SaraJaneQ

As the answers above attest, ever doc is different. I had two appointments with my practice's therapist. (btw, Ive been to probably 8 therapists in my life and he was the greatest - remember they are USED to working with overweight people - they will understand what you are going through). The first meeting I took a couple of bubble tests about my general personality and thoughts on life. We chatted a bit, and made another appointment for the following week. When I went back he confirmed that my test was ok (basically the tests were to weed out anyone who a. could not follow directions/pay attention, or b. had serious mental/emotional issues), and then we talked a bit about when and why I overeat, how important this surgery was to me, what I looked forward to about being thinner, etc. Don't stress. Be honest, but smart. Like, if the question is "I sometimes throw up after I eat", and the answer is one time you ate too much and got sick - you probably want to answer no or include an explanation. Not to worry though - they are not there to fail your or catch you, but rather to weed out those who are likely to find the surgery does more harm for them than good.

Yay, thats so fantastic. I have watched Youtube videos of people on the metric system counting down their kilos, and Im like "gosh, they get gypped, they dont get to go down in centuries the way we do". Congrats on that amazing accomplishment - being in the 200's is just fantastic!

I am still preop, but I have an ugly scar on my chest from surgery like 8 years ago. I tried mederma but honestly didnt see much results. Now I am using Dr. Blaine's Scar Care. Its this weird little patch thing that you stick on your skin for 8-12 hours a day. I think I am seeing results. I have to be honest though, the fact that its something not messy that I literally just stick on my skin every morning encourages me to remember to do it - so I may be having better results because I am following the plan better than with Mederma.

My dietician (part of the dr's office) says no drinking one hour before, and one and a half after. Considering a meal should take us 20 minutes, thats saying we can not drink for 9 of our waking hours but still we need so sip in 64 ounces of Water. Logic dictates that schedule just isnt all that reasonable.....check with the doc, perhaps they meant during a particular stage or something, but 2 hours does not really seem realistic. I realize we all kind of adapt things to fit our own needs, but it sure would be nice if these surgeons could agree somewhat on what the rules are and are not!!!

Unfortunately yes, it does vary greatly from dr to dr. Its hard to know exactly what you will need, but when you start seeing your surgeon you should be able to get some kind of guideline from him. Personally, I have been shopping at GNC because I like the Isopure drinks. Ive never been good with the chocolate shakes, so thats what I have been buying. Some doc's dont like isopure at all, and for the first week after surgery my doc wants me having Carnation Instant Breakfast, which is a no no with other docs as well. You should not HAVE to buy your Protein online. All kinds of places sell it in its different varieties - you just need to figure out what your doc wants you on first. Im sorry I can't be more help, but I found that when I tried to stock up before I knew what my doc wanted I bought some of the wrong stuff - Im trying to be more cautious about getting it right these days!

Welcome EbonyRose! Which hospital are you looking to be banded at? I am planning to be done at St. Raphaels, but I hear that Yale has an excellent program as well. There may well be others, but my insurance really gave me the choice of those two, and my sister has friends who were banded by Dr. V at Saint Raphaels. B there, Im with you. It doesnt make any sense whatsoever for me. Ive thought long and hard about it, and unless the weight seemed to be a Water retention/swelling issue so they had to proceed with caution, I would have to agree - not filling does not sound like a remotely smart plan!

I am HOPING to become a CT bandster. Ive passed all my tests and such, but I still have to wait for Oxford approval. I am from Meriden, but will be having surgery in New Haven. For those having problems with Dr. B - my sister is a nurse (NOT at Midstate) and she says that her hospital often gets people there because they need aftercare due to shortcomings on the Dr's part. I do not know the full reality of that situation, but if you feel you are not getting the care you need, I urge you to find another doc. You CAN change docs (as long as you work the details with your insurance). Your health definitely comes first!!!!

I did my psych eval last week and the therapist and I hit it off, he spent a lot of time chatting with me about the ins and outs of the test. Yes, it is mostly about making sure that your husband is a good candidate. The questions are some to do with food "When I am sad, I reach for a snack" kinda questions, some are personality "I believe strongly in a higher power", and some are questions to see if you are paying attention "I was on the cover of 3 or more magazines in the last month." Its not bad, just make sure he takes his time and pays attention. My dr said that if people fail on the ones that monitor if you are really reading the question (like the magazine one above) they will often caution against surgery because the person either isnt taking it seriously enough or they can not be bothered to read/follow directions.

They kinda want you to think of the book as the end all be all, but it isnt. Call the number on the card and ask. It may help to call and ask specifically about the CPT code for Lab Band, if that is the only surgery you are interested in.

This post made me laugh because I am still pre-op but I am PLANNING for the day I will probably be an avid clothes shopper! I created an ING savings account that takes money from me weekly so that when I am at goal I have some play money saved up for clothes - I can only imagine what it will be like to be able to buy whatever I want after a lifetime of being obese. I have a HUGE wardrobe now (collected over the years) and I plan on thoroughly enjoying rebuilding it in a much smaller size.

I fully understand. Ive NEVER been thin, or even "normal" sized. I am completely freaked out about how things will change. I worry that my friends wont be my friends, my husband won't find me attractive, people will treat me differently. Its just the unknown - Im sure it will mean a better life for all of us!

I gotta say, watching the incisions et al had me a little weirded out, but having watched the whole thing, Im glad I did. I feel a lot more comfortable with what is actually going to happen inside my body.

ProudMommy - I may be misunderstanding, but I think part of your problem may be that you are pushing your stomach too fast. Most surgeons do not allow you to eat anything but liquid for 14 days after surgery. (Jello seems to be an odd exception). Mine says that for the first two weeks all I am allowed to eat is: Instant Breakfast/meal replacement Water Plain tea Broth Boullion Flat ginger ale Crystal Light Diet Jello Its not about the diet, but about letting your poor stomach heal! Maybe if you avoid anything remotely think or solid for a while things will improve. Best of luck to you! Im just starting the insurance hurdle process myself! :w00t: