4giveN

I had my lap-band surgery on March 17, 2008, just 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was self-pay. The total cost for everything was about $14,500. That included the fee for the surgeon, anethestia, Tallgrass Surgery Center, and lab work. It also covers two years of follow-up visits. I'm expecting my first fill on April 28. My doctor is Dr. Hu. I really like her. She took a great amount of time to talk to me and explained both the RNY and lap-band procedures along with pros and cons of each. I attended an informational seminar in January, had my first consultation visit in February, and surgery in March. I'm still recovering, but have not had any complications. I would highly recommend the Surgery Center over the hospital. The cost was much less and they were wonderful there. Prompt, curtious, respectful, caring. I've lost 10 pounds (haven't updated my ticker yet). 9 on the pre-op liquid diet and one since surgery. I'm a lower BMI patient (37), so I did not expect to loose weight as quickly as someone who starts out heavier. Anyway, it's been a good experience and I would highly recommend Tallgrass and the Tallgrass Surgery Center.:cursing:

I haven't told many people yet. My immediate family knows, except for my two youngest children (13 and 11). I plan to tell them as my banding date gets closer. My best friend knows, and 4 coworkers, one of whom happens to be my pastor's wife. So far, everyone has been supportive, or at least said nothing. I plan to tell more people as time gets closer, or even better yet after my banding. In the beginning, I didn't want people's comments and questions to cloud my decision making process. I felt it was between the Lord, me and my husband. Now that my decision is made and I'm set on my path, I plan to tell more people, but I'm thinking not too many until after my banding. I just don't want people telling me I'm crazy and giving me doubts. Once it's already done, I think most people will be more careful about what they say. For me, that seems to be best. I am encouraged by the reactions of those who know far.

Oh my goodness! Look at all the new people who have signed onto this thread! How wonderful is the Lord, leading us all here together to support each other in such an important journey! I'm so glad to have so many new friends. Wenjea, you made a comment on the last page of this thread about the weight coming off slowly now (just like it went on). I looked at your ticker and I must say I think it is pretty impressive that you have lost over 70 pounds since last May! That is only 9 months time! Incredible! To all the new people who are praying about the decision to be banded or not. Only you and God can make the determination about whether or not this is the right path for you. You are doing the best thing you possible can by praying. Remember to be patient and especially remember to listen. God will answer your prayers, but sometimes we don't tune in to his answers. For me, I know it is the right thing. The Lord opened doors for me at the right times. Now, I'm just waiting for my surgery date, March 17. I'm also well aware that for me, this is definitely just a tool. I will need to work hard to change my attitude toward food. I will need to learn NOT to turn to food for emotional reasons or when bored. I' thinking these tempting times will be good times to strengthen my conversations with the Lord. Rather than turn to food, I can turn to prayer and let Him distract me away from wanting food when I am not hungry. I see the band helping me when I am hungry and God helping me when I am not physically hungry. Have a great evening to everyone.

Welcome to allensforJesus! :grouphug: It's great to see so many people on this thread! I, too, feel like this is the best thread on the whole site because I feel like I belong here. I do enjoy reading selectively through some of the other threads, but this is the one where I feel like I have met new friends and am able to really get to know people a bit. :biggrin2: tink128, I'm glad you found your way back. It sounds like you have already been banded??? How are things going for you? I'm just getting mentally ready for the liquid pre-op phase and not looking forward to it at all!!! But, as Henry Ford said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal". I need to keep my eyes on the goal :w00t: and take it one day at a time. Prayer will help me through those days. 2bmeagain, Paydays are heavenly, aren't they! I just got paid this week as well :thumbup: What a relief! Have a great evening everyone. I look forward to hearing from everyone tomorrow!

redsaffron, I'm so sorry to hear of your horrible experience. What an aweful nightmare for you and your family! :tongue: It kind of gives me a reality check as I am not yet banded (March 17). I tend to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation and sometimes forget that this is a serious surgery and complications can/do occur. I have to admit that I too am more than a bit concerned about what went on during surgery to cause two perforations. Something certainly seems to be not quite right. I will say a prayer for your continued recovery. God bless you and heal you. :cursing:

2bmeagain, THANK YOU! That is so cool that you would get so excited for me! How awesome! :cursing: Hope everyone is doing well today. I don't know about where you all live, but it is still pretty cold here in Kansas. :tongue: Looks like the rest of the week will stay that way. I'll sure be happy when spring decides to make her appearance. Stay warm!

Hi, all! Wow! I don't login for a few days and so much happens. :ohmy: It took awhile to catch up on the thread. I've read about those who have been overwhelmed at work, car accidents, new grandbabies, and newbies to this site. Welcome to all the new people and praise God for his strength in helping us through the trials of our lives. He is SOOOOO Wonderful! :biggrin: I am happy to report that I now have a surgery date! Pre-op is March 7 and I will be banded on March 17. This date couldn't have worked out better for me if I could have picked the date myself. It is the first day of spring break (I work for a school). I think I mentioned in my initial thread that doors just opened up easily for me on this. Once again, the door swung wide-open the the best possible date. Isn't God incredibe! I'm more excited than anything else. Blessings to you all this week.

I am thankful for a healthy family. My husband of 25 years and I have five kids ages 24, 23, 19, 13, and 11 and three grandchildren ages 2 1/2, 11 months, and 10 months. They are so wonderful! Where is everyone from? I saw 2bmeagain is from Texas. I'm in Kansas and let me tell you, it is COLD here today! :smile2: I hope to have my surgery date set within the next couple of days. I'm anxious to find out when it will be.

Hello, everyone. :regular_smile: I'm brand new to this site and this is my very first post. I've been reading threads from many different areas of this site for a couple of weeks now. I was really excited to see an area for Christians. As you all know, doing something as drastic as having bariatric surgery is a very difficult and complicated decision. Along with so many other things to consider, I too have struggled with the questions of whether or not the Lord would approve of this action. It relieved me greatly to see that many others have struggled with the same doubts and fears. As I read through the earliest messages posted in this thread, I read many things that gave me peace about this decision. Thank you for sharing. I attended the informational seminar on January 12. Since then I have had my psych eval, completed the computer program (Emmi) my surgeon required, had my initial consultation, and secured financing in the form of a home equity loan. The doors have opened one after the other which has given me even more peace about this decision. :tt1: My file has now been passed on to the scheduling and I should know my surgery date by middle of next week. It looks like surgery will be the last week of February or the first week of March. Of all the stages in this whole process, I'm the most worried about the pre-op liquid diet. Isn't that funny! :blushing: I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.