Sylvia702

Lollymoe, thank you for the encouragement. I will practice chewing tiny bites. It really is harder than you think at first. I have to be thinking about chewing the entire time I eat....good thing being accountable for every bite going into my mouth. Thanks again. Sylvia

This is about ten years ago, I had lost over 100 lbs on phen phen. It worked well for me, but I lost the battle of keeping it off. When I was thinner, I wanted to buy some beer and they wanted to see id for proof of age. Well, I felt complimented because at the time I was 30. When I produced my driver's license, the cashier refused to sell to me because she just "knew" that pic could not possibly be me. I was angry at first, but then I realized I should just be thankful. I smiled all the way home even without my beer. Now, I am back where I started. I will start again. This time with a tool to keep my weight off. Congrats!!!! :frown:

Hey!! I went to my first consult with Dr Schmitt. He was awesome...very careful in his explanations and considerate. I was given the next list of things to do to get my surgery. 1. Primare care physician a. medical clearance and lab tests b. review of meds. if too big will need to crush or diff med c. if diabetic- learn insulin sliding scale d. sleep apnea evaluation 2. Attend support group 3. Attend surgery/nutrition class. ($60) So, I have already scheduled appts with primary care and sleep study. The next support group is April 17th. Nutrition classes April 7, Apr 14 or Apr 28. ARRGGG....I have so many mixed emotions. I am so nervous that the band just isnt going to work. I have read and read and read some more. I have already started exercising (after years of sitting on the couch) its a slow start, but am gradually building up. I have stopped smoking and no carbonated sodas. I even am grilling my food rather that sautee and deep frying. Ok so my bmi is like 38 and cant drop much further (insurance purposes)....so I cant be over- zealous with my diet. I guess my big question is....I could always diet, but never keep it off. How do you know the band will work? I have always failed before. Dont get me wrong...I want this very bad!!! I am not going in it to fail. What's that saying?? Im in it... to win it!! Need a bit of reassurance from you veterans. Does the restriction curb your appetite as well as decrease you portions? Any pep talk or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Wow-nurse practioner! That is great. I know that it takes alot of dedication. Congrats!!!

Kaninag, thanks for the encouragment. I went to the seminar. I am so excited. For future reference, medicare does not require the 6 month supervised diet. There is a $205 fee on your first visit though. I am sure there are other hidden fees that I will discover later. I am not complaining. I have decided to do whatever it takes to have this tool to help me. Dieting alone has never been successful for me. I could loss a bit then it would creep back along with a few extra pounds. I have my fingers crossed this is what it will take.

me too!!!!

Hello. I am going for my seminar tomorrow. I have read every post on this site. I feel like I know everyone here already. I hope there is room for one more in the Miles/ Schmitt family. I am 37 years old. I have a BMI of 39. I have hypertension and diabetes II. I am on Medicare. My journey is just beginning. I have thought about surgery for a year or so. I really have tried in the last year to change my eating habits and choices. I just have not been successful. I loss then gain back weight over and over. I hope the band will help. You know everyone will die one day....I just feel like if I dont get a handle on my weight that day will come too soon. I do have a couple of questions... Does anyone have Medicare part A and B? What kind of out of pocket expenses are there? Is there a 6 month supervised diet? WHich surgeon did you prefer and why?

Ok so I am newbie. I have tons of questions. I really appreciate y'all (yes, I am a southern girl) taking the time to answer my questions. I wonder about out of pocket expenses. I have medicare. I really haven't decided to be their patient. I am going back and forth between les Schmitt of Birmingham and Dr. Freeman out of Anniston. I would love to hear what you have to say about both Docs. Thanks you so much!