Hello everyone,

I am a 48 year old female, 5' 8", 238 lbs. and am about 80 lbs over ideal weight. I have not been banded but just had to say that this is an amazing site and I am very greatful for all the generously helpful people here. I probably wouldn't have the courage to get this operation if it weren't for all the help and encouragement given here.

After reading the health risks from being overweight I feel 100 percent on the positive side about this procedure. I have learned that is not a magic bullet and it will still take effort on my part to lose the weight but this I am hoping will be a powerful tool in helping to stop re-gaining the weight that we work so hard to take off! I like going to the gym but I don't like being the only fat person that's been a member for almost a decade.

I have an appointment with the NYU Medical Center in Manhattan. CIGNA pays 100% when you have it done there. (Would love to chat with someone who has gone here or plans to!) I am thinking positive thoughts that they will pay up. I am a grey area BMI though at 37/38 but I do have recent back problems and high cholesterol. I am only nervous about them not paying. Don't want to go into debt again. Was wondering which was worse being in debt for a decade or 80lbs overweight? I've come to the conclusion that risking a shortened life is worse especially when you still have young kids. I am excited about the health benefits of this procedure and of course the perks of fitting into clothes better. I know this has got to be healthier than using diet pills and over exercsing! Thank you all once again for your support!

Joan

NY

After three tries I'm having my ventricle hernia finally fixed. Dr Fielding is doing the surgery. Anyone getting banded on August 27?

Anyone being banded August 27? Dr Fielding is doing my ventricle hernia ...it's over 12 inches long. Insurance has given me a run for my money but the finally said yes.

I don't know what a ventricle hernia is. Dr. Fielding fixed my hiatal hernia and removed my gallbladder at the same time he placed the lap band. I've had no problems whatsoever. If Dr. Fielding is doing your surgery, I'm sure you'll do fine. He's a very gifted surgeon. I've felt wonderful since my hiatal hernia was fixed -- haven't had heartburn since my surgery and I used to get it all the time.

Good luck to you!

I am also scheduled for Aug 27- Dr. Ren. How is the diet going for you?

I was banded on August 7 ,2006. I have lost 45 pounds. I'm older and unable to exercise. I have 6 compressed disks in my back. I'm hoping the hernia repair will help get me moving again......on to the next fifty pounds. Good luck on your surgery. I know you will do just fine.

spunky

Good luck to you! I will be looking for you.

i just found out that my surgeon doesnt place the AP band so im looking at other Drs. My question is: what was the wait time from the day you recieved your surgery date till surgery?

I was supposed to find my date out yesterday but the receptionist kind of brushed me off and told me she'd call me next week. Im really sick of waiting. Im starting to get pretty bummed.

Ive done an unrequired 6 month diet and exercise because of the bad info from this office. I could have been banded more than 6 months ago since my insurance doesnt require the 6 month D/E but the receptionist told me otherwise.

I feel that if I am trusting my life to a dr, I should expect excellence and I have not seen that in this office. Depending on how long getting restarted will take I may or may not switch.

Lighter in NYC, I can't remember if you e-mailed me about how it went with Dr. Ren. When is your surgery date? Or has it passed and you really are lighter in NYC!??!

I missed you. Where have you been and what stage are you at now?

Surgery tomorrow-Aug 27- I have to be at NYU at 7AM.

This is the easy part! The emotionally draining part was going to all the appointments NYU and my PCP have required. So glad its finally here.:confused::whoo::clap2:

OMG tomorrow Lighter! I can't believe I thought about you today when I got on and you are going in tomoroowwwww.... I am excited for you. How long will your your drive be in the morning? You should be fine if you are on the road before 6:00 a.m. roads are nice and open!

Are you staying over night at the hospital? I was thinking I wanted to stay at a really nice hotel in the city the night of if they do not keep me since I'm saving thousands having it done at NYU instead of here on the Island. How do you feel now? Keeping calm I hope?

I had a delay, but don't really mind, when I couldn't get a nutritionist appt. date until the 30th of this month. I had all the tests, visited with the Phych. Paperwork in order, but I am waiting to see if my PCP is going to cooperate with the 6 month progress report letters he needs to sign. I typed them up for him as well as the referral letter. Hope he doens't think I'm too pushy. I just wanted to give him an example and I know how busy he is!

Best to you you'll do great and look gorgous and thin and be healthy very soon....

:confused::girl_hug::girl_hug::girl_hug:

I am just finishing up my last carbonated drink now. I have not been nervous up until about 2 hours ago. AHHHH!!!! My drive should not be more than 1:15,so I will leave around 5:30 AM.

Our doctors require us to remain overnight. They are the best and want to cover all bases. Better for us!

Maybe you can wait to reward yourself in a swanky hotel a couple of weeks after surgery so you can really do it right!

Sending positive vibes your way. Keep up the good work!!!!!:confused::girl_hug::car::whoo::clap2::girl_hug::nervous:)

AHHHHH!!!!!!! Can you believe it??

St. Tropez in bikinis next year!!!:confused::whoo:

Welcome back Light! It's finally over and you've done it!! Yeah..:clap2: Congratulations! How did it go? I hope you are enjoying your stay at the hospital ...let them wait on you and pamper you for a change. We are all here for you....complain or gloat as much as you like! take good care and rest up for the beach next summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:girl_hug:thanks for the positive vibes...I feel em

Hi Joan,

My name is Kelly and I was banded at NYU on July 6th by Dr. Ren>she was fantastic. I also had an omenectomy>I have had my first fill done by Dr. Fielding who is out of this world! He is so easy to talk to and has the band himself. This has been an incredible journey so far. Best of luck to you!!

Thanks for the good words Kelly. I was shocked when I viewed the movie during the intro seminar and Dr. Ren said not only was he this morbidly obese kid in the pictures, he is a lap band surgeon, Lap-Band user & he is my husband! Good team they are..I can't wait to meet them hopefully soon. I have my nutritional meeting on the 30th.