Kat817

Dyingbreed, I have no idea what the new stats are, I am personally no longer researching it! I realize it is not an ideal solution, I am fairly well convinced there is not an ideal. There are problems with any WLS, and drawbacks to any weight loss program, one of the biggest being that WE have to WORK it. The fact that most of us are not very good at that is part of what landed us here needing it. If they could band our brains, or bypass the problem areas of them, perhaps it would be easier! I made it to my goal weight, went through some personal problems, very emotional time in regards to my daughters health, and I was put on steroids due to recurring hives, and I regained almost 40 pounds. I have been unfilled for 3 years now. Not due to a problem, but I was unfilled in preparation for an unrelated surgery, and I have a history of vomitting with anesthesia, so I was unfilled, and never had an issue with regaining, so never had myself filled again. I have the old band, which will hold 4 cc.'s and at my fullest, I had 1.5. So I have NEVER been super tight. I prefer it that way. The band itself gives me mild restriction, and I am happy with it. Since that time, I have lost part of the regained weight, and I know, if I were to exercise, and be serious about it, I could lose the rest....I am simply complacent. I am in a size 10, and for my height of 5'9" I feel comfortable there. I would love to lose the wings I now have as opposed to arms, but......life goes on, and I wear sleeves! LOL I was in a car accident in January, and have been seeing a Dr. 3 X a week since then, I am now doing physical therapy, and lo and behold, I am losing some inches again! LOL I t works when I do. Sorry, I am not up to date on stats. I know they are out there, I found them when I was researching getting banded. Sleeves were not being done when I was banded, but I am still uncomfortable with removal of my stomach! I like the ability to be returned to my before shape I guess----not really, I am glad that shape is gone! Not sure what I would have chose if it had been an option, I know I would have researched it as well. I did the bypass, as well as the band, and another option at the time. Then made the choice I was comfortable with. It was still fairly new.......and as with all things, they learn more, with each one done, and as the days and years go by, and it may be that they learn that banding is not the best option. For me, it got me off of ALL prescription meds, for High Blood Pressure, pre-diabetes, arthritis........my blood pressure is normal, my blood sugars are normal, and my knees do not ache when I walk. I can go in any store around and buy clothes, I have energy, and the ability to exercise, where before it hurt! It might not be for everybody, and it might not be for any of us forever, but I know the last 6 years with the weight going down as opposed to up---have added not just length but amazing quality to my life! I have learned healthier eating habits, and through these boards, I have found a support system that I fully lacked before----they know the struggles, they know the daily work it takes, they "get it". Some of them, most actually, are still banded, a couple are now sleeved, and one is now bypassed.......but they are still support------we ALL just want to find something that works for us. It is not a one size fits all.

I am 6 years out of surgery, feeling great, no band problems at all. Dr Aceves in Mexicali, did my surgery, as well as banding a sister in law, 2 nieces and 2 friends, all are doing well. That said---the time was different in border towns 6 years ago----not sure what my take on it would be now. Also, the issue of US Dr.'s not wanting to deal with you---line it up ahead of time. People this is YOUR life---you can set those things up prior to surgery! I did, and I still see a Dr in Colorado who has no issue with me being banded in Mexico. He has done all my fills, my unfills for unrelated surgeries, he has no issue, but I made the appointment with him before I ever had surgery and was straight up with him, I needed the surgery but could not afford him cash pay. A couple of years ago I had some dental work done, I have had issues with it ever since----a partial holding 2 lower teeth was made. At a very expensive rate it seemed. Shortly after getting it, the dentist had a nervous breakdown, and is no longer practicing. I cannot find a dentist around willing to work with what I have, they want to make an all new partial. It is fine, just needs adjusted where it is hitting too hard, but it is not theirs so they will not work with me. Not one dentist, I have contacted several, and met face to face with 3. So it is a Dr. issue often times, not a country issue, you might find the same problem if you are banded by an american Dr. in California and find yourself relocated to Illinois or something.

The best thing of all a POSITIVE attitude!!! Post op sometimes is not easy to follow through with, but is SOOOOOO worth it! I too really liked the tropical SF popsicles. I also froze the Isopure, mixed with SF koolaid, made it more palatable and helped with my Protein counts. The other thing I found that helped post op at home, was a dining room chair right next to the bed, gives you something to help manuever around with. And maybe a walking partner----walking is the best thing you can do, to move the gas, and help you recover! Good Luck to you!!!

If insurance requires a Dr's statement saying the surgery is recommended, they don't usually have a care who or what Dr. recommends it as long as it is not the surgeon himself/herself, or anyone affiliated with the office who will financially profit by you having the surgery. So your Neuro could do that no problem. You will still likely need to have your PCP in the loop, as you will need copies from your file of your weight over the last 5 years it sounds like. Your PCP can also indicate any other issues you may have that are weight related, if you do not have the documented 5 years. If you have to contact an old Dr. for the copy of a page from your chart, showing your weight 5 years ago, expect to pay up to $6.00 a page---I have paid $2.00 a page generally. Your PCP, can also provide records of high blood pressure, or high blood sugar readings, or high cholesterol, previous complaints of back pain, or other joint pain, any symptoms of sleep apnea that might be weight related, possible PCOS, even depression.....all of them can help you qualify for surgery if your insurance requires co morbidities. Find out EXACTLY what your insurance requires and follow it to the letter! They are all looking not to have to pay for anything! Find out if you have a 6 month lead in----many do. Back when I was banded our particular BCBS plan, had a 12 month physician supervised weight loss requirement, as well as a monthly visit with a dietician. I live in the boonies, there was no licensed dietician! So I had to go through the insurance to get them to allow my PCP to act in the dietician role---so I had to go see him 2 times a month---for a year. Co pays on each visit. Once he just weighed me, and documented it, with me telling him what my exercise had been, and the second he counselled me in nutrition (I could have taught him a thing or 2, even if he was skin and bones!!!!). Well I did this for 10 months, 10 and a half technically, I had just come from the 11th visit with him in the supervisory mode, and I was in a car accident---not my fault---I was hit from behind and pushed into a light pole, pinning my knee between the dash, my door and the pole. I ended up in the hospital having knee surgery. When I went in to my next appointment, the office manager ask me into her office to explain to me, I would have to start my 12 month pre op work up again, as the visits have to be in 12 CONSECUTIVE months, and due to my surgery I missed the 11th dietician one! I was going to have to start over! I wrote insurance, and called insurance, did it all, they turned me down 3 times. They would pay for it, as soon as I did 12 months consecutive. First thing I did was change Dr.'s-----these people knew me, my DD worked for them, and it was them that reported me "not showing" for my nutrition appointment. THEY could have kept it on track, he come to see me in the hospital---but not as a nutritionist! In the end.......I received a settlement from my knee, took the money to Mexico and had surgery, and by the time my next year would have rolled around, I was down 75 pounds!!! Point to this long story-----find out what EXACTLY the requirements are----have them mailed to you----take names of who you speak to at the insurance company---document times and dates you call and what you were told-----and follow the guidelines to the letter if you want insurance to pay! Also not to discourage you, but much of band surgery takes place AFTER the original surgery. Fills can run up to $600.00 I am told! Think about whether if you are going to be without insurance you can afford the aftercare. Good Luck to you!!!

My one and only tree is a pre lit fake!!! It is up, and Kinsey decorated it and it is beautimus!!! I had Rick help and we moved all the Christmas the other day---from the shed tothe attached garage. but I moved the trunk today alone, and that was a challenge!! It is a big camel back antique trunk that was my great great grandmas. Parents are here bbl

LOL Deb, I have those stories, and am fully sited.....just clumsy!!! Went to the Dr. with Kinsey---she has a bilateral ear infection---and restricted air ways. They do not want to call it asthma--for insurance purposes. She is home, and I guess we are going to decorate....the fun just never stops. My Mom has left me messages to call her, and will not answer either phone---irritates the hell out of me when she does that. Bugs the crap out of me, when I am in the Dr.'s office, and have my phone off for a reason, then she won't answer. GRRRRRR not in the mood today. Actually, to be totally honest---I was in a decent mood until I logged in at this site. The pages won't load, I am still not getting notifications, and my personal PM's have went unanswered.....left swinging in the wind----leaving things half done has ALWAYS been a pet peeve....went round and round with my kids over that. Not interested it doing it now, I don't wanna be a site mama! See ya on the other site......almost seems like the other side!

It is under the same title over there, under support groups. Oooops not under support-----under clubs and groups. Same name for me.

No Suzanne, I did not get it.......so sorry! I sent the owner of the other site a PM letting her know of the influx, and to assure her we are not all transferring over due to some big blow up that required members being banned or anything. I have not heard back from her. Not sure where to start the thread at over there----I saw Tracy there, and Ashley.....so.......spread the word. And Suzanne, you or anyone else can call me anytime!

Hey y'all! We survived Black Friday! We left about 3:30 AM, shopped for several hours, then had to bring some things home, we went to a little Bistro here in town and had breakfast---they have homemade everything! OMgosh it is sooo good! They slice big slabs of homemade bread for the toast. I used to order an extra....now I cut mine in half, give half to Rick, and still never finish my half. It is sooooo good! LOL Then we went back did some more shopping, finally come home and vegged out. We went to bed early, were planning a great day----and he got called out to work. Doesn't it figure??? Oh well----hope he makes it home early enough this afternoon for us to catch the movie we want to go see. He told me to take Manda and go to Burlesque, but she is sick, she has the stomach bug that seems to be everywhere right now. Poor thing. I bought some of her Christmas for her yesterday since she couldn't get out there. We are also doing Kinsey's birthday, which is in a few days, and I was doing some for Manda who has a birthday tomorrow. Then maybe I can concentrate on Christmas! As for the other site---if they question the influx---I think a simple explanation will take care of everything quickly. Like I said they used to be members here too----moderators, very involved, supportive members. The only reason I chose to stay here, well I go back and forth, have all along. But I spent more time here, because it was busier, faster, and I got more response to my questions etc. Which was what I wanted, and needed at the time, I was looking for what I have now with all of you! Now, other than to attempt to help moderate, I mostly stay with y'all here, and chat occasionally in other rooms with friends. Which I can still do----BUT I never know when they say anything to me anymore. So, that is not an issue anymore. Anyway---it is (or was when I used to know more about it) a married couple who run the other site, and they have a family---so let the holiday settle and I would imagine there will be response and approval. I will go see if you have a thread yet Tracy and see if who I knew is still around. If anyone see's Debbie or anyone else, don't forget to let them know-----I wil message Terri---but I am not sure if we are getting notification of all messages or not. Ihave members pissed off saying they PM'd me, and I have got nothing from them. So who knows. And remember it is not .com it is .net. That is where I always lost them!!! LOL

Yeah, Jenn, I was mad, and I am just frustrated. Frustrated with the site screwing up---I seriously did NOTHING to cause my post to vanish---so I figure they must be screwing with things still. But what frustrates me the most is the fact that we do not warrant any updates. Even as a moderator, and I do not see myself above a member, but they want us to help them, but they refuse to help us help others......Grrrrrrrrrrrrr I DO have another thought on the matter, there is another lap band site. it is not as busy as this one by far. It is done by former LBT-ers. But it also changes much less, and is smaller overall, but has much the same overall format etc. If things don't change here, we could move our group to the other site, you can go check it out if you like. It is www.band2gether.net see what you think. Would still allow us to have others join as they do here----and we would still be on a band site. I feel many things over this. I know alex is going through some things, I get that----but come on. He has told people with problems to contact him, and then he ignores it---so they dog me! He does not keep anyone except maybe Susan in the loop. Just tired tonight maybe----but seriously considering giving up on LBT. I will keep up with everyone through FB. With no email notifications and all, it is an irritant to get here, not the excited looking forward to seeing what my friends are doing that it used to be. This is not all due to the upgrade. For weeks, maybe months, when a complaint comes in, there are 2 of us who respond. Period. I know for a fact he is getting as sick of it as I am, he has PM'd me over it. I am just ready to let them have it all. Rick and I are doing the Black Friday shopping in the morning!! WooHooo!!! Not really anything serious we need to get---plan to do Kinsey's shopping at Target if I luck out----I want the keyboard they have on sale----as well as an Easy Bake oven!!! Then I want to go to Home Depot and buy a new washer and dryer! Seriously---so much $$$$ but the sale makes me wanna pull it from savings and do it now. My washer is on its last leg, it does not agitate well.....which agitates me a lot!!!! We are going to go look anyway! Anyway, we have a few things to get, will get as much of our shopping done as we can---and then go have Breakfast, then come home and go back to bed for awhile!!! It is tradition with us! This year it is going to be COLD below zero cold! So no standing in line for us! but we will show up at opening time and hope for the best! He is so good about doing things like this with me! He stays in a good mood through it all! We had a nice dinner today, I ate WAY too much. Enjoyed it all! Sent everyone home with lots of food, took plates to my inlaws who were sick---but they wouldn't have come anyway---part of her martyr thing, if Rick's sister and us will not all get together, then she will not go to either one of their houses. They stay home and do without Thanksgiving and it is all our faults.....waaahhhh. I do not have room for their entire family here in my house. period, end of story. Ask Suzie, my house is little! His sister does not invite us over there.....so. She can do without! LOL No, I sent food. But refuse to be "martyr bullied"!!! LOL Rick even told her "Go to Brenda's, it will not hurt my feelings, GO" but nope.....if the family is not getting together, then she has no reason to go. Ok fine! LOL Was a nice gathering with my family! Well better get some sleep so I can be jolly come morning! Happy Thanksgiving my friends!!!

Piece of shit site, just ate my post.....when I had 3 letters left to type! I cannot type the things I said! Will cut to the chase. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I hope you know you all rank very high in the things I am thankful for. I would be lost without your friendship and insight. I hope your holiday tomorrow is everything you are hoping for. Tracy hold your head high, and if anyone says anything to you about your sisters email, just tell them you forgave her and let them wonder what she did~!! Hugs to you all. Maybe I will try again to post my other stuff----it seriously pisses me off!

This brine I am using is not a flavored brine, it is from the food network, it is supposed to tenderize and moisten the turkey, you just rub it down inside and out with Kosher salt, cover it in ice Water and leave it for 24 hours. Then rinse, dry off, rub butter into the skin, stuff the turkey---with either stuffing or moisture releasing veggies, such as onions, and cook as usual. Well I normally buy what I consider to be a decent turkey, and use a roaster, so it is moist. But this year, the company give Rick a turkey, and I have no room to freeze it, so plan to use it, and it is a store brand---so not sure of its age....moisture etc. so, researching it, the answer seemed to be a brine soak. Gonna try it. I just put it in. I didn't have a way to cover a 20 lb. turkey, so I put it in a cooking bag, filled it with water, closed it, and put it in an ice chest with ice in case it leaks! Will le tya know!! I am hoping over a few days the site will become more navigatable. I am still concerned with strangers being able to come in here and link our posts to FB. That worries me. I have no problem moving to FB, but at the same time, I do go around the site, so will be here, regardless, and we have some new people here, that we would never have found without being here, where the band gives us a common bond. I hope he continues to tweak it over the long holiday, and soon we will be comfortable with it. I still plan to ask about the share thing----well I HAVE ask, just received no answer. Well, I have veggies begging to be chopped! Gonna go cry some more. I have onions to chop! I was watching a Hallmark Christmas movie earlier, and you know they are made to be tear jerkers anyway, and I am a movie crybaby anyhow, so I am crying, and freaked my dog the heck out! She kept laying her head in my lap, then adding a foot, then another foot---and she is not small! Then she brought me her duck toy---her favorite! She is concerned with me being upset. See what she does with the onions----my crying will probably take a back seat to her hope that I will drop something!!! LOL See ya'll in a little bit! The only hint I can give right now, is to go to your deleted files, find an old link to an email notification of our thread and bring it back to your inbox. It will always take you to Tracy's first post, but just click last page, and maneuver from there. I have faith those things will all be fixed rather soon.

Sorry, wish I could help you or had answers for you, but I don't. I told Alex when I agreed to be a moderator I was all but computer illiterate----and it is seriously biting me in the butt right now! Hope it gets better soon, I have lots of people saying they will just keep in touch via FB, they no longer trust the site.....which sucks!