marieze

is the doc here in Portland, Oregon that I have submitted my application to. They confirmed this morning that they did receive it and have forwarded it on to their obesity clinic. Just wondering if anyone here has had their surgery with her and how you felt about her as your surgeon. Any replies would be appreciated! Marieze

That you guys are the best, and this is the best board for Lap Band information that there is, in my humble opinion! I posted so much today and I received so many informative and thoughtful replies. I am most grateful! It makes me feel so good when I post something that I think is a fear that is unique to me and then I get several replies that shows me several other people feared the same thing. Not to mention how funny you guys are!!!!:eek: Marieze

Do I know your name from the Atkins Friends board? I am just starting the journey as I have submitted my application and haven't even met with the doctor yet. I would, however, like to stay at least one night in the hospital. I asked the question as I am claustrophobic and from the pix I saw of those stockings, they look like they would be difficult to "peel" off! Marieze

I have a few questions about "restriction". I am not banded. O.K. When people speak of "being at proper restriction", I know they can only eat a small amount and are full. Are there other physical feelings of "being restricted". For instance, after a fill, do you walk around feeling "tight" in your abdomen? For some reason, when I hear about "restriction" it sounds like something that would be physically uncomfortable. Is it? After a fill, do you feel bloated? Just trying to "get in touch" with the physical sensations of things:bounce: Marieze

to wear those confining stockings to ward off blood clots. I have heard people speak of those things and I think I would hate being restricted by them. I know they are to prevent blood clots, but think I would rather die of a blood clot than wear those (God forbid), just kidding:bounce: Marieze

Thanks for the replies! I guess I keep asking all these questions because it's so hard for me to believe that when banded, whenever that turns out to be, I will actually eat less. I know when I tell people that I truly only eat 3 meals a day they don't believe it. But it's true. They're just HUGE meals! I am so grateful for your responses. It really does give me hope. Keep em' comin! Marieze

to how much you used to eat before you were "banded". I'm curious, when I go to a restaurant like Applebee's for instance, I get a side salad, a cheeseburger w/fries and sometimes a dessert. I eat everything. And I'm not even Thanksgiving stuffed. What did you used to eat at restaurants before and what do you eat now. Also, regular meals at home for b/l/d. Compare a former meal with a "now" meal! Thanks! Marieze

is it in your upper chest, or down closer in your stomach where your port is? I'm just curious. I'm starting my journey and as crazy as it sounds, I'm VERY claustrophobic but not in the traditional sense. If I was "stuck" and had that feeling the food couldn't go down I think I would have an anxiety attack. So, where does it feel stuck? How long does that last? Is there anything you can do to break it up or get it down? Thanks, Marieze

for all these great replies! this is exactly the kind of information I am looking for. Just hearing everyone's experiences is what helps me so much. And I'm sure eveyone else who is planning on doing this surgery appreciates it as well! Keep em' coming! Marieze

I am in the beginning stages of the lap band process i.e. application submitted etc. I am a 52 year old single mom of a 10 year old with a dog and a cat and we live in a tri-level townhouse. The bedrooms are upstairs. I have been doing a tremendous amount of reading on all the lap band boards the fast few month and the recovery information seems to really vary. While I know it varies, I'm trying to get some real sense of what I will be like after surgery and how much I will/not be capable of. For instance: *some people say they left the hospital and went shopping *some people say they were in pain, groggy and slept for a week *some people felt great and were walking all over the place *some people went back to work 2 days later *some people needed 2-3 weeks off Being a single mom, I really need to wrap my brain around this. I need details! From the car ride home after surgery to the next day etc. How was sleeping. Could you bathe? Will I be able to walk up 3 flights of stairs to my bedroom. Will I be able to cook for my son and I? I understand one can't drive for a week. Was that your experience? To feel more secure about the whole thing, I need to make sure I know what to expect and make sure I have sufficient resources in place. Any answers are greatly appreciated!!! Marieze

Hi Everyone! Newbie here in Portland Oregon. About 10 days ago I attended the mandatory wls seminar by Dr. Emma Patterson here in Pdx, and I sent in the requested application. How long does it typically take to hear from the doctors office initially? Also, I have united healthcare EPO and just spoke with them tonight. They told me that with a bmi of over 40 (mine is 50:eek:) that lap band surgery would be covered on my policy at 90% once I met a $200.00 deductible, which I have. Does anyone have a relatively true number of what this might cost so I can determine what my out of pocket expenses would be. The doctor is in network as is the hospital. Thanks for any information you may have!!! Marieze