November bandsters unite!!

[MrsLD 0]

I go to my consultation with my doctor on October 6, 2010. I am hoping that I can schedule my surgery in November 2010.

Welcome to the group! :thumbup:

So, I am curious.... has anyone else contemplated having a vertical sleeve gastrectomy instead of the lap-band at all? For me, the thought of having 85% of my stomach taken out scares me but at the same time, for some people having something foreign in your body is scary as well. I am moving forward with going the lap-band route but was just curious about your opinions.

[sassy k's mommy 1]

I am not into having anything removed or rerouted but thats just my opinion. The lap band seems to be safer in my eyes than the other ways.

[topazz 4]

I am not into having anything removed or rerouted but thats just my opinion. The LAP-BAND® seems to be safer in my eyes than the other ways.

I completely agree!! :thumbup:

[MrsLD 0]

That's how I feel as well. This is such a major decision and I am glad you all are here for support!!

[sassy k's mommy 1]

I am really excited about having the band. I have been calling an emailing my doctor's office regarding setting up the consultation after attending the seminar. I attended the seminar in August and I have my consultation in October. I am hoping to have the surgery in November however, I am not really sure thats going to happen. Thankfully, I don't have to go through all the loops some people had to go through. I don't have to have the sleep study or the visit to the psychiatrist. However, I think that I have to go the cardio and pulmonary doctors. However, I am wondering since I don't have high blood pressure or chlosterol will I have to do any of that.. Praying to working on the new me in 2011.

[timetobefree 5]

Glad to help! I gained so much from all the people here when it was my turn, I'm glad to give back.

Which shakes did you use pre and post? My fav is BSN Lean Dessert. It's available on Amazon, at GNC, and lots of other places. I also like the ready-to-drink shakes from costco, Premier Nutrion. To make the shakes more palatable, try blending with ice and adding a low-cal/cal-free mix in, like Decaf coffee crystals, Jello mix, pudding mix, etc. Helps a LOT!

Also, how long did it take for you to return to work? I had my surgery on a Wed and went back to work on Tuesday. I probably could have gone back Mon, but I had the time off, so I took it.

I did have a desk job, but also have two little ones, one who was a baby, when I had the surgery, and I was able to care for them after just a few days.

My biggest hint is to really, really accept that you will most likely not lose weight for a few months unless you are willing to diet. I didn't lose weight until 4-5 months post-op. It sucks at the time, but as you can tell, it hasn't slowed my over-all weight loss down. I'm still doing well (at least I think), so don't get down about it. It happens to 99% of bandsters! Even though I thought I'd accepted it, I hadn't and spent many months being unhappy. Had I just accepted that it would take 5-6 fills to get to restriction and dieted even a little, I would have been a much happier camper!

[kbuttrey 0]

I'm on the books for 11/23/10.. Lovin' it and looking forward to it! Hope to chat with everyone a bunch during the time leading up!

-Kevin

[jenndubbd 2]

LD, so sorry your appointment got pushed back!! But you are so right to be lucky to find out now!! Too bad they decided to tell you right before the appointment! You would think they had a month to tell you that!! But as anxious as you are, the 21st is not that far away.

Amy, you are truly an inspiration!! It never occurred to me to think that I could maybe lose that weight a year from now. Good for you! Which shakes did you use pre and post? I am looking into Medifast, and want to try a few before I have to do the liquid diet. I want to make sure I like what I have. I also heard powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury is good too. Also, how long did it take for you to return to work? I am having surgery on a Thursday, and hoping to return to work on Monday. I am a teacher, so there is no lifting involved, just walking up and down stairs a few times in the day. Any info you have for us here would be helpful!

Jenn, how are you??

Hey! Thanks for asking! I needed a couple days off of the web! But I am back now! lol I am doing well. I actually am down 10 pounds!!!! I cant even tell you how great that feels. I even survived Chuck E Cheese's today. I ate the salad bar instead of the pizza. Go me!

I also had my follow up with my psychologist on Friday, it went well. She had me schedule an appointment with her in December to follow up to see how I am doing. Do you know if that's necessary with BCBS or is she just wanting me to continue to see her. I don't think I will if it isn't necessary. On Tuesday I have my 5th visit with the dietitian. I am actually excited to go, unlike all the other ones I was nervous because I wasn't losing the weight.

How are you doing topazz? And Amy, you rock!!!! And everyone else- we are getting closer!!!!!!

[lilly_louise 0]

Hey guys,

I am booked for 17th November 2010. :thumbup:

I am from New Zealand and only 18.. but I am excited to start this journey!

Lilly

[topazz 4]

Welcome Lilly!! :thumbup:

Jenn, I have BCBS, and I only needed the pych eval. I did not have to go to amy more sessions after that.

Amy, I am hoping I am in the right frame of mind to start from the beginning and win my way through!! I am going to really try to continue to do the shakes for lunch. I will do what I have to do to get this weight off! But I know me, and I am sure I'll cheat. But I am determined to do this so I hope I do this right!

[lilly_louise 0]

Ahh I am so excited to get started!

I have to do 2 weeks of an all shake diet prior to my surgery.. so I am so nervous about sticking to that! I think I will find it especially hard because I will have a lot of social events then because everyone is back from university.. But hopefully I will do ok!!

Amy, are there many foods that you are unable to eat at the moment? I guess it will be different for everyone..

Also, is anyone going to carry on with therapy or counselling after they have had the band? I have heard that it is a very helpful thing to do.. but not sure?!

Not too long now... :thumbup:

[topazz 4]

Lilly, So funny that you posted the question to Amy about post-surgery eating. I was coming here to aske the same question!!

I dont think I have to do all shakes beforehand. If I recall correctly, I can have Soups, yogurts, and puddings too. I can also do the Carnation Instant Breakfasts too. I have a required 2 hour education course next week, so I'll get the official info then.

Btw Lily, so jealous you are 18! You have your whole life ahead of you!! This is going to be such an amazing experience for you!! Looking forward for all of us to take this journey together!

[MustangKitten 0]

My name is Melissa and I am from Rockledge FL. I am 33 years old and my tenative surgery date is Nov 15th. I have one more appointment on October 14th for my diet history and then I can submit to my insurance for approval. If the approval comes quickly I might be able to move up my date. I am getting more excited :smile: about the procedure after finding support forums like these but still a little anxious :thumbup: because my fate is in the hands of someone at an insurance company. Good luck guys, look forward to chatting with everyone!

[aocon0630 0]

I actually just found out today that my surgery is scheduled for November 3. I am a teacher and the two days after that i have off for teachers convention and than that weekend. If I have too I can take monday off too, but i am hoping that I can go on that monday. I know its only four days out, but I teach special ed high school, and If I'm not there i freak out cause i know my kids will cross any line just to test another teacher. :thumbup:

[Daisybasket48 0]

Hi all! My name is Megan and I am scheduled for November 12th! My info was submitted to BCBS last Thursday and I was approved Friday morning! I'm so excited that I cannot contain myself! I could have it done sooner, but am a nurse and am trying to schedule around an already planned vacation in November since I have to take 4 weeks off.

I'm so excited that there are others going through the same thing! Good luck to all!

Megan