Hey everyone. I was so excited to find this site. What a great information site. I went to my seninar on saturday at Medical Center East in Birmingham and went and borrowed the money today to have the lap band. Tell me what to expect, what to look forward to and I would love to have some Lap friends on this site. My appointment with Dr, Shmitt is on next Tuesday. I am so excited and scared and emotional. I felt so sad after the seminar. Ifelt like there were 100 people in the ocean and that doctor had one rope and we were all desperately trying to grab onto it!!! Thanks to all of you for sharing your info on this site, it really helps! Bamalama

Yes your doctor is throwing up a life line.

I am so glad you have your financing lined up.

I am a self pay too.

I went to the seminar in May and had surgery in July 06.

I started exercising about 6 weeks before surgery.

I could only go 1/2 mile in 35 minutes. I felt stupid and very noticeable but I felt at least I am trying.

good luck,

edie

Hi and welcome to LBT! Congrats on your decision to get the band, I know it is one I will never regret. I was also self-pay, but it is so worth it. You will probably have to have a psych. eval, nutrional eval., ekg, blood work and possibly a sleep apnea study prior to the surgery. Additionally, you will most likely have to go on some type of pre-op diet, but every surgeon is different. Let us know how things progress, we look forward to getting to know you too!