Kat817

Hi, I am not known for words of wisdom---but I will say, that I believe you will find this to have been one of the best decisions you will ever make for yourself! I love my band, it has been such a blessing!!! I have control over my eating, and I weigh less than I have in well over a decade---close to 2! I have energy, and hope... I cannot say enough good things about it! Are you prepared? Do you have all the things you will need following surgery? It is not impossible to get out and do things following the surgery, but it is a lot easier, if you have all you need waiting for you at home, and all you have to do is lie there for a day or so. I found the surgery to be very easy. I was up and walking withing a couple of hours of getting back to my room. I flew home on day 3, and had no problems. The following day I was wondering Home Depot with DH. I didn't have any residual gas issues or anything. What scares you the most? Maybe we can tackle that....cuz as I say, I just lack wisdom!!!! Kat

I have maintained my protein since prior to surgery. I did this on Atkins too, which is nothing BUT protein. Doesn't affect me. Wish it did, that I could control.... Kat

Mine started about 5 months post op and at 9 months out it is still falling out. I have maybe 1/3 the hair I did going into this. I have kept my protein up the entire time, and when it began I started the bioten---nothing has changed. I take good quality multi vitamins. I have lost all of my hair before due to chemo, I don't know if that makes me more likely to lose it or not. It is getting VERY noticeable. One thing about it, I can be thin and wear a wig...on the other hand back when I had a head full of hair, I couldn't just wear a skinny suit. Not much of a consolation, but I'm trying to remain positive!!! Worst part is, I am gonna look like a Brittny wanna be!!! Kat

It makes me HURT! Carbonation in a small area, is like shaking the bottle---it fizzes, and when it gets an opening it fizzes over---it feels like it is doing that in my belly. I used to drink lots of Diet Dr. Pepper----none now. I quit well before my surgery. Our 7/11 here, has diet coke icees, that are not carbonated---some say they help. Carbonation is thought to possibly stretch the pouch as well. And it is even said that the acidity of the pop, in such a confined space can lead to ulcerations in the stomach. BUT ask me what I'd rather have the Dr. Pepper, or the 86 pounds... the answer is neither, I'll take my band thanks!!! It is worth it. The Coke is not doing anything for you anyway---find something non carbonated. I drink iced tea. The food is not really much of an issue either. You have several weeks prior and post surgery that food is limited in types---but once you heal, you can eat it all again (some people have problems with some foods, but not everyone), you just don't have to eat anywhere near the amount to feel stuffed full! Start making the changes now, and you will be fine....I promise!! Kat

Well I am not known for my wisdom---but the best thing I can tell you is---this time will pass, and when you get through the surgery, and the post op diet, and you have lost considerable weight by following the plan. Then you get back to living, and eating normally, just in lesser amounts. You will look back and it all will be so worth it! It is very trying to follow the diets they give. Especially when you read, that some Dr.'s don't give their patients any kind of pre-op diet. But it will prepare you for the liquids following surgery, and it will help with the carb cravings---because you are eliminating them now. You won't have to deal with the last supper syndrome. Which is silly---once you heal you can have any of it again---just less of it will satisfy you!!! I love my band!!! I cannot say enough good things about it! You have made an excellent decision. I know the nerves will kick in, and the hunger is not fun, but it is just a few weeks of "dieting" again, and you can move on. If I can survive it anyone can!!!! Welcome to LBT, if you have any questions, ask away! If you just need to talk to calm your nerves, log on, and keep us company!! We are glad you are here, and hope your surgery and recovery are smooth as can be. Mine was simple, uncomfortable as opposed to painful following the actual surgery. I was up and around the 3rd day without issue! You will be fine!!! Kat

We are glad to have you back Susan!!! Sorry about your slip--but glad it was corrected so simply!!! Yea!!! Blue---take good care of yourself, I can imagine you are bored, but it will pass, you just need to HEAL!!! (She has cellulitus in her leg Susan--and was hospitalized for a long time! Is now recuperating at her DD's) I am just planning to plug along on the challenge as I have been. I am still not losing---but I am losing body fat percentage, and inches---so go figure??? I said I was not going to get in a rush, that it took years to get this way...so I am not going to!!! I actually got into this discussion with a friend here today. She is not banded, but is going to hit Atkins hot & heavy, and was trying to get me to join her. I thought about it, and told her no, I would work on cutting my carbs down, but wasn't interested in the diet mentality of doing it. She was egging me on, telling me if I did it, I could be at goal when she lost her weight...which is all true. But I decided, I am happy doing what I am. I am not gaining, it is slowly coming off, it will pick up when I can be outside working in the yard, and walking, and playing with the grandkids. But for now, I am not willing to give up today's comfort and happiness in exchange for tomorrows. I don't feel complacent, just content. So in that light, I am all for 2 levels of challenge. Because you guys just pass me up!!! But I don't want to lose out in the friendship or the push to actually DO some exercise!! I will cheer you on for your marathons---but will stick to my "walks" for MS and American Cancer Society!!! One wierd thing about her wanting me to do this diet with her---she has about 40 pounds to lose. We used to "diet" together in years past, and I always thought to myself, "If all I had to lose was 40 pounds this would not be so intimidating--and she doesn't look bad as she is---it isn't like she looks like me". And now we both have 40 pounds to lose. It isn't as intimidating. I just don't SEE myself as looking no more overweight than she does. And DH tells me I look less, because I have height on her. I cannot imagine that I look that normal! I'm thinking maybe I needed this slow down time, for my head to wrap around this. Betty where you at? Roberta? Boo? Come Out- come Out-Wherever you are!!!! Ollie Ollie In Free!!!! (LMAO) I have sang that from the time I was probably 3 years old playing hide and seek---and just this second realized I don't know #1--if I was ever even saying it right, and #2 if it is right, how the hell you would spell it!!!! Kat

Hi Quadmom---I have to say you must be one busy lady!!! This band and weight loss would benefit you with increased energy---I can attest to that, and I have lots of years on you!!! Ok, a fill, also called an adjustment---is when they inject saline solution into your port, which is stitched into a muscle wall. They access it with a needle, poked through your skin, into the port. Not much worse than a shot or blood draw. The saline then flows through tubing to the actual band itself, which is a ring with a silicone balloon type thing in the middle which inflates with the saline, thereby allowing food to sit in the small part of your stomach and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. When you are full you don't eat---which is the best way this helps you lose weight. I have 1 scar just left of center, about 6-7 inches below my breasts, which is my port scar. It is about 1 1/2 inches across. Another scar about 3/4 of an inch up a bit higher, still on my left side, which is where the band was inserted. And I have 3 small almost puncture size scars, 1 above (almost between my breasts), and 2 below 1 on one side 1 on the other. Now I also ended up with 2 extra scars where my Dr. removed 2 larger skin tags for me---but they are all fading, the port scar is the only one you can actually see without having them pointed out. I hope to have a tummy tuck when this is all done, as I carry 90% of my extra weight in my stomach, and it is going to be tons of excess skin----but even then I will never wear belly baring clothes---I am 46 for heavens sake---so the scars are so minor, they don't bother me a bit. Good Luck in your research, ask any questions you may have!! Kat

Bye Dahlia, good luck with your band, and good luck finding a support group you feel at home with. Take Care. Kat

I think that until next year you can walk or drive across the borders with a picture ID---but that WILL be changing. We applied for my DD's passport in case she should ever accompany me for anything, and they told us 4-6 MONTHS!!! Price went up and so did the wait!!! Even the price to get the picture went up when the new laws went into effect! You do already have to have a passport to fly in, the only way you can get in without now is to be face to face with a border agent, and a picture ID. Sounds like you have quite the trip ahead of you---be sure to pack things to have for the trip home, it may be challenging. Kat

Hey You!! Glad you checked in with us, been wondering about you! So is he moving too---or just buying out your equity? Either way it should give you a bit of a nest egg. I agree with barbara, ALL new beginings. Glad your daughter has adjusted, it is hard to know how they will react to anything when they are teenagers!! Keep an eye on your health---let us know how things are going. You will soon be off to a fabulous new adventure!!! Get all this behind you, and you will feel much better I bet on it! Tell us about your new place---and your new job!!! Kat

Hi Kimmie- You have the first steps down, the insurance info and the PCP Dr. have to start the ball rolling. Once you find out from your insurance company what they require, assuming they cover this, then you will be able to go about selecting a surgeon, and following their guidelines as to what they require. Most require a full physical, with blood work,& chest Xrays. Many require you to see a cardiologist for a heart check up, a nutritionist, so you knowwhat will be expected, and some Dr.s require you to lose a certain amount prior to surgery, the nutritionist will help with that. Some require a psychological exam---to make sure you are doing this for acceptable reasons---ie. for you, not because the alien living upstairs demanded it! J/K---I have no doubt it is a reasonable thing!!! Some even require Endoscopy and even colonoscopy on their older patients. Most of them want all your yearly checks in order---pap smear, breast exam. The reason behind all the appointments is to try to make sure you are in the best health possible prior to surgery. The discovery of a breast cancer for instance would be far better to find prior to banding than say the immediate weeks after. Nausea and the band are enemies, whereas nausea and chemo are VERY common. The insurance will also likely require several years of proof of obesity, so if that entails getting records from multiple Dr.s that will be your responsibility. There are lots of hoops to jump through when insurance is involved... Now for the advice you DIDN'T ask for!!! Document EVERY conversation with insurance, make note of WHO you talked to, WHAT they said, what TIME you called on what DAY. If you have to call and be put on hold for 30 minutes 3 different times, document that. In DETAIL---EVERYTHING! Make copies of anything you release to a Dr. for submission to insurance. Keep copies of fax confirmations. And most importantly follow their instructions and requirements to the letter. If you have to be seen every 2 weeks, do NOT allow 15 days between appointments. These are the things they will use to deny you. If they deny it---APPEAL!!! I understand that most get an auto deny---and if you care enough to pursue it, then they will look at it. That was told to me by a woman earning 6 figures with United Healthcare. Be persistant, if there is not a clause excluding all WLS---force the issue. Hang in there---good luck with your appointments---we look forward to getting to know you and watching your progress to getting banded!!! Welcome to LBT!!! Kat

ahhhhh---now see there's the post I was waiting for----Deb---it just feels wrong to carry on a conversation with someone and call them Loser in any context!!! Yep hang out with us, we are a talkin' bunch!!! Kat

Maybe with the feeding tube they will keep him sedated enought to let some of the addiction cravings ease. I hope so for all of you. We are going to make that 1000 easy as a group!!! Cindy---52 miles!!! Wow!!! How did you fit that in with everything else? I hop on the treadmill or the eliptical everynight (or try)---and just upped myself from 1 1/2 to 2 miles at a time. I may be able to add more when I can get out during the summer. I haven't added anything for my curves or weight lifting. I can see a difference in my arms tho---and boy did they need it!!! Well I have an interesting "situation". I was sitting reading a book to Kinsey and someone come to my door, they never rang, but I had got up and went to the door...and the City had red-tagged me for past due utilities. I about come undone---my bill was paid! I just got the new one, no arrears on it! So I grab the red tag, and when I was looking for the phone # I realize it isn't for me---it is for my new neighbors, who can you believe this---have the same last name. So now do I walk over meet them for the 2nd tme, and hand them that? Do I call the City and make them re-do it.....any suggestions. I know he is home, she is a teacher and gone, but he is outside off and on sawing, they are remodeling already! I figure the bill is from the old place they lived, they have only been in this house maybe 3 weeks. I would be embarassed for my neighbor to deliver a cut off notice to me!! Hmmmmmmm Kat

Oh you poor thing!!! At least you have the new hubby to help care for you as you recover, and will be a healthy new you to start this marriage off!! I hope the lack of pain continues, and you heal without issue. CONGRATULATIONS you newlywed you!!! Kat

Good Morning All- Personally I am dragging---I didn't sleep well. Something woke me up just after midnight, not sure if it was a noise, a dream, what....but then my mind didn't want to shut down. I have had a few concerns about "the Moron" with Rick being gone. My brother was trying to be helpful (and it WAS) and he filled my porch with wood for me, so I didn't have to go out and haul it to the house. But I started thinking, that combined with Rick's truck being gone is like screaming to the world that I am alone. The world I don't worry too much about but "the Moron" psycho, I do a bit. I really thought I saw him drive by----but that was during the daylight, and never seen anything since....but will be glad when me honey gets home. I did not tell him. He needed this class, he enjoys it so much, and he needed to get his guys through it to meet his own projections--and his raises depend on those projections---so get outta here!!!! NJLoser---glad to have you join us! A quick catch up----"the Moron" is a guy who ran through our field fence and left. Even with police involvment, he was losing his temper, and refused to fix it, so I sued him, he lost it in mediation (his temper again), and finally agreed to settle so we go to court on the 8th. He is just not someone you trust. Eileenie--how exciting--what kind of travel is involved? You better plan some trips to TX---looks like Beannie planning to stop traveling! The plane is the easy part of flying these days!!! The airports are what is scary---takes foreeeeeever!! Good Luck! How's the sore throat? Mine is sore this morning on one side---waaah!!! Mandy, how are you feeling this morning? Hope each day is an improvement! I used to get sick and stay sick that way. I was anemic all the time, felt horrid half the time. I had went to the Dr. and discussed a hysterectomy before, but when I got the cancer dx, it was done---and I have never been sick like that again. I feel healthier than I did in years. Anemia about did me in! Now not only is my blood good---I give it away! I donate again next week. Sherry--yep you check out Tattoo boy for us---he is sounding pretty good to me!!! My DH's oldest sister and he are very close, and she told him "you picked out your ex wife---I get to pick the next one!" So when we met, and began spending time together, she told him he did good this time around! Darcy--how's your FIL? Didn't sound so good. I hope things are ok. Dianne--Same with you---in laws improving any? How is FIL handling his doggy being gone? Have you found any time for YOU yet? Betty---where are you? Are you sick now too? Are you stuck in February? I would laugh it off at that if Sherry hadn't redirected us---now I am worrying! Cindy--that is too sad about the poor woman you are filling in for. I would do what I could during the real stresses she is facing, but I would not GIVE them all of my time now--they may think you would just continue to do it unpaid, would be my worry. Beannie--vacation? Hey I'd need a smaller suitcase to hide in now than a year ago...hint hint hint!!!! Where ya going? Any plans? Our first vacation this year is headed your way, we have lots of work to do on the place in TX. Spring is when we try to do it. Mary--how's life chica? Kiddos? Car? 'Puter? the "W" word (work)? Pop in and update us. Anne---I think work was a ruse...someone kidnapped you---we haven't heard from you. Are you familiar with the flying monkeys my friend???? Time to go brew some tea----too bad it is decaf, I need something to wake me up this morning! Talk to y'all laterz!!! Kat

Well it seems you have asked enough questions to make a decision on WHICH Dr. to use...so let's see.....I'd ask him How long of a hospital stay he requires What his aftercare program consists of.... any support groups available? A nutritionist? How he decides if a fill is in order how often will he do a fill does he only do them on certain days How he does those fills...blind or with fluoro...what the cost of each is... What he considers an average weight loss per week If someone is available 24/7 for emergency purposes As the time comes closer I would ask for your prescriptions early, so you can have them filled and waiting at home for you. I know I am not thinking real clear---I should go to bed!!! As I think of others...I'll pop in! You've got the ball rolling---I love my band---and am sure you will too! Kat

One of the things that totally convinced me, was that one of the Dr.'s I really considered using, out of Arizona, was trained by the Dr. that did my surgery---and the Dr. in the US charged more than double! Of course i MX there is no malpractice to pay---I am not slighting the Dr.s---we live in a very litigous society! Kat

I fought with BCBS of TX for what seemed like forever. They along with DH's employer's required a 12 month supervised weight loss program with bi monthly meetings with a nutritionist. Well I live in a very rural area of New Mexico, and we have no licensed nutritionists in network. So after wrangling over that for 2 months, they agreed to let me use my PCP for nutritional consult. So I did, he mind you continued to charge me a co-pay every 2 weeks for this...so I went, I began all my other testing. It all had to be done within the same time frame. I also gathered in all my medical records so I had everything in place to show a problem with obesity for minimally 5 years. I did my sleep study. I did my psych consult. I was on my way home from a check in with my PCP---down 43pounds---and was slammed into by another car. It wedged my left knee between the dash, and the door. I ended up having to have surgery on it. So between surgery, and rehab, I missed a 2 week check up....I WAS seeing a Dr....just not THE Dr. I happened to be in the hospital recovering from the surgery---but it STOPPED everything in its place. IF I wanted BCBS of TX to pay, I had to start my 12 months over, as it HAS to be CONSECUTIVE! I called, my Dr. called...always the same...start over. 10 1/2 months wasted. My insurance will only pay for the sleep study once every 2 years....it was all wasted. I would need a new psych study, new blood work up, everything! I had really been working the extra appointments, because I only had 6 weeks left....and because of a ditzy woman on a cell phone, she was trying to find a # so she could report a suspicious driver---he was weaving---and she didn't see us stopping, so she swerved almost around me, but because of the phone in her hand she said it caused the steering wheel to jerk around and nailed me down the entire side of my car, and pushed me into the car on my right. I was then looking at another year....talk about depressed. the weight started coming back on with a vengeance. Between the depression, and the lack of mobility with my knee. I appealled, and was denied. I started with my appointments again, found out insurance would not cover the visits again for the same purpose. Frustrating does not begin to cover it! In the end----I received a settlement from the accident, and I took my money and RAN all the way to Mexico. My year anniversary from the last denial was last week. If I had continued to fight with them, I would still not be done jumping through their hoops---and that is only if nothing happened. As it was my DH had open heart surgery, then a massive GI bleed and was in ICU. If that had caused me to miss and appointment---it would have been screwed up again. Instead I am down close to 90 pounds now...and getting close to goal. I take no prescription meds...my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugar is normal, and I have energy to spare. I'm just thankful I am no longer in the boat with you guys using all my energy attempting to satisfy the stinking insurance company. Whatever you do DOCUMENT every little bitty tiny thing said to you, by who...what time....EVERYTHING!!!! I was never told the word "consecutive"---or I would have crawled out of my hospital bed....sorry it makes me angry all over again!!! I know you guys are just like I was, you work so your premiums are paid in good faith, you do all the stupid things they make you do, and they end up saving money---obesity is NOT cheap! But they do everything in their power to not pay. Part of me wished I had hired an attorney and forced the issue---the other part is just happy it is all behind me, and prefer to look to the brighter future! There are some excellent letters people have written and are willing to share if you should get denied. Stay on them---you deserve this! Kat

Oh yeah Darcy~~~~~~ 34 miles total for February. Kat

Chris---nothing takes your mind off of your own issues (hunger in this case) like an always demanding toddler!!! Good timing---she will keep you busy--and your time will pass quickly! Have fun. My 2 yr old granddaughter loves having girlie days---we do her hair up pretty, and she gets to wear a pretty dress, we even have been known to paint our nails!!! Talk about a change in personality---she gets so prissy!! The next day, the polish is chipped off (it's kids stuff) and she is playing with her favorite tractor again..... I see you on here same time I am Mandy---hope you feel better. You too Eileen---you guys really got it! Betty---no morning check in? I miss it! Darcy---Di----let us know what is going on with the inlaws. Beannie--I am thrilled with the thought of you as a teacher---it fits! Cindy---working again? How long til they make the call on the possible new job? Well I will likely be around a lot this evening, Rick is out of town for a couple of days. I may have my kids here, if they are able to get the cabinet guy to change the schedule....have to see. So will check in with the rest of you in awhile.... Kat

I agree that it will be money well spent---I also know money does not grow on trees (dammit anyway!). With that thought in mind, you might look into (might have to check the spelling here) Kirshenbaum in Denver, he is highly recommended around here, and is doing them for under $10,000.00 I understand, as well as the one mentioned above, although I haven't heard much about him...it might be worth checking out. Personally I did make the decision and choice of going to Mexico. I had the cash available to do it her in the states, but it would have spent all I had set aside. I knew people personally (a friend and her husband and his Mom) who had all used this Dr. and were happy. So I began researching him, the facility, and continued to do so for about a month. Then I called them, and they began working with me to set up more local aftercare---something you HAVE to consider if you go much distance from home for surgery. Now I live in a rural area, and even my follow up Dr. is a 10 hour round trip---he would have been the closest for surgery as well. They have recently opened a fill center 3 1/2 hours away, but I feel established with this Dr. Anyway---once the Dr. in MX set up appointments for me to meet with the band Dr. in Colorado, and a local oncologist (they access ports, and he wanted me to meet him incase I needed an emergency unfill, or other surgical issues, someone would be aware of what I had). After I met with them we made the appointment, and my surgery was done within 2 weeks. he has a 10 day pre op diet, so it couldn't be done sooner, but that is the only reason. I was pleased with the Dr. and his staff, with the hospital, and their staff. They treated us VERY well. Provided transportation to and from a US airport, motels the night before and hospital stay for 2 days and 2 nights...all pre-op testing that was not done here prior and sent on...EKG, chest Xray and blood work, which all had to be done the morning of the surgery BY the hospital. They accepted my other records, but required these of their own. They had a place for my DH to stay with me the entire time, provided us with everything we could ask for. I would not hesitate to go back. I have gone so far as to say if my own Mom or daughter were to need this done, I would accompany them. I understand this is not something everyone is comfortable doing. I also realize not all Dr.s are willing to take on a patient who has been banded in MX. But I would seriously look around, maybe see if another seminar is being held by another Dr. Since you have your financing in place, see what your other options are. You may be pleasantly surprised! Best of luck to you---I will be watching to see what you opt to do! It is such a blessing this band of mine---You will be thrilled!!! Kat

Banding will help with the insulin resistance too. One of the seminars I went to the Dr. was SO upbeat, he said he fully believed in his lifetime that they would discover a surgical intervention similar to banding, or bypass that would eliminate the (not sure on the spelling of this) gruehlin, a hormone produced by the stomach--which is believed to cause fluctuations in insulin production, and absorption. That something along the lines of what we are doing with banding will be the ultimate CURE for diabetes. He said studies world wide are being done with it, and the results are amazing!! You could see and feel his excitement---and why he became a Dr. It will definitely change things for you---good luck!!! Kat

As it sits right now Nanette, the roads between here and there are snow packed in Cuba, with travel discouraged...so will have to wait and see closer to Saturday itself. Coming in from Farmington---late morning or early afternoon would work best---but since I cannot even commit---if I can make it, I will make it anytime. It is about a 3 1/2 hour drive each way----so pick a time and I will do my best! Kat

Sounds to me like you guys have figured out things really well, and really quick!!!! If you can continue to just eat until you are no longer hungry,and not try to eat until you are full---you will be sooooo far ahead of the game!!! GREAT JOB!!!! Do y'all give lessons??????? Kat

It sounds like you have some restriction now, some people do---some have even made it to goal weight with just the restriction of the band alone---no fills ever!!! It does provide some, it just depends on how your individual body is made on the inside. I would say go as long as you can without a fill, if you feel restriction now, do not take a chance at getting too tight, that can cause so many problems! A fill will do absolutely nothing for the head hunger---that you have to fight, and find a new way to deal with. Personally it is when I go walking, or hit the eliptical. It eventually lessens, as you break the habit of eating at will. Unless your stomach feels empty and growling---I would hang on---get as much mileage out of each stage as you can!!! Kat