krafticus

we are headed to Disney for 1 week at the end of February for our first family vacation. My concern is this: My dr. requires a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery. If I started the liquid diet Tuesday (1/18), that would put my surgery around 2/1. I know for the first 2 weeks after banding, you need to follow the liquid diet. for the next 2 weeks, you do the mushies. If that is correct, I would be able to eat solid food for the first time on the 1st day of our vacation. basically, what I am getting at is, should I now wait until after my vacation to do this? I would be terrified eating for the first time 1000 miles away from the Dr. and wouldn't know what to do if anything "interesting" would happen. I assume when we get back, my insurance approval should still be good, and I can start the process then (early March). FWIW, I finished my 6mo. diet in Nov, but the Dr.'s office forgot to submit my paperwork for 2-3 weeks. When they did, we found out that I needed an additional letter from my PCP for a "Medical Necessity" that took another 2 weeks to get, which put me way off of my original timeframe (thinking surgery would have happened in early/mid Dec.) Thanks for your support/advice. Mark

Hello all, So, I had all of my paperwork completed and submitted to the insurance company this week. I am a type-2 diabetic Male with a BMI of 36/37 and should qualify for surgery shortly. After talking with my surgeon, he was suggested going with Bypass as it statistically has a better "cure" rate with type-2 diabetes. I then talked with my endocrinologist, and she suggests the same thing. Now, I am about 70lb. overweight and can really go either way. My problem is that I am mentally prepared to get the lap-band done, but I am having a hard time getting my mind wrapped into the ByPass. Has anyone here started with type-2 diabetes and are now free and clear of all/most medications? I am on insulin and a few pills now, but the dosages are pretty high. From what I gather, banding cures about 40% while ByPass cures around 80% of cases. Such a huge difference. Thanks all for your help. Mark

Ok, I have been working with my nutritionist, but not really working on what she gave me. I was put on a new medicine for my diabetes that was awesome, made me eat less and lose a good bit of weight. I got sick though, and I stopped. Since then, my sweet tooth has been out of control. Here are my concerns... - I have a sweet tooth, and have a hard time resisting. Have any of you been in this situation and were you able to stop? - I am a VERY picky eater, in that certain textures set off my gag reflex. Most of these foods are soft in nature or, in my opinion, just taste horrible (Beans, mushed vegetables, shellfish, tuna fish (not raw tuna though). Now I do like some cream based Soups, cheeses, etc. weird, I know. Will I have a problem? - I took the class my dr. offers on day 2 of my 6 mo. supervised diet period. I am about to do my 5 mo. weigh in and pre-op, and have noticed that I haven't followed anything that I am supposed to do. Is it too late for me to get back into the game? Technically, I think I know the answers. I was motivated in month 1, but since then haven't really "cared", as I knew this procedure was far away. Since it is now only 2 month away (potentially), I hope I haven't messed things up too much. Also, is there a place on the forum where people post recipes and such for pre/post diets. I am such a meat/potatoes guy and not very creative when it comes to cooking. Thanks all for your continued support. I am finally getting REALLLLY nervous now. Mark

HI all, Not sure where this thread belongs, so feel free to move if needed. I am currently under the 6mo. supervised diet and will be doing monthly weigh-in #3 tomorrow (1/2 way there). Once completed in November, I should be able to be approved and hopefully have the band done in late nov, early dec. My dilema is this.. We are planning a big family vacation to Disney for 1 week at the end of March/Beginning of April. My wife wants to get the dining plan option. (1 large meal, 2 quick meals). We will be travelling with 2 picky boys (7/3 .. or 8/4 at trip time) and an infant (1 at travel time) Now, I know I won't be able to eat much on this trip, and have a few questions: 1) How do many of you handle eating on vacations? Do you share a portion from your spouse/partner/friends plates? Do you order your own meal and just toss most of it (since saving food on vacation is tough). 2) Has anyone successfully done disney for 5+ days on the band? 3) Should I just wait 3-4 more months until after we get back to have the procedure (which I assume isn't the best idea). Just a little worried that either I will be paying for something I can't use or will be unable to experience part of the magic. Any ideas, suggestions are welcome... Thanks Mark

Hello all, I have been reading the board and other information and know that I am ready, willing, and able to have the the band .. but there is a small issue. Currently, I qualify under my insurance with the exeception of the 6 month supervised diet. I met with the dietician last night and it seems I am VERY borderline for my BMI (I have 3-4 co-morbidities). We weighed in last night with shoes on, keys, wallet, phone in my pocket to get a few extra lb, and I come in at 37.1 (without this, I am 35.9). It seems unethical, but the dietician is making me maintain my weight for the next 6 months instead of losing anything. If my weight drops down to under 224 during this time, I lose out. Now, this is hard for me to grip, as I don't want to stay this way a day longer; however, I know the band could essentially save my life. Has anyone else been in this same boat, and if so, how did you proceed? Thanks Mark

Hello all, My name is Mark and I am new to not only these boards but to the bariatric surgical world. I have not yet had any procedure done yet, nor have I met with the surgeon; however I am convinced this is what I want for myself. My PCP recommended lap-band as she figured my insurance would cover the procedure. I am 36 and was diagnosed as a type-2 diabetic about 10 years ago. I have never really taken my disease seriously, and it is starting to catch up to me. I have 3 small children and can't bear the thought of them growing up without me. I discovered that my insurance requires the 6 months of supervised diet, and I meet with the surgeon's dietician this Monday, 6/14. I know the wait will be long, but I know in the end it will be worth it. I have been reading some threads and such, and honestly, I am a little nervous. I read about the PB/food getting stuck, which scares me the most. I would like to know if this common or just happens on rare occaisions. Also, the surgeon mentioned 2 types of bands now, Lap-Band and Realize... do people on this board only have lap-band or is there a mix of both? Looking forward to becoming a healthier, happy me on Monday. Thanks for your ears and your patience. Mark