prdmommyof3

Here in AZ, I paid $100 initial consult fee and then $17,444 for the surgery. That cost includes 18 months of possible complications and 18 months of fills. Pretty much anything & everything for 18 months. Good luck!:thumbup:

It has been 24 hours since I had my surgery. I feel surprisingly well...aside from the bloating gassy tummy and sore incision sites. I'll try to be brief about my experience, but for anyone wondering, here is how yesterday happened. My surgery was scheduled for 6:30, so we had to be there (Tempe New-Day Surgery Center) by 5:30. Once we arrived, I confirmed all of the information they had for me on file, and was escorted to the prep rooms. I changed into a gown, complete with an adult diaper, and got my IV in & blood drawn. Then Elmo, my husband, was allowed to sit with me until Dr. Simpson & his crew arrived. Elmo thought I looked especially sexy, especially in the diaper, and I had to agree. First I met my surgical nurses, then Dr. Simpson came in to explain the procedure again and answer any pre-surgical questions I had thought of. I asked him to take a picture of the lap-band once inside, just so I KNEW it was there. I know, I have trust issues! And, last but not least, the anestesiologist came in to introduce himself and ask his own set of questions. I told him that I was prone to throwing up after surgery, and so he assured me that he would make sure it was not an issue with this surgery. Throwing up with thelap band is HIGHLY discouraged. At about 6:40, I was wheeled into an OR by the very nice and cheery staff, who assured me that they would take good care of me. They put some compression bands on my legs to encourage blood flow, put an oxygen mask on, and the last thing I heard was the anestesiologist say, "OK sweetheart, take some deep breaths. You're in good hands." The whole procedure took about 20 minutes, and then I was wheeled into the recovery room. It took about 30 minutes or so for me to be able to open my eyes...and I think it was about 7:30 when I finally could focus on the clock. I was asked if I wanted to take a couple sips of water, which I did just the same as I always had. I guess I expected it to feel different...but it didn't. A few minutes later, I got up to walk a bit and go to the bathroom. I was assisted in getting dressed, and asked (without pressure) if I felt like I was ready to go home. I asked for a little more time, as I was still pretty groggy. My husband came in and sat with me until I felt like I could go. I was wheeled to my car & drove home. Once I was home, I took a nap in my recliner. I got up, had some pretty nasty gas cramps but my incisions didn't hurt at all. I sipped on some chicken broth and used the little breathing machine tool to force myself to take some deep breaths. They hurt and made me cough. I did a lot of walking in circles around the house to try and relieve some of the gas, but it didn't seem to work. My kids came home from school and all wanted to see my owies. I have to say, I was very upset that I had 4 incisions, when I was expecting to have a single incision (plus a tiny one from the camera site). They seeped all day, so this morning I put bandaids over them to save my shirt. Last night I tried to sleep in the recliner, but it wasn't very comfortable. I ended up sleeping in bed, alternating from my sides to back throughout the night. I was a long and uncomfortable night, but I managed. This morning I woke feeling pretty sore and very bloated. I tried to wear some jean shorts, however after going with my husband to drop off our toddler at preschool, I realized that just wasn't the best option. It's a little depressing seeing myself initially FATTER than I was before becasue of the bloating, but I have to remember that it's only temporary.

Congrats on your continued loss and success.

Ok, I know if may be cliche, but it's really how I feel. By this time tomorrow...I will be banded and on my way to FINALLY becoming the person I feel like inside. Goodbye size 18 pants, 1XL shirts and size 8 underwear that are getting too small. Goodbye rolls that have for so long weighed me down and hidden my true potential. Goodbye "fat girl" stores and Plus Sized labels...both emotional & physical. Goodbye butt...I would be lying if I said I was sad to see YOU go. Goodbye weight that has FOREVER started with a "2". Hello 3 weeks of liquids, 2 weeks of mushies and a lifetime of new eating habits. Hello old friends that have been hidden under layers of fat aka muscles. Hello ONEDERLAND. Hello new perks, like crossing my legs, running with my kids, LIKING the reflection in my mirror. Hello new life...Hello WORLD. Here I come.

Ok, I know if may be cliche, but it's really how I feel. By this time tomorrow...I will be banded and on my way to FINALLY becoming the person I feel like inside. Goodbye size 18 pants, 1XL shirts and size 8 underwear that are getting too small. Goodbye rolls that have for so long weighed me down and hidden my true potential. Goodbye "fat girl" stores and Plus Sized labels...both emotional & physical. Goodbye butt...I would be lying if I said I was sad to see YOU go. :wub: Goodbye weight that has FOREVER started with a "2". Hello 3 weeks of liquids, 2 weeks of mushies and a lifetime of new eating habits. Hello old friends that have been hidden under layers of fat aka muscles. Hello ONEDERLAND. Hello new perks, like crossing my legs, running with my kids, LIKING the reflection in my mirror. Hello new life...Hello WORLD. Here I come.