I had my pani removed (all 16 lbs of it) Friday morning. It was not nearly as traumatic as I had anticipated. I left the hospital the next morning walking upright and went to my DS' house overnight (he lives closer to civilazation than I do).

The worst part of it so far has been the constipation caused by the meds. But my son made an emergency run to Walgreen's at midnight last night and I was cured by sunup. MOM is a miracle drug for sure!

I'm in my own home now with nothing but steri-strips on my incision (I had anticipated drain tubes, compression garments, a body cast, and full-time RN on duty!).

The amputation feels very strange.......I'll have to get used to not having a bag of fat flapping against my legs when I walk. I still weigh what I did when I check into the hospital.......this swelling better go down and so had the scale or I'm going to be very upset!! I also have a round purple belly above my stitches.....just call me Barney!

Seriously, the nurses all really praised my sugeon....if any of you plan to have their PS in the Dallas area, Dr. Pollock must be the man. And the Texas Institute for Surgery is like a visit to a Hilton Hotel.....wonderful place (part of the Presbyterian system). Most of their surgeries are day surgeries but they do have 9 overnight rooms. The night I was there, there were 2 patients - with 2 RN's, a CNT, and a security guard all at your beck and call (and a wonderful dining room that prepared your food according to your instructions---too bad I can't eat much!).

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes!!

Cool...extra boost mid way! We have the same wonderful surgeon, and I'll see him I guess at 9 months. I feel like I'll have to do the tummy area (most of my weight is there), and the breastals for my ego. Ego at age 50...I should be shot! Ha! But the band really does make you feel good about yourself again, doesn't it?

Congratulations on your amputation! I can't wait until I am close enough to do it. I will keep your surgeon in mind. I might like a drive to Dallas. I will also need my boobs put back where they used to be....hanging on my belly isn't quite working for me.

Gayle, that is fabulous news. I had 6.5 lbs removed and I still cant believe my pannus is gone. You are doing great. Congrats!

That is so great!! Congratulations!!!

If I were to add up all of the weight I have lost and gained...ANd all of the money I have spent getting HEALTHY.. I would have paid the the lap band 3 times over!

There so many going thru such a battle to get some insurance help. Like being in this state isnt hard enough! I ended up being private pay. Luckly I have for the Best Doctor in the world! He is sooo affordable!

I was having trouble Getting my surgery and financing also. But I found an awesome Dr. and my lapband only cost 5500. my surgery date is 5/19/09. Email me if you need and awesome Dr. for pivate pay. experiance.success.leah@gmail.com

we bandsters have to stick together!

Thank you so much for Dr. Pollack's name! It's always nice to go to a consultation on a recommendation. I'll save it for when I am ready:thumbup:!