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Solid foods....even soft ones, can dislodge the band as it's not totally healed yet!

Well......I thought I was a member of your club, but my surgery was aborted! I went to the hospital, signed consents, met with anesthesia, had the IV, medications given and next thing I know, I have 3 Port Holes im my bally and the doctor is sitting on my bed telling me I can't get banded. They found a hernia which would prohibit banding. I'm greatful he stopped as I would have be subject to numerous complications. I meet with the surgeon in 2 weeks to discuss options! Hope all has gone well for the rest of you! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :faint:

I'm on for the 21st (tomorrow). I have to be there at 6:45 am (I live about 1 1/2 hours from the Barix Clinic. Alarm is set, but I'm still not nervous. Good luck to all

Lots of luck to you! I'm confident it will work out for you! I had a BMI of 36, have an HMO, but told my primary care that I wanted to see a Bariatric surgeon to discuss the possibility of surgery. I got the referral without a problem. Had an appointment at Barix the following week (10/24/07), had my insurance approval by 11/05/07 and will have my surgery on Friday 12/21/07. I'm hypertensive and have a strong family history of Cardiac disease , so I did need a cardiac work-up in between there. All went well and I'm on my way to the loser's bench in less than 3 days. GOOD LUCK :whoo:

I have not yet been banded (Dec 21st), but really appreciate reading about what to expect. I got such a laugh about how much time we were consumed with food and have to tell a little story. When I had my first child (39 years ago), I began a tradition to buy a new Christmas ornament for each family member every year. While the kids were growing up it was usually a snowman playing the clarinet of Sant riding a skateboard (something to represent the interests at that particular time in their lives) I still do it only now it's for 12 grandkids as well as my husband and I. When decorating my tree this year I noticed something about my ornaments.....many are about food!! I have Mrs. Claus eating an ice cream sundae, elves string popcorn, a mouse using a hershey bar as a sled and even Santa himself standiing on a scale. Of my 39 "personal" ornaments, 27 depicted food in some way!! I found it so weird that I never noticed before now!! I guess next year I'll just laugh at them all Good luck to all! Donna

When I went in for my PATs the pre-surgical nurse actually suggested daily use of Airborne from now 'til surgery date!

Sorry it took so long for me to answer this....if you all look at this weeks issue of PEOPLE Magazine, you will see an article about a teen girl who was banded by an FDA approved surgeon in Jersey. Check it out!

Have you tried GNC???

I'm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Amish Country), but am going to the Barix Clinic just outside Philadelphia. It's about 1 1/2 hours without traffic. I have to be there at 7 tomorrow morning so that should be fun!!! Have a good day!!!

My Psych eval was about a 40 minute interview. He asked about understanding the band and the surgical procedure and risks as well as weight loss attempts. He then went on to ask if there was a history of depression or abuse. I had been in an abusive marriage years ago and when I answered honestly, I wanted to run across the room and catch the words.....but as others have said, just be honest....he said it was great that I had removed myself from the situation and felt after that I could easily handle the stressors of the surgery and change in lifestyle. Good luck and be yourself!!:bounce:

Good luck to both of you....I'm right behind you on the 21st. I'm worried that I'm not nervous yet! I have my PATs on Wednesday....maybe reality will st in then!

I worried that I'm not nervous! It's such a big step, but a relatively uncomplicated surgery. I was told less than an hour. I think my tubal took longer!! Maybe when I go in for PATs on Wednesday, reality will hit! Where are you going for surgery?? Oh yeah....I just checked and the Protein whey powder I bought at Walmart has 46 grams of protein in 2 scoops!......NOT BAD! Well.....keep in touch and we will follow each other into "slimness" Donna :whoo:

I too bought the slim-fast high Protein shakes. I also have some of the little packets of special K flavoring to add to Water. I figure every little bit of Protein should help. I plan to stop at GNC tomorrow to see what they have to offer and I am going thru Barix, so they have their own drinks (although I'm sure they will be more expensive). I'm being banded on 12/21, so I'm right behind you! Good luck.

Hey everyone....I am so excited....I just got my surgery date (January 4th!!! I wouild have loved to be done sooner, but the center is so bad at paperwork! I'm just greatful I know whenit is and can start my journey! I have my PATs at 7 am and it's a 2 hour ride to get there....should be fun. They have me going 3 weeks early for the testing is case they have a cancellation i the meantime they will move up the surgery date. I'm not holding my breath! Well good luck everyone....I had to share!!! Donna:clap2::clap2::clap2:

Guess what??? I was just moved up to 12/21/07. What a great surprise. I have PATs on Wednesday and then surgery is right around the corner. I'm worried that I am NOT nervous in the slightest. Maybe when I actually go in for the PATs reality will hit! Well that's it for now....I am Soooooooo pumped!!:whoo:

Relax...they will probably have you see a cardiologist for pre-op clearance anyway. A heart murmur is no big deal and should not prevent you from having the surgery!

First things first....talk to your primary care physician! Tell him your concerns and take it from there. You should be proud of yourself to even be thinking about this. It is by the way FDA approved, but you would still need to speak with your doctor and the insurance carrier. I wish you luck!!

Hey there Lillysmom & Worththeweight! We are all nervous!.. Let's just remember that we are in more danger carrying this extra weight for the rest of our lives. I started this process 4 years ago and I let the people around me talk me out of it with all the bull of "it's elective", "you can do it on your own", "why take the chance". Well here I am 4 years later, only about 10 pounds heavier, but still unable to lose the weight and being put on more and more medications for health issues. I know, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be the joints carrying my weight around, adn they tell me that everyday! I finally stepped up to the plate and had my consult on 10/24, had my approval from the insurance company by 11/05 (Huh...they obviously thought it was a wise move)...I've now completed my consults and am waiting for a call from scheduling. I'm still hoping for December, but who knows! Anyway ladies....keep your spirits up....this is a good choice as long as your doctors say it is. I have faith in the medical community in seeing us through this! Donna :clap2:

I'm 58 yrs old and have also yo yo dieted my entire adult life. I have high blood pressure and lately my blood sugars have been a bit on the high side. I had my consult with the surgeon on 10/24/07 and had my insurance approval on 11/5/07. (I have a BC/BS HMO in the Philly area) I have finished the few things they required (Psych consult and Cardiac Consult). My cardiologist insisted on a stress test, so I did that yesterday adn was called last night that it was fine. The cardiologist is sending a letter to the surgeon immediately, so I will try to call the Barix Center to be sure they have everything this week. I should be looking at the end of December or early January as a surgery date. I hope this helps....I will keep everyone posted when I learn more! Donna As far as pre-op testing, each facility is different. My doctor will want EKG, labs, pulmonary functions at the least.

I'm going to the Barix Center in Langhorne......Dr. Boe. Had my consult on the 24th of October and had my insurance approval by Nov 5th. I have my stress test this week and then hopefully I'll be off and running. I read about some "communication" shortcomings there, but called the administrator and they were quick to reassure me and offer me any help I needed and plenty of reassurance. Good Luck!

I can only assume you're talking about being on liquids pre-op. It was explained to me that the heavier you are, the longer you're on the fluids pre-op so you can get rid of some fat poackets that make the surgery more difficult and more dangerous.

I was told at my consultation that I could return to a desk job in about 3 days

Hey Sunshine....I'm also in PA.....where are you having the surgery. I'm going to Barix in Langhorne. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

I'll keep you up to date......I saw Dr. Boe & he was great. Once I pass the stress test next week, I will be contacting them to see what the next step is. As I said....Most of the "before surgery" postings on the Barix site are not too favorable regarding communication!

Has anyone had Lap Band in the Langhorne Barix Center??? I had my consult and was soooo impressed. Had my pre-autorization within 10 days and I'm almost done with my pre-surgery consults (just need an updated stress test). My concern is that the message boards on their web-site is not too complimentary to them from Consult to Surgery. Cna anyone help!! Donna