tonya66

Audree, I'm so excited for you as your day draws closer! I start my pre-op tomorrow. I know what you mean about getting more nervous and the day gets closer. It seems that every day that I get closer to surgery, I get more nervous and more excited. Its such a weird feeling. I want a tummy tuck! I'm hoping that after I lose all my weight I can get one, If I need it. I do want a boob job too! I've got big plans for this body. lol. Take care!

Sarah, I love your NSV. I can't wait until I have some of my own!

just checking in, how are you doing? I noticed you are a January Bandster. We have a group of us on a thread that are all having our surgery in January, you are welcome to join us if you like. The link is at the bottom of my signature. I wish you the best and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

do you own your home? Can you get a 2nd mortgage? Will your bank finance it? How about a 401K loan? I agree with Julie, check out the local surgeons office and ask if they have a finance company they use? Some do, and some don't. My surgeon didn't have one, however, they stated they are working on getting one. Some have went to Mexico to get the surgery since it is cheaper and they have had great success. However, if you chose to do that route, make sure you have a doctor lined up for fills BEFORE you have your surgery. I wish you the best.

The countdown continues! Just 15 more days. Man, it is starting to sound close! I begin my preop tomorrow. Not looking forward to it, but I will stick to it. I am following the program rules to a T! I am not screwing this up. I was just talking to a friend at work, she is the ony one who knows about it at work. She had the gastric bypass by the same doc I am going to. She is actually the one who first told me about the band and recommended me to do that instead of the gastric bypass. Anyhow, I told her my fears, and my biggest fear is this will not work for me. She said that is a common fear, that we have all been on so many "failed" diets, its only natural to think that this might not work. She advised me to stay focussed, and follow the rules and see what happens. She assured me that this would work for me! So, I'm trying to stay positive. I see so many on this forum that they state they have lost nothing. I've asked a few of them about their fills, or what are they eating, and are they exercising. So far, none of them have replied. So, I figure they are not following the rules. I'm not trying to pick on them, I just wanted to know, mainly for my sake. I want to know what NOT TO DO, I want to know the good, the bad, the ugly. I want to know it all. I know there will be times that I fall off the wagon, I'm expecting that. However, I am not going thru a major surgery just to fail. I am not just going to eat what I want. I know that changes must be made and I've already started making those changes. I find it so hard to believe that so many people have this surgery, then eat ice cream, pies, and wonder, "why haven't I lost weight"? I know that we should be able to have these special treats on ocasions, however, everyday? Please people, take care of your band, treat it right and then it will work for you. Okay, I'll get off my soap box before I affend someone. Sorry if I do, and maybe I'm completely wrong, after all, I'm no expert, I am not even with the band yet. Maybe 6 months from now I might even be asking "why haven't I lost weight". So, time will tell. Well, one of my New Years goals was to become a better employee, I seem to be slacking lately. Mainly because the Band has consumed my every waking thought. I'm on lapband talk 24/7. So I've made a commitment to be on it a limited amount of time. I know I could not go cold turkey. lol. So, I'm going to spend less time on the internet - and more time working. After all, they are paying me to work. I'm fortunate to have a job that I can get my work done at my own pace. However, I'm feeling really quilty lately. I just won an award for my outstanding performance, and I feel like I didn't deserve it. Anyhow, with that said, I'm signing off and getting back to work. I will check in around 3 today when I take a short break.

The countdown continues! Just 15 more days. Man, it is starting to sound close! I begin my preop tomorrow. Not looking forward to it, but I will stick to it. I am following the program rules to a T! I am not screwing this up. I was just talking to a friend at work, she is the ony one who knows about it at work. She had the gastric bypass by the same doc I am going to. She is actually the one who first told me about the band and recommended me to do that instead of the gastric bypass. Anyhow, I told her my fears, and my biggest fear is this will not work for me. She said that is a common fear, that we have all been on so many "failed" diets, its only natural to think that this might not work. She advised me to stay focussed, and follow the rules and see what happens. She assured me that this would work for me! So, I'm trying to stay positive. I see so many on this forum that they state they have lost nothing. I've asked a few of them about their fills, or what are they eating, and are they exercising. So far, none of them have replied. So, I figure they are not following the rules. I'm not trying to pick on them, I just wanted to know, mainly for my sake. I want to know what NOT TO DO, I want to know the good, the bad, the ugly. I want to know it all. I know there will be times that I fall off the wagon, I'm expecting that. However, I am not going thru a major surgery just to fail. I am not just going to eat what I want. I know that changes must be made and I've already started making those changes. I find it so hard to believe that so many people have this surgery, then eat ice cream, pies, and wonder, "why haven't I lost weight"? I know that we should be able to have these special treats on ocasions, however, everyday? Please people, take care of your band, treat it right and then it will work for you. Okay, I'll get off my soap box before I affend someone. Sorry if I do, and maybe I'm completely wrong, after all, I'm no expert, I am not even with the band yet. Maybe 6 months from now I might even be asking "why haven't I lost weight". So, time will tell. Well, one of my New Years goals was to become a better employee, I seem to be slacking lately. Mainly because the Band has consumed my every waking thought. I'm on lapband talk 24/7. So I've made a commitment to be on it a limited amount of time. I know I could not go cold turkey. lol. So, I'm going to spend less time on the internet - and more time working. After all, they are paying me to work. I'm fortunate to have a job that I can get my work done at my own pace. However, I'm feeling really quilty lately. I just won an award for my outstanding performance, and I feel like I didn't deserve it. Anyhow, with that said, I'm signing off and getting back to work. I will check in around 3 today when I take a short break.

Hello Jackie, first let me say it is a very big decision to make. I too went back and forth with the "should I and shouldn't I" questions to myself. Unfortunately, only you can make that decision. Just a few thoughts to share with you. You have to realize that the band is a tool. It will not STOP you from eating the junk you have eaten. You have to make the choice to eat something or not. However, I believe the band will help you eat less of whatever you are used to eating. But ultimately, we ourselves have to make the choices of eating healthy or not. The better you eat, the better your success. There have been many on this forum alone that has made poor choices, and have not lost weight, some have even gained. One girl made the statement she went into the surgery thinking that her eating would magically change after the band. However, she still wanted the food she ate before, and she continued to eat it. She now weighs more than she did before the band. So, it is very important to go into the surgery, knowing that your eating must change. I wish you all the best and I certainly feel for the pain you are suffering in your knee. I know that must be frusterating. Just sit down and have an honest look at - are you willing to go the distance? Are you willing to make a commitment to yourself to have a better life? Here is a great article that you might like to read that has some "rules" for bandster eating. I hope this helps you in making your decision. Just know if you decide to have the surgery, you will have great support here. I will be having my surgery in 15 days! http://www.lapbandlifestyle.com/Pages/LapBandLifestyleRulesroad.shtml

Angy12314, Kellie Reachell, & Skmsu (Susan) - just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you guys today, and we have a new one that is joining us - ginatae55 - she too is having her surgery today. So there are FOUR having surgery today. We will keep you all in our thoughts today and hoping you guys have a speedy recovery. Besides welcoming ginatae55, welcome peaCej & callienna. I will add you all to the list on our next update. Marjon9, thanks for your help and advice on the cpap machine. I will be going in for my sleep study test next week. So, we'll know after that. I do not show that anyone in our group is having surgery tomorrow. But, we have Audree (babygotback) having it on the 5th (Friday). I can't wait to hear from everyone who has had the surgery. Txpeaches, you sound like you are doing great. Hopefully we'll hear from 1721summ & Jenslapband soon. I hope they are doing okay. Well, just checking in - Cindy, thanks for the additional reminders. I've already prepared myself for the hunger, and I'm actually thinking about having my doctor perscribe me a diet pill to help with the hunger during the 4 - 6 weeks before my fill. I've heard some do this. Gotta run everyone. Take care!

Kristi, is the shot for pain? Girl, get your butt in bed! lol. Take it easy, seriously. Glad to know that "hunger" is not a factor.

Sheila, Welcome to our group! I know you were having a hard time trying to decide if you would get the band. I'm happy that you joined our group. I'll add you to the next at the next update!

PS - I just made my appointment. I go in on the 9th for my sleep study appointment at 11:30 am. Then that evening at 9:30 pm for my test. Should be interesting. I bet my life they will say I have sleep apnea and I will be perscribed a cpap machine. Question for you Marjon9 - does the machine stop you from snoring? My DH will be thrilled. I hate the snoring and am so embarrassed by it. My daughters friends heard it in the other room. It is really loud I guess.

1. Not to let the scales become my center of life 2. Focus on becoming healthy by doing the following a) Getting Lapband Excercising - will work up to 5 days a week. Right now, making it a goal to exercise 3 x's per week c) Making better choices, but not beat myself up if I make the wrong choice, realizing I'm only human. 3. Work on paying off my debt. I will do this by not using my credit cards in 2007. 4. Work on having a better relationship with my teenage children. I will do this by spending more quality time with them. 5. I also want to make it a habit to read my daily scriptures. I will do this by keeping them in my car so I will remember to read them. 6. I want to work at being a better employee at work. I will do this by spending less time on the internet. These are just a few of my goals, and I will update them as I think of more.

Well, you've convinced me. I am going to call and make a sleep study appointment for myself. I am convinced I have sleep apnea just from all the symptoms I have. 1) I snore - really bad 2) I am always tired 3) I toss & turn all night 4) I'm overweight 5) My husband says I stop breathing a little at times during my sleep Thanks for the advice marjon9!

Since we are all being banded THIS MONTH. I thought I would post some important reminders for us all - just to reiterate the facts: 1) It is very important to drink your water after the band. No longer will most of us be able to take big gulps of water, or nor are we supposed to drink water with our meals. Because of this, it makes it difficult to get your water in. I have read where this has caused some serious complications for newly banded people, and one girl had to have hers removed shortly after receiving it because of severe dehydration. Have dehydration can cause kidney stones as well - and I hear these are extremely painful. So the moral of the story, drink your water! Or sip your water, all day long. I plan on keeping a water bottle with me at all times. 2) The first six weeks are about healing, so as Cindy suggested in an earlier post, get rid of your scales. Hide them, trash them, or have someone hide them if you cannot stay off of them. Just be prepared for the slow weightloss or no weightloss during the healing phase. Keep your chin up. 3) Everyone is different. Some of on this board will lose 100 or pounds during the first year, some of us will lose 25 lbs, some in between. Just remember not to compare ourselves with everyone else. We go at our own pace and what our bodies allow us to lose. I know I am a slow looser, so I suspect to be the "least" amount of weight loss next year. No biggie, I know I will get there. 4) One of the most important things I think is we have to remember the band is a tool. It is not a majic pill, or surgery that will make us skinny overnight. We have to treat the band with respect, if we make poor choices, the band will not work right. 5) It is not healthy to PB all the time. Occasionally is expected, but if you are doing it everyday, there might be a problem. You could be too tight, maybe your eating too fast, or perhaps too big of bites. 6) We must learn to take small bites, and chew chew chew. Not doing this will cause food to get stuck! Getting food stuck all the time, can cause constant PBing, and I hear it is painful. Again, constant PBing could damage our band, I hear it can cause slippage, which in turn can cause erosion. 7) We are not doctors here, so the best advice you can get is from your doctor. Develop a relationship with him. Make sure he will/can answer your questions. 8) We all know our own bodies the best, if we feel there is a problem, don't take "your fine" laying down. Demand follow up test and get to the bottom of your problems. 9) Okay, we all hate to hear this, but EXERCISE will help us. Even if it is small walks around the block. Use this as building blocks to build up to 45min to an hour of exercise 5 x's per week. Remember exercise will help with that hanging skin.... 10) Stay positive, and stay in contact with the board. We all will fall off the wagon from time to time, we're human. Don't beat yourself up over it, just realize that you are human. We need the support here so make sure, even if you have fallen off the wagon that you reach out to any of us here so we can all support each other. These are just a few things I thought of, if anyone has some stuff they would like to remind us all of, jump in. I think we all need these constant reminders as our surgery day approaches.

Why don't you just let them know that you are having further complications and another surgery will need to be done. Frankly, your medical records are your business only and the HIPPA law (sp?) protects us from sharing our medical records. They cannot legally ask you "why" you are having surgery. And you should be protected under the FMLA leave act. I would just let the HR person know that you are having complications and the doctor has discovered additional surgery is needed, and leave it at that. I wish you the best! Sounds very painful.

My doctor didn't require a sleep study test. However, I believe I do have sleep apnea, and I am thinking about scheduling the test on my own. I'm unfamiliar with the test. But I was under the impression that there was not a mask for the test, only wires hooked up, but not for sure. Anyone else have the test?

Gabi, it just shows that the band is a tool. It will not lose the weight for us, it will "help" us. However, we have to do our part and make wiser choices. If we drink milkshakes all day long, there is no way we will lose weight. If we have a milkshake every now and then, just on special occaions, it won't hurt us. But we just need to remember that we need to make right choices the majority of the time. You've done great so far!

1) I can't wait to get out of the plus sizes! 2) Shopping at Victoria Secrets (DH is really looking forward to this:)) 3) I want a low rise pair of jeans! 4) I would love a pair of black boots, My calves prevent that now! 5) tucking my shirt in again 6) shorts not riding up my crotch. 7) No more thigh heat rashes 8) crossing my legs 9) Not being fat! 10) Wearing my bikini again - I still have it, and I will wear it once again before I die!

The great thing about the band, it is always there when your ready to use it. So, lets get started. Its a new year, and you can do this! PS - I am sorry for the loss of your mother, I know that must have been difficult.

WOW, it seems like just yesterday you hit the "50 lb" mark, and now your already to 60 lbs! The exercise is paying off! I have no doubt you will reach your next goal in March. Keep up the determination, and don't get discouraged if the scale doesn't cooperate. Remember to take your measurements too. Sometimes the scales won't move, but the inches are still falling off. Your doing GREAT.

I have heard that some insurances will not cover the "surgery", however will cover the fills. Weird, but true. I have done a lot of searching for the CPT code for Lap-band fills but could not find one. I know UHC is pretty good and you might just be out a "co-pay" for your fills. You need to find out if the doc is in network or not. Good-luck.

If you see a challenge you would like to participate in, make a post to that thread stating you would like to join. Everyone here is very accepting and has the attitude "the more, the merrier". I think some groups have challenges within their own group, but for the most part, everyone is welcome to join any of the challenges. Good-luck!

Yay TxPeaches - I'm so glad you are home and doing well. Sleep tight and check back with us when your up to it. Glad to know everything went well! I can't believe you were awake enough to post! But so glad you did!

1. Not to let the scales become my center of life 2. Focus on becoming healthy by doing the following a) Getting Lapband Excercising - will work up to 5 days a week. Right now, making it a goal to exercise 3 x's per week c) Making better choices, but not beat myself up if I make the wrong choice, realizing I'm only human. 3. Work on paying off my debt. I will do this by not using my credit cards in 2007. 4. Work on having a better relationship with my teenage children. I will do this by spending more quality time with them. 5. I also want to make it a habit to read my daily scriptures. I will do this by keeping them in my car so I will remember to read them. 6. I want to work at being a better employee at work. I will do this by spending less time on the internet. These are just a few of my goals, and I will update them as I think of more.

Wow, 16 days, It is getting close. I'm excited that I DID NOT weigh this morning! I refuse to weigh, even though the scale is looking at me every morning. I'm going to give it to my DH and ask him to "hide" it and DO NOT give it back to me, no matter how much I threaten him. I'm hanging in there, playing the "waiting" game. Waiting and waiting for my surgery to get here. I just want it to be here today! I start my test on Thursday, and my pre-op diet (high Protein, low carb), which is what I've pretty much been doing lately. However, I will not cheat at all once I start the pre-op diet.