bchrist

I was sleeved 3 weeks ago in Gonzales, Louisiana by Dr. Bellanger. Total cost, including psych visit, pre-op testing, nutritionist, anesthesiologist, internist who evaluated the pre-op testing, overnight hospital stay and follow up was $14065 (hospital portion $7600, and the remainder was paid to the doc). I was self pay. Iberia Bank will also finance all or part. I can't say enough good things about this physician and St. Elizabeth's. I'm sure the doc in Mexico is a good physician, but I need to be close to home. The surgery was a breeze, as was the recovery. Good luck and if you have anymore questions, let me know.

I was sleeved by Dr. Bellanger in Gonzales two weeks ago. I LOVED him! He has a lot of experience. I had mine done at St. Elizabeth's and could not have been happier with the experience. I took no pain medication after leaving the hospital (the next day) and have had no problems whatsoever and I'm down 20 pounds. I was self pay and the price was $14065 ($7600 for St. Elizabeth and the doctor charged $6465) and that includes consult, all followups for 1 year, all pre-op testing, psych evaluation and anesthesiologist). You can also arrange financing through Iberia Bank. I recommend him and his staff without reservation. He also does not require a pre-op diet, only the day before surgery. Good luck!

Oh ... me, me, me! I want to jump on the band wagon! Let's go!

Amazing! You look so healthy and beautiful! Keep up the good work! :thumbup:

Tomorrow marks 2 weeks post op and down... 20 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What part of Louisiana are you in? I'm from the Baton Rouge/Prairieville area. My insurance did not cover WLS either, so I was self pay and also got a small loan from Iberia Bank. They were recommended from my doctor's office. Good luck! I am 2 weeks postop and have already lost 18 pounds. It is an easy surgery and recovery.

Way to go! I'm moving that way myself and I can't wait!

12 days out and 16.5 pounds! Yay us! Isn't it exciting to wake up every day and look in the mirror to see if we look different?

I had my surgery 12 days ago. All the worrying I did was for naught. The surgery was quick. The pain was minimal. I was back to everyday living (shopping, etc.) within only a couple of days after surgery. I didn't have to take pain medications at all after I left the hospital. Your incisions will be sore, but should not be painful. My most difficult adjustment is drinking all that water. I am lucky in that I like the protein shakes. I use the premixed Adkins shakes or Myoplex Lite. They are the best I have tried. It is a bit difficult the first week to drink anything. If feels like there is a lot of pressure on your chest. But if you take tiny sips, you will not find it that difficult. Also soft boiled eggs (boil 3 minutes and scrape out of shell) have lots of protein and I find they went down very easy. Eating out is also a challenge, but there is almost always soup on the menu. I'm excited because this week I start on soft foods. And the best so far, is that since surgery twelve days ago, I have lost 16.5 pounds. It is so exciting and I love waking up in the morning just to see how different I look! Good luck to you! Keep us posted. It really was a breeze, and while people react differently to surgery, for the most part, the majority of the people seem to do very well with minimal problems.

I had mine a week ago yesterday. I feel wonderful. I was nervous too, but you really will be fine. It was much, much easier than I expected. Good luck!

I had my sleeve five days ago. I feel really good, but it is an adjustment when you're around food, especially if you have to cook for family. I feel hungry alot, but I'm not sure if it's heard hunger or gas! One thing for sure, this will teach you discipline. Unlike before, if you eat something you're not supposed to, or if you eat too much, it is painful. And take it from me, do not eat and then go to bed. Yogurt before bed the other night kept me up for 2 hours with reflux. On the plus side, I have lost 10 pounds in 5 days and the recovery has been so easy. Good luck to you and if you have any questions, let me know. I am so glad I did it.

Myoplex Lite Strawberry Creme is really, really good!

I had my sleeve done four days ago and I'm amazed at how very little pain was involved. My biggest complaint was headache. I never considered anything but the sleeve and you will notice there are a lot of bands that revise to sleeve. I don't think you'll be sorry. Good luck!

I was sleeved on the 14th. Day of surgery was not bad. Never was in much pain, just felt sore. My throat hurt due to the intubation. Day 2 went home and slept most of the day and evening, but woke up with a vicious headache. Day 3 has been pretty easy. Not as tired and able to tolerate liquids better. Just drink very slowly or it will hurt going down. Good luck everyone!

My surgery was on Tuesday and went very well. I have hardly any pain in the incision area but have been having terrible headaches. I also feel very hungry. Maybe that's just gas pains, but I sure do feel hungry! I got out of the house this morning for about an hour and have no trouble navigating around. Hope everyone else is doin well, too.

Tomorrow's the day of surgery for me and I can't wait! Good luck and blessings to all and I'll keep you posted!

My doctor does not require us to do a presurgical diet. Is this normal?

Pre-op done, psych done, cleared by internist ...surgery next Tuesday! I'm so excited! Good luck everyone and say a prayer for me!

Well, we'll have our surgery on the same day! Awesome! I know it is so difficult to imagine a large weight loss, but I think we can do it! I'm pumped up and can't wait.

:thumbup1::svengo::svengo:good vibes headed your way!

Hi Everyone! My scheduled surgery is Sept. 14 at 9:30. I am so, so excited! Good luck to everyone and I'll keep in touch!