So I guess for all intents and purposes, I'm ready for surgery. It's been a long tough decision for me. I've been thinking about it for years, but finally decided last month to bite the big one (ha! ha!) and just go for it!

I'm paying cash so I didn't have to wait for a gazillion insurance denials and approvals. It's great to read everyones advice and gain knowledge from those who have been there.

I've read a lot about the pain levels associated with surgery and wonder if anyone has ever given birth by c-section or had any other abdominal surgery prior to banding and what the pain level compares to. I know I have a really high tolerance for pain. With 3 c-sections I had little to no pain meds and was out and about immediately after being released from the hospital. For my middle child, that was less than 18 hours after surgery. Any help from those who have been there.

wow!! you're one tough cookie! i'm a whimp...and couldn't believe it when i found out i went 7 whole hours without any pain meds. i make the dentist give me novocaine when he rebonds my teeth. LOL

congratulations. I know you will be fine. I'm so excited for you.

Good luck for Friday Lezlie!! Im sure you'll be fine and if you do have pain in a few months it will be a distant memory! :crying: That is what I keep telling myself anyway! :wink2:

good luck friday. i am also a self-pay b/c my insurance denied. i had a major abdominal surgery (my ovary and cyst were removed and i was cut hip-to-hip and in the hospital for a week). this is nothing like that surgery. for this i just took liquid tylenol (because i'm nursing and didnt want the big-gun meds). i did fine on tylenol (i'm only 1 wk out). my biggest complaint were the gas pains. you'll do fine :crying: