Renee410

I was banded by Dr. Fielding on 4/10/13...nothing but great things to say about the entire NYU team. I was reading back regarding some cost concerns if you're not covered at 100%. If you're set on having the best and going with NYU, look into their financial assistance program. If you're income is less than 6x the poverty level, your out of pocket costs for surgery can be covered at 100% (if you make more than that under their guidelines, your out of pocket expenses may still be covered anywhere from 25-75%). It was never something discussed with Dr. Fieldings office, but directly with NYU finance when the initially called to notify me of my financial obligations. NYU finance didn't offer it straight out, so you have to ask (and even then the details aren't explained well). I thought it was just something to put me on a payment plan but spoke with the man who approved my claim and he said it meant that NYU would actually cover the costs flat out and I wouldn't have to pay them...I guess they have grants/endowment money that cover the cost. It relieved a lot of financial stress I was having over surgery at the time!!

For someone who was just banded 2 weeks ago, this is inspiring! Congrats!!

Congrats!!

Surgery day was a breeze! (Aside from a 4hr surgery time delay...but with people on both sides of me having brain surgery today...I was in no position to complain about a little wait!!) The whole team at NYU was fabulous...even the dressings on my (only 2!!) incisions are shaped like hearts...too cute. Just sore for now with a little bit of the gas/shoulder pain but I did just hit the liquid lortab so I can get some solid sleep in my own bed. Was lucky and haven't had any nausea since surgery... I'm sure tomorrow will give me a little more pain but I'm just so happy to be on this side of surgery!! Thanks to everyone who wished me well! And good luck to anyone whose banding is coming up!!

Today is the big day for me!! Surgery is set for 11am EST and of course I'm already awake!

Hey fellow April 10th surgery pals! I'm scheduled for 11am (10hrs and counting!) and stuck awake not bc I'm nervous but because I can't decide what to wear to the hospital! Hope my 4/10 surgery buddies have safe surgeries...definitely check in tomorrow when you're feeling up to it! So excited this step of the journey is finally here!

In my first meeting with my surgeon (Jan. 8) I asked him what the time frame was going forward and he said I could have surgery in as little as 3-4 weeks (Early Feb.) if I got all of my outside appointments in order (because he requires a 2 week pre-op diet). If you're diligent and let him know of your window of opportunity and your insurance doesn't require a doctor-guided diet beforehand you can probably make it work.

Hey! I'm on day 13 of my 2 week pre-op diet (surgery on Wednesday) and while the first few days are rough, know that it definitely gets easier sooner than later! For me, I was hungry and tired days 1-2 but by day 3 my energy was back up a little and I wasn't hungry all the time. I did have a few dreams about eating food and I'd wake up thinking I cheated and feel guilty, so don't be alarmed if your mind plays some tricks on you! Definitely recommend Protein shakes so you can get enough protein but also feel full. My doc said to not even bother with anything that has less than 20g/serving. I use Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement shakes in chocolate, strawberry and iced latte...and the GNC Go Lean 25 shakes in vanilla and pumpkin spice. I usually have 3-4 a day and supplement with broth, etc.

Hi all! Late to the game posting on here...I'm on Day 8 of my pre-op liquid diet and have surgery set for 4/10 with Dr. Fielding at NYU in NYC! I had all my pre-admission testing done yesterday and once my primary doc faxes my medical clearance to the surgeon I think it's official official. Constantly going between nervousness and excitement all day everyday but I'm guessing that's normal! Congrats and good luck to all of the other April banders! J. Renee