GraciesMom
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Everything posted by GraciesMom
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My sister considers lap-band surgery "cheating", and I am TICKED!
GraciesMom replied to shellyphaunts's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
You just have to allow people to be ignorant. There is so much information out there that can educate people about WLS's that there is no excuse for such statements out of anyone to that degree of ignorance, believing that you are "cheating" IMHO, I truely feel your sisters hurtful words were more spoken through a siblings competitive, jealous nature. The disconserting point to this entire situation is to whom she was allowing these emotions and thoughts to be communicated to. The belittling of an Aunt to a young person speaks, no shouts volumes about her, and her charater. Stay strong, you my friend are doing something about your health and weight, unlike your bitter tongued sis. You know what is right for you so do not allow anyone elses uneducated and hateful words pull you down! Big Hugs from all your more knowledgable "Sisters" here at LBT! -
Get to pick my band, but not sure which brand to go with. Help!
GraciesMom replied to abbylamb's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I really think this decision should be made only after much research and imput from people you trust. I remember when I started this process, I actually came to this site long before I joined it because I googled "Realize vs. Lap Band" or something to that effect and read a V-E-R-Y long, angry post against the Realize Band and how antique-ish it was and how the Lap band was the only up-to- date band there was,etc... Well I went in with downloaded copies of all this posters BS that he had stated and argued and ranted and raved:thumbdown: like I knew what I was talking about to my surgeon. He very patiently let me go on and on, and then he gently and softly spoke to me about my fears, anxieties and questions and showed me proof that what the poster had said was not true at all.:smile: In fact by the time I left my very intelligent surgeons office, I was humbled & ashamed :thumbup: that I allowed just one persons expression of his opinion to make me look like an idiot. I am having surgery in a little over 2 weeks, and my surgeon will be placing the REALIZE band around my stomach!:smile2: Get the facts ma'am, just the facts, and trust those of whom you respect to find your "truth" of which band is right for you. And don't forget to come back here and ask lots of questions too! To add more confusion: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/how-do-i-know-what-brand-band-choose-54362/ Good Luck, and let us know which you decide on, ultimately it is your choice, and you have to live with it, no matter what anyone here says, so be comfortable with your choice.:frown: -
Stitches or Glued???
GraciesMom replied to GraciesMom's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ewwwwwwwww, :eek: I just talked to my surgeon today at my last pre-op appointment, and he said I will have staples.:tt2: YUK, :crying:I sooo wanted just to be glued and taped. My stomach already looks like a map of Los Angeles, and my chest looks like a RR track in the foot hills of the Dakotas, and then I have the 2 dashes from drainage tubes from my heart surgery, so why not just add a few more scars.:cursing: You think Rand McNally could use me???:thumbup: -
Any November 2009 Bandsters??
GraciesMom replied to 120inside's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
:drool::laugh::scared2::laugh: Welcome Dayana! Thanks for the good wish, I'll take it! I need all I can get. We November Bandsters are an excited lot, and welcome to our group. Best of luck back atcha and keep posting to let us know how you are doing. Cheryl -
How to shrink your liver (and increase ST weight loss) – the low-carb, pre-op diet
GraciesMom replied to SeattleSweetie's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Fabulous source of information, clear and easy to understand. This is one of oft asked questins I see her at LBT, and I think think this is the best post I`ve read with the answer. Thank you very much! -
I agree 100% RM, this being a main point, any cocktail or alcoholic drink is just a drink with totally empty calories, and when we are all on our journey of losing, why would we waste those few and precious calories on any drink that isn't to our benefit. I know that there are occassions where a cocktail is almost the main event, especially with the holidays coming up, but those are especially the times we all have to keep our guards up and keep plugging through our weight loss paths to the promised land of our goals.:scared2: I LOVE the seasonal beers, and white wines, but these are very high in calories, and I will be giving those up until I reach my goal. Maybe I am being a bit naive, and optimistic, but it sure does give me yet another reason to strive for that goal number ever harder.:drool:
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I'm so worried I am going to get sick!
GraciesMom replied to Moxi's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think that all things being put in prospective Mrs.G, most people who actually die from the H1N1 have underlying physical problems, and that there are many other types of seasonal illnesses out there that can be a cause for concern. Moxi,like myself is simply worried about catching "ANYTHING" that would delay our oh so close surgeries. For you to assume that Moxi is not concerned about family members is a huge leap, and as Moxi stated, this is a forum where we are suppose to be voicing our questions and concerns about our lap band journeys. Yes , our surgeries could be rescheduled, but hey, we have all worked hard for our surgery dates, we have earned them, and any delays would be severely disappointing, that should be understood. Moxi, I am sooo with you about not catching anything, it is so close now, a vaccine would not be to our advantage,I wouldn't have one anyway (just my personal opinion), So I`ll keep my fingers crossed that we all stay healthy and get through this awful flu season healthy and hail, and a lot thinner!:drool: -
Any November 2009 Bandsters??
GraciesMom replied to 120inside's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What a GREAT motivating idea:thumbup:, LOVE this idea! This especially is a great idea when on the pre-op diet, keep those hands busy so they aren't in the cookie jar so to speak:tt2: I will plan on doing the exact same thing Mello, and I think I will warn hubby now. Thanks for the idea! -
Pre-op testing surprises!!!! anyone else?
GraciesMom replied to Happy Day's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
2 1/2 years ago is when I first started the process of a 6 month medically supervised diet and then making and visiting all my appointments, I waited to see the cardiologist untill last. I was all hyped at getting through everything and just biding my time, that is until I went to the cardioligist. I had the stress test, then immediately was brought into another room for a echocardiogram, then a nuclear stress test, then a hospital visit for a transesophageal echocardiogram, then another echocardiogram, all to find out that I had a deformed heart valve. I had to have open heart surgery,:Yawn: a valve replacement and 1 bypass. It was actually the testing that saved my life, as I was not symtomatic, at least to the point where I could just brush off my symtoms as from being overweight. Many of the medical people I talked to during my heart surgery ordeal actually said that more times than not, many lives are saved because of pre-surgical testing, and what they find and then correct before a heart attack or other condition hits. When I started the process again this past summer, I did have extra cardiac testing than what is normal, and quite honestly, I was VERY fearful, but everthing was a-ok, and I will be having by surgery Nov. 24!!!!:laugh::thumbup: -
Hi Jess, based on your list, it looks like you already have much of the requirements done. Didn't your surgeon give you all the requirements? From your list, it looks like you just need a cardiologist and pulmonary clearance, and you should be good to go. The reduction of 3 month supervised diet from the original 6 months just makes time go by...but the absolute longest time is from when they remit your stuff and the wait for final approval. It seems that BCBSIL is running about 2 weeks before you get approval, but dog- gone- it, that is one long time to wait after going through everything we have to go through to get approval!!! Good luck, it will happen for you soon!:thumbdown:
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Good Morning Sunny,
When you 1st went to Dr Joyce and Lahmanns, didn't they check with your insurance to see if LAP-BAND? was covered? Mine said they did within 3 days.
I can't imagine the Dr.s even scheduling you for a consult before confirming that.
Call the insurance company yourself, be pro active and it will help you to be more confident about this decision.
Didn't you say you you have BCBS?
Let me know what they say.
Hugs,
Cheryl
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Hi Mel,
Yeah, I'll be doing the preop diet, think it starts the day I go for a 2 1/2 hour preop intructional eatting, what to expect, and post surgery lecture. That isn't for 2 weeks yet, so I am soooo stuck in the "last meal" syndrome now, with only 2 weeks left of "normal eating". I keep thinking of all the things I want to try just one more time...
I had to lose 10 pounds because that's what the surgeon requires of all, but I haven't done that yet either, but not for lack of trying.
My advice for you is really restric those carbs, drink tons of h2o, and eat mostly protein, those pounds will drop. just do not forget to balance those calories with any exercise you do. That is the number 1 reason why people don't lose weight, they are starving their bodies when they work out and don't feed it.
Let me know how you progress in your weight loss, you can do it!
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Ok, so I may be starting this a little late...
GraciesMom replied to Italics's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am so sorry you are having pain Miss I, but I am glad everything went well considering the extra repair work that had to be done. Remember to take your pain meds, and when you can walk, walk, walk. That will help from what I hear. I think I am going to make my husband sign a contract, no matter how many SOB's and Pain in the As--s I call him, he is to get my rosey round butt up and make me walk when I get home from the hospital. Get some rest, and we will talk to you soon. -
Tomorrow 10-29, IS IT
GraciesMom replied to Patterba's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A Big CONGRATS Barb, I am sure right now you are absolutely floating. I sooo understand the reflecting of all it took to get you to this very point in time, and just how elated you are. I truly believe that with this entire process, each step and how we preceive and react to it is what will ultimately decide how we finish this new chapter to our lifes story. Once Upon a Time:............................. -
Ok, so I may be starting this a little late...
GraciesMom replied to Italics's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi I, I think your words are very well written, as they echo the very same thoughts I am sure everyone here has had, whether they admit it or not, My surgery will be next month, so I for one will be waiting to hear back from you today. I'll be thinking about you today. -
Congrats Mel, We will be holding our pillows to our tummies this turkey day, but no problems, because just think about how good we will look next Thanksgiviing...only smaller too:thumbup:!!!! I'm so excited I'm actually giddy.
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got my date !!!!!!!!
GraciesMom replied to toribug1234's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A BIG Congrats ToriBug!!! I`m right with ya Gal, I got the call today too. I'm doing the happy dance right with you... Wonder how I can sleep tonight? -
No, they didn't say, but so far it has barely cost us anything. I think the charge is different for everyone, it depends on how the policies are written. Congrats, and keep in touch, we can be band buds!
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Any November 2009 Bandsters??
GraciesMom replied to 120inside's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
WOW, this post is growing by leaps and bounds, but I can now stick my little 2 cents in and add... I Got A DATE!!!! Finally, NO turkey for me, YIPPEE, Yippee, Cuz, I gotta date, Nov 24 for me, for me!!!!! -
Hey CENT! I have BCBS of IL and just found out yesterday the final approval letter was mailed 10/23/09, exactly 2 weeks from being submitted. So, with all the patience:cursing: that you can gather, perhaps you can call BCBS Nov 5th to find out. My surgeon's office called me today to tell me my date is Nov. 24th, I could have had the 17th, but opted for the week of Thanksgiving so I do not have to miss to many classes. So maybe, just maybe we might have surgery at the same time, depending on just when your surgeon has openings! I know they call post op "Bandster's Hell", but the waiting time has got to qualify for pre-op Bandster's Hell!!!
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I LOVE Skechers, I have about 4 pairs. I have 2 pairs for working out, and 2 pr.s of Skechers shoes to wear daily. They are so cute, and fit my wide-ish feet. Many stores carry them now, and I have even bought a few from QVC when they where TSV's. You can also check out; http://www.skechers.com/
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Insurance said yes, then no after the procedure.
GraciesMom replied to FrustratedInLA's topic in Insurance & Financing
I am so sorry to hear this story happened to you, but I agree with the other posters, you have been swindled. First thing I would do would be is talk to an attorney and see what he/she has to say about this situation. Another suggestion is get in touch with your local TV station news, actually you can probably go online to the web site and see if they have a investigating reporter. I know in the Chicago area each of the local channels have one. I would blow the whistle LOUDLY on these rip-offs. I can promise you you are not alone either. The thing about the media, is others who have sat back quietly making these idiots rich, suddenly realize they have a voice as well and start standing up. You know, for all of history, there are those who prey on those who are in need. When they see that there is a way to make money, they will because they know that in a weaken and fretful state, the victim usually will just go away. Again, I am sooooo sorry. Please talk to someone you trust, and then get some help with this, this is not right...do not let them victimize you anymore! Go get these scum. -
Good Morning Sunny,
When you 1st went to Dr Joyce and Lahmanns, didn't they check with your insurance to see if LAP-BAND? was covered? Mine said they did within 3 days.
I can't imagine the Dr.s even scheduling you for a consult before confirming that.
Call the insurance company yourself, be pro active and it will help you to be more confident about this decision.
Didn't you say you you have BCBS?
Let me know what they say.
Hugs,
Cheryl
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Process is finally started!
GraciesMom replied to pokes's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I feel your excitement, and understand it too. Actually everyone says that walking through the surgeons door is the hardest part. But once you start the ball rolling, I'd say its all the waiting that is the worst. Congrats, and you've come to the right place to help you through it ALL! -
A BIG congrats Stacy, I know you have got to be doing the "I gotta bandster daaate, I gotta banster daaate" dance about now. And what an exception to the rule that you had an immediate date that you actually had to change!!! WOWee! Awesome, but I know that you will be happy that you stopped (after the initial date shock), regrouped and thought it out so it will work for you. I am still waiting for my approval, (any day now), but I am elated at the news that I received today. FIRST; I went to my cardiologist ( not my band cardiologist) today for my bi-annual exam. I told him about my plans for my upcoming surgery and he said that when I have my surgery I can get off all my meds. I asked him to repeat that, and he re-read my blood work up results, looked up at me and repeated that I can get off all my meds, and start from scratch when I see him next!!! The thing that makes this all so amazing, is my intro to this cariologist was an attempt to have lap band surgery 3 years ago and had to end up having open heart surgey instead. Seeking approval for surgery with dr. saved my life! Now he is shaking my hand congratulating me for doing this surgery and telling me I can be "healthy" and med free!!!! SECOND; at 54 I am going back to school, and my first mid term report is 2-A's and 1- B!!!! I feel pretty happy dance myself Miss Stacy!:scared2: