laurenica23

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the input. I think I'll probably be feeling much more up to singing on Christmas Eve ... maybe not the Sunday before, so we'll see what happens with that. I've never had surgery, so I'm not sure how my body will react, but for some reason I feel pretty confident. I guess I'll find out December 19 All my pre-op tests came back with really good numbers, so I'm hoping my good health (besides obesity, of course) will help me out with my recovery.

I have a PPO. I also have Anthem; I work in medical billing, so I know Anthem is usually hard to get approvals from, so that may be part of my 6 months of SWL classes.

My surgery is scheduled for Dec 19. This is fine with me, as I'm a student and this gives me plenty of time to recover before next semester starts. However, I am a singer and as this is right before Christmas, I'm a little worried. I'm usually involved in some kind of group/solo/etc., the Sunday before Christmas and/or Christmas Eve. I've just turned 24, so I think the fact that I'm young is on my side. I've never had surgery before, though, so I don't know how I'll react to it. Do you think I'll have the strength for singing the Sunday after (my surgery is a Friday) or Christmas Eve (the next Wednesday)? I'm optimistic, but I'm a little worried I'll schedule too much in my life only a couple days after the surgery.

It totally depends. I went to the seminar and then at my first appt I met with my surgeon and the dietician. I was told to go on a 6-month supervised weight loss and I had to attend class once a month. At my final class, I met again with the dietician and my surgeon. I was then scheduled for a Psych evaluation and set up for my pre-op testing, which included blood work, an EKG, a chest x-ray, and pulmonary function test. Some pre-op testing includes an upper GI test ... it all depends on your surgeron. A couple weeks after that, I was finally approved for surgery. I have to take a pre-op class on December 9 and my surgery is scheduled for Dec 19. (They'd prefer my pre-op class to be at least 2 weeks before, but I have a presentation the day they wanted me to go orginally.) It really depends on your surgeon and your insurance. Sometimes you can get approved right away and in surgery within a couple months. Other times, you need to go through supervised weight loss. Your first appt will answer many of your questions.

I would ideally like to lose about 150 pounds (though 100 would be just fine, too). My doctor is just fine with me getting the lap band, but wanted me to understand that it's going to take more time to lose the weight initially. However, five years out lap band and bypass patients look about the same. You should make your decision for YOU. Weigh the pros and cons of both and then decide. If you work at it, the weight is going to come off with either option.

I have chosen to tell my parents, my best friend, and my mom's side of the family (I am closest to them). People automatically think weight loss surgery makes you lose quickly and since I don't know what will happen (as far as how quickly I'll lose), I don't want anyone saying things like "didn't you have surgery? why aren't you losing more? etc" Also, the surgery is providing me with a tool to use. I will be making the decisions on what to eat and when to exercise, so there will definitely be a lot of hard work on my part. I just don't want any judgment or anything.

My doctor's office was very good about presenting both sides. I knew I didn't want to have such an invasive surgery with RNY, especially since I'm still so young and someday would like to get pregnant. It's easier to monitor lap band patients than RNY patients with pregnancy. And the cutting and moving around just didn't make me comfortable. At my first consultation I was told the weight loss is slower, but 5 years out looks about the same. Also, I was told if I'm patient the lap band was a good idea. I was reminded of these things at my last supervised weight loss (before pre-op and everything). I think it was wise of you to find a center you felt more comfortable with! This is both a scary and exciting thing and you should feel comfortable with your surgical staff.

I won't miss: - Just barely fitting in an airplane seat - my double chin - my big belly!!! - "side boobs" - being just a pretty face Can't wait to: - shop at Victoria's Secret, banana Republic, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor Loft, and buy some Lucky Brand jeans. - not pay extra for Plus Size Clothing (like at Eddie Bauer) - not be judged by my weight - actually look pregnant once I become pregnant (in a few years!) - sit back on my knees - jump around without my belly jumping with me - comfortably sit in the middle seat of an airplane - visit Disneyland without worrying I won't fit on Space Mountain - cross my legs - feel hot! I can't wait to go on a shopping spree at regular stores and visit Disneyland!

Age / Sex / Location: 23 (24, really) / Female / Carmel, IN Length of Time Banded: not yet; will be on Dec 19 Whether you are looking for friends, relationship or both: both! Children and ages: none Do you want (more) children: I'd like a couple Marital Status: Single Profession: Currently a graduate student studying Library Science. Hope to work in a high school setting; should graduate in about a year.

I just got my surgery date of December 19th!