Good morning. My name is Diana, I'm 226#' and 5'1" tall. I live in California, married for 31 years, have 2 great boy's and 2 grandkids. I have been looking into the different surgeries for the past year. I had my first Dr. appt last week and I felt such a relief in doing so. I am now in the process of going through the steps before surgery. It would be great to get feedback on what to expect . . .before, after, insurance, testing needed before surgery. Help!!

Hello! I am a newbie too, so sorry I can't offer any advice..I just wanted to say HELLO and WELCOME!!! I look forward to "seeing" you around!!!

Pam

Hi Diana,

You are just stating out, aren't you? Well, you will be happy that you did. All the pre-op stuff takes a long time, especially if you have insurance that requires referrals, etc. But time does pass and you will get those tests done, and in the meantime, you can start working on changing habits. The doctor is probably going to require some amount of pre-op weight loss, and it felt good to know that I was already loosing, even before the surgery.

I've written others today that everyone is an individual when it comes to how and when they loose weight after the surgery. I am a slow looser, but others loose quite quickly; some don't loose until they hit their "sweet spot" after a few fills, but as long as you stick to your doctor's program, the weight will come off, and you will be so happy.

One gal decided that she was going to keep a journal. Good idea! You kind of forget how hard you work to get your band, and reading back might inspire you to stick to the program. Many doctors recommend keeping a food journal, and that is an eye-opener, too. All those little bites of food add up to the calories that make up the pounds.

Be patient and know that time passes no matter what; imagine yourself a year from now. This is going to be great for you.

Thank you replying and givng me encourgament, I can't wait !!

I am so excited for you! I know the process can seem so long and you can almost make yourself crazy but just know you taking these first steps and it will lead you to your life of health. I was just banded but remember thinking is this ever going to really happen. Keep pushing on and I am sure whichever doctor you choose will make sure you have all the info. you need as far as the pre op low carb diet and post op info. as well.

Good luck ....cheering you on!!!!

Hey Diana I will be banded this tuesday, so in two days. I have done the preop diet which i can honestly say is HARD but in the end worth it. They will make all sorts of test on you like blood, ekg, what not. You will meet with the dietician to go over the rules and what to and not to eat. Its really not that hard it just takes time. After surgery people keep telling me to walk walk walk and get my rest. So i will let you know on Tuesday how i feel and how bad the pain is. This site has helped me in claming me don for the surgery:laugh::cool2:

good luck

hi I also am new to this site I was banded in feb. 08I took me 6 mo. to get my papers together, the ins. is the longest part. good luck:thumbup:

Thanks fou responding. I go back to te Dr. tomorrow with the tests he requested done:thumbup:. I'm excited to see what he says.

Hi Diana, I am new to the site too, and I also live in California. I am still in the pre-op stage and I am trying to get as much info as I can too. Welcome and look forward to talking with you...Connie

thanks for responding .. .At what stage are you in and how is it going? Whay part of California do you live in.

First of all, Good Luck to everyone as we start on this journey.

I started the process in Aug and have completed my dietary requirements from the dietician and my insurance. I have tried for years to lose the weight and have suffered from my thyroid issues as well. I found out that I will have to pay $11k out of pocket as my insurance only covers $5K.....uugh! Well, tomorrow, I have my pschy eval tomorrow and am nervous. Things are moving fast as I have my blood work and ekg on Tuesday, 11/11. Once these two are complete, I will have my case reviewed and then meet with the surgeon and should be scheduled by the 1st week in Dec. Has anyone had surgery with Dr Atkinson in NV with the lapband? If so, what advice can you give me as I begin my journey. I have already eliminated carbonated drinks and live to drink Water. I cant stand the taste of anything else nowadays. My mindset is right I believe to be successful. Im just nervous and feel that I can now begin to live my life at age 37 once I lose the weight. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks

Edited November 6, 200817 yr by lovcinderella

Good luck! I meet with the surgeon today to review what test's I have done. I have not even begin the insurance part yet. I am dreading that process.

Hello Diana and welcome to LBT! I see I missed the welcome wagon when you first arrived :rolleyes2: I am sorry.

Congrats on meeting with the surgeon today and getting one more step out of the way. What insurance do you? Do you have comorbities? Your BMI would qualify at 226 for 5'1"

You're well on your way now... It's a journey and a fun one at that :thumbup: Good luck!

Thank's for responding. I have Blue shield of California. I have another appt in 2 weeks with surgeon. He is going to go over more on what they will be doing and also give me lots of paperwork to read. I have done lots of research online already. I can't wait. Have a great evening.

The Pschy eval today was a breeze. In fact, he already sent his clearance on the process. I have my blood tests Tuesday and then I will meet with the surgeon to schedule the date. I was advised I will sure have the surgery by Beg of Dec...I am so excited except for the cost of the procedure.

Thats great for you! CONGRATS.. I had mine 3 days ago and even though is PAINFUL im sure it will be worth it