got my band date and other misc. rants

So I am finally on my way, I have my date Oct 10.  It was actually a pretty quick appt, I thought it might take longer to get in with Emma Patterson but I just got my approval Monday and they offered me a date as early as Sept 24.  I couldn't do it that week and requested the 10th.  She only does surgeries on Mondays and Wednesdays. My husband also got his date, he's getting banded Sept 4, next week!  I went to his class with him Monday and asked about my approval and that's when I found out my date. I've had a rough few weeks (major understatement.)  My mom died on the 17th.  She had a chronic muscle disease (polymyositis) but was not expected to die.  I flew to CA and stayed a week, and will go back for another week Sept 15.  Although her weight did not cause her disease, it made it much harder for her to transfer from her wheelchair and probably affected her ultimate mobility and strength.  She weighed the same as me. I am really having mixed feelings about the band.  I get really excited, and then I think that I am going to be one of those people it just doesn't work for because nothing has worked in the past.   I am scared, not really of the surgery, just of another failure. At our pre-surgery class almost everyone there was getting lapband.  I think with the new insurance approval for band there will be a big spike in number of bandsters. There was one guy in the waiting room who watched the educational video and then came out and said "I already knew all that stuff from the OH website."  I should have introduced myself but I didn't.  I am shy. melanie

Melanie - congratulations on your date!  That's really cool that your husband is going to get a band too.  I'm so sorry to hear of your mom passing.  It is always so hard to lose someone so close. I think we all have the thought that we will be the person for whom this doesn't work.  Fortunately, despite the fact that we're not always perfect, the surgery DOES work.  You have to eat a lot and make yourself horribly uncomfortable to mess it up. I wish you the very best. Linda

Congratulations to you and your husband Melanie.  This is truly a life changing experience!  I am sorry to hear about your mother.  When it is unexpected, it really is hard.  Hang in there---my prayers are with you.  Julia

Congratulations melanie. I am sure you will come through the surgery fine and it will work. I am just getting to my initial consultation appointments (sept. 7 and 14). You are not alone on your worries. Every time I read about someone who is not losing weight it scares me to death! What if I am like them? I have read several of the research studies about the long term results of the lapband and they say the average weight lost is 50% of what you should lose. I am determined to follow this through and just hope im at least average or better! :) congrats again! Tina

Hi Melanie, First, I just wanted to say that I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. Second, I am new to the board and about 2 weeks ago attended Emma Patterson's informational seminar which as you know is a requirement for surgery.  I am interested in the band and the day after the seminar I sent of my application. They've probably had it for about a week. I haven't heard anything from Tess who is the marketing person. How long from the time you sent in the application did it take for you to hear back? What was the next step at that point? And ultimately, how long from the time you sent in the application to the time you got your surgery date? I have United Healthcare and they will cover the band at 90%. That sounds pretty good to me. Are you a self pay? Anyway, any details would be appreciated! Thanks! Marieze

It took us about 2 weeks to get the application.  If you look at my profile you'll see a rough timeline... there are about 10 months between the time I attended seminar and my surgery appt date, but a lot of that time was what it took me to lose the 5%- I think it was the hardest 5% I've ever lost... not sure why... maybe a mental battle.  When you go to your first appointment for a weigh-in, wear your heavy clothes and fill your pockets with pennies.  haha.  We got appointments pretty fast after they called back (within a few weeks) and they scheduled all the appointments the same day.  It took about another month to get in for the sleep study, but at that point you've already had your weigh-in so you can start working on your mandatory 5% loss.  I ended up needing a CPAP, which is common for us "morbidly obese" folks. We are paying about 10% too... since we pay a $2000 a year out of pocket, and the surgery is about $20k with all the pre-requirements.  It's quite a deal considering what many must do to have it. Be sure to check out the lap band forum here too.  There is also a good message board called lapbandtalk.com, and a yahoogroup called OregonBandsterSupport. :) Melanie

Hello, My name is angela I live in Portland OR too in  parkrose. I have my gastric bypass tomorrow on the 4th. I did not want the band for a few reason. 1. Is other ppl got it done and 3 month later had to have the bypass. 2. u lose weight much slow and 3. knowing my body it would not stay in place. I have Jay,Jan I only talk to him for about 10 minutes or less. After that I had to fight my insurance they turned me down 3 times but I keep pushing. I see ur hubby has the same date as me..lol Does he have a time or does he have to be there at 5;30 am? I have not gotten a call yet so 5;30 am it is...lol Well good luck and take care Angela

They did call us and my husband has to be there at 5:30am.  Jan is also his surgeon, so maybe we'll see you there. We decided to go with the band because it is adjustable long-term, and doesn't have the same weight-loss window as the bypass.  The weight loss is slower, about 10 pounds a month, but this seems safer to me.  We also like that there is no malabsorption.  Everyone has to make the best choice for them based on their own bodies, research, and self-awareness.  I wish you much luck with your bypass!  :) Melanie

Congrats on your surgery date. That will mark my second anniversary with my band. Its great, no regrets. Tayta

Thanks Tayta, I looked at your pictures- you look great!  :) Melanie