This is my first post. I am almost done with all my doctor visit(s) expect for the Cardiologist.

Once this is done, the Surgeon and nurse will review my medical records and test results. Making the decision that I am a candidate for Lap Banding and set a date for the surgery. I am hoping it is the week before Memorial Day, I will then be able to have my brother/sister fly up and be with me.

I feel comfort after meeting Dr Veninga of Carrollton (N.Dallas), Tx. He is a very skilled doctor and I am looking forward to having him complete my banding.

I have researched this quite a bit and was impressed by the numbers, but again alike some of those I have read postings from about being afraid of this. Each person who described what they went through, I lived it with them. I felt I was there, but it was I who was going through this each time.

As you can guess, this will be my first MAJOR surgery since I was 5 -- when I had my tonsils taken out....yes MANY MANY years ago...acutally 43years ago. I am 48years old.

I am looking for your thoughts and prayers, and any words of encouiragement.

I thought I had out grown the being afraid stage, but I guess it is still there.

Again hello from Ron Sutton/Dallas, Tx.

(!!==)

Welcome....you can do it!! I pray for your peace....this has been life changing for me!!!

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -31lbs

I was also banded at SCOR 3-15-04. Keep a postive attitude, be excited and the staff will take very good care of you. After the they give you your happy juice right before surgery, nothing else will matter anyhow.

Dr. Jayaseelan

290/176 goal -114lbs

Howdy all and thank you encouragement!

Unfortunately, my insurance company UHC won't my lap banding due to the company's exclusion in our policy. I have read the threads for this and don't think I want to fight it. I have already decided to self-pay because I came into some inheritance and it will pay for the surgery.

Aside from that, I am still nervous, but more confident and look forward in two weeks in getting banded for life.

I have my pastor, sister, sister-in-law, and roommate coming to be with me on that day and I am more confident in getting through it. And, the hoops and doctors I have jumped through and seen have really been an experience no one should really go through unless they are really looking to have this surgery done.

Anyways, any last minutes words of encourage are welcomed. Thanks to all those who wrote me!

God's Blessings on you all!

Ron Sutton aka faugrad@yahoo.com :clap2:

Well, the date was changed to Wed, 5/24/06, 7:30am. I will join the banded league.

Just asking for prayers and that all goes well. I have worked through EVERYTHING already and I am READY!

God's blessings,

Ron Sutton aka faugrad

Ron,

Wow, you are only 2 day's away from your band, congratulations. I am sure everything will go great for you, it sounds like you have a great support system. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Make sure you check back in with us as soon as you feel up to it and let us know how you are doing.

Ron,

Congradulations and good luck. Once you set it in motion it looks like it went pretty fast for you. I hope to join you in bandland on 6/13. I had to change doctors so waiting for insurance company to recertify. Sounds like you have a great support system in place. You will do fine.

Howdy All!

The surgery went fine. Arrived about 6:00am for the prepping for surgery. About 7am, anthesist introduced himself and advised of a "feel good" shot to relax me, actually it put me to sleep since I only slept 2hrs. I don't remember the surgery at all, but it went fine.

I do remember waking up with pain and thrashing about due to it. I also remember muttering "why did I have this surgery!"

They gave me another "feel good" shot and I slept for another 4 hrs. I woke up about 3pm. The surgeon put me in the hospital for 23hr observation due to the fact CPAP machine broken the weekend before I went in. He wouldn't release me until I got it fixed or new one.

Fortunately, my sister was able to get my sleep doctor to send a sales person over to rent me a new one -- which is silent! I was able to go to a local hotel for the memorial day weekend and just relaxed.

I was so glad to get to sleep without anyone waking me up every other hour, but I am glad they kept a lookout on me.

I wanted to say thanks to the Surgeon, Dr Frank Veninga, and the Medical staff and attendants, to my pastor, my sister and sister-in-law, and others who prayed for me. I offer this as a praise to you all.

I ask God to bless you all!

Thank you again,

Ron Sutton aka faugrad!

Joined The Banded for Life Group - 5/24/06

Welcome to Bandland, Ron! So glad to hear that you're doing well. Take it easy for a few days, sip sip sip your Water, walk as much as you can, and before you know it you'll be good as new.

I look forward to hearing about your progress. Here's to a happy and successful band journey!

I had my band placed yesterday. I was in the OR at 8 AM and home by 4PM. My throat is sore. I have already watched TV while laying on my stomach. It was one of many major abdominal surgeries for me and I have to say one of the easiest. I am tolerating my liquid diet and I am not hungry. I'm drowsy and I am taking a pain pill about every 4-5 hours. Mostly because my throat hurts so much. Good luck to you. Hang in there. My insurance didn't approve. I paid $15,000.00. If I am successful it will be money very well spent. :grouphug:

It has been 5 days, so far, I thought I was suppose to be on a clear liquid diet for two weeks AFTER my surgery, but found out I am suppose to be on Optifast for two more weeks (I was on it two weeks before the surgery).

My concern is I am burping a lot, no vomit, blood, etc. Just burping. Last night I took a Gas-X tablet and it helped. Unfortunately, my doctor's office is closed for the holiday. So, I will call on Tuesday and get some clarification on this.

Second concern, I am "dumping" some too. I don't want to take anything that my doctor doesn't know about -- like Kaopectate. So, I will call on Tuesday and get clarification on this.

And lastly, I don't feel full. This might be do to not eating as I should. It says to "drink" you meal (up to 5 a day) and drink Water about 30mins to 2hrs later. Just doesn't make sense to me. Again, I will call on Tuesday and get clarification on this.

If anyone has any idea on the "fullness" issue, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Ron and faugrad