I am going to keep a long story short. I was approved for the lap band surgery and was suppose to have surgery on May 24th. I recently found out that my surgeon only uses the realize band and I got real bummed. For personal reasons I just do not want the realize band. I'd rather have no band than the realize band. So I had two options. 1- switch to a surgeon who did use the allergan band, or 2- stay with my surgeon and get the sleeve. Well luckily the surgical coordinator at my surgeon's office spoke to him and we found a solution. My surgery has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for either the first or second week of June at a different hospital that DOES carry the allergan band. I AM SOOOO HAPPY! I was afraid this would stall me and cause complications but it only took a phone call to fix. Ahh I am super excited. I'll be banded in less than 3 weeks If anyone wants to follow my journey on youtube feel free to subscribe to me: Bandarina's Journey or add me on facebook: Bandarina's Facebook It is much easier to keep in touch on either of those. I love making new lap band friends

I'm curious about your personal reasons against the Realize band.

Congratulations!

I also wonder at your reason for not getting a Realize band. I was banded on 10/15/10....and so far, I have had no problem with it. The port is slimmer, so has a smaller profile. Would be interested in hearing your reasons. Good luck!

I would rather not dwell upon my reasons. I have nothing against the realize band nor do I want to deter anyone from getting it. This is my journey and I have to do what is best for me and what is in my heart or I will not be a success. My heart is telling me to get the allergan. I also have personal reasons not to get the bypass or plication or DS but I am not saying they don't work or that they are bad, just not right for me. So it's not just the realize band, know what I mean? But thank you for the support I am super excited. I can not wait to be on the losers bench!

Also have a question for those of you who have already been banded. My surgeon is not requiring me to do a pre op liquid diet. Should I take it upon myself to do one anyway? I would love to shave off a couple pounds before getting banded. I have a high liver enzyme which usually means the liver is fatty so I want to shrink my liver a little as well. Can't do any harm can it? I guess I'll call and ask my surgeon.

The more you lose with a liquid diet pre-surgery, the less you're likely to lose with your post-surgery liquid diet. I say eat while you still can

The more you lose with a liquid diet pre-surgery, the less you're likely to lose with your post-surgery liquid diet. I say eat while you still can

That is sooo true! LOL I guess I will stick to a whatever diet until I'm banded

I have to disagree. Do a presurgery diet and get your head in the game before surgery. I did not have a problem losing at all. I will be banded a year on the 25th this month and went from 262 lbs to 147 lbs in 11 months. Shrinking your liver also helps with placement of your band. Good luck.

I have to disagree. Do a presurgery diet and get your head in the game before surgery. I did not have a problem losing at all. I will be banded a year on the 25th this month and went from 262 lbs to 147 lbs in 11 months. Shrinking your liver also helps with placement of your band. Good luck.

I am so happy to hear how much you have lost in 11 months...it gives me even more encouragement.!

I have to disagree. Do a presurgery diet and get your head in the game before surgery. I did not have a problem losing at all. I will be banded a year on the 25th this month and went from 262 lbs to 147 lbs in 11 months. Shrinking your liver also helps with placement of your band. Good luck.

Hmm I agree with you too LOL I agree with both of you! I guess I should call my surgeon and ask him. I've already been doing a liquid diet for some time now but then I went back to normal eating. I'll do a 2 week liquid diet.

Anyone have any tips on what I should buy for post op? Anything you wish you would of known back then?

I wish I had known how dry my mouth was going to be . I had a three hour drive home with 1/4 cup of water . I had to pull over for water and some sugar free hard candy .

Anyone have any tips on what I should buy for post op? Anything you wish you would of known back then?

i'm so happy things are working out for you! i say do a pre-op diet as well especially since you know you have a fatty liver. ask your surgeon though! best wishes hun!!

I lost 30 pounds before surgery because my insurance company wanted me to lose weight at a monthly rate. I lost lost 60lbs with surgery.