JessDubai

Hi there. It's been a while since I've been on this site. My surgery was in early February of 2010. My weight at that time was 227 pounds, and I am 5'9". I paid for my own surgery. One year and a month later, I have passed my initial goal weight of 155 pounds and now weigh 139 pounds. I wear a US size 6. I haven't weighed this little since I was in high school and people can't get over how amazing I look. I wanted to share my story because I remember reading others' success stories right before and after I had my own surgery. Those stories inspired me to keep going when I was scared or when things were tough. People, hang in there - you can do this - and trust me, it will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself! Lots of love, Ann

Excellent! Just added you all. :biggrin:

You're getting there - don't worry! I think the first five days were the worst for me but it gets better every day. Make sure you're getting up and moving around - it really helps. My surgery was January 9th - It took me two full weeks before I realized I was no longer in any sort of pain. I can now sleep on either side at night and don't have pain wearing somewhat tight jeans/dress slacks when I'm out and about. Take the pain meds you've been prescribed at the time you are supposed to take them - when I ran out liquid tylenol worked pretty good too. It will get better!

This is a great question - I plan on really putting myself out there when I'm a US size 10. That was a size where I was very confident. I long for those days again!

Hi. I didn't have to have a psych evaluation. I only have to have an abdominal ultrasound and some blood work. My total cost of pre-op testing was $965 USD (3550 AED) and that included the doctor's appointment. Banded on 9 January 2010

My surgery was Saturday, 9 January, at 11:00 a.m. I arrived at the hospital at 9:00 a.m. via taxi, made the balance of my payment (I am self-pay) and was brought to the room where I would stay. Nurses brought in a scale and took my height and weight and vitals, and advised me to change into my gown. I changed and put away some personal things I'd brought with me and sat on the bed and tried my best to watch TV and not be worried! Two nurses came in with compression hose and put them on me. Then the surgical staff came in one by one to meet me and explain their roles in the surgery, all asking general questions about my health. A nurse came back and started my IV (no problems) and put an injection into my stomach to prevent blood clots (no problems with this either, didn't even feel it.) I was wheeled up to surgery and remember the anesthesiologist telling me that she wanted to see my "big beautiful smile" in recovery right after the surgery. I told her I would do my best and remember taking some deep breaths... and then I woke up in recovery. My doctor told me everything went well and there were no problems, although my liver was a little larger than he would have liked it to be. I slept off and on throughout the day and night, getting up to sip water and walk to the bathroom to pee frequently and walk around my room. For the most part the pain was tolerable, although they don't exactly prescribe the same medications here as they do in the U.S. (They are definitely not as strong here - no morphine after surgery, but something similar to a high dose of ibuprofin.) I was released yesterday late afternoon after having a drainage tube removed from my abdomen and my friend picked me up to stay with her for a couple of days. I am experiencing gas pain in my shoulder for the first time this morning. I have pain at the port site as well, but it's not too bad. I am going in Wednesday for a follow-up and can't wait to take a shower after he looks at the incision sites. I'm on my way!

Hello! I'm really looking forward to my "re-birth" on 9 January 2010 when I get banded! I'm very excited, and wish I could tell more people but have experienced some pretty mixed reactions when discussing this with others. I've prepared to the point of being a tad bit ridiculous and I think I've bought way too much Protein powder, pureed vegetables, and soy milk, but better safe than sorry! Anyone else having surgery on the 9th or 10th?

I will have my surgery this next Saturday at IMH in Dubai with Dr Basha. My pre-surgery testing was $965 USD (3550 AED) and the surgery is $8707 USD (32000 AED - with the current exchange rate.) All fills and subsequent Dr's appointments are $150 USD (550 AED) with the exception of the first fill which is free. My employer provides health insurance but it does not cover this type of surgery no matter the BMI or comorbidities. I know if I were in the US I would not qualify under a health care plan though as my BMI is 34 and I have no other health problems.

Hi there, I live in Dubai and am scheduled for LAP-BAND® Surgery on January 12th with Dr. Basha. I'd be happy to meet up during your next visit, and would enjoy meeting other bandsters in this region as well. Kind Regards, Jess