Had consult today...all went well, but have a couple of questions...

1. Dr. K says he usually uses a larger band. Not the Vanguard, but the bigger of the two smaller sized, I think he said 9.75. If a bigger band is used will the stoma also be larger?

2. The stress EKG....it's in the non-invasive cardiology dept, and instead of causing stress via treadmill, they inject a sort of adrenaline or something and then take nuclear images. This kind of gives me the willies. Has anyone experienced this?

So I guess the next step is to wait for ins. approval. I'll be waiting with my fingers crossed.

Hi Melissa, the band should be custom fit to your anatomy. Your doctor shouldn't be able to tell you what band you will get in advance as it depends on the size of your stomach and anatomy when he gets a peek inside. Your doctor should enter the OR with all three sizes in tow and band you with the one that is going to give you the best results - to big and you take the chance of slippage, to small and erosion is a possiblity. You may want to discuss this with him in depth (I was 275lb the day of surgery with a BMI of 52, I dropped 25 lbs before and my doctor was thrilled because I had reduced my fatty deposits enough for him to use the smaller band).

There is one thread that comes to mind regarding the drug stress test - but I have been unable to find it. The woman was not prepared for what the drug can make you feel like and panic and they couldn't complete the test - after she talked with DR/nurse about the symtoms that she felt and found out they were normal she went through the test with no problems. I guess it really makes your heart race. Maybe someone who has had one will post.

Good luck with your banding - cant wait to see you on the other side.

Thanks Lynn,

I'm going to try to do some research on that test. I should be as prepared as possible, and know what to expect...that should at least keep some of the anxiety at bay.

Take care,

Melissa