mimo

@3kidsmom-- My insurance was denied as well, I self paid the 15500 to have it here in Albuquerque. I recently found out that you can have the surgery in texas with Dr Smith for $9900 and then get your fills here in abq. If your insurance doesn't come thru that might be something to consider. I wish I'd known it was so much less in texas than it is here.

Thanks! I'm excited about it. it'll feel good to have some restriction I think. Best of luck with your surgery! I'm sure everything will go great. The staff at the westside hospital is wonderful. One thing I'd definitely suggest, though, is to be sure to sleep at least the first night in a recliner. I didn't listen to that suggestion and regretted it. If you don't have a recliner pick up a wedge pillow. Those are also helpful when you're back in bed and wanting to sit up but your tummy is still sore.

SWEET! you're on the tail end of the liquids now then? How is that working for you? I have my first fill on the 23rd. I'm getting excited for that

I was banded Feb 25th by Dr Smith in Albuquerque. His staff (Esp Henry, Paula and Laura) are great.

I'm only about a week post op... but I've felt comfortable enough to tell anyone who asks what I'm doing. Taking the initiative to get healthy and lose weight is something to be proud of, well I am at least. Most people I've talked with about it have been incredibly supportive, despite the fact that they don't really understand how it all works. I understand the fear that someone might find your band weird, or worse think that you had no self-control and that's why you needed a medical intervention... but frankly, I don't think I'd want to be with someone (friends, romantically or otherwise) who would judge me based on being banded. I guess I'm just giving everyone the benefit of the doubt; people can't be supportive or understanding of your band if you never give them the opportunity.