Jackie,
I really just did some calling around to see who of all these folks I liked the best. Timeliness for return phone calls or answers to the questions I had was important. I did go to the seminar in Greensboro. It seemed like a good program, however, those were part of the folks that sent you to their "own Mental health people" who did not take insurance of any kind. It was strictly out of pocket. I did not check out the surgeon at Wake Forest because I have a thing about "students". I don't mind working in an educational facility but as a patient I only wanted to really have to deal with one person and that is the surgeon who did the procedure or the Nursing staff who is familiar with the Doctor and their protocol. You really have to have a lot of trust in the surgeon to place yourself in their care. That is the biggest factor.
I wanted to know about death rates and infection rates. Dr. Bauman has had zero people die and a very low infection rate. He is very meticulous. We had a slight bump in the road post op, but it caused by miscommunication. It was cleared up very quickly.
I chose the surgery over the banding because to me is seemed more permanent. The lab band people do not have to worry about Vitamin Differences like the folks who choose the Y en Rou procedure. That is the big difference. If I ever loose kidney function due to diabetes or any other medical problem I will not be a candidate for abd. Dialysis as I understand the procedure. However, I don't worry too much about that because my diabetes control has improved significantly.
If you choose to go through with this don't be surprised if you have cold feet all the way through till afterwards. I remember being wheeled into the operating room and thinking "what the hell am I doing"...the only thing that consoled me was the fact that no matter who I had spoken with that had the surgery, no matter what I read that was written by those that had the surgery, and no matter what video clips I saw of those that had the surgery; None of them had any regrets. That was the only thing that kept me from throwing the towel in. I can't tell you how glad I am I didn't jump off the litter in the OR and run (that would have been a sight too see, (fat chick) me half naked with the gown with the back out running down the hall like a 5yr old
. I am so glad I went through with this.
I won't lie. The first couple of months were mentally tough. My family and co workers tell me I was a bear. I think this had more to do with the chemical changes due to my type one Diabetes. If the people who have the Y en Rou have type 2 diabetes it usually goes away. There was a piece on 60 minutes about that. I had mine done on Nov. 4th. It was kind of tough through Christmas because I couldn't eat solids yet. Right at December 24th I could start on the solids again, but I ate so little there was really no point. I have to say that I wasn't hungry, but it was my family who made it a big deal as they ate 2-3 plates of food and desserts. I am so glad I can't do that any more. I can barely eat the 2-3oz of meat with a bite or two of veggies on the side now. I am usually stuffed. I do not feel deprived in any way. If I want a bite or two because it looks good. Most stuff usually makes me sick and doesn’t taste like it use too, but that is a good thing. Things too sweet or two greasy I can't do. I have to say that now eating a half a protein bar daily is like having a candy bar to me. It is just sweet enough and filling. I really like the South Beach Chocolate Peanut butter ones. Those are the only one's I eat. I try to get some low sugar OJ and a boiled egg in the morning. Then at lunch I take a small portion of what ever we grilled the night before. I love the grilled meat.. If I give into wings I can only eat three with the skin off. I only do this every once in a while.
Going out to eat with my family I usually order off the kids menu or the senior menu. Most places will let you do this. My daughter loves Golden Corral. We went there and to my surprise I was given a lower cost like the senior/kid menu because I discussed with the manager my surgery and she understood. I was surprised to find out that they often reduce the price for people who have had these types of surgery. I got to eat grilled my choice of meat and my family was happy they once again got to go to Golden Corral. I still have "lunch with the girls" except now I can eat three days off my left over meats. Every thing else is either given away like the rice or thrown away. I eat the meat and a bite or two of veggies and that is that I am done.
No matter which one you choose do the research. Different people have different personalities and their is more than one doctor willing to help. I don't know if this helps any. I can tell you I don't regret what I did. I am very happy with the effects (except for my boobs shrinking-but that is going to be fixed eventually). Every one stops me now and asks what I did be because even 50 lbs from my weigh goal I look great. I will be back to being fabulous when I am there. This time at weight goal I will remain fabulous. I won't have to worry about gaining it back because that was the whole point of going through the drama. I may have to worry about wrinkles, but have strong belief that the main struggle with weight is a thing of my past. As far as wrinkles, that is what plastic surgery is for.....
Hope that helps!
Hey Tonya
Hey Ladies
...I was almost delighted when I saw my first Lap-Band commercial on TV. Then I researched...saw the amazing results in the clinicals...and now I am surgeon and hospital seeking. Do they do a psyche with the Band? (I already see a shrink!) So I was hoping to get some tips or something. Is it a liquid diet before? Is it just as food restrictive as the GBP? I eat a healthy organic diet...I just can't seem to control portions. *bad Jacki* Any and all recommends are welcome. Oh, btw....howdy neighbor...I live in Arden. I need an ASCS or Medicare accepted hospital/surgeon. I am reviewing the hospital in Hickory and the one in pinehurst...any hints? Anyone? Please??
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