LittleBird

On the advice of an RN in the support group I recently attended, I contacted my PCP last week. Her nurse took the call. Since many of the employees have had the proceedure done and many of their patients, she was thrilled for me and very supportive. The call to my Dr. was to see if there were any tests she thought I needed before heading off to Mexico - making sure I'm healthy and ready for this surgery. I really think its about education. If your PCP is "against" you having surgery it probably is because she doesn't understand. Don't let that alone sway your decision. Look at all the aspects and do what is right for you.

I've been faithfully doing the low carb diet - the one I love - for a week or two anyway - until anything green makes me want to run and hide! The good news is I've lost 5 lbs in the few days I've been doing it. Considering that is the first time the scale has moved THAT direction in about 6 months, thats a real high for me. Taking in less carbs I feel my energy slowing coming back...Enought that I dusted off my treadmill and took a "walk" last night. Did just over a mile - slowly so as not to overdo it - overall with warm up and warm down I walked about 27 minutes. Now the trick is to keep that up -every day! My dad is having a breakdown about the surgery. He is sending me some article from USA today. I looked it up online. It's an article primarly about Gastric Bypass surgery that is based on old data and stats. I don't need his approval, but his attitude is frustrating. If I had cancer would he tell me not to do chemo?? I don't think he realizes LapBand and Gastric Bypass are totally different things.

Hubby and I went to Wal-Mart today to buy some stuff for the pool (it turned green overnight) and Atkins shakes - Wal-Mart is the cheapest place I know to buy them! While there, my husband, who is diabetic, said "I have to get something to eat". There is a 24 hour McDonalds inside Wal-Mart - go figure. Sitting in McDonalds - (the side salad tastes like plastic by the way) I looked around. There was a woman there in a mobile shopping cart - very obese. My heart went out to her. I realized how lucky I am to be able to give myself this gift. An opportunity for a new, healthier me. I realize not everyone is able to or even knows that there are options for themselves. I weighed this morning - I know, I know...but I'm eager to see SOME results - and it looked like I was down 3 lbs. I'll weigh again tommorrow to be sure. My husband realized today that when I'm banded I won't be able to drink carbonated beverages - he was upset about that. I'm not sure why. I told him he could drink whatever he wanted, but he said he would feel guilty about it. I reminded him that soda wasn't healthy anyway....

Hubby and I went to Wal-Mart today to buy some stuff for the pool (it turned green overnight) and Atkins shakes - Wal-Mart is the cheapest place I know to buy them! While there, my husband, who is diabetic, said "I have to get something to eat". There is a 24 hour McDonalds inside Wal-Mart - go figure. Sitting in McDonalds - (the side salad tastes like plastic by the way) I looked around. There was a woman there in a mobile shopping cart - very obese. My heart went out to her. I realized how lucky I am to be able to give myself this gift. An opportunity for a new, healthier me. I realize not everyone is able to or even knows that there are options for themselves. I weighed this morning - I know, I know...but I'm eager to see SOME results - and it looked like I was down 3 lbs. I'll weigh again tommorrow to be sure. My husband realized today that when I'm banded I won't be able to drink carbonated beverages - he was upset about that. I'm not sure why. I told him he could drink whatever he wanted, but he said he would feel guilty about it. I reminded him that soda wasn't healthy anyway....

I appreciate your honesty. Too many people try to hide from the past instead of face it, deal with it, and move on.

Its early today but I want to write anyway- its hot - really hot for my area - yesterday 94 (we are usually 74 this time of year). I put on my bright purple bikini and went for a swim in the 4 foot pool (the above ground pool for my kids). Since I was at home and no one could see me, I didn't have a problem wearing that suit - but I did think - It won't be long and I might actually ENJOY wearing a bathing suit. Whoohoo. Switched to an Atkins shake for breakfast instead of a scrambled egg - well ok - 2 scrambled eggs. I think the shake is better for me. I'm doing ok - acutally always did on Atkins because its not calorie restriction, just carb restriction and I can usually handle that for a while. With less than 4 weeks to surgery, I think I'll be fine. I know I shouldn't but I weighed this morning - my scale is screwy - one of those that you can set to 0, weigh, and step off and suddenly its no longer at 0 - so I never get reliable results. Either way, I don't think I've lost any yet. I feel confident I'll be able to drop the 12 lbs before surgery though. I've made an effort to drink more water - with the heat its even more important and I know it will help with the weight loss.

Its early today but I want to write anyway- its hot - really hot for my area - yesterday 94 (we are usually 74 this time of year). I put on my bright purple bikini and went for a swim in the 4 foot pool (the above ground pool for my kids). Since I was at home and no one could see me, I didn't have a problem wearing that suit - but I did think - It won't be long and I might actually ENJOY wearing a bathing suit. Whoohoo. Switched to an Atkins shake for breakfast instead of a scrambled egg - well ok - 2 scrambled eggs. I think the shake is better for me. I'm doing ok - acutally always did on Atkins because its not calorie restriction, just carb restriction and I can usually handle that for a while. With less than 4 weeks to surgery, I think I'll be fine. I know I shouldn't but I weighed this morning - my scale is screwy - one of those that you can set to 0, weigh, and step off and suddenly its no longer at 0 - so I never get reliable results. Either way, I don't think I've lost any yet. I feel confident I'll be able to drop the 12 lbs before surgery though. I've made an effort to drink more water - with the heat its even more important and I know it will help with the weight loss.

I had the wonderful opportunity to go to a very local support group yesterday - just a couple of miles from the house! I called my primary Dr. today to make sure I'm "good to go". She's on vacation, wouldn't you know it, but the RN is going to have her call me when she gets back next week. The RN at the support group said it was a good idea to rule out anything that might present complications BEFORE going to Mexico. It's good advice and something I wouldn't have thought of on my own. I'm very excited to have a support group of real live and in person people to ask questions of, meet, and talk to. Hubby went with me as well and I think it helped put him at ease. I started the low carb yummy Atkins diet (I'm being a little sarcastic as I was on the diet for a year and I am no longer fond of all those greens daily) for real yesterday to help with my pre-op weight loss. I'd like to lose 12 lbs as that is 5% of my total body weight. I figure anything I lose now will just get me that much closer to my goal after the surgery. I talked to my step mom yesterday - who is a nurse - and she didn't give me the ration of shit my dad did. I know they are both just worried about me and want me to be "ok" but they aren't in my flesh and I hate feeling like I have to justify my decision to them. The conversation went ok - she said half of her coworkers (at the hospital) have had the surgery. She also said she thinks the ones who have the best success use high end liquid multi vitamins including B. I'll have to check that out.

I scheduled surgery yesterday with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I'm scheduled for Aug. 16th. I booked airline tickets for me and hubby last night after work. I paid my deposit. There is no turning back now! Since I need to lose 10lbs before the surgery date, I figured I might as well get started so today I'm reverting back to Atkins low carb eating. Much to my suprise I was told you can't smoke 2 weeks before the surgery. GREAT! Quit smoking AND lose 10 lbs. I guess if I'm going to quit, this is the best time since my focus is on weight LOSS at the same time. I did warn my hubby that I might be bitchy though! I'm feeling scared, a little Foggy - like "I'm just moving forward" can't over think it. I know it'll be a great decision and I have to trust my instinct. I'm sad thinking of the foods I won't be able to enjoy - like those flaky dinner rolls that come in a can..... I weighed yesterday. I'm at a whopping 255. I HATE that, but I can rest assured this will be my highest weight and I'm never going back there!

My name is Cindy - I'm 31, married, and have 2 kids. I love in Arlington, Washington. I've been consumed with my weight issues for the last 2 years- I think about it from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. I've tried to just "accept" this is who I am and be ok with it. But - that just doesn't work for me. I was thin growing up, then after my kids my weight varied in the 170-190 range. (what I'd give to be 170 now!!) I'm now 255 lbs and I'm NOT ok with it. It just keeps coming and my energy level is awful. I haven't been able to sustain any significant weight loss on my own. After meeting someone in person who had the surgery - I started looking into it. The cost in the US was out of my budget, but the options in Mexico work for me. I did my homework and got my ducks in a row. I just scheduled my surgery today for the 16th of August with Dr. Ortiz in TJ. I have some fears - wondering how my body will feel when its done, if I'll be successful, will I have energy even though I can't eat as much, will I still be hungry? Those are my biggest worries : Will I still get my "no food" headache and will I be hungry. Regardless, I'm scheduled and I'm going to be banded soon!

I scheduled surgery yesterday with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I'm scheduled for Aug. 16th. I booked airline tickets for me and hubby last night after work. I paid my deposit. There is no turning back now! Since I need to lose 10lbs before the surgery date, I figured I might as well get started so today I'm reverting back to Atkins low carb eating. Much to my suprise I was told you can't smoke 2 weeks before the surgery. GREAT! Quit smoking AND lose 10 lbs. I guess if I'm going to quit, this is the best time since my focus is on weight LOSS at the same time. I did warn my hubby that I might be bitchy though! I'm feeling scared, a little Foggy - like "I'm just moving forward" can't over think it. I know it'll be a great decision and I have to trust my instinct. I'm sad thinking of the foods I won't be able to enjoy - like those flaky dinner rolls that come in a can..... I weighed yesterday. I'm at a whopping 255. I HATE that, but I can rest assured this will be my highest weight and I'm never going back there!

I talked to my hubby at first, then my mom. I just worked up the nerve to tell my Dad today - since I'm scheduled now. He told me "just don't eat so much." He's not for it and I knew he wouldn't be - but I'm an adult and he's not living in my body. I also told one friend at work - she is the only one who was thrilled for me.

That's so close to home for me. And I thought I'd have to go to Tacoma or something! I'm scheduled now for the 16th with Ortiz. I'm thrilled! Thanks for the info.

Did you say the "Arlington Pharmacy" will do fills?? Or did I misunderstand? I'm working on a 16th Aug. Surgery Date with Ortiz. Trying to work it out wiht my husbands schedule and get over this growing fear..."am I doing the right thing?" "is there another way?" "Will I be successful?" I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had those last minute jitters!

I just applied for CapOne and they have Dr. Ortiz (from Mexico) on their list with a California address. Looks like maybe they found a loophole or something with a California office. I have to wait to confirm tomorrow, but I think Dr. Ortiz can receive CapOne payments. Does anyone else know about this? My credit isn't the greatest and the 1.9% is only for the short term financing (no more than 24 months I think) and I wanted longer term. My rate isn't good but I expected that - payments about $240 and I can always pay it off early to aviod those interest charges

Thank you for all the input! It's a huge help. I just applied and got approved for financing. That was the hurdle I was most worried about - so now it just comes down to getting scheduled. Thanks again for sharing everyone!

I'm considering Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I guess I'm just assuming there WILL be a fill Dr. somewhere local that Dr. Ortiz can refer me to. As I understand it, sometimes Dr's don't want to do a fill if they haven't done the surgery. Has anyone in the area found that to be true? Any other Snohomish or King County Resident out there who have successfully found a fill Dr after having the surgery elsewhere?

New to the site myself and considering - strongly - the LapBand. Here is my question-comment-rambling-over-thinking-it-thought: First, I believe overeating can have a LOT to do with emotional pain or some other "internal" emotional issue. Since I believe this, then I think "If I have this surgery, the underlying problem is still there, not delt with" so I worry about the "problem" i.e. the underlying emotional issue is going to crop up in some other area of my life. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this or even understand what I'm trying to say?? And what about excersising - on the little bit of food you are able to eat, is there still enough energy there to "work out"?

What the heck is a PB?

My day job is as an internet sales manager at a Ford Dealership. I have also been nurturing my online business, www.providerwatch.com for the past 6 years. Previously I was a CNA in the home health care system in Oregon.

My weight gain began about 9 years ago - it was a slow process that began with excessive drinking - high calorie drinks -depression...I gained about 30 pounds those first few years, lost some and have steadily increased reaching my all time high - currently 255. I quit drinking a year ago - eat more to replace it - and have worked at a desk job for 3 years. That combined with no physical activity. I ENJOY food, its emotional for me. When I cook and enjoy a good meal, it feels good deep down. But this good feeling is followed by guilt and remorse. When I feel full - I feel guilty. I think about being fat from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed at night and sometimes in my sleep. I'm considering the band, but am unsure how I'll pay for it. The bottom line is I overeat, food is emotional satisfaction, and I sit on my a$$ at work all day.