Dakota1984

I just finished Ms. Ali's book. I was hoping that it would be a little more informative and inspirational than it was. Don't waste your money. In all honesty I have gotten way more out of this website and all the absolutely AWESOME folks that post here. I am about 2 1/2 weeks out from my lap-band and about 5 pounds down so far. Not as much as I had hoped for but it sure beats going 5 pounds the other way! Michelle

(I guess I should join you all...............I just got my approval-surgery is set for next Wednesday, June 13th...............I feel soo nervous. I know lots of people get this procedure done, but suddenly I am nervous about dying during the surgery! Anyone else feel this way? Any words of wisdom???) Hi Quadmom, I was so nervous yesterday for my surgery. I am doing this to hopefully add a lot of years to my life, but I was extremely nervous about dying on the operating table. My doc's both Dr. Smith and Dr. Karn (he's the anesthesiologist) both came in and reassured me and spent a little time talking me through the whole prodcedure. The good news is that once your under it is over before you literally know it. What you are going through is perfectly normal. Hang in there girl! Michelle<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Dr. Smith - $4000 Park West Surgery Center - $7800 Anesthesia - $1000 Psych Eval - $160 Chance to have a healthy life - Priceless

I had my surgery yesterday. I had full blood panel and EKG two days ahead and Pregnancy test right before. Since my health screening profile was good I didn't have to have a chest x-ray. Good Luck!

Hi everyone, Well I am an official member of the Colorado Lap Band Club. Banded yesterday 6/7/07 by Dr. James Smith here in Pueblo. I am pretty sore this morning, but not anything I can't tolerate. I will tell you one thing Tina - I wouldn't want to try to lift 27 pounds anytime soon. Connie - thanks for all the support. I really appreciated the message you left on my voicemail. I am going for a short walk and then back to bed for awhile. Michelle

Hi everyone, I got my band yesterday from Dr. Smith in Pueblo, CO.:clap2: I arrived at the Surgery Center at 6:00 am and was home by 1:00 pm. It probably would have been nice to stay overnight there just from the pain management side, but I did okay at home. I am taking childrens liquid Tylenol, antibiotic and a nose spray called Stadol for the pain. My only real problem last night was I developed a monster headache. About 2:00 I couldn't stand it anymore and took 1 Excederine Migraine formula. I was a little scared it would get stuck but it went down no problem and by 3:00 am the headache was gone. As soon as my daughter gets on the bus I am going for a walk and see how that helps the gas pain. It hasn't been too bad, but a little pressure relief would be nice in my chest. Good luck to everyone getting their band today! Michelle

Hi everyone, What a great thread this is. I signed in a while back but have been so busy with life I haven't been keeping up the way I should. I spent the last hour or so catching up with everyone. Tomorrow is the day for me. I am a little bit nervous, excited and/or scared but ready to get on with the next portion of my life. I am so tired of being tired all the time. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. Michelle

Connie - What fun to run into you last night. My daughter got paid yesterday and wanted to go out to eat. I am actually looking forward to not being able to just pack away that much food. After I had lunch with you last week I had an appointment with my Ob/Gyn and found out that I get to have a hysterectomy (probably in Aug/Sept). I told her I was planning to have the Lap-Band surgery and she was all for it. Told me the more weight I lost the easier my recovery time from her surgery would be. She was so cool - even sent over all my blood work to Dr. Smith to help save some money. I heard from Parkwest and the anestisiologist yesterday. They want their money......... Counting down the days - two weeks from tomorrow!!!!! Have a great day everyone. Michelle B

Hey everybody, I just got off the phone with Carrie at Dr. Smith's office. My lap band is scheduled for 6/7/07. YEAH!!! I start my diet in the morning. Connie I am so sorry about your son's Grandpa. So sad. No easy way for him to go through this. Take care, Michelle

Hi Everyone, I would like to be added to the June 2007 list. My lap-band is scheduled for 6/7/07 with Dr. Jim Smith in Pueblo, CO. They just called this afternoon with the surgery date and I start my diet tomorrow!!!! :clap2: :faint: Thanks, Michelle

Hi Everyone, Talked with Carrie at Dr. Smith's office yesterday. I am going to his Seminar on Tuesday evening. It is exciting to me moving in this direction again!!!! No bikini's this summer - but look out 2008!!!!

By the way 66 pounds in 5 months! You Rock!!!!!!

Hey Connie, Thanks for the information. I will call Dr. Smith tomorrow. How long did it take him to schedule your surgery once you decided? Michelle

Hi Everyone, Michelle from Pueblo here. I am searching for a Dr. here in the southern Colorado area. I was set to have surgery on 2/26 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana and due to circumstance beyond my control had to cancel. I have decided to go ahead with the surgery, but since I really can't leave town for 3 or 4 days at this point decided to go with a local doc. Suggestions???? I have heard about Dr. Smith and Dr. Brown down here in the Pueblo/Canon area. Does anyone have an idea on what they charge. I am going to have to self pay - so cost does factor in. Can't wait to hear from you! M

Hi Everyone, Started my Protein liquid diet yesterday. Can you imagine a better time to start than Super Bowl Sunday - haha.:faint: 21 days and counting down!!!! Michelle

Hey schindog18, Good for you! :clap2: 4 hours that is so amazing. So far everyone I have heard from that has had surgery this month is doing great! Thanks for sharing your experience. Michelle

Congratulations Travelgirl! Good for you! 24 days and counting for me! Michelle

Hi Robin, Just checking in to see if you are back home yet. How are you feeling? I leave for San Diego on the 25th and have surgery on the 26th. You are definately in my prayers. Your buddy from Ok/Co. Michelle

Hey February Bandsters, I just want to tell you all how happy and proud I am for all of you who are making this choice. Tomorrow is the day we have all been waiting for - February 1, 2007 - then only 25 more days for me! Best Wishes, Michelle:clap2:

I am with you all on the nervousness part. Everytime I think about the surgery I get a little freaked out. But in all honesty - I did the same thing a few years ago when I had shoulder surgery. I think I have watched way to many documentories on Discovery Health. "When instruments are left behind", "when anestitia doesn't work". But then, I watched one on Sunday night on Discovery Health and thought - no matter what, I have to go through with this. The people in the documentory were "Super Obese" 400 - 700 pounds. Some of them couldn't even get out of bed and were still eating 10,000 plus calories per day. I gotta tell you - I could see myself there in 20 years if something doesn't change. Going to 100% liquid diet on Saturday. DH wants to go out for one last "big" dinner on Friday. I bought Dr. Ortiz' book so that DH could really understand about the surgery. Well it is now his new health bible - he is starting to quote it at me chapter and verse. "you know after the surgery you can't do this and you can't do that" geez. Worst part is - maybe you should start making the changes now so that you are used to them after the surgery. Duh - if I could easily make those changes I wouldn't need the surgery. I am thankful he is buying in, but what I need is a support system not a food monitor. Only two more days until the February Bandsters get going on their new lives - You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle

It is so nice to know that I am not the only one obsessing over food. I am trying to stick with the Atkins shakes for two meals a day and one light meal. Starting the first I am switching to an all liquid diet. I can't seem to think about anything but food. I can't wait for the 26th. 1 month to go! Yeah:clap2: I was just browsing the before and after pic's and the main thing I noticed about people - besides the major weight changes. In the before pic's people look absolutely unhappy and in the after pictures almost everyone is just beaming. I want to look that happy! Anyway - I hope you all have a great weekend.

Robin, What part of Oklahoma are you from? I used to live at Altus, but now I am in Pueblo, CO. Good luck!

Hi Everyone, I just want to thank you all for the terrific advice. I am so thrilled to have found this website. It already feels like I am starting to make great friendships. My surgery is scheduled for 2/26/07 with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. The thought of going to Mexico still leaves me with slightly mixed emotions, although it really is the only option for me. I am self pay and I have to bring this in on a fairly strict budget. Again, thanks for all the great advice.

I have been trying to figure this tickerfactory thing out for a couple of days. You explained it better than anyone else has. Thanks,:clap2:

I haven't heard from Dr. Ortiz' nutritionist yet. I am assuming it will be in the next ten days or so. I guess the liquid diet is the thing that is scaring me the most. The reason I want this surgery is my lack of willpower. Also, I am having a heck of a time figuring out this diet ticker thing. I am somewhat technically challenged. Hopefully it will work this time.