SIJoe

Senenity in honor of Serena who just won the championship. But the name is probably temporary. What's next? Novak?

I had my lap band surgery four weeks ago today. I had the same feelings of doubt. I thought to myself "I lost 15 pounds BEFORE surgery (2 week pre-op liquid diet) what did I do to myself? I can lose weight without a band!" My stomach was distended, I was constipated, and so tired of post-op liquids. But then I thought back to the last 40 years of my life and how I lost and gained hundreds of pounds. I realized that losing weight was never a problem (although much more difficult as I got older) but I could never keep the weight off for long. Four weeks later - I feel good. Lost another 15 pounds since surgery and eating regular food (one cup per meal). My hunger is controlled and I'm eating food I like. I even had some lean sirloin steak a few days back. Hang in there. You may not feel any different day to day, but you will feel better about your decision in the future.

Regarding sterility, I would say something is either sterile or not sterile - so I'm not sure about "very sterile." Hospital acquired infections is always a concern, and in my opinion, a reputable free standing surgical center would be able to maintain sterility just as well as a hospital.

This is kind of like the what weighs more a pound of feathers or a pound of concrete question - well not really. But seriously, like a previous post noted, it's not just about portion size. Think of the difference in calories between a cup of Haagen Daz ice cream versus a cup of tuna fish. I'm finding it useful using WW online to track my food, portion size and points.

I am going to request an itemized bill to see what exactly I was charged for.

Hi all - I read an article a few weeks back about the varying costs of a colonoscopy throughout the US and other countries. The differences in costs was huge. I had my lap band surgery last month. This morning, I checked my insurance website and found the following: the surgeon billed $10,000, the anesthesiologist billed $2,500, and the hospital billed $49,250 - the total = $61,800! My procedure, that started at nine PM (yes, PM), lasted all of 75 minutes. I was in the recovery room an hour at most, and I was discharged home the following morning around 11 AM. I can understand the surgeon's and anesthesiologist's fees, but almost $50,000 for the hospital when I was there for about 14 hours?! This is so absurd. No wonder our healthcare system is in such disarray. No wonder why some of us - US citizens, are forced to seek medical care outside our country. Deplorable.

Hello to all from Joe in NYC. I was banded two weeks ago today, and had my first esophogram and first follow-up appointment. Things are going well, down 25 pounds in a month - I did 2 weeks of protein drinks pre- op. I'm scheduled for 1st fill in two weeks. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Thank you for sharing this. Congratulations on your great results! i needed to hear this today. I'm 11 days post-op, and today - out of nowhere, came feelings of frustration, doubt and second guessing - why did I get this band? Is it going to work? But your words have given me hope. Thanks again.

Stay away from Bariatric Choice - nasty, horrible stuff!

Congratulations! This is Joe from Staten Island. I'm having surgery this Friday, and I'm a bit apprehensive. Happy to hear you're doing well.