I am new to the site. I had to find some new friends that can help me with this new journey. I am very excited. I had to pay cash. My insurance had a clause stating by no means it would pay for the surgery so I opted for the LapBand. I am doing the OptiFast Diet two weeks prior to surgery. The no Diet Coke is what is killing me. My main concern is all the extra skin when the weight does start coming off that I will need another surgery that I will probably have to pay for and I don't see that happening. Any suggestions? The nurse told me it is basically your genes will decide and the elasticity of the skin. I pray it will go back. It is great to be here. Bye.

Hey there I am also getting banded on the 21st. I am ready for this....I have had all my post op's done today and they said did you have the ultra sound of your gallbaldder? I said no ...no one told me too so I have to do that Thursday and hopefully it all will work out...good luck to you!

I can see by your post that you're only 31 years old. My doc told me that youth is on my side. It might help that we're a little younger doing this... I think it also has to do with how much weight you loose and at what rate of speed...

I am going tomorrow to sign consent forms at the doctor's office and of course pay him. Then I am going to the hospital Southern Surgical in Slidell to preop there and I didn't know anything about a gallbladder u/s either? Maybe they will do it there. I know it is mainly to pay them their money. You know they need that money first. Oh well, that is how it is. But, all I had to have was bloodwork, pyscological evaluation, and medical clearance from my doctor who then did an EKG to be on the safe side. I guess I will see tomorrow what else will be in store for me. Thanks writing back. Good luck.

Did you have to do a sleep study, and an upper GI? I was just wondering........I think the protein shakes are really working on not making me hungrey...well not THAT hungrey!

No, I didn't have any other testing but bloodwork and an EKG. I was told during my consultation (luckily in not so many words) that basically I am pretty healthy for being overweight, just high cholesterol. Also my primary said my glucose this time was a little high for fasting so she would normally recheck it, but since I am having the surgery she isn't going to worry about it.

Well great! I guess since I am only NINE years older that is why I had to have the test......anyway...as long as we are in good shape! How is the liquid diet going for you?