*Love*

I am not worried about the small scars. I have had laproscopic surgery before & unless you are really, really in my personal space, you wouldn't notice them. Everyone has scars from something. I was more worried about the lump. If it won't show anyway at goal weight - awesome!

Yes. I plan to be doing a lot of scuba diving again in the future (once I can breathe better & fit into my gear) & I hope to be wearing a 2 piece bathing suit again. Having a lump show on my chest, or where ever, would be hard to explain. Under the bathing suit bottoms, it could be camaflouged by pattern or a bow, flower, hotel key or something pinned over it.

I am so sorry that I horrified everyone. :frown: Below the belt is where the top of my bikini use to sit, so that is what I meant by bikini line. It hadn't even occured to me that it meant something else to all of you.

That is amazing! 113 of us & counting. :party: I had no idea, when I first started thinking about this surgery for myself, that there would be this many people getting banded in a year...let alone a MONTH! Look at how many lives will be changing for the better. Good luck to all of you! :party:

I don't have rolls. I do have more of a pregnant / beer belly shape.

Wow! Not sure what you are visualizing. :party: Just below the belt...not waaay below (so the belt won't put pressure on it), off to one side...that is very much my belly. My belt runs across the fattest part of my belly,

I was told my doctor doesn't think it would be a problem. His co-ordinator (or whatever she is called) suggested it, & I then had her confirm it with him.

Can you imagine what it would be like for him at home, wondering, waiting, worrying,...imagining things probably far worse than reality? There is no way my husband would let me go alone.

I can't imagine wanting to see a lump under a more fitted top (more fitted than I would think of wearing now). Wouldn't that be hard to explain? I wear lower rise jeans (I can't stand having anything around my waist) & most of my belly is below my belly button. I think it would be less visible hidden in my jeans, just below my belt. :thumbup:

We have discussed this & are willing to give up one position in order to not have a knob sticking out from under my ribs.

Does anyone have their port below the bikini line? If so, do you like it there? Has it caused any problems with exercise etc?

That is a great idea. I like Red Lobster's clam chowder & my husband would definately go get it for me. :biggrin2:

I doubt a catheter is necessary in a surgery so short. I had one for a surgery for which I had to remain in bed for several hours afterwards. I have to tell you, I LOVED it! It felt great to not have to 'hold it' all the time & just relax. :biggrin2: I think it is a very different experience for men.

I am Canadian. Our OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover the lap band. Private insurance through work may. I do not have a full-time job so I don't have insurance. I do not meet the requirements through my husband's work insurance. I am paying $18,000.

Me too!

Please tell me about your experience. :smile2:

May 1 - Monica, BandFan1, feelgoodagain, Jamie, Awomangodcanuse May 2 - Christal May 5 - Tracy, Sandy, KathrynRose May 6 - Shawna, Jemo97, Cherj60 May 7 - Makeupqueen, Mely, Ellen, Pix, JRFAN88, Brenda, Chelsea May 8 - Mae May 9 - Nicole, casscitymom May 13 - Jessica, Molly, Bella, Michele, Crystal115, njudono May 14 - Perky66, Cathy, Kristey May 15 - Hope4K May 16 - devotion May 19 - Lexy, Amy May 20 - Coco May 21 - Sarah, Pen, Ailie May 22 - Helen, Krysten, Jaime, Lena, Di4AU, Natalee, *Love* May 23 - LaMonica, Michelle May 26 - Shelly May 27 - Kammi, Sydney, Tina May 28 - Nora May 30 - Three Sixty Six May 31 - Tonya What an amazing number of people getting healthy...

- Oprah - forget training 4 hours a day...get a little band help - I hate seeing her work so hard & get no where :w00t: - Kirstie Alley& Valerie Burtinelly (sp?) just lost a bunch on Nutri-System, & Queen Latifa is next.

Which brands & flavours do you use in the puree / mushies phase?

One of my goals is to get back in this outfit. Another is to be able to climb the 74 stairs in the office parking lot without aching legs, heartbeat in my skull & puffing my lungs out.

Thanks for the info. That is helpful. I did look the Endura up in the internet & I had guessed the Lemon flavour would be my preference too. :rolleyes2: I already bought chewable vitamins too, though I'm not all that fond of the taste of them. :scared2: I am getting very excited. It seemed so fast & close, now it seems so far away. I booked for when my husband would be off on holidays & could care for me. I finally paid my deposit 10 minutes ago. Best of luck on your recovery & I look forward to hear about how you handle each step of the process + any tips you may have.

Did anyone else get out on their motorcycles today? It was awesome here in Ontario. :biggrin2: I will not miss the jeans/ belt/ muffin top discomfort, when the time comes.

Did you pick it up on surgery day? How much did it cost? How much did you need?