skiingj

Hi Ladies!!! Ash – Difficult situation. I’m very sorry to hear your story. No it’s not whining, I’m about to do that. I’m probably not the best for advice as I don’t have too much experience with your situation. You need to do whatever is best for you and your family. They can help you make the best decision. Postponing to later in the year might be best but it’s easy for me to say as I’m not in your shoes. You will get through it!!!!!! Nicolie & Tamra – CONGRATULATIONS!! JOB WELL DONE!!! I’m so happy for you two! We may get surgery around the same time! Pat – You’re up!!! Congrats! Lee – Can’t remember if you have a surgery date yet?!?! Well my time to whine: After waiting a week for a surgery date and making several calls to Richmond I finally got to speak with the person I needed to. It was a bit of an argument but I made my point and got a date. Since no one has ever returned for a surgery they have been in uncharted waters with me as this will be the third surgery. They tried to get me to drive to Richmond (2 hours one way) for a 15-20 minute appointment. I got out of that but I do have to redo the Pre-Op / Nutrition Class at the end of the month. Well I don’t need that class again since it has only been seven months but I’ll suck it up and do it unless the doc can’t get me out of it. I’ll email the doc and see… I think my new - did I say third surgery date will be 17 Feb. They say third time is the charm. I hope so, if not maybe they can wire my mouth shut. It’s a bit frustrating as the doc says one thing and the staff says something else… I do have to show some weight loss otherwise they will cancel. Shouldn’t be a problem, I’m down about five pounds since my Richmond appointment last Monday. I’m on vacation next week which will not help but I will just have to cut back and not drink too much! Sorry that I can’t make either of the next two Saturday events. I would really like to go! I hope you all have fun!! I should be able to make the February PW meeting! I hope everyone is doing well!!! Thanks for listening…

Monique – Congrats on the fill! Pam – Thanks for the invite. I’m working that day 10 hours and leaving for vacation the next day at o’dark thirty. Reggie – Welcome back! Start the 1200 cal with me tomorrow. Oh so fun! Jes, Conolie, Candra, Heather and everyone else thanks for the support! The ride and meeting in Richmond today really wore me out. Time for bed and back to work tomorrow, yuck. Yeah the Lotto sounds nice!

Hello Ladies! No Robin as I’m not really post-op. Well the meeting went sort of how I expected it. He was running well over an hour late. Thanks Monique! :rolleyes2: I’ve gained almost twenty pounds back of the eighty five I lost. Doc was not happy and concerned that I wouldn’t be successful even with surgery. He wanted to know why I had gained the weight back. It was a bit of an emotional meeting. I wouldn’t be overweight if I could do this myself. If I kept loosing without the band and kept the weight off I would have never returned to his office. I explained why I need the help and he agreed that the Sleeve would be best. He agreed to move forward with surgery and hopes to have a date for me within a week. I need to lose about twelve pounds which I will do. The only bump in the road is a vacation with some old works friends to Mexico and my wife is on a work trip the week I wanted surgery in late February. Two people on this Mexico trip have been banded so I look forward to speaking with them as they live on the east coast. Sorry so late posting as I had to take a nap as the Richmond thing wore me out mentally. Thanks for the kind thoughts. Time to restart the 1200 cal diet…

Nice pics! If I'd known there was a bar stop I would have canceled my plans.

Monique – Depending on traffic I'll be there around 10 for a 10:30 appointment and will look out for you! I think your appointment is around 9am. We might miss each other. Thanks ladies for the kind words! I’m determined but it sometimes is hard as the process is not easy…

Hello Everyone! I was looking at the first post of this thread and can’t believe it’s been over a year. I remember reading the first few posts and thinking I just wish my doc would refer me as he denied my fist request in Oct ’08. My PCP thought Kaiser outsourced for the band but this thread and others quickly gave me the information I needed. I’ve learned so much from you all and can’t thank you girls enough! Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and slimmer 2010! Well two band surgeries later here I am anxiously, well sort of waiting for tomorrows appointment in Richmond! Hopefully I’ll get another surgery date so I can join most of you on the real post-op side. Funny whenever I call Richmond for the semi-usual unfriendly service they ask if I’m post or pre op. It’s always fun explaining… OK maybe I’m slow but Candra I just saw Bridezillas on the Directv guide on the WE channel. Had to tune in for a few minutes to get a taste of what you’ve been going through. It’s on all day today. Funny!

Hi Ladies! Happy New Year!!!!!!! Sorry I can't meet on Saturday! Have fun! I'll let you all know what happens with the Doc on Monday!

Yes Candra we have the same doc and he has been forgetful. He forgot to call twice after my second failure to discuss the failure and my options. It drove me crazy as I had to wait a week to speak with him. He did give me his direct line so I ended up calling him in the end. I do like him and I understand they have hundreds of patients and I’m not the only one BUT… Keep drinking the water! So hard this time of the year as it’s too cold out for water! Thanks for the support!

Hi Ladies! Yes Candra my holiday has been plentiful with lots of carbs! L Probably up 20lbs since my last failure in August. On Monday I go to Richmond to see the doc. I’ve considered canceling as I’ve been asking for a surgery date for over six weeks and keep getting ignored. The plan was to give the Sleeve a try in February. I really need to run the surgery date by work as they are getting tired of my last minute little notice surgeries this year. First band attempt I had five weeks which is ok but the second attempt I only had nine days notice. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a date for something taking place two months later but that request keeps getting ignored. I’ve done the last two surgeries on my own time in regards to vacation and plan to do the same this next time. I returned to work a week later each time. Very frustrating as I tried so hard to get the band and find I have little support from Richmond. I was told I’m the only one to ever return for a second surgery after a failure and both my weight loose goals were done in record time. My doc has only had two band install failures and I’m both. I’m somewhat surprised by his lack of action as my doc has appeared to have little patience for those that don’t try and has been vocal about people that fail this weight loose process. I’m not in those groups so I just don’t get it. Oh well I’ll let you all know what happens on Monday should be an interesting meeting. I want my wife to come but I think she is tired of the Richmond runs and needs to work… I could wait for a Vacaville opening but that’s not for another two weeks. It took me three weeks to get this Monday’s appointment as I kept getting told he had no open appointments... %$*@!#& Frustrating!!!! Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas ladies!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Ladies! I hope everyone is doing well! Lots of pages to catch up on. I’m only half on the wagon, it’s such a struggle. I’ve put 15 pounds of the 85 I lost back on. Going to see the doc in three weeks and I should be getting Sleeved in February. Next week I’m having my nose fixed after I had a complication (hemridge) in my nose earlier this year after nasal surgery. To get the bleeding to stop a tampon like thing was jammed up my nose. Lots of fun! So my nose is now worse than it was before so they are going back in to reconstruct it. Just hope I don’t turn out like MJ. I’m ready to get the Sleeve surgery over with but I’m having some difficulty getting a surgery date out of Richmond. I need it scheduled with work soonest as I’m out of last minute I’m having band surgery in a few weeks excuses and the last band attempt I only had nine days notice. Putting it out past February will probably result in me not doing it anytime soon for several reasons. I hope I get a surgery date soon. Next month I’m meeting up with two friends (a brother & sister) that have had the band for several years so I look forward to discussing my case and seeing how they are doing in person. They both have done very well with the band. They were my introduction to the procedure and helped give me confidence in the band route. Unfortunately for me it didn’t work out. I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday!

Candra - Nicely put! Group HUG!

Very nice area, love the drive on the H-3 to Kaneohe Bay!

Hi Maria - I would check: orbitz.com expedia.com travel.yahoo.com travelzoo.com and the websites of Hawaiian, United and Alaska airlines. It's worth checking out a travel agency or going direct to the wholesalers; ie pleasant holidays, apple vacations for good deals. The only nonstop service out of SAC is Alaska to Maui and Hawaiian to Oahu, all other airlines you either have to connect or drive to the bay area. United connects via LAX or SFO. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Heather - Have fun next week. The weather was great and Waikiki is as nice and fun as ever! Not sure if you have been there before but I have a few suggestions. North shore was awesome, lots of large waves and surfing competitions going on. Well worth the drive unless you’re staying at Turtle Bay or a home on that side. The Polynesian Cultural Center on the north shore has a brand new night show (Ha Breath of Life) that was great! Cheap drinks at Hale Koa Hotel on Fort DeRussy which is next to the Hilton Hawaiian village Waikiki. Hale Koa is a military hotel but many don’t know the ocean front bar is open to the public and offers reasonable priced food and drinks. I’m not into shopping but a great place to go is the Aloha stadium swap meet. Great bargains and souvenirs. http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/ Dukes, Roys, Tikki’s, and the Yard House all great places to eat hence the only think I lost comment… Enjoy the trip!

Aloha Ladies!!! Dozens and dozens of pages to read! Not much on this end just got back from a vacation in Hawaii where the only thing I lost was my luggage. It went to Denver instead on Honolulu. I received it later that night about nine hours late. My luggage gets lost about every year or two so my wife will not pack anything together and I somewhat don't blame her. We had a great turkey day in Hawaii but it was a bit strange being there as the beach was busy and you wouldn't have thought it was Thanksgiving. Still slowly gaining weight but overall I'm eating better. Afraid to weigh myself as I think I'm up 10-20 pounds since August. Going to see the doc in a few weeks and hoping for a late February Sleeve date. Sorry Jes I don't know of any Sleeve conversions with Kaiser. My guess is they would do it if you have certain band complications. Unfortunately for most of us eating is satisfying and addicting which is the mental part we must overcome with or without WLS. I think with the band it's harder to overcome the addiction as the physical restriction is different than RNY and Sleeve. RNY and Sleeve is more evasive but has much more restriction and I believe some of us may benefit from this. I'm on the fence as I think the Sleeve could be a much better weight lose tool but I would have preferred to give the band a try. Oh well its Water under the bridge. I hope you are all doing well!!

Hi Lee, Welcome. I chose LB as it’s far less evasive and fit my lifestyle better. I’m currently considering the Sleeve as I had two LB install failures this past summer. The Sleeve has some advantages but they do remove about 80% of your stomach. Weight loose is typically higher than LB and no trips for fills. Unfortunately the new procedure Richmond is performing for the Sleeve is somewhat new and doesn’t have any history or long term stats… I’ve met one person who had it done and they’re very happy. Good Luck!

Hi Ladies! Have fun this weekend! Working for one more weekend then its back to regular days. Not really on track, went to Applebee's today for the free Veterans meal. It was very busy, ran into a couple people from Beale. Leaving for vacation in nine days so not sure when I'll be back on rack. Mia Tais are call'in! I hope you all have a great walk and enjoy the rest of the week!

Hi Ladies – Happy Saturday! I’m working… Lots of pages to catch up on. Nicollie and Liz – Thanks for the Sleeve info! Congrats on orientation and getting to see Doc Fisher! All in one day, very impressive! Thanks everyone for your encouragement! I’m sort of on track. Still having some difficulty… Donna – I’m doing well thanks for asking. Nikki was home for four days but left yesterday for Idaho and Tahoe, another work trip. She’ll be home Wednesday. How are you? Back in the grove after your FL trip! Take Care everyone have a great weekend!!!

Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is having a great week! Liz and Canolie - Please let us know if they present the Sleeve procedure during orientation. Thanks! Have fun! Don't be late! Candra & Jes- Thanks for the words of encouragement! Trying to get back on track... Heather - Yes having a February surgery date would be great. Keep up the work! Hope everyone is having a great night!

Hi Ladies! I hope you are all having a great spooky day! Candra – I can’t meet on the 14th as it’s my month to work weekends. :Yawn: Haven’t been doing well as the wife is still away for a couple more days and I’ve been eating and drinking a bit too much this past week. I’m going to email Doc Fisher in a couple weeks to see if they have a presentation ready for the Sleeve and to follow up on a February surgery date. Unfortunately I have a couple trips and can’t do surgery until at least February. Not sure how much of the 85 pounds I’ve gained back as I’m afraid to get on the scale. I’m thinking I put 10-15 back on. Hope you all have a great day!!!

Hi All! Riley - If you need help with pics let me know I have all the tools. Candra - What or who is 2flygys? I might be in the wrong forum. haha. Sorry to hear about the headaches. Tamra - I've gained as well. Not happy with myself. Try and get back on track.

Hi Candra - Glad you had a good time! I'm starving, trying not to eat anything else today. Nite all!

Hi Ladies!! Jes funny story!! I remember those days. It will get better over time. I highly recommend a humidifier if you don’t have one connected to the CPAP. Couldn’t stand the mask but after nine years it’s easy now. So far I can only sleep without the mask when on Ambien. I used to snore real badly and it drove Nikki crazy so the mask has done wonders over the years as we both sleep better. So maybe it was my huge tonsils because I don’t snore anymore other than a short snort once in a while. Donna – Nikki just landed in Germany for a work trip so I wish I could say hi;( Her second trip to Europe in a month. Must be nice as I’m stuck working eight days out of nine this week. I left a job last year because I traveled 40% of the time, she wanted me to stop traveling so much and now she is the travel queen. She comes home for a week and is gone for another week. Sucks. Oh well, as bad as the job situation is we are lucky to just be employed. Both our jobs are somewhat unstable… Hope you all have a great weekend and have fun at the meeting!

Hi Ladies!!!! You are all doing so well, keep at it! Welcome back Donna! Congrats Monique!! Working tomorrow so no meeting this time :closedeyes: Disappointed as I had a good time last meeting! Will miss you all! I'm officially Sleep Apnea free! I was diagnosed by Kaiser about nine years ago with severe Sleep Apnea, 80 events in an hour. A few weeks before my Bariatric Orientation I had my tonsils removed and some sinus work done. After months of having trouble sleeping with the take home sleep study kit I did a sleep test in Roseville Sleep center and had no events and my oxygen level was normal. I can’t get over that it’s gone. As I got heavier my Apnea got worse so I never thought I would be free of it. I’m weaning myself off the CPAP machine as I just can’t stop using it cold turkey, kind of strange, guess I’m so used to it. Doctor says I may still have it slightly as one test is not a perfect diagnosis but as long as I sleep well without the CPAP and have no Apnea type symptoms I should be good to go. It will be great not dragging that thing around everywhere! Thought I’d share this incase any of you have sinus issues, large tonsils and Sleep Apnea as I chickened out of this surgery eight years ago. I hope you all have a great weekend and have fun tomorrow at the meeting!