Bullwinkle

I hate to sound like a broken record with talking about me NOT smoking but, hey......this is MY journal, and I can say what I wanna say, eh? Last Sunday, December 24th -- Christmas Eve -- was the roughest day so far in my quit. It was day 32 of being smoke-free, and thought it would be my last smoke-free day. I was experiencing all of the classic syptoms of nicotine withdrawal: temper tantrums, instense needs, feelings of dependency, insomnia, mental confusion, vagueness, irritability, anxiety, negative emotions, and depression. Who had I turned into? This wasn't the REAL me. I was putting my family through Hell! Worse than that, I KNEW how I was acting, and I felt helpless to stop myself from doing so. I was out of control. I told my husband that night that I was at a cross roads; something had to give, one way or another. I would either continue to live in that Hell, or I would light up a cigarette, go back to smoking, and be the happy person I once was. Being the wonderful, supportive individual he is, my husband said, "Just tough it out for the rest of today. If you feel the same way in the morning, go ahead and smoke." Christmas morning came. I got up and got my coffee. I came upstairs to the computer to look at these message boards. But........wait.........something was different. I no longer had that spacey, empty, on-edge feeling I had had for 32 days straight. I took a deep breath and concentrated on how I was feeling at that moment. "Hey," I thought. "That's not half bad! I feel......wonderful!" It happened for me, folks. I've read about people quitting smoking, and have found that most people hit a plateau to where they either sink or swim. I got to the top of that mountain, hung on, and went to the other side. And that's where I am now! I MADE IT!!! I am no longer in withdrawal. I am back to my old happy-go-lucky, cheerful, happy self!! I wanna shout it from the top of that mountain, I MADE IT!!! Today makes 37 days smoke-free, and I've turned a corner in this journey. I know now that I WILL be an ex-smoker for life!

There's an excellent thread here that answers what a PB is, as well as many other acronyms.

Oh, my GOD!!! THANK YOU!!! That means SO much to me! Now that I've got that monkey off my back, I can concentrate on losing these extra pounds I've packed on, and then having my band!! What would I do without the constant support here at LBT??? Life is GOOD!!

I hate to sound like a broken record with talking about me NOT smoking but, hey......this is MY journal, and I can say what I wanna say, eh? Last Sunday, December 24th -- Christmas Eve -- was the roughest day so far in my quit. It was day 32 of being smoke-free, and thought it would be my last smoke-free day. I was experiencing all of the classic syptoms of nicotine withdrawal: temper tantrums, instense needs, feelings of dependency, insomnia, mental confusion, vagueness, irritability, anxiety, negative emotions, and depression. Who had I turned into? This wasn't the REAL me. I was putting my family through Hell! Worse than that, I KNEW how I was acting, and I felt helpless to stop myself from doing so. I was out of control. I told my husband that night that I was at a cross roads; something had to give, one way or another. I would either continue to live in that Hell, or I would light up a cigarette, go back to smoking, and be the happy person I once was. Being the wonderful, supportive individual he is, my husband said, "Just tough it out for the rest of today. If you feel the same way in the morning, go ahead and smoke." Christmas morning came. I got up and got my coffee. I came upstairs to the computer to look at these message boards. But........wait.........something was different. I no longer had that spacey, empty, on-edge feeling I had had for 32 days straight. I took a deep breath and concentrated on how I was feeling at that moment. "Hey," I thought. "That's not half bad! I feel......wonderful!" It happened for me, folks. I've read about people quitting smoking, and have found that most people hit a plateau to where they either sink or swim. I got to the top of that mountain, hung on, and went to the other side. And that's where I am now! I MADE IT!!! I am no longer in withdrawal. I am back to my old happy-go-lucky, cheerful, happy self!! I wanna shout it from the top of that mountain, I MADE IT!!! Today makes 37 days smoke-free, and I've turned a corner in this journey. I know now that I WILL be an ex-smoker for life!

HOLY COW!! You walked over SIX MILES?! I'm SO impressed and envious......and PROUD of you!! You are really an inspiration to me, and I can't wait to get banded and have results like you are having!!

Thirty-six days smoke-free here, people. That's 36 -- T-H-I-R-T-Y - S-I-X days. 36 days, 22 hours, 28 minutes and 8 seconds smoke-free. 739 cigarettes not smoked. I've saved $149.85. And 5 days, 15 hours of my life saved. Can I get a HIGH FIVE HERE?

Thirty-six days smoke-free here, people. That's 36 -- T-H-I-R-T-Y - S-I-X days. 36 days, 22 hours, 28 minutes and 8 seconds smoke-free. 739 cigarettes not smoked. I've saved $149.85. And 5 days, 15 hours of my life saved. Can I get a HIGH FIVE HERE?

Lisa - I see that you've lost 30 pounds since the banding. Were you required to follow a pre-op diet? If so, did you lose any of that weight during that phase? Just curious. I've done a ton of research about the band, and I'm convinced that I need this procedure, especially after reading posts such as yours. I read post after post -- affirmations to me that I need this. I have no problem losing weight. It's maintaining that loss that eludes me. I lost over 150 pounds in 23 months following a low carb way of eating, and maintained that loss only by eating around 1,000 calories a day. The moment I started eating "regular food" again in "regular amounts" -- amounts that my thin counterparts can eat without gaining weight -- then I gain weight at an alarming rate. I maintained the weight loss for a few years, and then the weight "creep" began, and now I'm over 100 pounds overweight -- again. In fact, my surgeon requires that I quit smoking before the banding procedure -- and I've gained an additional 15 pounds since quitting smoking. Aside: I'm truly glad that I quit, however, and got that 20-year monkey off my back -- THANK YOU, DR. CURRY!!! Anyway, Lisa, thanks for your posts. I read these boards avidly and glean much information from those who have "first-hand" knowledge. You said if I have any questions, to ask. So, here goes: When you say you have to learn to eat slower -- well, how slow? For instance, if you have one slice of cheese, how long should it take you to eat it without fear of PB repercussions? I eat very fast, and will hafta learn to slow it down.

No, you can't block a SINGLE user through your Private Message Options. That will block ALL PMs. Do this: User CP Scroll down to "Miscellaneous" Click on "Buddy / Ignore Lists" Add the user to your ignore list

It's funny that you mention Anthem BC/BS. I HAD that, and then our company switched to UHC. I was told that UHC was THE BEST at getting any kind of WLS approved. Wrong! My UHC policy has a written exclusion for any kind of WLS -- because we are such a small group. So, it happened to be open enrollment for my husband's UHC policy, so we signed me up on his plan, and I am effective 01-01-07, and his group os SO LARGE, and they cover every kind of WLS!! The insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office told me that I should have no trouble getting approval because UHC is so easy to deal with. As far as the new psyche doctor, I called today and got an appointment for 01-15-07 to see another psyche doctor in my surgeon's office. I've been told that she interviews the patients one-on-one -- no silly testing -- and then makes an assessment. I wished I would have gone to see her from the get-go. But, hindsight is always better than foresight, eh? I'll let you know how it goes!

I have two words for you...... Dr. Curry. I investigated the Cincinnati Weight-Loss Center, and found that NO INSURANCE ANYWHERE covers their procedures, because I called and asked them, and they told me so. Also, the only testimonials I could find for them were from people in Seattle, Washington. Also, the only active license they have is in Washington, and not in Cincinnati. So, then my investigations led me to other bariatric doctors, and I finally settled on Dr. Curry. His selling point for me? He answered the first email I ever sent to a doctor, and he wasn't even in town when he answered it. That told me right then and there that he is a caring individual, who has checked his ego at the door. I hope this helps.

Thanks for starting this thread! I'm not yet banded, but hope to be in January. My surgeon requires a psyche exam, and the doctor I chose for that really wasn't too good. He sat me in a cold, quiet room to take personality tests -- two separate sessions -- and then went over the results with me for about 20 minutes. He concluded that I am "not ready" for this procedure. What a lot of falderall. I saw him a total of four sessions -- and had to pay for each one -- and spent a total of 30 minutes with him. Had he taken the time to actually SPEAK with me -- now THERE'S an idea -- then he would have known who I am, and what I'm about. Anyway.......my surgeon requires that I quit smoking before the surgery, so I did!! I am SO proud of myself! Today makes 35 days smoke-free, and as of this morning I can honestly say that I'm no longer irritable and edgy, cranky and anxious (like I was when I took the silly personality tests......'nuff said). So, THANKS, Dr. Curry -- if you're lurking there -- for finally giving me the incentive to quit smoking after 22 years of a pack-a-day habit. Also, linadu, you said it best when you said that this is a TOOL that will help me lose weight. I know for a fact that it will take great effort on my part to change my eating habits, but this TOOL will be in place to help me do it. Hey....if I can quit smoking, I can change my eating habits. So......anyone else in Ohio out there wanna join our little group?

My surgeon requires that his patients have a psyche evaluation before having the lap band procedure. Okay, so I took the tests the psychiatrist told me to take. You know the kind……you use a Number 2 Pencil and fill in the bubbles. Two different personality tests, et al. I called his office last week and left a voicemail, asking him to please fax the results to my surgeon. He calls me back and tells me that he wants to discuss a few things with me. Uh oh. Hmmm. Okay. So I go into his office yesterday to discuss the results. He’s ‘troubled’ by some of my answers, and thinks I need to see him once a week for three months to work on some of my ‘issues’. This guy thinks I’m certifiable, and is going to tell my surgeon that I shouldn’t have the lap band procedure at this time. What the Hell? I guess that’s what I get for being completely honest in my answers. He went over those answers with me, and I gave him my explanations for giving those answers. Each time I gave him an explanation, he gave me the once-over and mumbled, “Uh HUH.” And then scribbled something on his note pad. Sanctimonious, judgmental sonofabi-otch. Here’s your explanations, buddy. The REASON I have nightmares each night is because I’m wearing a freakin’ nicotine patch. The nicotine patch is notorious for causing nightmares. My surgeon told me I hafta quit smoking, so I haven’t had a cigarette in 33 days now. The nicotine patch helps takes some of the edginess away. The REASON I am anxious and edgy is because I haven’t had a cigarette in 33 days, after having smoked for over 20 years. The REASON I experience "sweating for no reason" is because I am menopausal. They are called NIGHT SWEATS and HOT FLASHES, you moron. The REASON I feel pain in the back of my neck is because I have a C5/C6 vertebrae problem. What the Hell else did YOU think it was? The REASON I have a ringing in my right ear is because I had an inner ear infection with I took the freakin' test. It's not because "I hear things" or "I see dead people" type of situation. Get yer mind out of your ass. The REASON I said that people talk about me is because, uh, HELLO, they DO. I walked in from the plant the other day at work to find my boss and a co-worker saying something about my pretty, red sweater. So, I answered your question honestly, you dolt. It's not because I'm paranoid or anything. My answer wasn't a NEGATIVE connotation. And I joined into that conversation with my peers about my sweater. What the Hell were YOU thinking??? The REASON I have dizzy spells is because of the aforementioned inner ear infection, causing a little vertigo. Why the Hell do you feel the need to read things into my HONEST answers? The REASON I’m a little depressed at this time of year is because I don’t get to see my family. Holy Crap. ANYONE would be a tad depressed because of missing family members at the holidays. Add to the equation that people trying to quit smoking experience depression and, voila, you have a patient, such as I, stating: “Yes, I experience depression.” Stupid freakin’ “read everything negative you can about this woman and her answers” doctor (and I use the term ‘doctor’ loosely). The REASON I nibble on food – even when I’m not hungry – is because I’m trying to find a substitute for sticking a damn cigarette into my mouth. You call it bingeing. I call it finding a substitute for a cigarette. It’s not bingeing, you idiot. Why the Hell do you think I want this surgery? People who nibble all night long after dinner NEED to be banded so that overeating will become physically impossible. So, this unprepossessing fool holds the keys, as it were, to me having this lap band procedure. With one sweeping, generalization about me to my surgeon, he holds the power to either allow me to have this life-altering surgery, or to deny me the hope I’ve built upon for the past year that I’ve been researching this procedure. Man, I want a cigarette. Bad. It’s seven o’clock in the freakin' morning, on Christmas Eve, and I’m thinking of hoofing it down to the local convenience store and getting a pack. I emailed my surgeon when I got home yesterday from Doctor Whats-his-face, and told him just what I think of the so-and-so, and WHY I answered the way I did to some of those questions. With everything I’ve read about my surgeon – and from my assessment when I met him in person – he strikes me as genuinely interested in helping people like me who have tried and exhausted every other avenue to permanent weight loss. I'm thinking of sending the link to this thread to him, since he frequents this message board. *sigh* I need a cigarette in a very bad way.

I don't advocate lying. That would be wrong. I agree with another poster here, however. Had this doctor sat down and spoken with me face-to-face for those three sessions, instead of saying "Hi" and then sticking me into a room with tests and pencils, and then simply collecting my co-pay on the way out, he would have found out WHY I answered those questions the way I did at the time. I called my surgeon's office a while ago, and I DO have an appointment with another psychiatrist, and she will interview me in his office. Like I said, I've always belived my surgeon to be THE BEST in this area -- BAR NONE -- because I've done much research about the lap band procedure in thie area. I also believe him to be a fair person, from everything I've read about his encounters with his other patients, some of whom post to these boards. I know that I will "pass" the next exam. It is slated for 01-15-07.

Today makes 35 days smoke-free for me. I have reached a turning point now. I no longer have this "empty void" feeling inside, and I am no longer irritable and gritchy, edgy and anxious. I am SO glad that Dr. Curry told me that I have to quit smoking before he will do the surgery on me!

I haven't had a response to the email I sent to my surgeon, nor the messages I've sent online (on his website), but that's probably because of the holidays. He probably is trying to catch up on everything, just like I am here at work! But I did call and speak with the office manager, and I have an appointment to see a different psychiatrist in my surgeon's office on 01-15-07. I'm very glad of it. I have hope again that I can have this surgery. I'm also very glad and VERY proud of the fact that I didn't cave and smoke a cigarette!!!! Today makes 35 days smoke-free, and I am feeling better today than I ever have since I've quit smoking. Wow. I can actually say it now. I've QUIT SMOKING. After 22 years of smoking, I have quit! I've also gained a lot of weight since I quit. Now that I'm feeling more like my old self -- instead of always being edgy and gritchy and irritable -- I'll be able to focus on losing these extra pounds I've gained. Thank you, everyone, for your comments and support. It means a lot to me.

I haven't had a response to the email I sent to my surgeon, nor the messages I've sent online (on his website), but that's probably because of the holidays. He probably is trying to catch up on everything, just like I am here at work! But I did call and speak with the office manager, and I have an appointment to see a different psychiatrist in my surgeon's office on 01-15-07. I'm very glad of it. I have hope again that I can have this surgery. I'm also very glad and VERY proud of the fact that I didn't cave and smoke a cigarette!!!! Today makes 35 days smoke-free, and I am feeling better today than I ever have since I've quit smoking. Wow. I can actually say it now. I've QUIT SMOKING. After 22 years of smoking, I have quit! I've also gained a lot of weight since I quit. Now that I'm feeling more like my old self -- instead of always being edgy and gritchy and irritable -- I'll be able to focus on losing these extra pounds I've gained. Thank you, everyone, for your comments and support. It means a lot to me.

Wow. Thanks for all of the comments, folks. I am waiting to hear from Dr. Curry's office about this. I still haven't received an email in response to my request to see another psychiatrist. I'm thinking his office was closed yesterday. Emailing my "rant" to him is an option, and I'll probably do that if he says that he wont' perform the surgery based on Dr. Whats-his-face's assessment of me. I'll let you all know what the outcome is, if you'd like.

Okay, so I took the tests the psychiatrist told me to take. You know the kind……you use a Number 2 Pencil and fill in the bubbles. Two different personality tests, et al. I called his office last week and left a voicemail, asking him to please fax the results to Dr. Curry’s office (my surgeon). He calls me back and tells me that he wants to discuss a few things with me. Uh oh. Hmmm. Okay. So I go into his office yesterday to discuss the results. He’s ‘troubled’ by some of my answers, and thinks I need to see him once a week for three months to work on some of my ‘issues’. This guy thinks I’m certifiable, and is going to tell my surgeon that I shouldn’t have the lap band procedure at this time. What the Hell? I guess that’s what I get for being completely honest in my answers. He went over those answers with me, and I gave him my explanations for giving those answers. Each time I gave him an explanation, he gave me the once-over and mumbled, “Uh HUH.” And then scribbled something on his note pad. Sanctimonious, judgmental sonofabi-otch. Here’s your explanations, buddy. The REASON I have nightmares each night is because I’m wearing a freakin’ nicotine patch. The nicotine patch is notorious for causing nightmares. Dr. Curry told me I hafta quit smoking, so I haven’t had a cigarette in 28 days now. The nicotine patch helps takes some of the edginess away. The REASON I am anxious and edgy is because I haven’t had a cigarette in 28 days, after having smoked for over 20 years. The REASON I experience "sweating for no reason" is because I am menopausal. They are called NIGHT SWEATS and HOT FLASHES, you moron. The REASON I feel pain in the back of my neck is because I have a C5/C6 vertebrae problem. What the Hell else did YOU think it was? The REASON I have a ringing in my right ear is because I had an inner ear infection with I took the freakin' test. It's not because "I hear things" or "I see dead people" type of situation. Get yer mind out of your ass. The REASON I said that people talk about me is because, uh, HELLO, they DO. I walked in from the plant the other day at work to find my boss and a co-worker saying something about my pretty, red sweater. So, I answered your question honestly, you dolt. It's not because I'm paranoid or anything. My answer wasn't a NEGATIVE connotation. And I joined into that conversation with my peers about my sweater. What the Hell were YOU thinking??? The REASON I have dizzy spells is because of the aforementioned inner ear infection, causing a little vertigo. Why the Hell do you feel the need to read things into my HONEST answers? The REASON I’m a little depressed at this time of year is because I don’t get to see my kids. Holy Crap. ANYONE would be a tad depressed because of missing family members at the holidays. Add to the equation that people trying to quit smoking experience depression and, voila, you have a patient, such as I, stating: “Yes, I experience depression.” Stupid freakin’ “read everything negative you can about this woman and her answers” doctor (and I use the term ‘doctor’ loosely). The REASON I nibble on food – even when I’m not hungry – is because I’m trying to find a substitute for sticking a damn cigarette into my mouth. You call it bingeing. I call it finding a substitute for a cigarette. It’s not bingeing, you idiot. Why the Hell do you think I want this surgery? People who nibble all night long after dinner NEED to be banded so that overeating will become physically impossible. So, this unprepossessing fool holds the keys, as it were, to me having this lap band procedure. With one sweeping, generalization about me to Dr. Curry, he holds the power to either allow me to have this life-altering surgery, or to deny me the hope I’ve built upon for the past year that I’ve been researching this procedure. Man, I want a cigarette. Bad. It’s seven o’clock in the freakin' morning, on Christmas Eve, and I’m thinking of hoofing it down to the local convenience store and getting a pack. I emailed Dr. Curry when I got home yesterday from Doctor Whats-his-face, and told him just what I think of the so-and-so, and WHY I answered the way I did to some of those questions. With everything I’ve read about Dr. Curry – and from my assessment when I met him in person – he strikes me as genuinely interested in helping people like me who have tried and exhausted every other avenue to permanent weight loss. Dr. Curry, if you read this, please give me the benefit of the doubt. I’m thinking of sending the link to this journal entry to you. *sigh* I need a cigarette in a very bad way. EDIT: Damn. I'm so upset I couldn't even count straight. My last cigarette was on November 21st, so today makes 33 days without a cigarette. Wow. I am wanting one in a bad way.

Teressita - no, I didn't get any cigarettes, and THANK YOU for your comments!!!!!!! Today marks 35 days, 1 hour, 9 minutes and 48 seconds smoke free. That's 701 cigarettes not smoked, and $141.75 and 5 days, 8 hours of my life saved. Like I said, I emailed Dr. Curry and asked him to schedule me with the psychiatrist that is in his office once a week. I haven't heard a word back from him, and I am worried. Wish me luck!!

Sorry I'm late getting in on this...... Happy Birthday, Dr. Curry!! Hope it was a good one.

Okay, so I took the tests the psychiatrist told me to take. You know the kind……you use a Number 2 Pencil and fill in the bubbles. Two different personality tests, et al. I called his office last week and left a voicemail, asking him to please fax the results to Dr. Curry’s office (my surgeon). He calls me back and tells me that he wants to discuss a few things with me. Uh oh. Hmmm. Okay. So I go into his office yesterday to discuss the results. He’s ‘troubled’ by some of my answers, and thinks I need to see him once a week for three months to work on some of my ‘issues’. This guy thinks I’m certifiable, and is going to tell my surgeon that I shouldn’t have the lap band procedure at this time. What the Hell? I guess that’s what I get for being completely honest in my answers. He went over those answers with me, and I gave him my explanations for giving those answers. Each time I gave him an explanation, he gave me the once-over and mumbled, “Uh HUH.” And then scribbled something on his note pad. Sanctimonious, judgmental sonofabi-otch. Here’s your explanations, buddy. The REASON I have nightmares each night is because I’m wearing a freakin’ nicotine patch. The nicotine patch is notorious for causing nightmares. Dr. Curry told me I hafta quit smoking, so I haven’t had a cigarette in 28 days now. The nicotine patch helps takes some of the edginess away. The REASON I am anxious and edgy is because I haven’t had a cigarette in 28 days, after having smoked for over 20 years. The REASON I experience "sweating for no reason" is because I am menopausal. They are called NIGHT SWEATS and HOT FLASHES, you moron. The REASON I feel pain in the back of my neck is because I have a C5/C6 vertebrae problem. What the Hell else did YOU think it was? The REASON I have a ringing in my right ear is because I had an inner ear infection with I took the freakin' test. It's not because "I hear things" or "I see dead people" type of situation. Get yer mind out of your ass. The REASON I said that people talk about me is because, uh, HELLO, they DO. I walked in from the plant the other day at work to find my boss and a co-worker saying something about my pretty, red sweater. So, I answered your question honestly, you dolt. It's not because I'm paranoid or anything. My answer wasn't a NEGATIVE connotation. And I joined into that conversation with my peers about my sweater. What the Hell were YOU thinking??? The REASON I have dizzy spells is because of the aforementioned inner ear infection, causing a little vertigo. Why the Hell do you feel the need to read things into my HONEST answers? The REASON I’m a little depressed at this time of year is because I don’t get to see my kids. Holy Crap. ANYONE would be a tad depressed because of missing family members at the holidays. Add to the equation that people trying to quit smoking experience depression and, voila, you have a patient, such as I, stating: “Yes, I experience depression.” Stupid freakin’ “read everything negative you can about this woman and her answers” doctor (and I use the term ‘doctor’ loosely). The REASON I nibble on food – even when I’m not hungry – is because I’m trying to find a substitute for sticking a damn cigarette into my mouth. You call it bingeing. I call it finding a substitute for a cigarette. It’s not bingeing, you idiot. Why the Hell do you think I want this surgery? People who nibble all night long after dinner NEED to be banded so that overeating will become physically impossible. So, this unprepossessing fool holds the keys, as it were, to me having this lap band procedure. With one sweeping, generalization about me to Dr. Curry, he holds the power to either allow me to have this life-altering surgery, or to deny me the hope I’ve built upon for the past year that I’ve been researching this procedure. Man, I want a cigarette. Bad. It’s seven o’clock in the freakin' morning, on Christmas Eve, and I’m thinking of hoofing it down to the local convenience store and getting a pack. I emailed Dr. Curry when I got home yesterday from Doctor Whats-his-face, and told him just what I think of the so-and-so, and WHY I answered the way I did to some of those questions. With everything I’ve read about Dr. Curry – and from my assessment when I met him in person – he strikes me as genuinely interested in helping people like me who have tried and exhausted every other avenue to permanent weight loss. Dr. Curry, if you read this, please give me the benefit of the doubt. I’m thinking of sending the link to this journal entry to you. *sigh* I need a cigarette in a very bad way. EDIT: Damn. I'm so upset I couldn't even count straight. My last cigarette was on November 21st, so today makes 33 days without a cigarette. Wow. I am wanting one in a bad way.

I contacted the surgeon's office the other day, wanting to get the ball rolling, and was told that they are awaiting the results from my psyche exam. Called that doctor and he said to come see him to discuss the results, and then he'd fax them to my band doctor. So, I have an appointment tomorrow at 2:00pm to see him. I received my new insurance card in the mail, and I am effective 01-01-07. As soon as I pay the $300 program fee, and they have the psyche results, they'll submit me to insurance on 01-02-07. That's only 11 days from now! Can't wait! And it's been tough, but today makes 4 weeks and 3 days smoke-free. Yay!

My doctor is Dr. Trace W. Curry in Cincinnati. You can find him here: http://www.thebanddoctor.com/team.html Contact his office. They can and will answer your questions.