PandorasMom

My left shoulder hurts when I eat, as well. It was a toss up for me whether it was from eating or a muscle. I was leaning toward eating, but just recently. Once I stop eating, the pain usually stops. Just figured it was one of the quirks of a band. Didn't know about the diaphragm muscles.

Annecolorgreen - definitely.

:redface: Small world ... I'm getting banded by one of Dr. Lusco's associates, Dr. Schuster, on 7 October at St. Mary's.

I have told everyone in my family and expect them to tell everyone else and so on but I've only told two people at work - one is my supervisor is amazing and the other works in another unit and has had the surgery. Everyone else - its just not their business. Especially if they would think it was their job to "help" me. I'm like a little kid - telling me what to do just about guarantees I'll do the opposite.

I have received approval and my surgery date is 7 October. Pre-op 26 Sept and meet with the surgeon on 3 Oct. I was wondering, what is everyone doing to prepare for the surgery? I have an urge to empty my cupboards and fridge since I won't really be eating afterward. Although, I don't really know that since I won't see the nutritionist til my pre-op. I don't know what my pre or post op diet will be so I can't prepare that way - its making me very anxious. I tried to make a to do list tonight but could only think to make sure I'm stocked up on toilet paper and cat food. I've got a decent supply of Atkins shakes but they go quite quickly. Honestly, I'm not just anxious, I'm sort of on the verge of panic - its unreal to me that I am actually going to do this and having a date makes denial impossible.

Thank you. I knew it couldn't be peanut butter. I'm aiming for the last group, too, but think I'll be in the often group. I get terrible hiccups when I eat something dry now. I can't imagine what it will be like when I can't drink when I eat. I guess that is why you have to chew so much.

Thank you. No, you aren't that far from me. I'm just south of Louisville in the Ft. Knox area. An hour or so from you I think. My surgeon is Dr. Schuster with Louisville Surgical Associates with St Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. The process for me has not been that rough or that long, really. I researched for around a year and then went to a seminar June 30. I had my appointment with Dr. Schuster on July 15. Around 2.5 weeks after that, his office sent the letter of medical necessity. About mid August my insurance asked for a quote and then I found out yesterday that I was approved. The longest parts were the docs office sending the letter and me getting an appt with the psych doc. I'm told that will take about 5 minutes. The surgeons office said I'd likely be scheduled for surgery a couple of weeks after the psych docs report reaches their office. My insurance is with Blue Cross/Blue Shield Federal and I am very happy with them. My friend has another type of Blue Cross/Blue Shield and she has a couple more steps to go through before they will approve. I have found their customer service to be very helpful and friendly. I've had that insurance for less than 2 years so I'm pretty impressed that they approved. Where are you going for the surgery? My consult consisted of a couple of pokes, some deep breathing and showing me the band. It took longer for me to get there.

So have you gotten the band already? I am very fortunate that my insurance covers this surgery. Thats the only way I'd be able to do this - I can't afford it on my own. Is it $14000 for you? I asked my insurance and they were told it would be $15000. At the seminar, we were told by the doctors that without insurance the band is $17000. Go figure.

Thank you for the info. Definitely not looking forward to learning more about that.

This is my first post but I've been a member for a while. I found out today that my insurance will pay for the surgery and have my psych eval scheduled for Sept 30. After he clears me (hope I'm not crazy!) it should be a matter of weeks for the surgery. Probably mid to late October if not earlier. I've been researching lap band for over a year and had made up my mind and was really looking forward to it. Now I'm kind of scared and wondering if I can really go through with it. Nothing like a reality check. I will go through with it, of course. I decided a while back that I will not go into my 40's like this. Not just for weight or looks but I know I've been lucky so far carrying all this weight. I doubt my poor body can take too much more. I already ache. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself before I started asking questions, like what is PB? I keep seeing it. I'm pretty sure its not peanut butter.