PuraVida37

Some questions to consider: How much have you already invested (financially/mentally)? In 5 years from now, will you regret the decision of turning down this opportunity? Are you fearing change or just listening to the food addict inside? You say you've let yourself go...are you willing to let yourself go further? <-- I have asked myself this a lot lately. My answer is NO!! If you are nervous about the money, talk to the billing dept at your surgeon's office. Then talk to your husband.

Thank you for the many posts! Great to hear you stories. OK, so how did you handle your first Thanksgiving? I don't really want to tell my extended family, but if I don't eat a ton like normal, they will know something is up. I never pass up loading my plate with my aunt's awesome cooking. How do you handle it? Surely they will notice?

Irish, your photo looks just like a friend of mine who also had lap band. lol

Sending you a personal message, lsail.

In a hospital not far from my home here in NY.

What is the goopy stuff in your hair?

I just got my official date, Sept 30!! Although I am hoping for the 27th if the doc can fit me in. A weekend to recover would be much better since I'm a teacher, instead of having to take a whole week off. My doc's office keeps insisting that recovery will be quick, perhaps 4 or 5 days only til you can go back to work. (But I do understand everyone is different.) // Today I had my endoscopy, and they found a hiatal hernia. Not really surprised there. // My doc has a great office and works like a well oiled machine in regard to insurance. I went in for my first appt and they got approval before I left! Wow. Also, in a moment of panic today, I called up with questions (just to be sure I won't get surprise bills) and I talked for 20 min with the billing specialist who assured me that all I pay is $500 and all other bills will be taken care of by the office. It is billed out of network, so whatever bills/checks I get, I bring them to the doc. // I was getting nervous but now that the endoscopy is done, I am ready to go. All I have left is a sleep study and cardiology clearance. I am actually looking forward to the 3 week pre-op diet as I hate to cook and I hate to decide what to eat. I've been doing very well on the low carb (100 carbs or less a day) diet that they put me on 3 weeks ago, but protein shakes are so easy, especially with the start of the new school year. // I told my chairperson about my endoscopy, that they were looking for a hiatal hernia, and so it really won't be lying when I say I need time off for this surgery. Doc's office already said it would write me a note just saying abdominal surgery. Today I'm in a really good place. I'm hopeful and ready to roll! // Sorry for the long run-paragraph, I have a new computer and have no idea why enter isn't making paragraphs! LOL

For those of you newly banded, how many days is it taking you to resume normal activities?

Sorry my questions caused a fight. I can certainly see that people have different opinions/experiences. Thank you all for sharing them honestly. I find it interesting that you bring up bait-and-switch because initally I was interested in the bypass and my doc convinced me to do the band.

My surgeon's office has Bariatric Advantage. I had a sample mixed with 8 oz skim milk and the choco was terrific (in fact the best choco Protein drink I've ever had, I'd say), the vanilla was good, the orange cream was too sugary/gross, and I have a sample of banana, but I'm thinking it's going to be disgusting for me. What brands are you all using? How do you prepare it? 2 weeks away from starting my pre-op diet, 5 weeks til banding (if all goes according to plan!)

Hi again folks, yes I sure ask a lot of questions. Love that I have a place to do so!! Thank you!! When I last applied for life insurance (actually an upgrade) I was denied because of my weight. How does getting a lap band affect the application process? Will they deny me again after I'm thinner because of it or will I pass with flying colors because I'm healthier? Any input/comments?

Hi folks! Those of you who had the endoscopy done, please dish. What was it like after? Did they find anything out of the norm? Is it affecting your LB surgery or date? For some reason I'm feeling claustrophobic or something about it. The thought of something going down my throat (yes, I know I'll be out for it, though!) is making me nervous. LOL But I know talking about it with you all will calm me down. Thanks in advance for your posts!

Hi there, I'm trying to schedule my surgery and would like some input about how long it took you before you went back to work. So, how many days did you need to be out and what kind of job did you have? My surgeon says it's possible to be banded on a Friday and go back to work Mon or Tues if it's a desk job. What do you think? PS I'm a teacher, and no, I'm not waiting til summer again.Thanks for your input!

I am going to be banded in Sept, about 3 weeks after school starts (I know, I should have had it done in the summer), right after Open House--I figured Spirt Week/Homecoming would be good because that week is a bust anyway. How soon will I be able to go back to teach, in your opinion? How did students and/or faculty respond to your weight loss? Were they nosy? How did you handle that? Thanks in advance for your answers.

Wow. Thanks for the honesty. I have had a c-section, so I know the pain. I believe I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I'll never know til surgery happens. If I don't do it at the end of Sept. (I have plenty of sick time accued) then I have to wait until Christmas break or completely miss seeing my family at Thanksgiving time (and my grandmother is in her late 90s, so I really want to go). You've given me lots to think about, thanks.

If I were you, I'd be proud that you've made the hard decision to get help for your problem with obesity. It's taken me 25 years to get around to that. You're young and have made it already! How did your fill go? How are you feeling now?

I don't mean to hijack your post, but I am going to be banded in Sept, about 3 weeks after school starts--I figured during spirt week/Homecoming would be good because the kids do nothing that week anyway. I know, I should have had it done in the summer, but things just didn't jive. How soon will I be able to go back to school, do you think? How did students and/or faculty respond to your weight loss? Were they nosy? Thanks. Sorry to interrupt.