UMass Medical Center Bandsters

amm.imperial · 02-03-2008, 12:48 PM

I'm curious if there are any other members going through the UMass in Worcester program.
A lot of the problems and complications I have read on the other threads have all been explained before I decided whether to band or bypass.
I wasn't aware of the Manometry test, which was just scheduled for me for the 14th of Feb. Is it annoying but no after affects, like they said?

KathrynRose · 02-04-2008, 09:36 AM

I thought I would jump in this thread, even though I can't answer your questions since I started this process after you.

amm.imperial · 02-04-2008, 10:26 AM

Thanks,
I hope there are more than just 2 of us.

KathrynRose · 02-04-2008, 11:16 AM

I have seen others on other posts, so I know they are out there.

amm.imperial · 02-15-2008, 05:21 AM

Well, I went for the 2 last tests before they will schedule my surgery. I apparently passed them both. Neither were any fun, but still pushing closer to finish line.
I was not thrilled to find out, I have one more clinical visit before the surgery. They do one more check to make sure you haven't put on any significant weight.
I'm nervous about that one, because I lost my job at the end of january, and it has been SO difficult to eat smart. My scale says I'm holding at least.

KathrynRose · 02-15-2008, 09:19 AM

So you have to wait for the clinical visit before they will schedule the surgery, or before they will submit you to the insurance company?

This sure does take forever.

Which insurance do you have, I have BC/BS of MA. They said at the meeting that Fallon was the best to have.

amm.imperial · 02-16-2008, 07:15 AM

I have Harvard, which was the best back in July when I started going to meetings.
They are submitting to the insurance now that I've passed both the Barium swallow and the manometry.
i guess the clinical visit will decide whether I'm still going in the right direction. My impression was they will have the insurance approval, determine whether I am still losing, or at least not gaining weight, then chop, chop, chop.
I have just started to get crazy about the time.
I lost my job, and have two potential offers now. I was hoping to get this done before I started a new job. Doesn't look like that is going to happen.
What did you think of your nutrition classes so far? And did they talk about the exercise classes yet? Did you have to eat a raisin yet?

KathrynRose · 02-16-2008, 10:11 AM

Raisin was during the first class, I don't like raisins! I always eats dried fruit more slowly than how we were supposed to eat it the second time, so there was no difference to me, now if she had brought in a box of Thin Mints, that would have been a different story.

They said they would bring in the exercise information during the last class.

I don't know, the classes seem to be more for gastric bypass. Most of the people in the class are trying to scare away the people who want the band. I keep getting asked, "Don't you know you have to go get fills? Don't you know you have to take really small bites and eat really slowly?" I think it is just the classic band v. bypass debate. I do like the members of my group. Four of us want the Lap Band and thirteen want bypass.

I guess I trust myself to eat properly more than I trust myself to take vitamins regularly. I hate taking pills. I would rather take the chewable or gummy kind.

It is funny, one person in the class pointed out that silicone allergies are on the rise and that is why she does not want the Lap Band, but silicone allergies are still like one in a million.

I am glad it looks like you will have two job offers, I just hope they will work with you on the surgery.

Weight wise, I am really struggling this week. Last week when I ate like a bandster, I lost five lbs. and did not feel hungry. This week I feel like I am starving to death and I end up eating too much at the end of the day. So far I have stayed the same weight.

amm.imperial · 02-16-2008, 03:13 PM

you have 17 in your class, holy cow!!!!
We were about 10, and I think there was only one other that wanted Lap Band but we didn't talk about it much.
Usually the person leading the group, kept that 'debate' type talk to a bare minimum. I didn't have to declare my choice until this time when I went to the surgeon. I knew what I wanted, but I could still change my mind.
My concern has always been the absorption of the nutrients after surgery. I know what to eat, and overeat all the things that are good for me too. I just need something to stop me at a taste (which for me is the same as a normal portion)
Fills didn't scare me until I started reading these discussion groups. With all that UMass goes thru, I'm not going to worry about it, they will address all questions as they arise. They always do.
Silicone allergies? It's latex allergies that are on the rise, it's a different material.

KathrynRose · 02-16-2008, 09:53 PM

Latex allergies are on the rise, too at a much higher incidence than silicone. Silicone allergies used to be unheard of, but now there are people with those allergies, it turns out that if you are latex, there is a remote possibility that you may be allergic to silicone.

KathrynRose · 02-16-2008, 09:57 PM

It wasn't so much a debate, there were a few statements, we have one person in our group who is very outspoken and wants the Lap Band, so the gastric bypass people were getting a tad defensive and talking about how they were in the minority in the room, so then we raised our hands to show who wanted what.

The malnutrition aspect of gastric bypass really scares me, especially since I want to get pregnant after I have lost the weight.

KathrynRose · 03-05-2008, 02:49 PM

Did you get your date yet?

amm.imperial · 03-05-2008, 08:30 PM

I did!!!!

April 1st. I can't believe I forgot to post it on here. I started a new job a week ago, and my whole schedule is upside down.

lucy12 · 03-26-2008, 07:34 PM

Hi: I was denied by UMass Dr. Gitkind this week:( I don't understand why he does not see me fit for the Lap Band? My BMI is 37 and have high blood pressure. I know I want the Lap Band and have been prepairing myself since November 2007, went to seminars, psychologist, nutritionist and was denied by Dr. Gitkind on Monday. Went to primary care docotr today and bmi is 37 and high blood pressure??? AHHH WHY???

KathrynRose · 03-26-2008, 08:24 PM

I don't know I have not heard of anyone denied by a doc. I was thinking you might get denied by insurance because you only have one co-morbidity and with a BMI below 40 you have to have two. Have you lost weight since your initial consult. Even that would not get you denied, you would just be in the program longer. Are you a smoker? You do have to quit smoking. I don't know that is all I can think of.