Just joined today

[MSV529 0]

Hi ladies,

Dyesha, congrats on your decision to get the lap band. I had my first consultation on 7/2/08, and I weighed in, they asked a lot of questions about my family and personal medical history. I also met with the nutritionist, she asked me questions about my eating habits. Which were good because I was still doing Weight Watchers. Then I had my psych evaluation on 8/12, next I had a 3 hr. pre-op class on 8/28, and bloodwork with my primary physician on 9/3, and my surgery on 9/8/08. I know you only asked about the first appointment, but I thought I'd give you a little more. Due to the insurance I have the process went rather quickly. Good luck with your journey, and remember you will always have support from us here!:girl_hug:

[Melolo 0]

Hey congratulations!

First appt. is nothing to be scared about. My appt. went like this my surgeon introduced himself. Then he talked about the surgery. He talked about the pros and cons of the Lap Band surgery. He talked about the procedure and he showed me where the incisions would be located. He told me how long the surgery would take. How I probably feel afterwards. What I wouldn't be able to eat. And how much weight I would loose on a monthly basis. He also discussed the two different band (Lap or Realize) and told me it didn't matter which one I chose because both are just as effective. The only difference is the Realize port is smaller, the port is stapled in placed instead of sutured, and you get an online support system with the Realize band. He also expressed that this was the time for him to address any questions or concern I may have. I wish you the best and I hope this helps to ease you nerves. Girl, you'll be just fine. I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU:lol:

Edited September 24, 2008 by Melolo

[DivaStyleCoach 89]

Good morning Ladies,

Things are moving along for me - thought I'd post my experience for others to see as well...

I started this journey at the encouragement of a sister friend and co-worker who had the bypass. Her hubby recently was bypassed and is doing very well. After doing my research, I decided against the bypass and looked into the band instead. I approached my PCP (Primary Care Physician) who said I would be a good candidate. My co-morbidities are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type II diabetes.

After my PCP referred me, I got a package of information from the Bariatric Surgery group. I work for Yale University and am covered by their health plan, so things moved fairly fast. I was scheduled for a psych eval and a nutritionist appt this month (Sept) and took the pro-active step of attending a support group meeting before any of those appts had happened. Once the appts were completed, the Care Coordination office sent my paperwork over to the surgeon's office, and I'm now waiting for them to review my package and set up the appt with the surgeon. :crying:

I'll keep reporting as things happen, but hopefully I'll be able to post soon that I am BANDED!

[theninside 0]

The first appointement should be all educational. Read over the board, the good and the bad threads and take all your questions with you to your appointment. I joined her 2005, but was not banded until 9/2007. My first appointment was around nov 2006. It was a long process, but for me worth it now

Congrats on your first steps!