48Cyns

I was banded on the 24th, spent one night in the hospital (I wanted to!!!) The only pain I felt was the left shoulder pain, but the nurse gave me a long ice chips bag and that morphine button and it went away a few hours later. It seems to come back once in a while but only a minute or two, and not severe. The doctor found I had a hiatal hernia in or near my diaprahm so taking deep breaths is a little hard, but this was totally so much less than I expected. I could have very easily gone back to work 3 days later, but I'm not going to push it. Been eating sf-jello, Crystal Light popsicles, and today had a little mushroom Soup without the mushrooms. The heat felt good. Soooooo nothing bad to report, very easy surgery and recovery!!! Banded 8/24/09 241P / 227C / 140G :wub:

I really wonder why I was so nervous about doing this the last 3-years. This was so much easier than I ever dreamed, the shoulder gas pain went away by the next morning, I was freaked out by the barium swallow that eveyone calls chalk, but after driinking Protein shakes for two weeks I found the strawberry flavoured barium a nice little dessert! Guys, if any of you are still sitting on the fence because you're scared about surgery or anesthesia, honeslty, it was just a breeze. The absolute worst part was getting the IV in when I arrived at the hospital - from there it was all down hill. 235 banding 08/25/09 227 08/27/09 140 goal

I had a modified Atkins diet for 14 days, but I just did the clear liquids the last 24 hours and was fine.

I love Aetna! I had my approval back in 4 days and I was just banded yesterday. They let me stay one night in the hospital and my doctor said he prefers his patients to stay overnight. I loved that morphine button, even though I have to admit the pain is almost nothing! I really found this to be easier than my gall bladder or tubal surgeries. Congrats and good luck!

I was just banded yesterday and spent the night - my doctor asked me if I wanted to and I would definitely do it if you can. The morphine button is your best friend. So far, this has been a breeze!

I was just banded yesterday and got to come home today. The whole process was just a breeze and I am feeling wonderful only one day out. The pain is minimal! Good luck to the newest banders this week!

Less than 24 hours now, YIKES!!! I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

Heya Jim, I'm also a DFW Bander - well, I will be tomorrow! My doctor is Dr. Provost in Denton, TX. My yahoo is aatxcutee. Congrats on the loss already!

My surgery is tomorrow morning as well - guess I have the same concern about the anesthesiologist, but having mine in a hospital and staying overnight. So, I'll see you on the other side (banded) later this week. Good luck Amigo!

Does anybody know why some doctors don't even require a pre-op diet?

My surgery date is this Monday, only 2 more days away. I wish all the other August Freedom Banders the best of luck!

I agree with Breanne, alot of people say Aetna is just impossible but mine was really, really fast. They have changed their policy in the last couple of months because now you can do the 90-day surgical prep instead of the 6-months of doctor visits. My doc submitted the paperwork on July 31st and on August 4th I had an approval - surgery is next week. YIKES! :biggrin:

I'll be one day ahead of ya'll, August 24th with surgery at Presby Hospital in Denton, Texas. It's too early to be nervous but I'll get there I'm sure . My pre-op diet is different from everyone elses it seems. 14-days of 800 calories, 95% protein/fiber and almost zero carbs/fat. Good luck to all of us!:confused:

I agree with everyone, find a surgeon AND back-office that cares and knows what they're doing! I have Aetna also and followed the 90-day pre-surgical regimen instead of a 6-month weight plan, first visit was in May and I have a surgery date of Aug 24th. Don't give up, YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

After thinking about this for 3 years I did it!!! Started the process in May, insurance submitted July 30 & insurance approved Aug 4th. It's the 14-day countdown to surgery and I am ready!!! Has anyone else used Dr. David Provost in Denton, Texas? Yippeeeeee:thumbup: I'm sure my yippee will turn to growling about 4 days into my 14-day pre-op diet.

My doctor gave me a sample of a new B12 nasal spray, once a week versus the monthly B12 injections, it is called NASCOBAL. I don't have a problem with needles so I get a B12 shot every two weeks - you'd be amazed at how much better you feel for about a week following B12 injections. :thumbup:

It used to take about 30-days to get your approval back, but for some reason everyone I hear from says they get their approval back in 2-3 days, a week at the most. I started my process on May 5th and surgery is scheduled for August 24th. I elected for the 90-day surgical prep course instead of the 6-months with a dietician. When I went in I expected to have surgery in November, so August was a real surprise!

Mine is about the same, low calorie (800) low carb for 14-days, but I think I will try to do just liquids the last couple of days. I'm so excited!!!