ChristineS

Congrats on setting a date! I bet it makes it even more real!

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on taking charge! Good luck on your journey

I still have some pre testing to complete but I've done the uper GI X-ray. It is not painful at all. They had me get into a gown, drink the bariam drink and stand in front of the x-ray machine. They take pictures as you take big gulps. then you drink a similar drink alittle less thick, more pics... Then they had me swallow what tasted like alkaseltzer (little dry crystals) they foam up. They lay you down and take pictures to make sure you don't have reflux. Nothing was painful although it doesn't taste great and I felt very full from the barium and the crystals to the point that I thought I might bring it all up after it was over while getting dressed to go home. They encourage you to drink lots of water after the test so that you don't get constipated. It was a very easy test in all honesty. I have my NUT and psyche eval next week. Not sure what to expect. I share the same emotions as you and have been reassured that they are all normal. I also suffered in the past with depression and currently take a low dose to keep me feeling human. I can't help but to wonder what this process is going to do to me mentally. I am going to do my best to remain confident and positive and pray that I don't go back down that road that I fought so hard to overcome. Best wishes to you on your journey. Feel free to stay in contact

Prayers and good thoughts coming your way!

HI, I have been reading lots of posts on this site and have noticed almost everyone has had all the pre requisite appointments done before even seeing the surgeon. So far I have seen my PCP and she refererred me to the surgeon. I called the surgeons office to set up my appointment and she also set up my seminar. (Both happening tomorrow) So I am guessing that the surgeon will send me for all the pre surgery testing and then go from there?? I have Magnacare health insurance through my husband (he is a union Ironworker) I am praying that I don't have any issues with coverage! Now that I've made my mind up about having the surgery, I just want it done

Thank you both for the responces! I'm pretty excited and looking forward to the appointment tomorrow

I have entertained the Lap Band quite a bit in the last 2 years. I am 5' 3" and I weigh 242 lbs. I am married with 3 children ages 5 to 18. I have tried all the diets with little to no success. I recently went to my doctor to talk about my weight issues and she suggested the lapband. I have read and watched countless youtube videos, the good, the bad and in between. I have a handful of friends and family who have had the surgery with great results. I took a week to think about it and talk it over with my husband and today I made the appointment with the surgeon and for the seminar. I plan on taking my husband to the seminar with me. Surprisingly both the appointment and the seminar are scheduled for THIS tuesday! I feel very excited and alittle anxious. I have health insurance and am praying that this surgery will be covered. How much weight do you have to lose pre surgery? Any advice is welcomed! Thanks!

Precious11788, Wow, sounds like things are moving right along for you! You must be flooded with all kinds of emotion! My aunt had the Lap Band done 3 years ago so I was able to talk to her about her journey in deapth. She, too told me about the pre diet to shrink the liver down. I had not known about that. I won't be using the same surgeon due to insurance reasons so I won't know what to expect til I meet him this Tuesday. I really don't know what to expect at my first appointment really. I am assuming I will be sent for all the pre surgery testing?? OH also (I forgot to ask my aunt this) During your upper GI, do they put you totally out or are you in a twilight? Not too worried about it, just want to get started!!!!

MommyKristie, Thanks for your reply. Boy that must've been something having your husband go for support and end up getting banded before you! Sounds like it was an insurance nightmare! I am glad it worked out in your favor. My BMI is something like a 42.7 (morbidly obese, I hate that saying!) I have quite a few comorbidities. My dad passed away of a heart attack at 53 after years of struggling with diabetes and being over weight. My mom had a heart attack at 48 years old and ended up with a quadruple bypass. Grandparents on both sides, pretty much similar story. I hate to think that I am doomed but it sure looks that way! Each passing year my weight just keeps climbing so I have decided that this is is! I need this tool to help me get this weight off and I am ready to get started!