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Everything posted by mariecarmen
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I'm going to say no only because I've never heard the term. Does that mean I can plug a music device into it somewhere?
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Bariatricseating.com is no longer offering a sample pack, I just went there and asked. Darn. I'm excited for everyone, myself included, who are anticipating surgery this month. Let's hear everyone's favorite protein shake choice. How about your vote for 'most protein bang/least sugar for your buck.' MC
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What was your general doctor's role???
mariecarmen replied to Veggestyle's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
After a consultation with the very large staff at the surgeon's office, they explained everything, gave me a very long "chore" list and sent me on my way. My PCP needed to write me a letter of medical necessity and coordinate all the other test requirements. My first visit with him was great--he's known me a long time and agreed that the LB was appropriate. He had done some research on his own and answered a lot of questions for me. My insurance requires referrals from the PCP for everything. After two office visits, all I had to do was call the PCP office and request specific referrals as I worked my way down the chore list. The first appointment I made with my PCP, the office manager asked why I was coming in. I replied, "Because I'm too damn fat." She laughed and said she'd pass it on. BTW, my surgeon doesn't meet with the patient until all the legwork is done and insurance has approved the procedure. He has a great supportive office staff. -
Not doing so well on pre op diet
mariecarmen replied to Teresa'sTurn's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I just finished my first day of my pre-pre-op diet. I have to lose 5% of my body weight (12lbs) by my consultation with the surgeon, Sept. 11. Protein shake for Breakfast, fish and vegetables for lunch and 3 oz steak (yeah, I know, not the best choice, but still protein) for dinner. And GALLONS of Crystal Light in between. He pretty strict. No 5% loss, surgery is postponed. After the consultation, 9 days later is the surgery. It's not too bad right now but my diet history is far from stellar and I'm a little concerned. -
Why don't you ask the doctor (or NP) for a little Emla cream topically before their next attempt?
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I give blood regularly at the local Blood Bank. In checking my Daytimer, I see I'm scheduled for this week. My lapband insertion is sheduled for 9/20. Should I cancel the blood donation?
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Linstadt, I like the Carb Solution shakes. I mix one scoop vanilla and one scoop chocolate with Water and ice for each shake. It gives me 21 grams of Protein per drink. If you join the GNC Gold Club, you get 20% off all your purchases for the first 7 days of each month. I purchase through Drugstore.com for more savings as recommended by Dr. Kwon's original dietician, Carolyn.
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What reason did you give your job for being out of work?
mariecarmen replied to debi717's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm a bad liar and will chose silence over blatent lying. I've told a few close friends and coworkers. I figure when the weight loss starts to get noticed and someone asks (as someone always will) How did you lose the weight--I'll just tell them at that point. I work with women who have had gastric bypass surgery. 98% of my coworkers are on a diet of some kind at any given point. Weight loss is a hot topic and if I can be a good example, I hope more opt for it. -
I have GHI/HMO and they require an overnight stay in the hospital.
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What you're describing is something I've thought about. When I had the psychological consult, it was mentioned that at about 4 months post-op people seem to have a really bad period of time with the band but get through it. He said he was just warning me. When I think back on all the diets I've struggled with, it makes me tired. All that measuring and weighing and constantly thinking about what I can and can't eat and when and how. That made me weary. I'm looking ahead at the lapband as a policeman of sorts. Keeping my hunger at bay, my portions under strict control, weight loss inevitable if I follow the guidelines. I'd rather chew longer, not drink with meals and just be conscious of what's in my mouth 3 times a day, rather than be mentally consumed with food for 24 hours only to regain any lost weight and more with a diet.
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I'm being banded by Dr. Kwon on Sept. 20 at Bon Secours in Port Jervis. Nice to see another "local" on the board.
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I have a September 20 surgery date. I need to lose 12 lbs before my final consult with the surgeon on 9/11. I'm so glad I'm done with all the pre-op testing, I started LAST OCTOBER! I'm looking forward to a thinner Christmas. MC
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I've been on the Quest for a Lapband since last October when I answered an ad for a medical seminar on the subject. I brought my husband and we talked about it a lot before making the decision. Like a lot of others here (I've been reading the posts for awhile), I've been moderately overweight my whole life. When my son died in a car accident in 2000, things spun wildly out of control. I've now turned some awful corner--not sure if it's the weight, my age, menopause or what, but I'm too fat for comfort or life enjoyment. And I'm afraid to try another diet because I can't afford to gain any more weight--my ultimate end-result each time. So, after jumping through insurance restriction hoops, tests, support group meetings and consultations, here I am. The surgeon's office called and my surgery was approved the day after the file was submitted, wonder of wonders. I'll be checking in daily and soaking up the wisdom of experience I find here. I already feel like I'm among friends. So, like Bartle and James used to say, Thank you for your support! MC
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The "I truly have no shame" PB question
mariecarmen replied to Wheetsin's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I'm new to this, so please excuse my lack of knowledge-- what does PB stand for? -
I have a group of close, long-time friends. We get together at least once a month for dinner out or a gathering at someone's house. The last time we were together someone mentioned the mayor's wife had lost 80 lbs after gastric bypass surgery. Then someone who worked with her made a comment about how she hadn't said anything about the surgery. She let everyone think she did it just by dieting. I was quiet, with thoughts of when to tell my friends about my own surgery. When I get the surgery date? When I start to shed the weight and it becomes noticable? I mentioned my progress so far on the road to having all the pre-surgical procedures completed to one friend on a car ride to a quilt show last week. She was supportive and interested and asked good questions. I have no problem being candid with my friends and family, just wondering when everyone else told others about their decision and how they felt about it.
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Question For Dr. Kwons Patients
mariecarmen replied to pepsi32861's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
CKL Counseling offers support groups in the old brown & yellow convent across from the Bon Secours ER driveway every other Saturday. The next one is August 5th. They start and 10am and run till about 11:30am. Their phone number for more information is (570)296-1742. -
Cindel: What do the three numbers with the slashes indicate after your name? I'm seeing Dr. Kwon also. Just have th endoscopy and insurance approval hurdle to go. Keep your fingers crossed for me! MC
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How long do the residual effects (mild fatigue, confusion) of the anesthesia last? I was in a support group yesterday and a nurse said they can last up to a month because of the amount of fat we carry. Sound right?
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I just finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Excellent read. A few of my friends found it hard to get into but I was interested from the beginning. Now I'm reading Forever by Pete Hamill. It's about an Irish man who comes to Manhattan in 1749 and stays . . . forever. 600 pages and so far, very good. If you've never read The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, I highly recommend it. And a book I give to women friends as a special gift--the classic, Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. All about relationships, marriage, children. Fast reading, goes right to your heart.
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Does anyone have any firsthand experience with GHI/HMO as their insurance carrier? I am in the begining stages of trying to be approved for the lap-band procedure and am very curious what pitfalls await and what I can expect. Thanks.