Hello everyone, my name is Rhonda and I'm from California. I'm waiting on a date to be banded. I have been to the introduction meeting and have an apt. with a physiologist tomorrow. I'm hoping that it goes well, that is going to be the determining factor on if I get to have the surgery. I'm very nervous about this, but am praying it will all go well.

I'm happy to see that there are people from around the world on this board. I find it amazing at how small the world has become because of the internet.

And to think, sometime soon (we hope) it will be a SMALL small world after all...

I'm having the band done. I don't like the idea of someone re-routing my insides. I have done careful research on all the surgeries available and this is the one I am comfortable with. I like the idea that it is forever adjustable. I have heard of people with the other surgeries that end up stretched out and needing to be banded. That's just not my cup of tea. I just found out that my psych appointment is the 24th of August and they told me there is a Lifestyle class on the same day that I may be able to attend. That would mean only 2 days off which would be better. I'm guarding my sick leave so that I have enough for all of this.

They told us at the orientation that there are 900 patients in the pipeline at SSF. That's why it's taking them so long to get us our appointments. It's sad to think that there are that many people out there that are obese. Of course, there are a lot more that can't get the surgery for one reason or another. I'm so happy that I have the insurance to cover it because I don't know how I would get it otherwise.

They told us at the orientation that there are 900 patients in the pipeline at SSF.

Wow no wonder the process is 3-6 months. I guess us self pay have some advantages! I wish you luck in getting your date!

I live in MA, and I started this adventure in May. I have been to the seminar, the support groups, the dietician, the weight loss specialist, the psych doc, and on Friday I'm scheduled for the fitness dude! I don't expect to know if my insurance will approve me until sometime next year as they require a year of supervised dieting.....hence the weight loss specialist/nutritionist. ...deep sigh....I just have to keep plugging away at it and wait!

Yeah it's a trade off. Whereas you get your surgery faster it's less expensive for me. Fortunately, I have Kaiser so all of the fills and aftercare are covered to. So I have to be patient. But that's ok as long as I see movement on their side. I really hated not knowing when those appointments were going to be because I felt like I was once again just dieting. But I'll spend the time between now and then just getting used to eating right and loosing a little weight. I'll have to do that right after the band is placed anyway until they find my sweet spot. I'm just happy that I'm getting it so this darned weight will stay off.

Yeah, babs0101, you do have to keep at it. It gets depressing sometimes but if you keep your eye on the total picture you will make it. If your insurance does not have an exclusion, they should cover you. You'll have a great appeal if they don't.:nervous

Like I said, I'm trying to put it in my head that I'm setting up for the period of time right after I get the band until they hit my sweet spot. I still have some things to work on like eating slower and smaller bites. If I don't get this down, I'll be PBing my brains out. I have nightmares about standing at the counter talking to a customer and starting to slime. LOL

Keep working towards your goal and keep in touch so we know how you're doing.

Hi Paula,

How are you? I am glad you have already had your lapband. I will be getting mine July 20th and am told it is a new and improved version - supposed to make you lose even more weight.

Where do you live in the UK? I am from Scotland originally, have been in the US for 30 years.

I know a lot of people who have had the lapband (from the facility that I will be getting mine from) and many have done great. Most seem to hit the magic shot after about 3 fills. Of all the people I know that had their surgery last July - they have already lost 100 lbs. So I intend to be one of those statistics!

The people that don't seem to do well are the ones that cheat! Of course we all know about cheating as we have done it on every diet ever invented otherwise we wouldn't need the lapband! Of course they make excuses for not losing but the buttom line is they haven't made the commitment to losing. If you drink milkshakes and eat ice cream the weight won't be coming of now will it.

How are you feeling? Did you stay in hospital overnight or longer? How are your energy levels? Another things about fills is that people say it takes a couple of days to feel the effect.

Bye for now, all the best to you.