Nicki823

Depending on your location and the type of hospital, they may have something called Charity Care to help with the cost of surgery. At my hospital, if you qualify, they cover 50%!

Hey Alerker! I have the same pain. i asked my doctor about it today and he says it's sensitivity from the port. Also says it will go away as the swelling goes down. Hope that helps!

I'm banded! I only had to take the pain meds once. The pain is luckily not bad, tylenol should do it. Good luck to all who are yet to be banded. See you on the other side!

Hi Everyone, After all the crazyness this week, I have decided to go through with the surgery after all. I am due at the hospital at 7:30 and the procedure is at 9. I am a bundle of nerves right now (obviously right? since I'm posting at 2 in the morning instead of sleeping)! I spent so much time today making sure things were prepared for my kids, that I hardly ate anything! So, now I'm a little hungry and I just want it to be time already! According to my doctor, I will have 1 week of liquids and 1 week of puree's. See you on the other side!

Thank you to everyone who sent a word of encouragment! I am so ready to have this surgery that I'm vibrating with anticipation! Losing my job at this time has made me seriously rethink having it done... I have been encouraged not only by you, but by my now ex-boss (who has also had the procedure) and my family. Guess I'll be banded and "on the other side" on Friday morning! BTW... I have been having some issues with my ex not doing anything to have involvement with our son. Therefore, I have had a couple of instances where I was late. So... to make a long story short, 3rd time was the charm and I got canned.

Thank you mandagay! Your response is appreciated!

Hi ALL, I am supposed to be banded on Friday, but this morning I got the can! Yup! Terminated just days before the procedure!!! I want to go through with the surgery since I have made it all the way up to now. My insurance will only cover me until 3/31 and then I have to apply for medi-cal until I can get real insurance for my kids and myself again. I am struggling with the decision. I WANT THIS!!! I want it so bad I can taste it, and it's right within my reach. Would I be selfish to continue as planned, or should I wait to get different insurance and run the gauntlet again? Asking opinions from ALL please. No Negative Nelly's need respond. Thanks for advice in advance.

Hmmm.... Where's the applaus smiley?! Oh well, I guess you just have to settle for CONGRATS!!!

Congrats! I'll be praying that yoy'll be joining me in BandLand! My surgery is schedualed for 3/23 @1045!

I love this! My 14yr old daughter asked if she can have a smoothie for breakfast before school now instead of toaster waffles! She says "I't so much better for me!" Those tiny moments that make us proud! lol

Celeste I found nectar medical protein! It really is unflavored. I mix it with my juice or a smoothie and have no problems. http://www.amazon.com/Syntrax-Nectar-Medical-Unflavored-1-Pound/dp/B001I1NSUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331536045&sr=8-1 It's WELL worth the cost! Nicki

I'm on day one. Mine isn't very strict, but I'll be darned if they didn't show up with a See's gift for us at work!

I bought myself a striiv and a new pair of shoes! I am almost ready to start my C2K5 program as well! Surgery date is 3/23/12 and I can hardly wait. Pre-op diet starts this friday. Enjoy your fitbit, I LOVE my striiv.

I suggest going to the Syntrax websit and ordering a sample pack from them. You get to try all of the flavors and not worry about getting stuck with a big tub of something yucky! I personally like the twisted cherry flavor and just recently ordered the unflavored. I have 2 big tubs of Protein Powder now and I'm ready to start my pre-op diet on the 9th, surgery is on the 23rd. I really like the unflavored powder... there is no weird smell and you really can't taste it!

I'm schedualed for March 23rd also. I started my approval process in October last year and JUST got my date the other day. I have researched and read. Shopped and stockpiled. I am ready for this! The only thing I have left to do, is fill my fridge and freezer with pre-made meals for my kids to have while I'm recovering. Good luck to you and I wish you a smooth surgery and recovery. If you need a buddy in this journey, I'm here! Think Thin!

Whoo hoo!!! You don't know how glad I am to find your post! I'm Lethal Eject-Her of the Sintral Valley Derby Girls! I was torturing myself for years before deciding to get the band. Still not banded yet, but hoping for Feb. Anywho... I have been working on my skills and trying to become bout worthy and the weight just keeps holding me back. After the accidents and injuries, I have only skated for about 1 1/2 years of the 5 I've been with the team! I can't wait for the fat issues to be a non-issue! I miss my girls... Just so glad to see other Derby Girls here! Keep us posted on how skating goes with the band! Lethal

Hey Everyone! I have been lurking the boards for some time now and have finally decided to introduce myself. My name is Nicole, I'm 35 and I am the mother of 2 wonderful children. I am currently 246lbs and 5'7" tall with a BMI of 40. I decided to have Lap Band surgery because my kids deserve to have a healthy mom. I made the final decision about the proceedure when I turned 35 and immediately got the ball rolling. I made an appointment with my PCP and my surgeon on 10/10 and 10/11. Both appointments went smoothly and I was sent to the Psychologist. She has given me 3 weeks to follow my 1200 calorie diet and journal my daily food intake and mood/feelings. In addition to my already active days, I have to add regular aerobic activities! LOL! I walk between 5-7 miles a day for work, I stroller skate with my little one, zumba, bellydance and once in a while, I get to practice with my roller derby team! Now, Since I need a regular activity that I can do without any real organization, I will be starting the C25K program! My next appointment with the Psych is on 11/8 and I'm actually looking forward to it! My insurance is through my job and the proceedure will be done there as well. Unfortunately, I should've decided to have this done last year, my insurance would've covered it 100%! Now it's only 50! (Thanks contract negotiations!) I have been told, that from your first appointment to surgery is usually about 2 months total! Well, I guess that's it. I can hardly wait to join you! Nicole

Awesome Pawsome! You're doing great!

I take Smart Pack gummies, 2 Calcium gummies (I don't drink milk), and a tiny Iron tablet. I am still in the approval process, but the Vitamins are a must for me! HTH