PhillyGirl

I went to my introduction seminar today. I really like their approach (Hahnemann Bariatric in Philadelphia). After the seminar, I was helping them put their chairs away and I was talking to the program manager. When I said that I wanted a lap band, she said that I should look into having a gastric bypass. I told her that I had done my homework and wanted a lap band. I got the strong impression from her in our short conversation that followed that she was trying to push a gastric bypass on me. I DO NOT want a gastric bypass. Maybe I am reading something that wasn't there, though. Has anyone else encountered this? What is their incentive for doing this (that is, do they get more money for doing a gastric bypass)? Info, please. Thank you!

Thank you, one and all. I'm good at standing up for myself, but I know when I need a little boost. Hugs!

We have to pay for some educational materials too. I don't mind; every little bit that can help, I'll take.

Just curious. I have hardly any sick days, and I want to work straight up until the day before my surgery (money GOOD). Has anyone worked all the way through the liquid diet? I'm wondering if I negotiate with the nutritionist to start a high-protein, low-carb diet now that I won't have to go through the liquid diet until a day or two before surgery (just to clear out my guts--been through major surgery before). My work requires I walk a mile every day plus I'm on my feet a lot and have to be high-energy (I interact with a lot of people all day). If I can't do that, then I shouldn't be at work. I would hate that. Advice? Thank you!!!

I am so sorry that you have people near you who want to sabotage you and your decisions. I have had people like that around me most of my life (my mother included); so, I am being very selective as to who I tell about my decision. Remember--you are making the RIGHT choice and it's your life. Sometimes it's hard to find people who love you and support you; thank goodness your husband is there for you (as is mine). And all of us are there for you too. People all over the world are in your corner. How cool is that?

Wow! I'm taking notes for when it's MY turn! Keep the recipes coming, please!!!

I like the way you think. See you in another life, brutha!

Does anyone here have edema that requires compression stockings? My left leg especially is swollen all the time. I hope that once I lose weight, I'll not have the edema anymore. It's gross and keeps me from wearing skirts, shorts, anything that shows my legs. Does anyone here know if my hope is correct, that I'll not have the edema once I lose the weight? The swollen leg came with the weight, so I'm hoping it'll deflate with the rest of me.

The way that I see it is that I need a non-drug tool to assist me with not feeling so damn hungry and deprived. I also need to be accountable to someone besides myself. Does that make me weak? I don't think so; I am going to be doing the hard work. This is going to be a tough journey and since nothing else has worked and now that I'm over 300 pounds (oh my god) I had better do SOMETHING before it's too late. I'm going to be trolling the posts a lot during this journey, looking for help and encouragement. I know I'll find it too--such a nice feeling. Hugs to all.

Hi, I just started down the path of better health. I'm going to a seminar on July 10th and they've told me that if everything (blood tests, insurance, etc.) goes well, then I should be ready for surgery in late October. Happy Halloween to me! I have Personal Choice, which I've found to be a good insurance policy. I'm just so tired of feeling fat, tired and ucky. I'm not expecting miracles, but I know I need help and I can't do this alone. I'm going to be digging around this site and getting lots of advice, I'm sure. I'm hoping that in time I can be an advice-giver. Good luck to all. We're all in this fight together, aren't we?

I'm going with the bariatric center at Hahnemann because I'm affiliated with that hospital. I know that Abington also has a bariatric center, which is closer to where I live. I'm also going with Hahnemann as I can go for blood tests and other tests over my lunch hour as opposed to taking a half day for a short procedure. I have my seminar on July 10th at Hahnemann. I'm looking forward to it, even though it means I'm going to be making major lifestyle changes. Essentially, if I want to live and thrive I have to change.

Hi, I had a radical hysterectomy a year ago. I recovered from that after about two months. I lost some as my body was in pain, but gained all that I lost and more (I know--an often-told story). The question I have is this: do those of you who have had radical hysterectomies/have gone through menopause having any issues that non-estrogen-deprived women *don't* have? I have had not one menopausal symptom (a miracle). The doc says it's partially because of my weight; my adipose tissue is creating an estrogen-like substance, but not in any great amount. I'm also darn lucky. If/WHEN I lose the weight, will I get hit with menopausal symptoms I've thus far avoided? It won't stop me from going through with this, but oy gevalt...

I was, as I put it, "hollowed out." I had nasty pre-cancerous uterus, bleeding ovaries and over 2 pounds of fibroids removed. I'm hoping that my being "post woman" (how I sometimes feel) won't affect my ability to lose weight.

Bonjour! Je m'appelle "PhillyGirl." Je vivais en France quand j'etais jeune, mais j'ai oublie beaucoup. En anglais: I have just started the process (going to a seminar on July 10). It's good to see you're in such good spirits after the surgery. Vous me donnez courage! Merci.

That's Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philly folks--I'm counting on you for some help! I had major surgery last year there that went amazingly smoothly. I was wondering if anyone here is going with Hahnemann's bariatric program. I'm interested in any pros or cons that you might have about the program. It's handy for me, as I can do all my doctor appointments/labs over my lunch hour (or extended lunch hour) from work, rather than taking a bunch of sick time I can't really afford to go to a hospital nearer to home. (I work about 30 miles from where I live.) Thanks for any feedback you might have!

Wow--only TWO Philly folk! Well, there's a bariatric center at Hahnemann; I'm pretty sure I'm going there. I'm interested in knowing their experience level (how many surgeries they've done, etc.). Guess I'll do a little digging. Thank you so much for responding and I wish you the best in your journey!:thumbup: