VIRGO_GIRL824

No I don't have to pay for them... it is free (well included in my program fee which covers all pre-op stuff) But yes, my surgeon is requiring that we do it.... don't know if I will share, because I think i will be nude... and I KNOW ya'll don't wanna see all that!!!!! LOL If it is like an outline or something, then i will... that is why I'm asking so i know what to expect!!!

I am in VA and my surgery will be performed through Norfolk Surgical Group. I am required to get a "White Light Scan". The way it was explained to me is that it scans your body mass and then you back every so often and get re-scanned and it compares kinda like a "shrinking woman" picture. Has anyone else participated in this? Could you give me more info or tell me what to expect???

I know! Some people just don't think before they open their big mouths. They don't understand that this is a total lifestyle change. The Band is just a tool to help the process. You can get the band and still eat bread potatoes, mac & cheese and sweets, and you are not gonna get the best results possible. It still requires a lot of discipline!

Don't let negativity get to you! I am probably a couple of months away from surgery, and a co-worker of mine keep hounding me to join weight watchers with her. I finally told her about getting the LB and she told me I was taking the easy way out and I would get more satisfaction from loosing it myself on my own. My feeling were hurt at first, but then I told her that the band is no gaurentee. I still will have to work to loose every pound. The LB is a TOOL to help me loose, just like weight watchers is a TOOL which is helping her loose.

I think getting a 2nd opinion would be a very good idea. I was undecided when I saw my surgeon for the first time. I want to loose 150 lbs. He told me based on "averages" that I probably would not loose that much but he could see me in the 150- 180 range (I am 5'7" & 280 now and would like to be 130). Then he told me that is just national averages, if i am determined I could make my goal, it's not impossible. He also said I am a good candidate for either (except that I smoke, so he did discourage me for the bypass because of a chance of ulcers). Good luck to you, and just make sure which ever route you decide is a decision you are 100% comfortable. If you are scard of the GB and all the rerouting of your insides, and malabsorption, then tell the Dr. that. With Lap Band there is so much follow up with having to get fills and all that. Which one will work better with your lifestyle? I am not saying one is better than the other. I truely believe that noone knows you better than yoursself. Are you going to adhere to the strict post op diet? Will you be likely to cheat? If so you may want to think about GB, I'm sure one good bout of dumping syndrom would keep you from cheating again... but on the flip side if you are determined and KNOW without a doubt you can Follow the LB diet, and that is what you really want, then push for it! Either way you will have a useful TOOL to help you achieve your goals. A good doctor will not push you to do something you are not comfortable with.

I am a worrier by nature... so I had to go get labs drawn... My surgeon wants to test all kinds of stuff so he can give me "clearence" for surgery. If any thing is "abnormal" then that will have to be addressed prior to surgery. So today I get my labs results and to my horror my fasting gluclose and some other test they do for diabetes/insulin resistance PCOS were both HIGH! Not extremely, but still high. My Glucose was 112 (Normal is 65-99)and my HGB A1C is 6.1 (normal is 4.8-5.9). My Cholesterol is high, none too bad except my Triglycerides are really high. The SGPT was 50 (normal is 5-40) which I think is what they use to check your liver. The report said something about alcohol abuse (that is definately not the case with me), viral hepatitis (WHAT???) or a fatty liver. I'm hoping for the fatty liver... but what does it all mean???. I am really worried about the Gluclose stuff and the riglycerides! Just 6 month ago my Gluclose and stuff was all normal... can diabetes or pre-diabetes come on that quick??? 6 months ago my Cholesterol was still a little high but not as bad as it is now. I am starting a pre-op diet anyway just to jump start my weight loss, but what can I do to lower everything else? Any help or advise is greatly appriciated!

I have no idea when my surgery will happen. I am goiing through all the test and stuff. My last prelimenary appoint is May 5th.... HOpefully shortly there after I'll get a surgery date!

My name is Rachael. I am 28 and have struggled with my weight since my teens. I balloned up during the last eight years. I am an emotional eater and I have been in a horrible marriage, which made things worse. i have finally gotten myself out of the situation and things are changing in my life. I have a beautiful 4 year old son, and I want to be healthy and be around for him for a long time. Right now I have GERD, Obstructive sleep Apnea, PCOS and high cholesterol, thankfully no diabetes or Hypertension---YET! I was just approved for the LapBand program that my insurance covers yesterday! Right now I am totally stoked, but nervous and a little scared too... I am really afraid to be put to sleep. I am ready to do this and nothing is going to stop me from being successful, but I believe moral support is vital, so i look forward to being inspired by many of you and I hope one day i can inspire someone as well. I want to know anything and everything to do with your experiences, good and/or bad! I can't wait to hear back from you all! Best wishes, Rachael