mattsmom1
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Everything posted by mattsmom1
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I need to turn the corner! Thanks for posting because I am back on this website to see if there was anyone going through the same thing as me??? I was banded 12/14/08 and I have been struggling with the last 20 or so pounds. I have been eating around my band and just got comfortable with being at 145 pounds BUT I am only 5'1" so I am still in the overweight category. And I have been the same weight for about 4-5 months. Uggg. Today I am heading to the store get the foods to start the 5 day pouch diet. After that I might head in for a fill but the last time I was there he said I couldn't handle anymore without being too tight, that was in Dec. I know when I eat better it is tighter and I eat less. Thanks for both of you for posting and I don't feel as alone. Michele
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Hi Desi! So how are you doing with the workouts??? I would love to hear how you are doing? My husband and I started Insanity yesterday!!! Wow it really does kick butt!! I think of myself as being in okay shape because I have been doing bootcamp style workouts for over a year now but this workout was sooo fast and I really have to push myself. My husband thought he was going to get sick and he drank too much water. But we pushed through and felt great for finishing the first dvd. I need to lose about 20 pounds to get to my goal. I was banded in Dec 08 and have been on a plateau for a few months now. Would love to share the Insanity experiences with another bandster. Michele
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"No Fill For You!" Because I was a Stupid DooDoo POOPIE HEAD!!!
mattsmom1 replied to Oblong's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
You are not alone... I did the same thing as you did!!!! I was banded on Dec 14 and when I went in to get my first fill the dr asked me what I was eating. I was explaining how I don't feel any restriction and I really am not getting full, blah blah. I was eating scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, refried Beans (cause I liked them with cheese and hot sauce), Protein shakes for snack, so I described the mushy phase way into my 6th week post op. The way he described it made sense that all the mushy food was going through the band to the big stomach. I just was nervous about eating regular food and I was loosing so I just went with it. Anyways, now I have had 2 fills and definately am feeling restriction. Good luck to you and it's nice to know I wasn't the only one. Michele 193/169/125 (no preop diet) -
Hey Brenda,
Was thinking of you and wondering how you were doing?
I hope you are ok:)
Michele
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Hi Alex,
I just noticed you left me a message on here. I think we met in Dr. Nazarian's office. You also met Wendy? Well, yep I was banded on Dec. 14 with Dr. N and all went smooth. I am down about 18-19 pounds. Fluctuating a pound these past few days. I went in to have my first fill but was the Dr. wanted me to be on solids a while longer since I was eating too many mushies to know my fullness. So I might have my first fill on Sunday.
So have you been banded? How's it going? Are you still researching doctors? Let me know how it's going. Thanks for your message.
Michele
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Hi Wendy,
I posted this morning on your blog. Yeah! Can't believe how time is flying and your time is almost here. Yep, to be honest I have been eating a little bit of crap. Not sure why? My thoughts go like this, "Well, I lost a pound and I am doing great so just a little won't hurt." Got to break that pattern. So I can't wait for the band to remind me I physically can't eat crap. Anyways, thanks for listening. I look forward to hearing your story after Monday. Good luck with the funeral and seeing family. I will talk to you soon,
Michele
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Hi Fellow Bandsters, Well, yesterday was two weeks post op and I have lost 14 pounds so far (no pre-op diet for me). Since I am still healing and getting used to the band lifestyle I have some questions. First I noticed after I eat I have a pain in the middle of my back. Is this still gas? It also hurts when I stand a lot. Next, I don't feel restricted at all. I am not that hungry either. Dr. said I could start mushies on Christmas so I have stalled in my weight loss too. I have had some mashed potatoes, refried Beans, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and I can eat like normal. I am trying to watch how much I eat but I am trying to get a feel for the band too. Hope that makes sense. I don't want to stretch my stomach either. Another question, when I eat mushies am I supposed to chew 20 times? I really havent been doing that cause I figured its already soft. Nothing has gotten stuck yet, is that because I haven't had a fill yet? Last, when I drink Water, do I have to sip or can I down a bottle. I have been so thirsty and don't want to stretch my stomach by drinking too much. Thank you all for your support. I am so happy to have found this site. I am excited to finally be losing weight. Happy New Year!!!!! Michele:smile:
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Newbie questions @ 2 wks post-op
mattsmom1 replied to mattsmom1's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Becky, Thanks for your post, we mustv'e been typing at the same time when I posted before. You were very helpful in answering my questions. It makes sense to me when I hear from someone who is going through it. It confirms what I was thinking. The thing about this band is that I don't have someone to ask these questions to on a day to day basis. Thank you so much for sharing what you learned. I guess I was expecting to feel a lot different, but it sounds like after a fill I will. Also, I don't want to fail at this attempt to lose weight (like other diets in the past). Wow your weight loss is great! Have a great day! Thanks again, Michele:smile2: -
Newbie questions @ 2 wks post-op
mattsmom1 replied to mattsmom1's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for your reply, scrmom. I know what you mean about drinking with my meals. I even have to think about when I will eat next so I don't drink right before. Then I have to think about it after eating too. I also feel like I am eating too much. I know it's a lot less than before I was banded but I am just nervous I am not doing it right. I feel normal. Another positive, I have so much energy. I am on vacation until the 5th and I am taking everything out of cupboards and closets to get organized. Before the surgery I would be sitting on the couch thinking about what I will eat or what i am not supposed to eat. Thanks for your post. Don't you love this site? Michele -
Hi Mc in Md,
I saw your stats and we are similiar in weight, height and age. I have my surgery Dec. 14 and I am 189 today @ 5' 1 1/2". I am 38 years old. I was wondering how long did it take you to reach goal? I am so excited to have it done. Do you have any advice to offer on what worked for you and what was the hardest to do? I plan on working out with weights 3 days/week and treadmill 3-4 days a week. Also, do you have any extra skin? I will prob need a tummy tuck because I have had 2 c-sections. Thanks for sharing your info.
Michele in CA
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Hi All, I was approved for a loan through Med Loan and was ready to sign until I got my loan papers. The loan officer said I qualified for $11600. But when I got the paperwork it said I need to pay back 15,000.:thumbdown: A nice even number right? Well on the paperwork the $3400 is the "Provider Adjustment Amount" I called Med Loan and they said that was added because it's not a secured loan. Not sure what that means. Maybe cause I didn't use our house as collateral? I called my dr's office and they said that Care Credit would also have an additional fee. Can anyone explain this? I was wondering if I could get another type of loan to avoid paying this fee. My credit is good so that's not a problem. Frustrating when all of the sudden a hidden fee comes up and I don't want to be naive or regret not shopping around. I don't have a problem with financing and paying I just want to make an informed decision. This whole process is new and so many hoops to go through before surgery. Yes, even for self payers. I thought it would have been easier. Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice on this matter. By the way my surgery date is Dec 14. yeah Michele:smile:
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Mourning food already
mattsmom1 replied to Sooverit!'s topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am feeling the same way. Wow thank you for being so open and honest about how you are feeling. My surgery date is Dec 14. I feel like I am eating anything and everything I wouldn't normally have. I feel like it is my last meal everytime. I have gained weight since my initial consult. I know it's not true that we can never have some of our favorites and your posts are helping prepare my mind that it is not about deprivation like past diets. I always failed when I felt deprived. (I know some foods are difficult like bread, pasta, soda) I also realize I need new hobbies and things to keep me busy living my life instead of thinking about food and what I am going to eat, or what I shouldn't have eaten, and how I will change tomorrow, or keep wishing I was different. I am going to starat living to the fullest and be thankful for my family and friends in my life. Good luck to everyone. I am happy we can share these feelings. :rolleyes2::redface::tongue2: -
Thank you everyone with your suggestions and help. I got approved with Care Credit. Care Credit charges my dr. 5.9% of the amount borrowing so my dr. adds that to my bill. It's like sometimes I get charged a fee for using an ATM card at certain places. My dr. also uses my medical loan for financing (which i didn't know til yesterday). I will know today if I am approved. My back up plan is Care Credit a 600 fee is much much better than 3400 medloan wanted. BTW i didn't have any comobidities either. I keep asking my husband you think I have sleep apnea. Nope. I just can't wait to have this done!!!! Good luck everyone!
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Thank you for your replies. I think my dr. office only accepts Med Loan and Care Credit. I don't mind paying the interest because that is expected. Although when you add an additional 10% my loan went from 11600 to 20,000 with the fee plus interest. We are going to pay it off in a year and it will become interest free. As far as the hoops, some drs dont require psych, nutrition, and GI. If you are selfpaying. Well, my dr. does require those, so I had to go to many appts. I didn't have any comorbidities to help me qualify for my ins. to pay. I don't want to sound so negative, I was just wondering how other self payers handle these things. I am really excited to finally take control of my weight and lose the pounds. Thanks again for listening.
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Hi Wendy, Ahh, I am sorry for the mix up on your appt. days. Guess what? I will be there on Sunday at 10:15. Maybe our paths will cross. Let me know what your appt time is and I will look for you. It is great to have someone to talk to while we are going through this journey. I just want it done already. I am so instant gratification. I don't want to be fat anymore, and I want it now. My husband put it this way: You have spent the last 15 years this way whats 40 more days. Sunday I am going to put a deposit for December 14 because I will be off on Christmas break for 3 weeks. It will be a nice Christmas present. Have a great Halloween! Do you have kids? If so what ages? Mine are 2 years apart. Matthew who is 2 and Kaitlyn who is almost 5 months old. Oh, I was wondering if you are telling people you are having lapband surgery? I have only told my mom. Not sure if I will tell people at work. I am nervous telling my inlaws. Just wondering if you are sharing this with people. Talk to you soon, Michele:smile2:
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Hi Wendy, So how was your consult with Dr. Nazarian? I can't wait to hear. Thursday I went to see the psych it was very interesting and shows me that I have some psychological work to do along with the physical. I know I have to work through my head hunger and find ways to cope with feelings other than eating. So I got my letter for the Dr. and tomorrow I will see the nutritionist. Look forward to hearing about your appt. Michele
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Hi Wendy, I know about the appts. being so far but it is easier to work with their doctors because they know what is needed. The GI needs to be done for all patients I believe. Dr. Nazarian wants to see if there are any ulcers or something that would cause a complication prior to lap. So even though the heartburn is mild I wanted my insurance to cover it. I don't like having another bill in these economic times but my husband thinks it will make me happier in the long run. In turn will make him happy too. My payments are going to be 349 per month for 60 months and interest free if we pay it off in a years time. I have been struggling with my weight for 15 years and it is so depressing. I want to be able to do all the fun stuff with my two young kids (2year old son and 5 month old daughter). I won't go in our pool, and dance at weddings because of my weight. Also depression is a concern. So I don't have any other health problems so that insurance will cover the procedure. I know what you mean about TJ. My husband had reservations about going to Mexico too. Even though there are many positive things being said about it. Good luck. On Sunday it will probley be very busy so its probley a good thing that he is popular. He will probley yawn too. Ha Bye for now, Michele
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Hi Wendy, I was going to ask you if you had gone in yet. Thanks for asking about my appts. Today I saw a dr. about my heart burn and he will perform the upper GI that is required before I have the lap put in. So I am moving forward. Thursday I go see a psychologist they recommended. She is in Los Angeles/Beverly Hills. She emailed me some scales and checklists she wants me to complete regarding my weight. Then on Tuesday I see the nutritionist. Not sure what that appt. is about. My friend in VA who had the lap put in over a week ago is doing great. No complications and just highly recommends it. So that is reassuring to hear. I am looking forward to the surgery and what it is going to do to me. I want to feel good again. So you are going to self pay also? Good luck with everything. I hope you have a good experience at Nazarians office. Let me know about Ortiz. I have seen some posts regarding Mexico. Keep me posted. Michele:)
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I think he is at both places. He only does surgeries every other Sunday in San Dimas at the San Dimas Surgical Medical Center. So I have made a lot of progress yesterday and today. I had my blood drawn per the prescription they gave me, scheduled the following: psych consult, nutrition consult, Upper GI consult, and the 2nd consult with Dr. Nazarian for Nov 3. (which I didn't know I had to do until I called with questions). Again when I called they were very friendly. My friend in VA is 5 days post op and urged me to keep going with making my appts. I was getting frustrated because all the appts are in LA or glendora and San Dimas. Plus I am on a 3 week vacation (teacher) and have to take my children to daycare twice a week so I can go to the appts. So it is time consuming but will be worth getting it done. I hope to hear about your experiences also. Michele
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When is your appt. with the Dr? I am curious to see what you think. Are you going to his office in San Dimas? I don't know how much anesth. should be. He actually sat down with me during the quote part to go over the upper GI that is needed before the procedure can be done. I also called the OBand Center and they said about 17000 for selfpay. So 13000 sounds good to me. Let me know what you think. I am not real sure about switching doctors I don't have much experience on how insurance works. Maybe call them directly and ask what to do. Talk to you later. Good Luck!
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The total out of pocket is 13000. Includes 6 adjustments. They had an internet price of 10500 and that did not include the anethesologist. I have gotten approved for a loan with a good rate, and will be intrest free if I pay it off in a year. I would like to keep in touch and see who you go through. I did an internet search on the doctor Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Jamshid Nazarian M.D., F.A.C.Sand I found rave reviews of the doctor. I will keep you posted. Right now I have everything I need to go forward. Also I like the time frame, it works for me. I just want it done so I can lose this weight. I have fears, but they would be the same with any doctor. I do have another concern and that is since I am self pay what happens if I have any complications after the procedure will it be covered under my insurance? I will have to call my insurance to find out. Let's keep each other informed since we are going through the same thing. Good luck. Michele
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Hi, I had a consult with him last Sunday. My appt. was for 9 a.m. and I didn't leave until 12:30. It was so busy and cramped. The doctor did seem nice and he did yawn. I told my husband and he just thought he's just busy and while consulting patients he has to repeat himself over and over. I am torn. I am self pay also, with a BMI of 35. I liked his price and it is close to my home with procedures on Sundays. The nurses seemed nice and I have called since to ask questions and still nice. They are just so busy and cramped in a small office. I have the psych and nutrutionist referrals from him. Also, I have to have an upper GI. My surgery date will be Dec. 14 (my choice) I couldve had Nov 3. I would love to hear about other peoples experience and who they are seeing. I wouldn't mind having another consult with someone else. I live in Corona. Michele