39andholding

I had pre-op today for my gall bladder surgery which is next week. I was asked THREE times if I smoke, and made to initial that I understood I was not to smoke within x hours of the surgery.

My surgeon does both and is bias for the band :ohmy: He was banded himself.

Yes, I've overcome the mental thing, I believe I can follow the rules. I am talking about the other "horror" stories on the board where the people lost weight on the band but it eroded, or caused other problems, they needed it removed, or caused reflux or something like that. The reasons you stated for the band are my own... my children are 4 and 2 (and I want one more, even though I am old!) and my real driving factor for this surgery is to be able to be active in their lives and not just be fat-momma sitting on the sidelines. :ohmy: I currently do not have any co-morbidities or even problems they ask in the survey regarding can't getting dressed, can't get out of my chair, can't walk. I am lucky in that respect but trying to prevent any of these problems by getting the weight off.

and they say they will pay for it! :thumbup: No additional info on the letter re: requirements, so I guess there are none. I've actually been going back and forth on whether to have the surgery or not. I'm "only" 185 but my acceptable weight range is 89-119 (due to me being so short! There are 10 year olds my height) But after this weekend - gall bladder problems - I am just ready to get "everything fixed." So scheduled my GB surgery for within the week, and my doc says I have to wait at least 6 weeks for LB surgery. Oh, the gall bladder attacks were good for one thing - they made me realize I CAN find other things to do besides eat. It's like I'm on a pre-op diet already... can barely eat more than an apple! :tt2: That was one of my concerns - that I wouldn't be able to find something to do since I'm such a eat-when-I'm-bored-or-emotional person! That fear gone! :thumbup:

I had heard that some surgeons do both operations at once but my doctor said that would risk complications and infection and would be grounds for malpractice, and they would not do it that way. I suppose if I was having open surgery and not laproscopic, they'd do it all at once?? I've having a few more doubts as I read some of the sections of this forum (the failed LBs or the ones that needed to have theirs removed or converted!) But anyway, one step at a time, gotta get this dumb gall bladder taken care of first. :ohmy:

Thanks SO MUCH for the responses. At least I can hold onto the hope that after some weightloss I might be able to "indulge" in popcorn occasionally. I usually have the 100 calorie Pop Secret or Orville Kettle Corn. AND I split it with my kids. It's mostly to satisfy the cravings I mentioned. My "danger" foods have always been pizza and ice cream :tt2: (and rotisserie chicken!) so I think I'm ok with portion control on this particular snack. :thumbup:

I haven't been banded yet and also wondering what will I DO?! I'm a SAHM and spend all day filling sippy cups and making snacks, I open the fridge 50 times a day... I'm worried I don't have enough hobbies. :

Are you still in Florida, or stuck for very long? Maybe you can consult Dr. Grossbard in Zephyrhills. Medical care in the Tampa Bay area does seem back-asswards in many respects. So I feel your pain.

My friend chose Dr. Ortiz. The doctor who will do my band if I continue on this journey was also banded by Dr. Ortiz... he's in the banner above (before/after pics that change) and he's also listed as a testimonial on Dr. Ortiz's site (Dr. Grossbard in Florida) Anyway, I've only heard good things about the OCC in Mexico.

Something I have considered... I am pretty sure I could lose 50 of the 100 lbs I need to lose BUT can I keep it off? Obviously not, as I've been between 140 and 190 for ten years. Just keep yo-yo-ing since I eat too much. The insurance guidelines are usually 35-40+ BMI. If you self-pay, I'm not sure if/what the regs are. Good luck!

Vitamin B6 will improve your luteal phase. :thumbup:

You can buy leg weights in the workout department of many stores. They strap to your ankles. Usually 2-3 lbs each. Can be worn under your clothes.

I'm new. I currently weigh between 185 and 190 and have a BMI that is 39-40. I am only 4'10" I am also in the Tampa area, and had my seminar on Monday. My healthy weight range for my height is (get this!) 89-119 lbs. So even at under 200, I could theoretically lose 100 lbs before being underweight! :biggrin: This is kinda funny but I was looking at the tall people who were not real big wondering why they were there :crying: Anyway, I am still debating the surgery. But at least I've taken the first step.