marathonmommy

Me too! Same day. We will have to compare notes! I'm a little annoyed/upset/confused. Today I got my call about anesthesia. The lady on the phone asked all the general questions about medical background, etc. She asked my height and then my weight. When I told her my weight, she asked why I was having this done! My BMI is probably 36 right now. I know I'm not the heaviest person to have this done but to have it questioned by some random person right before I go in is not very comforting!

May 28 here! Yoohoo!

Thanks for your responses. Many of those items do not obviously seem to be "clear". Translucent, yes, but not clear. I will, of course, follow my doctor's directions - but your responses sound much more palatable than what I was imagining!

Other than water and Sprite?

Hi Patti, Just started as well. Not approved yet, though. Hoping to be! Using Dr. Zarif as well. Would love to hear about your experiences with him as he is somewhat new to the procedure!

I know only b/c I asked the same question here. Productive Burp

Jodi, Wow! Your stats look amazing! You were about where I will be starting and are now where I want to be! Pics please!

So, I know that the LB will allow you to live a healthier life and that should be your main focus when considering if LB is for you. But, honestly speaking, did anyone do it just because they were sick and tired of being fat and wanted to live life in a "normal" body?

To be honest, cosmetic reasons are a good part of why I want to do this . . . is that so wrong? :sneaky: I do feel my quality of life has suffered. I wear pants or capris in the stifling heat, I won't take my kids to a Water park, I hate going to fancy events . . . I probably will need the support groups/counseling. Clearly, in addition to being obese, I have food issues. Don't they go hand in hand?

Tell me . . . . not sure how to deal with this. Hubby thinks I am out of my mind for considering Lap Band. He does not know what I weigh but thinks I am crazy to consider undergoing a surgical procedure since I am NOT obese! LOL! What a joke - I am 5'8" and currently weigh close to 230 pounds. Clearly, I am obese. He thinks LB is for other types of people (300 pounds or more) and that I have "been sold" at the seminars and by the bright, shiny, colorful brochures. He doesn't feel I have tried hard enough at dieting, because "that's all" I really need to do. Bless his heart for thinking I am not obese (he's lying to himself and me). He also thinks I will not be able to enjoy a normal life with food because I will be so restricted from "normal" ways of eating. If he was supportive, I believe I would be signing up tomorrow! I know I should just do what is in my heart, but it is so hard when the one person you share your life and children with (other than extended family who I believe would be supportive by the way) is against a decision you want to make for yourself!

Too funny - and there is some truth to it! Although I was not aware of it at first. The less experienced doctor is the first one I met at a seminar. I wasn't aware of experience level at the time - was just going for information. There is a "program fee" involved for dieticians, gym membership, counseling, fills for a year, etc. Insurance should cover the rest. I am somewhat borderline, but the group thinks they will have no problem getting it covered. Didn't seem to be a wait time. The program fee is up front. I recently discovered a very experienced group with the same sort of "program fee" - just a bit more expensive. The program fee for one is about $2500 and the less experienced group is about $800. I liked the doctor I met. He took time with me and answered all of my questions, but I am really questioning the experience with the procedure. I think I will make an appointment with the more expensive more experienced doctor and make a more informed decision. Not sure if he will agree that I will be covered. Thanks for your feedback!

Newbie here . . . can't seem to find what pb'd means.

. . . has been a surgeon for more than 10 years and has recently been through lapband training but has only been doing the procedure for a few months? Let's say said doctor has done about 25 procedures with no slippage as of yet.

Subscribing to this thread. I'm in the beginning stages of planning this journey. Just met with the doctor the other day. Hubby does NOT want me to do this. Worried I will not be able to eat certain things for the rest of my life and that I will just gain all of the weight back. I really want to do this, but he is making me confused.

I forgot to mention the doctor said he would use a small one in me. Then, without knowing I already met with the doctor, my friend told me to make sure he doesn't use the small one b/c they often slip.

Hi All, This is my first post. I just met with the doc today for my first visit. I just really had some questions answered before I make a final decision. Although I am a bit "borderline", it appear my insurance will cover the procedure. I have a friend who has had much success. In fact, she should probably be the poster child for LBS. I have another friend who had much trouble with slippage. My friend with great success said not to go with the smaller band as it is prone to slipping. Not sure if the doc will let me have a choice or not. Is there a certain type of band, size of band, and/or manufacturer I should request from my doctor?