:embaressed_smile:I know for sure that i want the band... but mom doesnt know if she is going to have time to ... but she is really unhealthy and needs the band... if anyone knows the answers to these questions please let me know... thanks.. everyone

How long after the surgery can you go to work?

How many times do you need to take time off to see the doctor before and after surgery?

Does anyone have HCPN?

Everyone is different in how soon they feel like going back to work or getting back to all their normal activity, but I think most people are ready within a week or so. I went to vegas after 9 days and was fine! There are quite a few tests that need to be done before the surgery. Those can be fit in during lunch hours for the most part. I had a pre-surgery appointment that took about 3 hours. After surgery, I only have had one appointment which was 2 weeks post-op. I am scheduled for my first fill Jan 6th which will be 6 weeks post-op.

I was out a week - no difficulties........

I'm in the same boat as you are! I just had the band on 12/18 I am self pay all the way! However my mom really needs it the band also. She is very overweight for her height and unhealthy. She just had to come out of retirement to start working as a nurse again because of financial difficulties ahd and my dad are having. She keeps saying she will have it and than she doesn't want to have it because of money issues. I just keep telling her that it's like buying a new car. My payments are only like 283 a month. I am hoping that when she is watching me go through this process and than her sister in april that will make her change her mind.

Any ways the answers to your questions are

1. 4-5 days

2. Depends on the doctors and insurance requirements. Since I was self pay I had a consultation appointment which I took 2 hours off. A cardiologist appointment which was another 2 hours. Pre-op which I took 1 hour off for and than surgery which I had 4 days off for but I called in today because I wasn't quite ready to go back to work.

3. I would call and find out or look at their brochure online.

I went back to work after two weeks. (I used vacation time)

I see the doctor once a month post op. (I take a couple hours vacation time off from work)

I saw the doctor and completed lab work, and several classes, so about 7 times. (I used vacation time)

I use FMLA for doctor appointments

I only took off a Friday and a Monday (surgery was on Friday). This worked fine but I was really tired on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Aftercare is just like a normal doctors visit if you don't have to travel too far. Many clinics can also schedule some evening/weekend hours depending on who is doing the banding. It really doesn't require much time at all if you schedule it well.