StartingOverNJ

I was banded on December 2nd and my road has been anything but smooth. While I have lost 25 pounds since the morning of the surgery I think it is more because I'm lucky to still be alive. I knew the risks going in but you don't always hear about them happening. More of my saga is posted at http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/6-days-ago-happened-82843/ At this point I'm having a lot of second thoughts on the wisdom of my choice to have this surgery. Anyway, the best of luck to everyone!

BTW - thanks for the kind words and about feeling better. Unfortunately I don't feel very good at all....

Hi all. This past Wednesday I took a major turn for the worse and went to the emergency room for blood clots in the arm I had the IV in. Seemed like a fairly minor issue since I've had clots in my legs in the past and they have always been superficial. (Not serious) An observant triage nurse noticed my difficulty breathing and probably saved my life. Long story short, I developed a massive pulmonary embolism and was admitted to the hospital. spent the next 4 days getting pumped up with blood thinners and have a rather long road ahead to get over this thing. Beginning to really wonder if I made the right choice in going for this surgery.... sigh....

Feeling much better the past 24 hours. I left the hospital with a full bottle of pills and my tail between my legs so to speak.

Up until yesterday/today I was having some pretty serious doubts about the choice I made. I really wasn't prepared for feeling so beat up as I've felt. Thankfully that is finally starting to change.

Over a year ago I went for my first seminar and have been reading and studying everything I can get my hands on. Went to more than one seminar before deciding on a surgeon to use and I've been spending lots of time trying to meet all the insurance requirements. One more doctor to see today before the insurance package will be ready to submit for approval. I'm being told that everything so far looks good but time will tell. Currently targeting a November 20th surgery date. Been reading this site for a little while now and figured it was time to say hi. I used to be an avid walker and look forward to getting back to it. Started with the treadmill last week so I'm hopeful. Nervous, frustrated and excited all at the same time....

I was expecting at least a week if not more based on all the insurance horror stories I've been reading here. I guess if you take the time to get all your ducks in a row things move more quickly. I think the key reason is that the PCP I've been using for the last 3 or 4 years has kept detailed notes of the progress and then the lack of progress of my attempts to lose weight. Interesting to read them myself, a true roller coaster experience for sure. BTW - do you use the lapband support group sessions that Abkin/Bertha offer? Are they worth while? Thinking of going to the 11/19 one to check it out. I'm not sure group meetings are for me as I'm an Internet type person but willing to try anything to help adjust to my new life ahead.

Thanks for the welcome. I'll try and do the class proud. :thumbs_up: (Already voted as well...)

Well I didn't get a chance to read all seven pages of this thread but wanted to add another December bander to it. Been quite a road to get here but my insurance package was submitted 11/4 and I received approval the next day! I now have a 12/2 surgery date. Very excited but starting to get some nervous doubts which seems to be pretty normal but hey, it's a big step!

Just got my date today. Add me to the December banders. 12/2/08 is my big day.

My insurance packet was submitted yesterday and approval was received today! I was not expecting word back that soon. Now the nerves and doubt are starting.

Wow, a whirlwind of activity the last few days. Finally got all the insurance documentation together and it was submitted yesterday morning. Received approval today!!!!! (BCBS even!) Looks like 12/2/08 is my surgery date. Now the nerves start. Sigh!

Thanks Jetti. Just an FYI I'll be using Dr Bertha's partner, Dr Abkin.

I'm working towards my surgery and it is def. a scary process. Only you can answer your question. Are the goals you set worth it you? If you want it bad enough you'll have to work for it and I'm sure there will be bumps along the way. Thats what I tell myself anyway!