Newbie in Virginia

[ja9va 0]

Hi,

My name is Janine. I am scheduled to be banded on June 7. I started the process in January and February. The surgeon group I am using has a process you must go through. When my insurance approved it late March, I was hoping for at least a May date:cry . But the fact my insurance approved it and I am on the schedule, I am excited!

I am a bit anxious taking the plung, but that goes away when I read the messages on the site and everyones journeys, successes and challenges!

Any help you can give me would be great. I am a little concerned if I will ever get to drink wine again or coffee. if anyone can tell me if that is ok for the future, that would be great! I am not a caffene freak, only two cups or so a day, no soda. and maybe a couple glasses of wine a week. Or if we go out to dinner?

Life changes, I know! the food too will be an interesting ride, but I can't remain feeling the way I do.

I am happy about the site. An in home support group!

Janine

[mumof2boys 71]

Hi and welcome. What group of surgeons are you using? I am scheduled for April 30 at George Washington University Hospital center with Dr. Brody. He and his staff are great. Everything that I have read said that wine was alright...just don't overdo it. I'm personally not a wine drinker (I love white russians). I know that my drinking days are pretty much over because the calories in a white russian are enough for a weeks worth of food. Anyway...good luck!

Tina

[Crishell 0]

Hi I am from Richmond area. I was banded 1/19/07 @ St. Mary's hospital. Don't get discouraged. I like this site because you get the good and the bad. Just remember that everyone will have different experiences. But I think there is more good than bad. If you just focus on the negative things that happen to a few people, it will scare and discourage you. I have no regrets thus far except that I wish i had done sooner. Has definitely been a journey with ups and downs. I have lost 30 pounds so far. Going for my first fill today. I occasionally go out and have a drink or two with no problem but I never was a big drinker. Initially I thought all the lifestyle changes was gonna be very hard because I felt I was giving up so much. But I have come to realize that getting the band was the best decision I could have made for me and I stay focused on the big prize. With just 30 pounds lost I can get in Levi's jeans (sounds silly but always been a dream for me since I couldn't get any) and can now get more clothes out of regular women's dept such as JCPenney and Macys as opposed to just Lane Bryant, Catherines or Asheley Stewart. And I am even working out at Curves at least 4 times per week. Good luck to you and your journey.

[juliegeraci 7]

Janine, I can drink caffeine and wine without a problem. I reserve 100-200 calories a day to drink and I still lose weight. Julie

[ja9va 0]

Tina, Crishell, Julie and others, thanks! I really appreciate your comments.

I am not a heavy drinker, but wine on the weekends, one or two that is it. I realize that I have to give this up for a while. coffee too, but that is ok. Just so in my future I can have it with in reason!

Tina, I am familiar with GWH, for other issues, such as cancer, and plastic surgery. My x husband had oral cancer and had very serious surgery there. I also had skin cancer, first stage, not serious, on my face and went to the same plastic surgeon. I did not think to check them out for the band. Where do you live? I read of on here a person who went to Fairfax and had a good experience. But I heard an awful experience about Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, but I feel like it is different for everyone and you ahve to pray you have a good surgery experience.

Crishell, did you have Dr. Batista? I only met him at the open orientation, not in person. He seems, young, and personable, which I like. He has the experience too. Three ladies at my office went there for bypass and I know 2 had the older doctor, head guy, and the other the woman, Jill? she left or is leaving I heard. The staff are very nice, Hilari answers all my questions. did you have to wait long like me? I am lucky that my insurance does not make me do the 6 month nutritian classes, that would be long, however it will be 6 months from the day I started to inquirer, well maybe a little shorter. I heard in some of the postings about different sizes of the band? I have no idea about that or the pros and cons. do you? I have it on my list to ask in May. Do they require the post op diet? I would not mind that one. Why so long for your first fill, is that normal? Sorry for all the questions, but I am excited about finding someone who went to the same place for the band. Have you been to the support group? I wanted to go Monday, but I had to come home. I am hoping to go next month.

Talk to you all soon. Janine

[mumof2boys 71]

I live in Waldorf, MD. I know of someone who had the surgery at Pomotac Hospital and they were very happy. However...her experience was completely different than what I have been going through...she didn't have to do a liquid diet prior to...no real prescreening, etc. That's kind of scarey when you think about it. Plus...she was banded in January and has only lost 11 pounds...I don't think that they give much guidance. I also know someone who had the surgery at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and they really loved it. I went to my mandatory meeting yesterday at GW...it was to tell you what to expect during your hospital stay. It was very informative...met another gal who is getting the band from Waldorf, so I have formed a support system with her. Best of luck to you and let me know how things go...

Tina

[gunn4ya 0]

Tina,

Dr. Brody is my doctor as well and I like you hail from Waldorf!!!!

[mumof2boys 71]

Get out of here!!! You are the third person so far that I have met from Waldorf who has either gotten the band or is getting it. So tell me... how is everything going? Any complications? How exciting to meet another Waldorfian with the band!!! This is wonderful. :peace:

[gunn4ya 0]

Tina,

Not to clutter this thread I have sent you a PM.

[ja9va 0]

Hello again,

I posted this on another thread, however wanted to see if you all had a thought of advice for me?

My son and his fiance told me this week that they plan to get married on or around July 7! Yes, this July. They have an 18 mth old daughter, which makes this decision a good one, we have been waiting for 18 mths! But my banding is scheduled for June 7, one month prior to the wedding! I have not told my son yet that I am having the surgery. I wanted to wait until the time was closer. I realize that the timing will never be perfect and making the decision to be banded has been set for months now, but I am concerned that I will most likely not be eating solids, and champagne will be out! I don't really want to put it off either! I know my answer is to just keep on with my plan! My only other thought is to try and get it sooner! I don't want to wait longer again. what do you all think? Can I do it?

Janine

[Irish Rose 0]

Hi Janine,

Of course, everyone heals differently, but my husband and I were banded 4 1/2 weeks before my mom's wedding. She got married on a cruise ship, and we were both able to enjoy the trip. We were eating soft foods by then. We shared the tinyest slice of wedding cake (and still ate only a bite or two each). As for the champagne, you only have to lift your glass and put it to your lips. I doubt anyone would notice if you didn't finish it all! Good luck!

[ja9va 0]

Irish Rose,

Great response! Thank you, that gives me hope.

With your screen name, I am assuming you are Irish too! I am 100% Irish. I just found a Wedding Reception/Chapel facility near our home, a Plantation House, that is owned by an Irish Minister, straight from Ireland. He has a strong accent. we are hoping to utilize their facilty. It would be so cool if it all works out.

[mumof2boys 71]

Hey there...me again...you'll never believe this but my brother is also getting married on July 7, 2007 (just went and ordered my bridesmaid's dress today). I have wondered about how it's going to be too. I will be banded on April 30. I should be getting my first fill the week before the wedding. I have told my brother not to count me when making the plans for the caterer. I would hate for them to pay $50 a plate and I can only eat a bite or two (if I'm lucky). I think that we will be fine...it's going to be hard, but we can do it. Don't push your surgery any further, it just won't be your typical celebration. Have a good time...

Tina

[ja9va 0]

Tina,

I guess we have to realize there will always be something on the horizon that we will have to make changes for. I was only wishing to be out of the mushies by then, but I will survive. It is only one day! I also wanted to be able to help with the planning and also concentrate on me for this time since it will be the first month. But us woman survive multi tasking for years, right!

Keep me posted on your banding! I emailed my surgery coordinator and she stated it is rare that there is a cancelation but moved me to the top of the list! I will focus on June 7th.

Have a good weekend, Janine