Hello & Need Lapband Information - ThinnerTimes

Native2u · 08-16-2007, 05:40 PM

This is my story (short version). I am 38 yrs old and I have 2 boys.

I have been battling my weight for years and years. My earliest memory of putting myself on a diet was the summer before going into 7th grade. All I ate all summer was carrots/celery/watermelon. My Mother even remembers that. She says that I starved myself, and I did. I was teased in school (Elem) for being fat. I was very athletic (still am) and a total tomboy (still that too). After that year and for the rest of my school career I took waterpills/laxatives and simply didn't eat, just to keep my weight off.

When I got married in 1991 I was on a diet, cause I was scared that my dress wouldn't fit me. So, I starved myself.

I had my first child in Oct 1992 and during the pregnancy I was VERY toxemic (sp) and gained close to 80lbs. I was able to loose about 15lbs, before getting pregnant again in 1994 (had him March 1995). That just made my weight skyrocket!

In 1998 I divorced my husband and that was a perfect diet for me. I lost so much weight that year. I looked and felt so incredible!

I remarried (someone new) in 1999 (too soon). He controlled everything that I ate. I was his trophy wife. I was 145-150lbs and he would run with me daily. Needless to say, I woke up. It wasn't a life for me. He got to be VERY controlling to the point of ordering my food and NOT letting me have dessert. We divorced in 2000 (1 year later).

I spent 4 years getting to know my kids and having fun. I continued to run and I ran 5 miles very morning (except weekends). I was controlling my weight...so I thought. I fell into a deep depression after 2 years of being alone and gained almost all of my weight back. I went on the "Body for Life" plan, bought the book and all. I lost the weight, but it didn't stay off for long. I was still eating small portions and all.

I met the Love of my life on a blind date in March 2003 and we have been together ever since. We are getting married next week, BTW. We have lived together for 3.5 years and it is GREAT! He is extremely supportive and loves me for me. Finally, someone that loved ME!

I'm just starting the process and I know that my family is going to stand behind me. It will be a major adjustment in my life, but I welcome it. I don't want to look the way I look for the rest of my life and I don't want to get sick. I want to be healthy and strong.

Has anyone here had surgery with Dr. Fusco in Melbourne, Florida....or know someone who has?

Gwen · 08-17-2007, 12:48 AM

Hi there and welcome to the family!

I am also a newbie - only joined in July 2007 and still pre-opp.

As I know how intimidating this forum can be when you first start exploring it I thought I'd give all the newbies a few pointers as to the threads that made an impression on me:

Pouch Rules for Dummies - posted by Baron Patrick
Pouch Rules for Dummies

Best food, best protein, etc. for post-op - compiled by LisaM
Best food, best protein, etc. for post-op

The things people wish they had known beforehand - compiled by LisaM
The things people wish they had known beforehand

What Supplements are you on? - started by Jerrod24
What Supplements are you on?

I have also been asked to add the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" to this list, I have not read it myself but plan on ordering it via Amazon today - full review to follow shortly

Have a great time and I look forward to following your journey!

PS: If any of the "oldies" have any other threads to bring to our attention please let me know and I will add it to my list.

Hugs

Native2u · 08-17-2007, 07:19 AM

Thanks for your reply Gwen.

I will read everything that I can get my hands on, at this point. When are you going to have your surgery or do you know yet?

I have bounced all over this forum and most everyone here, loves the lap band. I would love to hear from more people about their experiences though.

LyndasRoom · 08-17-2007, 07:41 AM

Hi Welcome!
I didn't have the lapband, but wanted to welcome you to look around and ask anything you can think of!

Native2u · 08-17-2007, 12:18 PM

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm set to attend a seminar Sept 6 and I have no idea, what to expect.

Do you or can anyone else tell me what normally happens at a seminar. Is it all talking about the different procedures, or is it where you are scheduled for your first doctor's appt......or both?

Toony · 08-17-2007, 12:38 PM

The seminar I attended was hand outs and information... if we wanted to, we could step across the hall to set up our first appt. I started to just walk out to spend some time with my thoughts... and then went back to get the ball rolling... I'm glad I did!

It's a month later, and I'm on the path my insurance has laid out... we'll try submitting it at three months and see what happens! Best wishes to you!

(Look a little further down on the main page, there is a whole section just on lap banding!)

: )

toony

Native2u · 08-17-2007, 01:03 PM

I have already researched what my insurance needs and I have done about 90% of it already. I have to go and see my primary doctor and that's about it.

My insurance wants to make sure that I have been overweight for 5 years or more.....that I have and that I can document for them. I hired a personal trainer and worked out and dieted not even 1 year ago (I started w/him in Dec 2006). I saw him 6 days a week and for 1 hour per day. I lost 10lbs in 5 months and I was on a strict diet. On Monday I started again on a diet, one of my own. Well see what happens.

ready4change · 08-17-2007, 10:47 PM

hi Valerie

welcome!

i had a lap band, had my surgery on august 8... so if you have any questions, i am here for you

Native2u · 08-18-2007, 07:42 AM

Thank you "ready4change". I'm sure I will have questions.

Does anyone know, do you have to go to the seminars? I have done so much research that I don't it is going to help me. I mean, if all they are going to do is talk about the different surgeries and what happens. I know all of that, due to the research and talking to a ton of people that have had it done.

I know which surgery I want (lap band). I just want to get the ball rolling. I guess my first step is going to be, making an appt with my general doctor and talking with him about the surgery.

J & D · 08-18-2007, 07:59 AM

As far as the seminar it is required by most Surgeons because they want you to have all the goods and bads of both surgeries. We went with the thought of having Lapband and change our mind. We had RNY due to the fact Dorene was a diabetic and that was the only cure our Surgeon said. Dorene is off all her diabeties meds but one and that will probably leave this Thursday when we see our Family Doc. Good luck with you research!!! Look through the forum of the goods and bads of this life changing procedure. I have a lot of people ask me how I felt about giving up food. I have had some issues but have been able to over come them. I had to give up coffee which was my favorite thing because it absolutly killed me or a least it did. I tried a Starbucks carmel SF iced coffee yesterday and it tasted so good and it even stayed down.
Take Care
Jim and Dorene