Hi Shan...

I just read on the General forum that you got banded on October 11. Congratulations! :banana I'm a bandster wannabe, and hope to also have Dr Jones perform the surgery at Methodist. I got to meet him in 2001 when I had a consult with him on a different surgery - I think he's a great doctor.

When you rest up, I would love to ask you some questions about what you had to do up to the surgery date. I already know that I have to go through an assessment with a nurse, have a half day of consults with psych, dieticians, and meet with the surgeon, but I'm most curious how long the total process was, like when did you go to your information meeting and how long after that was your surgery scheduled?

I'm really excited about pursuing this, and just want to know how long of a wait I'm in for... :guess

Take it easy and let us know how you're doing.

Feel free to write me at my home e-mail: KDuckster@msn.com

Hi Kduckster,

Congratulations on coming this far. After you attend the first informational meeting things really seem to move fast. I suppose it all depends on the person though and if they are advocating for themselves to get through the process. The entire process for me? April 15th or so-meeting with my doctor who suggested me looking into it- Oct 11 surgery.

It took me about a month to get to the informational meeting. A week to get my papers in. The nurse called me in the following week to set up my appointment with her. The next month entailed that meeting with her, my four hour assessment (Physical therapist, psych., nutrition, medical exam), and my follow up appointment with the psych (1 hour). After those appointments I waited about 2 weeks to get approval from the insurance (which the nurses mostly take care of). Closer to the surgery I had an hour appointment with nutrition and 7 days prior a pre surgical physical by my own doc clearing me for surgery. All and all I would assume this is about an average time (5 months or so) some aspects of my process could of went quicker/some slower i.e. some people have to wait longer for insurance approval.

Hope this helps. Feel free to write anytime with questions.

I'm four days out now and the pain is diminished considerably-still not moving super quick or anything. Gas seems to be the biggest pain. Still no appetite really at all.

Take care!

Shan:)

Congrats Shan!! sounds like you are recovering well! Rest, walk and sip. Welcome to bandland!!!