Hi

May I share something? I am a romance novelist and "conferences" are a big part of the genre. I've avoided attending conferences for a few years now. Why? Goodness...you know why! I am feeling very confident that a lap-band is for me. I know it is going to work well and that I will be another lap-band success story (and may there be many!) Because I feel so confident, I just booked myself for EPICon in March, 2008.

I am about to get part of my life back that I have forsaken. The world is opening up to me once again. And I don't even have my consultation until August 9th! I read these threads and see your successes and I am jazzed to make this journey into better health, less poundage and in March, 2008...to Portland, OR!

I have one question regarding the pre-op diet I know I'll be put on. Should I not start a modified version of it a week to 10 days before my consult to show that I am, indeed, ready? I'm private paying, so I can get scheduled shortly after my consult--no having to wait for insurance approval. (My insurance denies any and all weight loss treatments).

Thank you, and many blessings.

Darr

Hi Darragha, and congratulations on your decision! I wouldn't start a diet before the consultation, just go as you are. Think how awesome you feel in March 2008, wearing clothes you actually like and look hot in, confident and energized! Rock on girl!

wearing clothes you actually like and look hot in, confident and energized! Rock on girl!

I tossed my plus-size catalogs today. From the mail box to the recycle bin!

Darr

Congratulations on making the decision to begin your journey to a happier, healthier YOU! Best of luck to you!

I am so excited. I feel like this is the best decision I've ever made. I have brief glimpses of fear (what if the doctor won't do the surgery?) and realize

1) I'm a perfect candidate

2) I'm a private payer. They want my money...come on!

3) That I'm not seeing any "unsuccess stories." Everyone is coming out ahead!

I am wondering about the anesthesia. Is it full or a drip that knocks you out for awhile (like when I had carpal tunnel surgery). I had a full spinal with the C-section--but I've never been "completely under."

Counting the days...

Darr

For the anesthesia they knock you completely "out". Not like twilight sleep, or spinal/epidural. They can't do a spinal/epidural type because they're working so high up in your abdomen, around your diaphragm which you need for breathing after you wake up, they don't want it to go "numb" and not work like your legs were after a spinal. The carpal tunnel surgery was quick, so the twilight sleep was OK. This surgery takes longer, so you need to be "out" all the way. I know, it's scary. You're putting your life in the hands of the anestesiologist, but hey - it's what they do every day, no biggie to them.