showmepat

Well today I went for my pre-surgery appt., what a nice facility (outpatient) and the staff is great. I am anxious for Monday for a variety of reasons. Well for one I've only had a c-section and so not sure what it will really be like. It looks like it won't be too bad. I'm doing okay on the pre-diet and the staff at the center said that the pre-diet is the hardest part (we'll see about that). For those of you that have already had your surgery congrats. I'm a widow of 4 years and have an 11 year old daughter, a lot is riding on this surgery. I have personally drained money off the retirement account to make this surgery happen, I hope I never regret it. I've had to make lots of tough decisions in my life and this is not different. Here's to getting to the other side - like I wish it was Thanksgiving 2009 right now.

Well I'm supposed to have 18g protein shakes, but when I found the Dr. Atkins shakes have 16 I ended up adding a new product I found - Special K2O protein water mix, which has 5g protein. YOu find them in the drink aisle and they're very convenient. They have 7 sleeves in a box and you just add them to water, I chose the pink lemonade one and take it to work for a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Add a little fresh lemon and you're good to go.:cool:

Bill, I'm also on the 24th, cheers to us! I start the pre-op tomorrow, so tonight was it, then onto two weeks of protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and then a lean cuisine for dinner or something similar. There's some sadness and relief all mixed into my thoughts!

I don't know about you guys but I'm having lots of emotions running. I get banded on the 24th, the pre-op starts on the 10th. The doctor said the pre-op is to make your liver shrink a bit so that putting the band on goes well - good placement. They also want to see that you can do the diet before the surgery. I have put off buying the protein shakes,but will be doing that this weekend. Last suppers, yes I've already had a few. If you want some realistic reading go to the page http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f260/im-here-help-64725/ - Indigo Girl has lost lots of weight and provides some real life insights, the band in her thoughts does 25% of the work and you do 75%. I don't know about you but I was hoping for a 50/50 split, oh well, here we go! I guess 25% is better than what I've had until now 100%/o and no luck losing. I plan to participate in a local support group, both for nutrition and general support. I've learned so much on this website.

Hello, regarding private pay, I'm using my 401(k) monies, borrowing against them, not taking them out, that way you don't pay penalties. I did use the doctors company Care Credit - for a small portion. Lots depends on your credit situation, what you'll be approved for.

Hi, I'm from Lenexa and am scheduled for November 24th with Dr. Hitchcock. I have gone to a support group that meets at New Hope, where I"ll have my surgery. Anyone can go to the group, so let's try to meet at the next support group meeting in November, you don't have to be banded there to go. I'm 51 years old, 5'2" and 250 lbs, bmi 44 or so. I am excited and anxious as I'm a self pay and need to see results. I know the monkey will be on my back to make it all happen. Write back!

Well 4 more weeks, I have a date of November 24th. I like most of you am very anxious, excited, anticipatory, etc. You all know I'm sure as you're probably having the same feelings. I'm 51 years old, 250 lbs and 5'2", so can't wait to shed down to 150 or less. I have high blood pressure, asthma, and beginning arthritis. I know that this is a must for me as I've tried lots of other options and have not been successful. I'm a self payer as insurance won't cover banding. I'm just putting together the last money to make this happen. I borrowed from my retirement acct. to make this happen. I wish all well and from what I hear from others I won't regret it! I want to be able to do all the things I said I would do if I was thin, I've put them off much too long.:wink_smile:

Well it's coming up, November 24 is my banding, just prior to Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to a few months down the road, after everything levels out. It sounds pretty time consuming making all the changes I'll need to make over the next 2 months. Just the grocery shopping and preparation, as I'll still need to prepare a dinner each night for my daughter.

Thanks Cleo's mom, I appreciate knowing there's someone else out there dealing with this decision also. I'm sorry your husband died, I know it's hard and lonely each day. Some days just float into the next. I wish you the very best on your journey.

I want to thank each of you for your words of wisdom, they are so much appreciated. I have a supportive doctor and meet with her this week, thank you for your kind and thoughtful remarks. I know each of you have gone on your own journeys and have made your own decisions. I will make mine soon. I can only dream of being around to hold my grandchildren and to be a great example for my daughter today! I can't foresee all the health problems that are ahead if I don't do something, but I know they're there. Pat

First let me say I'm 50 years old, a mother of an 11 year old and a widow. My husband died 4 years ago at the age of 41 (he was obese). I'm scared to death of making this decision to go for lap band, you'd think it would be a no brainer, but it isn't. I have told only a couple of people that I'm thinking about doing it. I'm 250 lbs, bmi is 43 and I've tried many of the diets around. My fear is what if I fail and put myself in a bad place physically. I need to be healthy to do my job so I can support my daughter. I just need some words of encouragement. I'm also worried about how do you know if you'll be successful vs. cheat and eat some of the foods that will pass through. Any words of wisdom? Pat