GiGGlesTX

I have wanted the lap band surgery for the last two years, but my insurance company didn't cover WLS. In September my company changed insurance companies and they approved me today!! Wooooo Hooooo!!! I'm estatic :clap2: I'm looking to get the surgery in December. I need to lose around 160lbs. I've enjoyed looking at this board. Look's like a lot of support and information going on. I'm looking forward to meeting ya'll :nervous Barb

I'm almost 9 months post-op, I love my band. I'm currently training for a triathlon. I never would have imagined doing this before!

Christina, I'm so happy that you were approved! I'm glad that I was an inspiration as well! You had me tearing up while reading your introduction. I know that you are extremely excited and thankful for God blessing you in this way. It's so wonderful to know that there is hope out there with this weight issue. I must tell you that I wouldn't have been as successful with the weight loss without the love and support of my friends...especially my BFF...hehe :eek: I look forward to being band buddies! Love ya, Barb

Okay, so the first 2 1/2 weeks were great as far as filling full. I could barely eat 1/2 cup. then about a week ago I started feeling HUNGRY...really HUNGRY!! I can eat about 1 cup now and a fw hours later I'm starving. I had lost 20 lbs before this started. I have now put on 2-3 lbs. I'm scared, but I know that this can be normal for some people. In addition to eating more I can eat just about any food. I try to make better food choices (chicken, veggies, fish), but I've slipped a few times. My goal is to get down to 300 for my 1st fill on Jan. 15th....woooo hoooo!!! I'm going to concentrate on eating smaller portins, making healthier choices, and chewing small bites like before. I guess I'm just really scared of failure. I used to drink Water all the time, now it's a struggle to get down 32 oz a day. I'm lucky to drink 32 oz of liquid a day. I used to drink more than 64 oz a day pre-band. Another challenge is working out. I've never wanted to hit the gym so bad. However, I had knee surgery a month and a half ago and I'm limited to walking. I was given the green light this week for walking, I've gone twice (30 mins each time). It has been so comforting seeing everyone's struggles and success through this first month. Thanks for letting me vent. Tomorrow will be a better day!!

Thanks beversman :nervous . I'm feeling sooo much better today! I'm staying in bed for the most part. I had cream of rice this morning (watered way down) and it went down fine. I just had half of a Protein Shake as well. The discomfort from the gas and incisions are almost gone :clap2: . I would say the first two days are the toughest, but the pain and discomfort eases up after that.

About an hour after I posted yesterday, I became very sick. I had a horrible headache, a lot of nausea, dizzy, and kept falling asleep. I called my doc and he said to go the ER. He wanted to do some blood work and was worried that I was dehyrated. Well, after being in the ER four hours, my blood was drawn, cat scan, and they determined that I have vertigo. They prescribed some meds. I'm going to see the ears, nose, and throat doc next week. Today, I get to move on to cloudy liquids/mushies. Quite honestly, I'm scared. But, I will take my time. I hope everybody has a fantastic Wednesday.

I had my lap band surgery yesterday. I got to the hospital at 5:30 AM and the surgery started at 7:30 AM. The procedure took around 45 mins to an hour. It took me about an hour to come out of the anethisia. The most painful thing was the gas. It feels like a weight of 300 pounds just hanging on you. I had a little naseau. I had to stay in the recovery room until I urinated. I tried two times with no success. Third times a charm, I've never been so happy to tinkle in my life We finally left the hospital around 1:30 PM. As of today, most of the gas pain has gone away. Thanks to the gas-x dissolveable strips! I have a headache and some dizzyness. Getting up and down is uncomfortable, but not to bad. I had knee surgery almost 4 weeks ago and it seemed easier than the lap band. I'm on day two of liquids. Its going well and food doesn't sound good at all. Well, I'm going back to rest. Good luck to everyone getting their's in the next few weeks.

The last date was great! He took me out to a little Italian restaurant. I was nervous as all get out and barely was able to touch my food. I was literally sick to my stomach in a good kind of way. He was a perfect gentleman, shivlary isn't dead :clap2: . Then, I invited him back to my apartment to watch a movie. I gave him a choice of three: Thank You For Not Smoking, Wanda Sykes comedy, and The Notebook. And guess what that smooth man choose...the notebook of course. We had some quality snuggling time on the couch....oh I miss that and I was just soaking up his sexxyyy cologne. I really enjoyed watching the hot scenes in the movie with him......ahhhhhhh. Then it was time for :kiss2: time. Somehow, like an idiot I got up after the movie was over and ended up on the otherside of the couch. Like this moment wouldn't already be nerve racking enough. He started to give me the "stare" you know like lost in your eyes kind of looks. I immidiately broke the stare :embarassed:. Then, I look back over at him and he proceeds to look at me longingly....I loved it!! Like a real dating pro I nudged him and said your making me nervous. He replied "your making me nervous too." So, basically I ruined the hot moment we were having. However, we had a really gooooodddd hug and a peck on the lips. This date was by the book! By the way...I'm signing up for flirting 101, dating 101, and intimate moments for dummies next week :help: I had knee surgery last Thursday. We have been keeping in touch by phone the last week or so. I get the band on December 11th and let me tell you what...the doctor ordered me to get some lip before I went under...hahaha :eek: I'm wearing mistletoe around my neck for our next date...way to accessorize.

Hi fellow December bandsters! I'll be having surgery on December 11, 2006 by Dr. Adam Smith in Ft. Worth, TX. Hope to talk to ya'll soon

Hi Kim, Welcome! Dr. Smith will be doing my surgery on Dec. 11th. Look forward to talking with you more

I have been overweight since the age of 10. This put a real damper on the non-existent dates in high school. I have always been a shy girl, but really out-going with my friends. I've had it in my head to not even think I was worth dating or having a relationship over the last 10 years. In my early twenties I had a few "physical relationships" which left me temporarily satisfied, but miserable in the long run. Other than that, I have had "on-line" relationships and some very odd first/last dates. But, the best thing in the world happened a few weeks ago. I have been friends with this guy for 6-7 years. In the beginning we always partied together. Well, in the last 2-3 years I would only see him a couple times a year at a mutual friends house. We always flirted back and forth (flirting for me is smiling....a lot....lol). Guess what, he asked me out on a date...FINALLY!!! :faint: Come to find out he has liked me for a couple of years, but the timing was never right. For the first few days I was in shock...how can this totally hot guy who is a GREAT person want to take me out. That's when it hit me, he liked me for the inside and he liked what he saw on the outside too...shocking (haha). Of course, he has always dated skinny hot women in the past. So, we have had a few dates and it has been really great! I haven't felt pressured to make it physical either, like in the past. I too am scared about men's reaction to my appearance when I'm skinnier. I want to process this in a healthy way! I have decided to get counseling for this reason. I don't want to become a buck wild woman at the bars OR be skinny and still have no self esteem. I know it's all a process and I'm excited about learning to love me. It was a real boost to my self confidence when I was asked out...I know it happened for a reason.

Thanks mypov, this definitely lifted my spirits! I use my weight as a way to try to avoid things in life. That way I'm never rejected. However, I started back to college this semester even though I was sooo scard! Good luck on your surgery

Tonight I watched the movie, The Notebook and broke down :think . I initially started crying over the movie (4th time I've seen it), but then I started thinking about what a huge change I will be facing in the next month (surgery date is Dec. 11th). This past month I have been focusing on the surgery finally being approved and thinking about the health benefits and self confidence to be gained. I guess with all of this change I started thinking about the emotional side of changing. I feel like I am passed by without any notice now from society because of my weight. If I do get attention, it is usually negative. Will I now be judged on being skinny? Of course! I don't want to be judged for being overweight or being skinny. I just want to be looked at for the person I am on the inside. However, I don't live in a perfect world so this is a lot to expect. Then, I started thinking about the stories I've heard of friendships being lost over losing weight. I love and cherish every friend I have and couldn't imagine being without them. When the surgery was approved I decided to have counseling to help me through the process. I've never been to counseling, but feel this is imparitive in my success with the band. I have been overweight since childhood so this will be a huge change in my life. Thanks for letting me vent. I'm off to bed now :notagree . Crying wore me out! After 12 kleenex's and three phone calls to friends I'm better. I'm glad I was able to let go and explore my feelings...it was very needed.

Here I am . I'm looking forward to meeting ya'll!! http://www.myspace.com/babsgiggles Barb

Maybe the plus size clothing allows more room for weight gain and weight loss. For example, I'm wearing a size 22/24 and weigh 326. I'm just barely wearing that size, but refuse to buy 26/28 since I'm getting banned in December. However, I wore a size 22/24 (they were baggy) three years ago when I weighed 270. So, I know that I probably won't get to the coveted 18/20 size until I'm under 270 and that's okay. Bottom line, I think people who are in smaller sizes can drop a size just by losing 10-15 pounds. But, it takes more weight loss for the bigger sizes. Barb

Thanks! I have United Health Care. The process only took about a month and a half. Getting in to see the doctor, nutritionist, and pshyc eval took up most of that time. The insurance company gave me an approval within days. I wish the best for you! Congrats, to all the others who have been banded. I know I will rely on this board a lot during my recovery. I'm planning my last meal with my friends...I'm thinking steak baby!!! :hungry: Barb

YEEAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! I have a surgery date...December 11th! I'm so excited :whoo: Barb:Banane09:

Katy, Woooo Hooooo!!! What an excellant report. This definitely relieves some worries I had. I wish you great success

Hey Glogirl, Looks like there are a few of us going to get surgery in Dec. by Dr. Smith. I've already completed my psyhc eval and nutrition required Dr. Smith. For some reason my insurance company didn't require this for me. I look forward to talking to you soon. Best of luck!

Dr. Adam Smith in Ft. Worth will be doing my surgery as well in December. I have a friend who works in a day surgery facility. She works in the OR and speaks very highly of Dr. Smith.

I live in Ft. Worth. My doctor is Dr. Adam Smith, a successful lap band patient himself. His website is www.fortworthlapband.com I read in a magazine about Dr. J (couldn't remember how to spell his entire name..sorry) in Dallas, the one mentioned in a few other posts. He was voted the best in Dallas maybe even TX by his colleagues for WLS. Anyone from Ft. Worth? Hey ladies from Austin...my second home :nervous I have lots of family down there and visit often. GO UT!!!! YEAAAAA (couldn't resist, sorry). Glad to see so much support coming from TX!