Smather1972

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Yep, I met my surgeon yesterday... Dr. John Kasper.  He's fairly new to doing the lap-band procedure (been doing them about a year), but after talking to him, I feel confident in his abilities.  He explained where he'd make his incisions and where my port would go.  He also explained the pros and cons to the banding and the bypass.  He also told me I'd have to live on the liquid protein diet for 2 weeks before my procedure... UGH!!!  Well, I guess that'll help me drop a few pounds before my surgery.  Right now, that sounds harder than the surgery itself!  LOL.

I don't have my date yet, because I have to continue with my Comprehensive Weight Management group for a little while longer before being cleared.  Once they clear me, he'll give me a date and we'll start on the insurance journey.  From what he said, my insurance (Health New England) doesn't exactly follow the CDC guidelines for approving this surgery.  According to CDC, my BMI alone is enough to qualify my for the surgery, but HNE wants at least 1 co-morbidity before they'll approve.  Boy, I never thought I'd be HAPPY that my cholesterol and triglycerides are high!  But, the hyperlipidemia is my qualifying co-morbidity!  Hurray for hyperlipidemia!!!  LOL!   

11/8/2006:  Well, one hurdle down!  I've gotten approved by psych to have my lap band surgery!!  It was only my first meeting, but I was being completely honest (even though I wanted to lie...LOL) and I think he knew that.  I also told him that I know I'm not mentally/emotionally ready for the glorious 'burden' of the lap band, that I still need help at making my peace with food, and that I wanted to continue to seek his help.  Of course, he was completely supportive of my decision to do that.  

Next week, I get to meet the surgeon for the first time, and in December is my first meeting with the dietician.  After meeting with the shrink today, he gave me alot of good advice on what to eat and ways to help get through my cravings, so I went out and bought the CIB and some other high protein foods.

This whole process is somewhat painstaking... part of me wishes I could have the surgery tomorrow!!  But, I know I have to make sure I"m good and ready to make a lifetime change in my eating habits... tomorrow I won't be ready, but I soon will be!!  I'm very excited!

Well, I might as well make an online journal about this process.  I've just started making appointments.  My PCP thinks the Lap Band is a good idea for me.  I may still decide to have kids (I have none now) so this may be a better option for me.  I had started seeing a weight management /Bariatric doctor last winter, but honestly, he wasn't telling me anything I didn't already know.  But at the time, I wasn't considering surgery.  Now that I am, the surgical group I have to use (due to insurance) requires I go back.  Not a big deal, their staff was WONDERFUL, and they have the dietician and psyche all in the same place!  Oh, the name of the place is 'The Comprehensive Weight Management Center' and Dr. Christopher Keroack is the physician who oversees the program... I've only met him once, but he was VERY nice and non-judgemental.  This program is at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, MA.  So, next Wednesday I see the psyche doc, and on the 17th, I meet the potential surgeon.  This is my first visit with either of these guys... so, here's hoping for good results!  Hopefully, the psychologist doesn't decide I'm bats and lock me up for good!!  LOL!