Stress, stress, and more stress has not let me sleep. This first consult is just freaking me out. What should I expect? Do I have to take my clothes off so they can pinch my fat or poke me with a stick like a zoo animal? Will I have to endure long and endless crazy talk with a shrink? Will she/he make me talk about my feelings and sit me on a comfy couch and try and braid my hair? Seriously. I'm so nervous. The consult is not until Monday, May 5th or as I like to call it...Stinko de mayo ..lol (light chuckle).

Here its about 2:52am.....and I should be asleep.

Age: 25

BMI: 38. something ( dont' remember )

crazy: I could be getting there...LOL nah its just the lack of sleep talking.

Obviously it depends on the doc. For my first appt the surgeon explained what the lapband was and how it worked, he weighed me and worked out my BMI - yikes, talked about the lifestyle and eating changes I would need to make to live with the band, risks, costs, etc. There wasn't any poking or prodding though I did have to show him my previous surgical scar as I had major liver surgery about a year before my op and he wanted to see how this would impact on the band placement. All the best on monday

Go to sleep, you have nothing to worry about. My first consult consisted of speaking with the surgeon (for him to get a feel about whether I was a good candidate for the surgery based on my particular circumstances) and he did examine my stomach by pressing on it (not uncomfortable at all or embarrasing).

If you have to see a nutritionist, mine spoke in general terms about what my diet would need to be when I have the surgery, (Proteins first, veggies next and whatever after that) to make sure I eat enough Protein. She indicated that because I am already following the weightwatchers plan (since December) that I should have no problems.

I went to my pcp who needed to make sure I am cleared for surgery. This consisted of taking my blood pressure and tempature, feeling around on my stomach area and glands around my neck. I did blood work at the hospital, an upper gi series (no big deal, drank a small amount of white thick liquid and layed on a table fully draped in a hospital gown, took only 10 minutes) also had an EEG.

I saw a psychologist who asked me a bunch of questions. It lasted about an hour was no problem. (if they require this, make sure to use one they recommend since the psychologist that they recommend knows what your insurance is looking for).

Now I am waiting to hear from my insurance hopefully by this Friday.

Good luck

Ha! You're funny! I'm sure any stick-poking or hair-braiding would only have made my initial appointments more exciting! You should find the consult to be pretty routine and informational. (Although who knows what they might do with your hair while you are unconscious during surgery)

Good luck with your appointment and congratulations on making the decision to pursue the band!