Your Journey

[mandyb 3]

Hi all,

I just want to know about your journey to the Lap Band Surgery.

I began in April of 2010; I went to a discussion group to find out more about weight loss surgery. They discussed the options that the hospital provides and all the wonderful supports that go with it. I ws first leaning towards the gastric bypass, until later realized that I am extremely healthy otherwise and thought the Lap-Band would be a better fit for me.

I met with the Intake Dr. on April 26th; I was told that I am extrememly young (28 yrs old) I needed to show I can commit to something (by quit smoking) and I tried to plea my storyto the Dr. I was called back in May to set up my appointment with the nutritionist. At that appointment we discussed diets and exercise and the skills group needed before surgery. There is fee of $350...for the skills group. So I paid my fees and then also met with the psychologist.

I guess they analyze you up and down to see if you are stable enough for this major life changing event.

Skills groups were set for the month of July, and after those it was another trip to the psychologist and the exercise therapist.

Finally my file was sent over to the surgeon's office, where you wait and wait and wait for the phone call to meet the surgeon. I met with the surgeon at the end of September and had to have all kinds of tests (upper GI and endoscopy).

Since ll test were good, they found a small heiatal hernia, but nothing major and finally scheduled my surgery for Dec 6th.

I am a Week and a few days out of surgery and happy with the choices I made and I am really looking forward to a new healthier me!

I lost 22lbs before surgery and 8lbs since having surgery. 30 lbs lighter and 8 months Smoke Free! I have a lot of ~Will Power~ and I m going to knock down anything that stands in my way of achieving my goals.

Please share you stories...Many states, dr's, procedures, ect...are different. I would love to hear how long or how quick it was for you from the first day you walked into the Dr's. office, to having your surgery!

~Mandy

[mcastane 3]

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