lmwalt2413

I went to my first appointment and met my surgeon and team of assistants (RNs and Dietitian) and they were great! Really wonderful, reassuring, and helpful. I got a really good vibe from them. However, I feel like I am giving up so much just to be skinny. Part of me is so ready for this and the other part of me thinks that it is not worth it. Can we really keep a band in forever? I am 33 and I am supposed to have this thing in me forever? I don't get it. Anyone else gone through this?

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the helpful comments. I go back and forth so much. One day it is 125% sure and the next day it is only 50%. Maybe that is why I have a 6 month waiting period.

Bypass=NO Lap Band=YES You can do anything you put your mind to. Bypass is so risky.

I ordered the book yesterday.

Kinda weird to say that I "meet my surgeon" but I am excited and super nervous. I hope they are nice people and not condescending or rude. I feel like I am moving into the dorms since it is such a new experience. Excited to get this ball a rolling. I ordered a couple books too!

I have had a lot of comments lately about LB. Most people say that it is the easy way out, you will gain all the weight back, it doesn't deal with emotional eating issues, etc..... So, how do we get those negative things people say out of our minds? Friends will say: I could never give up food, or bread, or fried foods, etc... Question? What about beer? Can we still drink a beer?

I am excited, scared, worried, tired, ready, not so ready, unsure, forward thinking, and nervous. Well, I guess that covers it all! Now I get to start this journey! I am so ready to find out what is in store for me. What I can accomplish.

Yes, I have a friend who said, "you're not that big" well quite honestly I am THAT BIG. It is hard my mom is coming around more and more to the idea but at first she was really mad and made a lot of rude comments, she still does. I feel like I have friends that will try and jeopardize my progress. I am with ya!! We gotta hang in there!

Hello: I have my first appointment with my surgeon and dietitian on June 2nd. I am self-pay but they are going to submit it to insurance too I think. I have documented high cholesterol and had gestational diabetes with a BMI of 40. I am nervous, but happy, and trying not to listen to all the naysayers! They are every where! I feel like let's get the show on the road! I am scared about giving up beer though, not like I drink all the time but it is the only alcohol I like. So I guess I can't drink anymore when we go camping, or out with friends, ect.. : (

Has anyone had Dr. Lee in MN for their surgeon? What did you think? How has your experience been? Thanks!

Anybody had Dr. Lee in MN for their surgeon? I have my first consult with him on June 2nd.

Hi! I am Southern MN! So good to see someone on here from MN. I am just starting my journey and wondering who was your Dr. I am seeing Dr. Lee on June 2nd and they told me 4-5 months for self-pay and 6 months for insurance pay. Your journey is inspiring!

Hi: I don't have a answer for your question. However, I am in Southern MN and wondering if Dr. Lee is doing your surgery? He is in Southern MN?

Well, first off I am getting more and more comfortable with the reality of this. I still haven't brought myself to tell my mom. She has been on my case for 10 years to lose weight. I don't know how she will take it. I have a feeling she will be upset and then tell me to grow up, buck up, and do it myself. Blah, blah, blah. It is just who she is. Anywho-things I am scared of: 1. Dying from WLS 2. Being put under, deathly afraid of that. 3. Becoming an alcoholic afterwards or some other addict. 4. Telling people that I am doing this. 5. Acquiring a shopping addiction after I lose weight. 6. Excess skin, my mom had a tummy tuck and I don' want to go through that! 7. What will happen to my marriage, because I hear all these rumors about people getting divorced. 8. Drinking alcohol afterwards and puking. 9. Having to exercise, although when I do it I like it. No others right now. Peace, Liz

Well, I told my mom I am meeting with a surgeon in May about WLS. She was pissed needless to say. She told me I am just lazy and taking the easy way out and that if I didn't have the financial ability to pay for it myself then I would have to do it the old fashioned way and diet and exercise. I told her that from what I have learned this is more difficult because you don't have a choice but to diet and exercise. My mother has been very negative toward me the last 10 years that I have been overweight. She constantly makes comments, calls me names, and embarasses me in front of others. The thing is if I get banded then she is going to make fun of me and embarass me in front of people about this. I guess I just don't know how to deal with her. I understand she is concerned for my health, but she goes about it all wrong. Just venting, sorry.

Hi: I am wondering if lap band surgery recovery is similar in regards to having a C-Section? I am trying to get a gauge on whay the recovery period is like and what I will need for help afterwards. My husband travels quite extensively for work and is gone quite a bit. I can expect to have him for a weekend if I have my surgery on a Friday or Thursday. Then I am on my own with 3 kids ages: 10, 6, 3. I do have a babysitter and friend that can help a little. I have had c-sections and know what the recovery time is like with that and taking care of 3 kids (except no sleep with a newborn!). Thanks, lizmat

How long after you attend a seminar does it take to get surgery scheduled? I will be self-pay since insurance won't cover the cost. Is there a better time to start the journey? I know this summer we have a really hectic schedule until August, a lot of trips. Thanks, Liz

Hello: My name is Elizabeth (Liz) and I have been researching Lap-Band for about a year now. I have been overweight since 2001, roughly. My height is 5'4" and weight is 227-232. BMI of 39. I was up to 240 this winter and lost 12 lbs! I have high cholesterol and had gestational diabetes. I am scheduled for a seminar on May 19th. I will be self-pay as I am sure insurance won't pay. Question: How long after the seminar does it take to get surgery scheduled? Did anyone else feel like a failure because they had reached this point in their life? Thank you, Liz