mumof2boys

Well...my surgery is in two days. I have been telling my employer that I will be off for one week. When I called the surgeon's office on Friday to make sure that everything was still a go, I asked..."By the way...how long am I going to be off from work". They told me two weeks and faxed a letter to my employer stating that. I think that I'm going to go back the following Monday though. Good luck! Tina

What a relief that you are not going to Southern Maryland for this procedure. I would be very scared for you. As far as the tests...I think that every doctor is different in what they require prior to the surgery. For instance...my insurance does not require a psych evaluation, but my doctor did. So...don't worry...it's for your own safety. You should be good to go and you will get your surgery soon. I only have 4 days left. :high5: Tina

Hey there guys...I have been surfing this site for a couple of weeks and didn't realize that there was one for Maryland folks (although I have met a couple in the general forum). So...I'm getting banded on April 30 at GW University Hospital by Dr. Brody. It's only 4 days a way and I'm getting very nervous. This pre-op diet has been very hard for me. I have to admit that I have cheated a couple of times...was down 12 pounds, but this morning the scales put me at 10 pounds down. That's still good, but the numbers were going in the wrong direction. I'm back on the band-wagon and figured that I can suffer for the next four days. Anyone else out there have Dr. Brody? So far, I think that he's pretty great. I haven't had any problems with him, his office or the hospital. I had my blood work on Tuesday and now I'm all set. I would love to hear from all of the Marylanders out there. :high5:

Hey Tanya. I'm sorry...I remember now seeing your PM to me. I apologize for not getting back to you. Yeah...Optifast is not my friend. I really don't like it at all, but I guess it's doing what it's suppose to be doing. When I went over on Tuesday for my blood work, I ran into the nurse and told her that I would really love to have a salad. She said that I could and I could also eat raw vegetables...keep the calories down. So...that was a relief. We are celebrating two birthdays in the office today and I brought a veggie tray...at least I'll be able to nibble on something. No cake though...I can't believe that Monday is right around the corner. I'm terrified...were you really sore afterwards and how long before the pain went away? I bought some liquid extra strength Tylenol yesterday in preparation. I just don't know what to expect.... Tina

I am currently on day 6 of my two week diet (Optifast) and I have to say that it's killing me. I cheated last night by having a garden salad with grilled chicken. It was the absolute best salad that I have ever had in my life (probably not, but it tasted like it). I am down 11 pounds already. I truly hate this liquid diet and I can't wait until it's over. I was determined that I wasn't going to cheat, but I just had to chew on something with some flavor. I find it very hard to get all of the shakes in. For instance...I was at the ball field all day today with my son and I only had one shake, one Protein bar and a Soup for dinner...I'm suppose to have four shakes, two soups, two bars...I only took in about 450 calories today. Any suggestions? Tina

Hey there...me again...you'll never believe this but my brother is also getting married on July 7, 2007 (just went and ordered my bridesmaid's dress today). I have wondered about how it's going to be too. I will be banded on April 30. I should be getting my first fill the week before the wedding. I have told my brother not to count me when making the plans for the caterer. I would hate for them to pay $50 a plate and I can only eat a bite or two (if I'm lucky). I think that we will be fine...it's going to be hard, but we can do it. Don't push your surgery any further, it just won't be your typical celebration. Have a good time... Tina

Hi, Stephanie. So...you're from Bowie? I just got back home from there. I had to go to David's Bridal to order a bridesmaid's dress. Oh, what fun. Anyway...about Optifast...I HATE IT!!! The taste isn't that bad, but I just want something else. I would kill for a salad right about now. I started the Optifast diet on Monday (4/16/07) and I am down 8 pounds. My doctor (Dr. Brody) didn't tell me that I had to lose weight, the purpose behind the Optifast is to shrink your liver. Anyway...good luck on the approval process...you should be alright. I heard that BCBS isn't that difficult. I wish you the best and if you have to do Optifast, I'll be thinking about you. It has kind of gotten me depressed. Especially on a day like today, it's so beautiful outside...a nice day to throw some hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill...but NONE FOR ME!!! :think Let us know how it works out for you!! Tina

I could not agree more! I would highly recommend GW (Dr. Brody) or Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. Where do you live in Southern Maryland? I'm having my surgery at GW Hospital on 4/30/07 (I also live in Southern Maryland) and so far I have not had any problems. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. Also...I have heard that BCBS covers the procedure. I wouldn't recommend paying out of pocket and hoping for reimbursement. Try to be patient. Everything will work out. Tina:dance:

I started my 2-week liquid diet yesterday (4/16/07). I am on the Optifast diet and let me tell you...I would do anything for some chips or a piece of bread right now, but I'm really fighting the urge. I must admit...I like of enjoy the chicken soup...it kind of taste like gravy, but the shakes...I could do without. I don't know how I'm going to make it two weeks. I just have to remember the prize at the end. My surgery date is 4/30/07...two days of liquids down...12 to go! If I can do it...anyone can! Tina

I would not recommend going to Southern Maryland hospital for the procedure. Try to stick with the big hospitals. I don't particularly like Southern Maryland Hospital, myself. I have heard that Inova Fair Oaks Hospital has a great surgeon and I think that the person who told me also had BCBS. You can try Dr. Brody's office too. I know that they didn't call back, but I haven't had a problem. It's worth a shot. I started my Optifast diet yesterday and it's really hard for me. When I fix dinner for my kids, I really want to nibble on their stuff...like their mac and cheese tonight. But...I didn't. I must say...I kind of enjoy the chicken Soup. It kind of taste like gravy. The shakes...I could do without. Good luck!:biggrin1:

Well, I will be banded two weeks from today (4/30) and I started my Optifast this morning. It's going to be very hard. I didn't like the taste at all, but I am determined to stick to only the Optifast. Did anyone else have a problem with the Optifast? I had heard that strawberry was the best, but so far I think the chocolate tastes a little better.

Get out of here!!! You are the third person so far that I have met from Waldorf who has either gotten the band or is getting it. So tell me... how is everything going? Any complications? How exciting to meet another Waldorfian with the band!!! This is wonderful. :peace:

I start mine on Monday too. Of course I'm worried, but I am not going to cheat. I trust my surgeon and what he tells me...if I have to do this to shrink my liver...then that's what I'll do. I look at it this way...it's two weeks out of my life...I think that I can make that sacrafice. It will totally be worth it in the end. Tina

RVingdi, My surgeon is Dr. Fred Brody at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. I get two bars a day (woo-hoo). How did you like the Optifast diet? Someone I know that did it lost 20 pounds in the two weeks of the diet. I also heard that strawberry was the best...any thoughts? Tina

I start my pre-op diet on Monday (4/16), but I am going on the Optifast diet. I was not told to have yogurt and cottage cheese. In fact...I am only on liquids and Protein bars. I was told that I need to do this to decrease the size of my liver to assist with the surgery. It will make it easier for the doctor to move my liver over to the side to get to my stomach. Tina

I live in Waldorf, MD. I know of someone who had the surgery at Pomotac Hospital and they were very happy. However...her experience was completely different than what I have been going through...she didn't have to do a liquid diet prior to...no real prescreening, etc. That's kind of scarey when you think about it. Plus...she was banded in January and has only lost 11 pounds...I don't think that they give much guidance. I also know someone who had the surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and they really loved it. I went to my mandatory meeting yesterday at GW...it was to tell you what to expect during your hospital stay. It was very informative...met another gal who is getting the band from Waldorf, so I have formed a support system with her. Best of luck to you and let me know how things go... Tina

What kind of complications are you having???

Hi and welcome. What group of surgeons are you using? I am scheduled for April 30 at George Washington University Hospital center with Dr. Brody. He and his staff are great. Everything that I have read said that wine was alright...just don't overdo it. I'm personally not a wine drinker (I love white russians). I know that my drinking days are pretty much over because the calories in a white russian are enough for a weeks worth of food. Anyway...good luck! Tina

I completely understand why you are nervous. I thought that I would have a struggle with the insurance company and when I got approved right away, the nerves set in. My surgery is scheduled for April 30. I went today and got my Optifast diet (I start that on April 16). I'm really worried about the two weeks of liquids. That's going to be very difficult for me. This coming Saturday I'm having a "Farewell to Fat" get together at my house...lots of chips and dip, lasagna, pizza...you name it. I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and in less than a week, my journey will begin when I make that first shake. Just remember that your health will grealy improve once the weight comes off and the nerves will settle. In my literature from my surgeon, it says that there is no problem getting pregnant, in fact, when you decide to get pregnant it will probably happen easier because you will have less weight. The literature says that they will take some out of your band so you can take in more calories and after the birth, they will fill it. So...it's a win/win situation...good luck!!! Tina:heh:

Oh my goodness...I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. That is terrible. I thought about gastric by-pass but for only a short time. I heard too many horror stories. The Lapband is much safer. You're right...Kaiser doesn't offer it...my girlfriend is going through that right now. She's so upset. I heard that BCBS approves it fairly easy. You should have no problem. Well...my surgery is scheduled for 1:30 pm and I will be released the following morning. He said that there have been times that he released people from the recovery room but he will not do that if you have children at home because he wants you to take care of yourself and not worry about the children. I wouldn't want to go home from the recovery room anyway. I plan to go back to work the following Monday unless he says otherwise. I have heard that most people take one week and with mine being on a Monday, I figured that would be plenty of time. I'm glad that you have gotten an insurance company that covers it and it appears that things are going in the right direction for you. I wish you the very best. Let me know how your appointments go and when you are scheduled for surgery. I'll let you know how the Optifast tastes (I heard it's not that bad, but we'll see).

I'm glad that you have located a surgeon and it sounds like you really like him. Dr. Brody is pretty young too (he's 42). Anyway...I have MDIPA. I had to do 6 months of a doctor supervised weight loss program, have a psychiatric evaluation, clearance from my cardiologist, blood work and then I could finally make my appointment with Dr. Brody. I go tomorrow to buy my Optifast and I start taking it on the 16th. I am scheduled for surgery on April 30. I'm getting scared. It's going to be hard to do the liquid diet, but I understand the importance of it. I have to do it for two weeks and then following the surgery I have to drink Ensure for a week or two before starting on solid foods. I'm getting quite nervous. Good luck to you and keep me informed of your progress. I would love to hear all about it. What insurance do you have?

No one called you back? Yes...he is a wonderful doctor and his staff is great. They really make sure that you have everything that you need for the insurance company. I was completely shocked when I got approved right away. In fact, I couldn't even make an appointment for a consultation until they sent me an information package and I had to get all of the paperwork done prior to coming in. They run a tight ship, but it's worth it. Yes...I have to do a two week Optifast diet and I go tomorrow to purchase it. It's not covered by insurance, but I figured...it's a lot cheaper than paying for the surgery. I also have to do a mandatory pre-op seminar and I have that scheduled for Wednesday (4/11/07). Have you found a doctor yet? If not, I suggest that you try Dr. Brody's office again. I can give you the number that I call. Just let me know. Good luck!

Thanks...I loved it...:clap2:

Well...I got the call today from my surgeon's office. I have been approved by the Insurance Company. I can't believe it...I thought I would have a real fight. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/30/07. I go to the office on 4/10/07 to receive my liquid diet. I have so many different emotions right now. I'm happy, excited, scared, anxious, nervous, etc. I think right now my biggest fear is doing the liquid diet (Optifast). Did anyone else have a real problem with it? I look forward to talking to many of you while I go through this journey. :cry

Hi. I live in Maryland and am scheduled to have my lapband at George Washington Hospital on 4/30/2007 with Dr. Frederick Brody. I think he's great and I have talked to someone else who had him and they loved him.