Hi! I found this board recently and it has helped so much. I am scheduled for surgery this Friday, March 7th. After approximately 3 years of trying to get insurance to pay I have decided to go ahead and pay for it myself. I am very excited/scared/nervous, but mostly excited. I weigh 230lbs and I'm only 5'0" tall.

Hi Texgirl, Good on you for deciding to go ahead with the surgery. It is a shame that your insurance won't pay for it. I'm sure you won't regret having it done. Good luck and keep us posted to how you are going.

Saleel22

Hi texgirl, and congrats to you! How exciting:) I am right behind you, and will be banded on the 19.. Make sure to check out the March 08 thread, you will probably find others with the same date! Best of luck to you!

:)Kerri

Welcome and congratulations on the surgery dates. You'll find a wealth of information here so read a lot and ask questions.

Welcome! I am also five feet tall and at my highest weight was 230. A few years ago, I lost 30 pounds following a weight watchers diet ( not going to meeting tho). It took me ten months and almost overnight I put a little over half of it back. I worked to get back to 215 and stay there until I could get the band. I fought for months with my ins. and then decided to self pay. Now a little over three months and I'm down 30 pounds ( and down 45) from my highest of 230.

And it was so much easier this time to lose with the band. Sure I wish it was even faster, but what a difference and all this without having the best restriction yet!

I just packed up about five boxes of clothes that no longer fit. Down at least two sizes and soon will be able to shop in the regular petite dept!

I'm sure you can relate to how hard it is for overweight SHORT women to find clothes that fit.

Good Luck. We'll be watching to see you post once you're home recovering!

Shortgal, thank you so much for your post. I'm so ready for Friday and I can't wait to be in the regular petite department with you!!!

Congrats! I'm self-pay, as well. For me, I'm 5'5'' and 230. I didn't even try to go through insurance as I knew they would not accept me and getting the band was just too important. My surgery is tomorrow morning. Eeek!

LiseSeattle, Congratulations! I want to know all about it. Did you have to go on a liquid pre-op diet? I haven't, I just can't eat the day before surgery.

Doing wonderful so far! Since my consult was 1 week before my surgery, I was told to lose 5 lbs (in 1 week). I ended up losing 4...which was just fine w/ my surgeon. I basically did a liquid diet of slimfast shakes (ooh my - taste just like starbucks frapacinos only with a fraction of the calories when blended with ice) and coffee. You can read all about my surgery on my blog (link below) plus I'll be posting some pictures of my big day a bit later today! Fun!!!

LiseSeattle, Congratulations! I want to know all about it. Did you have to go on a liquid pre-op diet? I haven't, I just can't eat the day before surgery.

HI texgirl,

My surgery is a week after yours!!! March 14th!!!!!!! I am very excited but I am getting very anxious too... I can feel it and I am having a little trouble sleeping... I am counting the days.

I started the pre-op diet last Sat @ 235lbs (my highest) I am 5'1" tall. So far I have lost 5 lbs in 5 days! great! I am not on a liquid diet but in a very low cal, lo fat, lo carb diet.. the first couple of days was very difficult but I feel much better now, although I am starting to feel tired.

Anyway good luck with everything!

Giselle, Good luck! I really think the morning of surgery was hardest for me. I don't drink coffee or tea and lived off of diet coke. Since I couldn't have anything but clear liquids the day before I woke up with the worst headache the day of the surgery. It was a 2 hour drive to the hospital. We got there at 6:00 a.m. and I didn't get taken to surgery until about 2:30. So far the headache has been the low point of my experience. I love LBT! It is so great to have people to discuss our experiences with.

texgirl,

I am really glad everything well with your surgery... I'll be sure to drink some black coffee since I do not want a headache... So far I am really anxious but reading your message gives me confidence. Thank you and take care... kep me posted on how you are feeling.

congrats to you texgirl....I am happy for you...I had to do self pay...it is worth every penny...