che4u
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Thank you, all, this was very helpful! I will let you know what the doctor suggests, hopefully he can shed some light on things. :biggrin: Thanks again! Shannon
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Do you regret choosing the Band over Bypass?
che4u replied to che4u's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks, cwm812, I was curious about that. I am trying to start becoming more active now, and getting better habits, before the band... to "set myself up for success", so to speak. I like Wii sports and wii fit, just need the kick in the pants to use them more regularly! thanks again everyone! Shannon -
How long was your journey from 1st Dr.'s visit to surgery?
che4u replied to che4u's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wow, thanks so much everyone! I have BCBS of NJ, (even though I am in NH), and they require a 6 month nutritional support and a lot more, (in the way of other requirements). They suggested, today, that a note from my Dr. might be able to lessen that a bit but that there were no guarantees. My BMI is 50 and I'd like to get this done before the end of the year, (so that I don't have to pay the copay twice... of $1,000 each year), and I am hoping that will help to encourage them to put it through. I was raised by a very health-conscious Mom and Dad so, knock on wood, that might help a little also...? Thanks again for your help, I will let folks know if I hear anything else. Shannon -
How long was your journey from 1st Dr.'s visit to surgery?
che4u posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi again all! I have a question about how long the pre-op. process has taken most folks. My insurance has a $1,000 deductable so I am nervous that I will have to pay that twice, if I start right now and don't get surgery by 12/31/10, (which I doubt is possible anyway but I thought I'd ask, in case anyone was able to get the process set up more quickly than 6 months). I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and the surgery will be covered 90%, if I use an in-network surgeon. So, how long was your journey from first bariatric doctor's appointment to surgery? Thanks, in advance! Shannon -
August 16 - It's my 4 year bandiversary
che4u replied to atgoalgal's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congrats on your success and kudos to you, for your hard work! Shannon -
Do you regret choosing the Band over Bypass?
che4u replied to che4u's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks very much, all! Sugary drinks and candy aren't my issue, so hopefully the band will be better for me. I will keep researching but am still leaning toward the band, having my insides cut apart and reassembled makes me very nervous! Thanks again for your input, please feel free to add more if you think of it, any suggestions and thoughts are helpful. Do you all exercise a lot more then pre-op.? Have any of you had issues with punctures? I just saw a few videos about that, (I hadn't even heard of it being an issue). Does anyone know if that's a common thing or a rare case? Talk to you soon! Congrats to all of you for working so hard and making such giant leaps! 171lbs is probably going to be the minimum that I'll have to lose, (I am not sure the the doctor's goal is based on their sheet, my own personal comfort level or a mix of the two...?). Shannon Shannon -
Do you regret choosing the Band over Bypass?
che4u posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi all! I have a few friends that have had bypass surgery and one who's had the band. My friends that got the gastric bypass all dropped a lot of weight but many of them had issues, (1 didn't heal properly and had to keep going back in, 1 became an alcoholic, 1 is losing muscle mass due to the rapid weight loss and gets dizzy spells etc.). My friend that got the lap band had no ill effects, (beside the normal food restriction adjustments), but she feels like she hasn't lost much and her band is almost full. I am really torn because I definitely need to lose. I have been heavy my whole life, (literally, for as long as I can remember), so I relish the thought of losing weight but, at the same time, gastric bypass makes me very nervous. My mother knows a woman that can't *stop* losing and is skin and bones now. Have any of you had problems losing with the band, (while following the basic instructions and food program)? What made you choose the band over bypass? What has been the key to your success? Have you had any loose skin issues? (I have heard that lap banders have better skin "snap back" because of the slower loss... have you noticed this)? I am not a sweet eater, usually. My issues are late night snacking, a love of all things starch, (especially bread, bagels etc.) and a sedentary lifestyle, (both for work and hobbies). Any insight you can give would be GREATLY appreciated! I don't mind losing a little less if the surgery is safer, (and I feel Lap Band IS a less invasive and, therefor, safer options on the whole), but I don't want to go through the whole process only to feel hungry 24-7 or lose only a small amount of weight. I have looked to impartial studies comparing the 2 processes but most of them are by one or the other school of thought, thus making one wonder if they aren't skewed. If you know of any recent, accurate, comparisons please let me know. Thank you, in advance! Shannon -
Thanks, Kate! I went a while back, to the meeting.
My friend had the g. bypass but it makes me nervous. It seems less natural to me & she has lost muscle mass, gets dizzy & her skin is also loose.
Can I ask what your before weight was & your goal weight? Does the Dr. suggest their ideal weight or your personal goal or a median of the two?
My concern, besides the band not being aggressive enough is my husband sabotaging me. Is yours supportive? Mine says he's supportive but I worry.
I am interested in your personal take on how the band works for you. How much of a lifestyle change has it been for you?
I don't tend to eat or drink sugar. My weaknesses are; 1) I am very sedentary, (both of my businesses & my hobbies), 2) I snack at night & 3) I love starch!
What were your deciding factors & do you think the band was the right tool for you? Sorry if these questions are too personal, please only answer the ones you're comfortable with. Thanks!
Shannon
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Hi Shannon!
Congratulations on starting this journey! I was banded Jan 15th 2010 so I'm about 7 months out and have lost 85lbs ish.
The Co. I work for is basd out of Maine so my insurance is also so I had to have the surgery at Maine Med, but I've only heard good things about Portsmouth. I was thinking of maybe going to a post op support group there, but I'm not much of a joiner so I've not gone.
Did you and your husband go to the info session yet? It's funny but there doesn't seem to be many Hew Hampshireites on this site.
Let me know if you have ANY questions.
Nice to meet you too
-Kate
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Hello! I am a NH-ite also and am hoping to find some other lap-banders in the area. I haven't had the procedure done but have started the process. Please feel free to share any tips you might have! I am looking at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, for my procedure etc..
Nice to "meet" you!
Shannon
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Wonderful topic, all, thanks for the multiple well thought responses. I didn't start the post but have enjoyed reading the comments! I personally feel similarly to others about the sexual attention nervousness. I am hoping, now that I have been married for almost 13 years, that those fears will be lessened as I don't feel that I *need* the attention. I like people finding me beautiful or even attractive but that look with objectification within it has always made my skin crawl. Could be because I am fairly femministic. :frown: I met my husband on a BBW website, (big, beautiful women), so I had that distance/safety level before meeting him in person. I have MUCH better luck with dating when I met the guys online, as silly as that sounds. I could make my profile as "tough" as I wanted it to be, to keep the abusers at bay. It worked. I got 3 great guys and had a blast with each of them. Due to this "pre-emptive screeening", (between e-mailing and hone calls), I knew the guys fairly well and got that awkward state of, "does he like me?" out of the way. I know online dating ins't for all and it can be VERY dangerous, if not handled cautiously, but I am so glad that I tried it. I was at my heaviest, to that date, when I joined. The down side is that I got a husband that is SO acceptable of my weight that I have gained without remorse or fear of losing him. That is why I want to remedy this. I want my children to feel proud of their mother, when their friends meet me. I want to be able to keep up with their athletic activities. I want my husband to be a tiny bit jealous once in a while, (as horrible as that sounds). Being a work-at-home Mom and being 15 feet from the kitchen 24-7 has not been a good option for me but I have done it, for a long time now. I am ready to be done with that, though, and either shift into a new space or shift my time somehow. I have to be away from food, even if I get the band, the temptation is too great. Business is good but I just don't know if it's good *enough* to warrant renting a space or building an addition or shed etc.. Thanks again for the discussion and ideas! Shannon
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Thanks for the comment, IAmDoingItIn09! I haven't read a lot of posts by you but your smile speaks volumes.
Its wonderful to go to someone's homepage and have them with a nice big grin. Pre-Op, Post-Op, it doesn't matter to me, life's too short to look grumpy, right?Best of luck in your process, please keep me updated, I'd love to see how it goes!
Shannon
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Hi all! I have chatted with a few people and attended a meeting about the band. From what I have heard those places it sounded like the general rule was that one's "goal weight" was 80% of the weight that they should lose. So, if one weighs 200lbs and should weigh 150lbs, their goal weight would be 160lbs. I have noticed on this board, though, that people's goals seem low sometimes. Did you all use this method for ideal weight or some other? Thanks, in advance! Shannon
