grammi

How great you look!!! My hubby has a Harley but I have not decided if I am brave enough to learn to drive one.....GO GIRL!!!

I am going to make my husband take me out this weekend also and I get banded the 12th. I only have to by on clear liquids the day before and nothing after midnight. However, I have been kind of watching what I eat as I do not want any problems. I have to wonder why some of us have the minor diet the day before and some of you had to be on a specialized diet for up to two weeks? Goodluck to all the May Banders and hope all you April Banders are doing well. I have read several posts where some of you are hungry....yikes!

Shamrock....I am so sorry. I know how sad you must be to cancel and have any kind of set back. It will all work out...keep your chin up!!!

I am May 12th so please add me to the list. I had re-scheduled from April 21 due to my father-in-laws unfortunate death. I am so excited but really nervous!!!!!

I have not been banded yet, (May 12), but Dr. Malley does not require a diet before surgery (only 24 hours pre-op) and after surgery it is one week liquids, one week soft (or mushy) then slowly add normal foods in. He did state he sews the band to the muscle also. He also said in his seminar that pork chops and steaks seem to really stick so stay away from them and really doughy breads. I am not going to jump right back into the solid food stage as I want to make sure I do not rush anything And plan on using protien drinks. Good luck!

We are all still shocked..but unfortunately, that is a part of life. On a lighter side..I am getting so excited but really nervous. Thank you for support.

I am back from burying my dear sweet father-in-law (57 years old and the world's oldest teenager as my hubby says). Anyway...my surgery is rescheduled to May 12th - Dr. Malley, Lenexa Kansas. The nerves can start again!!! (Dr. Malley's patients do not have to do any pre-surgery diet...just 24 hours prior.)

Again, thank you all for your kind words...I truly am a "bander" at heart now and you are all right... Thank you.

Thank you all...I am really down about it being postponed but have to be strong for my hubbi....

I have had to postpone my surgery and re-schedule it next week. My husband's father passed away suddenly so it has been really hectic and a mess! He was only 57....anyway....good luck to all the April Banders and hopefully I can join in May!!!!

Welcome aboard..I am awaiting surgery next week and let me tell you, the people on this site have been an incredible inspiration as well as a virtual handbook of information. Stay tuned, you will only learn and be inspired!

Do not let your friends discourage you. This is about you and what you feel is best for you. I have not had my surgery yet and I know that this surgery does not have the initial extreme weight loss of gastric bypass but, it seems so much safer to loose weight at the 1-2 pounds per week. So sweetie, there are pros and cons to surgeries vs. regular weight loss...but the bigger problem for all of us with weight loss issues is what will work for us individually. I have lost weight before at 1-2 pounds per week but without this tool I am about to get, I will gain it right back as I did in spades. DO NOT let your friend get you down.....Okay?

I will only have to be on Clear liquids the day before with nothing after midnight. From what I can tell, all doctors are different. A friend on mine had to be on clear liquids for two weeks prior....go figure! Goodluck!

I have UHC and it literally took less than three weeks. You are way ahead of the game!

Goodluck to all of you!!!!!!

Thank you all!!!!!!

That is what I did...Dr Jessie Lopez was the first doctor I went to....when I felt a small problem...ie: not certified and maybe being his first...I decided to look elsewhere. Dr Mally had been my first pick anywany and after seeing them today, they (Dr. Mally) are contacting the insurance to switch it over to Dr. Mally...not Dr. Lopez. Make sense? I just feel Dr. Lopez should have been up front with me about not bing certified in the first place..oh well all well that ends well!

I have just been scheduled for surgery on April 21...I am so excited. However, I had to go through Dr. Mally as Dr. Jessie Lopez (in Kansas) is not certified to perform the surgery and may not be until end of May (optimistcaly) which by the way, he had not told me until last week. I had already been in to see him and he had sent my letter and I ws approved. Never said a word until his nurse actually told me late Friday afternoon. Nontheless...Dr. Mally and his office steped in to get me in right away..can't wait! Thanks to all who have given encouragement and I am sure this is just the beginning!

I posted on 3/21 that I had been approved. However, I called my doctor several days before and told his nurse. Too date, I have not heard from them and left several messages about getting some of the testing set up or at least coming in to see him. I have not had a return call and am feeling a little frustrated. How I realize all things take time, but I was wondering how many of you heard right away from your doctor once you were approved and am I expecting too much? I am at 12 days with no response...HELP!

You guys are great...thanks. I FINALLY got through to a Benefits Coordinator and they told me the same thing. I was panicking a little. Now if I can get my doc to get on the ball. I know patients is a virtue!

AS I told you all several days ago I have been approved by UHC. However, the letter stated I was approved but the approval did not guarantee payment...what the hay! I am trying to to get hold of someone that may answer....if anyone received the same letter from UHC will you let me know how the ayment went etc. We are covered under the railroad's contract and currently only pay $15 per visit, emergency and hospital included. Also, my doctor has not contacted me and if I have all of these tests to get set up. He is Dr. Jessie Lopez in Overland Park, Kansas so if anyone has any info on him I would appreciate that also. Thanks all for listening to me babble.

I will let you all know the date and all I have to do (to make sure everything is followed correctly). You are all wonderful support and I GREATLY appreciate it.

I just received notification that I have been approved by United Health Care!!!! My doctor sent in the infor on February 28, 2005 and with a little persistance on my part...I have already been approved. So, for anyone out there having problems with their insurance....be persistant but kind...I ended up in contat with one gentlemen that helped "push" it through to the right department. Again...keep the faith!!

That is so awesome. We will all be thinking about you!!

Thanks sweetie...I will stary bugging them next week. This is all a little overwhelming but I am praying it is worth it. I will say everyone here has been so kind and SOOOO helpful. Keep us posted!