ireallywannabthin

Hey everyone! I'm in the process of completing all of my evaluations, etc prior to getting the LapBand, but I still am a little up in the air about getting the LapBand or Gastric Sleeve. The sleeve scares me because it is much more intrusive and I don't like that it cuts your stomach... What do you all think? Thank you all so much! I truly value all of your opinions

Thank you all so much! I have three items on my to do list that have to be done before my second appointment in January but I'm going to try to get them done as quickly as possible. Thanks for all of your support!!

I had my first appointment at my surgeons office today which wound up lasting three hours! Although I did not meet the surgeon, All of the staff I met were incredibly nice! I met with the receptionist the nurse practitioner the nutritionist and The girl in charge of insurance. I am thrilled because I found out that there is no diet requirement prior to getting the lap band through my insurance! I have eight items on my to do list prior to getting my surgery. So depending on how quickly I can get them done that will determine when I get the surgery! I am so excited and a little nervous also.

I'm glad!! At least the shakes help! That's what ive been worried about! You go girl!!

Thank you everyone! I'm meeting my surgeon today.. I don't even know what else to ask! I've gotten all of my answers here! Lol

I'm nervous about the pre-op diet so it was nice reading that although it hard it's not impossible! Keep up the good work!! You'll get through this!

thank you all for your warm and supportive responses! Yes, this was definitely a big stepping stone for me and I am so excited!!

I'm only having my first appointment for the first time tomorrow and I've also been on an emotional rollercoaster already. I can only imagine what you're going through with the surgey only being day away. I think what you're going through is normal. Being nervous is ok! You are going to be getting something lifechanging done... you're going to experience life as a skinny, fit, and healthy woman, which many of us, I'm assuming you included, have never experienced before! It's like learning how to walk... we have to learn how to live life not as an obese person and that's scary! It's also extremely exciting! No more walking up the stairs and getting winded, no more sitting in armed chairs and having the arm rests dig into you hips and thighs! You'll be able to cross you legs! But most importantly, you're going to be healthy and feel good about yourself! Embrace all of these emotions because they are going to be the driving force to your success! We're all here for you! I'm so excited for you!!

I've never heard of plication.. what is that? i hope I don't sound stupid asking

Thank you! I'm nervous and excited!!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to share because I am so happy! I have my am not banded yet (I have my first appointment with my suregon tomorrow), but I've been wondering what my primary doctor would say. I've only been going to my primary doctor for about 4 years now, but she has obviously talked about her concerns about my weight. She always seemed to me to be a little old school for some reason, so I always had my assumptions of her views on the LapBand in the back of my head. I went to her today because I wasn't feeling well and she mentioned how long it has been since my last physical. So I said I wanted to make an appointment for the "Dreaded physical" and she looked at me a little puzzled. I said "you're going to yell at me because I've gained the 50lbs I was down last year." She then said "No, I wouldn't yell at you for that, but I would talk you to about the health related conditions and comorbidities that come along with obesity". I then mentioned to her that I was looking into getting the LapBand (my heart was pounding at this point because I was dreading her response) and she looked at me and her face lit up! She went on the tell me how couragous it was that I was looking into doing that and she felt it was an excellent choice! She said she has many patients that have had it done and they've all had excellent results from it! She said that the surgey is becoming more and more popular to treat obesity and she fully supports me getting it done! When she said that, I wanted to cry! I was SO excited and relieved that my doctor, a medical professional, fully supported this decision from a medical standpoint, it just helped push away any doubts I had an reaffirmed for me that this is definitely the way to go! We continued to talk a little about my reasoning why I wanted to get it done and it felt great being able to openly talk to her about it! After my appointment, I called my mother, who would rather I lose weight on my own rather than to get the LapBand but stlll supports my decision, to tell her my doctors reaction and she seemed to even have felt a little more at ease for my decision. I'm sorry if this is all choppy! I am just very excited and wanted to share with my bandster family! I figured you all would be the ones who would truly understand the significance behind this experience.

Looking amazing! Very inspiring!

I have mine next week! Great thread. Thanks for helping me as well!

Thanks for the thread! As a future bandster, this has been one of my concerns. Loving the responses!

I'm not banded yet but my friends is on her left side near her belly button. Why are ports placed in different spots for everyone? I'm just curious

I love that you gave me the pros and cons.. it helps put it into perspective! Crossing my legs is something I've always wanted to do!! Thanks for sharing! Questions for everyone/anyone... did vericose veins or spider veins fade or go away? Also, what about stretch marks? I know everyone's body is different and excess skin depends on a lot of factors, but I'd love to hear what you all have to say. Thanks everyone!!

Thank you for replying! They took your blood right then and there? Wow! Do I need any medical history from my primary doctor? I've read nothing but great reviews about my surgeon so I hope I'm not let down when I meet him. Thanks again!!

I bought this book before I was sure I wanted to get the LapBand.. it is very informational and helped me learn a great deal! Definitely recommend it!

Hello everyone- I have my first appointment with my surgeon on December 11 and have no idea what to expect. All I know is that I am meeting with the RN and Nutritionist at his practice as well. What should I expect to happen that day? Thanks!!

Thank you for responding. Very helpful and comforting to know that it although it will take a lot of mental preperation and mental re-programing, the band actually does help with it. Thank you for your continued posts!! I love them!

OMG- I read the post title and my heart dropped!!! I'm happy you're ok! How scary!!

I am SO happy that others are finding help and resources in this post. Everyone's input is incredible! I feel like this is much more useful for me than anything else. I love hearing your open honest opinions and experiences with the band.. this is great! I have my first appointment in a few weeks, and I'm hoping i can get the ball rolling. From what i've read, the pre diets are the hardest for the most part.. I hope I can do it! I am a little scared, but I can't let it stop me. Another question- how did you all know that you've had enough food when you first got banded? I'm scared that because of my poor eating habits now, I will not be mentally aware that I am full and then I'll get sick.

These are wonderful! You all look amazing!! Very inspiring!

The more you all post and share your stories and opinions, and the more I read, the more confident I become that I am so ready to get banded and become healthy. Being overweight is all I've ever known and many of you have said that being overweight is/was harder for you than the band.. it actually makes the think because although I don't feel that living life as an overweight girl is hard, when I take a step back and truly look deep down into every aspect of it, it actually is. It's hard to tie my shoes, I can't cross my legs, I can't go up a flight of stairs without being winded... I'm embarrassed to leave my house and do every day errands.... it's sad... I'm ready to feel like the real me.. the one that the fat me won't let come out. I can not wait! Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for your continued input to this post. It is obvious that it is not only helping me, but other bandsters and future bandsters. You are all incredible people!

Me too!! My first appointment is 12/6 but I am so excited for it!!! It's a tease that it's so far away! I can't wait to start my journey!