kourtany93

It's been aboout 43 days since my surgery and I wouldn't ever regret any of it. I had my surgery on March 31, 2011. The day had started off as a pretty normal day since I had to drive the two hour trip to Louisville, KY. My surgery was scheduled for 2 pm but it didn’t actually occur until 5:30 pm because the doctor had an emergency. They gave my own room and told me to put on this gown, then i peed in a cup and the nurse gave me the TV remote and I sat with my family watching SpongeBob Squarepants. The longer it took them to hook me up to IV’s and take blood; I was getting more nervous by the second. The nurse called me a “virgin” because this was my first surgery that I’ve ever had. I remember laughing because I knew she was just trying to help me out. After what seemed like forever, they finally came and wheeled me down. The anthologist gave me my cocktail shot and I was immediately calmed down. I remember talking about my college plans with the other doctors and they were all genuinely kind. I had never had that kind of service before at any hospital. When I woke up, I immediately noticed that my mouth was dry. I was able to get some swabs of Water which was fine with me. I didn’t feel any different other than being kind of numb but that didn’t bother me because I was so tired. It took the nurses about 3 hours to get me into a room and by then it was already 10 pm. I remember my new nurse coming in to give me a morphine drop, which I absolutely hated because it gave me the worst headaches and made me nauseas so then they had to give me this anti-nausea medicine, which worked wonders. I have to say it was a remarkable experience. It’s been 43 days now, I finally weight 235 and I’ve lost a shocking total of 40 pounds. My next goal is to weigh in at 220 lbs. by the time my graduation rolls around on June 5th.

It's been a while since I've posted anything but nothing has really happened in my life. Well that was until last Thursday, March 24th. After school my mom had recieved a phone call from my nurse and she had said, finally, that I was approved. I was shocked that I didn't have to do the two week diet but instead my doctor told me to eat as much as I can, while I can. And I have to say, I have. I had to do the pre-admission testing yesterday, along with a small hour long class that just went over the procedure and they gave me a grocery list. My surgery is tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital 2 pm which isn't too fun since I can't have anything but jell-o (not red or purple) and other clear, non-acidic liquids on Wednesday and nothing to drink after midnight (and no eating.) I've already made my list of the things I'm going to take. I'm able to get a private room, along with my own personal nurse. I'm a little nervous, of course, but most people have said that it is possible. I'm excited to see how everything goes!

Goodluck! I have my surgery tomorrow! Please keep me updated when you can on your progress

Yea I'm definitely staying the night. Thank you so much. I'm a list kind of person and this is great.

I'm going to be banded on March 31st. Just like some people, I"m extremely nervous. I was just wondering what should I expect that day? Also is there anything that I should bring from home? I've heard some people like to bring pillows.

My surgery will be inpatient. Its at 2pm but I have to be there earlier. Thanks so much for the insight.

It's been a little over 8 months since I started the whole supervised doctor visits and the surgeon vists. I thought this day would never come. I go in on March 29 to have all my pre-op done. They told me that I would be going a lot of places and even though I have to be in Louisville, 2 hours away from where I live, at 8:45am - I'm super happy! I'm actually having my surgery on 3/31/11 - which is great since I have this thing for odd numbers. They really haven't told me anything from that point on. It would be really nice to know what to expect on the surgery day? Any pointers on whatn I should bring, etc...? It's taken the insurance 3 weeks to finally get back to me and I feel like this is a blessing and I can't wait to see how I look at my High School Graduation that's in June. I know that I may be young but I'm trying to improve my life and my health. I'm ready for the first day of my new life since I am now staggering at 280 pounds.

It's been a little over 8 months since I started the whole supervised doctor visits and the surgeon vists. I thought this day would never come. I go in on March 29 to have all my pre-op done. They told me that I would be going a lot of places and even though I have to be in Louisville, 2 hours away from where I live, at 8:45am - I'm super happy! I'm actually having my surgery on 3/31/11 - which is great since I have this thing for odd numbers. They really haven't told me anything from that point on. It would be really nice to know what to expect on the surgery day? Any pointers on whatn I should bring, etc...? It's taken the insurance 3 weeks to finally get back to me and I feel like this is a blessing and I can't wait to see how I look at my High School Graduation that's in June. I know that I may be young but I'm trying to improve my life and my health. I'm ready for the first day of my new life since I am now staggering at 280 pounds.

Today I called and they told me that everything was turned in and that we're just waiting on the insurance company, it's been a week since I turned in everything. Well, in the mail later today, hours after the phone call, I find a list that says I'm missing stuff from my packet so the information never got turned. Called the woman in charge (same woman I had talked to earlier today) and she said that they made a mistake and she thought I was someone else, even though I gave her my full name and birthday along with my social security number. She relunctantly found all of my "missing" papers.

Medicare. They said it would definitely be covered because of my health. I'm just confused when.

Its also been over week for me too. I keep trying to call the hospital to see an update but they keep giving me the runaround. I'm also having trouble contacting the insurance company.

These day all I seem to do anymore is wait. At least now I'm looking into days until my surgery and not months. I thank God for that. My doctor said he would mke sure that he would see me on that operating table in 30 days or less. He would personlly see to the insurance company since I'm so young and he feels that I'm in desperate need of this surgery. It all shocked me but I'm definitely ready for this surgery. I'm just sitting around waiting and wishing it would come along and I could start my life anew. How long did it take you to get an insurance approval? and then how long did it take you to get your date? I need some help with all of this waiting left to do.

These day all I seem to do anymore is wait. At least now I'm looking into days until my surgery and not months. I thank God for that. My doctor said he would mke sure that he would see me on that operating table in 30 days or less. He would personlly see to the insurance company since I'm so young and he feels that I'm in desperate need of this surgery. It all shocked me but I'm definitely ready for this surgery. I'm just sitting around waiting and wishing it would come along and I could start my life anew. How long did it take you to get an insurance approval? and then how long did it take you to get your date? I need some help with all of this waiting left to do.

Today I went and had the scope test done and found out that I have a hiatal hernia and gastritis. My Doctor says that he'll be able to repair both of these during surgery but has anyone else has at least one of these done with the surgery? Did you have to stay any longer at the hospital?

Set the drink across the table or if possible, the room. With me, once I'm comfortable, I'm most likely not wanting to get up just to go and get it. Or think of it as you've got to earn it. Pretty elementary, I know. Goodluck

I believe that would be pushing it a little too much. If you lost the weight that fast, you would have way too much excess skin and plastic surgery doesn't come cheap. A lap-band is there to help you to achieve your goals - mostly in the next 5 years and in that to also maintain your weight. I would take it day by day and not worry too much about how many pounds you shed. They'll all come off in time with the directions given to you by your doctor. If you follow those and stick to excercising, you won't have to pay attention to the time going by. I also suggest www.realizeband.com because there you can keep trap of your food and your exercising. I also noticed that your from Louisville, I would likely go to Norton Hospital. So far, to me, they've had the best care. I haven't had surgery yet and now i'm currently weighing at 275 lbs. They're extremely fast in getting you through this process. I've got the ball moving last week and now my surgeon and I are trying to get all the tests done before the end of January. I only started this process of seeing my surgeon, nurse, dietician and therapist about a week or so ago. Goodluck on your journey!!!!

Okay well, I’m at a crossroad. I’ve been reading other peoples topics and everything and I’m always coming across someone 3-5 years down the road who regrets their band. I’m really wanting this done and I’ve done all the research done now I’m doing all of the pre-op testing. All of those stories have completely thrown me off track. Can someone please tell me about their experiences with the lap-band and how you personally work with it?

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up all the wonderful work. I wish I was there

I'm a teen having lapband done soon.

I got to meet my surgeon today. It wasn't a very long visit but I somehow enjoyed that this process was moving along. I have to go a few more tests and then I'll finally be able to get my surgery date. My doctor believes that this is the right surgey for me because I have more than two co-morbidities. He pretty much told me because I have that to not worry much about my insurance; he would take care of them. He also said that I was "young and really smart," for going ahead and having this surgery. He believes that it will lower my problems very soon and of course, I got the amazing lecture - one hat I've read over and over again these last five months. I'm still a little nervous about all of this but at least I'm moving along, rather than staying still like I was waiting around for the next primary physician appointment to come along. Can anyone share their experiences about their first surgeon visit? or really the enire process? I'm hoping this might ease some of my nervousness and worries.

I got to meet my surgeon today. It wasn't a very long visit but I somehow enjoyed that this process was moving along. I have to go a few more tests and then I'll finally be able to get my surgery date. My doctor believes that this is the right surgey for me because I have more than two co-morbidities. He pretty much told me because I have that to not worry much about my insurance; he would take care of them. He also said that I was "young and really smart," for going ahead and having this surgery. He believes that it will lower my problems very soon and of course, I got the amazing lecture - one hat I've read over and over again these last five months. I'm still a little nervous about all of this but at least I'm moving along, rather than staying still like I was waiting around for the next primary physician appointment to come along. Can anyone share their experiences about their first surgeon visit? or really the enire process? I'm hoping this might ease some of my nervousness and worries.

Well I finally got to meet my surgeon, Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, today. He was pretty awesome. I drove for a good 2 hours and only saw him for about 10 minutes but it was great. He's really pushing for me to have this surgery since I have diabetes and high blood pressure (today's was 146/96) and he's says that it'll hopefully fix my problems in the future. But every time I go somewhere, I just can't do it without embarrassing myself at least once. You walk into this room and they want to take a picture of you with this sign held high, just below your face, with your name and other info. I did well with that but when it came to her asking if I could turn sideways, well... That's the funny part. Instead of understating to turn myself sideways – I turned the sign upside down. Yea, there were about four different nurses in the room trying to get this one camera to work and just my luck, they all laugh. I was extremely embarrassed but it's just going to be one of my memories of this wonderful experience. Anyways, when I met the surgeon he was very straight forward. He made sure this surgery was right for me and of course gave me the "lecture" as he puts it but it was fine. I've read so much about this and dreamed of it for years, hearing it again, this close to when I'm supposed to get a surgery date. He told me that I shouldn't worry about my insurance since I have more than two co-morbidities. That was definitely a relief to hear! I go to my normal doctor on January 4th and from there my surgeon has this list of seven different tests that he wants done and then when they get all that done at my primary physician's office, I get to go back to my surgeon and have a Colposcopy (where they shine a light to check your stomach – to make sure you can handle this surgery). Not looking forward to that but it's alright. This has been moving so fast and I just can't believe it. I'm nervous about it but my surgeon has strength in me. He told me, "You're young and a really smart girl," I didn't really understand it but then again I guess where so many adults nowadays are having this surgery, it's good to start out young and have it before you get any more problems.

Well, I have to say, with all of my nerves bundled up and everything, it's about time. I'm finally able to meet my surgeon today, for the first time. It's a two hour drive to Louisville, KY from where I live. I'm not liking that but I think it's all going to be worth it. I'm just nervous about meeting him. My nurse told me over the phone that she wanted me to get through this process and testing as fast as she could. That was yesterday, for some reason I get the phone call the day before with an opening for the next day. Hey, I'm not really complaining, I've been waiting almost four years to finally getting this ball going. It's kind of like I'm on a roller coaster and so far I've only been going up hill and now I'm finally starting to make the big jump into the next scene. Nervous about today ad hopefully on nerves, I can get by.

When you can, let me know how it all went. It may decrease all my worry jitters

Most people know that most insurances require 6 months of supervised doctor visits by your primary physician. Anyone who had had to get these done, have you been approved for surgery and given a date - before or after the entire 6 month period?