Hi! My name is Nichole, I'm 21. I'm from the northwest Indiana area, I'm seeing surgeon Dr. Stanich from Methodist Hospital (anyone seeing him?) I don't have a date to do my surgery yet, I'm so excited to get mine though! He is currently making me due a diet of high Protein and low carbs. It's only been 3 days, but so far I think I've lost a few pounds. I know he has me on his diet due to my poor eating habits and bingeing.

I see him in a month. They said I have to go through a psychological exam and some other tests. I see a pyschiatrist every month (I am bipolar and have anxiety issues) do you think I can get a letter from my pyschiatrist, approving my surgery, than going through the exam?

Also what types of tests do you go through before the operation? Like bloodwork or x-rays?

Any to all of you who read this and have had the procedure, when was your surgery and how much have you lost?

Sorry this is so long!! But I thank everyone who replies and helps me out with this!!!! :redface:

Hi - I am Amy. I'm from the Toledo area - so not too far from you, I guess. I haven't done anything - but I'm ready to make an apt with a surgeon.

I'm probably like you in that I want to get banded as soon as possible. But - I suppose there is a reason for going thru everything that you do. I, honestly, want to go to a pschychiatrist anyway. If I have emotional eating issues - I want to address them. There wouldn't be a problem with my body if I did follow a diet. That's my problem. I always start one but fail within a week.

I know you probably don't want to hear this - as I'm sure I won't either - but we are probably going to have to be patient in this process. The band is a tool and I'm sure that before we do it they are going to want us to understand it and know how to live with it.

Good Luck to you!

hey, I was banded on may 6th, 2008, i was 21 at the time. the pre-procedures where a ECG "eco-cardio grahm" A complete blood count. the psych evaluation is quick and easy fo me. it is just to see if a person has any body image issues and unrealistic goals...like weighing 50 lbs or something like that. the band was the best thing i eve did....for real. i lost 87lbs in 8 months....my first month....i lost 30lbs....a pound a day. i weighed 380 im down to 293...i wore a tight size 52 jeans now roomy 44. i was wearing 5xl-4xl tee', now im down to 2xl's. i workout 4-5 times a week, but diet is the most important thing! it is important to stick to the diet and eat consistantly. i had probs with portion control.....i loved food more than myself...now....i have trouble eating a 2000 calorie diet. like i said its the best thing iever did. STAY STRONG, STAY MOTIVATED, AND STAY TRUE TO YOUR SELF. if you ever wana talk, I am more than willing to help."if the road is easy, the destination is not worth the walk"

-FURIOUS ABYSS