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I used to live in Reno and graduated from UNR in 96. Just wanted to say hi and give a shout out to Reno! Good luck everyone, I wish I had a Virginia Lake to walk around. Just think how good you'll look at Tahoe this summer. Take Care,

I am in Palm Springs. Welcome! This is an awesome site. I CANT WAIT TO CROSS THE BRIDGE INTO BANDLAND!

Hi all, I too have to drink Optifast for 10days before surgery, then brooth only the day before. I am scared about how my body will digest the shake. I am a teacher, and don't have free access to the restroom, should nature call. I look forward to hearing your progress during your "shake time". Please keep posting, and as far as getting you through it...just think about the new you...and that in 6 months time, this will just be a distant memory! Good Luck!

Hi Everyone, I just returned the call to my insurance company and I AM APPROVED!!! I got the message this morning, and was scared to call them back, didn't want to hear any bad news. I was shocked as I was finishing a candy bar as she said "your approved". Now, there is no turning back. I've told ppl at work (I had to schedule the time off), my partner and my family. I am totally scared now. I know this will pass, but man oh man...reality is setting in. I just wanted to post and share this info. Remind me why I am doing this! Thanks for letting me rant.

Hi Tracy and everyone, I got approved today, couldn't believe it when the insurance company called me themselves. I am on for April 3. It seems that lately, I've been eating everything I can. Almost like, "gotta get it in now"...especially since I start my Medifast diet on March 21. I've gotta stop because if I don't I could easily put on 20 pounds before March 21. Anyway, I am scared about the surgery, and going back to life afterwards. :omg: I don't know how I'll feel. I am a middle school teacher, and I teach at the junior college 2 nights a week. Just hope I'll be "up to it". Anyway...glad to be part of the April-07 Bandsters... PS- Lapband and my surgeon was on the news tonight talking about the Lapband...Very positive report.

I am picking up my perscription tomorrow. I am confused though, do I wear the patch as well? It is not a nicoteen replacement is it? So I think I should use the patch (which being a middle school teacher, helps me not "go postal"). I need to quit this week. I was just approved and scheduled for April 3...help?!

I was wondering about this. It is very interesting how the amount of money differs from doctor to doctor. My insurance covers 90% of the surgery, leaving me w/ about $850 as my copay. However, the doctor charges $6000.00 for 5 years of fills, appointments, etc. I've heard that many doctors charge an amount for 1 year of fills. My question really is about the fact that he charges bypass patients $6000 too, and they don't need fills? Any thoughts?

Hi Everyone, I quit smoking last January, and gained 25 pounds. OUt of frustration, I started smoking again, without my families knowledge. Now that I am facing the surgery, my doctor said that he wouldn't even consider doing the surgery on me w/o me being a nonsmoker. So I have to requit:cry . I was wondering if anyone else is struggling w/ this? Also, I have read so much at this site, and some of it (the bad news) sends me outside for a "ciggy". I am scared and nervous about the procedure, which just makes me want to smoke more!:nervous

Hi Everyone, 1. What is slime (sliming)? 2. What is the shoulder pain some people talk about? Thanks...again, I've said this before...THIS IS A GREAT SITE!

Wow...thanks. You have no idea of what I invisioned "sliming" to mean. Is the "gas" issue a result of surgery or of the food intake (be it, soup, shakes, mushies, or real food)? I guess I had 3 questions...who am I kidding, I've got 1000's. Thanks again,

Congrats on you success! I am getting banded in April, and am currently doing all the preop stuff and personal research (this is a great site)! I am curious about your hunger feelings. I hope you continue to post and hope even more that your hunger pangs go away. The reason I am overweight is because I am always hungry. This is the first time I've heard of anyone saying that their lower stomach felt empty. Keep us posted! Good Luck and God Bless! Pamela

My doctor uses Optifast for the 1-2 week preop diet. He also says I need to loose about 10% of my body mass about 27 lbs), but he says Optifast should do the trick (or nearly the trick). You may want to check it out. Good Luck!

Jodie, I would recommend see someone. Your feelings are true, because they are yours and they are real. But, talking to a professional may give you some perspective on your weight, your weight loss, and more importantly, your self worth; regardless of your weight. I am a blonde, green-eyed "big" girl as well. You need to understand and find that you have a place in the world, no matter what your size. Come on girl...love yourself, and f%^& 'em if they don't like you:) !

I will keep him in my prayers. Remember: God only gives us what He knows we can handle. I know it seems like empty words now, but these words have comforted me many times.

Hi everyone! I am in the middle of the process now, all the preop appointments. My surgery is scheduled for 4-2-07 and I can't wait. I had to plan it around spring break at work. I am nervous, but looking forward to turning 40 this summer, with a new lease on life. :clap2: I am hoping to hear from people who have had the surgery. So far, in the support group, it was all gastric bypass people. Thanks and I look forward to more talk!

Hey, I have only been here for 2 days, and I must say...this is a great site. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Feb. 5th, so are you doing the preop diet? I am curious about what you are doing. I will get Optifast, and wonder what that is like. Keep us posted on your progress! Pamela

Well my heart goes out to you. I would beg for Optifast, lol. Stay strong...You can do it! (Always wanted to be a cheerleader...lmao). Keep us posted, we are all behind you. How long until surgery? I just keep thinking about how GREAT I will look in next Christmas' pictures. Pamela

Lucy, I am new to this and will be banded April 3rd. I share all of your concerns and am scared of failure too. I would love to know how the "liver shrinking diet" goes. I am scared that it will give me the "runs" and I am a teacher and can't always run. My doctor gives out Optifast...what are you gonna take? I would love to hear about that journey, hopefully you'll share. I know your scared. Keep remembering why you started this process in the first place. Keep remembering YOUR WORTH IT! I look forward to hearing from you. Pamela Will be banded 4-3-07!! Dr. Bobby, Palm Springs Freaking Out:kiss2:

Hi everyone, Thanks for the welcomes. Couple people asked where in Cali I am...Palm Springs. I look forward to learning more about the Lap Band from you all. I will have many questions as my date nears...April 3! Thanks again for your warm welcomes. Keep em coming!