ElfiePoo

I don't know of any...that still have their jobs that is. Mandatory drug testing sort of weeds (pun intended) them out. .

I see quite a few people are required by their doctors to go on a 3-6 month medically supervised diet program in order to qualify for the surgery. Here's my stupid question...if one could be successful on a medically supervised diet program, *why* bother with the lap band? I mean seriously...about 6 years ago I lost 70 lbs on Atkins and I've never put it back but I can't seem to stick to a diet now because I always feel 'not full' and want to keep eating until I do. If I could find the motivation to last 3-6 months on a diet, I wouldn't be bothering with the lap band. What am I missing? .

I don't mind at all. I am a psychiatrist and work as an adjunct with law enforcement at a maximum security prison. I have not *done* any studies, but have read the work of other experts who have done research. There is no correlation between 'popularity' and safe use. :thumbup: Again, let me reiterate that I don't have a prejudice against marijuana. My belief is that we either make it legal...or make cigarettes and alcohol illegal. Let's at least be consistent. In any case, it torques me that it is taking so long to get marijuana approved nationwide for medical purposes. The research is there to back up its efficacy for a number of medical problems...not the least being pain relief and without the addictive qualities of so many other pain relievers.

I don't know of any state where marijuana is legal for recreational use? Do you? Yes. There are many 'natural' plants that are toxic. Just because it's natural, it doesn't mean it's good for you. However, I'm not making the claim that marijuana is toxic. I'm merely stating that it is illegal. And some states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. What most are talking about here is the illegal recreational use.

Keep telling yourself that. A few states—including Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas—do, in fact, allow judges to impose a life sentence even for a first pot offense. Many states have minimum sentences of 3 months to 1 year for simple possession. New York slaps you on the wrist for possession of less than 1 oz on the first two offenses. On the third offense you get 5 days and a fine. Give a friend one of your tokes and you'll get 3 months. Sell it to them and you'll get a year. Getting caught with drug paraphernalia containing traces of pot will get you a year. Other states have similar laws. Bottom line...you are breaking the law and there is always a very real possibility of jail time. Only a fool would believe otherwise. Everything we do carries a consequence. If you think that getting arrested, being fined and/or going to jail and having a record for drug possession is an acceptable consequence if you get caught, then I certainly can understand your reasoning. If you are still lucky enough to work in a job that doesn't require random drug screening, and termination of employment should you ever show up positive, then I can certainly understand your reasoning. .

I'm not a smoker of any variety. I believe if pot is illegal, then cigarettes and alcohol should be as well. They're far more destructive and addictive than pot as proven to be. I know many people on a personal level who use pot and are extremely high functioning intelligent people who are quite successful at the careers they've chosen. All that said, pot is illegal and it amazes me that the owners of this site have no problem with promoting illegal behavior. As for those who choose to break the law so publicly...at least when you get caught (post banded), you'll have the consolation that you'll look so much better in those prison jump suits than you did pre-banding. .

Sure you did...food...and it seems you recognize that you're trading off food for either pot or drinking or both.

ROFLMAO. I think I'd like your mom. Birthday cakes are dumped into the trash after the party right along with the paper cups and plates cuz if it's there, I'll eat it even with the best of intentions. .

As everyone else said...it's up to you and what you can deal with. Personally, I don't intend to hide it and I intend to 'promote' it. Remember, depression and diabetes used to be 'shameful' diseases that people hid. They didn't talk about it because the world saw it as a character defect. We've come a long way and, as a result of the openness about both of these diseases, people are getting treated. So I intend to be one of those who promotes the Lap Band and maybe some time in the future, people won't feel they have to hide it and/or won't choose not to get it done because they think it's a sign of failure. I'd tell family members that while they don't have to understand or agree with your decision, you hope they will be supportive. If they aren't, it's their problem and when they bring up negative discussions, just put a stop to them and tell them that if they don't have anything encouraging or positive to contribute, please keep it to themselves. .

After dealing with insurance companies for 30 years, I'll make a bet that it's #1. I looked into lap band surgery about a year after I lost 70 pounds on my own...documented in my doc's records on my weigh-ins but I still weighed 260 and had diabetes, gastric reflux, etc. The insurance company wouldn't tell me ahead of time whether or not they'd approve the surgery. They said to 'get it done' and when the paperwork came through they'd approve it or not. Right. Fortunately, they've now come to their senses and realized that it's cheaper to pay $20k for the surgery than 40+ years worth of obesity related medical issues. They can be taught. As for a commitment to the process...isn't that a bit like telling a diabetic to control their own blood sugars and if, after 6 successful months, they'll now pay for the tools (e.g. insulin) to help them? I think the problem is that the insurance companies (and even many overweight people) still look at this as a self-control/character issue rather than what it is...a disease. .

Hi Neesh, I go on week long liquid fasts every so often when my body just feels blah from too many carbs. My experience...the first day or two is the roughest. After that it gets easier. I drink the low carb Slim Fast shakes in the can and I actually like them. Many times they're my Breakfast of choice even when I'm not dieting. During the liquid fasts, I drink 6 of them a day because I'm limiting my intake to under 1200 calories. Carbs are about 12gm for the day which does wonders for my blood sugar levels. Headaches are usually nothing more than your body complaining about the change. They usually go away in a day or two and aspirin works well in the meantime. Watch your activity level. When I do the week long liquid fast, I notch my activity level down a bit. I try to remember to just move a bit slower...no sudden moves. Stick to it. You will be amazed at how good you actually feel after a few days. Little 'cheats' will delay your body's ability to adapt meaning the headaches, tiredness, etc. will continue for the entire time period. Hang in there! .

It's always frustrating when life doesn't go exactly the way we wanted or expected it to, but as so many have already said, just remind yourself why you chose to have this done. My doctor told me what 'usually' happens but also said that there is a small risk (with any surgery) that something will not go as planned and you may wake up and find they had to go a non-laparoscopic route. Rarely happens, but it does happen. I usually try to find the amusing side of life. Helps me deal with the stressful times. I don't mean to offend, but I can imagine looking down at my own stomach and fretting over a horrible looking incision...but then if I think about it long enough will fast forward to dozens of pounds lost and a sagging belly. The incision will be the least of my 'ugly' worries. :smile:

I love my husband dearly, but it wouldn't matter whether or not he was against the surgery. I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing it for me. I came home after I made my decision and just told him I was doing this and handed him all of the brochures and info I was given. After 20 years of marriage he still doesn't understand why I can't just practice 'all things in moderation', particularly since I did lose 70 lbs...and kept it off...on my own, but he understands how important this is to me and is supportive for that reason. .

Water off a duck's back. I have a friend who weighed 500 pounds. She went on some diet that involves injecting herself with urine (?) and eating about 500 calories a day. Now, granted she's now down to 399 pounds after a year, but she's arguing with me that the lap band is an extreme fad? ROFL. We decided to agree to disagree. Fortunately, my own family is extremely supportive, but even if they weren't, that's their problem.

Scared of what? Not having back pains? Not being fat? Who says you have to give up carbs for good? I've talked with quite a few people who've done the lap band surgery...some are 8 years post surgery...and none of them have given up carbs completely. What they have done...and what the lap band has helped them do...is control the amount they eat. So you may not be able to eat a whole bear claw...but a bite or two as a treat now and again...that you will be able to do based on the experiences of everyone I've spoken with (and I've spoken with many many many people while researching this for the past several years). .

I agree. If you're that uncomfortable, have it reversed. That's one of the pluses of the lap band system.

Except for my $10 co-pays on office visits, my insurance is paying 100%. I'm told they'll also pay 100% for plastic surgery on a tummy tuck and breasts because they consider it a potential high risk health problem (bacteria, sores, etc. under the excess skin), particularly since I'm a diabetic.

Agree completely. Nobody denies that self-control and a change in life style habits will be necessary to lose weight. The lap band is not a miracle cure...it's a 'tool'. It's still up to us to make the right choices. As for making those choices prior to the lap band...despite losing 70 pounds on Atkins 6 years ago and keeping it off, I know unequivocally that, at this point in time, if my doctor required me to be successful at dieting before the lap band, I would be unable to do it. If I could, I wouldn't need the lap band and would just do it on my own.

I eat because I like food. Eating is a full sensory experience...but I feel like an addict. Take the first bite and I can't seem to stop until I feel full. I don't need to feel gut bursting full...just full. That's a lot of calories. I've thought a lot about life after banding. My husband and I love to travel but when we get where we're going, I'm too tired or my back hurts too badly to walk and see the sights. So I'm looking forward to just being able to walk with him. I'm also looking forward to being able to paint my own walls, steam my carpets and scrub my own floors! For the last 10 years I've had to pay others to do those things because I tire too easily or they hurt my back and/or knees. Oh yes...but the one thing I'm really looking forward to...riding roller coasters again! .

Hi everyone, No date set for me yet but looks like it will either be the end of October or first week of November. While I've researched lap banding for a number of years, it was a fall in the bathroom 3 weeks ago that finally motivated me to move forward. It's a bit scary when you almost can't lift yourself up from the floor...a combination of weighting 260 lbs and having no upper body strength and bad knees. Two weeks ago I had my first visit. Within 4 days, my insurance approved coverage 100%. I had my psych eval (required by insurance) done yesterday and on Monday I'll give them a call to see if they'll go ahead and set the date while they're waiting for the psych report. If they won't, then it could be 2-3 weeks (yikes!) before the psychiatrist gets them the report and then a few more weeks to fit me into the surgery schedule...still November, but probably mid to late. I also don't mind being banded pre-holiday. It just means I won't have to lose the usual 10 pounds post holiday.

Develop some interests. :smile: Life is more than eating and drinking although many of us have forgotten that.