I have my first appointment ( consult) with Dr Bellanger on Tuesday. I will be self pay. I've done lots of reading on this site, medical sites, other surgeon sites, etc. and I have gone to several seminars over the years as well as Bellangers's this month. What are some questions that I should ask for this? I have no medical issues except for joint and back pain w/ a BMI >40 It's the initial consult. Also, any suggestions about financing besides typical going to my bank or CU. I've started looking but my debt to income ratio is high because the mortgage is in my name and my husbands credit is so-so.

BTW it's been an inspiration reading some of ya'lls forums and answers. Thanks!!

How did it go? I'm scheduled for 3/25 with Bellanger at Woman's.

This is who aim planning on using in hammond. I am hoping to set my appointment I may! Keep me updated! I would love to hear y'all's stories!

Hey y'all sorry for a delayed response. I had my sleeve done on 2/21. It's going good so far. I was self pay and I don't know if its because I'm self pay but I feel lost in this journey. Surgery went great except for a bad bout of needing to throw up a few hours after surgery with nothing inside. It scared me because I thought it would bust a staple. But it didn't. I got through it. You know when your body wants to throw up so bad but nothing is coming up. Lol. Bellanger's staff is very nice. Just ask tons of questions no matter how stupid they seem. And go to the support meetings. I go to Women's Hospital. They have one next Wednesday at 6. I've only been once. I can't wait till next week they are supposed to be recipe sharing. They say they usually have speakers too. Last month was about exercise and you meet people at all stages from just curious to 5+ years out. I'd love for us to follow each other.cause I know I sure need the support. The first couple days were droggy and a reoccurring sharp pain on my left side but it went away after about 3 days. I was off pain meds after my 2nd day home. I could barely eat but I was ok. Protein was hard to get down because the "clear liquid" type was disgusting. But it was ok. I drank water and got some sf jello in and sf Popsicles. My kids were jealous. Lol. I'm 2 weeks and almost 2 days and I feel great now that I'm not eating all that bad food I used to eat. And I'm about 25lbs down. I'm starting my walking regimen now and feeling great. I was back to work about a week later kinda part time for a few days (as much as I could tolerate ) now last week I'm back full time unless I'm just really exhausted or I screwed up eating to fast and I'm hurting.

I'm new to this forum but however we can follow each other would be nice to do. Let me know how if you know. -Laura

So glad you're doing well now, and thanks for sharing. I'm sp with him at Woman's on the 25th of this month and his staff is fantastic. I haven't been to a group yet, and would like to go, but with three little kids...maybe. Lol.

Again, happy surgery went well for you and that you didn't bust a staple. That's a fear of mine because I already struggle with nausea.

How long are you on liquids for?

This is who aim planning on using in hammond. I am hoping to set my appointment I may! Keep me updated! I would love to hear y'all's stories!

Good luck Danyel! I hope the process goes as smoothly for you as it's going for me.

I'm doing purée now but still like my liquids. I'm in need of recipes though. I'm figuring it out on my own but when I have time I search through this forum. Liquids phase was hard but over but I still like my protein shake for my morning commute Did full liquids for the scheduled time. 3-13 day