Sweetnurselyd

Hi Today I attended the nutrition class. The NP spoke for about an hour about the two types of surgeries. The group that was present are all opting for the lap band. It was a review for me since I have done a lot of reading on the Lap-Band surgery. I was handed a folder with all sorts of information. The great thing is that everything is organized for the patient. There is a checklist for the patient to keep track of all the different consultations that must be completed. The nutrition class was excellent. Much of the information that I have read online and in this board was similar. The biggest thing is the changes that one has to prepare for. After the three hour class was over, I made two appointments: one for my 1:1 nutrition consult plus an appointment with the director of bariatric surgery who will be my surgeon. After I left the office, I went to the radiology office and made an appointment for an abdominal sonogram. Once I got home, I spent an hour making all the different appointments for all the required consultations. I am happy to say that all my appointments are made. I will be a very busy lady the next few weeks, but I will have all my appointments completed and hopefully all my testing by the time I see the doctor on May 28. Hopefully, my approval will be successful. My BMI is under 40 but I have a qualifier which is hypertension. I currently take antihypertensives. I have to take Vitamins but I already take Calcium with D, MVI, folic acid and Iron. Tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. I have labs (fasting), at 11 a.m. abdominal sonogram then at 3 p.m. nutrition consult. Next week I have GI consult since I need to have both and EGD and Colonoscopy, in two weeks I see my PCP/Cardiologist. My journey has started. I am looking forward to moving forward and look towards the day that I get the official ok for surgery. In as far as insurance requirements, all they require is a summary of my attempt at weight loss programs. I look forward to attending the next group meeting. I found them very helpful. It will help me prepare and it will help me to stay on track once I reach that point. In reference to the liquid diet, unless I have a fatty liver, I may not need a liquid diet for now. Prior to surgery, at least two weeks prior, they will start you on the famous liquid diet. The journey has begun..... Lydia:redface::thumbup: SW: 253, 5'9 inches Goal wt: 175 Nutrition class: 4-7-2010 1st support group meeting: 4-7-2010 (2 are mandatory) Labs: 4-8-1`0 Abdominal sonogram: 4-8-10 Nutrition consult (1:1): 4-8-10 GI consult: 4-14-10 Cardiology: 4-30-10 Pulmonary consult: 5-13-10 Psychological consult: 5-14-10 Surgeon: 5/28/10 Venous duplex & PCP clearance: scheduled once surgical date is booked. 0

Hi I attended my first support meeting tonight as two of them are required by the doctor. It was very enlightening indeed. Four of the participants were banded. They are doing great. One of the ladies lost 140 pounds, the second lost 105 and the third one had surgery last month and is down close to 30 pounds. The fourth person, a guy, has lost sixty in three months. I learned so much tonight from listening to their stories since they started their journey. They all stated that they know when they are full. They also spoke about what happened when they just gulped food down quickly. After the meeting tonight, the biggest hurdle to overcome is the psychological aspect. You have to prepare yourself psychologically for the big changes that are to come and how to deal with eating less. Being a part of this forum and attending support group meetings will help me stay strong both emotionally and psychologically. Hang in there. Lydia

Hi. You seem to be right on target. It is why we are here because the support of others will help us get through this journey. Hang in there with all of us. Lydia

Hi Ladies, Just popping in to say hello before I run off to a support group meeting. I attended the nutrition session and info session by the NP. I will be back and let you know about my day. Lydia The journey has begun....!:thumbup:

I am starting the journey too. Application approved by RD. Now on to educational session on Wednesday. I have tried various programs for weight loss too. I am not ashamed. My brother-in-law had it done and has lost 80 lbs. He is off diabetic medication and doing well. I take antihypertensives. The blood pressure history was a qualifier because my BMI is under 40. Good luck to all. Lydia NYC

Hi I am from NY too (Staten Island). Good luck with your journey. Lydia

Hi ladies, My name is Lydia. I, too, am a Register Nurse by profession. Currenly, I am faculty. I don't have a date yet as I am in the preliminary stages. I will be attending a nutrition education session on Wednesday morning for about three hours. The surgical associates I contacted first send out an application (4 pages long). I filled it out. It is reviewed by a RD to see if you qualify to go on to the next step which is the education session. I submitted copy of insurance card along with application too. I was contacted this morning to set up a date for the nutrition session. After the session, I believe they give you all the preop testing information plus an appointment to see one of the bariatric specialist. As long as all gets approved, I am psyching myself up for this journey. What does the preop diet consist of? Lydia NYC: