mcwms

Welcome! I am not yet banded but hoping to schedule the surgery within the next 30 days (had to push it back a couple of weeks). Most surgeons will provide the costs up front- I am self pay also and my quoted price is $14,500 which includes all pre-op appointments and testing. The fills are not included with this, however, and will costs me $100 per fill. Many posters have said that their fills are included in their up-front costs- so try doing a search and see what information you find! Hope this helps! Good luck!

Congrats, Chris, on taking the initiative to improve your health! I have had 2 back surgeries myself in the last 2 years- the last one involving the insertion of metal rods, screws, and bone grafts in 2 vertebral levels- and I definately understand how the associated immobilitiy can impact your weight. Not to mention all the steroids required during back surgery! My activity level had always helped to control my weight some what, and with my decreased activity tolerance due to my back problems my weight has steadily climbed over the last couple of years. I plan to be banded soon and am happy that you have also taken advantage of this wonderful tool! Good luck! Mary

My surgeon requires a "2 week liquid diet" pre-op, but I am not sure if this means clear liquids or "anything that I can get through a straw." So far I am really hungry while trying to stick to clear liquids! I am curious of everyone else's experiences regarding the pre-op liquid requirements, if you feel like sharing! Thanks a bunch! Mary

Thanks for the replies. It seems I am getting more excited every day! Audree, my MD has said to expect the weight loss to be a little slower since I do have a lower BMI, but I think that slow and steady wins the race and I'll take it! Good luck to each of Y'all! Mary

Howdy, Y'all! I am hoping to have my surgery within the next 3 weeks and would like to join this group! I am so excited that I could bust! I really feel like this surgery is going to jumpstart a new beginning for me. I am 34 years old and need to lose around 65 pounds, maybe a little more, my BMI is 36.8. I am paying for the surgery myself and am praying that I don't have any complications because I sure won't be able to afford them! I started my 2 week liquid pre-op diet last Friday and am finding it difficult to follow! I am including creamed Soups though, so that has helped some but am open to any suggestions! Congrats to everyone and good luck as we begin this fabulous journey! Mary