TravelLady48

Thanks for all the encouragement. The time should go by pretty fast.:biggrin: I still have some more weight to lose, but now that I have a date atleast I have something to work toward. My doctor did not tell me to do any kind of fast right before the surgery, but I will try to do a fast 1 week prior. I am going on a cruise the last week of Sep, so I hope i will at least eat from the "Spa menu" so I don't slide back too much.

Joann: Good luck on getting your approval. Thanks for the information about excercising. It is true about that muscle tone has many benefits. I also understand that our skin is less elastic as we get older. Anne

I started at 330 BMI 50.2 and 1 doctor refused to band me because he said I was too big. I have another doctor and my band date is Oct 13. I know it will be a slow process to reach my goal, but it will be worth it. ANNE

I haven't been banded yet and in fact I just got my date yesterday. My surgery will be Oct 13 and I am happy I found this thread. I had mentioned in another forum that I hope to get a TT and a BL once I have reached my goal and so many of the those ladies (very young) told me that I probably wouldn't need a TT as long as I do weight training as I lose weight. I knew that is couldn't be true, especially for those of us who are older.

I'm scheduled for Oct. 13. I can hardly believe I finally have a date. Good luck to everyone.

Hi Anne: Thanks for your ideas, I always forget about the "spa" meals, they are usually pretty good and will be a great alternative. And I definitely take my own insulated cup for Water. Still no date set for my surgery. Anne

Kris: Thanks for the information. I diffinitely will look for a fill doctor in case I end up finding a surgeon totally out of my area. By the way where is Dr. Curry located? Anne

I was scheduled to be banded here in my city and was very comfortable at first. However, I ended up cancelling my original banding date and my doctor's whole attitude has changed. He has not rescheduled by surgery. I had all the pre-op tests and had been approved by my insurance. I am now looking for another surgeon, hopefully in So Cal, but if I have to go out of my area I do have some questions. I noticed many people go to various centers in different states or even into Mexico for Lap Banding. Does that mean you do meet your surgeon until you arrive for the surgery? What about your pre-op testing, how and where is that scheduled? What about fills and follow-up after the surgery? I live in Cali but may end up going to Atlanta.

I too was told by one doctor that my BMI (52) was too high for banding, but after joining LBT I saw many people with BMI's much higher how had been banded and have lost weight. Therefore, I have looked for another doctor because my insurance did not have that restriction based on my BMI. I have lost weight and am now below 50 BMI, so I'm glad I stuck with it. Good luck wih your GBP. You are doing the right thing for your health and to be around as your child grows up.

I was prescribed a cpap almost 10years ago, when first diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. At that time the machines were very bulky and noisy so I didn't use mine, but then I heard about 2 people I knew who died from the complications of sleep apnea. That scared me. I went for another sleep study and was told I now have severe Sleep apnea and that was the reason I was totally exhausted. Now it's amazing what a difference it makes when you get a full night sleep. Yes, the cpap can be expensive, but maybe you can rent it, because it is my understanding you will get off the machine once you lose some weight. Anne

Southergirl: I'm so happy that you have your date for Aug. As for me I have been on so many websites, but it is really hard to really know a doctor or center without some recommendation. They all seem very great. I am really hoping to hear from some of the ladies from So Cal or even No cal to see how they feel about their surgeons. Anne

Thanks ATL: I am going to first try to get a surgeon in So Cal, but if that does not work out I am quite familiar with Emory. I will definitely check into the Emory Batriactic Center. More than likely they are in network with United Health Care, where as the other group probably is not. I will give both groups a call. By the way did you have to follow a pre-op diet in preparation for your surgery? One last question I noticed you have 2 different doctors in the Bariactric group, why is that? :confused2: Good luck with your surgery. Anne

Skinny: thanks for sharing with all of us. It good to know that there maybe ups and in our weight loss search and it good to see that many people have experienced it. Just like we have been told the band is not a magic bullet but just a tool. It sounds like you have the right ideas, just stick with your program. Anne the Travel Lady

Hi Dane: So have you decided stick with Dr. Liu? I have have had many of my pre-test with another surgeon, but am not too thrilled with him, so I'm looking for another surgeon. Does Dr. Liu or his nutritionist give you guidelines to follow for a pre-op diet? I would be very interested to know more about him, and I am planning on attending his seminar soon. Anne

Hi everyone I just turned 60 this week and happy to see so many people on this forum. I don't have any grandchildren yet, but I really hope if I have this surgery I will be around when my son (age 27 and engaged) gets married and starts a family. (he says in the next 2 years). I do have diabetes, HBP, sleep apnea and severe arthritis in one knee, I'm hoping that this surgery will help with all these medical problems and I can get off so much medication. :cool2: I am already retired, after working for years with a major airline, but because of my weight and size I have not been very comfortable flying. I do love cruising. I have been researching WLS for a couple of years and have only now decided on LapBanding. I had a surgery date set for 6/12/08 but cancelled because by the time I had finished all my pre-op test etc, my surgeon was no longer in network with my insurance. I also did not feel very well informed by his group about the procedure. I'm now waiting for another date, I think he is punishing me because of the cancellation so I am looking for another surgeon.:thumbup:

I too am an emotional overeater and thank you for the website for Ebony OA. I also going to make use of psych help to more control of the many loose ends in my life. Anne the Travel Lady

Yettia: Congratulations. It's the first day of the rest of your life. Take it easy. I will love to hear how your post-op eating is progressing. Anne the Travel Lady

Tammy: You are so right about what a close knit groups doctors are. In fact my PCP only refers me to specialist who she feels fits my personality and then she always asks me if they treated me with respect. She is one of the best doctors around.:crying: Now that she has seen how determined I am to get banded, she is now trying to do everything to help me reach my goal.:thumbup: Up until now she has been totally against any kind of WLS. Anne the Travel Lady

Hey Ladies: My banding surgeon told me to lose about 25 lbs, before he will schedule my surgery. He didn't give me any real directions. :wub: For those who have done a Pre-op diet, any suggestions? So far I have lost about 7lbs. I am also going to check with my PCP, once she back from her vacation. I assume some kind of high Protein with liquids should do.

Tammy: I finally got to see my PCP and she has helped me get started on a weight loss plan that will work with my diabetes. She is very upset about how little help my band surgeon given me. She has suggested I may want to find about surgeon.

welcome ladies!

GG: One sister-in-law lives in New Malden and brother-in-law lives in Surrey. They have always encouraged me in my weight struggle, but I haven't told them of my decision to get the band. I want it to be a surprise when they see me. Last year there was a huge family wedding in London(Nigerian and African-American), which I wouldn't attend because I was too embrassed about my size. I hope to change those feelings. Good luck on your surgery, and I hope you will be able to cross the pond in comfort.

This is such great news. Congratulations. Anne

Congratulations April, it won't be long now and I am very envious. Anne

April: Yes, we are saying the same thing and no offense is taken. I really do appreciate all the support I am being given from this site. I feel all y'all understand the problems each one of us going through and we are in this together. :biggrin2::frown: Curves: Since my dh is not talking about the surgery, I'm not discussing it anymore. He knows he cannot get me to change my mind, especially since it is for my health. Anne the Travel Lady