Linda23585

Good for you Chelley!!! I think you're finally on the right track!! If you keep up at this pace, you'll be under 200 in no time! Rose, I am hopeful that you have the right amount of restriction this time.

You go Chelley!!!! I'm at 213 now, so I'm sure you'll beat me to "Onederland"!

Chelley, I don't think it's a fluke...I think you're finally on track!!!!! Keep us posted. Linda

I have a large paraesophageal hernia which is an atypical type of hiatal hernia. Some hiatal hernias can be repaired at the time of surgery. I was told by two surgeons that mine cannot be. It took me months to make the decision to actually have the surgery. I was quite bummed out about it initially, but I've decided that I am going to lose this weight anyway.... So many here are so supportive! I keep coming back to read how everyone is doing!

Hi Devo, Every place seems to do the screening a little differently. I had to meet with my personal physician first to get a referral. Then, I had to meet with the dietician. I was not required to meet with the psychologist. However, I did have to write out my whole life's history (well most of it anyway) and include why I thought I was a good candidate for the surgery. (They must have liked my essay because my girlfriend had to meet with the psychologist for several sessions before she could get approval for the surgery.) After what seemed like weeks of waiting, I got to meet with the surgeon. Then, I was scheduled for an endoscopy....another two or three weeks of waiting. It was at that point that I found out that I am not a candidate for the surgery. ( Since then, I've joined Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time and I've lost 20 pounds so far. I am determined to be the best Weight Watcher member that I can be...it's either this or the gastric bypass and I just can't get excited about having my anatomy rerouted!!! I wish you the very best of luck!! Bandster at heart, Linda

Hi Cyndi, I can't give you any advice, but I can tell you that I'll be thinking of you on the 17th and wishing you the best of luck! Keep us posted, OK? Bandster at heart, Linda

You will find a way that works for you Chelley! I have the utmost confidence in you!

Congratulations on making your first goal!

The film said that even the salads were laden with sugar. I'm not sure if the sugar comes from the dressing, some of the toppings or if they actually add something to it to make it more palatable. I must say that I am in love with McDonald's Asian salad. I plan to check the nutritional content before I order another one!

Hi, My son brought me the DVD Super Size It. Has anyone seen it? It is about a guy who ate only McDonald's food every day for thirty days and the impact that it had on his health. It also addresses food that is served in schools and what we are doing to our youth and ourselves. I'm not sure I'll ever eat at a fast food restaurant again after seeing that film. It made my resolve to lose weight and improve my health stronger than ever!! Linda

I am so sorry for your loss. You sound as if you have done well keeping on the program throughout an emotional week. Take care of yourself....let others think whatever they will. You're doing a great job!

Congratulations! Please keep us posted on your progress! Linda

Chelley, It's so great to have you back on the board posting again! You have so much to offer all of us in our weight loss journeys. Even though your weight loss has been minimal so far, you have been an inspiration to me and I want to be sure that you know it. I truly hope that you can get everything straightened out with the band soon and that you can begin to lose weight again. It must be especially difficult for you to compare your weight loss with that of your sister. Was it you whose mother was banded the same day as well? Linda

You are not being stupid, you are being "normal". Having second thoughts about any big decision is reasonable! I did have to laugh about the lies you told as to your absence from work.....This is a true story....I live in rural Minnesota and work at a hospital. When I was in the Tampa airport waiting for a flight, I met a gal from work who took vacation time so she and her husband could go to Florida. Anyway, that's what she told us at work. However, the man she was with on the flight to Jamaica was NOT her husband. My girlfriend was her neighbor - small world. (She had told her husband that she had a meeting for work in Florida.) To this day, I am unable to look her in the eye...perhaps because she turns her head whenever she sees me. Hope you don't meet anyone you know in Tijuana or at Dr. Ortiz's office!!! Linda

Hi Jennifer, I can't have the Lap Band either. What a bummer to do all of the research and then have your own anatomy be the cause!! What is your plan now? I was told that I can have the roux-en-y, but I have an aversion to having my anatomy re-routed. For now, I've joined Weight Watchers - again. I decided that I will give myself six months and if my resolve to lose the weight and keep it off is waning, I'll rethink the roux-en-y. Best of luck to you! Linda

Hi Wendy, Keep up the good work! A pound a week is not bad! Just don't get discouraged! You can do this and so can I!!! Linda

Hi Wendy, Good for you! Keep up the good work! I joined Weight Watchers (for the umteenth time) three weeks ago and I am down 7.6 pounds. Generally, I'm great at losing weight. It's KEEPING it off that is my downfall. Since it is either this or gastric bypass for me (not a candidate for Lap Band ) I am more committed than ever! So, I just lurk on this Board reading the posts and am excited (and I must admit a bit envious) of all who are banded. Unlike you and many others, my insurance would have actually paid for the procedure!! I enjoy reading the posts and sharing, vicariously, in everyone's successes and frustrations. Linda

Hi Shayne, I always wanted the Lap Band, but if I have surgery at all I will have to settle for the bypass. I guess it just goes to show you that we don't always get what we want! If I was in your position, I'd have the band - if it doesn't work for you or if you have problems, you can have it reversed at the same time that they do the bypass. It's very natural and normal to have second thoughts about ANY elective surgical procedure. Your life will change and that is an uncomfortable thought - even if it changes for the better - because you are used to life the way it is now. The decision, of course, is completely up to you. Examine your motives. Are you having the surgery for yourself or are you having it to please someone who thinks you should have it? Yes, others have had complications, but far more people have had successes. Concentrate on those posts. People on this Board will support you every step of the way. so don't feel as if you will have to go it alone. Whatever your decision, I wish you the best! Linda

Hi, There have been some threads on here in the past about financing. I do know that there are companies who make loans for medical reasons. As I recall, the consensus was that the interest rate was too high. I think that most folks who financed decided to find a low interest credit card and put it on there. Hope this helps. Linda

Hi Dave, I think that you are doing the right thing by using the antibiotic ointment. Keep the sores clean and dry. Hydrogen peroxide could be irritating to the tissue. At the very first sign of a fever or if the incisions are red, irritated or draining, call your Dr. Better to be safe than sorry! Linda (RN professionally)

What a lovely testimonial! Please post again to let us know how you and your daughter are doing! Linda

How far are you from Chicago? I hear there are a number of physicians there - might be worth a try.

Thanks for the input Jenna. I appreciate it!

Hi to all, Thanks to all of you for answering all my questions over the past month or so. I was all set to have the surgery and had found out that my insurance would have covered it. Unfortunately, after today's appointment that included an endoscopy and a barium swallow, I was told that I am not a cancidate for the surgery. I have a paraesophogeal hernia which means that a large portion of my stomach is in my diaphragm. Even if it is surgically repaired, I will not be able to have the band. Back to square one......with over 100 pounds to lose.....and looking for a new plan!

I'd like to know too!