Lighterload
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Everything posted by Lighterload
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Hey DB,
I was so glad to hear you are doing better, I was worried about you. Absolutely, you can use me as your guide, anytime.
I lost 21 lbs. on the 3 week pre Op liquid diet. Exactly a pound a day. Then I went for banding, was home for 13 days and had my post op appointment. I had lost another 11 lbs, totaling 32 lbs. I see my surgeon on 4/28 for my first fill and he is aggressive, I believe I will have a fill of about 5 cc.
I was swollen for about a week, then things statred turning around, the swelling went down, the soreness subsided and I was feeling normal again. It does take a good week to stablize. I have been out running and shopping for the past week so I bounced back quickly. I go back to work Monday and I am ready, I have all this excess energy.
You take it easy and give yourself some time to bounce back, the worst part is over, the rest is willpower and determination.
Keep in touch- Lighterload
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Hey Tig,
How are you doing? I have not heard from you and I was getting worried. Hope all is OK.
I am now 15 days post oP and I feel absolutely wonderful. I saw my surgeon Tuesday and I have lost 32 lbs already. I go for my first fill on 4/28. My surgeon is very aggressive with fills so I expect to get a fill of about 5 or 6 cc. I can hardly wait. I have more energy now than I have had in a year. I surely hope you are OK and things are going as well for you too- Lighterload
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Hey Mamajuke, WHAT AN INSPIRATION YOU ARE!!!!!!! Lighterload
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Hey yzplnxg, Your determination is remarkable, you will succeed, just be patient with the insurance company, they can be tough-:rolleyes2: Welcome to the journey- Lighterload
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Today is the first day of the rest of my life !
Lighterload commented on doodlebug11's blog entry in Blog 58807
Hey DB, I am surprised to hear you were stapled post banding. Not too many surgeon use staples for this surgery today, from what I understand, they are using the "Dermabond" a glue that glues the skin in place without staples or sutures. Removing the staples is nothing, you will be fine. I sure hope you are feeling better, I miss chatting with you- Lighterload -
Thank you for letting me know you are home and all is going well- Keep in touch when you are feeling better- Lighterload
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Hey DB,
I was so happy to hear from you. I am grateful all is going well for you right now other than being a bit sore. It does get better believe me. I am sure its not as bad as you thought it would be, huh?
I saw my surgeon yesterday for my 2 week post op visit. He was pleased that I have lost a total of 32 lbs now. I go back to see him on 4/28 for my first fill. I am able to eat soft food and I have no restriction on the band but I am really not hungry most of the time. It took me a good week to feel normal again. You will be back to normal in no time at all. Thanks for letting me know how things went for you- Lighterload
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Hey Suziq53, Call your surgeon and let him know, you should not have to go through this- Lighterload
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Set back in the plan....
Lighterload replied to savannahsmommie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey S's Mommie, This is pure nonsense. They made the error and they are punishing you for it? I don't think so! In this ecomony there is a lot of competition out there and many great bariatric surgeons. I would suggest you find yourself another surgeon. Lighterload:thumbup: -
Hey LB, Good question! I researched the protein issue from top to bottom prior to the pre op diet. I was being pro active and getting ready. I was looking for a highest grams of protein with the lowest caloric value. I found several online. I found 42 gms. of protein in 2.8 oz and only 134 calories. I thought WOW, ordered 3 cases, of two different flavors. They were call Protein Bullet Shots. OMG they were the most horrible tasting 2.8 oz I had ever tasted. Waste not want not, so I thought, I was going to use them up one way or another, they cost money. I literally held my nose so I wouldn't taste them and chased them with a Crystal Light drink. I just finished the last case on Saturday and I wanted to do the happy dance. The 3 oz. Whey Protein Bullets with 42 gms. of protein and 176 calories are not bad. I dump them into a bottle of crystal light and have no problems getting them down. I bought Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch and Orange Cream. I am not into doing the blender thing everytime I need a shake, I use the fruit flavored Whey Protein Bullets- Good Luck in your search to suit your pallet- Lighterload
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Hello from South Korea
Lighterload replied to anymouse's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi Anymouse, No one needs to know too much info about you unless you decide to share it. We are all in this together, sharing one common goal and that is to lose weight and be healthy. I too, am an ex-military wife, spent 15 years bouncing from place to place and seeing the world, I loved it, especially the 6 years in W. Germany. I know nothing about Tricare, because when I was with the military we had Champus. I would find out what Tricare covers and their requirements. Don't feel bad that you had several unsuccessful attempts at weight loss. We all have and that's why we are here. I wish you the best in your venture and keep in touch- Lighterload -
WELCOME LB, You will find this site remarkably helpful, supportive, and loaded with solid information. If there is something you don't understand , ask, you will get more ideas and help from many folks. I joined this site in February, was banded on 3/25/09 and am 13 days post op right now. I feel wonderful and I am well on my journey. You will be there soon, good Luck- Lighterload
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Surgery this Wednesday!!!
Lighterload replied to DM Chef's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hey DM Chef, Be cool, its not a tough surgery, really. :smile:I was banded on 3/25/09 so I am just 13 days post op. I felt sore for the first few days but nothing to write home about. I had no pain, just soreness at the larger incision site. I had no gas pains post op and I as up walking around the 4th floor of the hospital in 3 hours. As soon as the Versed wore off, I was out of bed walking. Went home the next day, took the liquid Lortab pain medication for two days and that was it. I am still not hungry and I see my surgeon tomorrow. I can hardly wait to see how much more weight I have lost. I had lost 21 lbs on the liquid pre op diet before surgery so I should be down more by tomorrow's visit to the surgeon. :thumbup:Do not be afraid, its not going to be a bad experience and is sooooo worth it, Good Luck- Lighterload -
HELP with Insurance wording 5 years...
Lighterload replied to pephlin's topic in Insurance & Financing
Hey Pephlin, Sounds to me like you have the same insurance that I have. :biggrin: I had the same requirements needed for approval for 100% coverage, for the LapBand. It took me 7 months, and a lot of determination and foot work to get it all done but it is so worth it. I was required to show that I had a BMI of 40 or more for the past 5 years, that I was on a physician monitored diet within the past 24 months and that I was capable of losing at least 10% of my body weight. I also have co-morbidities of hypertension and arthritis. :beer_yum: I needed a formal letter of Medical necessity from a doctor other than a Bariatric doctor, complete cardiac and pulmonary work-up, complete psych evaluation, Ct scan of the abdomen, bloodwork and then you sit and wait until the insurance decides if they will approve you on the info presented. Its tough, but worth it. I was denied twice even after presenting all the required paperwork, for silly things like a physician did not sign his progress note with his full name but used his first initial and last name. It was very frustrating process but being who I am, I would have taken it to my Senator before I would have given up and let the insurance company win, and I think they knew that. Good Luck with your journey, hang tough and don't give up- I wish you the best- Lighterload -
How Do You Decide?
Lighterload replied to wanna_be_a_momma's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi Kiki, I decided to go with the lapband instead of the bypass or sleeve because the band is the only one that is reversible and can be adjusted to restrict eating where the other two are permanent removal of parts of the GI tract and reorganization of other parts. I am a nurse and have seen many patients who are suffering from all kinds of vitamin deficiencies due to the bypass and sleeve. The band can be adjusted to allow you to be able to eat more when you are pregnant, since I see you are looking down that road. Considering the risk factors and the route you are looking at, I would seriously consider the band- Good Luck and I hope your insurance will approve the band- Lighterload -
Sounds like you've got it together. Congratulations on your loss. I look forward to seeing my surgeon Tuesday to see what my total loss is since I was banded on 3/25/09- Lighterload
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I am confused to hear that any insurance company who approved the banding asks for a reapplication to get fills. What kind of nonsense is this? The fills are part of the whole procedure, what good is the band without fills? I would call your insurance company and ask to speak to a Case Manager regarding Bariatric intervention, good luck in this battle, my thoughts are with you- Lighterload
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How can a person be turned down?
Lighterload replied to perfumedame's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
All insurance companies have different requirements. Mine required a BMI of > 40, with proof of being at a 40 BMI or greater for 5 years, proof that I had been on a physician monitored diet within the last 24 months and that I lost at least 10% of my body weight during that time, had a medical necessity and co-morbidities. It took me 7 months to win the fight with the insurance company and much leg work to get it all done but I was determined to satisy their requirements. I was approved after 7 months and was banded on 3/25/09, so I am just 13 days post op. I am so glad I fought to have this done.- Lighterload -
Hey jai jai,
Well its all over, I am now 12 days post Op and feeling fabulous. I hadf lost 21 lbs on the 21 day pre Op liquid diet and I bet I have lost another 10 or better since surgery. I see my surgeon on Tuesday and I am so anxious to find out my total loss to date. I have one more week off work, have to get out and buy a recumbant bike for my exercise routine since walking is out of the question for me. I have a crumbled right hip and walk with a cane or use the motorized w/c. I do have a pool but its a bit too cool to swim yet, so the bike will be great until I can use the pool. Hope you are doing well- Lighterload
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Hey DB, I am praying for you and know tomorrow is your big day. You will be fine, just a bit sore for the first week. Now that I am 12 days post Op. I feel wonderful and I am still not hungry but I eat as directed.
I can't wait to hear your story, when you feel able. Best wishes and my prayers are with you- Lighterload
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hey Tig,
Well here it is 10 days post op and I am feeling great. I was unable to contact anyone prior to this since my internet service was out for almost 2 weeks. We are back to normal now.
I do not feel surgery was bad at all. I had no gas pains as most talk about just had a very sore tummy, like I did about 400 sit-ups. I was not hungry until about 3 days ago and I am now starting on soft foods. I see my surgeon on Tuesday and it will be back to work for me the following Monday. I had lost 21 lbs pre op, on that liquid diet and I will be anxious to see how much more I lost since surgery on 3/25/09. Keep in touch- Lighterload
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Hey DB,
Is your surgery stilled planned for next week? I am 10 days post Op and I have to tell you, it was not that bad at all. I was vomiting for two days post op but its been all up hill since. Lost 21 lbs pre surgery on that 21 day liquid diet. I see my surgeon on Tuesday so I am anxious to see how much more I have lost. keep in touch- Lighterload
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Hey tig, Are you as anxious as I am about our surgery next week? I can hardly wait. On the liquid diet, I have two Protein bullets each day, plus broth, SF waters, SF jello, Powerade ZERO and decaffinated teas. I tried the decaf coffee and thought it be best I stick with the teas. Decaf coffee just doesn't do anything for me. My surgeon does not want me having any caffeine. I have about 147 lbs to lose and I know I must have lost 20 more on this liquid diet, seeings that I lost 12 lbs. in the first 6 days of this diet and I am on day 19 now. We are a day apart with our surgeries, so is your on Tuesday or Thursday? I will keep in touch as soon as I get out of the hospital as I will have 2 weeks off work and lots of time for this site.....Lighterload
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Doodlebug, you are a strong person, you did not throw in the towel when you had your set back with the bacteria in your lungs. You got some info from someone on the site nd you moved forward, that is remarkable. If you lived in Phoenix as a child, when did you leave? I came here in 1993 from Northeast PA. What a change! From the mountains to the desert. I am tired of the desert but in this economy I will not sell and move now, not until things get back to normal. I want to get back to green grass and trees. I will keep in touch when I get home from the hospital, as I took 2 weeks off work and will have lots of time for this site. Lighterload