I finally have approval for the band and am scheduled for May 9th - a week from today. I have been scheduled twice before and my insurance company refused both times. This time looks like it will actually go through.

I started the process in November of 2009 but have looked into surgery before. Many years ago now I was contemplating it but my husband was against it because he was afraid something would happen to me and our children were younger. I lost a hundred pounds on my own at that time but subsequently slowly gained it all back. I am disappointed with myself and somewhat apprehensive about the process and my main reason is they have a very hard time getting needles in my veins. I am not at all kidding. I have had two times where they have had to go into my jugular vein for access just to get through the surgery. Feet, ankles, etc... no luck.

I have lost over 9 pounds in the past week pre-op diet and would like to lose about 125-145 pounds.

That's it for now. Wish me luck!

It must have been so disappointing to be so close to surgery only to have it cancelled! I'm so glad it's going to happen for you this time. Even though you ended up gaining your weight back, the fact that you were able to lose so much is impressive and a really good indicator that the lap band will work for you. You already know how to lose the weight, and now the band will help you keep it off.

Have you asked your surgeon or primary care doc if there is anything you can do to help make your veins more accessible? I know being well hydrated helps. You could also ask the surgeon for a dose of anxiety medication when you arrive for your surgery, so you can be more relaxed when they're trying to place the IV. The anti-anxiety med wouldn't help open your veins up but it would at least make it easier for you to tolerate.

Best wishes to you!

Thank you for your suggestion. I have had a port-a-cath placement in the past for access since I have had a lifetime of renal lithiasis (kidney stones) and many surgeries. I drink a lot always. The port was removed because they were unable to keep it working, in fact, it really only worked for one procedure. The last time I had surgery (just a few weeks ago) the anesthesiologist was using the doppler and I am not joking here, it took him over an hour to get in (with the jugular the final outcome after lots of sticks). Of course, it was done with no sedation so was probably more traumatic than it needed to be but I am used to the sticks and they don't bother me much except I am not crazy about jugular and the length of the tubing they put in there was impressive I have to say.

I do hope I can lose as much weight this time and keep it off for good. I also believe that the kidney stones were less frequent when I was thinner. The problem is I am now unable to take my stone inhibitor (potassium citrate) because my potassium level is too high. I do have palpitations and two leaking valves (aortic and tri-cuspid), though they are mild leaks.

I pray this is the right thing for me and do worry. I also could kick myself because of all the weight I did lose and gained back. I know what I have to do to get there and wish I hadn't let that all go. Anyway, there is no sense crying over spilled milk so onward we go.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Wow, what a journey you have already been on. Sounds like you have the right idea. Now you just need the right tool. That will happen May9th. Awesome for you! I agree about the hydrating. My veins like to run and hide from incoming needles. Water the day before and the day of is a huge help. Also when I was going through a cancer procedure and my veins would hide, the nurse used something that hunters use in the jacket pockets to keep their hand warm. You just break-up the contents, not the bag, and it gets warm and it will cause the veins to rise as well. It was not really bad hot, I am a wimp about that to, so it was certainly tolerable. I am just so excited about you starting the process and actually ahve it happen for you. That is just great. keep reading and keep posting. We are here to answer questions, sahre in your victories and hold you up if you feel down. Looking forward to hearing more from you.