Hi everyone! I have just made the decision to get the lap-band surgery. I have a BMI of 46 and the following problems:

- elevated heart rate

- sleep apnea

- Fatty Liver (NASH)

- Gall Stones

- Depression/Anxiety

I need to lose 130 lbs! However my insurance will not cover the procedure so I will be a cash patient. I am in the process of scheduling my surgery for sometime in March. Naturally I am nervous and scared. I'm worried about the excess skin people talk about and hair loss and banding complications. However, I will be so pleased to get off the CPAP and see some improvement in my other ailments.

I met the Dr. last week. All that he wants me to do is provide him some results from a recent Upper GI I had. Other than that, he said he'd see me on surgery day. Everything went alot smoother than I thought it would. I guess because I am a cash customer.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and I look forward to being an active member.

Michelle :nervous

:welcome: :welcomeB: :welcome2:

Welcome to LBT Michelle!

Where are you going to have your surgery?

Good luck on getting a date for surgery!:eek:

Welcome Michelle,

Where are you from? Who's your surgeon? Where are you being banded? How much are you paying? lol I know, overload! I'm Donna, I'm also a self-pay being banded in March. Next Tuesday the 7th in fact. My surgeon is Dr. Roberto Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico. It's going to cost $10,600 which includes pretty much everything except airfare to Monterrey and food while I'm there. Anesthesia, hospital, hotel, transfers, follow up care, removal of band if it errodes or I have some complication, all fills - all covered in that price for the life of the band ie forever! I've seen self-pay in Mexico for less but I'm pretty sold in this doctor. He's got a great reputation and LOTS of experience. Anyway, enough about me. What about you?

DonnaB

03-07-06 Surgery Date

Dr. Roberto Rumbaut, Monterrey, Mexico

282/150

5' 9"