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I am researching Lap Band proceedure I am 29 and have been overweight almost all my life. I have tried everything under the sun to try to lose weight but nothing ever works. I have a very loving husband who will support me what ever I choose. I want to lose weight, so I don't get sick or worse. I have three children and want to be around for them and I want to be an "active" mom and I am not right now because I have a hard time doing what they like to do because I am so big. It really depresses me and I have decided it is time to make the big committment to myself! I go to my PCP on Thurs 1-29-04 I know he will support me and I can't wait to see him! I will keep you all posted.
February 2, 2004
Just a quick update. I got the referal from my pcp on Thurs. I have been refered to Dr. Shah at Lahey Clinic.
March 11, 2004
Hi All. Well things went very well today. Dr. Shah said I am a wonderful candidate for surgery. I am very happy. I need to have another visit with the nutritionist in two months and attend two support group meetings and then schedule surgery! I just hope all goes well with ins. Wish me luck
March 31, 2004
I went to my first Lap Band support group meeting last night, it was great. I learned a lot and also reinforced my belief that I am doing the right thing by going to Lahey and having the lap band! I drove down with my husband's coworkers wife and I really enjoyed it. I was nice to have a companion for the long drive, and yes it was well worth the two hour drive to get there. Mary if you are reading this, you are a sweetheart, thanks for enduring my driveing! Can't wait for May to do it again!
April 29, 2004
I just got back from Disney World Last night. What an awesome trip! I was treated like a queen. I will never forget this trip, I had a blast. This was for work it was a recognition award that I won. Only the top 2% of the company were nominated to attend. We had training each morning and then free time for the parks and the last night we were there we went to Circe de Soliel and the House of Blues my company rented out the whole House of Blues what an awesome time we had! They put us up in the Grand Floridian for three nights! We didn't have to pay for anything. The best part of the trip was I learned that I can succeed at weight loss. Even with all the wonderful food choices I had, all free I might add, I ate healthy and I allowed my self to eat a desert here and there but I didn't go crazy. I was so proud of myself. I came back home 4lbs lighter! The best trip I have ever been on.
May 3, 2004
Today is my 7yr wedding anniversary! I have the best husband in the world. the past 7yrs have been wonderful, I am so happy that We are starting our 8th yr together healthier and a bit smaller! I am down 25lbs in 7 weeks. I feel great!
May 4, 2004
Today I tried you can do Pilates by Leslie Sansone, all I can say is wow I am a weakling, I can feel every muscle in my core! Yikes, better get working on those muscles!
May 7, 2004
I went for my two month follow up with Leslie the nutritionist and it went great! She says I am ready for surgery! How cool is that. I am officially down 22lbs since my consult, I feel so great! She has given my info to Tonya to schedule my surgery, it could even be this month!!! Holy cow this is going really quickly now. I just hope my insurance doesn't cause any problems. I will let you know more as I find out more.
Holy Cow! Tonya just called! I have a date set for May 26th as long as ins. approves!!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo! I am so excited. I just pray everything will go just fine with the ins. I will let you know when I get approved!
May 14, 2004
Well still waiting for approval but I did call the ins. company and they said they do cover it if medically necessary so I feel really good about it. I just wish the approval would come through all ready! I am so impatient, it's awful. I go for my Preops on Mon and maybe they will have an answere then. I sure hope so, I think I am driving my poor husband nuts! I am all set with time off from work and have sitters lined up for the kiddos so just need that darn approval and all will be golden! I weighed myself this morning and the scaled said 269! Woo Hoo haven't been down this low in a long time! I can't wait to get banded and keep losing! I am going to suceed I know I am! I have been very faithful with my excercise and find I feel great after I have completed it. I am noticing a huge difference in my stomache it is really going down they should have a pretty easy time with surgery as it is nice and loose now! ;-)
May 18, 2004
Well one more hurdle cleared, I had all my preops done and all seemed to go well. I am still waiting for ins. approval, and it is driving me nuts! I want my approval! I am praying that today I will get it!
May 20, 2004
The war with the insurance company has begun. They keep giving me the run around and I am not liking it. Melanie from Lahey is trying really hard to get them to approve it on time for Wed. They say that it is going to take at least a week, I DON"T HAVE A WEEK! If they hadn't lost my paperwork in the first place I would have my approval right now! Ugh! The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing at my ins. I am so frustrated, and upset. How hard is it to look at my file and say yes you are approved? I wouldn't be so mad if they would stick to one straight story but they keep telling me different things and it is just ticking me off. It is as if they could care less that I need to know before Wed! I Don't know what I am going to do if I don't get an answer tomorrow. I am in tears over this whole mess and I just want it over with!
May 21, 2004
Well no approval yet but I spoke with Rose again this morning and she still haddn't heard, she said to keep going as planned and if they don't hear an approval by Tues. She is going to sic Karen and Tonya on them! I love Lahey they fight for their patients! I am so glad I choose Dr. Shah and Lahey Clinic! I will definately recommend them to everyone! I still have to get approval but I am sure I will get it with Lahey behind me 100% the ins. comp. would be insane to decline me. I still am a little nervous because there is that chance they could decline me for some stupid reason. but I will leave it in God's hands as he has some wonderful angels working for me in the name of Rose and Melanie! Thanks you two rock! God brought me to this he will get me through it!
May 25, 2004
I just got some bad news, and I am so upset. I called Lahey and they said ins. denied me and that is was being reveiwed by the phy. to see if that decision will be overturned. I can't believe they denied me, they say it's not medically necessary! Ugh what a bunch of bull!!!!!!!!! I just can't stop crying. I have to call Rose back in a few hours to see if Tanya was able to do anything, but as of now looks like surgery is off. I hope things change and I can go in tomorrow but it doesn't look good. I am so upset.
May 26, 2004
Well surgery was a no go :-( I ended up going to MA last night to attend support group and pray that the approval would come in time, it did not. I was already to go but was canceled due to the ins. company not having an answere. I was devistated, poor tanya had to listen to me ball on the phone. The poor thing tried so hard to get me approved but the ins was dragging their feet. I am rescheduled for the 8th so we will see if the ins company can get their act together. I did have a good time shopping for my goal dress last night, I got a sexy black and red size 12. I love it and can't wait to fit in it! I am not giving up. If I don't get approval I will take it as a sign from God that I can do it on my own, we shall see. I will keep you all posted.
May 28, 2004
Those idiots denied me! I am not sure why yet, Tanya is looking into it and will let me know. Probably something stupid like they felt like it! Ugh this ticks me off. You know what they may have denied me but they can't take away the 30lbs I've lost! Yeah me. Well once I find out why they denied me I can appeal, so I will keep you posted.
June 2, 2004
Spoke to tanya today, I guess it was a pretty stupid reason why they denied me, they said they didn't have enough info from the psych eval. Tanya said the letter was pretty demeaning towards the psych doc. How rude is that. Well the Dr. wrote up a three page letter of appeal for me and it has been faxed to the ins. so now the waiting game begins again! ugh!
Part 2 Yeah Tanya just called, I am approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES YES YES!!!!!!!! I am so happy! The letter from the psych dr. worked! I am so happy I am floating. tues is the big day, not sure what time yet I will find out on monday. Can't wait to be on the losing side!
OH YEAH! I AM APPROVED!!!
June 4, 2004
I am getting so excited, just a few days left! I just pray I don't get sick, my kiddos all have nasty colds, I am taking my Zicam and praying to ward it off. Today was the last day I have to work. I have Monday off but I think I may try to work for a few hours to keep my PTO down.
June 7, 2004
Tomorrow is the big day! I can't wait. I have to be at Lahey for 11:30 so we will leave at 9:00 I hope I can sleep tonight! I can't believe it is here!
June 8, 2004
Yeah it is finally here! I am so happy! I can't wait to wake up banded. Well we are off. I will talk to you soon!
June 10, 2004
Woo Hoo I am now on the losing side! I feel great, the pain really isn't bad at all, I only used meds twice during the first night so I could sleep better and nothing since except for a little tylenol last night before bed! I am so happy I did this. For any of you wondering should I do this will it be painful. Yes do it and in my oppinion it isn't too painful, for the girls if you have ever had a csection the pain is a whole lot more tolerable, to me if just felt like a bad muscle pull and being gassy. I just want to say thanks to all my friends on the boards, especially the lapband board! You guys rock! I will post again tomorrow with an update, gotta go drink my protein! Love to all!
June 17, 2004
Had my first post op with my favorite PA Tanya! She is so awesome! Everything was great! According to their records I am down 13lbs post op according to mine 8lbs as I know I lost 5lbs between my preop and surgery, but I like their numbers better ;0) The insicions look great and I feel 100% I am down a total of 36lbs since the start of my consult. I feel great. I even hit my first goal of being in the 250's by my 30th birthday on Sat! I am really starting to see a difference in my body and I like it! I am so thankful that I went through Lahey and had Dr. Shah as my surgeon, everyone who works with him is so awesome, I wish he wan't leaving! He is so sweet and really cares for his patients. I am going to take a trip to NY when I get to goal to see him and show him! I can't wait.
6-21-04
Hey all check out my pretty profile! Thanks so much!
June 25, 2004
Just got back from my appt. with my nutritionist Leslie, all is great and the best news is I am officially down 40lbs since I started my journey in March and 16.7lbs since surgery according to their records 11 according to mine. I am feeling great.
June 30, 2004
Went to my support group meeting last night, it was awesome. It was just 6 of us but it was a great session. Lots of good info and support. I just love Lahey's program, everyone involved with our care is so caring and helpful. We heard some funny stories last night and it makes you realize we are all human and we are all going through this together. I am down a total of 44lbs 15 of which is post op. I am 3 weeks out and feeling wonderful. I went shopping last night at the burlington mall after the meeting and got a really cute skirt that I need for Sunday it is a 22, I am so happy who would have thought that in less than 4 months I would be down to a 22 from a 30! This program rocks!
July 8, 2004
Well it's been exactly one month since my surgery and I am so happy. I have lost 17lbs since and 46lbs all together. I am feeling really good. I went to see Dr. Shah for the last time today he is leaving tomorrow for his job in NY. I will miss him. He was very please with how well I am doing. He told me to keep it up. I had my first one bite too many experience today all I have to say is OUCH! Won't do that again! HAHA only four more pounds and I will be down 50lbs! Can't beleive it.
July 14, 2004
I went to get my hair cut and highlighted tonight. I really like it so does hubby. I also bought a pair of jeans, size 20! I feel great. Checkout my picturetrail at picturetrail.com/tobeslim I am so glad I have my band.
July 23, 2004
I had an awesome day today. I had to go into work today to do some training and everyone was so excited to see how much I have lost and how good I look (I still have a long way to go but 49lbs makes a difference) I was floating all day. One of my coworkers didn't even realize it was me when I said hi! I love my band!
July 28, 2004
WOO HOOO 51lbs gone! I am so excited! I have never lost 50lbs before, the most I ever lost was 40lbs! I love my band! I have now lost 22lbs since being banded.
Aug 4, 2004
I am so excited, I am no longer Morbidly obese! My BMI is now 39.9! Woo hoo! I have lost 25lbs since being banded 8wks ago and I feel great! I can do so many more things than I used to. I don't get winded so easily and I have a lot more energy. I would do this over again in a heartbeat, this surgery has been a lifesaver! thank you Dr. Shah you saved my life! I miss you, won't be long before I get to goal and go see you in NY!
August 10, 2004
I am so excited I was able to fit into my wedding dress last night! I am only about 10lbs heavier than I was when I got married 7yrs ago! I also got a bunch of clothes from my friend Mary and they were all size 18-20 and they fit! I am so happy! I have updated my picture trail www.picturetrail.com/tobeslim I now weigh 238 down a total of 56lbs 27lbs since surgery.
Sept 2, 2004
I am so excited I just found out today that I get to volunteer at the Hartford, CT Women of Faith Confrence Oct 1-2. this will be my 3rd confrence and my first time volunteering. I can't wait to go! And the really cool thing is I will be about 70lbs lighter than I was last year so the stairs won't be a bother! Woo hoo! God is so good!
Sept 23, 2004
Woo hoo I have lost a total of 40lbs since surgery!!!!!! I love my band! I am down a total of 69lbs and loving life. Things are so much better now so much easier to move and keep up with everyone else. I am healthier now than I probably ever have been.
Oct 4, 2004
I have lost a total of 75lbs now. I am feeling so great. i went to the Women of Faith conference this weekend and it was awesome! I am so happy I have been able to succeed.
Oct 19, 2004
Well I finally did it, I am in a size 18! I am so excited I haven't been an 18 since college. I am feeling good but ready for my first fill. I can eat a lot more than I have been able to recently and don't want to get back in a bad habit. I love Karen she found me a slot to do my fill next week! She is so great! I am still very happy I had this surgery it is going very well.
Oct. 25, 2004
Well things are going great still I lost the five lbs that I gained during my period and am feeling really good. I will be glad to get my fill on Wed, as I can eat more than I should. I have started a new hobby, making glass bead jewelry I love it. I used to do cross stitch but gave that up because I am a want everything done yesterday kind of person. So cross stitch just wasn't going to cut it. I am trying to sell some on ebay and may join a few craft fairs. We shall see. It's amazing how much more energy and confidence I have now that I have lost 75lbs! i love my band!
Oct 28, 2004
I went for my first fill yesterday and got .5cc's I also woke up this morning to 217! Woohoo! I am loving this! Only 18 more pounds to onederland!
Nov. 14, 2004
Well things are going well I have been soooooo busy with my new business. I am making jewelry and selling it at craft fairs and through my website www.beadedjewelrybymichelle.com It's amazing how losing weight can give you so much more energy and confidence! i am so happy I had this surgery. It's not always easy but well worth it! when else coud I have lost almost 80lbs in 8 months? NEVER!!!!! I haven't been online much becase i have a craft fair that i am getting ready with this weekend. I can't wait to see how I do. I hope people like my stuff!
I had four people come up to me in the past three weeks seeking info on the band. I can't beleive it. I am so happy to be able to help others.
Dec 17,2004
Had my six month checkup today, Karen said I was doing awesome! Woohoo I have lost 44% of my excess body weight already! So much for the 30-40% loss after two years of lapband! Boy do they need new stats!
I am down to a l-xl top and 16-18 pant. Boy can't remember the last time I wore this size, I think maybe as a freshman in college. I am so happy with being able to do more things. I can even sit indian style again! hehehe Karen says I could reach my goal by this summer, how cool would that be! I sure am going to try my hardest. I would love to be comfortable in a bathing suit in public again. What a birthday present that would be for myself! I love my band!
Feb 6, 2004
Well it's been a bit since I updated. I finally broke my 2+ month plateau! Woo Hoo. thank goodness, I was starting to get discouraged. I am only obese! Time sure is flying on tues it will be nine months since I had surgery. I would do it all over again if I had to. It was the best decision i have ever made for myself. I feel a lot more "normal" I don't feel like people are staring at me anymore when I walk by.
April, 7 2005
Wow it's been two months since I updated! Well not much on the lbs lost front but definately making a difference in the fat lost. I was at 71.9lbs fat as of 2-13-05 and now I am at 58.1! woohoo. I have also increased muscle mass, hence the lack of lbs lost. I was lean mass of 138.2 as of 2-13-05 and now I am at 147. I really am feeling great. I have been trying to get to the Y at least three mornings a week for an hour and half weight routine and half hour cardio. I have been suceeding lately even though I have to drag myself out of bed at 5am! Oh well it's worth it! two more months till my bandiversary, I now I will be under two hundred by then only six lbs to go! My ultimate goal is 150 but that may be pushing it as my lean mass is already 147. we shall see.
June 8, 2005
Wow I can't believe it has been a year already. Time sure does fly. Overall I am happy with my results but a little disappointed in myself as the last few months I have only been maintaining at 205. I really need to lose the rest of this weight but I am letting my old habits slip in. I also need a fill so maybe after next wed when I get my fill I will be much better. But I am very happy I got the band because I could not have come this far on my own. I started my journey at 294 and was 265 preop and am now at 205. I started at a size 30 pant and 3x shirt and now I am at a 16-18 pant and a large shirt. I have been working out a the YMCA since Jan and am feeling wonderful I have had a few weeks here and there that I didn't make it in but I keep picking myself back up and going. I plan on being at goal by next summer and should be able to do it with the right fill. I only have about 50 pounds to go and I have lost 89 already so it should not be to bad. Even if I didn't loose another pound I am still a lot better off than I was but I don't plan on stopping now. I am using my bandiversary as a recommitment to my band and really working it!
Jan 31, 2006
It has been a really long time since I updated my profile becuase I just figured out how to add more space, what a ditz I am!
Well lets see it has been 7 mths and 38lbs since my last update! I am doing very well and am still very happy I have done this. I went from a BMI of 48.8 to 27.7 in just 20 mths. I don't remember the last time I was only overweight! Wow it feels sooooo good! I have lost 85% of my excess weight and am only 22 pounds from my goal. I am in a size 12-14 pant and a medium shirt. It feels good to buy normal people clothes! I got my fourth fill last week and am at 1.7ml can you beleive it. My stomache is really sensitive to the fills so I am really lucky. I have done so much this past year due to me feeling good and getting healthy. I went camping with my family this summer and actually enjoyed it! So much so that I can't wait for summer to get here so we can go back! I never thought I would be wishing the days away so I could go camping! Me camping! I have also started taking classes again and in the fall I am taking the big plunge and going back to school full time. I am going to be a radiographer and am so excited to finally be getting into the medical field as this is what I have alwasys wanted to do, but never really persued it. Now I am ready! Whatch out world here I come! well that's it for now gotta get going. I promise to update more now that I know how to add space! See ya all!
April 6, 2006
Ok I have to get better at updating this thing! I really seem to be slipping gotta keep this up to date! haha
Well I am at 164 and a solid size 12 pant and med shirt. This was my original goal but I think I want to change it to size 10. I still have a little more fat that I would like to get rid of on my bottom half, but don't want to go too low as my face will look gaunt, gotta love being a pear! I feel great and am very happy with where I am so if I don't make my size 10's it won't be the end of the world. I bought my first and probably last undies set at Victoria's secret, holy cow they are expensive! But it was my reward for coming as far as I have. I am really looking forward to starting school full time in the fall, it will be a great change for me. I am finally followin my dreams!
April 19th, 2006
Well, lets see, yesterday I decided that I was just too uncomfortable and decided I needed an unfill as I was having reflux and bad problems with bubbles for over a month now, so I called up Lahey and they were able to get me in. I went in and Dr. Brams took out .5cc and then sent me down for a scan to make sure all was well and he told me he would call me with the results so off I went and got the scan done. When they were done they told me I needed to go upstairs again so I knew something was up. Well come to find out the stomach above the band is very swollen from being too tight. It looked like a mushroom! UGH! not good! It is really good I didn't ignore my discomfort because if I waited too long it could have eroded my stomach! Wouldn't want that! The good news is that it doesn't look like the band has slipped, thank you Dr. Shah for sewing it in tight! ;-) So back into the room I went for a complete unfill. Well now I am completely empty and on my own until next month when I get another scan to make sure all is back to normal and then we will talk about refilling it. The good news is I am just about where I want to be so this is going to be a good test for me to see how well I can do. I am not too worried as I know in a month if I need my band I can have it refilled, just not so tight! Too funny who would have thought that 1.9 cc two years out would be too tight! ;-) Have a great day!
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294 lbs
The start of my journey
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a whole new me
