I'm going in for Lapband surgery.

[Wapsie B]

The initial consult with the Dr. is next week, along with stress test & EKG, psych eval, cardiology eval, chest xrays too. When it's actually going to be done still has to do with scheduling. It'd be nice to do it before the end of the year for the insurance deductables and co-pays.

The clinic that I'm going to is run by a doc who headed the most experienced bariatric practice in these parts. I went to a group informational meeting where he talked about the major points of the different surgeries. But I'm tired of it. I'm tired of looking this way and being overweight. Even with Meridia the loss was temporary. I was off my carb addiction for awhile then went back to the same old routine. I just want to be the way I was meant to be, which is a lot smaller than I am now.

[Longhorn]

1. I'm very excited for you!

I still haven't gone to the seminar yet as I have been very busy. But I want to hear how it's going for you! Also, there's a pretty good message board: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/. Check it out, if you haven't already.

Good luck! :hi:

[Wapsie B]

3. Thank you!

I've got all my pre-op exams this month and I may still have the surgery before the end of the year. I'll check out the board. Thanks!

:hi:

[auntAgonist]

2. best of luck to you!!!!

I hope the surgery goes well and yields the results you seek. Good for you for taking control of your life.

I had the biliopancreatic diversion with the duodenal switch in March of 2005. As of this morning I've lost 165lbs! A couple of more pounds snuck away :)

Let us know how things go for you.

aA

[Wapsie B]

4. wow!

165?

Thank you very much! I certainly will. :)

[Mend]

5. I know someone who did this and has lost close to 100 pounds...she had

some adjustments at first, increasing it tightness by putting in more fluid, but then it was perfect. Good luck to you and enjoy your new health.

[Longhorn]

6. Adjustments are part of the procedure.

Most of the time, there is no saline in the band at first while the wearer recovers from the surgery and gets used to the band. Then they get a fill, a little at a time, every few weeks or months, until they hit what they call the "sweet spot" -- just the right amount of restriction where they can eat comfortably but not too much. I've heard of a few who lost with no fills but most people need 2 to 4 fills.

Thanks for sharing about your friend! I'm going to get this done and it's always encouraging to hear about the success of others! :hi:

[Longhorn]

7. It looks like I'm going to be joining you!

I just need to set a date. I'm looking at probably November 1. I'll do all the tests on a Tuesday and have the surgery on Thursday (I will have to cancel a class) with the hopes of being back at school on Monday. But if I have to cancel my classes Monday, it won't be the end of the world -- just one missed class for each course. I really don't want to wait until between semesters! I'm going to self-pay so I won't need to wait for insurance approval -- our insurance doesn't cover it, period. Since Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover some people, I assume it's our college's policy that doesn't cover it.

Good luck! :hi:

[Wapsie B]

9. Good!

Thank you and good luck yourself! :hi:

[Longhorn]

8. How's it going so far?

Do you have a surgery date yet? Since I'm self-pay, I won't have to wait too long. I'm hoping for November 1.

Good luck!

[Wapsie B]

10. I've got two more consults before my surgery.

As I understand it after my psyche consult tomorrow the surgery can be scheduled. Then I see the Cardiologist on the 31st. It might be nip and tuck (pardon the pun) to get the surgery done before 12/31. But I would really like to do that for insurance reasons.
Good luck to you too!

[Longhorn]

11. I had my psych consult today.

I still need labs done and` preop with the doctor and with the hospital and I'm all set to have the surgery November 1. I'm self-pay so that moves it along pretty quickly.

I'm very excited! I hope all goes well for you, too!

[Wapsie B]

12. Yes, self-pay would cut out a lot of paperwork.

I'm excited too! The thought of not being able to have certain foods afterwards concerns me somewhat but so does being heavy. I'd rather give up certain things forever than run the risk of diabetes. And that is a problem with older adults in my family.

Good luck!