3loves

Hi illude ~ You are truly amazing & as so many others have said, a great inspiration! :whoo: I am so glad you joined LBT so you can share your wisdom, especially with us newbies. I'm preband and waiting on insurance so needless to say, I am very impressed and more convinced than ever that the band is for me. :clap2: I wish you all the best on your new journey of PS. I asked my surgeon if he thought I would need it, and he said you can never tell who will need it and who will not. I'm sure you'll find some great PS advice here. :gluck:

My husband sent this to me today from work and I just had to share, especially after the chocolate thread. :faint: Enjoy..... I am passing this on to you because it definitely worked for me and we all could use more calm in our lives. By following the simple advice I heard on a Dr. Phil show, I have finally found inner peace. Dr. Phil proclaimed that the way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started. So I looked around my house to see things I started and hadn't finished; and, before leaving the house this morning I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Zinfandel, a bottle of Baileys, a bottle of Kahlua, a package of Oreos, the remainder of both Prozac and Valium prescriptions, the rest of the cheesecake, some saltines and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel. Pease pass this on to those you feel are in need of inner peace. No need to thank me.

Come to think of it, that's a great description of Dr Phil & way tooo funny!!! :heh:

Ask your surgeon about HMF Replete. I took this last year after my chiropractor recommended it. Here's a link and you can do your own research: http://www.rockwellnutrition.net/product.asp?itemid=242. My husband's surgeon approved it for him after he had colon surgery and said it would be very good for him to take it. It is kind of expensive, but it offers the human strain of the "good bacteria" similar to what is found in yogurt in the dairy form. I'm glad you brought this up b/c I will add this to my list of questions for my surgeon as I am preband. Best of luck whatever you decide to do. I hope you get relief very soon.

I voted & fell on love with Mr. Hobbs. I have had 3 apricot poodles during my lifetime and I love the breed. My first one lived 17.5 yrs....talk about losing a family member....it was very difficult. We currently have a lab b/c the breed is a little more patient with children. I hope Mr. Hobbs is a big winner.....he has already stolen my heart. :gluck:

I am pro-band and would never get any other type of WLS. With that being said, I have no idea who Dr. Pleatman is or his qualifications as a doctor, but I must say that my surgeon stated that the RNY is reversible. This thread sparked my interest b/c knowledge is power and I want to be informed. I am convinced that rny is indeed reversible based on my research. Here's a website that confirms this: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/RNY/about.html. As I have read Dr. Pleatman say, don't take his word or mine for that matter, do your own research. I believe you will find this statement to be true. Even to my VERY unexperienced eyes, this doesn't seem so far fetched based on this pic. Surely, with the miracles of modern medicine, they could put the organs back together. My husband had 12" of his colon removed and the surgeon didn't need the missing piece to put his colon back together. On another note, I don't think it serves anyone well to call names or attack someone just b/c you don't agree. This is a place for ALL beliefs and opinions and I think that it is in good taste to show personal respect even if you disagree with an opinion. If I am wrong, please feel free to correct me. I am open and willing to listen. We can all learn from each other if we keep an open mind with a positive attitude.

Hi ejezyk ~ Your words are encouraging & congratulations on losing 25 lbs!! That is really something to be proud of. :clap2: It sounds like you can a good understanding of how to use your band....keep up the good work.:welldone:Thanks for sharing for us newbies and your words of wisdom. You are an inspiration....THANKS!!

This is a great thread!! :clap2: It's nice to know I'm not alone on the chocolate thing. Actually, I kind of knew that anyway, but it's nice to hear others say they "HAVE" to have it in one form or another. When I filled out my paperwork for my surgery, I listed chocolate as one thing I couldn't live without. Something I recently discovered was Folgers Chocolate Silk coffee. I quickly became addicted to it. It seems to fill my need for actual chocolate at times. Word of caution though if you are trying to limit your caffeine. I used to drink one cup of coffee a day and now I drink 3 or 4. Here's to chocolate coffee......

Hello Ms. Vicki and Welcome to LBT. Just think, only 2 more days!!! :clap2: I am so excited and happy for you. I love to hear the excitement from others when they get a date. It's an inspiration to me. I will pray for an uneventful surgery (in the good sense) and a quick recovery. :welcomeB:

Welcome to LBT Tfavre24 ~ I am new here also and I'm preband, just waiting on the green light from insurance. That's really special you were banded on Valentine's Day. :clap2: You will never forget that surgery date. You have found a special place for support. There is nothing out there better IMO. :welcome2:

Hi brneyezz ~ I do not have the band yet but, I am 110% sure this is the way for me. This decision did not come quickly as my husband & I have talked about the band for the last couple of years. He used to work for Ethicon Endo-Surgery (J&J) and they are the company bringing the Swedish band to the US pending FDA approval, so he had some insight from the labs. In addition to a lot of prayers, I did research on my options and decided on the band for the following reasons: 1. I have to change my habits REGARDLESS of what surgery or weight loss road I take, so eating around the band does not scare me. It's only a tool, but a SUPER tool if used properly. 2. I need chocolate as LEAST once in awhile. Like Kim_8, I can let it melt and that will take care of my cravings. It's my understanding that this is not possible with bypass unless your willing to get really sick. 3. Less invasive, lower death & complication rate. All surgeries have risks, but my odds are better with the band. In addition, I have 2 boys ages 4 yrs & 3 yrs.....I just wouldn't risk bypass surgery. I too, also asked myself why I would bother getting the band if I can change my habits and exercise to lose weight. I have tried most of the diets out there and for me personally, the band is the missing link to my success. I can make all those changes, but the band will help me make it long term. They say it takes 3 mos (is that the correct number?) to create a habit. The band will help me create healthy habits by keeping me honest. Now that I've decided on the band.....I WANT it YESTERDAY!! I can't wait!! :dance: I'm sure there are many others that can give you more insightful reasons, but I hope you find something useful from my preband experience. It's not for everyone, but I want mine. :rolleyes

I had a dream last night my insurance approved me for the band. :clap2: I have felt like "Wonder Woman" all day just thinking about the new me. Here's to dreams coming true!! :scared:

Hi Nykee ~ I drink tons of Water in the summer too and I'm with you on the concerns. At least I'm glad to hear the words of wisdom from others that it shouldn't be a problem. There are times I can chug an entire 16 oz bottle of water. :rolleyes I will just take it as it comes and drink, drink, drink. I'm getting spring fever as well. I live in IN and it has rained most of the winter and now it decides to get cold. I'm ready for the warm weather so my boys can go outside. I've read you have kids, so I know you can relate. :phanvan Take care and think "warm thoughts".

Wheestin ~ I recently had to wear a heart monitor for 24 hrs and the nurse told me if I had sticky stuff from the tape, I could rub some regular cooking oil on it and then rub gently with a wet washcloth.....perhaps this would be an option for you to get rid of that stuff. :confused: ~Good Luck~

Thank U....I feel much better now. Drinking enough Water has been one of my biggest fears. Look out Indy....here we come!! :confused:

Congratulations loube910 on your new band and the weight loss!! :clap2: Insurance can sure be a big hurdle and all the hoops you jump through seem overwhelming. So glad you were able to go forward and do the self pay....I'm not sure I would be able to do that. Take care of youself and I hope you feel better very soon. :confused:

Congratulations! :clap2: I'm sorry to hear about your horrible gas and that you have had to deal with the anxiety of the barium swallow. I would feel the same way. I can't answer your questions b/c I'm preband, but do want to wish you a speedy recovery!!

Hi Wheetsin ~ I am so thrilled for you that I just took a deep breath when I read this is your LAST Thurs unbanded! :faint: What a reality check. Preband is a long journey for some and I can't wait to get my date, which will probably be at least 2 mos or so. I wish you the very best and let us know what emotions you are going through. I know everyone is different, but I love to hear how people deal with these things. :gluck:

Oh Dana, please call you OB or your PCP about your hormones. Having babies can take it's toll on your body. Bless you heart, 3 babies in 4 yrs, you are entitled to a little sanity!! I can say that from experience b/c I had 2 within 16 mos and nursed both of them so, for 3 yrs I was either pregnant or nursing. I tried to deal with it myself, but was so glad when I finally went to my OB and he said I had PPD. The antidepressants made all the difference and I was able to enjoy my family in a way I wasn't able to b4. It was always a struggle prior to that. My hats off to you for taking on such a brave task and doing it well no doubt!! :clap2:

Hi Mona~Thanks for the encouragement. I did call NGS and they have rec'vd my letter of PreD. I told her I was concerned about the other info making to the right place and she said she would make a note. Well, today she was kind enough to call me back to let me know she talked to that dept and they are watching for the rest of my paperwork. She also said she made a mistake yesterday when she said they have a 30 day turnaround time.....it's only 7-14 days...YEAH!! :clap2: I told her she made my day just by knowing that info and thanked her for taking time to call me. Wasn't that the most thoughtful thing? At this point, I'm really impressed with NGS American insurance. Most people would die b4 calling a member with that info. Great idea on the certified or registered mail!! :clap2: That is really super advice. I have no idea how they sent it, but I will request that in the future. Now for the waiting.....the worst part of this whole process. You hang in there too and let me know when you hear something!!! Thanks again!!!

I have been putting together all my info needed for insurance and have been keeping in contact with my insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office. I thought she was holding off on my letter of predetermination until all paperwork was turned in. Now, I rec'vd an e-mail from her saying that the L of PreD was sent on the 2/8 and my personal letter, psy eval, and dr records were being sent today 2/20. :angry This makes me nervous b/c I don't trust that these documents will get to the proper place TOGETHER. What do you all think? Has anyone had this happen b4? Should I start calling NGS to let them know more info is on the way? I hope they won't just shoot back a "NO" b/c of lack of documentation. I've worked too hard on meeting every requirement and don't want this to be a kink in my chain. Any feedback is GREATLY appreciated!!! :help:

Hi Dana ~ I love Dr Phil and I can remember exactly when I started overeating....when I split with my fiancé. I started for one reason and continued for another. food is my comfort, it makes me feel good and it's my best friend. :rolleyes I really didn't realize how much until I went on the Optifast program last year (which didn't stick b/c now I'm getting the band) and the biggest thing I took away from that was how much I was actually "addicted" to food. Dr. Phil also says something that gives me hope. Again, paraphrasing ....You never break bad habits, but you can replace them with new ones. Perhaps you should talk to you PCP about your emotions b/c you don't have to feel sad or hopeless to benefit from antidepressants. I felt very irritated all the time and never had feelings of sadness....I was just mad at the world....my poor husband. :phanvan I think you are on the nose when you say overeating can have something to do with a chemical imbalance. That's not true for everyone, but it's true for me, with or without antidepressants. I took Vicoden this past Nov after a car accident and I did experience a calmness that I would like to have more often....that stuff is goooood!! It also takes the pain away.:dance: ~Poodles~ Physical + Emotional = Psycho This was so funny that I laughed out loud and I totally agree!! :clap2:

I agree....we could use more DeLarla.....you were the first post I ever read hear & my first thought was, I have to read more. :couch2: Needless to say, I became addicted to LBT. I love it when someone calls a spade and spade. Maybe that's why I love Tony Stewart! DeLarla, you add spice. :clap2: I also am drawn to those who are more diplomatic. I think you can learn from all if you open yourself up to new ideas.

Glad to hear you called. For me, it does me good just to know that my paperwork is there. Hopefully, you will get a quick turn-around time. I have NGS and they have 30 days. I will be calling them once a week. :welldone2: Hi Dutchgrl59...I can't believe that, but we are at the mercy of the insurance companies. You have a super attitude that is to be commended. :clap2: I am very impatient and want my band now. I am slowly but surely jumping the hoops so I don't miss anything. Even after I'm approved, assuming I won't need to use the apeal process, I will be waiting 2-3 mos :omg: for the surgery b/c they are that busy in Indy. I'm going to request to be put on a list if someone cancels. I talked to my DH and is willing to jump in the car and go when I give the word. I swear I would marry that man 100 times over. :nod:

This place has brought me a lot of smiles today, including this one. So glad to hear the good news!! Can't wait to get to know you better. :mad: