Comments on: Erika: LAP-BAND Surgery

By: Erika

Erika — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:26:35 +0000

Hi Theresa,
It’s perfectly normal to have some fears about having bariatric surgery. I’d be worried if you didn’t have some fear. The fear means that you’ve put a lot of thought into this decision. This is a life-altering decision. It is a mental process. You have to remember that you’re in complete control of the amount of weight you lose. The adjustments are the key. THE WEIGHT IS NOT GOING TO COME BACK!
It was not so difficult to begin the change in my eating habits. You’ll know that things that you can eat..AND YOU’LL LOVE ‘EM – and just as easy – you’ll know the foods that give you trouble. You’ll try the bad foods once and THEN NEVER AGAIN..LOL!
As far as an exercise program – I have a husband, 2 kids, & 2 dogs..BOY DO I GET MY EXERCISE! LOL! I do the program “Walk Away the Pounds.” It’s something I can do at home with the kids. I’ve also just started walking with my mom for exercise.
The Lap Band is a slow process, which means that you have time to turn the fat into muscle. Therefore, I didn’t have any loose skin – I’m a work in progress.
I’m 2 years post-surgery and I still have questions.
I’m here to answer any questions you have. Don’t hesitate to call me at 432-8484 – I’m happy to help.
Good Luck and Happy Banding…

By: Theresa

Theresa — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:12:35 +0000

My surgery is scheduled on July 19th. I am starting my phase 1 south beach diet that was recommended for pre-surgery this week. I am scared! Don’t really know why, I think it is just having to change. I want to change but afraid I won’t be able to keep it up. Was it difficult to start the change in eating habits?
You look so good! Did you start a work out program? before or after surgery? Do you have any loose or ugly skin that you are embarrassed about since the surgery? I have so many questions.

By: betty p

betty p — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:23:10 +0000

I AM SO HAPPY TO HERE FROM YOU AND I WILL GET ALL THE INFORMATION I NEED TO SEND TO THE CASE MANAGER I CANT WAIT UNTIL I CAN SMILE AGAIN AND WEAR SOME RELAXING CLOTHES. PLEASE KEEP SMILING AND ENJOY THE KIDS AND THE DOG ALSO.THANK YOU BETTY

By: Erika

Erika — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:46:13 +0000

Hi Betty. Thank you so much. Remember to get a copy of everything to show that you’ve completed all of the criteria your insurance company requires. You don’t want to go through all of this only to find that one little item is missing. If you’re working with a Case Manager, be sure to keep her updated. Be sure that she receives a copy of every visit you’ve completed. I know it seems like a long time, but it is so worth the wait. Right before your last 6-month appt, give me a call so that I can get you on in here.
Really looking forward to meeting you.
Thanks again..and I’m really enjoying being able to run with my kids….AND THE DOGS!!! LOL
Erika

By: shirley

shirley — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:16:48 +0000

hello ladies,
for the first time in my life my clothes are to big, I try not buy anything because I am still losing. April was a good month for me I loss 7lb in three weeks really. I have had only two adjustments. I still learning how to eat but its all good. See you when I am a size 12

By: betty p

betty p — Sun, 02 May 2010 03:13:54 +0000

ERIKA,YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON INSIDE AND OUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY I AM WAITING ON MY INSURANCE TO MAKE THE DECISION I AM ON A 6MTHS PROGRAM AND WILL BE THROUGH IN SEPTEMBER CANT WAIT TO MET YOU. I HAVE MET DR. BAGNATO AND I AM VERY PLEASE WITH HIM.AS FOR YOU STAY STRONG AND GOD BE WITH YOU OKAY CONTINUE THE GOOD WORK AND ENJOY YOUR KIDS. THANK YOU SO MUCH BETTY

By: Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:18:43 +0000

Hi Erika, I am waiting impatiently (trying to be patient) for the time to call you to see how the meeting went on 22nd. I am really anxious to get a new start on my life with the Lap Band. I feel like this is an answer to my prayers. I was wondering if I should get my records from Mayo?

By: Erika

Erika — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:22:09 +0000

Hello Margaret.
You are so sweet. Thanks for the compliment!
I think it’s going to all work out. I’m sure that I’ll be hearing from you very soon. I look forward to it. I know that you’re anxious and it will be well worth the wait. I know how you feel with not wanting to go out much. I was the very same way. All of the diagnoses you mentioned earlier will definately aid you in getting insurance approval. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Keep in touch,

By: Erika

Erika — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:18:02 +0000

Hi Joanna,

I don’t notice the port at all – and my husband hasn’t said a thing. Now I don’t know if that’s because he doesn’t feel it or if he knows better…LOL! Actually, you really don’t notice the port. Of course if I press at my shoulder area I can feel it, but you don’t notice it looking in the mirror and others don’t notice it when looking at you. I still wear tank tops with no problem at all. The largest incision was actually from where Dr. Bagnato placed the port. Which is now completely healed and unnoticeable. I gotta tell you, I feel so awesome, large or small – the incisions were well worth it! Call me anytime or I’ll look for another blog entry from you. Take care & I hope to hear from you real soon.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:52:19 +0000

Erika, You are prettier in person that your picture and you look great in the picture!!!!! Thanks for your help tonight at the seminar. Everyone was so nice and very helpful. I’m praying really hard that the insurance will work out. I really want and NEED the surgery. I’ll be calling you.