MistyDTX

Hey New Orleans Girl! Yes, I am being banded by Dr. Carter 10/2. I was supposed to be banded YESTERDAY but it got pushed back a week. It was very hard for me yesterday knowing I was supposed to be banded! I guess everything has it's reasons though...postponing a week means I get to go to the State Fair this weekend! Woohoo!! LOL! I met Dr. Carter at his seminar in August and thought he was great. His office staff has been great so far as well. I went for my pre-op last week and have to go in for my blood work this morning. When my surgery was postponed I started to cry and he put his arm around me and said "We will get it done, don't worry", he was very sympathetic and understanding. I think we're in good hands with Dr. Carter! I've read noting but great things from other bandsters that have used him. Good luck and keep in touch - we're only 1 week apart on our band-days!

I am being banded 10/2 and I have a 15 month old DD. One of the things I am dreading is that I won't be able to carry her or pick her up for a couple of weeks. How long did it take before you were back to normal with your kiddos? And since I am right handed I always carry DD on my left hip. With the port on the left side will I still be able to carry her that way after I am healed up? Or will it always be uncomfortable and will I have to carry her on the other side? Not a huge deal I know but I've "practiced" carrying her on the right and it just doesn't feel right! LOL! Thanks!

New Orleans Girl - My doctor doesn't have me on any pre-op diet either. I am being banded 10/2 and was just told to not eat anything after midnight the night before. I am truly grateful I don't have a pre-op to follow!

I am being banded 9/25 and will admit to being excited/nervous/scared all at once. When I feel a little nervous I will read the threads here and look at the before and after pics....what inspiration I get!! I know that everyone's lap experience is very different. I know some lose easier and for some it's a battle to find the "sweet spot". But looking at these pics I am blown away! I will see some awesome transformation and see that that person was banded in January, that's only 9 months to look like a totally different person! And I am sure feel totally different too! I am just in awe of it all and I can't wait to add my pics to that thread! My DH and I went to the informational seminar about the band and one of my doc's former patients was there to share her story with us. I told my DH when we left, as I was crying in the car, that I want to be that person that shares their success to motivate others. I want to help others by sharing my struggles. That is so motivating to me!

I was a September bandster but my surgery was postponed to 10/2 so now I am a TENaciousTen! I've seen a couple of other 10/2 dates on this thread already. A little about me - I am 33 years old, married with a 15 month old daughter. I have been obese pretty much my entire life and have several obese members of my family. We have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. The day I scheduled my surgery my Mother had angioplasty and a stint placed to clear a 95% blockage. Her brother, my uncle, had quintuple bypass surgery in March at age 53. I am doing this surgery as much for my daughter as I am for me. I am nervous/scared/excited all at the same time. My DH has been extremely supportive of my decision to be banded. He attended the initial seminar with me and I know he will continue to be a great support. Unlike alot of posts I've read my insurance approval has been absolutely painless, a lot easier than I expected it to be. I filled out the paperwork online for the doctor and 2 weeks later got a call that I'd been approved. Go United Healthcare! I love reading all of the supportive posts!!

I was supposed to be a 9/25 bandster but my surgery was postponed a week. My doctor had a "family matter" come up that he has to leave town for. I was soooo upset, actually sat in his office and cried. I was thinking "Is this a sign? Am I doing the right thing?" I seriously thought about just bolting out the door and never coming back! But after I calmed down I realized that 1 more week is nothing compared to the rest of my life!! Happy to be an October bandster!

I was scheduled for 9/25 but at my pre-op today found out it had been postponed. The doctor will be out of town due to a family matter next week. I cried when they told me. The doc put his arm around me and told me not to worry, that it will get done. I was already nervous and second-guessing my every decision. This was NOT what I needed! I started thinking "What if this is a sign that I'm not meant to do this?!" Even though I know it's what I'm supposed to do. It stinks having to wait longer but at least it's only a week.

My surgery was postponed today until 10/2 so I guess I'll go join the October group!

I went in today for my pre-op and my surgery was scheduled for next Tuesday, 9/25. Well it turns out that my doctor has had a family matter that came up and he will be out of town! When they told me that I started to cry. They told me they would reschedule me for 10/2. Then another nurse tells me it won't be until 10/9! More tears. The doctor walked by and saw me crying and he put his arm around me. He said "We will get it done, don't worry." The nurse called me a couple of hours later to tell me I was scheduled for 10/2 so I guess it's the best we can do. I'm not a September bandster anymore!

loserwannabe - could I also get a copy of your list?? I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm also a Texan and I am so happy to hear that most can eat Mexican food! I swear I would shrivel up and die if I couldn't! (OK, not really but I'd want to!) I know rice will be out for me, and straight tortillas. Does it make a difference if they are corn or flour? I would think corn might go down easier? Or is that just wishful thinking? I am sure that once I am up to eating a regular meal the first one will be Mexican!

Hi bookholder! I am getting banded on 9/25. I would love to discuss our progress!

Any other 9/25'ers out there in bandland??

Wanttobemeagain - Hope you are recovering nicely! Let us know how you are doing as soon as you feel up to it!

Poohlrv - I met Dr. Carter at his informational seminar. I didn't get to speak with him much individually but he was very nice. Other bandsters have said, and I agree, that he isn't one to make a lot of small talk. He's there to be your surgeon and not your therapist! He was very good about answering all of everyones questions, he was very patient and willing to help us understand everything. I go in for my pre-op on the 18th and then back on the 25th for my surgery! My insurance approval went VERY quickly, quicker than I was ready for! I could have had my surgery today but wasn't ready yet, I needed a little more time to get my mind in the right place! Be sure to let me, and everyone else, how it goes!! GOOD LUCK!! :bounce:

I will be thinking of you all tomorrow as you begin your new lives! In 2 weeks I will be in the same position. I am nervous and thrilled at the same time. Congrats to all of you and please let us know how you are doing!

How is everyone doing? I can't believe how fast the time is flying by for me. I go for my pre-op on the 18th and then surgery on the 25th. I've noticed that I am thinking differently. I will think about my "new" life. For example DH and were shopping for him some new work clothes, he's starting a new job this week. I strolled through the Plus section and hated everything I saw. I walked through the regular section and loved everything! LOL! I told DH I don't want to buy anymore clothes until I can buy a smaller size!

My DH is going to be off with me the day of my surgery but can't be off longer because he is just starting a new job. My Mom said she could take off work the following day to be with me but I don't want her to unless I really need help. Did you need help post-op? Would I be OK at home alone the day after? I know everyone's experiences are different, just wondering how other people handled it. Thanks!

From what I have heard of my doctor, Dr. Carter in Arlington TX, he also waits 3 months for a fill. I haven't had my pre-op with him yet but I think it is to allow the band to settle and for you to heal from surgery. Did you go to Dr. Carter by chance? I'm not banded yet so I can't speak for how you must feel but I can imagine it will be frustrating to wait 3 months.

I can't believe it's almost here! My pre-op is 9/18, I am scared/nervous/excited...all rolled into one! I can't wait to begin this new life!

My doctor doesn't do any pre-op diet. From reading this board it looks like it's about 50/50 on the docs that do and those that don't. I did alot of research before deciding to be banded. This site has helped alot. It seems like if you have the question someone on here has the answer! My approval went really really fast. Way faster than I expected! I went to a seminar my doctor held and it answered a lot of my questions. I can't wait to begin this new chapter of my life. There are so many inspiring stories on this board. Be sure to check out the thread with the Before and After pics... so inspiring!!

I am also being banded on 9/25! Your story sounds soooo familiar to me! We are about the same age, I'm 33, and I've also battled this my whole life. Good luck to you!

9/25 for me! I am scared and excited about it. I can't wait to begin my new life! Last week, the day I scheduled my surgery, my Mom was told she had to have a stint placed in her heart. They did angioplasty and placed the stint the next day. That made me even more confident that I am making the right decision to be banded! Good luck to everyone!

I can't believe it's just a month away! I scheduled it yesterday...just before I found out my Mom had to go in for a stint today. She is 61 and also obese. She went to the cardiologist yesterday and they wanted her in TODAY for a stint. She had 90% blockage in one artery. She's going to be fine but it really got me thinking about my family history of heart disease. It made me realize I was doing the best thing for myself by being banded. I don't want to have the health problems my Mom does when I am her age. I won't lie, I am scared of what's to come with the band. But it will be better than what will come if I don't do it. My 14 month old is all the motivation I need, I want to be around for her for a LONG time!

I am not banded yet but hope to be in the next month. A co-worker that is banded told me her port is almost dead center in her upper abdomen. The dr that did the seminar I attended said it would be on the left side. I didn't realize there were different places it could be. Is there a reason to prefer a specific spot? Did you have a choice where it was?