SpideyMom

Veal, I'm glad to hear you are doing well! I've been told I can't have any juice until the second week. Guess every physician is different. Hope you continue to make a speedy recovery! PharmaGirl, thanks for the scoop on the ticker. I had been wondering about that! I don't have a surgery date yet (taking longer than expected to get necessary paperwork for insurance) but I could do a ticker for my BMI. :tt2: Have a great day everyone!

Hi, everyone! My name is Ann, and I'm a newbie from Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington DC. I'm just starting this process and have just found your wonderful site. I'm scared to death of what I'm getting into with WLS, yet I'm also scared about what could happen if I don't do it! I have 115 pounds to lose, and I have a darling little 4-year-old son who I can no longer keep up with. I have fibromyalgia, and the pain is constant. I need to get this weight off for me, for my health, and for a life with my son. I've had the first appointment with the surgeon, and he says I definitely qualify with a BMI of 41 and several comorbidities (fibro, PCOS, GERD, arthritis, history of breast cancer, MVP, chronic fatigue syndrome). The nurse has called my insurance company and they have said they do cover WLS, but now I have to jump through all of the hoops. So far, I've had the 2-hour consult with the psychologist. This week, I meet with the dietician, have my PCP physical, and follow up with my oncologist for her approval. I've gotten records of my weight loss attempts from Weight Watchers for the past 2 1/2 years, and I hope that will satisfy my insurance requirements. Then I sit and wait for approval. I'm so frightened that I won't be able to keep this off, just like the umpteen times I've been successful at WW and then gained every pound and more back again. I have a terrible sweet tooth, and the surgeon has warned me that people who like sweets are the ones who are most likely to put the weight back on. I'm afraid of all the restrictions on this diet. I've heard people say that WLS is the easy way out. Ha! It's the hardest thing I've ever heard of! That's why I'm so frightened. Just curious, is there anyone out there who successfully lost weight and overcame their addiction to sweets with this WLS? Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to getting to know people here as I start my journey. I know I can do this. I think I just need a little boost of confidence and maybe some hand-holding right now! Peace, Ann

Hi, PharmaGirl! You took the words right out of my mouth (above in bold). I had to laugh about the half a cake, because that would be me. I would slice off little by little, thinking no one would notice, that I was just "straightening" the cake, until finally half the cake was gone! Sounds like you and your partner have a great plan about getting the wrong foods out of the house. I was just talking with hubby tonight about having to change the types of food we eat, and he's all for it. I see the dietitian tomorrow morning, and I'm hoping she'll give me plenty of things to bring home for dh to read. We have a 4-year-old son who could also benefit from not having so many sweets about the house! He already takes after me, craving sugar. No, I don't have a surgery date yet. I'm still jumping through all the hoops, going to appointments and getting approval letters from doctors right now. Then we will submit all that to the insurance company. It will probably be in May, I'm guessing. Good luck to you and your partner. I hope to hear updates from you! :scared2:

Hi! Sorry, I don't have any info on Tricare, but I'm sure if you ask at the seminar, they should be able to help you. I asked about my insurance at the seminar I attended (in Arlington) and they were very helpful. Good luck to you!

Hi, Bren! I'm so sorry to hear that you are having such a tough week. From what I've heard, it seems like the beginning is the worst. Hang in there -- hold onto your faith, your children, your family, and you will get through. Even if you have to just focus on one hour at a time. You gave me such a great idea of keeping a journal! That cookbook you got sounds fantastic. I go to see the dietician tomorrow, and I hope I get something like that! I don't cook much -- my husband does -- and we definitely need some healthier recipes! Hang in there, and keep us updated on your progress. :scared2:

Hi, Kelly! :seeya:Thanks for your words of wisdom. It is nice to know there is a group of people out there and we are all in this together. That really helps relieve my fears!

Hi, Hockeyson! Thanks for your reply. You have given me a lot of encouragement because I have been on Metformin for PCOS/insulin resistance for 8+ years now. I would love to get off of it and many of the other meds I have to take just to function every day! I'm glad to hear you are doing so well with the band. I really appreciate you sharing part of your story!

Hi, niterun! And congratulations on your surgery last week! I hope you are doing well and feeling fine. Peace, Ann

Hi, Rachel. Thanks for replying! I laughed when you said you can smell sugar a mile away. I am the same way! Congratulations on how much you have lost -- and how much insight and self control you have gained! You are certainly an inspiration for me. You are so right -- I have to trust myself. Thanks so much for your kind words of wisdom. Peace, Ann

Wow, I'm glad to hear this about not craving carbs as much after the band. I'm the same way -- the more carbs I eat, the more I crave them. So, thanks for this post! You've given me some hope! Ann

Hi, I'm new here also, but I wanted to say I have heard that Kaiser does do Lap Band. Don't know about Fremont, though, as I live on the East Coast! But I'm sure if you give them a call or look on their website you can probably find out pretty quickly. Also wanted to say congratulations on being a breast cancer survivor. I also am a survivor -- 5 1/2 years now. That's one reason I am having WLS -- to minimize the risk of a recurrence. I wish you a lot of luck with your journey! Peace, Ann

Hi, I'm new here also, and was going through the newbie threads. I just wanted to comment, PharmaGirl, that I think it is wonderful that you and your partner are going through this journey together! What better way to make a true lifestyle change than to both change at the same time. I wish that my hubby would consider doing that, but he is quite stubborn sometimes and needs to see things for himself before trying. He did, however, go to the seminar with me and say that maybe someday he might consider it. Good luck to you both! Peace, Ann