miminme

Hi Newbie: I commend your efforts in trying to loose weight yourself. It is hard. But sometimes we need something more. I have dieted my whole life. Up and down on the scale so many times. I got to the point that I really wanted to loose the weight but I needed help. So get ready to read my early road to banding. After two years of reading and studying the choices, I decided on Lap banding because it was the least invasive and can be reversed. I could not think of having any of my body parts altered permanently. Like a patch is to a smoker, I feel banding is to an overweight person. It will be a great tool. My next step was deciding on the band, Lap Band or the Realize band. Now there are two choices. I went to both websites and read about both. I then had to choose a surgeon. I also investigated where there was a Bariatric center that was highly learned in this type of procedure. Even though I work in a hospital, I chose a different hospital for the surgery. I made my appointment with the Bariatric Service and began a 6 month process. There are many tests to take and meetings to attend as part of the ctiteria for surgery clearance with the insurance companies. I met with pre and post operative patients and got their feedback. I was examined by a Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Psychologist, Gastroenterologist. I had many tests; venous duplex, stomach sonogram, chest x-ray, blood work, sleep apnea testing, Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, etc. A full physical work-up. I am happy to say, I am healthy and all turned out OK. I am scheduled for my surgery January 29, 2009. Three weeks prior, I was told to be on a full liquid diet. Medifast shakes, sugar free Jello, clear broth and any sugar free drinks I like. I have to drink 64oz. of liquids per day. I have already lost 14 lbs and I still have a week to go. My most recent meeting on Monday explained what to expect before and after surgery. The issue of acid reflux was addressed, due to the smaller stomach I will have and I was given breathing excersises to do. I think they are very concerned with my overall health. The hospital stay is overnight and there is a bit of discomfort for a few days. Again a liquid diet for two weeks after surgery, and then soft foods working up to regular foods. The stomach is now 3oz. so the intake is so much less you have to be full while loosing weight. Overeating, I was told, will cause discomfort sometimes for hours. So caution in eating too much. I am a bit anxious about surgery, but I feel they have taught me all I need to know before and after this prodecure. They will also there if I have a problem after surgery. So, the choice is yours. I made mine and I pray all goes well. I wish you the best!:tongue: