I've finally made it far enough to feel it's safe to post...I'm so nervous at every turn that something is going to throw the progress off. As of today, however, I am officially one week away from surgery! I had pre-op yesterday. The only thing that could possibly come back as an issue (as far as I know) is my potassium levels, which I have a hard time controlling. I would think I would have heard by now if this is a problem.

It was a long road to get approved due to my insurance requirements, but once the approval came, it has flown into warp speed! I'm seeing Dr. Neal in Olympia, Washington. So far the experience with their office has been fabulous.

I'm on Medifast this week, but I've actually been on it for a while already as one of my oh-so-many "weight loss attempts". Medifast works great...if you don't cheat every weekend like I did. I'm being good now, though, since it's the pre-op diet. It's hard right now with the holidays and all, and especially today being trapped at home due to weather. I would love some comfort food right now!

My sister (who was banded 5 years ago) keeps asking if I'm getting nervous...I'm only nervous that something will get in the way, but I think mentally I am just ready for this. I've wanted it for so long...I'm ready.

I hope to find some new friends and support here.

Becki

I wish I could delete this...I knew posting it would jinx it. My surgery was just cancelled.

oh NO!!!!

Did they tell you when you can get a surgery date?? Had you already started the liquid diet?? If so, that would tick me off royally.

Dear Becki,

I agree with your feelings! My surgery date is December 1! So we will be one day apart of being banded. I am on the pre op diet! Very difficult! I haven't cheated at all. I am on week two. I don't feel to great but, it's just another hoop to go through for my lap band. I have been to so may appointments with doctors, dietians, and various tests it's a hudge ordeal to go through but, I just keep thinking about the prize at the end, a healthier and fit me. If you want we can keep in touch! I would love to have something to eat right now! This pre op diet is awful! Good luck to you!

Judi

oh NO!!!!

Did they tell you when you can get a surgery date?? Had you already started the liquid diet?? If so, that would tick me off royally.

I have to start over with a new surgeon...who has a completely different pre-op program. The issue has to do with the hospital not "extending it's center of excellence designation effective 11/22" so my insurance is refusing to cover the surgery now and my surgeon won't be covered by my insurance company after December 31 and he doesn't have surgical rights at another hospital that my insurance will cover between now and then.

I'm so angry about this. I spent pretty much all of yesterday crying.

In the mean time, I have scheduled an appointment with another surgeon for Tuesday (the day my surgery was supposed to be). He requires 4 weeks on a low carb (30 grams/day) diet and will not accept the last 3 months I've done on Medifast because it's not low carb ENOUGH. I've begun the low carb regimen today and they said they would count this week...but I don't know what other things he is going to require in the next few weeks. Hopefully some of the work I did with the other clinic will count for SOMETHING.

UGH!