TexSue

I'm scheduled for the seminar on April 23 and I'm getting so excited since I've made the decision to have this done. I will be self pay so I'm wondering how long til I get a surgery date. Also I'm trying to check out to see how people liked Dr. Kim and his staff. My friend is using him, but her surgery is not until June. Thanks for any input. Susan

I have a very narrow esophagus that my gastro doc has been unable to dialate. Do you think this will eliminate me from the banding? I also choke on food occasionally because the opening is so narrow. Another question - I take a lot of medicines. How will I be able to after banding. Susan

Best of luck to you, Alexandria. Hope it's smooth sailing all the way. Susan

Hi, all. I've been reading posts and journals for a while, but decided to introduce myself. I'm Susan from Euless, TX. I'm just in the process of getting insurance approval for the lap banding procedure. Looks like it may be a long drawn out process. I am seeing Dr. Snow in Bedford and really like him and his staff. I guess what I've read has been mostly positive, but some of the negative things have me second guessing my choice to have the lap band. In one journal it talks about thinking about the band, what your eating, not losing fast enough like 24/7. I'm hoping it will be a tool to take my mind off of the food and hunger issue. As far as how fast l lose will depend on my body - what I eat and if I exercise. I'm really pretty positive about my choice, but guess I'm facing the fear of the unknown. Thanks for listening, Susan

Good luck, Mamota. I've just started the process and am looking at about 3 months til I get pre-certified by my insurance. I don't care how long it takes because I know this is the best thing for me. I wish you the very best and a speedy recovery. Susan

Hi, all. I'm from Texas, too. I'm not banded yet, but hope to get the insurance pre-certification out of the way as soon as possible. Will probably take at least 3 months but I've decided I'm worth it. I hope in the meantime to get lots of good info here.