Lisa H

I just found out today that I will get my band on June 1st!!! My family is going on a cruise July 1st, so I have been pushing to get everything taken care of in time to be banded June 1st. I hope I'm able to eat some semi-normal foods when I'm one month post-op. My Dr. requires 2 weeks liquids, 2 weeks mushies, then start adding other foods slowly. Hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy some of the "cruise food." It is so strange how different doctors require different diets. I understand the two weeks pre-op Protein shakes to reduce the size of your liver and makes the operation easier and safer. But why would some docs require 2 weeks post-op liquids and other docs require 4 weeks? Any ideas? I'm inspired by those of you who have been exercising-I just haven't been able to get myself going! Maybe soon!

I too have BC/BS Federal Employee Program, and my Drs office said, "You do know you have the BEST insurance, don't you?" I didn't, but when I called one week after my Drs visit I was told I was approved! Just make sure your Dr is a preferred provider and you should be set! Good luck

I'm hoping to be banded May 24th or 25th to have the long weekend to recover. I hope we're not being too optimistic about going back to work on Tuesday!

My Dr. won't give me a date until all of my test results are back. He said that works best because I may have to be on antibiotics for a couple of weeks or may require more test based on the results of the first tests. (My Dr. requires ten different tests to begin with!) Although my insurance co. has already approved the surgery, I can't get a date yet. I would call the Dr's office and ask what their policy is. Good luck! I too, am having difficulty being patient :phanvan

I have a question for those of you who've already been banded. What is the minimum amount of time I should plan to take off from work? I've been approved by my insurance, and I'm in the process of going through ten different pre-op tests that my doctor requires. Things are going well and I hope to be finished soon and ready to set a surgery date. Anyway, we are going on a cruise the first week of July, and I don't want to be liquids or mushies while I'm on the cruise. If I could have surgery on a Thursday, do you think I would be ready to go back to work on the following Tuesday? (I would be able to sit at a desk most of the day.) I know everyone is different, but I'd like to see how long the average person has to take off work.

I'm very excited because my insurance has approved the band for me! I've completed several of the pre-op tests, but I have to do the esophageal motility test next week. Is it hard to "not gag" when they put the tube down your throat? I look forward to sharing my experiences here. Reading all of your responses has helped me know I'm making the right decision! Thanks everyone!

I am waiting to see if my ins. will pay for my banding. Dr Szomstein in Weston Florida at the Cleveland Clinic is my Dr. I'm very excited, but have two big questions for those of you who have already been banded. I am 100 pounds overweight. I've heard that I should only expect to lose about 50% of that with banding-Is that true? Also I've heard that with banding, many people feel full but hungry at the same time-Is that true?