ainnjay

Thanks so much for your responses!!! They have been very helpful!!! I'm not sure what I'm going to do...I do know I will be cutting down on caffeine (my doc says I absolutely give up caffeine after the surgery due to risk of ulcers...boo hiss!!). I will also be cutting back on refined sugars and anything white. Froggie D - I live in Overland Park, but just moved from MIssion. Dr. Hoehn is going to do my surgery. I would love to talk to you!!! My e-mail address is ainnjay@yahoo.com. Good luck to everyone!!! Ang

Oh...(me again)...let me rephrase the above....I don't want my 13 year old daughter to be embarrassed of me because of my weight. I will ALWAYS embarrass her!! That's a parent's job when you've got a teenager, right??? :smile: Ang

What an EXCELLENT thread!!! Mscafe32 I can soooo understand how you felt when your 6 year old said that. My daughter (13) has never seen me the way I remember myself (don't know if that makes sense). When I see pictures of myself (very rare I even let that happen!!) I don't recognize that person!! That's not me. I'm hot, ya know? Sigh....okay...I USED to be hot! Well....let's just say...I am back on my way!!! I got approved by Aetna yesterday!! I don't have a surgery date yet, but am moving in the right direction!!! You all have listed such wonderful things you want from surgery!! I am right there with ya!! I think probably the thing I want most....is for my 13 year old daughter to look at her mom and not be completely embarrassed. I want to be a positive role model for her!! And with God, the band, and all of your help....THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!!!! :smile: Ang

I think it depends on your insurance. Some carriers are more strict than others. I have Aetna and my doctor has told me they're pretty good about approving people. My BMI is right at 39-40 and I have no co-morbidities. My doctor's office doesn't seem to think there will be a problem. I guess we'll see.....they submitted everything last week and now I'm just playing the waiting game.... Good luck to you!!!!

I don't have a surgery date yet...waiting to see if I get approval (Aetna). I work in the health insurance industry and we constantly promote wellness. I always feel like a hypocrite and hate it. I am choosing (at least at this point) not to tell anyone at work. Weight loss surgery is something a lot of the folks I work with recommend our groups do NOT cover. I am also not going to tell my family. I live in a different state and only see them 4 times a year or so. My daughter (13) knows and a few of my very close friends. I joined WW at work and am hoping to just go with that.

I am soooo happy there are others out there that follow the steps!! I was sober for 3 years, then slipped for 2. Now, I have not been going to meetings lately, but have been sober (dry) and am looking at getting banded in May. I am looking forward to getting back to meetings and the steps. It is amazing how quickly the sick thinking comes back when I don't go to meetings. I know the ONLY way I will be successful with my surgery and journey is with the help of my Higher Power, AA, and all of you. Thanks for being here!! Angie

Greetings!!! I am on my 3rd month of supervised dieting and have been thinking Lap Band is the way to go. Lately, however, I have been wondering if Lap Band or Roux en Y is the way to go? The stats say Roux en Y give better results....seems if I were to "screw up on my diet" it would still enable me to lose weight. Question - Am I just looking for the easy way out? Does the Lap Band really help you guys not eat as much and therefore lose weight? Seems I have heard so many people say they are not losing with the band...just want to make sure I make the right decision. Honestly....I've practically given up on dieting. So I'm wondering if I have what it takes to follow the rules of the band. I just don't want this to be another failed effort, ya know? Please let me know your thoughts. I appreciate it!! Ang Any thoughts?

Cheri - Thanks so much for your reply!! It really helps to hear from people that have had emotional eating and are doing okay with the band. Thanks again!! Angie

Palmtree girl - I'm with Leigha. Don't let some bratty kids derail you. I know this is easier said than done...I would have felt the exact same way. I know this is something I am going to have to work through. I do not want the band to be another failed attempt at dieting and the emotional eating is a huge thing for me...for a lot of us. I have a book (that I haven't started reading yet...but I hear it's great!) called Mindless eating. I got it cheap off of Amazon. I'm planning to dive into that this weekend. The other thing I've been thinking about (and please let me know your thoughts on this) is having bi-weekly or weekly appointments with a counselor or psychiatrist to discuss the emotional aspects of losing. Like you, palm tree girl, I sometimes beat myself up and wonder if I deserve to lose and be happy.....I have sabotaged myself in the past and do not want to do it again!!!! If we stick together, we CAN/WILL do this!!!! You guys are great! I'm so happy this board is here and we can connect. Ang

Hey guys - Your comments are so helpful. Together we CAN do this!!! Good luck to you!!! Angie

Hey guys!! It is so helpful to read what all of you have to say. Palmtreegirl - I turned 41 in December and live in KC....originally from Cape Girardeau. I am in my third month of supervised dieting. My goal is to lose 100 pounds. I have a question for you guys....I feel like I have given up on losing weight...like I'm actually scared to. Maybe it's everything I've read about how my lifestyle will be changing and all of that... I have tried a million diets and once I lose like 20 pounds it's like I freak out and sabotage myself....and put the weight back on. See...it's like I'm scared to lose it. Have you guys ever felt this way? Or, am I crazy??? Thanks!

That is ONEderful (would love to be there someday!!) to hear!!! Thanks!!! Ang

Good morning!!! Thanks so much for the great information!!! Have a wonderful day!!

I have Aetna as well!! I'm on my 2nd month of the supervised diet....will be done with my 3 months around April 19th or so. I've met with the Psychiatrist, dietician, and met pretty much all of the other requirements. Btrieger - Hope you don't mind if I ask you a few things...I've seen a few of your other posts and they've been very helpful. How long did it take Aetna to approve your surgery once you completed your 3 months supervised diet? Also...tell me about coffee (aka caffeine). Is it imperative we give that up? I've really been trying to read as much information as possible so I am fully prepared once I get my band that I've been focusing on what I'm going to have to give up instead of the positives... I know in my heart the positives outweigh the things I will be "giving up" by a long shot!! Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Ang

LaDawn - Thank you so much for your response!!! I am sooo happy for you!! Congrats on your success!!! I'm also very happy to hear you've kept it off for years!! Thanks again! Angie

Hello Tiffany - I moved around a lot with my daughter's father, but then came to KC and fell in love with it!! I love it here, but do miss Cape! I go down there to see my fam anytime we have a 3-day weekend. Yea...my doc said I was a perfect candidate, too!! Hmmm... :biggrin: Good luck to you as well!!! Angie

Hey guys!! How are you doing? Congrats to both of you on your journey!! I am starting my 3 months of supervised dieting. I went to my regular doctor yesterday and sat through a 20 minute lecture about how the lap band is not a quick fix and most people end up gaining the weight back, blah, blah, blah. I was very frustrated when I left her office. I feel like I completely understand that the lap band is a tool...and not a quick fix. I will need to change my eating habits. I have been exercising 3 days a week since September, but have not really lost anything. It just seems I make the wrong choices with food... I know there are a lot of times I eat because of emotional reasons...which is what my regular doctor said is why I would gain all my weight back. LaDawn - What are your thoughts on that? How have your emotions been throughout this past year? Has it been "scary" losing so much weight? Not physically scary...but just a "different" feeling? Jacelyn and Andrea - I am originally from Cape Girardeau...grew up there. Now I live in KC for the last 12 years. Nice to "meet you!!" Anyway....Thanks so much for your posts. They're very helpful!! Angie

Hello!!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this website. They're very helpful!!! I have an appointment with a surgeon on January 13th and am looking forward to it. I am hoping you all can answer a few questions I have: Everything I read about "regular" dieting suggests eating 5-6 mini meals per day, however, the Lap Band info says to eat 3 meals at the most. The meals are like 1/4 cup... how many calories a day can that be? It just seems to me if that (from everything I've read about reg dieting) if I drastically cut my calories my metabolism will slow down. Have you found that to be true? I intend on exercising 30 mins/day to try to increase my metabolism. Can you please also let me know what drawbacks you've had from the surgery. Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your input!! Angie

Linda - Thank you so much for your feedback! That's awesome that you have lost 71 pounds since June!! Incredible!! One of the things that appeals to me with the band is that it is up to me to make dietary changes.....ie..not a quick fix. I need help with this, but think I should do my part as well. I long to be healthy, fit, and happy!! Thanks again for your feedback! Good luck to you! Ang