YongsanFatty

My story is similar to other folks on here in that it was my first surgical procedure ever...but it is very different because I had my procedure in Seoul. I went in last Thursday (the 19th), fasted, at 9 a.m. The surgeon and his staff were incredibly nice. I couldn't believe how much time and attention they gave me. They had me in the "VIP" room...VIP status is an interesting thing in Korea - I'm not sure if it was because of the job that I do or because I was the most complicated surgery of the day in their medical clinic. Haha! Anyway, they started my IV, then led me to the operating room. The last thing I remember was the anestesist saying was "This is just pure oxygen" as he placed a mask in front of my face. Then he asked me if all of my teeth were real and the nurses who were strapping my arms down asked me if my fingernails were real...next thing I know, I'm back in the VIP room, freezing to death, under a heated blanket. My husband looks super worried, but he's trying to stay calm. My blood pressure had dropped and I was incredibly pasty/pale...but I was fine, otherwise. I think I just have a weak system when it comes to chemicals. I said a couple of sentences to the doctor in Korean and then he knocked me out again. (I guess my Korean wasn't so great, eh? ) They were incredibly attentive the rest of the afternoon and discharged me around 7:30 that night. I climbed into a cab and headed home. Korea is different than the US in that they don't really prescribe strong pain meds. They gave me orange flavored ibuprophen (in a child's dosage!), antacids, and antibiotics. They did, however, send me home me with my IV still in tact and 24 hours of some sort of painkiller in a "to go" donut shaped container. I walked a LOT...belched a lot...and nothing really hurt unless I laid wrong or when I had to bend over the first few days. I sat up a lot as well...but I slept a lot, too. I tried not to lay down unless I was sleeping. I went back to work the following Monday and haven't had any problems so far. I am scheduled to see my surgeon on Thursday again to make sure all is well. Thank you all for your support and encouragement during this time. You're the best virtual support group anyone could ever ask for! :-)

I have tried Worldwide Pure Protein and Isopure. I like both of these, particularly the Isopure that are more sport-drink-like than milkshake-like. Too many Protein drinks are milkshake-like. I fear I will get milkshaked out! I am in Korea, so my choices are a little limited, but in the store today I saw Fruitein and Cytogainer. Has anyone tried either of these? I typically buy one bottle or bar to try it out, but these two were only available in large sizes. I hate to commit if the product doesn't have any street-cred with other bandees. :-) I figure we all are/were pleasantly plump for many reasons, but one that we have in common is that we have good taste when it comes to...taste. :party:

Wow...that's impressive! You must be one tough cookie! We're excited to see how the rest of your journey goes! :-)

I would be forever grateful for some guidance. :-) I will be banded on August 19th, two days before my 30th birthday. I weigh 222 right now, as I have lost some weight during my pre-op diet. I am having the procedure in Seoul and have been impressed with the service and attention that I've received from my surgeon and his staff. We battle the language barrier quite well and between my Korean and his English (he worked with a surgeon in Florida for several years), we seem to communicate effectively. While I feel like I understand everything that is going on/will go on physically, I am worried about what happens emotionally and socially. I haven't told many people about my decision to band and would like to keep it as quiet as possible as I'm a fairly private person. I guess what I'd like to have is a buddy/mentor who is willing to share their past experiences and wisdom with someone who is somewhat clueless. My husband is an RN and is very supportive, but I think it would be wonderful to be able to have someone to turn to who truly understands everything I will experience. In return, of course, I am willing to flatter you shamelessly and send you special treats from South Korea. (Unfortunately, I have no guidance or wisdom about banding to offer in return.)

I will be doing self-pay in Seoul. It will be between $6,400 and $6,800 when all is said and done. (After the pre-tests, initial consultation - which impressed me. I never expected a surgeon to spend more than an hour with me - explaining everything and answering all of my questions!) My fills will be $25 per visit.

It is helpful that you're having the other things handled at the same time...that way if you do need an additional day, they'll understand without you having to be cryptic or mysterious about it. :-) I can definitely relate to my business being everyone else's business, too. I live in one of the largest cities in the world (Seoul), but I live and work in a small American community...it is amazing how much we all know about each other. I know that some folks would be ultra supportive, but many would be judging me. We have enough to worry about with potential complications, pre-op and post op limitations, healing/recovery and adopting new lifestyles. We don't need to worry about what other folks think! The less they know, the better. :-)

I am in a similar boat with you, Melissa. I told my male boss that I was having a "medical procedure" that would require a few days off. My hope (and it worked!) was that he would assume it was something female-related that he didn't want to hear about. I explained that some folks take as much as 7-10 days, but others only need 2-4. Because I work in an office environment, I am hoping that 3 days off will be enough for me. I am scheduled for a Thursday and am off the next Friday and the weekend with a hope to return on Monday. I understand being a little nervous...I think we all are. :w00t: I hope you have a relatively low stress/low activity job that will allow you to work and still heal at the same time. Good luck!! :rolleyes2: