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I could have and I'm sure a few others could have written this e-mail before we got banded too. I know for me I was trying to chicken out the night before my suregery. My insurance company paid for most of it but I still had about $2k out of pocket and I have to say I'd spend it all over again. I tried Weight Watchers, Medifast, Nutrasystem, and all of those other fad diets for almost 20 years and the only thing they got me was more weight on my already big butt!! Now that I'm past the liquid/mushie phases and I'm eating real food and re-educating myself how I should have been eating all along I'm confident that this tool (the band) is going to work! Take care of yourself the rest will work itself out.

Its so hard to not listen to what everyone is saying to you. After all these are the people that are supposed to love you no matter what. Maybe they are afraid that you are going to change after the weight loss? This is the time that you need to listen to yourself. If your deep down real self wants the surgery then go for it...we'll all be here to support you. If the deep down part of yourself doesn't want the surgery then it probably wasn't really meant for you....please take time and just listen to yourself. Ask yourself why are you doing this? For me it was because I was scared that my health would fail. I didn't care what my friends and family thought..sure I hoped they would be supportive but didn't rely on it. Best wishes on your journey.

So sorry for the rollercoaster ride you're being put on. I was told by my insurance company that my surgery was approved and the docs office said it was approved but then I called my insurance company back to double check and they said it wasn't. I sometimes think they like messing with people! My suggestion is to call your doctor's office and ask for the approval number and ask the coordinator at the doc's office who at the insurance company they talked to to get the approval and then call the insurance company back and tell them what you find out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this was just a minor clerical mistake. Good luck

Everyone is different when it comes to having GB surgery. I have to agree that it was not as painful as banding. I had mine out about 8 years ago and had I followed the low fat diet then I wouldn't have had the problems I had the years after it. I didn't eat "healthy" foods and it made for some "urgent" and not so pleasant bathroom experiences. But now that I have the band I am eating a lot healthier and haven't had any problems. In fact its improved a lot. Good luck

HI Chris, There are several places in Baltimore. I went to GBMC and saw Dr. von Rueden. I work at Hopkins and I try not to go here only because it creeps me out to see my doctor at the place I work..I know childish!! Hopkins has a great program so does GBMC and St Agnes. I know several people who have gotten either lap banding or rny at all of the above and have had a lot of success. I'm only 3 weeks post-op and I've already lost 20 pounds. Good luck on your search.

Congrats on getting banded. I got banded on July 12 and i completly understand what you are talking about. I just left "liquid hell" and have started on mushies food. I have to say that once I started on mushies the obssession with food calmed down. I think its cuz on mushie you can have a larger variety. Hang in there...mushies are right around the corner!

I've come seeking help..I'm in liquid HELL!!!!!! I am 6 days away from mushies and thats all I can think about. I'm so sick of the cream stuff. I've even reached an all time low...I took a extremely tiny (smaller than a pea size) amount of Peanut Butter and smeared it on my lips...I've drank a spoonful of pickle juice...I'm just so pathetic! Dear fellow banders...I NEED HELP!!! I'm trying so hard to keep with the program!

I believe GBMC has one as well. I got banded there July 12. I'm not sure of the times but here is there number 443-849-3779. Congrats on 18 pounds gone forever!! If up can't find one maybe we should start our own! I know I could use it!

Thanks everyone! Once I typed this I got back on track. I've been doing ok. I went back to the gym yesterday (w/doc's approval) and I worked out for about 30 minutes. Feeling ok even though I still have a day of liquids I'm coming down the home stretch and am going to not even think about mushie food until Thursday morning. Even then I'm scared to go gun-ho. I was told I could have scrambled eggs so I think that will be my first venture into mush and then liquid the rest of the day. I'm also having problems with hunger right around 3pm. If I could only remember to pack a snack for work...Anyway, thanks for all of your support!

Hi Nya I'm actually feeling pretty good. Still a little sore where my port is but I'm able to sleep. I'm not exactly sure what I'm feeling is full..I have been sticking to the meal plan my doctor put me on..which is 1/2 cup of full liquids 3 times a day. There are times that I feel my stomach rumbling but I'm too chicken to push the limits. I want to make sure I heal completely. I'm on full liquids for 2 more weeks and then mushie for 2 weeks and then real food. But on a brighter note I've lost 10 pounds so far. I probably shouldn't have gotten on the scale but I couldn't resist! How are you doing? Have you been able to get all your liquids in? I'm finding it challenging to get 64 oz in..but I think its cuz I have never been a big drinker.

Nya, Congrats on banding!! July 12th must have been a very busy band day...I got banded that day as well and I've read a couple of other people got banded that day too. Congrats again...I wish you much success on your journey.

HI. I got baned on the 12th as well. I have a few more pounds to lose but I'm starting off about the same as you. I am so excited about this and losing the weight. How are you feeling now that it is 5 days out? I still have gas issues and my right side is still a bit sore but other than that I'm doing ok. :whoo::clap2:Congrats on the banding...I wish you much success on your journey:car:

Congrats fellow July Banster. I am 5 days post op and minus a few aches I cant believe I've had it done. I decided to take a week off..mostly because I have the time to take. Good luck going back and again congrats!! I wish you much success on this journey!

I got banded yesterday. I thought I was going to chicken out the night before..I'm very scared of being knocked out...but I didn't and I'm so glad..I'm sore and tired and strangely hungry but I'm sure this will all pass. Other than that I'm doing ok. I've been able to keep fluid down and I haven't had to take much pain meds and I've been able to get around ok. So now all I have left to do is get shrinking!!!

Congrats Becca...I just got banded yesterday. We're on the road to good health and smaller clothes!

I can not believe that tomorrow is the surgery. I've been waiting since January....ok really 20 years!!! I'm trying not to think about it much because if I do I'm only going to freak myself out. I just so nervous, excited, anxious, thrilled...and so much more all rolled into one!! I've had the opportunity to read a lot of posts on the board and I can not begin to tell everyone how much they have helped. Can't wait to be on that band-wagon!!

Hi Brandy, Good luck with your journey..I have a friend who had her bypass done by Dr. Signh and has been completely happy with him. I live in Baltimore as well but I'm having my surgery done tomorrow at GBMC. I most went with GBMC because that is where all of my other doctors are. Keep us posted to when you get a surgery date!

:whoo::clap2::whoo::clap2: congrats! That must be an awesome feeling! Soon you'll be kissing the 230s good-bye!

Need some advise. I have an UTI and my surgery is scheduled for July 12th (13 days away..not that I'm counting or anything) and I can't get ahold of the surgeon's office to see if the med my PCP gave me is ok to be taking before the surgery!! I afraid the surgery is going to be canceled...I've been waiting 7 months as it is because of insurance!!

Hi, Just thought I'd let you know that GBMC does banding. I am seeing Dr. David von Rueden there. He came recommended by my primary doc. I am schedule for surgery on July 12...35 days but who's counting.. Anyway, so far I've had a good experience. First you have to go to the mandatory information session which explains all the procedures they do and then there is a 2 hour consultation where you meet the nurses, nutrionist and the doctor. I didn't feel rushed at all and he answered every crazy question I had. And trust me I had A LOT!! I hope this helps. Good Luck on your Journey. Gail

HI, I went to college at Frostburg State Univ. and we would go to Deep Creek every so often. It has a lot to do, jet ski, boating, outdoorsy stuff so if thats what you are looking for you'll have fun. Now if you're looking for a secluded place it has that too. Sorry I can't recommend any specific place...one too many beers in college! Enjoy!

Hi All, Wow, I must have been seriously snooooozing and missed this thread a few days ago. I'm a July bandster!! July 12 can't get here soon enough. I've been going to the gym 3 days a week (all I can squeeze in ) and taking extra walks with the dog. I recently graduated from grad school and now that I have my mind molded I getting my butt in shape and healthy. I can't wait to kick it up a notch! I feel really fortunate that I am only paying about $2000 out of pocket for everything.

Congrats on getting a date!!! I just got mine, July 12! :clap2: :clap2: to all of us July banders!!

Hi All, After 5+ months and all of those crappy pre-op tests to see if I can actually have the banding I finally have a surgery date....drum roll please..... JULY 12!!!! Only 51 short days away..not that I'm counting or anything. I'm so excited and scared out of my mine at the same time!!

Hi, I actually am seeing Dr. von Rueden. I just got my surgery date of July 12. I agree their website leaves a lot for the imagination but I've had several visits to their office. His staff is very friendly and helpful. The first time I met Dr. von Rueden, he came in the room and talked to me. He didn't make me feel less than a person because of my weight and spent a lot of time with me answering the long list of questions I had. The first step before even getting an appointment with them is going to the information session. They do about 30-45 minute presentation about the surgeries they offer and they even have people who have already had the surgery attend. Most of my doctors are at GBMC and I've had great experiences there. I have had a few billing issues and the parking is challenging but if you don't care about that then you'll be ok. Please let me know if you have any specific questions. I hope this helped. Gail