Maryhere1

Good Morning Jackie, Thank you very much for your reply. I filled out the application for LIBanders online, but haven't heard from them yet. Sounds like a good group for support. I know where the Sweet Hollow diner is and I will seriously consider going, but not just yet. I don't know what I am so afraid of...I think it's all the negative comments I hear from ignorant people about those who opt for weight loss surgery. I appreciate your support and offer to e-mail you. I will stay in touch. Thanks again.

Thanks, Amy. I'm looking forward to being a part of this group. I'll probably read more than I'll post for awhile, at least until I get to know who is who.

Hello All, Sorry it took me so long to get back. I forgot my password and then had a heck of a time figuring out how to get back in. I live in Nassau County and had my operation by Dr. Geiss. I go to his first Tuesday meetings but it is a big group and is not really the kind of support that I feel comfortable with. I like to hear what others have to say, but I'm not going to get up in front of all those people and ask questions. I was thinking of going to one of the small groups that he has, but I am so paranoid about anyone finding out that I had the surgery. With the exception of my husband and kids, no one knows...not my family, friends or co-workers. I am not ashamed of what I did, but I can't deal with negative opinions, nor do I want to be the topic of coffee-break conversations. I like the anonymity of online groups. I lost 7 pounds on Medifast pre-op, 9 more in the two weeks after surgery, and nothing for three weeks after that. It was driving me crazy...I am able to eat more than I think I should, but I was still eating far, far less than I was before. Luckily, this past Tuesday I started to lose again and have now lost a total of 22. It's a spit in the ocean at this point, but I am very happy. I wish the doctor would give me a fill now, as I really think I need one. Thank you all for listening.

Hello All, I'm in Nassau, but I haven't shared that I've had surgery with family or friends so I'm a little reluctant to identify myself. I was banded on 8/8/05 and it's been an up and down 5 weeks. I thought I could get and give support in an online group until I'm more comfortable with talking about it in person. I'm very proud and excited about my decision, but I don't want to hear from those who think I have no willpower or that I "cheated." I'm also not ready to be the topic of anyone's coffee-break conversations. I've been reading lots of posts and I admire you all...you are so open and so supportive.

Kathy A., The cost for my surgery was astronomical! I am in New York. I recieved insurance approval and had no idea what they paid until I recieved my explanation of benefits. The insurance company paid $24,300. for the hospital (one night), anesthesiologist, operating room, recovery room, prosthesis, drugs, tests and miscellaneous. This doesn't include all the pre-op requirements that I had to go through, nor does it include the surgeon's fee. I am still waiting to find out what they paid him. If you do not have insurance or a huge bank account, then you should really look into having the surgery done out of the states. So many people have had success that way. The prices I just quoted really blew me away when I read them!

Hello All, My name is Mary and I just found your posts. What a welcome relief! I was banded on August 8, 2005, and I think I need a support group because I haven't shared my experience with anyone outside my immediate family. So far I've lost about 16 1/2 lbs, but I recently had my husband hide the scale. I found myself becoming obsessed with it! I have so many questions. Please bear with me while I learn how to navigate this site. Thanks!