AZPete

Questions: Does she intibate you when under general anesthesia? And if you stay the night, do they put the TED stockings on your legs? Any other experiences with her would be greatly appreciated. I am a self pay having the procedure done on March 22.

Even though my insurance left me high and dry, I am still going along with the plan. Self-pay, $20,000. Dr. Blackstone of Scottsdale Bariatric Center in AZ is doing it. Her office is ranked in the top three in the country. It was a toss up between this and the RNY bypass. I have done all the preliminary tests, few to go before the surgery. Would like to know from others what to expect the day of the surgery, and what to expect after. Surgery October 9, 2006.

I got it off of a website, don't remember the site. However they are one of three to recieve the national center of excellence award. They were very proud of their stats, in five years only one non surgical related death in RNY bypass, and none with the Band. She does alot of them. It is the only thing they do, Bands and Bypass. Nothing else. I feel pretty good about them.

Thanks for the reply. I am just excited to get back into shape, and move on with my life.

Just curious as to what the day of surgery was like and your stay in the hospital. I have had so many surgeries, 5 orthopedic in the last two years, but nothing like this with my mid section. Sure cutting and plating my ulna was painful, as was the fusion of my wrist three times, but still curious about the entire journey.

Thank you for all of the replies. The more I know the better I will feel about going in. Every surgery is scary. Out of the nine sports related this one scares me the most.

Well hopefully my insurance covers it, if not, it looks like I will be paying $19,000 cash for it. I need this done regardless.

I finally realized that I need to make a change in my life. At 30 with my first child on the way, I need to improve my health. I quit smoking a year ago, and never miss it or think of it. Rarely drink in excess. However, at 6'1 332lbs with a BMI of 43.4, I am done with the eating in excess. I have struggled my whole life, up and down and up higher. I was at one time a power lifter/body builder who has not been to the gym in 2 1/2 years due to a serious gym injury. On Monday I went to my pcp to initiate the process for my insurance. On Sunday I am attending a seminar at the Scottsdale Bariatric Center, where I hope to see Dr. Blackstone. I had all my bloodwork done today to see where I am at. Here is the thing, I do not have high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc. and I Never Want Them! So I am glad that I found this site, and I will post all of my questions and future experiences.

Thanks for the reply. Like you, this is the first surgery I am looking into that for the most part is not necessary, other than the obvious reasons. I have had rhinoplasty and the aformentioned wrist/arm surgeries, which really hurt, like really really hurt. However, I have never experienced abdomen pain due to surgery, and I am just curious.