mariaxoxo4u

Hi Nessa, Just quit today with the patch. Concerned about how the smoking will affect the anesthesia. I smoked about a pack a day. I'm not confident that I will be successful since I have tried to stop a few times before and the longest I lasted was about 3 weeks. I'm getting banded on Nov 9th - I hope I can remain an "inactive" smoker until then! Maybe even forever! Good luck to you on your journey to Bandland! Maria

Good luck tomorrow! You'll do just fine, just think - at this time tomorrow you will be banded! Congrats! Maria

Congrats !! I just got my approval phone call last week and I know just how you feel !! Welcome to the journey to Bandland! Maria

If you're at all interested in getting banded you must read "Fighting Weight" by Khalia Ali (Mohammad Ali's daughter). It was an awesome, detailed account of her life and Lap Band journey. I have also read Carnie Wilson's book. Maria

Hi Emily and Welcome! From what I understand, the hernia can be repaired at the same time as the installation of the lap band in most cases (of course depending on the size, circumstances of the hernia). Could you ask your doc if he could do both at the same time? Just a suggestion. Good luck to you! This site is invaluable for info! Maria

I am being banded on November 9, 2007! Maria

Added myself! Trying to think of a good name....

1stPattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy 2nd lizzie_07 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th ndmom 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 8th anw5102 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 29th Sassafras

Hi, I'm not banded yet (Nov 9, 2007) and I have them almost every night. I'm also in recovery for 11 years and still have "using" dreams quite frequently. It's amazing how the mind works - weird! Trying to quit smoking with the patch - even more dreaming! But, patch dreams are fun! Maria

Hi All, I have a friend that has gotten insurance approval for Dr. Angus Lambros - Anyone ever heard of him or used him for banding? Thanks in advance for any replies! Maria

Bumping this up - my friend wants to know if anyone has any info about this doctor. Thanks! Maria

I'm scheduled for Nov. 9, 2008 with Dr. Fielding. My friend had hers done 2 months ago by Dr. Ren. The practice has an impeccable reputation. Dr. Fielding has the band himself. You will be in good, experienced hands. Dr. Fielding has done over 5,200 lap band placements (his words). There are a lot of NYU patients on the site, they seem very satisfied. Good luck to you! Maria

Thanks for your replies! Maria

Hi All, Just received a call from the surgeon's office - INSURANCE APPROVED! Being banded 11/09/07, Dr. Fielding at NYU. Now it's real.....s--t, I'm scared... Maria

Whoa! Tracy - LOVE your new picture! You look fantastic! Getting banded 11/09/07. You are an inspiration. My pre-op diet starts 10/26/07 - all liquid for 2 weeks, Dr. does allow veggies along with the liquid diet. Maria

Thank you everyone for opening my eyes to this situation! You have answered my questions and I have printed out all the info on the types of masks (Thanks Blue Eyed Kitty). My main concern was the surgery - now I KNOW (Thank you Wendell and Happy Camper) that I must tell the anesthesiologist if I have it. The appointment is made with the PCP and I will insist on the sleep study. I would be really happy to have more energy, be less grouchy and be able to sleep the night once and for all. This site is awesome, love all you guys! Maria

Thanks again pmmegm and Wendell! I'm nodding out at my desk right now.....zzzzzz Ha ha Maria

You just explained exactly how I feel EVERY day. I thought the very same thing, I had a baby 3 years ago and I feel like I have not slept a full night in 3 years. I snore like an animal (My husband made a short movie of me on his phone - IT WAS an INHUMAN sound). I wake up several times a night, I know because I look at the clock. I feel exhausted every day - even after 8 hours. I feel as if I only slept 3 or 4 hours all the time. I have no short term memory. I made an appt with my PCP to discuss a sleep study (before lap band surgery). After your response, I will insist on it. Thanks so much for your reply!!! Maria

You guys seem to know a lot about sleep apnea. Could you guys read my post (I know it's long) and possibly answer the question on the last line - Thanks Guys!!! Maria

I'm glad I saw this thread. I've suspected I've had sleep apnea for a long time. Yet, when making all the necessary appt. for pre-op (cardiac appt, chest x-ray, pulmonary function test etc...) a sleep study was never mentioned. I had my gallbladder out in 2004 and the surgeon said he had a very hard time getting me off the respirator - he said due to my smoking. But, after seeing "Dr. 90210" last night, a gentleman's airway collapsed while receiving a sedative before his operation. He was heavy as well. I'm SO afraid of anesthesia complications. PS - My Lap Band surgeon said he highly doubts smoking was the reason why I had a hard time getting off the respirator in 2004. Although, he did say I need to be 1 month smoke-free before Lap Band. I'm thinking maybe I should have a sleep apnea test before I go under for Lap Band... If I do take the test and find that I do have sleep apnea, how will that change what will happen during Lap Band surgery? Maria

I too get nauseaous after anesthesia - so I spoke to my surgeon about it and he said I can get as much nausea meds as I want in the OR thru the IV. I'm really happy about that, I will definately inquire about the patch behind the ear as well - can't be too careful! To be banded 11/09/07 - Dr. Fielding @ NYU Maria

I hear ya! I don't know HOW I'm gonna make it through! I'm a big "quantity" girl. I like 3 big meals - I'm not a "grazer". I have to do it. Dr. Fielding states in Khalia Ali's book, "Fighting Weight" that he used to convert to an open surgery if the liver was too big, now if he finds the liver too large, he will just close you right up! Definately do not want that to happen - so it is a good motivator to stay on the prescribed diet. Good luck to you in your exciting journey! Keep us posted! Maria

I'm scheduled with Dr. Fielding @ NYU on November 9th!! Dr. Fielding, Dr. Ren and Dr. Kurian are all top notch - we are in good hands! Good luck and keep us posted on your journey... PS - I'm REALLY nervous Maria

Hi, I'm from the "East End" (Sag Harbor) but I'm going to NYU - getting banded by Dr.Fielding on 11/09/07! Whoo Hoo! Maria

Hi Everyone, Went for my Nutritional Assessment yesterday and saw Dr. Fielding and he said while I was there might as well do my surgical consult as well!! He's just so....smooth! The Aussie accent is so sexy - ANYWAY, November 9th is my date (I have to be nicotine free for 1 month). Coincidently, November 9th is my wedding anniversary as well. So, I'm on my way! Very excited, nervous, scared... Normal I guess. Thanks to everyone on this site for all the great info - I was totally familiar with everything that was presented to me yesterday and Dr. Fielding also said I had "great questions" for him - all thanks to you guys! Maria