oliversmomma

For me, the fact that the band is reversible, and there isn't going to be any cutting, removing, or stapling is what sold me. I've talked to people that have had both procedures (bypass and band), and I ultimately think it's up to the person to achieve their goals. There are ways around each of them and it's all up to you whether you succeed or not. Best Of Luck!!

Jim, I can totally understand what you are going through. I'm less than 48 hours from surgery, and have almost been in a major depressive state today! I know that sounds completely crazy, and I should be so grateful that I'm this close (which I am), but like the previous poster stated, this didn't happen over night. I've fought this battle all 32 years of my life and I'm just having a hard time realizing my life is about to change drastically. I've had SO many people tell me I'm crazy having this surgery right before Christmas because I won't be able to "eat". I'm actually happy though, because I know if I wasn't in this situation, I'd overeat and be that much heavier and more unhealthy! I think you are doing an amazing job and you should be very proud of yourself! Before you know it, you'll be less than 48 hours out from surgery and getting ready to start the next phase of your life! Good luck to you and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!! Darah

That was an absolutely wonderful post and so true!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about this. Don't even worry nor stress about your weight right now. I pray everything goes well for you and will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers.

Congrats! That's wonderful! I've lost 6 lbs in the past week on liquid diet. My surgery is a week from today. Nervous about the actual procedure but SO ready for the wonderful changes ahead!

So today I had my pre surgery appt with the Dr. I was warned he had an extremely bad bed side manner but apparently didn't prepare myself like I should have! He was extremely harsh with his words and hurtful. Everything he said was all true statements though. I was very upset when I left, crying in fact, but now that I've had a little time to process things, I think he's that way partially for a reason. He wants to weed out the people that aren't taking this seriously! I've battled my weight my entire life and have gotten myself literally in a deep dark whole I don't know how to get out of. I am so ready for this journey. I'm ready to have my life back and "me" back. He doesn't necessarily do a "liquid preop' diet, he says "lose 10 lbs". I have 3 weeks to do it. I know I can do it. And getting upset with him is actually good motivation!!!

Good Luck to you! You are making wonderful progress so far! I meet with my new surgeon today and possibly am having surgery next Wednesday. (Extremely Nervous!) I know this is what I want to do and I've worked so hard to get to this point, I guess it's just set in that it's in the near future. Once again, good luck to you and keep us posted! BTW, I don't see why he would shy away because of your BMI. You had extensive pre op surgery for the main reason to make sure you'll handle the surgery OK.

Hi all! I'm scheduled for surgery Dec. 21 and am excited yet very nervous at the same time. I'm a little worried about how to take a couple of my meds. All of them I have can be cut into small pieces (size of birth controll pill). I have one shaped like a diamond so it'll definitely have to be crushed. Wondering if I'll be able to tolerate the taste of it? How are you taking your meds? Are you mixing any of them with like sugar free Jello or anything? Advice is greatly appreciated!!!

That's awesome! My date is the 21st. I'm very excited! This time next year we are gonna be two hot mommas!!! Congrats again!

At Hummingbird, you are right, The 21st is right around the corner! I'm very excited but also nervous! I'm excited for what is coming for 2012!!!

AT Violet 953, new surgeon is actually an hour a way, but was told by a friend about him. Worth driving an hour away vs. dealing with a complete jerk throughout the entirety of this journey.

Thanks ladies. Pretty sure I'll be able to break them all up small enough. Bought a pill cutter too. SO nervous about this and hope I've made the right choice! I know that sounds silly. Just scared I guess.

I found out I have a 2cm hiatal hernia that will be repaired during my surgery on Dec. 21st. Worried because I don't have hardly any time off at work. Did they tell you how large it was? Did you have any symptoms before surgery that it was causing? I've been nausea for 3 months and dry heave every time I brush my teeth. Pretty sure the hernia is the cause. So looking forward to not having the nausea!

The only "testing" I had was EKG, Chest Xray, US Abd, blood work, and I had to have an endoscopy to make sure i don't have any major ulcers our anything. Glad I had the scope though. They found a moderately sized hiatal hernia that's apparently been causing my nausea I've had for past 6 weeks. Pretty sure surgeon can fix that too while I'm being banded. Killing two birds with one stone per say.

Have you ever heard of Melatonin? You can get them at just about any health food store. I think Walmart carries them too. Get the 5mg and take two. They help me when I have trouble falling asleep (which is a lot). I have a really high tolerance to a lot of meds. I usually have to take a high dose of pain meds when I'm in pain etc., but was pleasantly surprised at how well the Melatonin works! Best of luck to you. I'm sorry you are having to do the study. I've seen a couple people on here that are required the study. Is it something your insurance requires, or your surgeon? I thankfully didn't have to do one.

Congrats on your new journey! What did they give you for pain? My doc recommended the gas x strips that melt on your tongue.

Good luck ladies. I too, am on the liquid diet. I'm struggling with a nasty cold so its the first time in my life I'm actually happy to be sick! no appetite. We are so close and the next chapter in life is gonna be amazing!!!

Thanks all for the comments. I'm actually going to a different surgeon. I don't need a bully, I need a Dr. I'm so happy with my new surgeon. Doing the 2 week liquid diet right now and it's not been bad because I've got a cold so don't feel like eating anyways. lucky me! Surgery scheduled Dec. 21st. So ready for the next chapter of life!!!

CONGRATS!!! I was approved and surgery date is Dec 21st. I'm so excited for what 2012 brings!

What's the difference????

BIG HUGS!!! Best of luck!!!

Congrats! I'm scheduled Dec. 21st and so ready for my new life to start.

I have to pay a 100$ payment to the hospital and everything else is covered 100%. Dr's office requires a 250$ deposit to schedule your surgery until the make sure everything goes through with your insurance, then they refund the 250$. They also require a 500$ lifetime payment before surgery.

Our insurance is switching to Cigna from UHC on Jan 1. It's going to be the same policy, just Cigna as the carrier. I didn't have to do the diet with UHC, but I'm scared for some reason Cigna will make me.

Curious as to why people choose the band over the sleeve. I understand the points about the band i.e. reversible, no cutting, etc. It just seems like so many people have problems with finding a comfortable spot regarding fills etc., after surgery.