Sooz

Not banded yet, but I never considered bypass. I have considered gastric sleeve (VGS), though. It seemed as though it might work better in my case, as I have dentures and I don't think "chewing food to paste" is as critical with the sleeve. Still leery of having my stomach stapled and cut though, even though intestines aren't cut and pasted.

From what I have read it seems a common practice for surgeons to bill separately for hiatal hernia repair. I was told if I was found to have one I would be charged an extra 3800. and it would be billed separately. I have bad reflux so was pretty sure I had one, and sure enough the endoscopy proved it. I am self-pay for the band, but hopefully my insurance will cover the hernia.

If you haven't had a gynecological exam lately it's not a bad idea to cover your bases. I have self-diagnosed everything that is wrong with me physically to being overweight, only to find out during the pre-req tests that I actually have some issues unrelated. I've whined about all the procedures my surgeon required, only to have it hit home how neglectful I have been of my health, especially "female issues" over the years.

Ryan, I imagine by now the surgery is history, and you are banded and on your way to a new, healthy lifestyle. Good luck and God bless!

Thank you everyone, for the well wishes. I'm a bit freaked out by the cyst diagnosis, but have a gyn appt Thursday and will know more. Just like approvals and surgery dates, etc, the waiting is the hardest part!

For months I have been scared of surgery because of post-op gas pain stories. I have been suffering with what I thought were gas pains for a long time now, and was afraid the surgery would make it that much worse. Yesterday I spent most of the day in agony before driving myself to the ER. It turns out my gas pain is a huge ovarian cyst and I am supposed to make arrangements asap for surgery. So, no lapband for me this month, but hopefully will be feeling stronger and healthier after this.

WTG girl! I can't wait for the day I don't have to kneel and dig through the back of the bottom rack for the "full figure" bras! I want a couple of those cute matching sets myself... some day!

My doctor is a no potatoes or cereal kind of guy. Do you puree tuna and egg salad? What I was thinking was just using baby food meat to add Protein to stuff like refried Beans, or whatever.

I think when I have to start my clear liquid diet I will stock up on a bunch of different flavor soups and strain them. I know just from the 3-day fast for my endoscopy and colonoscopy how quickly the tastebuds get sick of plain old broth. My first cup tasted so delicious, but by the 3rd day forget it.

I bought an immersion blender last night that comes with a couple of snap on cups. Maybe that will work for tender meat and veggies, though my main thought was quick and easy protein shakes.

Ok, I had to ask.. Did anyone eat commercial baby food in the mushy or soft food phases post-op?

Hi Kirsten, How are you? I know what you mean, it's hard to stay away from this forum once you make the decision. Very informative discussions here!

Loving concern is one thing, but someone using controlling manipulation because they think they know what's best for you (actually themselves) is another.

A few weeks ago someone posted that her doctor removed some of the pumped in gas after her procedure. Maybe she misunderstood, because it seems to me if they can actually accomplish doing that, they would do it to everybody.

I was asked a few basic questions and given a gown. I got up on the wheel-y bed and was given one of those toasty warm cotton blankets. That helped! I laid on my side, and within seconds of the happy juice hitting the iv I was out like a light, with no after-effects at all. Well except one. The doctor took advantage of my goofy state and got me to agree to come in the next day for a colostomy due to a blood test showing low Iron. Also, was given several computer pics of my innards which showed a hiatal hernia and slight esophagus erosion and was given an Rx for Prilosec.