Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Beginning the process...



Recommended Posts

Hey everyone! Before joining your fabulous site, I did a little exploring and saw some of you ladies' before and after pics. You guys look sensational and you should all be so proud and overjoyed of what you have accomplished. Kudos!!!

I have already selected a surgeon. I will be using Dr. Keith Chung in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Although I do live in Texas, it's just a hop, skip and a jump across the Sabine River to Louisiana (about 35 miles). Right now, I'm doing most of the leg work trying to get one doctor's information to the other. I am very lucky because this surgery is going to be close to my 28th birthday and it will be my parent's gift to me. Wow! What a present, eh? Anyway, I've done as much research on the Lap-Band as I think may be physically possible and have jotted down several questions for the doctor when I get my first appointment. Overall, I think I am very well prepared for the surgery and at this point, it's just a matter of letting everything run it's course!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, all is going well. I have my first appointment with my surgeon on March 14th. I'm excited, yet nervous. I know I don't have anything to worry about, but I guess everyone has these feelings. I'm hoping that I can get the surgery done fairly quickly since I don't have to wait for insurance approval. We'll see, I guess.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What a wonderful, loving gift from your parents!! As far as how long, since you're a cash pay - that will really speed things up for you. He will probably have a few pre-op tests for you to do. Then it will depend on his surgery schedule. How much weight would you like to lose? Our sweet Paula on here lives in Lake Charles. Please let us know how your initial visit goes. I know that you're so excited!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Our sweet Paula...

ahh Marie, I think you have me confused with someone else!

Hi Geochic, and Welcome to LBT.

So, youre going with Chung??? I agree with Marie, paying cash will definately speed things up.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Since I live in this area, maybe we could meet.

Good luck and God bless you~

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Right now I'm at 267 lbs. I'd really like to get down to around 150 lbs. Getting down to that weight would alleviate most of my health problems. I thought about going with Dr. Spiegel, but he was more expensive and the nurse practitioner at my doc's office used him and didn't recommend him (she's having a lot of trouble). She had heard good things about Dr. Chung and recommended for me to use him. Though he prefers to do gastric bypass (his specialty), he also does Lap-Band. I guess at this point its just a matter of being each doctor's gofer and playing that dreadful waiting game. I'll let ya'll know what's going on as soon as I find out anything.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome! And, yes our Paula is a real sweetie, don't let her fool you!

There is a lot of information on this board, please browse through the old and new posts. Please keep us posted on your journey too!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

sounds like you have done your homework & than some. What great parents & know they must be so proud of you for taking this step. I wish you luck - keep us posted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×