kayzoog

I just started my liquid pre-op diet. First day was ok... I'm on day two now. I almost didn't make dinner for the family last night because I didn't think I could handle being around actual food. But I told myself that I just need to overcome that because other people have to eat, and I can't just avoid being around food for 5-6 weeks. So I went ahead and made pulled pork and broccoli for the fam, and sipped a Soup myself during dinner. It wasn't too bad. The trick was to not be hungry as I cooked, so I sipped on a Protein drink during the preparation. - K

I have a similar situation as you. I did Weight Watchers (among other things) and failed. I am also self-pay. My surgery date is 3/3. Similar BMI. I chose LapBand because I have seen others get bypass and fail. I personally know 6 people that have the LapBand and they are very happy with it and highly recommend it. One of my friends who got bypass wishes she got the band because now she is anemic and her teeth had to be replaced and she gained a lot of weight back because she stretched it. All WLS has risks. All WLS can fail because you continue to eat bad. From what I read, the great thing about LapBand is that it allows for resetting in the way it works with your body through the adjustments and fills. Sleeve and Bypass can't do that. Do the research and decide whats best for you. I am thankful for the support on this forum. Lots of people are here that were exactly where you are today. It's great that you are taking the first step of WLS research to change your life! - K

I love your blog! I can't wait to hear all about the post-op experience. Good luck to you!

We are all scared at some point. Scared of surgery and scared that even after, we will somehow fail. My surgery is in two weeks and I also have heard of some bad outcomes. But when I look closer at them it was because of non-compliance of eating the wrong things and falling into old habits. And I have seen so so so many good stories! Successful stories. This makes me mor confident in it. I think to myself, if I had gallbladder disease, I would have surgery for that no questions asked. Obesity is a disease. This surgery can save my life. That's how I think about it now. Good luck in your research! I hope you decide for yourself and not based on what others say. K

Congrats on 3 days down! I have to start mine next week. I have been replacing meals with different shakes to try it out. I already know the mental hunger will be terrible. But I got to keep my eye on the prize. Good luck!!!!!

Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself. I just had my consultation today. Met with the surgeon and nutritionist. I'm self pay because my insurance (CIGNA) does not cover it on the plan I have. Big bummer! It's a lot of money, but I was already psyched to get it, so I am going for it! Never invested this much on myself in my life. That's what I said to the surgeon and he shot back, "So how much was your car?". Ok fine. Point taken. It just seems strange to pay this much just for something that is 100% only for myself. The best thing about self-pay is pretty much picking your own date. Mine is March 3. It's becoming a reality. I'm super nervous for everything to go right! Any suggestions on calming the nerves are appreciated! - K

Oh I just saw this after I made a topic about March Bandsters! I didn't mean to duplicate topics. I am not sure how to delete my new one. I am just so darn excited to be banded! I am glad there are others in the same month! YAY us!

Mine is about $15k.

You can do it with a BMI as low as 30, but you would have to self pay. I think BMI 35-40+ co-morbidity is when insurance would cover it, but there are a lot of hoops to jump through. My insurance will not cover any bariatric surgery no matter what. I was bummed that my insurance doesn't cover it for me, but I decided to go ahead and self-pay. Based on my research and the people in this forum, I think it will be money well spent! Good luck to you as you begin your journey! :)K

I hear you! I am scared too! I don't think I will die, but what if there is a complication? What if I have to have another surgery? And another and another? I guess that's a common feeling. But, I'm still going to go through with it. The benefits will outweigh the risks and I just hope I do well! Hang in there! - K

I'm a self-pay too! My surgery is March 3rd. My insurance does not cover it. I am glad so many people on here have self-paid. It makes me feel a lot more comfortable making that decision. I took a loan from my 401K to cover it. - K

Great job!! I guess I need to take the "before" pics so I can post like you in a year!

I've decided to get LapBand, too! My consultation is on Feb 6th. I was told by the program director who made the appointment for me that it would be 2 hours where I would meet the surgeon and dietician and other people plus get all the information on costs and what the next 3 months will look like for me prior to surgery. I am both nervous and excited.