debim

Well, this has been an eventful year for me. I was going to have the surgery the latter part of last year or the first of this year. But I began having a number of doctors appointments and was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. I had one surgery in March and they removed three lymph nodes and then the last week of June I had a colon resection and had two feet of intestine removed. That removed the primary tumor and I now get treatment of a shot in my rump once a month. It works totally different than regular cancers. I am fairly well recovered from the surgery so I am going to call my oncologist to make sure it is okay with him for me to have this surgery. In fact, the surgeon who did my colon resection is one of the surgeons who does the lap band procedure, I think. I hope so. I am very happy with his results on the major one this summer. With this group who does the lap band they require being on a diet program either at their group or with my family doctor. I have been working with my family physician since May. I have 14 pounds left to lose for the surgery. I should be able to schedule for November or December. As long as it is on December 31 at the latest it doesn't matter to me. With my other two surgeries earlier this year, my co-insurance is paid up so the procedure, doctor's, all of it will be paid at 100%. I am happy with that. Anxious to have it done. My appetite is up but I have been able to control it since surgery. Also, have found that chocolate is not acceptable for my system now. But that is okay. Just wanted to tell someone other than my husband. He is not sure. He is still upset from my other surgeries and does not like that I will be going in again. He is a sweetheart but I told him he would have a better looking wife in a few months. debim

I send my clothes to a women's crisis center and over to a thrift shop run by the YWCA and works with the police. When we replaced some furniture, I took it over and asked it be earmarked for women who have been in what is called the "Butterfly Project". This was started by a beat officer who set it up to work with getting prostitutes off the streets. It sends them through a program where they get training and schooling for jobs which lasts for one year. (This is also for victims of domestic violence I believe.) After the year is over, they are then trained how to run a household for shopping, meal preparation, setting up a budget. There are houses all over the city where they live for free for a year. They are working and learning to pay their bills and how to save. They have accountability restrictions for spending and such. After the year, they take over the rent on the home. When they start into the program they are taken to this particular thrift shop where they can go through the clothes and furniture which have been specifically set aside for them. It is a great program for helping women and their children. They get the protection and anonymity for almost two years. I give my clothes while there is still life to them.

I am new to this site. I have not had the banding but I go for the orientation class Tuesday. I have lost 46 pounds over the last 2-1/2 years. I have gotten rid of the clothes I have shrunk out of. I do not want the temptation of having as a fall back. The only clothes I buy are smaller ones.

I am considering the lap band and am interested in hearing what to expect after the procedure and if anyone has any regrets. My husband and I are going to the orientation class Tuesday evening. How much time from work did you all have? debi