DianaG

Well today is my 7th on Optifast...so far,so good. When I have gotten really hungry I have a cup of beef or chicken boullion and that helps a lot. Tomorrow I go to get my pre-surgery testing at Cox Hospital in Springfield MO. Don't know exactly what tests there will be, but probably the ususal ekg, blood count, chest xray, etc. Then next Monday is Surgery Day!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this site and others. It seems that the older we are, the less weight we loose, but there are exceptions to the rule and I hope to become one of those exceptions:)

Years ago I kept having reoccuring yeast infections. The Dr. said that my husband and I kept giving it to each other....so he treated us both and it worked! He also told me to douche with plain yogurt mixed into warm Water. Haven't had an infection in ages. Hope this info is not too out-dated!!!

Wait just a sec while I put down my Optifast........There we go, now you can see me cheering!!!!!! Hooray!!! You have inspired me!!!!! Thanks

Anticipation is always hard and being anxious makes one more nervous. Don't worry about it, the seminar I attended was very good. The medical staff (surgeons, RN, diatician) and recently banded patients, put on a brief and informative presentation. They then took questions and did their best to reassure and explain to everyone, whatever their question was. The evening was very reassuring and by the end, everyone seemed relaxed and happy. So Go For It!!

You're welcome. Hope you enjoy them!

Just remembered something, good for future reference in case this happens again. I read a couple of days ago, that if you are exposed to poison ivy,immediately rub the area with liquid dishwash detergent and then rinse well. The detergent breaks down the oils of the ivy that were left on the skin and thus reduces the spread of the poison.

I am like you, I haven't had it for a long time. A couple of years ago, my grandson got it all over his arms, neck, and face. Went to the doctor and they gave him an injection. I can't recall exactly how long it was before it went totally away, but it was a lot better within a day or so. Hope you have good luck at the doctor's tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.

Congrats!! Today I started my 2 weeks of liquid pre-op diet. So I am going to be reading about your progress and am sure it will inspire me to "do it right". I have high hopes and know that you are going to be doing just great! Keep Smiling!

Hi everyone, Well, surgery time is fast approaching. I started the 2 week liquid diet today....that may make time seem like it is actually slowing down!! Surgery on Monday the 27th! I appreciate all the posts everyone makes..there is a lot of encouragement to be found there.

Hello all, Well, today is my first day on the pre-surgery liquid diet.. So far, So good. However, I am going to be really, really, happy when these two weeks have passed! Found some good "Crystal Lite" popsickles.....pink lemonade and pomegranate. I have a support group meeting this Thursday and I know that will help me also. Like you, Don, I think they are very important.

Hello all, I messed up when I first signed up as a member of this site and had my user name as Dian, got it corrected to DianaG. Katwmn63 you were the first to welcome me aboard, so just wanted you to know what happened.... Tonight I just stumbled onto this thread and had to drop a note to tell you that I too am going to be a July bandster. July 27th to be exact. Just had my pre-surgery consult with the surgeon today and also got to meet with the diatician and pick up my 2 weeks supply of Optifast....Oh Yummy!?!?!?! Anyway, I am so happy to be getting closer to the surgery and getting my life back! Good luck to all of us getting banded this month..Keep up the reports of progress and I will do the same.

Hello, Joann & Phill, I just got back home and saw that with your help I actually did get my user name changed!!!HOORAY. Nina, I agree that you certainly would qualify for the band..I just now got back from my final pre-surgery appointments with my surgeon, RN Bariatric coordinator, and the diatician. I now have 84 little boxes of Optifast to start on Monday the 13th. I have my pre-admission tests on the 20th and surgery the 27th..I know it is a hard decision to make, but I have been in a lot of pain and limited activities for several years and have been reassured that the band will help me have a "better rest of my life". I do hope that you have a good heart to heart talk with your doctor and that you can get assurances that you need. It looks like Don is setting a good example?:)I'll be thinking of you!

Thanks Phyll, I gave it a try and hope it works! It will take me a while to get the hang of things here, but with all the help that is offered I am sure I will make it eventually!! May even get brave enough to try to do a ticker one of these days:)

Joann, don't worry about it, I'm not going to! I really do appreciate the help. It is nice to be part of a group that really tries to help each other! Tomorrow I have the pre-surgery appointments with the surgeon and diatician. I am getting closer and closer! Wish me luck! Thanks again for your help, I would have never found the correct spot to add to my profile.

Thanks Joann, I went there and figured out some of the stuff, but still can't change my user name....oh well, if I can't figure it out, no big deal. I get called by the wrong name a lot! I appreciate the help you gave me and will probably need a lot more along the way:)

Hi again, To answer your questions,Karen, my doctor does require the 2 week liquid diet so I should be starting it soon. I see him and the diatician on the 7th so I will know more then...I am NOT looking forward to the liquid diet but know it is in my best interest to follow doctor's orders. I decided to get banded due to the fact that all diets have failed and I have several medical problems. Spinal fusion, with rods, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, crushed arch bones in one foot, hips hurt, knees starting to hurt, my BMi is 47....you get the picture! My Internist says he can get me off of all but my allergy meds after the weight loss. That would be great... I am so inspired by all of you who have gone before and hope to have some great results to share with you. By the way, when I joined this site, I was typing in my name and only got part of it in....don't know what happened or how to fix it, but my name is not Dian, but Diana. Hopefully i will learn how to use the tools here to put up tickers, more personal data, etc. Don, I have read several of your posts and am glad to see that you are doing so well. Hope your wife decides to have the band too.

aimnut, I just tried to accept you as a friend,but I am not sure I did it right!! I really don't know much about navigating this site.....hopefully I will soon. It is really nice of everyone here to be so supportive of each other. I am sure that is going to be a great comfort to us as we continue through this journey.

Well, I found the place for me.....here with the other 60"s folks!! I have been reading a lot on this site and today I decided to let you all know what is happening with me. I have gotten my approval for the surgery and am happy and anxious! I will be banded in Springfield MO on July 27th. My surgeon is Thomas Moffe.....incidentally he removed my gall bladder several years ago.....so I have a lot of confidence in him. I am so anxious to get this surgery so I can begin to feel much better...physically and mentally! I am glad that I found "my" age group here and look forward to a lot of good conversations.

Thanks for the nice welcome. I'll be thinking of you on the 13th! I am sure we will both have good luck.

Hello all, I have been reading a lot of helpful things on this site and wanted to join in with a big "thank you" to everyone. I decided to post today as I am getting closer to becoming one of the banded. I have my final pre-surgery consult on Tuesday, July 7th, with surgery on the 27th. I am having it done at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO. My surgeon is Thomas Moffe...coincidentally the same surgeon who removed my gall bladder several years ago. So of course I have faith in him!:smile2: I am so happy to join such a helpful group as ya'll!

Hello, I am new here also and am excited about this whole process....also a little nervous. I live in the neighboring state of Arkansas and will be banded in Springfield,MO. I am lucky that I have 2 friends who have gone through this and am sure that you and I will find a lot of helpful support from the people on this site. Good luck in your journey.

Congrats!! I just recently got approval also and will be banded on July 27th! Keep us posted on your progress and I will do the same1

Yes, bcbsfep does cover the surgery. I started the process with a seminar in Feb, on the 16th of July the paperwork was sent in to bcbsfep and was approved on the 19th. My surgery is scheduled for the 27th. I have Standard Option. You can find the info about coverage in the bcbs Service Benefit Plan 2009 booklet that is sent to all persons enrolled in bcbsfep. It is on page16 &52...hope this helps