Kelila50

Congrats and thanks for your post. You addressed so many things I've thought about.

Donyeil thanks for sharing. I am getting banded on the 25th and any positive stories are helping me stay calm pre-op. I've never had any kind of surgery before and I'm ready to get that part over with soon. Best wishes on your journey. I can't wait to meet milestones together! :-)

I'm being banded on Jan. 25 and I'm looking to create my support group and circle of fellow banders to take this journey with. I live in the Fishers area. I'm in my early thirties, married, no children and love to be outdoors. I don't know what lies ahead physically, mentally or emotionally, but I know doing it together is more beneficial than doing it alone. I just found this quote on another poster's comment and I think it's gonna be my starting motto: "You'll always have a chance to give up, so why do it now." ~ from "One By One" by the Doobie Brothers

I am scheduled to be banded on January 25th. I'd enjoy starting our journey together. Having a group of friends to talk with would be so reassuring.

It does seem to really be determined by your insurance company unless you plan to pay for it all out of pocket. My insurance company required 6 months of documented weight loss supervision under my doctor's care. I had to attend a monthly nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change class led by registered health care providers. At first I was really disappointed that I had to wait so long, but the classes really helped. I would not have been emotionally or mentally ready to handle the lifestyle changes had I not had the education and time to "practice" the changes. I believe a lot of my post-op success will be because of these classes and my continued check-ins with my doctor. It also helped me determine my real reasons for having the surgery, and my willingness to make life-long changes. The "hoops" I had to jump through: Psych Eval Blood draw for initial labs Monthly visits to doctor's office for weigh-ins and classes (1-2 hrs each), where they asked me to: Increase H20 comsumption to 64 oz (half gallon) a day Stop all carbonated, caffeinated and sugary drinks Eat meals in no less than 30 mins and Chew, Chew, Chew Begin exercise 3-5 times a week for at least 20 mins Keep a food diary to be reviewed at next visit and documented Discover reasons/triggers that cause over-eating Visit with surgeon to discuss surgery, desired outcomes and ask questions Wait for insurance company to approve (about 6 wks) Wait to be scheduled for final class about specifics on pre/post op (I am currently here) Get scheduled for final pre-op labs and actual surgery date