I've been stalking the site for a couple of weeks and I've learned a lot. I have decided I definitely want to get banded and have begun my physician research. I was surprised to learn from my first physician contact that I am not required to attend a seminar, there is no overnight hospital stay, and he said I can go home the same day as surgery even though I live two hours away. I'm self-pay. Thoughts, anyone?

I was out of the hospital a few short hours after my surgery, it is commonly done on an outpatient basis.

Even if you are self pay does the doctor offer any type of nutritional counseling, group support or anything along those lines? My insurance (and clinic) did require a minimum of 6 months working with the doctors before approval. I know a lot of people hate the wait but I found it worked great for me. I learned a lot along the way as well as lost a significant amount of weight making my surgery and recovery much easier. I also feel it has helped me since surgery to have had that background. I'm not doing things perfectly by any means but I think without the pre op phase of my journey it would be a lot tougher on me now than it is.

Best of Luck!

Where are you having your surgery at? I live in Missouri but have heard such great things about the Wellborn Clinic in Little Rock that I have chose to have them do mine.

I'll be staying overnight , which I dread, but I think I think it will be for the best since they wont me leave until i can succesfully swallow. Rather have it taken care of there then to get home and have issues I guess.

Tklee30, I haven't decided 100% but I'm leaning towards Wellborn. It's between him and Luttrell. Do you have a date yet?

Tklee30' date=' I haven't decided 100% but I'm leaning towards Wellborn. It's between him and Luttrell. Do you have a date yet?[/quote']

Just had my surgery this morning still waiting to go home but I feel ok overall

Dr Mark Gibbs did my surgery 6/2010. I did spend the night in the hospital which was good. He is a very good surgeon & who my medical friend recommended.

My doctor is dr luttrell!! I absolutely love him and everyone in his clinic!! I did have a six month supervised diet required by my insurance. So I've been seeing him for over a year now. He is a great doctor.