annecolorgreen

I've heard really good things about Dr. Allen but I didn't want to go to Norton's as I used to work there (prefer the anonymity). I've heard really good things about Dr. McMillan at Clark Memorial too (close drive and a more personal hospital). I'm going with Dr. Lusco at St. Mary's. Good luck!

Doing lots of online "research" today on many things. My mind keeps jumping around with new questions! This forum has really helped me get answers as well as think about new possibilities--that I might actually LOSE all this weight, what is the best way to exercise?, how much will insurance pay (if they do)?, and whether or not family members might also qualify. I've also been thinking a lot about the possibility of having my pannus removed if/when I get this weight off (I already have issues with rashes). I didn't think it possible but it seems some insurance companies pay for it! My greatest desire will be to be able to be as active as I want to be. I finally feel like I might achieve that!

Doing lots of online "research" today on many things. My mind keeps jumping around with new questions! This forum has really helped me get answers as well as think about new possibilities--that I might actually LOSE all this weight, what is the best way to exercise?, how much will insurance pay (if they do)?, and whether or not family members might also qualify. I've also been thinking a lot about the possibility of having my pannus removed if/when I get this weight off (I already have issues with rashes). I didn't think it possible but it seems some insurance companies pay for it! My greatest desire will be to be able to be as active as I want to be. I finally feel like I might achieve that!

Oh my! That was so fast! How awesome! How long will it take to schedule your surgery? My surgeon's office said it's typically about two weeks.

That's awesome! Do you feel like your weight loss has increased since you've started in the pool? I've always felt like I didn't get a "workout" unless I got sweaty! Keep it up... ~~anne

Good luck! The VLCD sounds like fun <not>...but is the means to an end! Be sure and let us know how it goes. ~~anne

Hi-- I'm still awaiting insurance approval but am investigating "how" and "what" to eat. Your post makes lots of sense. The only thing I've wondered about though is that so many have posted about Protein supplements...did you use those? It looks like you go all natural except maybe a half scoop in a smoothie. Thanks, Anne

Hi! Are you like me and want to "do something" or even "control a situation"? That's how I feel about all this. It's frustrating to wait on someone else to file insurance. Fortunately, I paid attention initially as I was told at first I didn't have bariatric coverage and then told my surgeon was out of network (neither was true and I had to provide documentation MYSELF). Sigh. Hopefully, we BOTH hear something ASAP! :-) ~~anne

The other thing that was a HUGE LIFESAVER was the doctor gave me a script for a motion sickness patch...scalapia or something like that... The drug is called a "scopolamine patch" (I only know this because I'm a nurse and we use it frequently). It looks like one of those round bandaids and you just put it behind your ear and it's good for 72 hours. Congratulations! I can only hope to get approved quickly (my paperwork goes in this week). ~~anne

I have been told by the bariatric coordinator that my surgery is tentativly scheduled, however, they won't tell me because it is subject to change That's no surprise! Both my sons are in the Army and things/dates seem to change on a daily basis! Good luck to you...sounds like you are on the right track! Aloha! ~~anne

Congratulations! Please keep us informed on how you are doing. I'm still in the "waiting on insurance" phase :crying:. ~~anne

Dwrd73--you are going to be banded with your wife? How cool! My husband just wants to try to do the diet changes along with me...we'll see. He DOES have more willpower than I do! Good luck to you! ~~anne

After gaining increasing amounts of weight since I graduated high school and got married, I finally have hope that I can be outside how I feel inside! I've seen the surgeon, dietician, psychiatrist, have my letter of medical necessity and everything goes to the insurance company this week... Praying it's approved and happens quickly! I am so ready! About me, wife of 23 years to a wonderful husband, four children--two sons in the Army and two teen daughters still at home. We have a one year old lab pup named "Jack" who would LOVE to have me take him for walks but I am unable as my joints hurt too much with exercise (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I have high hopes that taking 100+ pounds off my frame will help with those aches and pains! We also have a little old sheltie dog and a house cat. Oh...and I'm a nurse. ~~anne

Oh Sue, I'm so sorry about the infertility thing! I tried to donate eggs years ago (when I was much thinner) and they wouldn't accept me as I was overweight (maybe 20 lbs more than they accept at the time). That really made me angry as it was truly a desire of my heart to help others! I was too close to being at the top of the age limit they accepted (30) to try and lose it. Good luck to you!

After gaining increasing amounts of weight since I graduated high school and got married, I finally have hope that I can be outside how I feel inside! I've seen the surgeon, dietician, psychiatrist, have my letter of medical necessity and everything goes to the insurance company this week... Praying it's approved and happens quickly! I am so ready! About me, wife of 23 years to a wonderful husband, four children--two sons in the Army and two teen daughters still at home. We have a one year old lab pup named "Jack" who would LOVE to have me take him for walks but I am unable as my joints hurt too much with exercise (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I have high hopes that taking 100+ pounds off my frame will help with those aches and pains! We also have a little old sheltie dog and a house cat. Oh...and I'm a nurse. ~~anne

Congratulations! How is your energy level? Are you taking anything for the gas?

Congratulations! I'm sure you will do well. I'm still waiting... How funny to meet that lady online! ~~anne

I'm in the same place as you! One thing the dietician suggested was to practice eating slower, chewing more, and taking smaller bites. Also, practice eating WITHOUT drinking during the meal. I'll bet that's hard! ~~anne

The band does suppress my appetite pretty good. I have to make myself eat most of the time. That's how I felt while taking the medication. Oh, I have already had a heart ultrasound so I know the med didn't do any damage (thank God!). Thanks to you all for your support... ~~anne

Sorry...I must have stated my question wrong. I just wondered if the effects were the same. I know phen/fen has been off the market and is dangerous. I am hoping that, because phen/fen worked for me, the band will have a similar effect. Thanks!

Hi Anne the Travel Lady! I love cruising too and actually just got back from one. I, too, hoped that I could get banded well before my trip...but that didn't happen. Still waiting on insurance at this point. One thing I found this time was that the portions were very small in comparison to past cruises. My thoughts were that it would definitely make someone feel less "guilty" about wasting food while traveling. Also, the dining room had "spa" options. One of my favorite meals was grilled fish and grilled veggies! I purchased an insulated mug first thing and carried cold Water with me wherever I went (you could pack your own). Because I was hot most of the time, I wasn't as hungry this time as when I was on past cruises. The heat kind of takes it out of you. ~~anne (the other travel lady!)

Janet-- How very encouraging! Thanks for posting! Would you mind sharing if you had any health conditions that have improved? For instance, I am only 40 years old but have rheumatoid arthritis and am hoping to be able to exercise easier as I lose. I have not been banded yet...waiting on insurance. Thanks! ~~anne

Can someone tell me which brand of canned chicken you used? I bought some seal-packaged chicken and tried it with the spinach dip and the chicken had a funny smell (i was NOT out of date). Neither my husband or I liked it (the chicken). Any suggestions? ~~anne

Hi! I saw the surgeon today (first visit) and will have my psych and diet eval on Friday. What will they be asking? What are they looking for? Thanks! ~~anne

Oh...so it's more of a consultation than like a critique (more what I was thinking since I had seen the word evaluation used). I thought it had something to do with whether or not I'd get approved by insurance. I'm surprised they do it before you get the approval (they are just now sending my info in to insurance). Thanks!