Hey Everyone! I am new to this site and just recently had my first consult with surgeon. I have been given all the paperwork or really checklist of physicians that need to be seen prior to getting a letter sent to GHI. At first my i was scared when i left his office only because this is a huge decision that i am making, and was thinking of having the single incision lap band. Of course I smoke, which makes it more difficult for me. I guess i am more stressed knowing that i have to quit or no surgery and that made me more intense. I have already seen the endocrinologist and cardiologist, have a pulmonary visit tomorrow. My insurance doesnt cover the nutrionist so that will be an out of pocket expense, but its ok because i have to do this. I am 5 ft tall and have gained over 85 lbs in the last 3 years alone. I can barely make it up the stairs, i have atrial fibrillation, which is a heart arrythmia, and I just wanna be able to play ball and run around with my 9 year old son. i can't wear jeans because my waste is tiny and behind is plump, lol. I have to be healthy for me and for him. i hear such great stories on here but of course with any surgeries its a bit scary. we have to take the bad with the good i guess. if we want to be healthy we gotta do what we have to do.

has anyone here smoked prior to surgery and if so what did you have to do to quit? i am also worried a bit about the eating, and the gas pains that i have read about. i don't have a gallbladder so i guess its no worse than that...i hope not..lol..

i am hoping for an october date, but we will see. i am trying to get all my md appts done within the next week and then will submit everything to surgeon for submission to insurance? does anyone have GHI? im curious as to how much time to take off from work, maybe 2-3 weeks, does that sound reasonable? geez so many questions..lol

please keep in touch everyone!

ladies and gents i wish you all the best of luck with your surgeries and post surgeries.

You will be just fine! You are making a great decision and the fact that you are going to stop smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself and your 9 year old. It is going to be an emotional ride and I was an absolute wreck through the entire process until the day of my surgery. I wish I could ease your mind in some way but I know exactly how you feel.

I hope you can get all of your MD appointments, but don't be disappointed if it takes a little longer than you expect. I started my process at the end of March and was banded on August 17. The specialistsr may not have an available appointment for weeks, may be on vacation, at a seminar, etc...those were the road blocks I ran into. I was anxious over getting my appointments, however, look at it positively. It gives you time to adjust your diet, get an exercise routine, and quit smoking. Take advantage of the time that you have before surgery and make the most of it. I have to say I made a lot of changes during that time period and it provided me the opportunity to really think about and reflect on my health and my future. It provides time to get mentally prepared for your journey.

I was also really worried about the gas pains. During my lapband procedure I also had a hiatal hernia repair, which is supposed to gain shoulder pain. I had no gas or shoulder pain at all! Everyone has a different experience. If you do have pain, remember, you will have prescription pain medicine to help you. I only needed it for a day.

As for work, you will probably be able to go back in a week. As I stated, I only needed the pain meds for a day and felt absolutely fine in just a few days. I will say, however, that I was exhausted for the first week!

But remember, just because you may feel fine, remember not to over do it. I had my first post op visit today and the doctor specifically told me not to do anything other than light walking. What did I do tonight? Well, I lifted my mattress, changed sheets, and did a lot of cleaning because I feel awesome! Guess what? I really don't feel good right now. I did hurt myself lifting things and I regret it! Listen to the doctor!

I know I am rambling...You are going to be absolutely fine and you have a big support network on this site. People offer a lot of help here...take advantage.

If there is one bit of advice I can offer to you it would be to relax. The chain of events are pretty much out of your control but what is in your control is the way in which you utilize the time to make required changes.

My best to you.

I'll throw in my two cents, even though I haven't been banded and pretty much right where you are.

On the smoking issue - I just recently quit on Feb. 2 of this year. I had smoked 2 - 2.5 packs a day for the last 10 years. I started when I was 15-years-old and smoked like a chimney. I used Chantix to quit, the prescription med. I can honestly say it works. Really, really works. My insurance didn't cover it so I had to pay $350 for a 4 month supply but that's not really that bad considering packs are... what? $4-5 now? $350 is nothing.

So really think about it. If you have any questions about it, feel free to PM me and I'll try and help ya out as best as I can. I just love the fact that I quit smoking... it's a huge deal! So I tend to soapbox about it.

Now if I could just lose weight, life would be great. ;]