What a whirlwind. I have booked surgery with Dr. Kuri for 1/8/09, and am happy and excited and nervous and experiencing all kinds of emotions.

I have read two books: Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band, by Robert Sewell & Linda Rohrbough

and Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.

I have read lots of threads on assorted forums. All point to lap band surgery being right for me.

I attended a seminar by Dr. Machado in Sacramento and was impressed by her. My PCP, however, was discouraging, suggesting that I should do the South Beach Diet. After 30 years of countless diets I just don't think I'd stick with it.

So, not wanting to go through a long drawn out hassle trying to get insurance coverage, I made a decision to research self pay options. Dr. Machado offers a $15,000 self pay option at a surgery center. If hospitalization is needed, the cost would be considerably more.

Dr. Kuri and Dr. Ortiz both offer reasonable packages. I selected Dr. Kuri at $7500 plus airfare. Money is definitely a concern for me in this unstable economy, plus I feel safer knowing that I would be in a hospital for the night after surgery, as well as the night before. And I like knowing that I can be close by at a hotel the following night in case I need additional help.

No, I can't sue if something goes wrong. And I will need to do fills somewhere else, or travel back to Tijuana. But Dr. Kuri is very respected and experienced, and I feel good about my choice.

So..... Today is 12/23/08. And I am giving myself a wonderful Christmas present, and a new, more healthy lifestyle will be my 2009 reality as a result.

Eeeeeeeeeek!

:biggrin:

Good luck I have my surgery on Monday the 29th

Good luck and congrats of making that decision. I was banded 2 days ago, and the emotions I felt going into it was so...scary for me. I don't really know why I was so apprehensive. I guess it was a culmination of things. The thought of having a foreign object like that permanently in my body, kind of freaked me out. I was also afraid of the pain, and I am a warrior when it comes to pain. But I think it was all just being afraid of "what if this doesn't work?" But you know what? All of that worrying was for nothing. You'll see. And I think the excitement of a whole new life is scary as well. Just get ready for that damn GAS! Not like "farting" gas, but the kind of gas that makes it's way to your left side and kind of just sits there! Walking is the best thing for it...I don't know why, but it alleviates much of the pain. And it doesn't really matter, because it's so worth it! I'm so excited for you. Good luck

Wendytp... Wow sounds like everything you wrote I have been thinking did you have to go the two weeks with out foord before I'm so happy for you did you stayover night in the hospital??? how much time did you take off work I am taking 10 days but I can work from home also I hope you lose what you hope for

mmnairn,

I did not have to go two weeks on the dreaded "Liver Diet," that's what they call the all liquid diet. However, I am having to go two weeks on it now, liquids only for 2 weeks...plus popsicles, juices and Italian ice. Let me tell you what you do, though. I started getting KILLER headaches from lack of protein, so I got those "Special K" powdered protien thingys that you mix with water and I mix 2 of those at a time in about 8 ounces of water. That jump starts me w/10 grams of protein from the get go. Then I do a bowl of broth with 3 grams of protein and I'm good. The protein will keep you from getting hungry and/or getting headaches. Also, they say that once you've had your first fill that warm liquids work well in the morning to "loosen" the band, so you could even do the Special K protein powder in the "Tea" flavor and drink it warm. The reason the Protein water or mixes work well is because they're water based.

I'm

mmnairn,

I did not have to go two weeks on the dreaded "Liver Diet," that's what they call the all liquid diet. However, I am having to go two weeks on it now, liquids only for 2 weeks...plus popsicles, juices and Italian ice. Let me tell you what you do, though. I started getting KILLER headaches from lack of protein, so I got those "Special K" powdered protien thingys that you mix with water and I mix 2 of those at a time in about 8 ounces of water. That jump starts me w/10 grams of protein from the get go. Then I do a bowl of broth with 3 grams of protein and I'm good. The protein will keep you from getting hungry and/or getting headaches. Also, they say that once you've had your first fill that warm liquids work well in the morning to "loosen" the band, so you could even do the Special K protein powder in the "Tea" flavor and drink it warm. The reason the Protein water or mixes work well is because they're water based.

I'm a teacher

wnedytip,

Thanks and Merry Christmas I will try thoses I have three day I know I can do it some post on here scare me and now im unseure if the surgery is save I weighed 251 when I started I weighed 243 this morning.

I have been drinking broth and the slimfast and water and jello ..... Yummy

mmnairn,

Your surgery is Dec 29? Who & where? I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.

Merry Christmas,

Carol

Wendytip,

I appreciate your sharings. I'm feeling some of the emotional stuff as well.

Where do you get the Special K protein powders? The tea one sounds like a great idea.

Merry Christmas,

Carol

mmnarin,

I know what you mean about some of the posts on here...very negative stuff. I really think that the people who aren't losing any weight...especially the ones who have quite a ways to go need to have their band "adjusted." I also have gottent the vibe that "I'm banded now, so I can do whatever I want. My stomach can't hold that much food, so I should be able to eat whatever." Just try to block the negative stuff out. Remember, this is a "tool" and that's all. It's like hanging ap picture on a high wall. Adding a stepladder doesn't mean that stepladder does it for you; it means that you have to tool to make that goal attainable. The surgery is VERY safe, so don't even worry about that. Your chances of getting hit by a car are far greater than this surgery. You can get those Special K protein things (the powder) at the grocery store, where they sell other drink mixes. And I just found out that the iced tea flavored ones are super good served hot...plus warm liquids will be eaiser to take, especially in the morning.

Merry Christmas and we already know you're going to have a SUPER HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wendy