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I had my surgery performed by Dr. Barry Greene in Rockville, MD. The program fee was $500 which was deducted from the total cost of the surgery. I was self-pay, not through insurance. Don't know if that made a difference. I would highly recommend Dr. Greene. If Rockville is convenient for you, check him out.

I also had to do a sleep study and was found to have sleep apnea. After I got the machine I didn't use it right away, but started about 2 weeks before surgery. The sleep Dr. had me come in and read the chip. He saw I hadn't used it that much, but was happy that when I did use it that my time of managing to keep it on was getting longer. I had to bring the machine with me to surgery and woke up in recovery with the machine and mask on. I did change masks and am now using what they call nose pillows. Instead of a full face mask, it's just a strap with two cushions that fit in my nostrils. Much more comfortable and I don't feel suffocated. Maybe you can try a different mask. Good luck and don't give up on the cpap just yet. It really takes getting used to. And there is no guarantee that the weight loss will make the apnea go away.

Day 4 and I'm feeling so much better. Day 3 was bad. Felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Today has been great. Took my first real shower, which helped tons. And TMI, had success in the bathroom!!! Sorry!! Looking forward to my post-op Dr. visit on Monday. Anyone know what I can expect with that visit? Thanks again to this board for all the info. Hope everyone is doing well. Good Luck to those with surgery coming up soon. Nina

Here I am at day 2 and feeling pretty good. The pain is a bit more than yesterday, but not horribly unbearable. Took pain meds last night before bed and I think they helped me sleep fairly well. I slept in the recliner with a pillow over my tummy. Have been sipping away on my liquids, mostly water w/ crystal light, protein shakes and broth. Some plain water for good measure. Just woke up from a little nap which was rather refreshing. Thinking of all of you who were banded yesterday and for those yet to come. The ones who came before were so helpful and certainly calmed some fears. Hope everyone is doing well. Peace! Nina

I'm BANDED!!!! Got the center @ 6:30 and was back home at 12:07. Feeling pretty good right now. No real pain, more of an annoyance. Sipping away on some broth and walking around the house a bunch. I even gave myself a shot. Not bad at all. Have to do that for 4 more days. The worst part is cotton mouth. When will that subside??? Hoping everyone else is doing well who was banded today.

Well, the day has finally arrived. I will be heading out soon for the surgery center. I don't feel nervous or scared. It's almost like I don't feel anything. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing. Good luck to all my fellow 10/25 bandsters!!! Hope to hear everyone's story within the next couple of days. And good luck to all the other future October peeps. Say a prayer. Nina

Sarah, Wishing you the best tomorrow. I'm scheduled for 7:30. We will all have to ck in on each other. Take Care

Ish, thanks for thinking of me. Getting down to the wire here. In about 12 hours I will leave the house for the surgery center and come home with a whole new life ahead of me. And I'm so glad to hear how well you are doing. I can only hope and pray I have the same results. Best of Luck to Kim tomorrow also and all the good folks coming after. Cheers!!

Agree about changing up your exercise routine. Another thing that you might want to try is to change up your calories per day. Example: You have 800 cals per day x 7 days is 5600 per week. Divide that 5600 up differently, like 800 one day, 1000, the next, 1200 the next, 900 the next day. Do this while still watching your carbs, fat and Protein. This was something I tried when dieting in the past and found myself stalled. It worked. Worth a try. Good Luck breaking through!!

This is a great idea. 1-Not having to worry about the seatbelt on the airplane. 2-Clothes from any store other than Lane Bryant!! 3-Not having to buy wide width shoes cause my feet swell 4-Not being the fat mom on the block!!! 5-Not being fearful of going out and meeting people for fear of what they will think of me.

Kim, what time is your surgery scheduled for? Mine is 7:30 AM. We can send each other positive surgery vibes!

Ish, glad to hear that you are doing so well and that the support is there for you. When will you see your Dr. again?