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I was also a slim girl and now I'm at 280 and really depressed. I don't know how too dress. I hate going around people. I even hate eating in front of people. My daughter is two and I don't even have that many pictures with her because I don't want to look at my body. My husband asked for sex every two weeks sometimes longer. He never says I'm fat but actions speaks louder than words .I have my sleeve on the 21 st. I hope nothing doesn't get on the way bc I will be extremely depressed.

You look SOOOO GOOD!! I feel the same way about my legs. Almost wish in hind sight I did the circumferential TT bc it would have lifted my butt and thighs at the same time. I don’t want the inner thigh scar. It’s tough but for now I’m doing nothing. Just going to enjoy my big perky boobs and nice tight flat tummy!! Keep us updated on WhT you decide. I’ll never say never! Who knows I may end up in the future doing it too!! As Greentealael said “once your down the PS rabbit hole” lol

I was told almost the same thing, and my doc asked me to consider GB, but I had no intention of getting my plumbing rearranged! What my doc was quoting are averages of various reports on the weight loss of however-many individuals. I think averages are total BS anyway, they don't tell you anything. My doc did admit that anyone can certainly "beat the averages" with a good diet and exercise. Don't let that discourage you from moving forward if this is the procedure you want to pursue, Good luck to you and don't give up!

Hello !!! Looks like everything is a go, I'm a bit frustrated as our Bariatric center where Dr. Heyderi does the Banding requires an orientation but it isn't until Jan. 25th , I've been waiting for weeks since i called , it's for the best though , I need all I can find out to do this right ! I'm getting nervous already and actually decided not to get banded once , I became really fed up when I went shopping for my neice who's a tiny thing ,lol , I decided that things are going to be about me for once and making ME happy !! That I will be shopping on the "normal" side of the clothing store. I'll keep updating after the orientation , hopefully I'll be able to set a surgery date soon after !! Thanks for all your support and info , especially to my Band Angel.. HUGS Lisa:clap2:

Hello everyone, My name is Heather Conrad and I live in Nashville TN. I am 43 years old and have battled weight for most of my life. However, since my back went bad, my weight has completely gone out of control. I am only 5'1 and currently weigh 213ish. I know that number does not seem super big but, on a tiny frame such as mine, it feels terrible. I have tried every diet known to man and I only end up yo yoing. I had back surgery one year ago and since packed it on. I used to be really active and led such a healthy lifestyle and I feel this surgery is my chance to have that back again. I am currently on many pain medications, and hypertension medication. My goal is to lose this weight and get off all meds. I just wanted to share a little about myself and I would appreciate any support I can get. Oh yeah, my first appt., is this Th. I am going through Vanderbilt. Does anyone have experience there. I have federal BC/BS, and they require a 3 month supervised weight loss which I think is ridiculous. I have my last two years of weight loss tries documented but, whatever it takes. At least it is not 6 mos. to a year like I have read on some other insurances. I am interested in the VSG. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Thanks Heather

Oh yes, you must see it so closely working in a hospital...that's exactly right, you know I think that some people believe that in Karl Marx’s utopic communist system that this is actually a good idea. We have issues with the government running the DMV , imagine them running our health care decisions. I'd like to say to the people that are for government run health care to imagine W. Bush running their health care plan.... would they like that? Sure, as much as I would like Obama running it... There is so much I could say about public health care, been there, done that, lived under it for almost 15 years, particularly under one that Michael Moore portraits in his movie as being one of the best health care systems in the world....the biggest lie ever said and total BS.

I am feeling a little better now, spoke to psych she said that it don't seem im ready that we can talk more about how I feel. I told her I know I want this surgery bc I have tried so many time gained and lost. that I know I can't eat like Im used to, that its hard all day just drinking the shake and that if I eat even a small amount I will continue eating. im going back next week to tlk more about it. Im also so scare of the pain, I been on here for a while have been reading every post, some of them really hit home. I live only with my 15 son and need to cook for him and my adult nephew. so its hard. yesterday I did ok, I had two shakes, my Water, ham,cheese sandwich, diet coke and a cupcake. at a friends house I don't keep junk food in my house anymore. ok today is another day its 7:09 am and having my first shake. Have a great you all.

I haven't tried paleo bread yet, but I bought a paleo cookbook called Well Fed. It seems to me that the paleo way of eating fits in pretty well with our post-op guidelines. We've made a few things so far & all were good. Last week, my hubs actually made the olive oil mayo from the book & it is amazing. I've used in several different things this week already.

I was told to stay away from the Special K stuff bc of the sugar content.

I am part of a horror story. to this very second I am still crying I cant sleep I cant take in any fluids I was banded ok 10/9 everything went well while in the hospital I stayed an extra hour cause I throw up a tiny bit of fluid but stayed an extra hour just in case. I was out of the hospital by 4:30 home by 5:00 and calling the doctor back by 1pm the next day totally dehydrated hurting sick as a dog I was throwing up all night the gut retching ones that sound demonic. I was then ordered back into the hospital for 2 days was out yesterday by 2pm and I am now going through the same damn thing. I don't want to go back into the hospital but I don't want to die from this this is the worst thing (other then labor) that has ever happened to me. I cant take anything by mouth its been 5 damn days I am thirsty I cant be a mother and I cant be a wife all I can be is sick this isn't what I signed up for. after the fact I was told that this happens to 1 out of 50 people guess I should play the lottery I am the one lucky one. this is terrible now all I want is this thing outta me and to go back to normal the way I use to be fat and happy with no sickness. I feel like this will never end I have just about lost it. I taken all the classes and got all the information and the pros and cons of everything I was ready but I wasn't ready for this. now all I can do is throw up in my hospital basin, cry from the pain. and hear everyone else's voices in the family wishing mom would get better. I don't have time for this BS. I need help

I'm a Newbie and just starting into this (I apologize now, if there is a list on this site, but I couldn't find it). My insurance is Highmark PPO Blue (BC/BS) of PA. I have a low BMI (36/37) so I'm learning that I need to document as many comorbidities as I have with my PCP -eg. my insurance needs 35-40 BMI "with comorbidities (eg., hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, dyslipidemis, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea" (note- comorbiditieS, plural). While at an initial information seminar at the hospital I was surprised to see Asthma (I developed adult onset Asthma a few years ago) on their list of minor comorbidities during the slide show as obesity related (still don't know why as I didn't get a chance to ask, but now I know to add this in my documentation). I thought I'd start a list of what everyone's Dr's. have considered worth documenting to insurance as a comorbidity, then I can discuss the ones I have with my Dr. These are the ones I've found so far (no I don't have all these). Please add others you know of...Thanks! COMORBIDITIES - I've read these are the Major 4 insurance is looking for: 1. Hypertension- High Blood Pressure (Anyone know the threshold numbers for this? Do you have to be on meds?) 2. Diabetes Mellitus Type II-metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to produce enough, or to properly use, insulin (Do you need to be on meds.?) 3. Sleep Apnea- Obstructive, Pickwickian syndrome (I've heard some ins. need certain numbers on this as well). 4. Cholesterol: Hypercholesterolemia-High Cholesterol (What are the threshold numbers?), Dyslipidemia- abnormal concentrations of lipids or lipoproteins (eg. high total chol. or high levels of triglycerides) - Others/sometimes called "Minor"?: 5. Metabolic Syndrome: Abdominal Obesity (high waist circumference), High Serum Triglycerides and High HDL Cholesterol, High blood glucose levels, High blood Pressure (combination of 3 of the 4 above) 6. Respiratory: Asthma and Respiratory Disease, or Exertional Dyspnea- Shortness of Breath with minor exertion 7. Cardiovascular: Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathy, Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or Venous stasis disease - faulty veins that allow blood to collect in the lower legs (swelling), Venous Thromboembolic Disease 8. Pseudotumor cerebri - increased pressure in the brain which causes chronic headaches and eye problems (specific disorder mainly in obese women) 9. Liver Disease, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - fatty inflammation of the liver that is not caused by alcohol damage, 10. Gall Bladder disease 11. Gastroesophageal reflux disease- GERD- a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus, or acid reflux 12. Incontinence: Stress urinary incontinence- involuntary leakage of urine caused by increased abdominal pressure from excessive body fat 13. Spine: Degenerative disc (spine) disease- wearing down of discs in the spine 14. Joints: Osteoarthritis or Weight-related arthropathies (joint diseases) which impair physical activity, degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint 15. Depression or Obesity-related psychosocial stress 16. Skin: Intertriginous soft tissue infections - infections in excess folds of skin that are caused by obesity, rashes, sores 17. Impaired Activities: Significant impairment in activities of daily living and work (list normal activities you can't do) 18. Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 19. Cancer: Some are related to obesity eg. endometrial, breast and colon

BC Powders...Works wonders!

Goals shouldn’t be based on pounds lost bc our bodies are unpredictable. Goals should be activity-based. Also, your doctor sounds abusive and I think you know that. No one is going to make you see him and he cannot reverse your operation as punishment. Find a new doctor but in the meantime, drop this guy.

Hey there. I'm just curious if anyone else out there has Blue Cross and Blue Shield for Federal Employees in Ohio? And if so, how hard are they to get approved for the surgery? I've done the seminar, called them, found out what they want (no one mentioned the 3 or 6 month doctor supervised diet). All they SAID they want is a letter of medical necessity from the surgeon and the CPT and diagnosis codes. It just seems a little too easy. I haven't met with the surgeon yet, but I'm anticipating that the insurance is going to be the hardest part. Suggestions? Thanks!

Had my conversation surgery today. I feel good. Much better than the lapband. The first few hours were hard bc anesthesia does not like me . I should be going on Sunday. I'm still NPO until tomorrow when they will so the leak test Scheduled for lapband to sleeve-8/9. CW-279. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Feeling like idk if I can change the way I eat. My parents don't think I can do it. Well they are nervous that I'll do this surgery for nothing, bc I won't change my eating habits. Ugh not that my family doesn't believe in me or whatever they are worried for me. Makes me think too that I'll have a hard time. I like food and love pop. I have to stop drinking pop forever. And find foods that are healthier or all around better choices. I'll have to find a pop alternate. Is sports drinks okay? Gatorade or powerade? I need something more then water! Help

I'm in Little Rock but heading to Mexico on Nov 13th for surgery with Dr Ortiz. Two years ago Indid the entire 6 month insurance requirements for lap band. I was seeing Dr Luttrel but backed out bc I wasn't comfortable with the band.

Thanks Zoe. I have since found out that the Dr. Bauman near me does indeed do the fills for 200 but the hospital lab charges an additional 195 for the flouro. AND the gal on the phone said Dr. Bauman was considering not taking band fills from other doctors. A few other leads in my area have been unfruitful. No fills for other doctors. I have really been reading old threads, sorry for lurking DeLarla, but reading "all posts by DeLarla" and there are thousands, has been VERY helpful. A little discouraging, since she has been through so much, but helpful. I still plan on using Kuri, but I really haven't lined up the aftercare...except for planning to budget enough to get me back to TJ for a few fills in the next year. I also have an appointment with my PCP to discuss this. Wonder what she'll say? Here's a question...I have a hard time getting covered for medical insurance due to my weight/high BMI which is one reason I want the Band, so I can lose the weight and get covered. We are currently paying out the wazoo for BC/BS group benefits for small businesses (my husband is self-employed/incorporated) so they HAVE to cover me, but the premiums are ridiculous. I know we could get similar coverage for less, plus I no longer need maternity benefits (shop's closed after the last c-section) and maternity benefits are required for group coverage in NC, or so they say. Anyhooo-the question is, if I get a Mexiacn Band, will I have trouble getting covered for insurance, should we decide to drop the group coverage? Will they deny me coverage because I have the Mexican Band? Anyone? I have talked to a few of Kuri's patients here, and thank you all, but noone close to me in NC, unless I have missed you, in which case, PM me!!! Please!

My PCP had suggested WLS several times over the past few years but never pressured me and was always supportive with whatever I wanted to try next. My insurance (Anthem BC/BS) doesn't cover anything "weight loss" unless I am actually enrolled in an approved weight loss center's program. So, he would write other things on the chart when I was primarily there to talk to him about weight loss. Stupid system. He recently saved my life because I offhandedly mentioned to him that I was spotting (I'm post menopausal) - ordered an ultrasound and then called me himself with the results and made the appointment with the gynecologist. Turned out I had uterine carcinosarcoma ("unique, rare, and extremely aggressive cancer"). It was all contained within the uterus and appears to have been all summarily removed I have always used doctors as tools to get medication or procedures done that I thought I needed. With all that has happened recently I am rethinking our relationship - it should be a partnership whose goal is my good health. If your PCP isn't your partner, find one who can be.

I have Anthem BC/BS and was amazed that my approval came back within like 2 days. My patient advocate at the docs office called me yesterday then I got a call from my RN assigned to me from Anthem. I thought that was pretty cool. The clinic I picked is, unfortunately, out of network so I have to pay my surgeons fees upfront ($3700) and my co-pay to the hospital ($2400'ish). But, after they file, whatever insurance pays, I keep. I expect to be out around $2500 after it's all said and done. And it's totally going to be worth it!

Quick mention, I was at WW onthe day after Christmas and down another 3 pounds. I hit my 10% and got my keychain too. Small milestones! Another 10 or so pounds and I will be lower than I have been in about 10 years!!!! Happy New Year to me! I cannot believe I am starting this year without the dread of another "diet" looming ahead. I don't have that major "last supper" mentality that I would normally have now in preparation for the diet that would inevitably start tomorrow (and fail by Tuesday). This is going to be an amazing year. This year I will become the healthiest I have been in a long time AND I will finish school. What could be better? I am very excited at my prospects this year. Sadly, I am couch bound this eventful night. I could not handle another get together and another food event that I would have to suffer through. I have had 5 of them in the past week and I havehad enough!!! I will say, I have done very well. Christmas Eve, I didn't eat a thing, Christmas day I had about a half cup of very runny mashed potatoes, Friday I had 2 crackers and my soup at my aunt's house saying I had a sore throat (again-I am sick of that lie!), then yesterday at Dad's. I had about 6 wheat thins over the course of the day with some cheese spread and totally skipped the dinner. It was tough especially since I have to be sneaky. I made up a plate and fed it to my husband like scraps to a dogand no one noticed. Hubby has no problem eating 2 meals anyway. haha. Today was a liquid day because I am feeling guilty for having the crackers. I have no problem at all eating them, since I chew them to nothing before swallowing, but I technically am not supposed to be eating them. I took my scar pic today. Since then I showered and my last bandage came off. I will take another pic later. I think the scars will heal well. The big incision looks a little pink and scary but otherwise I look like I have scratches. I am pleased. Off to ring in the new year with DH!

Hi Sosewsue61. I took the Princess Lines cruise from Vancouver BC to Los Angeles, CA. Mostly considered a "repositioning" cruise where the boats head south for the winter. But the price was right. I did it on my own which some people consider strange but I'm not shy, love my solitude and met some wonderful people. I think a cruise for you four months out will be perfect. Just have to keep strong with those waiters who keep insisting on bringing you more food and drink. I had to explain a few times to folk at my table why I wasn't eating much but they all understood and often were a good support. There was always something on the menu I could order even if I had to eat around some items. Good luck with your journey!

Just tuned on bc I found the topic interesting and something I'd like to get eventually...all the experiences I've read on this topic have been eye opening...I feel like I know you guys... Goodluck with everything...keep posting and feel better...

Well yesterday I had my Pre-Op seminar, that is where you go and be briefed on pre and post surgery diet. It was good, but did'nt hear anything that I had not already heard here on LBT. That made me feel good. I am doing real good so far on the first part of the pre op diet. I am in week two of the four weeks. They weighed us at the meeting lastnight and I have already lost 5 pounds:clap2: . That is wonderful. Makes me more determined to keep faithful to this. Received a call from the Bariatic Center (BC), she told me all of my paper work looked ready to be sent to the insurance for approval. YEA! Do the Happy Dance!! Then she calls me back and tell me because she had not ever worked with my insurance before (UNICARE) she thought it was best to call them, one more time, just to make sure she was sending in all they needed. And they told her that she would need to check out their web site to get all the requirements for bariatic surgery. She did and it said I need to go to a dietition. :omg: When she call them the first time they did not tell her that. So I call them, after staying on hold for twenty min. and talking to 3 diffrent people, I was told they could not advise me on this until I had a file set up, and they could not set up a file for me until the doc sent the stuff in. I told them that the doc was trying to find out what all to sent in and that is why we were calling. Was their any way they could tell me, and give it to me in writing JUST WAHT DID THEY NEED and she told me I would need to talk to their nurse. I said OKAY let me talk to your nurse. And she said sorry, the nurse was in training and would have to call me back. So I left a message for her and she has yet to call me back.:angry So I told the doc office to go ahead and send in what they had, I would call the insurace company every day until I got some answers. My worry is, they have given me a tentitive surgery date of May 2nd, and the insurance is moving like a snail. Well if worse come to worse, the date will be changed :think .

Fear of losing the weightloss battle - author unknown You won't lose the battle if you are willing to work with the band and do your part. But I can almost guarantee: You will have plateaus when you first switch to solids until your body gets used to being fed instead of starved (most likely one-two weeks but could be three like mine.) During many plateaus you will lose inches not pounds and then finally a larger loss. Your loss in the first 30-40 days is a "never to be repeated" experience so enjoy it. Then you begin the long slow journey downward. You will learn the fine art of "PBs" and what causes them for you, it is swallowing air when you eat. Eating too fast....NOT chewing well or too big of a bite. Eating the wrong food for you...and not recognizing the "no longer hungry" after 1/2 cup (satiation) versus an "I WANT TO EAT MORE CAUSE I CAN or IT TASTES GOOD" or I crave it [head hunger]. You will watch your body shrink and will walk a bit taller-literally- and figuratively...start slipping into booths in restaurants. Sit in chairs with arms, stop worrying about how strong the chairs are, not having to ask for an extender belt on airlines. Finding it easier to, and you have more energy to walk/go up stairs. Clean house and do a million other day to day activities. Slip in and out of bath tubs where the water goes all the way around you instead of damming up and it doesn't kill you to stand up from sitting on the floor. Watch the years fall off your face and drivers license picture...got to a restaurant and order an appetizer and still end up with leftovers to take home. Go through doubts and several fills/unfills until you hit the "sweet spot" fill level for you. You will have to stop several times along the way to reassess your eating habits (I could eat certain foods and get away with some cheating a bit quantity wise at 359 and still lose...that had to go at 250). I have also found that I have to keep reminding myself 1/2 cup of solids three times a day--only--and drink my water (1 hour after meals until the next meal but not with meals). Eat protein first...fruit and veggies second, and non-complex carbs last. (Keep the fats, sugars, and non-complex carbs low...still have them but keep them low). And believe it or NOT a plateau that indicates that you need a fill is: 1. No weight loss for four weeks. 2. You are following all the band rules (8 out of 10 of us want to be able to break the rules and still lose figuring if we get a fill it will miraculously start us losing without us having to do our parts). 3. You are hungry an hour after eating (really hungry not cravings) and the 1/2 cup doesn't stay in the band for 2 1/2 to 4 hours. 4. You are drinking 60+ ounces of water a day and not drinking with your meal or for at least an hour after. 5. Once you move from mushy to solids--as much as possible get your nourishment from food that is solid. If you have problems with it sticking in your stoma, try it again chewing it well. Cut it up finer or chew it with other foods to keep it from recombining in your pouch and forming a plug (i.e. potatoes). 6. Try to avoid soups and/or protein drinks if possible (if you are able to eat your protein you will be full longer--some people have tight bands in the morning and can't eat so have a protein drink). 7. Whenever you hit a plateau, keep a diary and log everything, including water, which goes in and measure your 1/2 cup of solids. (Mine grew twice from 1/2 a cup to almost a full cup without noticing). 8. Try weighing in once a week to begin with, not daily. Later move to once every two weeks or once a month. When you are losing slowly, weight fluctuates daily with hydration levels, etc. At least this way you normally will see a loss and not a fluctuation or gain. Yes the loss is smaller but they are down not up. 9. Measure yourself monthly, often you lose inches before you lose pounds. 10. Don't compare yourself to others. We all lose at different rates based on age/metabolism/food choices/activity level...but we can all