Who'sThere

My BMI is 50, and I have no co-morbids. I still don't have an approval yet (will be sent off early this week), but I will be shouting it from the rooftops when I do. The scheduler at my surgeon's office said my ins. co. usually gets them in quickly.

I am hopefully having my surgery sometime in June. My "pre-op" appointment is June 8, and I hope to get a date then. Since it is getting closer, I am coming up with a few questions I had not thought of before. I'm sure y'all will help! 1. Are you completely naked for surgery? I suppose this doesn't matter, but I would just like to know in advance if I get to keep my panties on. (Blush!) 2. How long do you think it will be before I would be able to swim? I have love to float around in the pool, and I hope it won't be too long. 3. How long will it be before I can have sex again? (Blush again!) This is actually a question my husband has. 4. What is one piece (or more) of advice that you wish someone had told you that you didn't know going into this? Thanks in advance for all your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions the closer it gets.

Nearly everyone has been supportive to me (at least to my face...lol). Those who haven't have approached their criticism as concern. I do believe those people have been sincere in their concern. One said, "That's just so drastic." I told him that I am at the point that something drastic is what I must do. I reminded him that losing a foot or something due to diabetes that I may later develop would be drastic, and I am taking a proactive approach. Either way, I know this is something I have to do for myself, and ultimately by myself. I don't mean that I don't have a great support team. I do; my family are all on board. I just know that I am the one who will have to decide daily whether to exercise or sit on the sofa, whether to make wise food choices or eat whatever I want. In that sense, the band and my support team can only do so much. This is something that I will have to follow through with for myself!

I think you have the start of a good stand-up routine here. If you decide to go that way, I'll buy a ticket.

Could this possibly be why the band didn't work for you? (just kidding) Seriously, thanks to everyone for your answers. I'm sure I'll have more quesitons later...

Well, I am getting close! My next appointment is June 8, and it is my sixth weigh-in/7th appt/pre-op appt. I am wondering now just how much time there will be between this appointment, and my actual surgery. Since I have last posted, I have had my psych consult (and passed to the surprise of some of my family members--j/k). I have also scheduled my nutrition class for June 3. That, however, took some doing. There was a misunderstanding about the number of seminars I needed to attend. Luckily, I am finished with those. So, I guess now it is just a waiting game. After my next appt., I'll just be waiting for my surgery.

Well, I am getting close! My next appointment is June 8, and it is my sixth weigh-in/7th appt/pre-op appt. I am wondering now just how much time there will be between this appointment, and my actual surgery. Since I have last posted, I have had my psych consult (and passed to the surprise of some of my family members--j/k). I have also scheduled my nutrition class for June 3. That, however, took some doing. There was a misunderstanding about the number of seminars I needed to attend. Luckily, I am finished with those. So, I guess now it is just a waiting game. After my next appt., I'll just be waiting for my surgery.

Well, my weigh-in was today. I was down 4 pounds! I did very well at luch after the weigh-in, but I had pizza for dinner. Oh, well, as my daddy once told me, tomorrow's another day. I'll do better then.

Well, my weigh-in was today. I was down 4 pounds! I did very well at luch after the weigh-in, but I had pizza for dinner. Oh, well, as my daddy once told me, tomorrow's another day. I'll do better then.

Yes, I'm nervous. My second weigh-in is on Monday, and I know I haven't done well. I have had good days and bad days. I am afraid that I haven't lost any weight, or worse, that I've gained (gulp) weight. I have been sick, and my appetite has been huge! I know I am probably making excuses, but either way, I feel like biting my nails. Wish me luck!

Yes, I'm nervous. My second weigh-in is on Monday, and I know I haven't done well. I have had good days and bad days. I am afraid that I haven't lost any weight, or worse, that I've gained (gulp) weight. I have been sick, and my appetite has been huge! I know I am probably making excuses, but either way, I feel like biting my nails. Wish me luck!

too funny...I can relate to everything you wrote...that's what makes it so funny... Thanks for the laugh!

Yes, be careful with the Metformin. Many people take it with no problems, but I can't. It is really hard on my stomach. I have even pushed through and taken as much as 1500mg/day because I thought that might help me lose weight and get pregnant. In the end, it did nothing but make me sick. If it works for you (as it does for many) that will be great. Also, it is important to keep up with your lab work while on it because sometimes (very rarely though) it can cause liver problems. I think it doesn't happen very often at all, but when it does it can be serious. Best of luck!

I am going to paste below the body of the letter I wrote to my surgeon outlining why I need to have the Lap Band. I hope this can help some of you who might have to write a similar letter. If any of you have suggestions, please let me know as I have not sent the letter yet. Here it is.... I am writing to let you know why I need to have weight loss surgery. I say need and not want deliberately. At my weight I know I am at an increased risk for several serious health problems. The blood work I had done this summer shows that I am dangerously close to having diabetes. My obesity also puts me at risk for heart disease and sleep apnea. The excess weight puts a strain on my lungs, joints, and bones. I have to lose weight if I hope to live a long life. Having weight loss surgery is not something I take lightly, nor will it be my first attempt at serious weight loss. In the past, I have tried a variety of weight loss methods. These methods have even been met with temporary success. The problem with that success is that it was not lasting. I need to control my weight for good. I have researched various weight loss programs and different surgical weight loss procedures. I feel that having the Lap Band surgery will allow me to not only lose the weight but to also maintain the weight loss. I do not expect it to be a miracle. I realize that it will require hard work and determination on my part. It will require a life long change, and I am ready to make that change. While I would be lying to say that the aesthetic appeal of losing weight doesn’t motivate me, I will say that it is not my primary motivation. I do not want to be a new me; I want to be a healthier me. I do not expect to drop pounds overnight, nor do I expect to become skinny. I do expect to become a healthier person and live a healthier lifestyle for the remainder of what I hope will be a long life. Thank you for considering me for this life changing procedure.

I don't know what a third class medical certificate even is. What is that?

Thanks to all for your input. I don't know if he would turn me down based on my letter, but I am required to write one. That much I know. The reason I didn't include specifics about my past weight loss methods is that I had to list all of that very specifically in the paperwork for him. However, after I REread the instructions for writing the letter and your advice, I think I should detail them again. Also, my instructions indicated that I sould also include a statement of my willingness to comply with post surgery instructions and lifestyle changes. So, I will be revising this in a while. Again, thanks for the input. I want everything to go well, so I'm willing to take any pointers y'all have to give.

I posted this in my blog, but I want feedback, so I'm going to post it again here. Below is the body of the letter I wrote to my sugeon which is part of his requirement. If any of you have advice, please let me know. I glady accept constructive criticism, and if it sounds good, I don't mind encouragement either. I am writing to let you know why I need to have weight loss surgery. I say need and not want deliberately. At my weight I know I am at an increased risk for several serious health problems. The blood work I had done this summer shows that I am dangerously close to having diabetes. My obesity also puts me at risk for heart disease and sleep apnea. The excess weight puts a strain on my lungs, joints, and bones. I have to lose weight if I hope to live a long life. Having weight loss surgery is not something I take lightly, nor will it be my first attempt at serious weight loss. In the past, I have tried a variety of weight loss methods. These methods have even been met with temporary success. The problem with that success is that it was not lasting. I need to control my weight for good. I have researched various weight loss programs and different surgical weight loss procedures. I feel that having the Lap Band surgery will allow me to not only lose the weight but to also maintain the weight loss. I do not expect it to be a miracle. I realize that it will require hard work and determination on my part. It will require a life long change, and I am ready to make that change. While I would be lying to say that the aesthetic appeal of losing weight doesn’t motivate me, I will say that it is not my primary motivation. I do not want to be a new me; I want to be a healthier me. I do not expect to drop pounds overnight, nor do I expect to become skinny. I do expect to become a healthier person and live a healthier lifestyle for the remainder of what I hope will be a long life. Thank you for considering me for this life changing procedure. ............. Okay, so whatcha think?

Thank you. As I read my instructions again this am, I think I may need to add a little more about what I've tried and my willingness to comply with surgical guidelines. Thanks for the compliment though! (I'm a writing teacher, so that helps a little.)

Oh, yeah...I should mention I haven't sent it yet...thus, the request for feedback...

I am going to paste below the body of the letter I wrote to my surgeon outlining why I need to have the Lap Band. I hope this can help some of you who might have to write a similar letter. If any of you have suggestions, please let me know as I have not sent the letter yet. Here it is.... I am writing to let you know why I need to have weight loss surgery. I say need and not want deliberately. At my weight I know I am at an increased risk for several serious health problems. The blood work I had done this summer shows that I am dangerously close to having diabetes. My obesity also puts me at risk for heart disease and sleep apnea. The excess weight puts a strain on my lungs, joints, and bones. I have to lose weight if I hope to live a long life. Having weight loss surgery is not something I take lightly, nor will it be my first attempt at serious weight loss. In the past, I have tried a variety of weight loss methods. These methods have even been met with temporary success. The problem with that success is that it was not lasting. I need to control my weight for good. I have researched various weight loss programs and different surgical weight loss procedures. I feel that having the Lap Band surgery will allow me to not only lose the weight but to also maintain the weight loss. I do not expect it to be a miracle. I realize that it will require hard work and determination on my part. It will require a life long change, and I am ready to make that change. While I would be lying to say that the aesthetic appeal of losing weight doesn’t motivate me, I will say that it is not my primary motivation. I do not want to be a new me; I want to be a healthier me. I do not expect to drop pounds overnight, nor do I expect to become skinny. I do expect to become a healthier person and live a healthier lifestyle for the remainder of what I hope will be a long life. Thank you for considering me for this life changing procedure.

I had a similar experience. I was handed a pamphlet with the suggestions for a diabetic 2000 calorie diet, and that was it. At first, I felt a little lost. However, I found that it was actually kind of freeing. I don't feel pressure to be perfect. I have guidelines for healthy eating, and I have to write down what I eat (to file away in case insurance ever wants to see it) and that's really it. With everything else I am doing to prepare myself, I really didn't need something rigid and stressful. Maybe you can look at it that way...

As requested by one of my favorite fellow teachers, I am going to outline my journey through this process. Other than researching the surgery, my first step was visiting my primary care physician, Dr. Mark DalleAve. (This was around June 2008, I believe.) I was reluctant to ask him about the surgery because he tends to be very conservative. I feared he would want me to try more traditional methods--again. Surprisingly, that was not the case. He said he thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery and sent me for some preliminary bloodwork he knew would be required. The bloodwork revealed that everything was basically okay with the exception of my thyroid. I can never remember whether mine is hyper or hypo. I just know that the number on my bloodwork print out was higher than it should've been. I think the highest it should be is like 4.5 and mine was 9 something. Either way, he put me on synthroid for two months, and I had to be rechecked after that. The medicine worked well. My levels were down to 2 something when rechecked. As I said before, my other tests were "basically okay." However, as I researched the results and what they meant, I realized that I am VERY close to being a diagnosed diabetic. That was another real wake up call for me. I do NOT want to become diabetic and have to handle all the problems that come with that. This gave me even more determination to do this and make it work. After my thyroid was under controll with medicine, the doctor was ready to refer me to the surgeon. This is where the waiting game started again. (I was already disappointed by having to wait months on the thyroid tests.) It took nearly two weeks for me to even hear from the surgeon. (This surgeon had been recommended by the nurses at Dr. DalleAve's office because he said they knew more about who was good than he did.) When I did hear back from this surgeon, there was a huge packet of information for me to complete and they wanted a "Program Fee" of $150 before they would make my appointment. When I asked questions of the receptionist, she answered everything, but she didn't offer any information on her own. I was unimpressed. I was a little unsure if this was the surgeon I wanted to see, so I did a little more research on this website as well as others online. I called the office of Doctors Watson and Hodge in Johnson City, TN, and I'm very glad I did. The receptionist was happy to answer my questions and offered additional information on the expertise and experience of the surgeons. I had to wait nearly three months for an appointment, but they gladly made me an appointment. I met with Dr. Hodge for the first time on Dec. 17, 2008. (In the meantime I did have quite a lot of paperwork to complete but not nearly as much as requested by the other surgeon. All of this questions actually seemed relevant.) In the time while I had to wait for my appointment, I decided to do everything I could to prepare. I contacted my insurance company to find out exactly what requirements I would have to meet to qualify for the surgery. (I already knew it was a covered benefit.) I met every criteria, but I was disappointed to learn that I would have to undergo a 6 mo. doctor supervised diet before surgery. When starting this journey, I hoped to have the surgery in early 2009. At every turn I realized it would take longer and longer, and it seemed like it would take forever. I also found that I would have to attend four seminars on the lap band as required by my surgeon. I attended two of these in October, and I plan to attend the other two soon. At the October seminars, I learned that I would have a few more hoops to jump. December 17 came more quickly than I imagined. At that visit, I was given a list of my homework and directions for starting my 6 mo. diet. All my homework will be "due" by my 7th appointment, which will also be the end of my sixth month diet and my preop appointment. For my homework, I have to have statements from my primary care doctor once per year from 2004-2008 with my height and weight listed. This is to show my five year history of obesity. (No problem there; I was obese even as the captain of my high school cheerleading squad.) These records can be from any visit; it doesn't have to be a weight-related visit. I also have to have an EGD, which I have scheduled for my spring break. I do NOT have to have an ultrasound of my gall bladder because I had that removed in 2004. I also have to have a letter from Dr. DalleAve stating that he "recommends" me as a candidate for the surgery, a letter from myself to my surgeon stating why I want to have the surgery and what I expect, a visit to a nutritionist, and a visit to a psychologist. The surgeon's office was very helpful in recommending psychologists, and they actually offer complimentary visits to a nutritionist at the local mall's health services center. This is in addition to the seminars which I mentioned previously. I know this may sound like a lot of homework, but I have six months to do it, so I don't think it will be bad. The last thing I have done is my second visit to the surgeon. I didn't see him, but I saw his nurse practioner instead. She was very helpful and encouraging. I lost 5 pounds on the first month of my 6 mo. diet. I was apologetic that I hadn't lost more, but she was quick to let me know that any loss was a good loss. My next appointment is in a few weeks, and by that time I hope to have more of my "homework" completed. I will post again after that, if not before. Until then, wish me luck and let me know if you have any questions.

As requested by one of my favorite fellow teachers, I am going to outline my journey through this process. Other than researching the surgery, my first step was visiting my primary care physician, Dr. Mark DalleAve. (This was around June 2008, I believe.) I was reluctant to ask him about the surgery because he tends to be very conservative. I feared he would want me to try more traditional methods--again. Surprisingly, that was not the case. He said he thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery and sent me for some preliminary bloodwork he knew would be required. The bloodwork revealed that everything was basically okay with the exception of my thyroid. I can never remember whether mine is hyper or hypo. I just know that the number on my bloodwork print out was higher than it should've been. I think the highest it should be is like 4.5 and mine was 9 something. Either way, he put me on synthroid for two months, and I had to be rechecked after that. The medicine worked well. My levels were down to 2 something when rechecked. As I said before, my other tests were "basically okay." However, as I researched the results and what they meant, I realized that I am VERY close to being a diagnosed diabetic. That was another real wake up call for me. I do NOT want to become diabetic and have to handle all the problems that come with that. This gave me even more determination to do this and make it work. After my thyroid was under controll with medicine, the doctor was ready to refer me to the surgeon. This is where the waiting game started again. (I was already disappointed by having to wait months on the thyroid tests.) It took nearly two weeks for me to even hear from the surgeon. (This surgeon had been recommended by the nurses at Dr. DalleAve's office because he said they knew more about who was good than he did.) When I did hear back from this surgeon, there was a huge packet of information for me to complete and they wanted a "Program Fee" of $150 before they would make my appointment. When I asked questions of the receptionist, she answered everything, but she didn't offer any information on her own. I was unimpressed. I was a little unsure if this was the surgeon I wanted to see, so I did a little more research on this website as well as others online. I called the office of Doctors Watson and Hodge in Johnson City, TN, and I'm very glad I did. The receptionist was happy to answer my questions and offered additional information on the expertise and experience of the surgeons. I had to wait nearly three months for an appointment, but they gladly made me an appointment. I met with Dr. Hodge for the first time on Dec. 17, 2008. (In the meantime I did have quite a lot of paperwork to complete but not nearly as much as requested by the other surgeon. All of this questions actually seemed relevant.) In the time while I had to wait for my appointment, I decided to do everything I could to prepare. I contacted my insurance company to find out exactly what requirements I would have to meet to qualify for the surgery. (I already knew it was a covered benefit.) I met every criteria, but I was disappointed to learn that I would have to undergo a 6 mo. doctor supervised diet before surgery. When starting this journey, I hoped to have the surgery in early 2009. At every turn I realized it would take longer and longer, and it seemed like it would take forever. I also found that I would have to attend four seminars on the lap band as required by my surgeon. I attended two of these in October, and I plan to attend the other two soon. At the October seminars, I learned that I would have a few more hoops to jump. December 17 came more quickly than I imagined. At that visit, I was given a list of my homework and directions for starting my 6 mo. diet. All my homework will be "due" by my 7th appointment, which will also be the end of my sixth month diet and my preop appointment. For my homework, I have to have statements from my primary care doctor once per year from 2004-2008 with my height and weight listed. This is to show my five year history of obesity. (No problem there; I was obese even as the captain of my high school cheerleading squad.) These records can be from any visit; it doesn't have to be a weight-related visit. I also have to have an EGD, which I have scheduled for my spring break. I do NOT have to have an ultrasound of my gall bladder because I had that removed in 2004. I also have to have a letter from Dr. DalleAve stating that he "recommends" me as a candidate for the surgery, a letter from myself to my surgeon stating why I want to have the surgery and what I expect, a visit to a nutritionist, and a visit to a psychologist. The surgeon's office was very helpful in recommending psychologists, and they actually offer complimentary visits to a nutritionist at the local mall's health services center. This is in addition to the seminars which I mentioned previously. I know this may sound like a lot of homework, but I have six months to do it, so I don't think it will be bad. The last thing I have done is my second visit to the surgeon. I didn't see him, but I saw his nurse practioner instead. She was very helpful and encouraging. I lost 5 pounds on the first month of my 6 mo. diet. I was apologetic that I hadn't lost more, but she was quick to let me know that any loss was a good loss. My next appointment is in a few weeks, and by that time I hope to have more of my "homework" completed. I will post again after that, if not before. Until then, wish me luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Zemzerlily, I would go ahead and get started as soon as possible. I'm sure you will have to jump through all the hoops again because they will want the information to be as current as possible. Also, it is likely that you will have to do a 6 mo. preop diet, so you will want to get started on that ASAP. I have been seeing Dr. Hodge in Johnson City, but that is just a personal preference. I don't know about the lifting though. I think it may be several weeks before you are allowed to lift no matter which surgery you have. I know that any time you have an incision, you are succeptable to hernias and lifting raises that risk. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Great to hear your good news!