beginning my journey, Good Luck & Blessings 2 u! Kat

I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, it's about 17 miles from my home, nice to meet you. Kat

I was sooo happy to read that your second EKG went well, now it's chicken Soup and alot of rest for you!!!! You remain in my thoughts and prayers!!! YAY!!! Kat

What type of Vitamins (with iron) does everyone take? I normally take the GNC Woman's Mega Vitamins, two at a time, but they are huge and I won't be able to take them post-surgery so I'd like to start now with a good multi-vitamin and I must have Iron in it, I have fibermyalgia and I am exhausted all of the time, any suggestions would be helpful. Thank-you, Kat

I just wanted to welcome you to the forum and to tell you that you just typed out what so many women feel so thank-you for letting "us" know that we're okay! And we're going to get better. Together. Kat

My thoughts and prayers are with both of you that are getting your surgery tomorrow! It's so exciting! Congratulations for making it!!!! Kat

Hi, I would ask the surgeon exactly how much money he charges for the procedure. You may be able to save a few thousand dollars by calling other hospitals, it's just a thought, trying to save you some cash. I did my seminar and had my first consult also so we're both just starting out. Kat

Good luck to you, I hope that your doctor gives you an appointment and a surgery date QUICKLY!!!!! I'm glad that it's only the first week in May and I'm hoping that you get in before the change in payment takes place, keep calling your doc!!!!! Kat

You are in my thoughts and prayers for a good EKG, let us know! Kat