Just wanted to introduce myself.

My name is Marisa. I live in New Jersey with my 5 and 3yo daughters, husband and three French Bulldogs.

I'm scheduled for 4/21 to be banded by Dr. Feteiha at Overlook Hospital in Summit. The surgery is being covered by Aetna (thank God!), but I had to do the six month supervised wait. During that time, I've gone down from 253lbs to 235lbs. In the spirit of full disclosure, not sure how that happened, since I've not really done any hardcore dieting.... (Long winter with three bouts of asthmatic bronchitis and then a bonus round of the flu).

I recently returned to school to pursue a degree in Nursing, so I'm actually working the surgery in between semesters (I need to finish a couple pre-req courses before December so I can apply to the Nursing Program). Deadlines, deadlines!!

My husband is on-board, as are my friends, though my in-laws are somewhat hesitant (the admittedly don't understand the procedure or why I would want to 'do something like that to my body'). I don't have any immediate family in the area, so I'm a little leery about the recovery time. I went through two c-sections, and I hear the lap band is a breeze in comparison... (fingers crossed!)

I just ordered the Optifast stuff for the 2w liquid pre-surgical diet, along with the post-surg Vitamins.

I now need to figure out how to crush my meds for the post op duration.

Looking forward to the camaraderie of the other Bandsters

-m

Hi Marisa!

It sounds like you have your hands full in New Jersey! It sounds like your husband will be a good support though.

I live in Meredith, NH. My banding is scheduled for April 14th. I am 45 and my kids are grown and gone, but my husband will be available to help. I've been fighting breast cancer for the past year, so I'm not anticipating this surgery being any worse that ones I've had before (I hope).

I lost about 14 lbs but have gained a few back. I went into eating auto-pilot as soon as I got my surgery date. I need to get back to dieting. My Daughter is home from college this week, so I've been bad. She will be gone on Monday so the plan is to rededicate myself then. Plus, there's the liquid diet that I'll need to start in a couple of weeks. That should help! :wink2:

Nice to meet you!

Karin