*susan*

The biggest thing they are looking at is what your BMI is, and if you have any co-morbidities. As far as the time it takes, it really does depend on whether or not you have insurance. If your insurance approves the surgery, many of them require you have a specified amount of months of a supervised diet before they will allow you to have the surgery. My insurance did not cover, so I was self-pay. I went to a seminar and then had my psych. eval, nutritional consult and sleep apnea study done within a week of the seminar. Then I met with my surgeon, who immediately approved me. I immediately started my pre-op liquid diet and was banded two weeks later. During the pre-op time, I also had an EKG, blood work and physical done. As far as cost, I paid $16,500.00. Everything in the first year was covered under that. Now that I am past my first year, I pay $50.00 for office visits and $150.00 for fills. There are less expensive options available, such as in Mexico. I suggest you do your research and find a good surgeon who will be able to meet all your needs.

Hi there and welcome to LBT. When I decided to get my band, my insurance would not cover it. Hubby and I agreed it was a good choice for me, so we refinanced our house to pay for the band. I don't regret the decision to do so. We have a forum for local bandsters, in which Idaho is included. You might want to check it out. The link is below: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f33/

First off, welcome to LBT. As for your question, I probably would have called them that day!

Hi and congrats on getting banded. I, as do many bandsters, had the same problem with major constipation. After over a week, I finally took Milk of Magnesia and within an hour things were "moving".

Welcome to LBT and congratulations on getting your band. It sounds like you are doing well.

Hi and congrats about the new job and being able to get the band. My sincerest condolences on the surprise prostate exam, my dh is not fond of those either. As far as pain medicine goes, I was sent home with a prescription for a liquid pain medicine, but I only took it the first night. After that, I took some adult liquid Tylenol before going to bed and that worked just fine for me.

Wow, I never heard it called that before. Sorry. My hubby loves to watch that show. It is pretty entertaining at times. I am amazed at some of the conditions those guys work under, it seems so dangerous.

Ewww, oysters totally gross me out. About the only seafood I like is Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, major yummy. Especially Joe's Crab Shack's garlic flavored one. Oh, and I love people who post just to post, gets that post count up.

Yep, it won't be long now. I remember how excited I was too. Everyone kept asking me if I was nervous. Heck no, I wasn't nervous, I couldn't wait for the day to get here.

I am just posting to post too! :smile2:

Hi Yvonne, congrats on getting your band. That is odd that the pain meds make you nauseous. Are they liquid or pill form?

Hi, I am not from Buffalo, but wanted to drop in and welcome you to LBT. Check out our local forums, I am sure you will find some locals from your area there.

Hi Susan and welcome to LBT. If you have any questions, let us know, we are glad to help.

I used MOM and it helped me. Best advice I can offer is to contact your doctor and see what they suggest.

Hi Mellissa, welcome to LBT! It is great that your PCP is in support of your getting the band, that really should make the process that much easier. Let us know how things progress, and if you have any questions, just ask!

I flew for the first time ever to Vegas and back last week from Florida. I had no problems with my band at all. The restriction remained the same.

Actually, users are what contribute to your rep. See the little scales next to the button that shows if someone is online or not? If you like something someone has posted, click on that. Then, you can leave a comment and add to their rep. Alex has it set up so we can only leave positive rep points, not negative.

Obviously, this is a subject that many are very passionate about. When discussing something such as this, emotions tend to take over and the next thing we know, people are being attacked as opposed to the idea. So, please let this serve as a gentle reminder that we attack the idea, not the person. This has been a very long, ongoing thread with a great deal of intelligent conversation and debate. Lets get back on track with that, as it would be a shame to have to lock this thread after all this time. Thanks guys.

Congratulations on getting your date!

I have a feeling it is all going to come down to the two David's. I like David A, but I just don't think he is American Idol material right now, maybe in a few more years with some maturity he will be. But, I think he has the teenage girl voting population on his side. David Cook seems to be getting better and better every week. I really enjoy him and he definitely has my vote.

I don't see why that would have anything to do with your band, but I am not a doctor. It could possibly be a reaction to some of the pain meds you are on. The best advice I can offer is to contact your doctor.

Hi Alicia, I think everyone goes through this a bit before any type of surgery. Don't worry about the anesthia, that will go fine. And, there is no sense in being angry at yourself. What is important now is you have made an important decision about your health and how to improve it. What happened in the past doesn't matter. What matters is the future and what you are doing to improve it. Good luck on Tuesday, I am sure everything will be fine.

Hi Amanda, and welcome to LBT. We are glad to have you join us. You will find a wealth of information here that will be helpful to you in your decision. Also, check out the local North Carolina forum, as you will probably find others there that have used the surgeon you are considering. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress and let us know if you have any questions, we are glad to help in any way we can.