After six years of researching and going back and forth on whether or not this is what I want to do, I finally made the decision that this is what's best for me. That was 7 months ago. It has taken me 7 months of jumping through hoops with my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross), but with the help of my doctor's amazing nurse, I finally got everything taken care of and will be having my surgery on February 25, 2011. That was last week that I got my appointment date - now coming this week, I have four appointments for pre-op - blood work, doctor's one on one visit, nurse's pre-op appointment, and an upper-GI. Next Monday, 2/7, is my final appointment before my surgery - it is with the cardiologist who has to read my EKG and sign off on my surgery - finally!!!

It's been a logn time coming but I am so ready for this!!! After so many years of research and prayer, I can't believe it's finally happening and seems so close but still so far away and surreal. I am 5'6 (used to be 5'7) and 240 lbs at 43 years old. I am ready to begin my new life and excited for what my future holds. I am so blessed that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends who are all standing behind me ready to help me make it to the finish line - I don't think I could do this without all the major support I have!

Whoo hoo!!

I wish you all the best!! I also just got my approval last week and will be having my surgery on 2/15/11. I was lucky in that from first appointment until surgery date it will only be 2 1/2 months. Dr. Strickland's staff stayed on top of everything and was really on the ball in getting everything I needed done fast. I have been obese for 20 years and come from a fanily that as weight issues. I never thought I would have surgery because several people in my family had the gastric bypass and gained all their weight back. But my back went out in August and was barely able to leave the house for 3 months and the doctor said if I didn't get the weight off I would be cripple by the time I got in my 60s. So after some research and realizing that my family failed with their surgeries because they never changed their lifestyles I was determined to do the lapband. I was getting a little discouraged during the process of approval but once I got my date I had renewed determination. Can't wait for 2/15/11.

How exciting! I also took time (not as long as you though, just 2.5 years) researching and more importantly, praying, for what to do. I am so happy and at peace with my decision to have this done. I will be banded Feb. 22,2011. Good luck and let us know how you do!!

Wendy

After six years of researching and going back and forth on whether or not this is what I want to do, I finally made the decision that this is what's best for me. That was 7 months ago. It has taken me 7 months of jumping through hoops with my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross), but with the help of my doctor's amazing nurse, I finally got everything taken care of and will be having my surgery on February 25, 2011. That was last week that I got my appointment date - now coming this week, I have four appointments for pre-op - blood work, doctor's one on one visit, nurse's pre-op appointment, and an upper-GI. Next Monday, 2/7, is my final appointment before my surgery - it is with the cardiologist who has to read my EKG and sign off on my surgery - finally!!!

It's been a logn time coming but I am so ready for this!!! After so many years of research and prayer, I can't believe it's finally happening and seems so close but still so far away and surreal. I am 5'6 (used to be 5'7) and 240 lbs at 43 years old. I am ready to begin my new life and excited for what my future holds. I am so blessed that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends who are all standing behind me ready to help me make it to the finish line - I don't think I could do this without all the major support I have!

Whoo hoo!!

Congratulations to you! May the lap band tool (and your new healthy way of eating) help you achieve your weight loss goal.

Good luck to all of you for February 2011!. I had my surgery on February 24th, 2009!!!! Two year anniversary and I cannot be happier! I started out at 244, size 20. I am now 131 and a size 4! No way!!!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe I am writing this. Do not get me wrong, it is still a hard journey, but one well worth taking the first step! I think the hardest part was staying on track, admitting my own weaknesses, and getting on with life. For example, I just thought that I had a slow metabolism, and that I ate portions too large for what I could process. I now admit openly that I have a compulsion to eat, and I am still working on myself . My band helps me set limits, reminds me that I am falling off the wagon, and puts me right back on track. After a lifetime of diet success, and then failure, I finally fell like me! I wish you all the best of luck, and the most determined of minds!

I wish you all the best!! I also just got my approval last week and will be having my surgery on 2/15/11. I was lucky in that from first appointment until surgery date it will only be 2 1/2 months. Dr. Strickland's staff stayed on top of everything and was really on the ball in getting everything I needed done fast. I have been obese for 20 years and come from a fanily that as weight issues. I never thought I would have surgery because several people in my family had the gastric bypass and gained all their weight back. But my back went out in August and was barely able to leave the house for 3 months and the doctor said if I didn't get the weight off I would be cripple by the time I got in my 60s. So after some research and realizing that my family failed with their surgeries because they never changed their lifestyles I was determined to do the lapband. I was getting a little discouraged during the process of approval but once I got my date I had renewed determination. Can't wait for 2/15/11.

Good luck to all of you for February 2011!. I had my surgery on February 24th, 2009!!!! Two year anniversary and I cannot be happier! I started out at 244, size 20. I am now 131 and a size 4! No way!!!!!!!!!!! I still can't believe I am writing this. Do not get me wrong, it is still a hard journey, but one well worth taking the first step! I think the hardest part was staying on track, admitting my own weaknesses, and getting on with life. For example, I just thought that I had a slow metabolism, and that I ate portions too large for what I could process. I now admit openly that I have a compulsion to eat, and I am still working on myself . My band helps me set limits, reminds me that I am falling off the wagon, and puts me right back on track. After a lifetime of diet success, and then failure, I finally fell like me! I wish you all the best of luck, and the most determined of minds!

I wish you all the best!! I also just got my approval last week and will be having my surgery on 2/15/11. I was lucky in that from first appointment until surgery date it will only be 2 1/2 months. Dr. Strickland's staff stayed on top of everything and was really on the ball in getting everything I needed done fast. I have been obese for 20 years and come from a fanily that as weight issues. I never thought I would have surgery because several people in my family had the gastric bypass and gained all their weight back. But my back went out in August and was barely able to leave the house for 3 months and the doctor said if I didn't get the weight off I would be cripple by the time I got in my 60s. So after some research and realizing that my family failed with their surgeries because they never changed their lifestyles I was determined to do the lapband. I was getting a little discouraged during the process of approval but once I got my date I had renewed determination. Can't wait for 2/15/11.

Had my surgery two days ago - spent the night in the hospital because of my blood pressure being too high. Dry heaved pretty badly that first night and the gas pain wasn't too bad. Took a shower today and feel pretty good. Glad I had the surgery and have already lost five pounds - very happy I did this.

After six years of researching and going back and forth on whether or not this is what I want to do, I finally made the decision that this is what's best for me. That was 7 months ago. It has taken me 7 months of jumping through hoops with my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross), but with the help of my doctor's amazing nurse, I finally got everything taken care of and will be having my surgery on February 25, 2011. That was last week that I got my appointment date - now coming this week, I have four appointments for pre-op - blood work, doctor's one on one visit, nurse's pre-op appointment, and an upper-GI. Next Monday, 2/7, is my final appointment before my surgery - it is with the cardiologist who has to read my EKG and sign off on my surgery - finally!!!

It's been a logn time coming but I am so ready for this!!! After so many years of research and prayer, I can't believe it's finally happening and seems so close but still so far away and surreal. I am 5'6 (used to be 5'7) and 240 lbs at 43 years old. I am ready to begin my new life and excited for what my future holds. I am so blessed that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends who are all standing behind me ready to help me make it to the finish line - I don't think I could do this without all the major support I have!

Whoo hoo!!

I am same weight and also have the same insurance and i also just was banded feb 25th. I cant wait to see how you doing! i am finally feeling better i want to succeed so bad but i am scared to death! I cant fail a million people know i got this thing and everyone is watching ! UGGH .... lol that can be good though give me motivation but, it also scares me! well hope to keep in contact with you!!!

After six years of researching and going back and forth on whether or not this is what I want to do, I finally made the decision that this is what's best for me. That was 7 months ago. It has taken me 7 months of jumping through hoops with my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross), but with the help of my doctor's amazing nurse, I finally got everything taken care of and will be having my surgery on February 25, 2011. That was last week that I got my appointment date - now coming this week, I have four appointments for pre-op - blood work, doctor's one on one visit, nurse's pre-op appointment, and an upper-GI. Next Monday, 2/7, is my final appointment before my surgery - it is with the cardiologist who has to read my EKG and sign off on my surgery - finally!!!

It's been a logn time coming but I am so ready for this!!! After so many years of research and prayer, I can't believe it's finally happening and seems so close but still so far away and surreal. I am 5'6 (used to be 5'7) and 240 lbs at 43 years old. I am ready to begin my new life and excited for what my future holds. I am so blessed that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends who are all standing behind me ready to help me make it to the finish line - I don't think I could do this without all the major support I have!

Whoo hoo!!

How are you doing so far?

I am same weight and also have the same insurance and i also just was banded feb 25th. I cant wait to see how you doing! i am finally feeling better i want to succeed so bad but i am scared to death! I cant fail a million people know i got this thing and everyone is watching ! UGGH .... lol that can be good though give me motivation but, it also scares me! well hope to keep in contact with you!!!

How are you doing up to this date? Hope all is well.