lotsofkids

I left this morning to the Cleveland Clinic for an early appointment with the Docter (my pre-surgery consult)....then ended up being there till 4pm !!! I needed blood work, nurse consults, anesthesia consult and hospital pre-registration. Tired....but excited....and that's it......now I have to follow the pre surgery instructions and then show up! I'll keep you posted. Hubby said today that many docs told him that many of the patients end up regaining the wt back in the long term......????? I don't know where he got his info...but, I feel it is very much an individual journey....and many people after losing quite a lot of wt...will never go back. Also, it really comes down to whether or not you use this opportunity to have a LIFESTYLE change including a commitment to regular excersise. I am not about to think that the band is going to do all the work....without a team effort (the band and I).....sure it will fail...but I am not about to go to such lengths ... to sabotage all of this. Anyhow.....I appreciate your support.....and we shall see what my coming days will bring! smiles...Diane : )

May 17th.....Cleveland Clinic told me that my Insurance has been approved!!!!! Can you believe it! Yipee. With my low BMI I was expecting to be denied or in for a lot of appeals.....anyhow...they not only told me I was approved...but I can have my surgery done on Tuesday May 23....less than a week. Next available would be in July......so looks like I am heading to surgery on the 23rd...before I get cold feet. Husband is NON supportive....anti surgery.....wants me to sign a paper before the surgery that I am doing this against his wishes and he is not responsible in any way....AND that I accept all health problems or financial burdens that are associated with the surgery or might be future complications arising from having the surgery. Gimmee a break....23yrs and 5 kids....thanks a lot for your support and understanding.

hey there.....I just now....after what 3 months....saw and read your posting on my journal.......what's that...a day late and a dollar short.....so I guess in my case .....months late and hundreds short!!!! I loved reading your journal....you have a lot of spirit...and hey we all need humor in our lives. Well, I am going to be banded on Tuesday May 23 with Dr Schauer at the Cleve Clinic. (can you believe I only heard of my approval and my scheduling for surgery today..a week ahead!....They had a cancelation....and...well...it doesn't give me much time to think about it....which could be a good thing....but I just worry that I am not self-educated on what my next month or food obligations will be like post surgery...guess someone will let me know....LOL...and fast! Where are you at in the process now?......do keep in touch and you can private message me.....at least they give you an email saying "you have a message"....I might respond faster than the 3 month span. warm wishes to ya.....Diane aka lotsakids : )

May 17th.....Cleveland Clinic told me that my Insurance has been approved!!!!! Can you believe it! Yipee. With my low BMI I was expecting to be denied or in for a lot of appeals.....anyhow...they not only told me I was approved...but I can have my surgery done on Tuesday May 23....less than a week. Next available would be in July......so looks like I am heading to surgery on the 23rd...before I get cold feet. Husband is NON supportive....anti surgery.....wants me to sign a paper before the surgery that I am doing this against his wishes and he is not responsible in any way....AND that I accept all health problems or financial burdens that are associated with the surgery or might be future complications arising from having the surgery. Gimmee a break....23yrs and 5 kids....thanks a lot for your support and understanding.

Vinesqueen....excellent point. There will always be risks that even though we may seem to be a good candidate....there are unknown variables that will be individual to each patient. The body is very mysterious. Hopefully, we shall have success in the long run. (ps... I love turtles).....remember it is the turtle that wins the race! But we want to at least "fall" into the better satitistics before and after surgery!!!!

I spoke with a friend's husband who happens to be a Gastroenterologist. I wanted him to give me some insights as to the risks etc...as I am considering doing the banding. He said...in general ....surgerys of the stomach are less dangerous in comparsion to other organs. In fact...he said in the worst case scenerio....if a patient had stomach cancer and had his entire stomach removed...and the esophagas (sp?) attached directly to the gut....he would still be able to survive. So most problems...including the worst case situations ... are not life threatening. Most problems or complications, he said come when people have other metabolic problems going on....and therefore were not ideal candidates...but insisted on the surgery.....and then subsequently...had poor results...due to a metabolic dominoe effect of problems. So...if you don't have kidney, liver, pancreas or other metabolic conditions....then you really should not worry....other than the obvious risks attributed to any surgery...ie: anethesia, site infections....etc. That is why most good doctors....will make you do a ton of other medical tests to be sure that you will tolerate the surgery well. Do listen to the experts....if they feel you are too complicated.....maybe it is best to get into a better health situation before pursuing this or other surgeries. hugs...diane : )

I asked this question directly.....(my husband is also a doc....so I better ask lotsa questions!) The Surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic (bariatric program) said if it is removed, it goes back to it's original state completely. A lot of slippage can be avoided by the skill of the doctor placing the band..as they put in some stabilizing stiches. An experienced surgeon with a natural finesse...can have much less slippage problems. So do ask your doc what % of slippage occurs with his program and more importantly....how many procedures HE has personally done and his post surgery results. A good candidate...with a good surgeon.....should = good results. I would not ever consider doing a lasix surgery on my eyes with a discount coupon stating $500 an eye....as I will get a "MacDonalds" level of care and results. Such bargain docs usually are doing volume procedures JUST for the $$$$ and even the patients that should be turned away are not....so they have many unhappy customers. Find a doc that is professional, attached to a reputable program in your area and loves his work and better yet...does research...as those are the pioneers that are science driven. Do your leg-work and choose the very best doctor you can find. I wish you well.... on your journey to better health! smiles...diane : )

BTW ...EMTBABY.....I spoke with a friend's husband who happens to be a Gastroenterologist. I wanted him to give me some insights as to the risks etc... He said...in general ....surgerys of the stomach are less dangerous in comparsion to other organs. In fact...he said in the worst case scenerio....if a patient had stomach cancer and had his entire stomach removed...and the esophagas (sp?) attached directly to the gut....he would still be able to survive. So most problems...including the worst case situations ... are not life threatening. Most problems he said come when people have other metabolic problems going on....and therefore were not ideal candidates...but insisted on the surgery.....and then subsequently...had poor results...due to a metabolic dominoe effect of problems. So...if you don't have kidney, liver, pancreas or other metabolic conditions....then you really should not worry....other than the obvious risks attributed to any surgery...ie: anethesia, site infections....etc. That is why most good doctors....will make you do a ton of other medical tests to be sure that you will tolerate the surgery well. Do listen to the experts....if they feel you are too complicated.....maybe it is best to get into a better health situation before pursuing this or other surgeries. hugs...diane : )

I LOVE MALLEYS CHOCOLATE!.....but I think chocolate is a dirty word on this site! LOL (I am really a Bostonian....but loving Ohio) Thanks Robin, I have had 3 machines delivered to me over the past 4 yrs....and the first two I gave back for non-compliance. I am really trying this time around and the nasal pillow IS much better than before...but it is that darn pressure that really causes pain for me. I'll give it a shot tonight....I usually try for a day or so....and then I stop for a couple weeks...then try again...etc... that's my poor record of cpap. LOL and thanks again Robin for the lovely candles! warmest wishes....diane : )

hmmm.....Cleveland Clinic it is mandatory that all patients have one....before even being considered for band surgery! they run a tight ship! diane : )

Hi Carolinne (mona) and all..... I just did my surgical consult yesterday....not I need all the appointments to get done....then I jump through the hardest hurdle the insurance! Wish me luck ... and let us know how it goes with your insurance .....sending good vibes your way! hugs...diane

I know I need to work harder and use the cpap....I have tried many different masks and pillows.....I am currently with a new version of the pillows which really is comfortable......but, my problem is more with the sinus pressure. I seem to get sinusitis cronically from the cpap....then it hurts breathing in with the pressure. any thoughts? thanks....diane : 0

He is a specialized Pediatric doc....so unfortunately he doesn't really have any patients that had WLS....(even those chubby newborns) LOL And the Fat jokes....hmmmm....they certainly haven't and I highly doubt will be stopping anytime soon.....but at least I will stand up each time and tell them this is disrespectful and in bad taste. (so they will have to feel guilty if they want some quick humor)....it should start to curb the frequency of the jokes! Thanks for the Water therapy suggestion....it sounds so wonderful..and would probably be great...but alas, with 5 kids....who has the time? I did buy an elliptical which is less stress on my knees and a smoother machanics overall than the other machines out there. I just need to be more serious and set a firm time and stick with it. I am soooo apreciative of all the support that is pouring in....you guys are really great.....I have been so support deprived for so long....I didn't know how nice it felt to be overwhelmed with support! I think I will be addicted to this place quickly. LOL hugs....and warm wishes to all ... diane : )

Hi I am a newbie....and seriously interested in doing the procedure at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr Schauer. I went to two seminars and I have a one on one with the Dr on Feb 13th. I have been suffering from sleep apnea and it's related sx's for about 5 yrs now with an upsized fibromyalgia and cronic fatigue. My husband is a professional and extremely driven along with 5 kids (3 in college and equally high achievers)....I am entering such poor self esteem as I can't seem to get enough things done and take the steps needed to take care of myself. I have served my family tirelessly for 23yrs at the cost of my own health. Now I want to to the steps needed to regain ME. My hubby is strongly against the banding proceedure....as he says "you just need to close your mouth"....well I have been yo-yo-ing for yrs and suffered a nasty spiral fracture that cause a 9 month non wieght bearing situation with crutches only....so that really helped my wieght soar....now at 229 my highest ever at 5'7'' (45yrs old)...... My entire family uses FAT jokes around me on a minute to minute basis in the hopes of curing my situation....NOT....I just feel like a failure amongst such talented....active people. I spend an awful lot of emphasis on feeding them and having great meals always available....which no one wants to give up....they MUST have Mom's cooking! But that makes it very challanging for me always constantly preparing meals. Hubby is dominating and wants the traditional wife type....so I am not expecting anything to change...I have to work around my environment. My older boys are all into sports and really eat a lot...but are in great shape. Alas, I am here....hoping for some support or inspiration.....or just anything. On my own....and getting fatter.... I was always thin and was at a terrific shape when married with a model like figure at 22yrs young....(I love chocolate and chocolate loves me back!) what the heck happened to me????? diane from Ohio

I appreciate your support.....and I will stay stubborn in my Quest......the biggest bump in the road will be in trying to get my insurance to step up to the plate....but I hope they see how much they already paid for me with....my previous health issues and might realize it is in THEIR interest to support me with the surgery!!!!! thanks for being there! and a slow loser is better than a NO loser any day! ..... hugs...diane

I have previously completed the seminars and workshops ....Today I met with the Surgeon @ Cleveland Clinic. I just barely make the BMI requirement of 35...but hopefully with my strong apnea, I will get insurance approval. Now I need to go down the list of all the other checkups and bloodwork that is needed to be cleared for the next step.

I only have a BMI of 35....but I have a strong apnea that is considered a co-morbidity. If you have hypertension or diabetes...they too are comorbidities...and that can increase your chances of getting approved medically. I will probably be in for a fight with my insurance...and I don't know if they will come through....but I will take the challenge and aggressively go after them with re-submitals and appeals....if that is what is needed. hope things work for you.... hugs...diane

Hi Amy.... It's great to have people who care....and it is always important to hear differing opinions.......they can have valid points that you need to know before going into something seriuos. Your friend might be more anxious because you are doing this in Mexico vs doing it in the USA. I too, worry about lower standards in health care outside of the USA. But the band is a mimimally invasive surgery....so you should be OK....but for the gastric bypass......I would be very sceptical of a foreign surgeon and hospital. best wishes.....diane : )

thanks for dropping in! And believe me....I hear all that you say.....I am slowly working on them LOL. (and.....JQPublic.....great name!..LOL!) I told my 19yr old son after a few recent jokes....that "hey....it really is disrespectful to say such things to your mother"......he immediately responded in a softer tone...."yes, mom....you are absolutely right.....but you have to admit they were funny jokes" Well....it's a good start....at least he knew it was disrespectful!!!!! hey....I went to my surgical consult appointment today!....the doc was encouraging. I just barely make the criteria as a BMI 35...but I did make it!....he thinks with my strong documented apnea...that I could get the Insurance to approve...(we hope) and he feels the band would be a good tool for me to get to a better place with my weight and my apnea. Now, if I can only get hubby on board with this....hmmmm.....that's going to take some creativity! He was grumpy to hear I went to this appointment. He thinks I am going to harm myself with my stubborness to pursue this course and place a foreign object into my body. Well, I have tried and failed in many other venues....this apnea is turning my life upside down....and needs real serious attention. And I hate the cpap....I am not very compliant. My headaches are constant 24/7 from the apnea. I had a nasty spiral fracture on my right leg three years ago....and 3 months later they rebroke it and did surgery and put in plate and pins.....so I was nine months NON weight bearing.....hence....more wieght and floppy muscle tone. I am just now feeling that my walking is getting back to normal....although I still feel the plate with every step. now I need to go down the list of appointments to fullfil the requirements....ie: jump through all the hoops....and then we still don't know if I will get approved ....but hopeful. Wish me luck...and thanks for your suppport! :0 Warm wishes to all......diane : )

I have previously completed the seminars and workshops ....Today I met with the Surgeon @ Cleveland Clinic. I just barely make the BMI requirement of 35...but hopefully with my strong apnea, I will get insurance approval. Now I need to go down the list of all the other checkups and bloodwork that is needed to be cleared for the next step.

hey there EMTbaby....hope all goes well on March 1st! and Robin.....big hugs to ya! I went to my Surgical Consult today....the doc was encouraging. I just barely make the criteria as a BMI 35...but I make it!....he thinks with my strong documented apnea...that I could get the Insurance to approve...(we hope) and he feels the band would be a good tool for me to get to a better place with my weight and my apnea. Now to get hubby on board with this....hmmmm.....that's going to take some creativity! He was grumpy to hear I went to this appointment. Thinks I am going to harm myself with my stubborness to pursue this course. Well, I have tried and failed in many other venues....this apnea is turning my life upside down....and needs serious attention. And I hate the cpap....I am not very compliant. My headaches are constant and 24/7 from the apnea. now I need to go down the list of appointments to fullfil the requirements....ie: jump through all the hoops....and then we still don't know if I will get approved ....but hopeful. Warm wishes to all......diane : )

at how bills in the health industry can be discounted....but most people feel somewhat shy to ask.....or feel as if they are asking for a charity. Don't feel this way.....the prices are way over the top....and if you or your insurance has already paid a major portion....then go and see what more they can do for you.....I'm sure you can all find better places to spend that money! LOL Hospitals especially have funds to help out patients with income issues...and you don't have to be at poverty level....it is a much higher scale...for everyday working people. If you don't ask.....you may never know what you might have saved. good luck...Diane.....(with one ~n~ and an ~e~ ....LOL)

I am a real newbie 24hrs young on the site....but I love surprises and sending out surprises. let me know if there is still time to join in the fun and what might be needed....otherwise...I'll just send you all warm wishes for a great holiday! Smiles....diane

I PM'd Robin / Ralheit... to see if she is interested.....still waiting to hear from her. smiles....diane

To request.....a receipient? I just met Robin (also from the Cleveland Area, as me) and she will be banded on March 7th. Her posting name is RALHEIT ....as we are both new.....I wouldn't mind having her as my exchange partner...as I hope to follow her progress and her post surgery recovery. Anyhow....I realize it could be a little on the late side....but just let me know. Thanks, diane : )