Another Hello From Milwaukee

Hi ya all, I'm new here; trying to learn everything I can while I wait for my lapband surgery to be approved. It's been a long road, and as I'm getting closer to the reality of surgery, I am growing more and more nervous. I've done the nutritional & psych evaluations, sent in my insurance packet, and I finally met with my surgeon, Dr. Chua, last week. Now the hard part... WAITING!! I can sure use some support/advice from everyone. It's not that I am really all that scared to have the surgery..... But, my biggest fear is that I will have the surgery... and STILL fail to lose the weight. I've failed at weight loss so many times before. Now, as I edge closer to my 49th birthday, I am scared that if this doesn't work... my health problems will become reach the critical stage. Okay, enough whining about me... Would love to hear how others dealt with this "pre-surgery approval" waiting. Would especially love advice from other Dr. Chua or Milwaukee patients. Nan

Welcome Nan, Everyone on this site is so helpful. I had my initial consult with surgeon on 8/19/04. Physch eval 9/13/04. Received approval 9/29/04. My surgery is set for 10/21/04. Getting real nervous. I never thought I would be approved. Hope everything goes your way. I'll keep my fingers crossed!! Laurie

Hi Nan, I'm here to support you! That's for sure. I haven't even reached the surgery approval process yet but eventually it will come I hope. I know how you feel, I have failed at weight loss over and over. My fear is that my doctors are going to tell me I can't have the surgery for some reason. Keep your chin up... I will too. Laura

I'm not from Milwaukee but I did have my surgery in Green Bay which is the closest place I could have it.I'm from Upper Michigan and I have to travel 100 miles North or South to get anything done.I had the same fears you're having now.It'seen a little over a year for me and I've lost around 70 pounds.I don't want to lose anymore because at my age,59 on Friday,my skin would start to sag.I like how I look and I feel great,it's the best thing I ever did for me.I'll be in your neck of the woods this weekend,my brother in law lives on big Muskego Lake.I'm going to spend the weekend with him.

WELCOME Good luck during your wait. If you are interested in support from milwaukee patients check out: milwaukeewls.com (don't forget the www in front) It is a local support group open to patients from any doctor.

Thanks Margaret for the support group link! I'm going to go sign up right now. Laura

Glad to help! Hope to meet you if you can make a support group meeting one month.

Hi, I'm 9 months out and down 130lbs and I am still afraid I will fail at this. But really even if I never lose 70 more lbs I am a winner at this because I feel so much better than I did a year ago. It has been a miracle for me. Before surgery I was so full of hope I didn't worry as much as I should have I guess. When i worry over much i finally realize worry is not helping naything and I give reason for the worry to God because I can't handle it alone. It's nice to be able to do that and it always helps. Knowing I am never alone is very soothing for me. Good luck in your journey. cathy

Hi Nan, welcome aboard. I don'thave any advice about pre-surgery waiting, cuz I'm in the same position. My surgeon is Dr. Wallace out of Froedert. I don't have a date yet as my packet of stuff was just sent in this week. I'm supposed to lose 30 lbs. before surgery....and I have lost 15.5. It is so hard......if it were easy, I surely would not be awaiting approval for WLS. There is a whole lot of smart, experienced people who have already done what we are trying to do. They will offer you a world of advice. I've found the main message board to be a ton of help and encouragement. One other thing I will tell you about is www.fitday.com. It's free and u can calculate your daily intake there.It is so easy and helpful. If you have a chance, take a look at that. I'm on a