3loves

O.K. I decided to go ahead a write a letter since I don't have any co-morbidities and perhaps it will let them know I'm not willing to take "no" for an answer. Here is the letter I wrote and I would appreciate any feedback since I will be sending this to my surgeon tomorrow.

I haven't been banded yet, but I do know that my surgeon's office has a 24 hr number to call for emergencies. Instead of suffering all night, I would call the office to get the emergency number and at least talk to someone. I know I would feel much better at least hearing their opinion of what your experiencing....it sounds very painful. Also, I do know that some pain meds tend to constipate me. Perhaps that would be an issue to discuss with your surgeon. Good luck to you and I will pray that you find a quick resolution! :Banane40:

Beautiful snow pics...can't wait to see the mountains!! I absolutely LOVE snow and since we moved to NE IN from central OH, the last 2 winters have been mild. I thought we were living in Seattle for a while with all the rain we had. :rain: I'll take snow any day of the week.

Hi meme49...I've done the same thing only I did it b4 my consultation. I know I gained a few lbs just enjoying all those silly foods that are in my head. Then I found this site and learned so much. :clap2: Tonight I found myself craving salad of all things. I read about how well everyone is doing with their band and I want to be there too. My surgery is not scheduled yet either b/c my info is going to insurance for approval next week. I will probably start using my excess Optifast shakes to take off some extra weight since I've learned how it helps with surgery. Julie*....what type of "liquids" are you using for your diet? I would be interested to know what is available and what other people like.

~Thanks~ Lisa. I did confirm with my surgeon that they are using the new lapband code. Maybe I should just let it ride the way it is since I know that I've met all the requirements they requested when I called the make sure they do pay for the lapband. My insurance is NGS-American. Do you know of anyone that has had any experiences with them....good or bad? Also, our company is self-insured so does that mean if they deny me that I can go to somone in the company to get that decision over-ridden (is that a real word)??

I believe the name of the drug your talking about is called Acomplia a.k.a. Rimonabant. It is supposed to stop cravings through chemical changes in the brain and is also known to help smokers according to what I've read. You can do a web search or here's a quick link: www.drugdevelopment-technology.com/projects/rimonabant . My PCP recently told me about this as well b/c he knows I'm going for the lapband (which he still supports). I am starting to get the impression that this drug mfgr is putting a lot into marketing of this drug with PCP's to get the word out that it's coming this summer. I am still more convinced then ever, that the band is the way for me. This drug does seem to have some good advantages however, we have seem so many of these "miracle" drugs come & go. Who knows, maybe this would be a good tool to use to stop smoking b4 having the lapband surgery.

Thank U....I'll check out that site. I tried a search on this site and couldn't find what I was looking for. Any suggestions on searching this site for such a letter?

Boy, everyday I am reminded why I love to run to my computer to pull up LBT every chance I get. It is so nice to know that others share my feelings & fears about the band and eating. I am pre-band, but this thread is part of a real fear for me b/c I ask myself how I'm going to change those bad habits. As recent as last year, I learned that bad habits are never broken, they are just replaced with new ones. I practiced this concept for a period of time and then fell back into my old ways. The band is not going to change my bad habits.....I have to do that. I know that I can, but it won't happen overnight. I am convinced that it is a process that is very unique for each individual. That is why opinions vary so greatly on such topics and that is a GREAT thing. We can all learn from listening and really hearing what someone else is saying. We don't have to agree, but there is something to be learned. For example, I know that I will have chocolate after the band. I am a person that will REBEL if someone tells me that I can't have something (within reason of course). Now what does that mean to me personally? I have found that sucking a ONE hersey kiss a week will satisfy my need for chocolate. I know I can live with that. For some people, that is a deal breaker and puts them over the edge. We are each very unique and we should always embrace that....which I think that is something that makes this a great site. You find all types of people from all walks of life brought together by a beautiful thing called a "lapband". :clap2: Now.....if I can just put some of these things into action, I'll be set to be a happy healthy mommy in a size 10!! :nervous

Hi Diane....I am new here too as I just joined last month. Luckily, my husband and I are both going for the band together. We have 2 toddlers so we have to do it in shifts to keep things up & running. I am also a stay-at-home-mom however, I am very strong-willed and feel the same anger as DeLara when I read about the challenges you face. You have come to the right place for support. My husband of 6.5 yrs made a couple of "fat" comments to me during our engagement (of course, my overweight family laughed and thought it was funny), but later I told him straight up that it hurt my feelings and I would not tolerate that from him. There have been times in our marriage that he didn't get the message...regardless of the topic....for whatever reason. The best way I discovered to resolve the situation, was to change what I was doing and not try to change him. For me, that meant helping him understand my position by feeling it first hand. I'm not suggesting that you throw put-downs at your family. Perhaps you can have a heart-to heart and let them know it's not funny anymore and never was. Let them know you will not tolerate it any longer. From what you have described, you have a beautiful, successful family and you are a HUGE reason it is that way!!! Don't ever sell yourself short b/c you kids would not be who they are today without you...plain and simple!!! It's easy to "say what should be done and how, but it's another thing to be walking in those shoes. I can understand that you need to take little steps to reach your goal, but one thing I'm sure of is that your husband and children do love you and will support you if you make it important to them. Kind of like the way mom & dad go to the kids' ball games & such. Your family will feel so proud of you, so take the bull by the horns!! You can do this and this is the perfect place to start your journey. I wish you all the best and hope you continue to find strength and comfort here.....GOD BLESS!!

I have only been to one consultation. My GP suggested 3 clinics and then I did my best to research surgeons online b4 making a decision. I even searched outside those 3 clinics, but chose my surgeon based on feedback and info on him. After going to my consult with him, I was very satisfied and more excited than ever that this was a good choice. I drive 3 hrs one way to see this guy, so I do hope and pray that I made a good decision. Also, I still have to confirm with my insurance, but he should be covered at In-Network b/c we have a clause (don't know if that's the official term or not) in our policy that will allow benefits to be paid In-Network if our GP refers us for a procedure that is not offered within a 20 mile radius of our home address. We'll see how that turns out, but I will stick with this surgeon regardless.

That is SUPER DUPER news!! :whoo: I am very happy for you and can't wait to join you as I don't have a date yet....maybe I'll be a March bander too. Wishing you the very BEST!! :gluck:

I am looking for advice on what I can do to ensure my success with the lapband. I have all the documentation ready to go for approval and anticipate a "yes" based on the criteria set by NGS-American....if not, I'll be researching the appeal process. What can I be doing right now to help even though I don't have a surgery date? Should I try to take some weight off using my excess Optifast shakes or perhaps save them until after surgery? Here's the details on the one pre-made shake: Calories 160 Protein 14 g Carb 20 g (this seems high based on some info I've read here) Fat 3 g Sodium 220 g Potassium 460 mg Fiber 0 g I've read that some docs put you on a liquid diet to reduce the liver b4 surgery, but I think I'm not close enough with a date yet to determine that. Does anyone have any personal experience with Dr. Christopher Evans in Indianapolis - Carmel Indiana? Also, I've already done the "binge" thing a few weeks ago after I made the decision to go forward with the band. I put on 10 lbs just doing that and it just doesn't feel good anymore. I realize now that wasn't a good move. :clock: The good thing is that when I'm on this site reading & researching, I don't think of food and don't get hungry. I get so motivated that I want to go upstairs and exercise. :dance: Sorry that my posts are usually long...my husband always says that I talk too much and I guess it comes through when typing as well. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!! :clap2:

This is a great topic....I am also interested in feedback from people that have had the band long term. I'm sure there are some sort of complications regardless of what country you choose to have your surgery. It would be nice to have some stats from other countries with long term experience.

Thank you for this! I am saving it to my hard drive so that I always have it. This will be a great reference after I get my band.

Welcome Anitalynn!! I am new as well, and have decided that the band is definitely for me. I have gotten tons of info from LBT....good & bad...that has helped me come to this decision. That is in addition to prayers asking for guidance. Alexandra - I love what you have to say. This is a reality check and you help put eating into perspective, especially for us newbies. Your experience and advice gives me great inspiration....THANKS! I went on the Optifast program last year and lost over 30 lbs in 3 mos doing the first phase which basically liquids (this was a physician controlled program). The most important thing I took away from this program is that I AM "addicted" to food just like a alcoholic or a drug addict. I use food for reasons other than to sustain my body. I also asked the question as to why should I get the band when I know I can lose weight by eating right and exercising, which I need to do in order for the band to be successful. WELL, I've learned from many experiences here at LBT that the band is not what makes weightloss successful, it's the person and the band is only a "tool" (heard that many times here) to be used. I look for the band to do just what Alexandra said. For me personally, I intend to read Dr Phil's book, The Ultimate Weight Solution, and take a deep look into the reasons I eat emotionally. This emotional need will still be there with or without the band and I need to come up with other ways of dealing with the stresses that lead me to eat. I look at the band as a tool that will help keep me honest in my food choices so I can work on those other issues. Keep researching and getting feedback so you can make a decision that is best suited for you. I can't wait to get my band, but I don't think it is for everyone. Best of luck regardless of which direction you go....hope we all get the chance to know you better. :clock:

Hi Little One, I am in Indiana and I also just starting my lapband journey. I have been to my consult and going for my psy eval this Fri....YEAH....I will have everything ready to send to insurance for approval!! I pray they come back with a yes b/c I have met all their requirements. I researched docs in the tri-state area b/c I'm in northern Indiana. I have heard they have good docs in MI, but decided to go to St. Vincent Bariatric Center in Carmel, IN which is basically Indy. I guess they are a training facility and video a lot of the surgeries and have people that view the surgeries for training purposes. If something goes wrong....God forbid...it's on tape! :xena_banana: I used this website: www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatirc+surgeons+in+indiana.html along with couple of others. I really liked the site above b/c you can view a lot of details about a specific surgeon. I chose Dr. Christopher Evans based on my reseach and many prayers for the Lord to guide my decisions. Maybe you've already chosen a surgeon?? It would be nice to hook-up with some fellow lapbanders in this area. I think the support group in Ft Wanye is mostly gastric bypass people. This site is so awesome and the people are so great that I feel I won't need to attend a physical meeting....I'll just sign in and type away. Best of luck to you and your journey and I hope you have found some of this info helpful!!

Hi Jess, Kudos to you for seeking help. :clap2: You should respond well to Zoloft and you will probably feel so much better. Everyone's body is different, but I think it's worth trying b/c you don't have to live in that world of anxiety. I was on Zoloft 6 mos after the birth of my second son. I had some of the same symptoms you have described. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. My kids were only 16 mos apart and I nursed one until I got pregnant and then nursed my second after he was born. I'm sure my hormones had something to do with this b/c my body didn't have a chance to get balanced. I was on Zoloft (per OBGYN) for 3 mos and didn't have ANY side effects except for the improvement of my moods & such. I went off of it without any problems however, within 6 mos I was having the same symptoms and started on Effexor XR (per GP) and have been on it ever since. I guess my GP preffered Effexor over Zoloft.....not sure why, but it works for me. I can definitley say the Effexor XR has an impact on libido :xena_banana: , but I can't remember that far back regarding the Zoloft since it was 3 yrs ago. I have heard that most antidepressants have that side effect. Luckily, I'm married to the BEST man in the world and we deal with that issue. I assure him when I get the band, things will improve. It's my understanding that serotonin is the chemical that carries signals to receptors in your head....kind of like telephone wires and the poles....without the serotonin your body needs, the signals don't make it to the receptors. This is how I understood it when they explained Zoloft to me. In my mind, it was a sort of chemical imbalance at least for the serotonin. Keep your chin up and I hope you can see the light at the end of the tunnel b/c your days will get brighter and you are doing a good thing for yourself!! :clap2:

Hello to all at LBT!! :wave: This is my first post, but I have been lurking and learning for a couple weeks now. I have been doing a lot of research regarding the band and have found this site to be the most informative for a variety of topics. I especially appreciate the candor along with the warmth I have seen here.....I really feel blessed to have found this site through a google search. I had my consultation last week and have scheduled my psy eval for Feb 6th. All the paperwork is in line to get approval and I can't wait to get a surgery date!! My husband is going to have the surgery after me. It will be nice to do this together. We can't really do it at the same time b/c we have 2 toddler boys. We both need to take weight off just to keep up with them. We also hope to have another child after 2 yrs has passed since my band (per surgeon....this is the best timeframe to wait). I have never been part of a site like this, but I know it will play an important role in my success. It has already confirmed that I'm doing the right thing. I look forward to getting to know you all better.

That is AWESOME Can't wait to join you someday with a size 12! I remember those days from high school as well.

I am also a born again Christian. In my personal experience, I have prayed to ask the Lord to guide my decisions to get the lapband. So far, things are moving forward. I have only have my first consult and have scheduled my phy eval. I feel and have even prayed for the Lord to shut the door if this is not His will. ~~Never put a question mark where God puts a period~~ :amen: I strongly believe that He will let me know if it's not part of His plan. I also take the position that I made bad choices regarding the use of food for comfort. When I think about it, I guess it is a "sin" to do what I have done to my body, but one thing I do know for sure is that the Lord does not love me any less and He gives me free will to make decisions. My decision has been to do something about these bad choices and get the lapband. I'm sure you've heard the saying, "God helps those that help themselves." This sums up my personal take on this subject and I know that this view is not for everyone....just me personally. Please understand though that every individual can take a different view regarding religion/christianity even if they are from the same church. Therefore, I believe that you should make your decisions (regardless if it's lapband or whatever) based on your personal relationship with the Lord. If you are questioning your decision to get the lapband, the best advice I can offer is to get on your knees and talk to the Lord. :pray:

I would have to say that I have always had a great sense of humor regardless if I'm a size 10 (back in the day) or a size 22. I am more like you PuddinPie. You wouldn't survive growing up in my family of 4 kids if you didn't have a good humor with a touch of sarcasm, not to mention my husband says I talk to much. :blabla: I am 5.5 tall with a BMI of 43, but I still love to make people smile where ever I go....Wal-Mart, bank, dr's office. That is a constant in my personality that will never change. :drama: I do know several thin people that are very funny and just a blast to be around.....my baby brother for one. He is such a nut and is ALWAYS the center of attention at family gatherings doing something funny or telling a funny story. I have an older brother that is heavy and he prefers to stay in the background. With that being said, I still think your personality can change as your weight goes up or down to a certain extent. The core of you are will always stay the same. Where is Dr. Phil when we need him? Kim_8.....I think you are one of the funniest people on this site. I love reading what you have to say b/c you do have a great sense of humor and you have a unique way of expressing everyday experiences. I would put money on you to still have that when you reach your goal!

Thanks for all your kind words & encouragement!! Food is my drug of choice....my best friend. :biggrin1: Glad to know I'm among people that understand.

I don't know much about Hoodia, but my PCP told me about a new drug coming out soon called rimonabant. It is supposed to stop food cravings and can even help smokers quit. I still feel the band if the way for me, but this new med may be helpful to some. ~Good Luck~ regardless of what you decide to do. I'm sure it is difficult to be without your band.

Hi...I'm new here as well and can relate to many of your feelings. I too have met some resistance with family/friends b/c they don't understand the difference between the band and GBP. They seem shocked about my decision. I told my mother that if she didn't want to support my decision (she is worried about the risks) then I asked her not to discourage me when I talk about. I also offered to send her info if she wants at anytime. Now that I've made the decision to go forward with the band, I want to call or e-mail ALL my family and friend b/c I'm so excited about writing a new chapter in my life. :clap2: As far as I'm concerned the benefits are worth the risks. Also, I have come to the conclusion that this is a very personal decison and if someone wants to disagree, that's fine. They can state their opinion, but that won't change how I feel. Knowledge is power and most of the people that seem to disapprove, don't understand what the band is or what it does for you. I also have the support of my husband and he actually is the one that told me about the band a couple of years ago when he worked for Ethicon Johnson & Johnson. They purchased the rights to market the Swedish band here in the US. He is going to get the band after I'm fully recovered b/c we have 2 small children and want more. Does anyone know the difference between Inamed band and the Swedish Band? It doesn't really matter b/c I'm getting the Inamed, but I was just interested if there was an actual difference.