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Also, you may not see a big change before you get your first fill. For me, that'll be in another 5 and a half weeks--6 weeks after surgery. That's when the pouch is formed and when you should feel some restriction. Be patient and don't give up hope! It'll happen.

I was banded yesterday (8/19) too! They also fixed my hietal hernia. All in all, not too bad of an experience, but it's clearly time to take my pain meds this morning. :-) I don't post much here, but I'm glad that others do and I appreciate the support of the community.

I just got banded today (8/19)! I'm a bit amazed that it's all over (actually, my new life is just beginning, but the surgery is over). For me, it was relatively straightforward and painless. Relatively. :-) I arrived at 7am, did the consent and other paperwork, and was issued into a typical hospital-type room where I changed into my gown. The anesthesiologist (sp?) administered an IV into the back of my hand (almost the worst part of the procedure--I hate the notion of IV's!). The nurses were getting everything ready and started my antibiotics too soon. Since I'd been on the pre-op diet and had nothing to eat or drink for several hours, I got nauseous from the antibiotics. But, I told them (important but obvious point--speak up in you're in discomfort and be assertive about it) and they backed off of the flow rate and I was fine. Standard vitals check, a heparin shot, shaved my abdomen, and wheeled me into OR about 8:20. A few more minutes of futzing around, and next thing I know, I'm in Recovery. Recovery wasn't too bad; it took about 20 minutes for the anesthesia to wear off enough for me to feel reasonably coherent. They gave me a lot of discharge instructions (verbally and in writing and I'll need to call back tomorrow to clarify a few things). I live in a second-floor condo and was able to climb the steps with no problem. I've been sore all day, but the pain is manageable. Sipped a lot of Water and other fluids (make sure that your pee runs clear/not yellow so that you're getting enough liquid). Used a lung-capacity gauge to strengthen my lungs and work out some of the mucus. Walked around the condo a lot and a little bit out in the complex (it's 109 degrees here, so not too much outside). I'm still a bit wigged out about what's just happened and I know that it's very early in the process, but all in all, not too bad of an experience.

I used CareCredit for both my up-front fee (about $1000) and for the balance ($3600), as well as for some dental work. No problems either time. Be careful to read what you sign--they have many different programs (like 0% interest now, but you really get zinged if you don't pay it off in time).

Hi all! I joined the list last fall and dropped off for a bit when I got discouraged during my 6-month diet & exercise. Now, I'm scheduled for surgery on 8/19! I'm on day 3 of my pre-op diet (liquid and protein) and so far, ok. I can't believe how (relatively) well the pre-op diet is going--sure, I'm hungry and miss food, but no major pangs or cravings. Yet. :-) Anyway, just wanted to say hi again.

Thanks for your Mexican chicken recipe and I'd like to see your chili recipe, too.

Hi all, I'm Kerry. Had my consultation today and was told that my insurance requires a 6-month period of supervised diet and exercise before approving weight-loss surgery. Plus, it'll be more out-of-pocket than I originally thought. Bummer. But, I'm still overall excited and 6 months to try to lose some weight on my own and practice discipline isn't a bad thing, right?

Thanks for posting both your frustrations and your realizations. It helps me, as an eventual bandster, to know the ups and downs of what I'll be getting into.

Hang in there, Lauri! I'm in week 1 of my 6-month wait. At first, I was very upset at the prospect, but I'm now using it as a chance to prove to myself (and to my insurance company) that I can follow a plan and to begin practicing the habits that I'll need to live by post-op. So far, so good, but it's only been a week.

Thanks, all, for your encouragement! I already feel better reading the posts here. And, frankly, I'm a bit relieved that I've got time to get all of my tests done and to adjust to the new lifestyle. Maybe the 6-month wait is a good thing, after all.

Thanks for your encouragement! I went to a seminar a week ago yesterday, then I had my consult the following Wednesday. At least, that went quickly! :smile: I know that the time will pass, what with tests and the holidays, but I want to be thinner NOW! I guess I've got six months to work on my patience, too.

Makes perfect sense to me. I, too, and excited at the possibility of success, but afraid of the possibility of failure. So, I guess that just means that we can't fail!